Leviticus 11:36

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֣ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
מַעְיָ֥ן
Nevertheless a fountain
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
#3
וּב֛וֹר
or pit
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
#4
מִקְוֵה
wherein there is plenty
something waited for, i.e., a collection, i.e., (of water) a pond, or (of men and horses) a caravan or drove
#5
מַ֖יִם
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
טָה֑וֹר
shall be clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#8
וְנֹגֵ֥עַ
but that which 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
#9
בְּנִבְלָתָ֖ם
their carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#10
יִטְמָֽא׃
shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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