Leviticus 14:21

Authorized King James Version

And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;

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
דַּ֣ל
And if he be poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#3
ה֗וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#5
יָדוֹ֮
and cannot get
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
#6
מַשֶּׂגֶת֒
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#7
וְ֠לָקַח
so much then he shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
כֶּ֣בֶשׂ
lamb
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#9
אֶחָ֨ד
for him and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
אָשָׁ֛ם
for a trespass offering
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
#11
לִתְנוּפָ֖ה
to be waved
a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings
#12
לְכַפֵּ֣ר
to make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#13
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
וְעִשָּׂר֨וֹן
tenth deal
(fractional) a tenth part
#15
סֹ֜לֶת
of fine flour
flour (as chipped off)
#16
אֶחָ֨ד
for him and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#17
בָּל֥וּל
mingled
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
#18
שָֽׁמֶן׃
of oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#19
לְמִנְחָ֖ה
for a meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#20
וְלֹ֥ג
and a log
a log or measure for liquids
#21
שָֽׁמֶן׃
of oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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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