Leviticus 4:23

Authorized King James Version

Or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
הוֹדַ֤ע
come to his knowledge
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#3
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
חַטָּאת֔וֹ
Or if his sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
חָטָ֖א
wherein he hath sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#7
בָּ֑הּ
H0
#8
וְהֵבִ֧יא
he shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
קָרְבָּנ֛וֹ
his offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#11
שְׂעִ֥יר
a kid
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#12
עִזִּ֖ים
of the goats
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#13
זָכָ֥ר
a male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#14
תָּמִֽים׃
without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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