Leviticus 21:10

Authorized King James Version

And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַכֹּהֵן֩
H3548
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#2
הַגָּד֨וֹל
H1419
And he that is the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#3
מֵֽאֶחָ֜יו
H251
among his brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יוּצַ֥ק
H3332
was poured
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
#6
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
רֹאשׁוֹ֙
H7218
his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
שֶׁ֤מֶן
H8081
oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#9
הַמִּשְׁחָה֙
H4888
the anointing
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
#10
וּמִלֵּ֣א
H4390
and that is consecrated
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#11
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
יָד֔וֹ
H3027
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#13
לִלְבֹּ֖שׁ
H3847
to put
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#14
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
וּבְגָדָ֖יו
H899
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#16
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
רֹאשׁוֹ֙
H7218
his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#18
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
יִפְרָ֔ע
H6544
shall not uncover
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
#20
וּבְגָדָ֖יו
H899
his clothes
a covering, i.e., clothing
#21
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
יִפְרֹֽם׃
H6533
nor rend
to tear

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 revelation 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

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

Questions for Reflection

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