Leviticus 3:6

Authorized King James Version

And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
הַצֹּ֧אן
be of the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#4
קָרְבָּנ֛וֹ
And if his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#5
לְזֶ֥בַח
for a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#6
שְׁלָמִ֖ים
of peace offering
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#7
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
זָכָר֙
male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#9
א֣וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
נְקֵבָ֔ה
or female
female (from the sexual form)
#11
תָּמִ֖ים
it without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#12
יַקְרִיבֶֽנּוּ׃
he shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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