Leviticus 25:47

Authorized King James Version

And if a sojourner or stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to the stock of the stranger's family:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
תַשִּׂ֗יג
wax rich
to reach (literally or figuratively)
#3
יַ֣ד
by thee
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
גֵּֽר׃
And if a sojourner
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#5
תּוֹשָׁב֙
or sojourner
a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o
#6
עִמָּ֔ךְ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#7
וּמָ֥ךְ
that dwelleth by him wax poor
to become thin, i.e., (figuratively) be impoverished
#8
אָחִ֖יךָ
and thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#9
עִמּ֑וֹ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
וְנִמְכַּ֗ר
and sell
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#11
גֵּֽר׃
And if a sojourner
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
#12
תּוֹשָׁב֙
or sojourner
a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o
#13
עִמָּ֔ךְ
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#14
א֥וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#15
לְעֵ֖קֶר
by thee or to the stock
figuratively, a transplanted person, i.e., naturalized citizen
#16
מִשְׁפַּ֥חַת
family
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
#17
גֵּֽר׃
And if a sojourner
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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