Leviticus 20:9

Authorized King James Version

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אִ֗ישׁ
H376
For every
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)
#3
אִ֗ישׁ
H376
For every
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)
#4
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
קִלֵּ֖ל
H7043
he hath cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#6
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אָבִ֧יו
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
וְאִמּ֛וֹ
H517
or his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#10
יוּמָ֑ת
H4191
put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#11
יוּמָ֑ת
H4191
put to death
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#12
אָבִ֧יו
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#13
וְאִמּ֛וֹ
H517
or his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#14
קִלֵּ֖ל
H7043
he hath cursed
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#15
דָּמָ֥יו
H1818
his 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
בּֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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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