Leviticus 16:34

Authorized King James Version

And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָֽיְתָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

זֹּ֨את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לָכֶ֜ם

לְחֻקַּ֣ת

H2708

statute

a statute

עוֹלָ֗ם

H5769

And this shall be an everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לְכַפֵּ֞ר

H3722

unto you to make an atonement

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֵ֤י

H1121

for the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

מִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

חַטֹּאתָ֔ם

H2403

for all their sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#12

אַחַ֖ת

H259

once

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#13

בַּשָּׁנָ֑ה

H8141

a year

a year (as a revolution of time)

#14

וַיַּ֕עַשׂ

H6213

And he did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

צִוָּ֥ה

H6680

commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#17

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

as the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#18

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Leviticus 16:34

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources