Leviticus 19:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּ֞ר
H1696
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
עֲדַ֧ת
H5712
unto all the congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#5
בְּנֵֽי
H1121
of the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֥
H559
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֲלֵהֶ֖ם
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
קָד֔וֹשׁ
H6918
am holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#10
תִּֽהְי֑וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
כִּ֣י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
קָד֔וֹשׁ
H6918
am holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#13
אֲנִ֖י
H589
i
#14
יְהוָ֥ה
H3068
for I the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
H430
your 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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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