Leviticus 11:31

Authorized King James Version

These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֛לֶּה
these or those
#2
הַטְּמֵאִ֥ים
These are unclean
foul in a religious sense
#3
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#4
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הַשָּׁ֑רֶץ
to you among all that creep
a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הַנֹּגֵ֧עַ
whosoever doth touch
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
#8
בָּהֶ֛ם
H0
#9
בְּמֹתָ֖ם
them when they be dead
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#10
יִטְמָ֥א
shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

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

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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