Leviticus 4:31

Authorized King James Version

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
חֵלֶב֮
all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#4
הוּסַ֣ר
And he shall take away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#5
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
הוּסַ֣ר
And he shall take away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#7
חֵלֶב֮
all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#8
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
זֶ֣בַח
from off the sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#10
הַשְּׁלָמִים֒
of peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#11
וְהִקְטִ֤יר
shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#12
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה
it upon the altar
an altar
#14
לְרֵ֥יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#15
נִיחֹ֖חַ
for a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#16
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
וְכִפֶּ֥ר
shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#18
עָלָ֛יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#20
וְנִסְלַ֥ח
for him and it shall be forgiven
to forgive
#21
לֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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