Leviticus 14:41

Authorized King James Version

And he shall cause the house to be scraped within round about, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off without the city into an unclean place:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
מִבַּ֖יִת
And he shall cause the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
יַקְצִ֥עַ
to be scraped
to strip off, i.e., (partially) scrape; by implication, to segregate (as an angle)
#4
מִבַּ֖יִת
And he shall cause the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
סָבִ֑יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#6
וְשָֽׁפְכ֗וּ
and they shall pour
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הֶֽעָפָר֙
out the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
הִקְצ֔וּ
that they scrape
to cut off; (figuratively) to destroy; (partially) to scrape off
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
מִח֣וּץ
off without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#13
לָעִ֔יר
the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
מָק֖וֹם
place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#16
טָמֵֽא׃
into an unclean
foul in a religious sense

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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