Leviticus 26:41

Authorized King James Version

And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#2
אֲנִ֗י
i
#3
אֵלֵ֤ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
עִמָּם֙
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#5
בְּקֶ֔רִי
contrary
hostile encounter
#6
וְהֵֽבֵאתִ֣י
unto them and have brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בְּאֶ֖רֶץ
them into the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֑ם
of their enemies
hating; an adversary
#10
אוֹ
if then
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#11
אָ֣ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#12
יִכָּנַ֗ע
be humbled
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
#13
לְבָבָם֙
hearts
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#14
הֶֽעָרֵ֔ל
their uncircumcised
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
#15
וְאָ֖ז
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#16
יִרְצ֥וּ
and they then accept
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#17
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
עֲוֹנָֽם׃
of the punishment of their iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

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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