Leviticus 12:5

Authorized King James Version

But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
נְקֵבָ֣ה
a maid
female (from the sexual form)
#3
תֵלֵ֔ד
But if she bear
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#4
וְטָֽמְאָ֥ה
child then she shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#5
שְׁבֻעַ֖יִם
two weeks
literally, sevened, i.e., a week (specifically, of years)
#6
כְּנִדָּתָ֑הּ
as in her separation
properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)
#7
וְשִׁשִּׁ֥ים
threescore
sixty
#8
יָמִ֔ים
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
#9
וְשֵׁ֣שֶׁת
and six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#10
יָמִ֔ים
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
#11
תֵּשֵׁ֖ב
and she shall continue
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
דְּמֵ֥י
in the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#14
טָֽהֳרָֽה׃
of her purifying
ceremonial purification; moral purity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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