Leviticus 23:12

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֕ם
And ye shall offer
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
בְּי֥וֹם
that 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
#3
הֲנִֽיפְכֶ֖ם
when ye wave
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הָעֹ֑מֶר
the sheaf
properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure
#6
כֶּ֣בֶשׂ
an he lamb
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#7
תָּמִ֧ים
without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#8
בֶּן
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
שְׁנָת֛וֹ
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#10
לְעֹלָ֖ה
for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#11
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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