Leviticus 26:22

Authorized King James Version

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִשְׁלַחְתִּ֨י
I will also send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
בָכֶ֜ם
H0
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
חַיַּ֤ת
beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#5
הַשָּׂדֶה֙
wild
a field (as flat)
#6
וְשִׁכְּלָ֣ה
among you which shall rob you of your children
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
וְהִכְרִ֙יתָה֙
and destroy
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
בְּהֶמְתְּכֶ֔ם
your cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#11
וְהִמְעִ֖יטָה
and make you few in number
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
#12
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
וְנָשַׁ֖מּוּ
shall be desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#14
דַּרְכֵיכֶֽם׃
and your high ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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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