Leviticus 19:3

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִ֣ישׁ
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
אִמּ֤וֹ
his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#3
וְאָבִיו֙
H1
and his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
תִּירָ֔אוּ
Ye shall fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י
my sabbaths
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#7
תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ
and keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#8
אֲנִ֖י
i
#9
יְהוָ֥ה
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
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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