Leviticus 8:18

Authorized King James Version

And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּקְרֵ֕ב
And he brought
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָאָֽיִל׃
of the ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#4
הָֽעֹלָ֑ה
for the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#5
וַֽיִּסְמְכ֞וּ
laid
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#6
אַֽהֲרֹ֧ן
and Aaron
aharon, the brother of moses
#7
וּבָנָ֛יו
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
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
יְדֵיהֶ֖ם
their hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
רֹ֥אשׁ
upon the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#12
הָאָֽיִל׃
of the ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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