Leviticus 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
ע֤וֹר
And the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#3
הַפָּר֙
of the bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
בְּשָׂר֔וֹ
and all his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
רֹאשׁ֖וֹ
with his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כְּרָעָ֑יו
and with his legs
the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)
#11
וְקִרְבּ֖וֹ
and his inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#12
וּפִרְשֽׁוֹ׃
and his dung
excrement (as eliminated)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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