Leviticus 9:3

Authorized King James Version

And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#2
בְּנֵֽי
And unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
thou shalt speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
קְח֤וּ
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
שְׂעִיר
ye a kid
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#8
עִזִּים֙
of the goats
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
#9
לְחַטָּ֔את
for a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#10
וְעֵ֨גֶל
and a calf
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#11
וָכֶ֧בֶשׂ
and a lamb
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#12
בְּנֵֽי
And unto the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#13
שָׁנָ֛ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#14
תְּמִימִ֖ם
without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#15
לְעֹלָֽה׃
for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

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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