Leviticus 4:14

Authorized King James Version

When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנֽוֹדְעָה֙
against it is known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
לְחַטָּ֔את
When the sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#3
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
חָֽטְא֖וּ
which they have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#5
עָלֶ֑יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
וְהִקְרִ֨יבוּ
shall offer
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#7
הַקָּהָ֜ל
then the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#8
פַּ֤ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#9
בֶּן
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
בָּקָר֙
a young
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#11
לְחַטָּ֔את
When the sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#12
וְהֵבִ֣יאוּ
and bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#13
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
לִפְנֵ֖י
him 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
#15
אֹ֥הֶל
the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#16
מוֹעֵֽד׃
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

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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