Leviticus 27:28

Authorized King James Version

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
חֵ֕רֶם
Notwithstanding no devoted thing
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יַחֲרִם֩
shall devote
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
#6
אִ֨ישׁ
that a 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)
#7
לַיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
ל֗וֹ
H0
#11
מֵאָדָ֤ם
of all that he hath both of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#12
וּבְהֵמָה֙
and beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#13
וּמִשְּׂדֵ֣ה
and of the field
a field (as flat)
#14
אֲחֻזָּת֔וֹ
of his possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#15
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יִמָּכֵ֖ר
shall be sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#17
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
יִגָּאֵ֑ל
or redeemed
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#19
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#20
חֵ֕רֶם
Notwithstanding no devoted thing
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
#21
קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים
holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#22
קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים
holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#23
ה֖וּא
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
#24
לַיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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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