Leviticus 14:53

Authorized King James Version

But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשִׁלַּ֞ח
But he shall let go
to send away, for, or out (in a great 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
הַצִּפֹּ֧ר
bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#4
הַֽחַיָּ֛ה
the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
מִח֥וּץ
out
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#7
לָעִ֖יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
פְּנֵ֣י
into the open
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה
fields
a field (as flat)
#11
וְכִפֶּ֥ר
and make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הַבַּ֖יִת
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#14
וְטָהֵֽר׃
and it shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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