Leviticus 27:32

Authorized King James Version

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מַעְשַׂ֤ר
And concerning the tithe
a tenth; especially a tithe
#3
בָּקָר֙
of the herd
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#4
וָצֹ֔אן
or of the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#5
כֹּ֥ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
יַעֲבֹ֖ר
even of whatsoever passeth
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#8
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#9
הַשָּׁ֑בֶט
under the rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#10
הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֕י
the tenth
tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part
#11
יִֽהְיֶה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
קֹּ֖דֶשׁ
shall be holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#13
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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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