Leviticus 14:27

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the LORD:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִזָּ֤ה
shall sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#2
הַכֹּהֵן֙
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
בְּאֶצְבָּע֣וֹ
finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#4
הַיְמָנִ֔ית
with his right
right (i.e., at the right hand)
#5
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
הַשֶּׁ֕מֶן
some of the oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#7
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
כַּפּ֖וֹ
hand
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#10
הַשְּׂמָאלִ֑ית
that is in his left
situated on the left side
#11
שֶׁ֥בַע
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#12
פְּעָמִ֖ים
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#13
לִפְנֵ֥י
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
#14
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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