Leviticus 17:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֤ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙
Therefore I said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
לִבְנֵ֣י
unto 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
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
נֶ֥פֶשׁ
No soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#8
מִכֶּ֖ם
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יֹ֥אכַל
of you shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
דָּֽם׃
blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#12
וְהַגֵּ֛ר
neither shall any stranger
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#13
הַגָּ֥ר
that sojourneth
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#14
בְּתֽוֹכְכֶ֖ם
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יֹ֥אכַל
of you shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#17
דָּֽם׃
blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

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

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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