Leviticus 4:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבֵּ֞ר
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
לֵאמֹר֒
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
נֶ֗פֶשׁ
If a soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
תֶחֱטָ֤א
shall sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#9
בִשְׁגָגָה֙
through ignorance
a mistake or inadvertent transgression
#10
מִכֹּל֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
מִצְוֹ֣ת
against any of the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#12
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
וְעָשָׂ֕ה
and shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
וְעָשָׂ֕ה
and shall do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
מֵֽאַחַ֖ת
against any
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#18
מֵהֵֽנָּה׃
of them
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

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 sovereignty 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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