Leviticus 9:17

Authorized King James Version

And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּקְרֵב֮
And he brought
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הַמִּנְחָה֒
the meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#4
וַיְמַלֵּ֤א
and took
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#5
כַפּוֹ֙
an handful
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
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#7
וַיַּקְטֵ֖ר
thereof and burnt
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ
it upon the altar
an altar
#10
מִלְּבַ֖ד
beside
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#11
עֹלַ֥ת
the burnt sacrifice
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#12
הַבֹּֽקֶר׃
of the morning
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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