Leviticus 4:13

Authorized King James Version

And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֨ם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
עֲדַ֤ת
H5712
And if the whole congregation
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
יִשְׁגּ֔וּ
H7686
sin through ignorance
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
#6
וְנֶעְלַ֣ם
H5956
be hid
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
#7
דָּבָ֔ר
H1697
and the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#8
מֵֽעֵינֵ֖י
H5869
from the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
הַקָּהָ֑ל
H6951
of the assembly
assemblage (usually concretely)
#10
תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה
H6213
and they have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
אַחַ֨ת
H259
somewhat against any
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#12
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
מִצְוֹ֧ת
H4687
of the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#14
יְהוָ֛ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#15
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה
H6213
and they have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#18
וְאָשֵֽׁמוּ׃
H816
and are guilty
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine sovereignty 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

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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