Exodus 29:12

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֙
And thou shalt take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
הַדָּ֣ם
all 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
#3
הַפָּ֔ר
of the bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#4
וְנָֽתַתָּ֛ה
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
קַרְנֹ֥ת
it upon the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
of the altar
an altar
#8
בְּאֶצְבָּעֶ֑ךָ
with thy finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הַדָּ֣ם
all 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
#12
תִּשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ
and pour
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#13
אֶל
beside
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
יְס֖וֹד
the bottom
a foundation (literally or figuratively)
#15
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
of the altar
an altar

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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