Leviticus 3:4

Authorized King James Version

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on 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
הַכְּלָי֖וֹת
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 on 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
הַכְּלָי֖וֹת
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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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