Leviticus 20:8

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
And ye shall keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
חֻקֹּתַ֔י
my statutes
a statute
#4
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
אֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֲנִ֥י
i
#7
יְהוָ֖ה
them I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃
which sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

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 sovereignty 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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