Leviticus 21:6

Authorized King James Version

They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קְדֹשִׁ֤ים
H6918
therefore they shall be holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#2
יִֽהְיוּ֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֛ם
H430
of their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יְחַלְּל֔וּ
H2490
and not 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
#6
שֵׁ֖ם
H8034
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#7
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֛ם
H430
of their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
כִּי֩
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אִשֵּׁ֨י
H801
for the offerings
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#11
יְהוָ֜ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
לֶ֧חֶם
H3899
and the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#13
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֛ם
H430
of their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#14
הֵ֥ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#15
מַקְרִיבִ֖ם
H7126
they do offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#16
וְהָ֥יוּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#17
קֹֽדֶשׁ׃
H6944
They shall be holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 sovereignty 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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