Leviticus 11:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבְּר֛וּ
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בְּנֵ֥י
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
זֹ֤את
These
this (often used adverb)
#7
הַֽחַיָּה֙
are the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ
which ye shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה
among all the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
that are on the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources