Leviticus 17:16

Authorized King James Version

But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם֙
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
יְכַבֵּ֔ס
But if he wash
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
#4
וּבְשָׂר֖וֹ
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יִרְחָ֑ץ
them not nor bathe
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#7
וְנָשָׂ֖א
then he shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#8
עֲוֹנֽוֹ׃
his iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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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