Leviticus 19:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תְקַלֵּ֣ל
Thou shalt not curse
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#3
חֵרֵ֔שׁ
the deaf
deaf (whether literally or spiritual)
#4
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
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
#5
עִוֵּ֔ר
the blind
blind (literally or figuratively)
#6
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תִתֵּ֖ן
nor put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
מִכְשֹׁ֑ל
a stumblingblock
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
#9
וְיָרֵ֥אתָ
but shalt fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#10
מֵּֽאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
אֲנִ֥י
i
#12
יְהוָֽה׃
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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