Leviticus 21:15

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יְחַלֵּ֥ל
Neither shall he profane
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#3
זַרְע֖וֹ
his seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#4
בְּעַמָּ֑יו
among his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
אֲנִ֥י
i
#7
יְהוָ֖ה
for I the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
מְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃
do sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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