Leviticus 16:31

Authorized King James Version

It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שַׁבַּ֨ת
It shall be a sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#2
שַׁבָּת֥וֹן
of rest
a sabbatism or special holiday
#3
הִיא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#5
וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם
unto you and ye shall afflict
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֑ם
your souls
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#8
חֻקַּ֖ת
by a statute
a statute
#9
עוֹלָֽם׃
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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