Leviticus 1:11

Authorized King James Version

And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׁחַ֨ט
And he shall kill
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#2
אֹת֜וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
יֶ֧רֶךְ
it on the side
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#5
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
of the altar
an altar
#6
צָפֹ֖נָה
northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#7
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וְזָֽרְק֡וּ
shall sprinkle
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#10
בְּנֵי֩
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן
Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#12
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים
and the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
דָּמ֛וֹ
his 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
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
of the altar
an altar
#17
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Leviticus's theological argument.

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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