Leviticus 4:16

Authorized King James Version

And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵבִ֛יא
shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֥ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
הַמָּשִׁ֖יחַ
that is anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#4
מִדַּ֣ם
blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#5
הַפָּ֑ר
of the bullock's
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אֹ֖הֶל
to the tabernacle
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#8
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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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