Leviticus 11:26

Authorized King James Version

The carcases of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not clovenfooted, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְֽכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַבְּהֵמָ֡ה
The carcases of every beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
הִוא֩
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
#5
מַפְרֶ֨סֶת
which divideth
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
#6
פַּרְסָ֜ה
the hoof
a claw or split hoof
#7
וְשֶׁ֣סַע׀
to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid
#8
אֵינֶ֣נָּה
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#9
שֹׁסַ֗עַת
and is not clovenfooted
a fissure
#10
וְגֵרָה֙
the cud
the cud (as scraping the throat)
#11
אֵינֶ֣נָּה
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
מַֽעֲלָ֔ה
nor cheweth
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#13
טְמֵאִ֥ים
are unclean
foul in a religious sense
#14
הֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#15
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#16
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
unto you every one that toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#18
בָּהֶ֖ם
H0
#19
יִטְמָֽא׃
them shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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