Leviticus 21:11

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַ֛ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
נַפְשֹׁ֥ת
body
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#4
מֵ֖ת
to any dead
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יָבֹ֑א
Neither shall he go in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
לְאָבִ֥יו
H1
himself for his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וּלְאִמּ֖וֹ
or for his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִטַּמָּֽא׃
nor defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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