Leviticus 5:11

Authorized King James Version

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹא֩

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַשִּׂ֨יג

H5381

be not able to bring

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָד֜וֹ

H3027

But if he

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

לִשְׁנֵ֣י

H8147

or two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

תֹרִ֗ים

H8449

turtledoves

a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment

אוֹ֮

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

לִשְׁנֵ֣י

H8147

or two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵֽי

H1121

young

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

יוֹנָה֒

H3123

pigeons

a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)

#11

וְהֵבִ֨יא

H935

shall bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

קָרְבָּנ֜וֹ

H7133

for his offering

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

#14

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

חָטָ֗א

H2398

then he that sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#16

עֲשִׂירִ֧ת

H6224

the tenth

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

#17

הָֽאֵפָ֛ה

H374

part of an ephah

an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general

#18

סֹ֖לֶת

H5560

of fine flour

flour (as chipped off)

#19

חַטָּ֖את

H2403

for a sin offering

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#20

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

יָשִׂ֨ים

H7760

he shall put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#22

עָלֶ֜יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#23

שֶׁ֗מֶן

H8081

no oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

#24

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#25

יִתֵּ֤ן

H5414

upon it neither shall he put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#26

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#27

לְבֹנָ֔ה

H3828

any frankincense

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

#28

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#29

חַטָּ֖את

H2403

for a sin offering

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#30

הִֽוא׃

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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Leviticus 5:11

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources