Leviticus 1:14

Authorized King James Version

And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֧ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
הָע֛וֹף
be of fowls
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#4
עֹלָ֥ה
And if the burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#5
קָרְבָּנֽוֹ׃
for his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#6
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
to the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
וְהִקְרִ֣יב
then he shall bring
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#8
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
הַתֹּרִ֗ים
of turtledoves
a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment
#10
א֛וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
בְּנֵ֥י
or of young
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
הַיּוֹנָ֖ה
pigeons
a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
קָרְבָּנֽוֹ׃
for his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

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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