Leviticus 20:5

Authorized King James Version

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׂמְתִּ֨י
Then I will set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
אֲנִ֧י
i
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
פָּנַ֛י
my face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
בָּאִ֥ישׁ
against that 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)
#6
הַה֖וּא
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
#7
וּבְמִשְׁפַּחְתּ֑וֹ
and against his family
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#8
וְהִכְרַתִּ֨י
and will cut him off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#9
אֹת֜וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
וְאֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
לִזְנ֛וֹת
and all that go a whoring
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#13
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#14
לִזְנ֛וֹת
and all that go a whoring
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#15
אַֽחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#16
הַמֹּ֖לֶךְ
with Molech
molek (i.e., king), the chief deity of the ammonites
#17
מִקֶּ֥רֶב
from among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#18
עַמָּֽם׃
their people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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