Leviticus 4:6

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְטָבַ֧ל
shall dip
to dip, to immerse
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֶצְבָּע֖וֹ
his finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#5
הַדָּ֜ם
in the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#6
וְהִזָּ֨ה
and sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#7
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
הַדָּ֜ם
in the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#9
שֶׁ֤בַע
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#10
פְּעָמִים֙
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#11
פְּנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
פְּנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
פָּרֹ֥כֶת
the vail
a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen
#16
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
of the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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