Leviticus 18:17

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ
her nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#2
אִשָּׁ֛ה
of a woman
a woman
#3
בִּתָּ֗הּ
and her daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
לְגַלּ֣וֹת
Thou shalt not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#6
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
בִּתָּ֗הּ
and her daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
בְּנָ֞הּ
her son's
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בִּתָּ֗הּ
and her daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#11
בִּתָּ֗הּ
and her daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#12
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
תִקַּח֙
neither shalt thou take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#14
לְגַלּ֣וֹת
Thou shalt not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#15
עֶרְוָתָ֔הּ
her nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#16
שַֽׁאֲרָ֥ה
for they are her near kinswomen
female kindred by blood
#17
הֵ֖נָּה
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#18
זִמָּ֥ה
it is wickedness
a plan, especially a bad one
#19
הִֽוא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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