Leviticus 11:32

Authorized King James Version

And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹ֣ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יִפֹּל
doth fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#4
עָלָיו֩
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מֵהֶ֨ם׀
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
בְּמֹתָ֜ם
And upon whatsoever any of them when they are dead
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
#7
וְטָמֵ֥א
and it shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#8
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
כְּלִ֕י
whatsoever vessel
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#10
עֵץ֙
of wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#11
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#12
בֶ֤גֶד
or raiment
a covering, i.e., clothing
#13
אוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#14
עוֹר֙
or skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#15
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#16
שָׂ֔ק
or sack
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#17
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
כְּלִ֕י
whatsoever vessel
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#19
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#20
יֵֽעָשֶׂ֥ה
is done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#21
מְלָאכָ֖ה
it be wherein any work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#22
בָּהֶ֑ם
H0
#23
בַּמַּ֧יִם
into water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#24
יוּבָ֛א
it must be put
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#25
וְטָמֵ֥א
and it shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#26
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#27
הָעֶ֖רֶב
until the even
dusk
#28
וְטָהֵֽר׃
so it shall be cleansed
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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