Leviticus 11:4

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֤ךְ
Nevertheless
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
זֶה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תֹֽאכְל֔וּ
these shall ye not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
מַעֲלֵ֨ה
because he cheweth
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
גֵרָ֜ה
the cud
the cud (as scraping the throat)
#8
מַפְרִ֔יס
but divideth
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
#9
וּפַרְסָה֙
not the hoof
a claw or split hoof
#10
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַ֠גָּמָל
as the camel
a camel
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מַעֲלֵ֨ה
because he cheweth
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#14
גֵרָ֜ה
the cud
the cud (as scraping the throat)
#15
ה֗וּא
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
#16
וּפַרְסָה֙
not the hoof
a claw or split hoof
#17
אֵינֶ֣נּוּ
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#18
מַפְרִ֔יס
but divideth
to break in pieces, i.e., (usually without violence) to split, distribute
#19
טָמֵ֥א
he is unclean
foul in a religious sense
#20
ה֖וּא
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
#21
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

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

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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