Leviticus 22:5

Authorized King James Version

Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אוֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
אִישׁ֙
H376
Or 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)
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
יִגַּ֔ע
H5060
toucheth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#5
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
שֶׁ֖רֶץ
H8318
any creeping thing
a swarm, i.e., active mass of minute animals
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
יִטְמָא
H2930
of whom he may take uncleanness
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#9
ל֑וֹ
H0
#10
א֤וֹ
H176
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
בְאָדָם֙
H120
or a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יִטְמָא
H2930
of whom he may take uncleanness
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#14
ל֔וֹ
H0
#15
לְכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
טֻמְאָתֽוֹ׃
H2932
whatsoever uncleanness
religious impurity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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