Leviticus 8:28

Authorized King James Version

And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקַּ֨ח
took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
כַּפֵּיהֶ֔ם
them from off their hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#6
וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר
and burnt
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חָה
them on the altar
an altar
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הָֽעֹלָ֑ה
upon the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#10
מִלֻּאִ֥ים
they were consecrations
a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)
#11
הֵם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
לְרֵ֣יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#13
נִיחֹ֔חַ
for a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#14
אִשֶּׁ֥ה
it is an offering made by fire
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
#15
ה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#16
לַֽיהוָֽה׃
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Leviticus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Leviticus.

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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