Leviticus 12:8

Authorized King James Version

And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

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
לֹ֨א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
תִמְצָ֣א
And if she be not able to bring
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#4
יָדָהּ֮
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
דֵּ֣י
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
#6
שֶׂה֒
a lamb
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#7
וְלָֽקְחָ֣ה
then she shall bring
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
שְׁנֵי֙
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
תֹרִ֗ים
turtles
a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment
#10
א֤וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
שְׁנֵי֙
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#12
בְּנֵ֣י
or two young
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
יוֹנָ֔ה
pigeons
a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
#14
וְאֶחָ֣ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#15
לְעֹלָ֖ה
for the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#16
וְאֶחָ֣ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#17
לְחַטָּ֑את
for a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#18
וְכִפֶּ֥ר
shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#19
עָלֶ֛יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#21
וְטָהֵֽרָה׃
for her and she shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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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