Leviticus 20:26

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וִֽהְיִ֤יתֶם
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לִי֙
H0
#3
קָד֖וֹשׁ
And ye shall be holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#4
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
קָד֖וֹשׁ
And ye shall be holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#6
אֲנִ֣י
i
#7
יְהוָ֑ה
unto me for I the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וָֽאַבְדִּ֥ל
and have severed
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#9
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הָֽעַמִּ֖ים
you from other people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לִֽי׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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