Leviticus 7:21

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

Moreover the soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִגַּ֣ע

H5060

that shall touch

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

טָמֵ֔א

H2931

or any unclean

foul in a religious sense

בְּטֻמְאַ֤ת

H2932

any unclean

religious impurity

אָדָם֙

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

א֣וֹ׀

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בִּבְהֵמָ֣ה

H929

beast

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#10

טָמֵ֔א

H2931

or any unclean

foul in a religious sense

#11

א֚וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#12

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

שֶׁ֣קֶץ

H8263

or any abominable

filth, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) an idolatrous object

#14

טָמֵ֔א

H2931

or any unclean

foul in a religious sense

#15

וְאָכַ֛ל

H398

thing and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

מִבְּשַׂר

H1320

of the flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#17

זֶ֥בַח

H2077

of the sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#18

הַשְּׁלָמִ֖ים

H8002

of peace offerings

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

#19

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#20

לַֽיהוָ֑ה

H3068

which pertain unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה

H3772

shall be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#22

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

Moreover the soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#23

הַהִ֖וא

H1931

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

#24

מֵֽעַמֶּֽיהָ׃

H5971

from his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Leviticus chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Leviticus 7:21

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources