Leviticus 3:12

Authorized King James Version

And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֥ם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
עֵ֖ז
be a goat
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#3
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ
And if his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#4
וְהִקְרִיב֖וֹ
then he shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#5
לִפְנֵ֥י
it 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
#6
יְהוָֽה׃
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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