Leviticus 23:20

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵנִ֣יף
shall 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
#2
לַכֹּהֵֽן׃
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֹתָ֡ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
עַל֩
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
לֶ֨חֶם
them with the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#6
הַבִּכֻּרִ֤ים
of the firstfruits
the first-fruits of the crop
#7
תְּנוּפָה֙
for a wave offering
a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings
#8
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
שְׁנֵ֖י
with the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#12
כְּבָשִׂ֑ים
lambs
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#13
קֹ֛דֶשׁ
they shall be holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#14
יִֽהְי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
לַכֹּהֵֽן׃
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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