Leviticus 23:38

Authorized King James Version

Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִלְּבַ֖ד
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#2
שַׁבְּתֹ֣ת
Beside the sabbaths
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#3
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וּמִלְּבַ֣ד
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#5
מַתְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם
and beside your gifts
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
#6
וּמִלְּבַ֤ד
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
נִדְרֵיכֶם֙
and beside all your vows
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
#9
וּמִלְּבַד֙
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
נִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
and beside all your freewill offerings
properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift
#12
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
which ye give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty 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

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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