Leviticus 12:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּ֞ר
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בְּנֵ֤י
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
לֵאמֹ֔ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אִשָּׁה֙
If a woman
a woman
#7
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
תַזְרִ֔יעַ
have conceived seed
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#9
וְיָֽלְדָ֖ה
and born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#10
זָכָ֑ר
a man
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#11
תִּטְמָֽא׃
child then she shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#12
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#13
כִּימֵ֛י
according to the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
כִּימֵ֛י
according to the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#15
נִדַּ֥ת
of the separation
properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)
#16
דְּוֹתָ֖הּ
for her infirmity
to be sick (as if in menstruation)
#17
תִּטְמָֽא׃
child then she shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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