Leviticus 26:30

Authorized King James Version

And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִשְׁמַדְתִּ֞י
And I will destroy
to desolate
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בָּמֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם
your high places
an elevation
#4
וְהִכְרַתִּי֙
and cut down
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
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
חַמָּ֣נֵיכֶ֔ם
your images
a sun-pillar
#7
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙
and cast
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
פִּגְרֵ֖י
upon the carcases
a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
פִּגְרֵ֖י
upon the carcases
a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image
#12
גִּלּֽוּלֵיכֶ֑ם
of your idols
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
#13
וְגָֽעֲלָ֥ה
shall abhor
to detest; by implication, to reject
#14
נַפְשִׁ֖י
and my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#15
אֶתְכֶֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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

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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