Leviticus 1:17

Authorized King James Version

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשִׁסַּ֨ע
And he shall cleave
to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid
#2
אֹת֣וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בִכְנָפָיו֮
it with the wings
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יַבְדִּיל֒
thereof but shall not divide it asunder
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#6
וְהִקְטִ֨יר
shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#7
אֹת֤וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַכֹּהֵן֙
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה
it upon the altar
an altar
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הָֽעֵצִ֖ים
upon the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הָאֵ֑שׁ
that is upon the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#15
עֹלָ֣ה
it is a burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#16
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
#17
אִשֵּׁ֛ה
an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#18
רֵ֥יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#19
נִיחֹ֖חַ
of a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#20
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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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