Leviticus 19:4

Authorized King James Version

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּפְנוּ֙
Turn
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָ֣אֱלִילִ֔ם
ye not unto idols
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#5
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
gods
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
#6
מַסֵּכָ֔ה
to yourselves molten
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
#7
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
nor make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
לָכֶ֑ם
H0
#10
אֲנִ֖י
i
#11
יְהוָ֥ה
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
gods
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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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