Leviticus 16:26

Authorized King James Version

And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַֽמְשַׁלֵּ֤חַ
And he that let go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַשָּׂעִיר֙
the goat
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#4
לַֽעֲזָאזֵ֔ל
for the scapegoat
goat of departure; the scapegoat
#5
יְכַבֵּ֣ס
shall wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#6
בְּגָדָ֔יו
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#7
וְרָחַ֥ץ
and bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#10
בַּמָּ֑יִם
in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
and afterward
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#12
כֵ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#13
יָב֥וֹא
come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
into the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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