Leviticus 22:6

Authorized King James Version

The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נֶ֚פֶשׁ
The soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#2
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
תִּגַּע
which hath touched
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
#4
בּ֔וֹ
H0
#5
וְטָֽמְאָ֖ה
any such shall be unclean
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
הָעָ֑רֶב
until even
dusk
#8
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יֹאכַל֙
and shall not eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#10
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#11
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים
of the holy things
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#12
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
אִם
unless
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
רָחַ֥ץ
he wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#15
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#16
בַּמָּֽיִם׃
with water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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