Leviticus 23:3

Authorized King James Version

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת
Six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#2
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
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
תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
מְלָאכָ֖ה
no work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#5
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
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
#6
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י
but the seventh
seventh
#7
שַׁבָּ֥ת
is the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#8
שַׁבָּתוֹן֙
of rest
a sabbatism or special holiday
#9
מִקְרָא
convocation
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
#10
קֹ֔דֶשׁ
an holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
מְלָאכָ֖ה
no work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#13
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
שַׁבָּ֥ת
is the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#16
הִוא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#17
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#18
בְּכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃
in all your dwellings
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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