Leviticus 23:31

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מְלָאכָ֖ה
no manner of work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תַֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
Ye shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
חֻקַּ֤ת
it shall be a statute
a statute
#6
עוֹלָם֙
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#7
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
throughout your generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#8
בְּכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃
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

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 revelation 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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