Leviticus 4:12

Authorized King James Version

Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוֹצִ֣יא
shall he carry forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
הַ֠פָּר
Even the whole bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#5
אֶל
where
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
מִח֨וּץ
without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#7
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֜ה
the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#8
אֶל
where
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
מָק֤וֹם
place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#10
טָהוֹר֙
unto a clean
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
#11
אֶל
where
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
שֶׁ֥פֶךְ
are poured out
an emptying place, e.g., an ash-heap
#13
הַדֶּ֖שֶׁן
the ashes
the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices
#14
יִשָּׂרֵֽף׃
and burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#15
אֹת֛וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
עֵצִ֖ים
him on the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#18
בָּאֵ֑שׁ
with fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#19
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
שֶׁ֥פֶךְ
are poured out
an emptying place, e.g., an ash-heap
#21
הַדֶּ֖שֶׁן
the ashes
the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices
#22
יִשָּׂרֵֽף׃
and burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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