Leviticus 1:13

Authorized King James Version

But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַקֶּ֥רֶב
the inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#2
וְהַכְּרָעַ֖יִם
and the legs
the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)
#3
יִרְחַ֣ץ
But he shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#4
בַּמָּ֑יִם
with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
וְהִקְרִ֨יב
shall bring
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#6
הַכֹּהֵ֤ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַכֹּל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
וְהִקְטִ֣יר
it all and burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#10
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה
it upon the altar
an altar
#11
עֹלָ֣ה
it is a burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#12
ה֗וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#13
אִשֵּׁ֛ה
an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#14
רֵ֥יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#15
נִיחֹ֖חַ
of a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#16
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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