Leviticus 11:46

Authorized King James Version

This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֹ֣את
this (often used adverb)
#2
תּוֹרַ֤ת
This is the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#3
הַבְּהֵמָה֙
of the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#4
וְהָע֔וֹף
and of the fowl
a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively
#5
וְכֹל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
and of every creature
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#7
הַֽחַיָּ֔ה
and of every living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
הָֽרֹמֶ֖שֶׂת
that moveth
properly, to glide swiftly, i.e., to crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm
#9
בַּמָּ֑יִם
in the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
וּלְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
and of every creature
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#12
הַשֹּׁרֶ֥צֶת
that creepeth
to wriggle, i.e., (by implication) swarm or abound
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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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