Leviticus 1:9

Authorized King James Version

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְקִרְבּ֥וֹ
But his inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#2
וּכְרָעָ֖יו
and his legs
the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)
#3
יִרְחַ֣ץ
shall he wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#4
בַּמָּ֑יִם
in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
וְהִקְטִ֨יר
shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#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
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה
all on the altar
an altar
#10
עֹלָ֛ה
to be a burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#11
אִשֵּׁ֥ה
an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#12
רֵֽיחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#13
נִיח֖וֹחַ
of a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#14
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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