Leviticus 26:35

Authorized King James Version

As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
יְמֵ֥י
As long as
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הָשַּׁמָּ֖ה
it lieth desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#4
שָׁבְתָ֛ה
because it did not rest
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#5
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
שָׁבְתָ֛ה
because it did not rest
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#9
בְּשַׁבְּתֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
in your sabbaths
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#10
בְּשִׁבְתְּכֶ֥ם
when ye dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#11
עָלֶֽיהָ׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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