Leviticus 3:17

Authorized King James Version

It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֻקַּ֤ת
statute
a statute
#2
עוֹלָם֙
It shall be a perpetual
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#3
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם
for your generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#4
בְּכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
throughout all your dwellings
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
חֵ֥לֶב
neither fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#8
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
דָּ֖ם
nor blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#10
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תֹאכֵֽלוּ׃
that ye eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

Study Resources