Leviticus 12:7

Authorized King James Version

Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְרִיב֞וֹ
Who shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
לִפְנֵ֤י
it before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וְכִפֶּ֣ר
and make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#5
עָלֶ֔יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
וְטָֽהֲרָ֖ה
for her and she shall be cleansed
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#7
מִמְּקֹ֣ר
from the issue
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
#8
דָּמֶ֑יהָ
of her 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
#9
זֹ֤את
this (often used adverb)
#10
תּוֹרַת֙
This is the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#11
הַיֹּלֶ֔דֶת
for her that hath born
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#12
לַזָּכָ֖ר
a male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#13
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#14
לַנְּקֵבָֽה׃
or a female
female (from the sexual form)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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