Leviticus 11:42

Authorized King James Version

Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּל֩
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
Whatsoever goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
גָּח֜וֹן
upon the belly
the external abdomen, belly (as the source of the faetus)
#5
וְכֹ֣ל׀
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
Whatsoever goeth
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אַרְבַּ֗ע
upon all four
four
#9
עַ֚ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
מַרְבֵּ֣ה
or whatsoever hath more
to increase (in whatever respect)
#12
רַגְלַ֔יִם
feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#13
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ
among all creeping
a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals
#15
הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ
things that creep
to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הָאָ֑רֶץ
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#18
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
תֹֽאכְל֖וּם
them ye shall not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#20
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#21
שֶׁ֥קֶץ
for they are an abomination
filth, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object
#22
הֵֽם׃
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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