Leviticus 26:37

Authorized King James Version

And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָֽשְׁל֧וּ
And they shall fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#2
אִישׁ
one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
בְּאָחִ֛יו
upon another
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
לִפְנֵ֖י
as it were before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
חֶ֖רֶב
a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#6
וְרֹדֵ֣ף
when none pursueth
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#7
אָ֑יִן
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תִֽהְיֶ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לָכֶם֙
H0
#11
תְּקוּמָ֔ה
and ye shall have no power to stand
resistfulness
#12
לִפְנֵ֖י
as it were before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#13
אֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם׃
your enemies
hating; an adversary

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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