Leviticus 20:14

Authorized King James Version

And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֗ישׁ
H376
And if a 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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יִקַּ֧ח
H3947
take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#4
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אִשָּׁ֛ה
H802
a wife
a woman
#6
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אִמָּ֖הּ
H517
and her mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#8
זִמָּ֖ה
H2154
both he and they that there be no wickedness
a plan, especially a bad one
#9
הִ֑וא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
בָּאֵ֞שׁ
H784
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#11
יִשְׂרְפ֤וּ
H8313
they shall be burnt
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#12
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
וְאֶתְהֶ֔ן
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
תִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
זִמָּ֖ה
H2154
both he and they that there be no wickedness
a plan, especially a bad one
#17
בְּתֽוֹכְכֶֽם׃
H8432
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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