Leviticus 1:8

Authorized King James Version

And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָֽרְכ֗וּ
in order
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#2
בְּנֵ֤י
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
#3
אַֽהֲרֹן֙
Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#4
הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
And the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#5
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הַנְּתָחִ֔ים
the parts
a fragment
#7
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
הָרֹ֖אשׁ
the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַפָּ֑דֶר
and the fat
suet
#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
upon 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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