Leviticus 23:30

Authorized King James Version

And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ
H5315
And whatsoever soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#3
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֙
H6213
it be that doeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
מְלָאכָ֔ה
H4399
any work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#7
בְּעֶ֖צֶם
H6106
in that same
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#8
הַיּ֣וֹם
H3117
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
#9
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
וְהַֽאֲבַדְתִּ֛י
H6
will I destroy
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#11
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ
H5315
And whatsoever soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#13
הַהִ֖וא
H1931
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
#14
מִקֶּ֥רֶב
H7130
from among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#15
עַמָּֽהּ׃
H5971
his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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