Leviticus 5:18

Authorized King James Version

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠הֵבִיא
And he shall bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אַ֣יִל
a ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#3
תָּמִ֧ים
without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#4
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
הַצֹּ֛אן
out of the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#6
בְּעֶרְכְּךָ֥
with thy estimation
a pile, equipment, estimate
#7
לְאָשָׁ֖ם
for a trespass offering
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#10
וְכִפֶּר֩
shall make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#11
עָלָ֨יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
שִׁגְגָת֧וֹ
for him concerning his ignorance
a mistake or inadvertent transgression
#15
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
שָׁגָ֛ג
wherein he erred
to stray, i.e., (figuratively) sin (with more or less apology)
#17
וְה֥וּא
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
#18
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
יָדַ֖ע
and wist
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#20
וְנִסְלַ֥ח
it not and it shall be forgiven
to forgive
#21
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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

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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