Leviticus 21:3

Authorized King James Version

And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלַֽאֲחֹת֤וֹ
And for his sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#2
הַבְּתוּלָה֙
a virgin
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#3
הַקְּרוֹבָ֣ה
that is nigh
near (in place, kindred or time)
#4
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
הָיְתָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לְאִ֑ישׁ
unto him which hath had no husband
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)
#9
לָ֖הּ
H0
#10
יִטַּמָּֽא׃
for her may he be defiled
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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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