Leviticus 25:5

Authorized King James Version

That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
סְפִ֤יחַ
That which groweth of its own accord
something (spontaneously) falling off, i.e., a self-sown crop; figuratively, a freshet
#3
קְצִֽירְךָ֙
of thy harvest
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תִקְצ֔וֹר
thou shalt not reap
to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)
#6
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
עִנְּבֵ֥י
the grapes
a grape
#8
נְזִירֶ֖ךָ
of thy vine undressed
separate, i.e., consecrated (as prince, a nazirite); hence (figuratively from the latter) an unpruned vine (like an unshorn nazirite)
#9
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תִבְצֹ֑ר
neither gather
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#11
שְׁנַ֥ת
for it is a year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
שַׁבָּת֖וֹן
of rest
a sabbatism or special holiday
#13
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
לָאָֽרֶץ׃
unto the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 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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