Leviticus 6:28

Authorized King James Version

But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בִּכְלִ֤י
pot
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#2
חֶ֛רֶשׂ
But the earthen
a piece of pottery
#3
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה
and if it be sodden
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#5
בּ֖וֹ
H0
#6
יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר
shall be broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#7
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
בִּכְלִ֤י
pot
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#9
נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
in a brasen
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#10
בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה
and if it be sodden
properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen
#11
וּמֹרַ֥ק
it shall be both scoured
to polish; by implication, to sharpen; also to rinse
#12
וְשֻׁטַּ֖ף
and rinsed
to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer
#13
בַּמָּֽיִם׃
in water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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