Leviticus 21:9

Authorized King James Version

And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבַת֙
H1323
And the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#2
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
of any
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)
#3
כֹּהֵ֔ן
H3548
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
מְחַלֶּ֔לֶת
H2490
if she 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
לִזְנ֑וֹת
H2181
herself by playing the whore
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#7
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אָבִ֙יהָ֙
H1
her father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
הִ֣יא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
מְחַלֶּ֔לֶת
H2490
if she 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
#11
בָּאֵ֖שׁ
H784
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#12
תִּשָּׂרֵֽף׃
H8313
she shall be burnt
to be (causatively, set) on fire

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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