Leviticus 21:5

Authorized King James Version

They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יִקְרְחָה
They shall not make
to depilate
#3
קָרְחָה֙
baldness
baldness
#4
בְּרֹאשָׁ֔ם
upon their head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
וּפְאַ֥ת
the corner
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#6
זְקָנָ֖ם
of their beard
the beard (as indicating age)
#7
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ
neither shall they shave off
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste
#9
וּבִ֨בְשָׂרָ֔ם
in their flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#10
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יִשְׂרְט֖וּ
nor make
to gash
#12
שָׂרָֽטֶת׃
any cuttings
an incision

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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