Leviticus 18:7

Authorized King James Version

The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#2
אָבִ֛יךָ
H1
of thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#4
אִמְּךָ֣
of thy mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
shalt thou not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#7
אִמְּךָ֣
of thy mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#8
הִ֔וא
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
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תְגַלֶּ֖ה
shalt thou not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#11
עֶרְוָתָֽהּ׃
The nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

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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