Leviticus 23:18

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֣ם
And ye shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַלֶּ֗חֶם
with the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#4
שִׁבְעַ֨ת
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#5
כְּבָשִׂ֤ים
lambs
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#6
תְּמִימִם֙
without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#7
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
#8
שָׁנָ֔ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
וּפַ֧ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#10
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
#11
בָּקָ֛ר
young
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#12
אֶחָ֖ד
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#13
וְאֵילִ֣ם
rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#14
שְׁנָ֑יִם
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#15
יִֽהְי֤וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#16
עֹלָה֙
they shall be for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#17
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
וּמִנְחָתָם֙
with their meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#19
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֔ם
and their drink offerings
a libation; also a cast idol
#20
אִשֵּׁ֥ה
even an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#21
רֵֽיחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#22
נִיחֹ֖חַ
of sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#23
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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