Leviticus 3:9

Authorized King James Version

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְרִ֨יב
And he shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
מִזֶּ֣בַח
of the sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#3
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of the peace offering
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#4
אִשֶּׁ֣ה
an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#5
לַֽיהוָה֒
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
הַחֵ֔לֶב
and all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#7
הָֽאַלְיָ֣ה
rump
the stout part, i.e., the fat tail of the middle eastern sheep
#8
תְמִימָ֔ה
thereof and the whole
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#9
לְעֻמַּ֥ת
hard
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
#10
הֶֽעָצֶ֖ה
by the backbone
the spine (as giving firmness to the body)
#11
יְסִירֶ֑נָּה
it shall he take off
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הַחֵ֔לֶב
and all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#14
הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה
that covereth
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#15
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַקֶּֽרֶב׃
that is upon the inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#17
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
הַחֵ֔לֶב
and all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#20
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#22
הַקֶּֽרֶב׃
that is upon the inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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