Leviticus 26:31

Authorized King James Version

And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י
And I will make
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
עָֽרֵיכֶם֙
your cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#4
חָרְבָּ֔ה
waste
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
#5
וַֽהֲשִׁמּוֹתִ֖י
and bring
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מִקְדְּשֵׁיכֶ֑ם
your sanctuaries
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#8
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
אָרִ֔יחַ
and I will not smell
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)
#10
בְּרֵ֖יחַ
the savour
odor (as if blown)
#11
נִיחֹֽחֲכֶֽם׃
of your sweet odours
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

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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