Leviticus 5:12

Authorized King James Version

Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וֶֽהֱבִיאָהּ֮
Then shall he bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
וְקָמַ֣ץ
shall take
to grasp with the hand
#5
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
מִ֠מֶּנָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
מְל֨וֹא
his handful
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#8
קֻמְצ֜וֹ
a grasp, i.e., handful
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
אַזְכָּֽרָתָהּ֙
of it even a memorial
a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering
#11
וְהִקְטִ֣יר
thereof and burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#12
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה
it on the altar
an altar
#13
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
אִשֵּׁ֣י
according to the offerings made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#15
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
חַטָּ֖את
it is a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#17
הִֽוא׃
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 sovereignty 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources