Leviticus 20:19

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister, nor of thy father's sister: for he uncovereth his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעֶרְוַ֨ת
the nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#2
וַֽאֲח֥וֹת
sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#3
אִמְּךָ֛
of thy mother's
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#4
וַֽאֲח֥וֹת
sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#5
אָבִ֖יךָ
H1
nor of thy father's
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תְגַלֵּ֑ה
And thou shalt not uncover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#8
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
שְׁאֵר֛וֹ
his near kin
flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood
#11
הֶֽעֱרָ֖ה
for he uncovereth
to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish
#12
עֲוֹנָ֥ם
their iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#13
יִשָּֽׂאוּ׃
they shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

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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