Leviticus 4:17

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD, even before the vail.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְטָבַ֧ל
shall dip
to dip, to immerse
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶצְבָּע֖וֹ
his finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#4
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הַדָּ֑ם
in some of the 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
#6
וְהִזָּ֞ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#7
שֶׁ֤בַע
it seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#8
פְּעָמִים֙
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#9
פְּנֵ֥י
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
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
פְּנֵ֥י
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
#13
הַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃
the vail
a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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