Leviticus 2:1

Authorized King James Version

And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנֶ֗פֶשׁ
And when any
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
תַקְרִ֞יב
will offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#4
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ
his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#5
מִנְחָה֙
a meat
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#6
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
סֹ֖לֶת
shall be of fine flour
flour (as chipped off)
#8
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ
his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#10
וְיָצַ֤ק
and he shall pour
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
#11
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
שֶׁ֔מֶן
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#13
וְנָתַ֥ן
upon it and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
עָלֶ֖יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
לְבֹנָֽה׃
frankincense
frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

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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