Leviticus 11:27

Authorized King James Version

And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcase shall be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
And whatsoever
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַֽהֹלֶ֣כֶת
goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
כַּפָּ֗יו
upon his paws
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#5
כָּל
And whatsoever
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הַֽחַיָּה֙
among all manner of beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#7
הַֽהֹלֶ֣כֶת
goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
אַרְבַּ֔ע
on all four
four
#10
טְמֵאִ֥ים
those are unclean
foul in a religious sense
#11
הֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#13
כָּל
And whatsoever
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
unto you whoso 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
#15
בְּנִבְלָתָ֖ם
their carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#16
יִטְמָ֥א
shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#17
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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