Leviticus 3:2

Authorized King James Version

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסָמַ֤ךְ
And he shall lay
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#2
יָדוֹ֙
his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
רֹ֣אשׁ
upon the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ
of his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#6
וּשְׁחָט֕וֹ
and kill
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#7
פֶּ֖תַח
it at the door
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#8
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#9
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#10
וְזָֽרְק֡וּ
shall sprinkle
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#11
בְּנֵי֩
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן
and Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#13
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#14
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
הַדָּ֛ם
the 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
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
upon the altar
an altar
#18
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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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