Leviticus 18:24

Authorized King James Version

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
נִטְמְא֣וּ
Defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#3
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
אֵ֙לֶּה֙
not ye yourselves in any of these things
these or those
#5
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
בְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
אֵ֙לֶּה֙
not ye yourselves in any of these things
these or those
#8
נִטְמְא֣וּ
Defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#9
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
for in all these the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
אֲנִ֥י
i
#12
מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ
which I cast out
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#13
מִפְּנֵיכֶֽם׃
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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