Leviticus 26:1

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
תַעֲשׂ֨וּ
Ye shall make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לָכֶ֜ם
H0
#4
אֱלִילִ֗ם
you no idols
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#5
וּפֶ֤סֶל
nor graven image
an idol
#6
וּמַצֵּבָה֙
a standing image
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
תָקִ֣ימוּ
neither rear you up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#9
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#10
וְאֶ֣בֶן
H68
of stone
a stone
#11
מַשְׂכִּ֗ית
any image
a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination
#12
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
תִתְּנוּ֙
neither shall ye set up
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
בְּאַרְצְכֶ֔ם
in your land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֖ת
to bow down
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#16
עָלֶ֑יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
אֲנִ֥י
i
#19
יְהוָ֖ה
unto it for I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#20
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
your God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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

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

Questions for Reflection

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