Leviticus 7:4

Authorized King James Version

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שְׁתֵּ֣י
And the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#3
הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת
kidneys
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַחֵ֙לֶב֙
and the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ן
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הַכְּסָלִ֑ים
that is on them which is by the flanks
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙
and the caul
the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הַכָּבֵ֔ד
that is above the liver
the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת
kidneys
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#17
יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃
it shall he take away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources