Leviticus 14:51

Authorized King James Version

And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָקַ֣ח
And he shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
עֵֽץ
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
הָ֠אֶרֶז
the cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
הָ֨אֵזֹ֜ב
and the hyssop
hyssop
#7
וְאֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שְׁנִ֣י
and the scarlet
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
#9
הַתּוֹלַ֗עַת
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
#10
וְאֵת֮
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הַצִּפֹּ֣ר
bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#12
הַֽחַיִּ֑ים
and in the running
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#13
וְטָבַ֣ל
and dip
to dip, to immerse
#14
אֹתָ֗ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
בְּדַם֙
them in the 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
#16
הַצִּפֹּ֣ר
bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#17
הַשְּׁחוּטָ֔ה
of the slain
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#18
וּבַמַּ֖יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#19
הַֽחַיִּ֑ים
and in the running
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#20
וְהִזָּ֥ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#21
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#22
הַבַּ֖יִת
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#23
שֶׁ֥בַע
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#24
פְּעָמִֽים׃
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

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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