Leviticus 8:15

Authorized King James Version

And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁחָ֗ט
And he slew
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#2
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
it and Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַדָּ֗ם
the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#6
וַ֠יִּתֵּן
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
קַרְנ֨וֹת
it upon the horns
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
#9
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
of the altar
an altar
#10
סָבִיב֙
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#11
בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ
with his finger
something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe
#12
וַיְחַטֵּ֖א
and purified
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
of the altar
an altar
#15
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
הַדָּ֗ם
the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#17
יָצַק֙
and poured
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
#18
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
יְס֣וֹד
at the bottom
a foundation (literally or figuratively)
#20
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
of the altar
an altar
#21
וַֽיְקַדְּשֵׁ֖הוּ
and sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#22
לְכַפֵּ֥ר
it to make reconciliation
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#23
עָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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