Leviticus 16:14

Authorized King James Version

And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָקַח֙
And he shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
הַדָּ֖ם
of the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#3
הַפָּ֔ר
of the bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#4
יַזֶּ֧ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#5
בְּאֶצְבָּעֽוֹ׃
it with his finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and 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
#8
הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת
the mercy seat
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
#9
קֵ֑דְמָה
eastward
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#10
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and 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
#11
הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת
the mercy seat
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
#12
יַזֶּ֧ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#13
שֶֽׁבַע
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#14
פְּעָמִ֛ים
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#15
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הַדָּ֖ם
of the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#17
בְּאֶצְבָּעֽוֹ׃
it with his finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, 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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