Leviticus 6:12

Authorized King James Version

And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָאֵ֨שׁ
And the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַמִּזְבֵּ֤חַ
upon the altar
an altar
#4
תּֽוּקַד
shall be burning
to burn
#5
בּוֹ֙
H0
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
תִכְבֶּ֔ה
in it it shall not be put out
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
#8
וּבִעֵ֨ר
shall burn
to be(-come) brutish
#9
עָלֶ֧יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
and the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#11
עֵצִ֖ים
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#12
בַּבֹּ֑קֶר
on it every morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#13
בַּבֹּ֑קֶר
on it every morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#14
וְעָרַ֤ךְ
in order
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#15
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
הָֽעֹלָ֔ה
and lay the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#17
וְהִקְטִ֥יר
upon it and he shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#18
עָלֶ֖יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
חֶלְבֵ֥י
thereon the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#20
הַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃
of the peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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