Leviticus 2:16

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְטִ֨יר
shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אַזְכָּֽרָתָ֗הּ
the memorial
a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering
#5
מִגִּרְשָׂהּ֙
of it part of the beaten corn
a kernel (collectively), i.e., grain
#6
וּמִשַּׁמְנָ֔הּ
thereof and part of the oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#7
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
לְבֹֽנָתָ֑הּ
thereof with all the frankincense
frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)
#10
אִשֶּׁ֖ה
thereof it is an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#11
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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