Leviticus 15:22

Authorized King James Version

And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָ֨ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַנֹּגֵ֔עַ
And whosoever toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#3
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
כְּלִ֖י
any thing
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
תֵּשֵׁ֣ב
that she sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
יְכַבֵּ֧ס
upon shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#9
בְּגָדָ֛יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#10
וְרָחַ֥ץ
and bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#11
בַּמַּ֖יִם
himself in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
וְטָמֵ֥א
and be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#13
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
הָעָֽרֶב׃
until the even
dusk

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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