Leviticus 20:16

Authorized King James Version

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה
And if a woman
a woman
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
תִּקְרַ֤ב
approach
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and the beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#7
לְרִבְעָ֣ה
and lie down
to squat or lie out flat, i.e., (specifically) in copulation
#8
אֹתָ֔הּ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#9
וְהָֽרַגְתָּ֥
thereto thou shalt kill
to smite with deadly intent
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה
And if a woman
a woman
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה
and the beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#14
יוּמָ֖תוּ
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
יוּמָ֖תוּ
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#16
דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם
their blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#17
בָּֽם׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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