Leviticus 8:16

Authorized King James Version

And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֗ח
And he took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
חֶלְבְּהֶ֑ן
all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#5
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
הַקֶּרֶב֒
that was upon the inwards
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#8
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
יֹתֶ֣רֶת
and the caul
the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)
#10
הַכָּבֵ֔ד
above the liver
the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
שְׁתֵּ֥י
and the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#13
הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת
kidneys
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
#14
וְאֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
חֶלְבְּהֶ֑ן
all the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#16
וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר
burned
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#17
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
and Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#18
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃
it upon the altar
an altar

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Leviticus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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