Leviticus 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תַקְרִ֛ב
And if thou bring
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#3
קָרְבַּ֥ן
an oblation
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#4
מִנְחָ֖ה
of a meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#5
מַֽאֲפֵ֣ה
baken
something baked, i.e., a batch
#6
תַנּ֑וּר
in the oven
a fire-pot
#7
סֹ֣לֶת
of fine flour
flour (as chipped off)
#8
חַלּ֤וֹת
cakes
a cake (as usually punctured)
#9
מַצּ֖וֹת
it shall be unleavened
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
#10
בְּלוּלֹ֣ת
mingled
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
#11
בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#12
וּרְקִיקֵ֥י
wafers
a thin cake
#13
מַצּ֖וֹת
it shall be unleavened
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
#14
מְשֻׁחִ֥ים
anointed
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#15
בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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