Exodus 23:18

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תִזְבַּ֥ח
Thou shalt not offer
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
חָמֵ֖ץ
with leavened bread
ferment, (figuratively) extortion
#5
דַּם
the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#6
זִבְחִ֑י
of my sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#7
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יָלִ֥ין
remain
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#9
חֵֽלֶב
neither shall the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#10
חַגִּ֖י
of my sacrifice
a festival, or a victim therefor
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
בֹּֽקֶר׃
until the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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