Leviticus 19:27

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַקִּ֔פוּ
Ye shall not round
to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate
#3
פְּאַ֥ת
the corners
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#4
רֹֽאשְׁכֶ֑ם
of your heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
תַשְׁחִ֔ית
neither shalt thou mar
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
פְּאַ֥ת
the corners
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#9
זְקָנֶֽךָ׃
of thy beard
the beard (as indicating age)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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