Leviticus 20:27

Authorized King James Version

A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֣ישׁ
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
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#3
אִשָּׁ֗ה
also or woman
a woman
#4
כִּֽי
that hath
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
יִהְיֶ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
בָהֶ֥ם
H0
#7
א֛וֹב
a familiar spirit
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#8
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#9
יִדְּעֹנִ֖י
or that is a wizard
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost
#10
יוּמָ֑תוּ
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
יוּמָ֑תוּ
be put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#12
בָּאֶ֛בֶן
H68
them with stones
a stone
#13
יִרְגְּמ֥וּ
they shall stone
to cast together (stones), i.e., to lapidate
#14
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
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
#16
בָּֽם׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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