Leviticus 14:9

Authorized King James Version

But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֩
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַיּ֨וֹם
H3117
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י
H7637
But it shall be on the seventh
seventh
#4
יְגַלֵּ֑חַ
H1548
he shall shave
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste
#5
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
שְׂעָר֖וֹ
H8181
all his hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#8
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
רֹאשׁ֤וֹ
H7218
off his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#10
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
זְקָנוֹ֙
H2206
and his beard
the beard (as indicating age)
#12
וְאֵת֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
גַּבֹּ֣ת
H1354
and his eyebrows
the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc
#14
עֵינָ֔יו
H5869
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#15
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
שְׂעָר֖וֹ
H8181
all his hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#18
יְגַלֵּ֑חַ
H1548
he shall shave
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste
#19
וְכִבֶּ֣ס
H3526
off and he shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#20
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
בְּגָדָ֗יו
H899
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#22
וְרָחַ֧ץ
H7364
also he shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#23
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
בְּשָׂר֛וֹ
H1320
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#25
בַּמַּ֖יִם
H4325
in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#26
וְטָהֵֽר׃
H2891
and he shall be clean
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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