Leviticus 17:6

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְזָרַ֨ק
shall sprinkle
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֤ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַדָּם֙
the 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
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
מִזְבַּ֣ח
upon the altar
an altar
#7
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
פֶּ֖תַח
at the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#9
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#10
מוֹעֵ֑ד
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
#11
וְהִקְטִ֣יר
and burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#12
הַחֵ֔לֶב
the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#13
לְרֵ֥יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#14
נִיחֹ֖חַ
for a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#15
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 divine sovereignty 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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