Numbers 8:12

Authorized King James Version

And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
And the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#2
יִסְמְכ֣וּ
shall lay
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יְדֵיהֶ֔ם
their hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
רֹ֣אשׁ
upon the heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
הַפָּרִ֑ים
of the bullocks
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#8
וַֽ֠עֲשֵׂה
and thou shalt offer
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הָֽאֶחָ֤ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
חַטָּ֜את
for a sin offering
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#12
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
הָֽאֶחָ֤ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#14
עֹלָה֙
for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#15
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#16
לְכַפֵּ֖ר
to make an atonement
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#17
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַלְוִיִּֽם׃
And the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources