Leviticus 9:18

Authorized King James Version

He slew also the bullock and the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁחַ֤ט
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
הַשּׁוֹר֙
also the bullock
a bullock (as a traveller)
#4
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הָאַ֔יִל
and the ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#6
זֶ֥בַח
for a sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#7
הַשְּׁלָמִ֖ים
of peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#8
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
לָעָ֑ם
which was for the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
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
#11
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
#12
אַֽהֲרֹ֤ן
and Aaron's
aharon, the brother of moses
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
הַדָּם֙
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
#15
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
וַיִּזְרְקֵ֥הוּ
which he sprinkled
to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
upon the altar
an altar
#19
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 peace 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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