Leviticus 11:21

Authorized King James Version

Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֤ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
זֶה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
תֹּֽאכְל֔וּ
Yet these may ye eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
מִכֹּל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
שֶׁ֣רֶץ
creeping
a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals
#7
הָע֔וֹף
of every flying
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#8
הַֽהֹלֵ֖ךְ
thing that goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
אַרְבַּ֑ע
upon all four
four
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
כְרָעַ֙יִם֙
which have legs
the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)
#14
מִמַּ֣עַל
above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#15
לְרַגְלָ֔יו
their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#16
לְנַתֵּ֥ר
to leap
to jump, i.e., be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie
#17
בָּהֵ֖ן
withal
they (only used when emphatic)
#18
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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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