Leviticus 3:5

Authorized King James Version

And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְטִ֨ירוּ
shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#2
אֹת֤וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְנֵֽי
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
#4
אַהֲרֹן֙
And Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#5
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה
it on the altar
an altar
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הָ֣עֹלָ֔ה
upon the burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#8
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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
הָֽעֵצִ֖ים
which is upon the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
הָאֵ֑שׁ
that is on the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#14
אִשֵּׁ֛ה
it is an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#15
רֵ֥יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#16
נִיחֹ֖חַ
of a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#17
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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