Leviticus 16:4

Authorized King James Version

He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּתֹֽנֶת
coat
a shirt
#2
בַּ֖ד
and he shall have the linen
flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment
#3
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
are holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#4
וּלְבֵשָֽׁם׃
He shall put on
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#5
וּמִֽכְנְסֵי
breeches
(only in dual) drawers (from concealing the private parts)
#6
בַּ֖ד
and he shall have the linen
flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment
#7
יִֽהְי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#10
וּבְאַבְנֵ֥ט
H73
girdle
a belt
#11
בַּ֖ד
and he shall have the linen
flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment
#12
יַחְגֹּ֔ר
and shall be girded
to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)
#13
וּבְמִצְנֶ֥פֶת
mitre
a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)
#14
בַּ֖ד
and he shall have the linen
flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment
#15
יִצְנֹ֑ף
shall he be attired
to wrap, i.e., roll or dress
#16
בִּגְדֵי
garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#17
קֹ֣דֶשׁ
are holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#18
הֵ֔ם
these
they (only used when emphatic)
#19
וְרָחַ֥ץ
therefore shall he wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#20
בַּמַּ֛יִם
in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#21
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#23
וּלְבֵשָֽׁם׃
He shall put on
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

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

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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