Leviticus 11:40

Authorized King James Version

And he that eateth of the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcase of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָֽאֹכֵל֙
And he that eateth
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#2
נִבְלָתָ֔הּ
of the carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#3
יְכַבֵּ֥ס
of it shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#4
בְּגָדָ֖יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#5
וְטָמֵ֥א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk
#8
וְהַנֹּשֵׂא֙
he also that beareth
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
נִבְלָתָ֔הּ
of the carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#11
יְכַבֵּ֥ס
of it shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#12
בְּגָדָ֖יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#13
וְטָמֵ֥א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#14
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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