Haggai 2:13

Authorized King James Version

Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

חַגַּ֔י

H2292

Haggai

chaggai, a hebrew prophet

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִגַּ֧ע

H5060

touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

טְמֵא

H2931

If one that is unclean

foul in a religious sense

נֶ֛פֶשׁ

H5315

by a dead body

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵ֖לֶּה

H428

these or those

יִטְמָֽא׃

H2930

It shall be unclean

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#10

וַיַּעֲנ֧וּ

H6030

answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#11

הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים

H3548

And the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#12

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

יִטְמָֽא׃

H2930

It shall be unclean

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Haggai chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?