Leviticus 16:12

Authorized King James Version

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָקַ֣ח
And he shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
וּמְלֹ֣א
full
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#3
הַ֠מַּחְתָּה
a censer
a pan for live coals
#4
גַּֽחֲלֵי
coals
an ember
#5
אֵ֞שׁ
of burning
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
מֵעַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙
from off the altar
an altar
#8
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
וּמְלֹ֣א
full
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#11
חָפְנָ֔יו
and his hands
a fist (only in the dual)
#12
קְטֹ֥רֶת
incense
a fumigation
#13
סַמִּ֖ים
of sweet
an aroma
#14
דַּקָּ֑ה
beaten small
crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin
#15
וְהֵבִ֖יא
and bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#16
מִבֵּ֥ית
it within
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#17
לַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃
the vail
a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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