Leviticus 16:15

Authorized King James Version

Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשָׁחַ֞ט
Then shall he kill
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
שְׂעִ֤יר
the goat
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#4
הַֽחַטָּאת֙
of the sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
לָעָ֔ם
that is for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
וְהֵבִיא֙
and bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
לְדַ֣ם
his 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
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
מִבֵּ֖ית
within
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
לַפָּרֹ֑כֶת
the vail
a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen
#13
עָשָׂה֙
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#15
לְדַ֣ם
his 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
#16
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
עָשָׂה֙
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
לְדַ֣ם
his 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
#19
הַפָּ֔ר
of the bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#20
וְהִזָּ֥ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#21
אֹת֛וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
it upon the mercy seat
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)
#24
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
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
#25
הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
it upon the mercy seat
a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

Cross References

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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

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 mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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