Leviticus 6:3

Authorized King James Version

Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֽוֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
מָצָ֧א
Or have found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#3
אֲבֵדָ֛ה
H9
that which was lost
concrete, something lost; abstract, destruction, i.e., hades
#4
וְכִ֥חֶשׁ
and lieth
to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)
#5
בָּ֖הּ
H0
#6
וְנִשְׁבַּ֣ע
concerning it and sweareth
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
שָׁ֑קֶר
falsely
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
אַחַ֗ת
in any
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
מִכֹּ֛ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
יַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
doeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
הָֽאָדָ֖ם
of all these that a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#15
לַֽחֲטֹ֥א
sinning
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#16
בָהֵֽנָּה׃
therein
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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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