Leviticus 22:3

Authorized King James Version

Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱמֹ֣ר
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
לְדֹרֹ֨תֵיכֶ֜ם
among your generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
אִ֣ישׁ׀
unto them Whosoever
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)
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
יִקְרַ֣ב
that goeth
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#8
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
זַרְעֲכֶ֗ם
he be of all your seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#10
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הַקֳּדָשִׁים֙
unto the holy things
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#12
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יַקְדִּ֤ישׁוּ
hallow
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#14
בְנֵֽי
which the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#16
יְהוָֽה׃
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
וְטֻמְאָת֖וֹ
having his uncleanness
religious impurity
#18
עָלָ֑יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
וְנִכְרְתָ֞ה
shall be cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#20
הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ
upon him that soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#21
הַהִ֛וא
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
#22
מִלְּפָנַ֖י
from my presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#23
אֲנִ֥י
i
#24
יְהוָֽה׃
I am 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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