Leviticus 15:23

Authorized King James Version

And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֨ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֜ב
And if it be on her bed
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
#4
ה֗וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
א֧וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#6
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הַכְּלִ֛י
or on any thing
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#8
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
הִ֥וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
יֹשֶֽׁבֶת
whereon she sitteth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#11
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
בְּנָגְעוֹ
when he 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
#13
ב֑וֹ
H0
#14
יִטְמָ֖א
it he shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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