Leviticus 3:1

Authorized King James Version

And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
זֶ֥בַח
be a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#3
שְׁלָמִ֖ים
of peace offering
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#4
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ
And if his oblation
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#5
אִ֤ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#6
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
הַבָּקָר֙
it of the herd
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#8
ה֣וּא
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
#9
יַקְרִיבֶ֖נּוּ
he shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#10
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#11
זָכָר֙
whether it be a male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#12
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
נְקֵבָ֔ה
or female
female (from the sexual form)
#14
תָּמִ֥ים
it without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#15
יַקְרִיבֶ֖נּוּ
he shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#16
לִפְנֵ֥י
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
#17
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources