Leviticus 4:33

Authorized King James Version

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְסָמַךְ֙
And he shall lay
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
יָד֔וֹ
his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
רֹ֣אשׁ
upon the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
לְחַטָּ֔את
it for a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#7
יִשְׁחַ֖ט
and slay
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#8
אֹתָהּ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
לְחַטָּ֔את
it for a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#10
בִּמְק֕וֹם
in the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יִשְׁחַ֖ט
and slay
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הָֽעֹלָֽה׃
the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

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

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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