Leviticus 7:31

Authorized King James Version

And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִקְטִ֧יר
shall burn
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#2
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן
And the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
הַחֵ֖לֶב
the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#5
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה
upon the altar
an altar
#6
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
הֶֽחָזֶ֔ה
but the breast
the breast (as most seen in front)
#8
לְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן
shall be Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#9
וּלְבָנָֽיו׃
and his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

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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