Leviticus 4:21

Authorized King James Version

And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוֹצִ֣יא
And he shall carry forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַפָּ֣ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
מִחוּץ֙
without
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#6
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
the camp
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
#7
שָׂרַ֔ף
and burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#8
אֹת֔וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
שָׂרַ֔ף
and burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#11
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַפָּ֣ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#13
הָֽרִאשׁ֑וֹן
the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#14
חַטַּ֥את
it is a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#15
הַקָּהָ֖ל
for the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#16
הֽוּא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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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