Leviticus 21:1

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
unto Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים
unto the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#8
בְּנֵ֣י
the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
אַֽהֲרֹ֑ן
of Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#10
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ
for the dead
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#13
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יִטַּמָּ֖א
unto them There shall none be defiled
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#15
בְּעַמָּֽיו׃
among 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 divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources