Leviticus 9:12

Authorized King James Version

And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁחַ֖ט
And he slew
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הָֽעֹלָ֑ה
the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#4
וַ֠יַּמְצִאוּ
presented
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#5
בְּנֵ֨י
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
#6
אַֽהֲרֹ֤ן
and Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#7
אֵלָיו֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
הַדָּ֔ם
unto him 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
#10
וַיִּזְרְקֵ֥הוּ
which he sprinkled
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
upon the altar
an altar
#13
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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