Leviticus 20:6

Authorized King James Version

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁ
H5315
And the soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
תִּפְנֶ֤ה
H6437
that turneth
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#4
וְאֶל
H413
after
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
הָֽאֹבֹת֙
H178
such as have familiar spirits
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#6
וְאֶל
H413
after
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים
H3049
wizards
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost
#8
לִזְנֹ֖ת
H2181
to go a whoring
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#9
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם
H310
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#10
וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י
H5414
them I will even set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
פָּנַי֙
H6440
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
#13
בַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁ
H5315
And the soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#14
הַהִ֔וא
H1931
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
#15
וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י
H3772
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
#16
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
מִקֶּ֥רֶב
H7130
from among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#18
עַמּֽוֹ׃
H5971
his 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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