Leviticus 22:27

Authorized King James Version

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שׁ֣וֹר
When a bullock
a bullock (as a traveller)
#2
אוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#3
כֶ֤שֶׂב
or a sheep
a young sheep
#4
אוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#5
עֵז֙
or a goat
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#6
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
יִוָּלֵ֔ד
is brought forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#8
וְהָיָ֛ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
then it shall be seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#10
וּמִיּ֤וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#11
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#12
אִמּ֑וֹ
under the dam
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#13
וּמִיּ֤וֹם
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#14
הַשְּׁמִינִי֙
and from the eighth
eight
#15
וָהָ֔לְאָה
and thenceforth
to the distance, i.e., far away; also (of time) thus far
#16
יֵֽרָצֶ֕ה
it shall be accepted
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#17
לְקָרְבַּ֥ן
for an offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#18
אִשֶּׁ֖ה
made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#19
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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