Leviticus 5:13

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכִפֶּר֩
shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#2
עָלָ֨יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
לַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
חַטָּאת֧וֹ
for him as touching his sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
חָטָ֛א
that he hath sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#8
מֵֽאַחַ֥ת
in one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
מֵאֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#10
וְנִסְלַ֣ח
of these and it shall be forgiven
to forgive
#11
ל֑וֹ
H0
#12
וְהָֽיְתָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לַכֹּהֵ֖ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#14
כַּמִּנְחָֽה׃
as a meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

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

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

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