Exodus 40:15

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙
And thou shalt anoint
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#2
אֹתָ֗ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
מָשַׁ֙חְתָּ֙
And thou shalt anoint
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
H1
their father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#7
וְכִֽהֲנ֖וּ
that they may minister unto me in the priest's office
to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia
#8
לִ֑י
H0
#9
וְ֠הָֽיְתָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לִֽהְיֹ֨ת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
לָהֶ֧ם
H0
#12
מָשְׁחָתָ֛ם
for their anointing
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
#13
לִכְהֻנַּ֥ת
priesthood
priesthood
#14
עוֹלָ֖ם
shall surely be an everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#15
לְדֹֽרֹתָֽם׃
throughout their generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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