Leviticus 16:22

Authorized King James Version

And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָשָׂ֨א
shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
הַשָּׂעִ֖יר
And the goat
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#3
עָלָ֛יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
עֲוֹֽנֹתָ֖ם
upon him all their iniquities
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
אֶ֣רֶץ
unto a land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
גְּזֵרָ֑ה
not inhabited
a desert (as separated)
#10
וְשִׁלַּ֥ח
and he shall let go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַשָּׂעִ֖יר
And the goat
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#13
בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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