Leviticus 19:22

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִפֶּר֩
shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#2
עָלָ֨יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
בְּאֵ֤יל
for him with the ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#5
הָֽאָשָׁם֙
of the trespass offering
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
#6
לִפְנֵ֣י
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
#7
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
מֵֽחַטָּאת֖וֹ
and the sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#10
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
חָטָֽא׃
which he hath done
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#12
וְנִסְלַ֣ח
shall be forgiven
to forgive
#13
ל֔וֹ
H0
#14
מֵֽחַטָּאת֖וֹ
and the sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#15
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
חָטָֽא׃
which he hath done
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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