Leviticus 16:33

Authorized King James Version

And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְכַפֵּֽר׃
And he shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מִקְדַּ֣שׁ
sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#4
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
for the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֹ֧הֶל
for the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#7
מוֹעֵ֛ד
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#8
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
and for the altar
an altar
#10
יְכַפֵּֽר׃
And he shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#11
וְעַ֧ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֛ים
for the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
עַ֥ם
and for all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#16
הַקָּהָ֖ל
of the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#17
יְכַפֵּֽר׃
And he shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)

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 covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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