Leviticus 3:10

Authorized King James Version

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שְׁתֵּ֣י
And the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת
kidneys
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַחֵ֙לֶב֙
and the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
עֲלֵהֶ֔ן
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַכְּסָלִ֑ים
that is upon them which is by the flanks
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙
and the caul
the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הַכָּבֵ֔ד
above the liver
the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת
kidneys
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#17
יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃
it shall he take away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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