Leviticus 3:8

Authorized King James Version

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

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
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
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
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
רֹ֣אשׁ
upon the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ
of his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#7
וְשָׁחַ֣ט
and kill
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#8
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
לִפְנֵ֖י
it before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#10
אֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#11
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
#12
וְ֠זָֽרְקוּ
shall sprinkle
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#13
בְּנֵ֨י
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
#14
אַֽהֲרֹ֧ן
and Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
דָּמ֛וֹ
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
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
upon the altar
an altar
#19
סָבִֽיב׃
thereof round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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

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