Leviticus 19:17

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תִשְׂנָ֥א
Thou shalt not hate
to hate (personally)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אָחִ֖יךָ
thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#5
בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ
in thine heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#6
תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙
rebuke
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
#7
תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙
rebuke
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ
thy neighbour
companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man
#10
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תִשָּׂ֥א
and not suffer
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#12
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
חֵֽטְא׃
sin
a crime or its penalty

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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