Leviticus 18:23

Authorized King James Version

Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
בְהֵמָ֛ה
a beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#3
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תִתֵּ֥ן
Neither shalt thou
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
שְׁכָבְתְּךָ֖
lie
a (sexual) lying with
#6
לְטָמְאָה
to defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#7
בָ֑הּ
H0
#8
וְאִשָּׁ֗ה
thyself therewith neither shall any woman
a woman
#9
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תַעֲמֹ֞ד
stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#11
לִפְנֵ֧י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
בְהֵמָ֛ה
a beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#13
לְרִבְעָ֖הּ
to lie down
to squat or lie out flat, i.e., (specifically) in copulation
#14
תֶּ֥בֶל
thereto it is confusion
mixture, i.e., unnatural bestiality
#15
הֽוּא׃
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 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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