Leviticus 1:12

Authorized King James Version

And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִתַּ֤ח
And he shall cut
to dismember
#2
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
לִנְתָחָ֔יו
it into his pieces
a fragment
#4
וְאֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
רֹאשׁ֖וֹ
with his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
פִּדְר֑וֹ
and his fat
suet
#8
וְעָרַ֤ךְ
shall lay them in order
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#9
הַכֹּהֵן֙
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#10
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הָֽעֵצִים֙
on the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#13
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הָאֵ֔שׁ
that is on the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#16
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
which is upon the altar
an altar

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

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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