Leviticus 27:26

Authorized King James Version

Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether it be ox, or sheep: it is the LORD'S.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
בְּכ֞וֹר
Only the firstling
first-born; hence, chief
#3
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
יְבֻכַּ֤ר
firstling
to give the birthright
#5
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
it is the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
בִּבְהֵמָ֔ה
of the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#7
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ
shall sanctify
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#9
אִ֖ישׁ
no man
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)
#10
אֹת֑וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#12
שׁ֣וֹר
it whether it be ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#13
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#14
שֶׂ֔ה
or sheep
a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat
#15
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
it is the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
הֽוּא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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