Leviticus 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

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
הַחֵ֔לֶב
and all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#4
פַּ֥ר
of the bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#5
הַֽחַטָּ֖את
for the sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#6
יָרִ֣ים
And he shall take off
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#7
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַחֵ֔לֶב
and all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#10
הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה
that covereth
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הַקֶּֽרֶב׃
that is upon the inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#13
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
הַחֵ֔לֶב
and all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#16
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַקֶּֽרֶב׃
that is upon the inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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