Leviticus 11:8

Authorized King James Version

Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִבְּשָׂרָם֙
Of their flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תֹאכֵ֔לוּ
shall ye not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#4
וּבְנִבְלָתָ֖ם
and their carcase
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תִגָּ֑עוּ
shall ye not touch
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
#7
טְמֵאִ֥ים
they are unclean
foul in a religious sense
#8
הֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
לָכֶֽם׃
H0

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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