Leviticus

Leviticus front

Introduction to Leviticus

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Leviticus

Instructions to the Israelites about offerings (1:1–6:7)
- Burnt offerings (1:1–17)
- Grain offerings (2:1–16)
- Fellowship offerings (3:1–17)
- Offerings for unintentional sins (4:1-5:13)
- Guilt offerings (5:14–6:7)
Instructions to the priests about offerings (6:8–7:10)
- Burnt offerings (6:8-13)
- Grain offerings (6:14-23)
- Sin offerings (6:24-30)
- Guilt offerings (7:1-10)
Further instructions to the Israelites (7:11–7:38)
- Peace offerings (7:11–21)
- Eating fat and blood forbidden (7:22-27)
- The share for the priests (7:28–7:38)
Setting apart the priests (8:1–10:20)
- Aaron and his sons ordained (8:1–36)
- Aaron as high priest (9:1–24)
- Nadab and Abihu punished (10:1–20)
Laws about clean and unclean things (11:1–15:33)
- Clean and unclean food (11:1–47)
- Women purified after giving birth to a child (12:1–8)
- Skin, clothing, houses (13:1–14:47)
- Bodily fluids (15:1–33)
Day of Atonement; the place of the offering; the nature of blood (16:1–17:16)
Setting apart for worship and service; being disqualified from service (18:1–24:23)
The years of rest and release (25:1–55)
Blessing for obeying and curses for not obeying (26:1–46)
Gifts to God (27:1–34)

What is the book of Leviticus about?

In the Book of Leviticus, God continues to give laws through Moses to the people of Israel. The people were to obey all of these laws to honor their covenant with God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

“Leviticus” means “about the Levites.” The Levites were the tribe of Israel that provided priests and other workers in the tabernacle. If the people in the project language do not understand the term “Levites,” you can call it “The Book about the Priests” or “The Book about the Tabernacle Workers.” (See: tabernacle and How to Translate Names)

Who wrote the book of Leviticus?

The writers of both the Old and New Testament present Moses as being very involved with writing the book of Leviticus. Since ancient times, both Jews and Christians have thought that Moses wrote Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

What is the meaning of “holy” and “holiness” in the book of Leviticus?

These terms concern separating someone or something from the rest of the people, from the world, or from ordinary use. God separated these people or things so they would belong only to him. The people were to consider the places for worshiping God or for honoring him in any way as separate. The people could not use them for anything else. God required the Israelites to live in a certain way in order to live as a nation belonging to him alone.

Anyone or anything that was acceptable to God or “holy” was spoken of as if they were physically clean.

In the same way, anyone or anything that was not acceptable to God or not holy was spoken of if they were physically unclean.

Some people and some things could be made clean or “cleansed,” that is, acceptable to God. People or things were made clean if the people performed the right sacrifices and ceremonies. For example, some foreigners who wished to live among the Israelites and worship Yahweh could be made clean. However, other people and things could never be made acceptable to him.

It is important to know that not all unclean things or conditions were sinful. For example, after giving birth to a male child, a woman would be unclean for thirty-three days. Then the proper animal sacrifice would be offered for her. The flow of blood made the woman unclean (Leviticus 12:7). But Leviticus never suggests that someone with a flow of blood was sinning. In the same way, God did not allow Israelites to eat many kinds of animals, as one way of setting his people apart.

Because God does not sin, the terms “holy” and “holiness” often suggest this same idea. Something belonging to God is holy. Because people must respect God, they must respect the things that belong to him.

What are the important narrative features of Leviticus?

On seventeen occasions, the phrase “The Lord said to Moses” (and sometimes Aaron) is often used to begin paragraphs. God and Moses frequently spoke to others. The verb “speak” is used thirty-eight times.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why did the Israelites need so many rules about sacrificing animals?

Leviticus shows that God is holy. That means God is very different from humanity and the rest of the created world. God does not sin. Because of this, it is impossible to be acceptable to him without being “cleansed.” The many kinds of sacrifices were meant to make people and things acceptable to God. However, the people had to continue making animal sacrifices so that they would continue to be acceptable to God. This was a sign that pointed to a need for a better sacrifice. They needed a sacrifice that would cause them to be acceptable to God forever. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Why was the priesthood important in the book of Leviticus?

Priests were individuals who went to God on behalf of the people. God authorized the priests to bring the Israelite’s sacrifices to himself.

How did the Israelite’s rules for worshiping God and sacrificing animals differ from the other nations at that time?

It was common for other nations to sacrifice animals to their idols. But, the other nations did other things to worship their false gods. For instance, people would sleep with prostitutes at the temple of their gods. They did this to try to persuade their gods to bless their land with the ability to grow crops. Also, people of other nations would sometimes offer human sacrifices to their gods. The God of Israel did not allow his people to do these kinds of things.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What important symbols are introduced in Leviticus?

Oil was poured on someone or something meant to be set apart for Yahweh. Water was used to symbolize the cleansing of someone or something so God could accept them. Blood was also used to cleanse and purify people and things. This is because blood represented life that needed to be shed in order for God to forgive people for sinning.

Why do many sections begin with the phrase “Yahweh said to Moses?”

This phrase shows the reader that these rules come from God and must be obeyed. You could also translate this as “God told Moses.”

Leviticus 1

Leviticus 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In Hebrew, this chapter begins with the word “and” indicating a connection with the previous book (Exodus). The first five books of the Bible should be seen as a single unit.

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

In order to offer a sacrifice for the people, the priest first had to make an atonement for himself, in order to make himself clean. Only then would he be clean and be allowed to perform a sacrifice. These sacrificed animals had to be perfect, the best of all of the animals. A person was not allowed to bring an inferior animal to be sacrificed to Yahweh. These sacrifices also had to be offered in a very specific way. (See: atonement, atone, atoned and priest, priesthood and clean, wash)

Leviticus 1:1

יְהוָה֙

Yahweh is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

Leviticus 1:2

אָדָ֗ם כִּֽי־ יַקְרִ֥יב מִ⁠כֶּ֛ם

Alternate translation: “When any one of you offers” or “When any of you offers”

Leviticus 1:3

קָרְבָּנ⁠וֹ֙…יַקְרִיבֶ֑⁠נּוּ…יַקְרִ֣יב

Here, “his and he refer to the person bringing an offering to Yahweh. It can be translated in the second person as it is in Leviticus 1:2. Alternate translation: “If your offering … you must offer … you must offer” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

לִ⁠רְצֹנ֖⁠וֹ לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh will accept it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 1:4

וְ⁠סָמַ֣ךְ יָד֔⁠וֹ עַ֖ל רֹ֣אשׁ

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself through the animal to Yahweh, so that God will forgive the person’s sins when they kill the animal. (See: Symbolic Action)

וְ⁠נִרְצָ֥ה ל֖⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then Yahweh will accept it in his place and forgive his sins” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 1:5

וְ⁠שָׁחַ֛ט

Here, “he refers to the one making the offering. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “Then you must kill the bull” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

וְ֠⁠הִקְרִיבוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֤ן הַֽ⁠כֹּֽהֲנִים֙ אֶת־ הַ⁠דָּ֔ם

It is implied that the priests would catch the blood in a bowl as it drained out of the animal. Then they would bring the bowl with the blood in it and present it to Yahweh at the altar. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 1:6

וְ⁠הִפְשִׁ֖יט אֶת־ הָ⁠עֹלָ֑ה וְ⁠נִתַּ֥ח אֹתָ֖⁠הּ לִ⁠נְתָחֶֽי⁠הָ

As indicated in 1:9, the person must also wash the inner parts and the legs of the animal with water. The person would do this before giving the pieces to the priests so they could place them on the altar. As in the UST, you can state here the instructions to wash the inner parts and legs. (See: Order of Events)

וְ⁠הִפְשִׁ֖יט

Here, he refers to the one making the offering.

Leviticus 1:7

וְ֠⁠נָתְנוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֧ן הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן אֵ֖שׁ עַל־ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְ⁠עָרְכ֥וּ עֵצִ֖ים עַל־ הָ⁠אֵֽשׁ

This may mean that the Aaron placed hot coals on the altar, then placed the wood on the coals. Or you may need to reorder this as in the UST. Alternate translation: “And the sons of Aaron the priest will put wood on the altar and light a fire” (See: Order of Events)

Leviticus 1:9

וְ⁠קִרְבּ֥⁠וֹ וּ⁠כְרָעָ֖י⁠ו יִרְחַ֣ץ בַּ⁠מָּ֑יִם

The person would do this before giving the pieces to the priests to place on the altar. You can state this at the end of Leviticus 1:6.

וְ⁠קִרְבּ֥⁠וֹ

Here, inner parts refers to the stomach and intestines.

יִרְחַ֣ץ

Here, he refers to the one making the offering.

אִשֵּׁ֥ה

Yahweh is telling Moses that the offerings are to be burnt with fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a burnt offering to me” (See: Active or Passive)

רֵֽיחַ־ נִיח֖וֹחַ לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper offering the sacrifice is spoken of as if Yahweh were pleased by the aroma of the burning sacrifice. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 1:11

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Leviticus 1:12

וְ⁠נִתַּ֤ח אֹת⁠וֹ֙

Here, he refers to the person offering the sacrifice. It can be stated in second person. Alternate translation: “And you must cut it” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

לִ⁠נְתָחָ֔י⁠ו וְ⁠אֶת־ רֹאשׁ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶת־ פִּדְר֑⁠וֹ…עַל־ הָֽ⁠עֵצִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־ הָ⁠אֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּֽחַ

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 1:7-9.

Leviticus 1:13

וְ⁠הַ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב וְ⁠הַ⁠כְּרָעַ֖יִם יִרְחַ֣ץ בַּ⁠מָּ֑יִם…עֹלָ֣ה…אִשֵּׁ֛ה רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ

See how you translated many of these words in Leviticus 1:9.

רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9. (See: Metaphor)

אִשֵּׁ֛ה

Yahweh tells Moses that the priests must burn their offerings with fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a burnt offering” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 1:15

וּ⁠מָלַק֙ אֶת־ רֹאשׁ֔⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “and twist off its head”

וְ⁠נִמְצָ֣ה דָמ֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the priest must drain its blood” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 1:16

וְ⁠הֵסִ֥יר

Alternate translation: “And the priest must remove”

אֶת־ מֻרְאָת֖⁠וֹ

A crop is a pouch in the bird’s throat where pre-digested food is stored.

אֶת־ מֻרְאָת֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠נֹצָתָ֑⁠הּ

Here it refers to the crop and the plumage.

Leviticus 1:17

רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

עֹלָ֣ה ה֗וּא אִשֵּׁ֛ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It will be a burnt offering to me” or “It will be a burnt offering to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 2

Leviticus 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions about how to make a grain offering.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yeast

Yeast is connected to the events of the Passover. Any prohibition of yeast may be connected to the original Passover. (See: Passover)

Leviticus 2:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

סֹ֖לֶת

Here, flour refers to a powder made from wheat. Alternate translation: “the finest flour” or “the best flour”

Leviticus 2:2

וְ⁠קָמַ֨ץ מִ⁠שָּׁ֜ם מְלֹ֣א קֻמְצ֗⁠וֹ

A handful is the amount that a person can hold in the palm of their hand. Alternate translation: “and take out what he can hold in his hand”

אֶת־ אַזְכָּרָתָ⁠הּ֙

The memorial portion of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh.

רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 2:4

מַאֲפֵ֣ה תַנּ֑וּר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you baked in an oven” (See: Active or Passive)

תַנּ֑וּר

This oven was probably a hollow object made of clay. A fire was lit under the oven, and the heat would bake the dough inside of the oven. (See: Translate Unknowns)

סֹ֣לֶת

It is understood that the soft bread contained no yeast. (See: Ellipsis)

מְשֻׁחִ֥ים בַּ⁠שָּֽׁמֶן

Translate this phrase to indicate that the oil is to be spread onto the bread. Alternate translation: “with oil on the bread” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 2:5

וְ⁠אִם־ מִנְחָ֥ה עַל־ הַֽ⁠מַּחֲבַ֖ת קָרְבָּנֶ֑⁠ךָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If you bake your grain offering in a flat iron pan” (See: Active or Passive)

הַֽ⁠מַּחֲבַ֖ת

This griddle was a thick plate made of either clay or metal. The plate was placed over a fire, and the dough cooked on top of the plate. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 2:6

פָּת֤וֹת אֹתָ⁠הּ֙

Here it refers to the grain offering cooked on a griddle.

Leviticus 2:7

וְ⁠אִם־ מִנְחַ֥ת מַרְחֶ֖שֶׁת קָרְבָּנֶ֑⁠ךָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If you cook your grain offering” (See: Active or Passive)

מַרְחֶ֖שֶׁת

A pan is a metal plate with rounded edges. The dough was placed in the pan and cooked over a fire. (See: Translate Unknowns)

תֵּעָשֶֽׂה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must make it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 2:8

אֲשֶׁ֧ר יֵעָשֶׂ֛ה מֵ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you made from the flour and oil” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠הִקְרִיבָ⁠הּ֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you will present it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 2:9

וְ⁠הֵרִ֨ים הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֤ן מִן־ הַ⁠מִּנְחָה֙ אֶת־ אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔⁠הּ וְ⁠הִקְטִ֖יר הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ⁠ה אִשֵּׁ֛ה רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ

See how you translated many of these words in Leviticus 2:2.

אֶת־ אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔⁠הּ

The handful of the grain is a memorial offering that represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 2:10

מֵ⁠אִשֵּׁ֥י יְהוָֽה

See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:3.

מֵ⁠אִשֵּׁ֥י יְהוָֽה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “from the burnt offerings to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 2:11

כָּל־ הַ⁠מִּנְחָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר תַּקְרִ֨יבוּ֙ לַ⁠יהוָ֔ה לֹ֥א תֵעָשֶׂ֖ה חָמֵ֑ץ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not use yeast in a grain offering that you offer to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 2:12

תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ אֹתָ֖⁠ם

Alternate translation: “You will offer the grain offerings made with leaven or honey”

Leviticus 2:13

מֶ֚לַח בְּרִ֣ית אֱלֹהֶ֔י⁠ךָ

It is implied that the salt is a symbol that represents the covenant with God. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 2:14

אָבִ֞יב קָל֤וּי בָּ⁠אֵשׁ֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of new grain that you have cooked over a fire” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 2:16

אֶת־ אַזְכָּרָתָ֗⁠הּ

The handful of the grain that is the memorial offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

Leviticus 3

Leviticus 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions about how to offer a fellowship offering.

Special concepts in this chapter

Fat

The fat of the animal was considered the best part of the animal to eat. Therefore, this belonged to Yahweh. This is why the Israelites were not allowed to consume it.

Leviticus 3:1

Moses continues telling the people what Yahweh wants them to do.

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “to Yahweh”

Leviticus 3:2

וְ⁠סָמַ֤ךְ יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־ רֹ֣אשׁ

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:4. (See: Symbolic Action)

וְ⁠זָרְק֡וּ בְּנֵי֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֧ים אֶת־ הַ⁠דָּ֛ם

It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch blood in a bowl as the it drains from the animal. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 3:3

אֶת־ הַ⁠קֶּ֔רֶב

Here, the inner parts refers to the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 3:4

הַ⁠כְּסָלִ֑ים

The loins is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.

הַ⁠יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל־ הַ⁠כָּבֵ֔ד

The lobe is the curved or rounded part of the liver. This is considered the best part of the liver to eat. Alternate translation: “the best part of the liver”

Leviticus 3:5

רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה

Leviticus 3:7

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “to Yahweh”

Leviticus 3:8

וְ⁠סָמַ֤ךְ אֶת־ יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־ רֹ֣אשׁ

This is a symbolic action that identifies the person with the animal he is offering. In this way the person is offering himself to Yahweh through the animal. (See: Symbolic Action)

וְ֠⁠זָרְקוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת־ דָּמ֛⁠וֹ

It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 3:9

אֶת־ הַ⁠קֶּ֔רֶב

The inner parts are the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 3:10

שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֔ת וְ⁠אֶת־ הַ⁠חֵ֨לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־ הַ⁠כְּסָלִ֑ים וְ⁠אֶת־ הַ⁠יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל־ הַ⁠כָּבֵ֔ד עַל־ הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֖ת יְסִירֶֽ⁠נָּה

The words he will remove can be placed at the beginning of the sentence in verse 9. “he will remove the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the lobe on the liver”

וְ⁠אֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֔ת

You can start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He must remove the kidneys”

הַ⁠כְּסָלִ֑ים

The loins is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.

הַ⁠יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל־ הַ⁠כָּבֵ֔ד

The lobe is the curved or rounded part of the liver. This is considered the best part of the liver to eat. Alternate translation: “the best part of the liver”

Leviticus 3:11

וְ⁠הִקְטִיר֥⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ⁠ה לֶ֥חֶם אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Translate this in a way that makes it clear that Yahweh does not actually eat the food. Alternate translation: “will burn those things on the altar as an offering to Yahweh. Those things will come from your food supplies”

Leviticus 3:12

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “to Yahweh”

Leviticus 3:13

וְ⁠סָמַ֤ךְ אֶת־ יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־ רֹאשׁ֔⁠וֹ

וְ֠⁠זָרְקוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת־ דָּמ֛⁠וֹ

It is implied that before they sprinkle the blood, they catch the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 3:14

וְ⁠הִקְרִ֤יב

Here he refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

Leviticus 3:16

וְ⁠הִקְטִירָ֥⁠ם הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ⁠ה לֶ֤חֶם אִשֶּׁה֙ לְ⁠רֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֔חַ

Translate this in a way that it does not seem like Yahweh actually eats the food. Alternate translation: “will burn those things on the altar to be an offering to Yahweh. It will be as though they are food given to Yahweh”

לְ⁠רֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֔חַ

Yahweh is pleased with the aroma of burning meat when he is pleased with the worshiper’s sincerity. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 3:17

חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְ⁠דֹרֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever.

וְ⁠כָל־ דָּ֖ם

Alternate translation: “or consume any blood”

Leviticus 4

Leviticus 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions on how to offer a sacrifice for unintentional sins. This is known as a sin offering. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Special concepts in this chapter

Unintentional sins

Many scholars have taken special note that all of the sacrifices concern sins that are unintentional and that no provision is offered for sins intentionally committed. Many have suggested that it is only the sacrifice of Jesus’ life that can be offered for these sins. Many also believe that this offering parallels the sacrifice of Jesus.

Leviticus 4:2

דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל לֵ⁠אמֹר֒ נֶ֗פֶשׁ כִּֽי־ תֶחֱטָ֤א

This is a quotation that contains a quotation. You can use an direct quotation instead. “Tell the people of Israel that when anyone sins” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לֹ֣א תֵעָשֶׂ֑ינָה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the commands of Yahweh that tell people what they must not do” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:3

לְ⁠אַשְׁמַ֣ת הָ⁠עָ֑ם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word guilt, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “so as to cause the people to be guilty” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 4:4

וְ⁠הֵבִ֣יא אֶת־ הַ⁠פָּ֗ר

Alternate translation: “And the high priest must bring the bull”

וְ⁠סָמַ֤ךְ אֶת־ יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־ רֹ֣אשׁ

Leviticus 4:5

וְ⁠לָקַ֛ח הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֥ן הַ⁠מָּשִׁ֖יחַ מִ⁠דַּ֣ם

It is implied that the priest catches the blood in a bowl as it drains from the animal. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 4:6

וְ⁠הִזָּ֨ה מִן־

Alternate translation: “and drip some of” or “and splatter some of”

Leviticus 4:7

קַ֠רְנוֹת מִזְבַּ֨ח

The horns of the altar refer to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. Alternate translation: “the projections at the corners of the altar of”

יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙

Alternate translation: “he will empty out”

אֶל־ יְסוֹד֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח

Alternate translation: “at the bottom of the altar of”

Leviticus 4:8

יָרִ֣ים

Alternate translation: “the priest will cut away”

הַ⁠קֶּ֔רֶב

The inner parts are the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 4:9

הַ⁠כְּסָלִ֑ים

The loins is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone.

הַ⁠יֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל־ הַ⁠כָּבֵ֔ד

This is the curved or rounded part of the liver. This is considered the best part of the liver to eat. Alternate translation: “the best part of the liver”

Leviticus 4:11

וְ⁠אֶת־ ע֤וֹר הַ⁠פָּר֙ וְ⁠אֶת־ כָּל־ בְּשָׂר֔⁠וֹ עַל־ רֹאשׁ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠עַל־ כְּרָעָ֑י⁠ו וְ⁠קִרְבּ֖⁠וֹ וּ⁠פִרְשֽׁ⁠וֹ

You may want to begin this sentence with words that tell your reader that the sentence is very long. “As for the skin of the bull and all its flesh, with its head and with its legs and its inner parts and its dung”

Leviticus 4:12

מָק֤וֹם טָהוֹר֙

A place that is ritually pure and suitable to use for serving God is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 4:13

מִ⁠כָּל־ מִצְוֺ֧ת יְהוָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־ תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “commanded them not to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:14

וְ⁠נֽוֹדְעָה֙ הַֽ⁠חַטָּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָטְא֖וּ עָלֶ֑י⁠הָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and they realize that they have sinned against it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:15

וְ֠⁠סָמְכוּ זִקְנֵ֨י הָ⁠עֵדָ֧ה אֶת־ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֛ם עַל־ רֹ֥אשׁ

This is a symbolic action that identifies the people with the animal they are offering. In this way the people are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 1:4. (See: Symbolic Action)

וְ⁠שָׁחַ֥ט אֶת־ הַ⁠פָּ֖ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And they will kill the bull” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:16

וְ⁠הֵבִ֛יא הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֥ן הַ⁠מָּשִׁ֖יחַ מִ⁠דַּ֣ם

It is implied that the priest caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the bull. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 4:17

הַ⁠פָּרֹֽכֶת

It is implied that this is the curtain before the most holy place. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 4:18

יִתֵּ֣ן

Alternate translation: “the priest will put”

קַרְנֹ֣ת הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֗חַ

Here, the horns of the altar refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

כָּל־ הַ⁠דָּ֗ם יִשְׁפֹּךְ֙

Alternate translation: “he will pour out the rest of the blood”

Leviticus 4:19

כָּל־ חֶלְבּ֖⁠וֹ יָרִ֣ים מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ וְ⁠הִקְטִ֖יר

Alternate translation: “he will remove all the fat from the bull and burn the fat”

Leviticus 4:20

וְ⁠עָשָׂ֣ה

Alternate translation: “And the priest must do”

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֧ר עֲלֵ⁠הֶ֛ם הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word atonement, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “And the priest will atone for the people’s sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לָ⁠הֶֽם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will forgive them” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:22

מִ⁠כָּל־ מִצְוֺת֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהָ֜י⁠ו אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹא־ תֵעָשֶׂ֛ינָה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: from all the things that God has commanded the people not to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:23

הוֹדַ֤ע אֵלָי⁠ו֙ חַטָּאת֔⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָטָ֖א בָּ֑⁠הּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he realizes that he has sinned” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:24

וְ⁠סָמַ֤ךְ

Alternate translation: “And the ruler will lay”

וְ⁠סָמַ֤ךְ יָד⁠וֹ֙ עַל־ רֹ֣אשׁ

אֲשֶׁר־ יִשְׁחַ֥ט

Alternate translation: “where the priest kills”

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” or “to Yahweh”

Leviticus 4:25

וְ⁠לָקַ֨ח הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֜ן מִ⁠דַּ֤ם

It is implied that the priest will catch the blood in a bowl as the blood drains from the goat. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח

The horns of the altar refer to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

Leviticus 4:26

יַקְטִ֣יר

Alternate translation: “the priest will burn”

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will forgive the ruler’s sins” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:27

אַחַ֨ת מִ⁠מִּצְוֺ֧ת יְהוָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־ תֵעָשֶׂ֖ינָה

All of the people of Israel were commanded not to sin. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one thing that Yahweh commanded the people not to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:28

הוֹדַ֣ע אֵלָ֔י⁠ו חַטָּאת֖⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֑א

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he becomes aware of the sin he committed” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 4:29

וְ⁠סָמַךְ֙ אֶת־ יָד֔⁠וֹ עַ֖ל רֹ֣אשׁ

Leviticus 4:30

וְ⁠לָקַ֨ח הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֤ן מִ⁠דָּמָ⁠הּ֙

It is implied that the priest will catch the blood in a bowl as the blood drains from the animal. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח

The horns of the altar refer to the corners of the altar, which are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

כָּל־ דָּמָ֣⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “all the blood remaining in the bowl”

Leviticus 4:31

יָסִ֗יר

Here he refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוּסַ֣ר חֵלֶב֮

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “just as a person cuts away the fat” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠הִקְטִ֤יר הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙

Alternate translation: “And the priest will burn the fat”

לְ⁠רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָ֑ה

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֥ר עָלָ֛י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ⁠וֹ

Leviticus 4:33

וְ⁠סָמַךְ֙ אֶת־ יָד֔⁠וֹ עַ֖ל רֹ֣אשׁ

אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁחַ֖ט

Alternate translation: “where the priest kills”

Leviticus 4:34

קַרְנֹ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח

The horns of the altar refer to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

כָּל־ דָּמָ֣⁠הּ יִשְׁפֹּ֔ךְ

Alternate translation: “he will pour out the rest of its blood”

Leviticus 4:35

יָסִ֗יר

Here, he refers to the person offering the sacrifice.

כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר יוּסַ֥ר חֵֽלֶב־ הַ⁠כֶּשֶׂב֮

וְ⁠הִקְטִ֨יר הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֤ן אֹתָ⁠ם֙

Alternate translation: “And the priest will burn the fat”

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן עַל־ חַטָּאת֥⁠וֹ

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ⁠וֹ

Leviticus 5

Leviticus 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions about how to offer a specific type of sacrifice.

Special concepts in this chapter

Not testifying

If a person saw a crime, or a wrong being done, they were required to be a witness about what they saw or heard. (See: testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)

Sacrifices for the poor

This chapter explains that poor people were allowed to offer less expensive sacrifices if they could not afford more costly sacrifices.

Leviticus 5:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 5:2

טָמֵא֒…טְמֵאָ֗ה…טְמֵאָ֔ה…טָמֵ֑א…טָמֵ֖א

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

בְ⁠נִבְלַ֨ת…בְּ⁠נִבְלַת֙…בְּ⁠נִבְלַ֖ת

Alternate translation: “it be the dead body of … the dead body of … the dead body of”

Leviticus 5:3

כִ֤י יִגַּע֙ בְּ⁠טֻמְאַ֣ת אָדָ֔ם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word uncleanness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “if he touches anything that makes a person unclean” (See: Abstract Nouns)

בְּ⁠טֻמְאַ֣ת…טֻמְאָת֔⁠וֹ…יִטְמָ֖א

Something that Yahweh has declared unfit for a person to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נֶעְלַ֣ם מִמֶּ֔⁠נּוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and he does not realize it” or “and he does not know about it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 5:4

נֶ֡פֶשׁ כִּ֣י תִשָּׁבַע֩ לְ⁠בַטֵּ֨א בִ⁠שְׂפָתַ֜יִם

Here, lips represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “if anyone swears rashly” (See: Synecdoche)

נֶ֡פֶשׁ כִּ֣י תִשָּׁבַע֩ לְ⁠בַטֵּ֨א

This means to swear an oath without thinking seriously about it. It implies that after the person swears the oath that he either cannot fulfill it or he does not really want to fulfill it. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 5:6

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֥ר עָלָ֛י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן

Leviticus 5:8

וּ⁠מָלַ֧ק אֶת־ רֹאשׁ֛⁠וֹ מִ⁠מּ֥וּל עָרְפּ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יַבְדִּֽיל

Alternate translation: “And he will kill it by twisting its head and breaking its neck, but he will not remove the head”

Leviticus 5:10

כַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֑ט

Alternate translation: “as Yahweh has instructed”

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ⁠וֹ

Leviticus 5:11

עֲשִׂירִ֧ת הָ⁠אֵפָ֛ה

An ephah is 22 liters. A tenth of an ephah is about two liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

עֲשִׂירִ֧ת

A tenth is one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

Leviticus 5:12

וֶ⁠הֱבִיאָ⁠הּ֮

Alternate translation: “And he must bring the fine flour”

אֶת־ אַזְכָּרָתָ⁠ה֙

The memorial offering is the handful that the priest burns on the altar represents the entire offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

Leviticus 5:13

וְ⁠כִפֶּר֩ עָלָ֨י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֜ן

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֣ח ל֑⁠וֹ

Leviticus 5:15

נֶ֚פֶשׁ כִּֽי־ תִמְעֹ֣ל מַ֔עַל וְ⁠חָֽטְאָה֙ בִּ⁠שְׁגָגָ֔ה מִ⁠קָּדְשֵׁ֖י יְהוָ֑ה

This means the person sinned by not giving to Yahweh what Yahweh commanded him to give. Alternate translation: “If a person sins by failing to give to Yahweh what belongs to Yahweh”

Leviticus 5:16

וְ⁠אֶת־ חֲמִֽישִׁת⁠וֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֔י⁠ו

This means the person must pay an extra one-fifth of the value of what he owes to Yahweh.

חֲמִֽישִׁת⁠וֹ֙

The one-fifth is one part out of five equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וְ⁠הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֗ן יְכַפֵּ֥ר עָלָ֛י⁠ו

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ⁠וֹ

Leviticus 5:17

אַחַת֙ מִ⁠כָּל־ מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לֹ֣א תֵעָשֶׂ֑ינָה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “one thing that Yahweh has commanded the people not to do” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠נָשָׂ֥א עֲוֺנֽ⁠וֹ

A person’s iniquity is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. Here the word iniquity represents the punishment for that guilt. Alternate translation: “and he is responsible for his own guilt” or “Yahweh will punish him for his sin” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 5:18

בְּ⁠עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֥

This means the person must determine how many shekels the ram is worth by using the official standard of the sacred tent. See Leviticus 5:15. (See: Ellipsis)

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ⁠וֹ

Leviticus 5:19

אָשֹׁ֥ם אָשַׁ֖ם לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “Yahweh certainly considers him guilty”

Leviticus 6

Leviticus 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions on how to offer guilt offerings, burnt offerings, and grain offerings.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eating sacrifices

The Levites were allowed to eat some of the leftover parts of the sacrifice, while they were not allowed to eat other sacrifices. The reasons for this is unknown.

Leviticus 6:2

וּ⁠מָעֲלָ֥ה מַ֖עַל בַּ⁠יהוָ֑ה

Alternate translation: “and disobeys one of Yahweh’s commandments”

Leviticus 6:4

אֶת־ הַ⁠פִּקָּד֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָפְקַ֖ד אִתּ֑⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “not returning something he borrowed”

Leviticus 6:5

בְּ⁠רֹאשׁ֔⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “fully” or “totally”

וַ⁠חֲמִשִׁתָ֖י⁠ו יֹסֵ֣ף

This means the person must return what he owes to someone and pay an extra one-fifth of the value. See how you translated this in Leviticus 5:16. (See: Fractions)

לַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר ה֥וּא ל֛⁠וֹ יִתְּנֶ֖⁠נּוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he must pay the person he owes” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:6

בְּ⁠עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֥

This means the person must determine how many shekels the ram is worth by using the official standard of the sacred tent. You can make clear the understood information. See how this was translated in Leviticus 5:15. (See: Ellipsis)

Leviticus 6:7

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֣ח ל֑⁠וֹ

This means Yahweh will forgive the person, not the priest. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and God will forgive him” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:9

צַ֤ו אֶֽת־ אַהֲרֹן֙ וְ⁠אֶת־ בָּנָ֣י⁠ו לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת הָ⁠עֹלָ֑ה

This sentence has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. “Tell Aaron and his sons that this is the law” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

עַל֩ מוֹקְדָ֨ה עַל־ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֤חַ

Alternate translation: “must be on top of the altar”

וְ⁠אֵ֥שׁ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ תּ֥וּקַד בּֽ⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you must keep the fire of the altar burning” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:10

וּ⁠מִֽכְנְסֵי־ בַד֮ יִלְבַּ֣שׁ

Linen is a white cloth. Alternate translation: “and he will put on his white underclothes” (See: Translate Unknowns)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאכַ֥ל הָ⁠אֵ֛שׁ אֶת־ הָ⁠עֹלָ֖ה עַל־ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ

The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if it consumed or used up the burnt offering.

Leviticus 6:11

אֶל־ מָק֖וֹם טָהֽוֹר

Here, a clean place that is fit to be used for God’s purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 6:12

וְ⁠הָ⁠אֵ֨שׁ עַל־ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֤חַ תּֽוּקַד־ בּ⁠וֹ֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And the priest will keep the fire on the altar burning” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:15

רֵ֧יחַ נִיחֹ֛חַ

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 1:9. (See: Metaphor)

אַזְכָּרָתָ֖⁠הּ

The memorial portion was a handful of the grain offering representing the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:2.

Leviticus 6:16

תֵּֽאָכֵל֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They must eat it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:17

לֹ֤א תֵאָפֶה֙ חָמֵ֔ץ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not bake it with yeast” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:18

כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־ יִגַּ֥ע בָּ⁠הֶ֖ם יִקְדָּֽשׁ

This could mean: (1) this refers to any object that touches this offering. This is a warning to keep unclean things away from the offering. (2) this refers to any person who touches this offering. This is an implied warning that those who are not male descendants of Aaron should not touch this offering. Alternate translation: “anyone who touches them will become holy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 6:20

בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ הִמָּשַׁ֣ח אֹת֔⁠וֹ

It is implied that they will be anointed when they become priests. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “on the day when he is anointed as priest” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ הִמָּשַׁ֣ח אֹת֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “on the day when he anoints each son as priest” (See: Active or Passive)

עֲשִׂירִ֨ת הָ⁠אֵפָ֥ה

An ephah is 22 liters. A tenth part of an ephah is about 2 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

עֲשִׂירִ֨ת

A tenth is one part of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

Leviticus 6:21

תֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will make it” (See: Active or Passive)

עַֽל־ מַחֲבַ֗ת

This griddle was a thick plate made of either clay or metal. The griddle was placed over a fire, and the dough cooked on top of the plate. See how you translated “flat iron pan” in Leviticus 2:5. (See: Translate Unknowns)

מֻרְבֶּ֣כֶת

Alternate translation: “When the flour is completely wet with oil”

תְּבִיאֶ֑⁠נָּה

Here, you refers to the person offering the sacrifice. (See: Forms of You)

רֵֽיחַ־ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Leviticus 6:22

כָּלִ֥יל תָּקְטָֽר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he must completely burn all of it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:25

דַּבֵּ֤ר אֶֽל־ אַהֲרֹן֙ וְ⁠אֶל־ בָּנָ֣י⁠ו לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת

This sentence has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. “Tell Aaron and his sons that this is the law” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

דַּבֵּ֤ר אֶֽל־ אַהֲרֹן֙ וְ⁠אֶל־ בָּנָ֣י⁠ו

Yahweh is speaking to Aaron and his sons, but these regulations apply to all priest who perform these sacrifices. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

תִּשָּׁחֵ֤ט הַֽ⁠חַטָּאת֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה

It can be made explicit that before the face of Yahweh refers to the north side of the altar. See Leviticus 1:10-11. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

תִּשָּׁחֵ֤ט הַֽ⁠חַטָּאת֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must kill the sin offering” (See: Active or Passive)

אֲשֶׁר֩ תִּשָּׁחֵ֨ט הָ⁠עֹלָ֜ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where you kill the animal for the burnt offering” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:26

תֵּֽאָכֵ֔ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He must eat it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:27

כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־ יִגַּ֥ע בִּ⁠בְשָׂרָ֖⁠הּ יִקְדָּ֑שׁ

See how you translated a similar sentence in 6:18.

וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִזֶּ֤ה מִ⁠דָּמָ⁠הּ֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And if the blood sprinkles” or “And if you sprinkle some of the blood” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:28

וּ⁠כְלִי־ חֶ֛רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּבֻשַּׁל־ בּ֖⁠וֹ יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And you must break the clay pot in which you boiled the meat” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠אִם־ בִּ⁠כְלִ֤י נְחֹ֨שֶׁת֙ בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה וּ⁠מֹרַ֥ק וְ⁠שֻׁטַּ֖ף בַּ⁠מָּֽיִם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And if you boiled the meat in a bronze pot, then you must scrub the pot and rinse it with clean water” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 6:30

וְ⁠כָל־ חַטָּ֡את אֲשֶׁר֩ יוּבָ֨א מִ⁠דָּמָ֜⁠הּ אֶל־ אֹ֧הֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד לְ⁠כַפֵּ֥ר בַּ⁠קֹּ֖דֶשׁ לֹ֣א תֵאָכֵ֑ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And no one may eat any sin offering whose blood the priest has brought into the tent of meeting to make atonement in the holy place” (See: Active or Passive)

תִּשָּׂרֵֽף

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The priest must burn it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7

Leviticus 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter gives instructions on how to offer guilt offerings, peace offerings and freewill offerings.

Special concepts in this chapter

Blood

The people were not allowed to eat or drink the blood of the sacrificed meat because life was considered to be in the blood of the animal. (See: blood and Leviticus 17:11)

Leviticus 7:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what he must tell Aaron and his sons.

Leviticus 7:2

בִּ⁠מְק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁחֲטוּ֙ אֶת־ הָ֣⁠עֹלָ֔ה

It can be made explicit that this refers to the north side of the altar where the animals for the burnt offerings are killed. See Leviticus 1:10-11. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 7:3

כָּל־ חֶלְבּ֖⁠וֹ יַקְרִ֣יב מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the priest must offer all the fat in it” (See: Active or Passive)

אֶת־ הַ⁠קֶּֽרֶב

The inner parts are the stomach and intestines.

Leviticus 7:4

הַ⁠כְּסָלִ֑ים

The loins is the part of the body on the sides of the backbone between the ribs and hipbone. See how you translated this in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 7:6

יֵאָכֵ֔ל

Leviticus 7:7

תּוֹרָ֥ה אַחַ֖ת לָ⁠הֶ֑ם

Alternate translation: “The law is the same for both of them”

הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְכַפֶּר־ בּ֖⁠וֹ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word atonement, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The priest who offers the sacrifice to atone for someone’s sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 7:8

ע֤וֹר

The hide is the coat or skin of a herd animal.

Leviticus 7:9

אֲשֶׁ֤ר תֵּֽאָפֶה֙ בַּ⁠תַּנּ֔וּר…נַעֲשָׂ֥ה בַ⁠מַּרְחֶ֖שֶׁת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that someone bakes in an oven … that someone cooks in a frying pan” (See: Active or Passive)

בַּ⁠תַּנּ֔וּר

This oven was probably a hollow object made of clay. A fire was lit under the oven, and the heat would bake the dough inside of the oven. See how you translated this in Leviticus 2:4. (See: Translate Unknowns)

בַ⁠מַּרְחֶ֖שֶׁת

This frying pan was metal plate with rounded edges. The dough was placed in the pan and cooked over a fire. See how you translated “pan” in Leviticus 2:7. (See: Translate Unknowns)

מַחֲבַ֑ת

This griddle was a thick plate made of either clay or metal. The plate was placed over a fire, and the dough cooked on top of the plate. See how you translated “flat iron pan” in Leviticus 2:5. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 7:12

חַלּ֤וֹת מַצּוֹת֙ בְּלוּלֹ֣ת בַּ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of cakes without yeast that he mixed with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

חַלּ֤וֹת

Here, cakes refers to a thick bread.

וּ⁠רְקִיקֵ֥י מַצּ֖וֹת מְשֻׁחִ֣ים בַּ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of thin cakes without yeast upon which he spread oil” (See: Active or Passive)

וּ⁠רְקִיקֵ֥י

Here, wafers refers to a thin bread.

וְ⁠סֹ֣לֶת מֻרְבֶּ֔כֶת חַלֹּ֖ת בְּלוּלֹ֥ת בַּ⁠שָּֽׁמֶן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of cakes that he made with fine flour into which he thoroughly mixed oil” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠סֹ֣לֶת מֻרְבֶּ֔כֶת חַלֹּ֖ת

These cakes were a thick bread. It is similar to the first type of bread except it is made with the finest flour.

Leviticus 7:13

חַלֹּת֙

These cakes were a thick bread.

Leviticus 7:15

לֹֽא־ יַנִּ֥יחַ

Alternate translation: “The person who offers the sacrifice must not leave”

וּ⁠בְשַׂ֗ר זֶ֚בַח תּוֹדַ֣ת שְׁלָמָ֔י⁠ו

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word thanksgiving, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “And the meat that makes up the peace offering for the purpose of thanking Yahweh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 7:16

יֵאָכֵ֑ל…וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹתָ֥ר מִמֶּ֖⁠נּוּ יֵאָכֵֽל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he may eat it … he may eat whatever remains of it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7:17

בַּ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י

The word third is the ordinal number for three. Alternate translation: “after two days” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹתָ֖ר מִ⁠בְּשַׂ֣ר הַ⁠זָּ֑בַח בַּ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י בָּ⁠אֵ֖שׁ יִשָּׂרֵֽף

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And on the third day he must burn in the fire what is left from the meat of the sacrifice” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7:18

וְ⁠אִ֣ם הֵאָכֹ֣ל יֵ֠אָכֵל מִ⁠בְּשַׂר־ זֶ֨בַח שְׁלָמָ֜י⁠ו בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁי֮

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If anyone eats the meat of his peace offering sacrifice on the third day” (See: Active or Passive)

לֹ֣א יֵרָצֶה֒

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not accept it” (See: Active or Passive)

הַ⁠מַּקְרִ֣יב אֹת֗⁠וֹ לֹ֧א יֵחָשֵׁ֛ב ל֖⁠וֹ

עֲוֺנָ֥⁠הּ תִּשָּֽׂא

A person being responsible for the sin he committed is spoken of as if he had to carry his iniquity physically. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 7:19

וְ⁠הַ⁠בָּשָׂ֞ר אֲשֶׁר־ יִגַּ֤ע בְּ⁠כָל־ טָמֵא֙ לֹ֣א יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And no one may eat meat that touches something unclean” (See: Active or Passive)

טָמֵא֙

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

יִשָּׂרֵ֑ף

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must burn it” (See: Active or Passive)

כָּל־ טָה֖וֹר

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 7:20

וְ⁠טֻמְאָת֖⁠וֹ עָלָ֑י⁠ו

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if his uncleanness were physically placed on him. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מֵ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “that person must be separated from his people like a branch cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מֵ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that person may no longer live among his people” or “you must separate that person from his people” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7:21

בְּ⁠טֻמְאַ֤ת אָדָם֙

Here, a human could be either a man or a woman. Alternate translation: “a person”

א֚וֹ בְּ⁠כָל־ שֶׁ֣קֶץ טָמֵ֔א

Alternate translation: “or of some unclean thing that disgusts Yahweh”

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מֵ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must remove that person from your people” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7:24

וְ⁠חֵ֤לֶב נְבֵלָה֙ וְ⁠חֵ֣לֶב טְרֵפָ֔ה יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה לְ⁠כָל־ מְלָאכָ֑ה וְ⁠אָכֹ֖ל לֹ֥א תֹאכְלֻֽ⁠הוּ

Alternate translation: “And you may certainly not eat the fat of a carcass or the fat of an animal that was torn by wild animals, but you may use it for other purposes”

וְ⁠חֵ֣לֶב טְרֵפָ֔ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “or the fat of an animal that wild animals killed” (See: Active or Passive)

יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you may use” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7:25

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הָ⁠אֹכֶ֖לֶת מֵֽ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:20. (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 7:26

בְּ⁠כֹ֖ל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

Alternate translation: “in any of your homes” or “wherever you live”

Leviticus 7:29

דַּבֵּ֛ר אֶל־ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר הַ⁠מַּקְרִ֞יב

This sentence has a quotation within a quotation. You can translate this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “Tell the people of Israel that the one who offers” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

Leviticus 7:30

יָדָ֣י⁠ו תְּבִיאֶ֔ינָה

Here His hands represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “He must bring” (See: Synecdoche)

אֵ֣ת הֶ⁠חָזֶ֗ה

The breast is the front part of the animal’s body below the neck.

לְ⁠הָנִ֥יף אֹת֛⁠וֹ תְּנוּפָ֖ה

Here, to wave the offering is a symbolic gesture that shows that the person is dedicating the sacrifice to Yahweh. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 7:32

שׁ֣וֹק הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ין

The thigh is the upper part of the leg above the knee.

Leviticus 7:34

לָקַ֨חְתִּי֙

Here, I refers to Yahweh.

Leviticus 7:36

בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ מָשְׁח֣⁠וֹ אֹתָ֔⁠ם

Alternate translation: “on the day Moses anointed them as priests”

לְ⁠דֹרֹתָֽ⁠ם

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 7:37

Verses 37-38 are the end of a speech started in verse Leviticus 7:29.

Leviticus 8

Leviticus 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter, Moses set apart, or consecrated, the sons of Aaron to be priests. (See: consecrate, consecrated, consecration and priest, priesthood)

Leviticus 8:1

In chapter 8 Moses ordains Aaron and his sons as priests according to the commands of Yahweh that Moses recorded in the book of Exodus.

Leviticus 8:2

הַ⁠בְּגָדִ֔ים

Alternate translation: “the priestly garments” or “the clothes that the priests wore”

Leviticus 8:5

צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה לַ⁠עֲשֽׂוֹת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh commands us to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 8:6

וַ⁠יִּרְחַ֥ץ אֹתָ֖⁠ם בַּ⁠מָּֽיִם

This is a symbolic action. It is a ritually cleaning that prepares them to become priests. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 8:7

אֶת־ הַ⁠כֻּתֹּ֗נֶת…בָּֽ⁠אַבְנֵ֔ט…הַ⁠מְּעִ֔יל…אֶת־ הָ⁠אֵפֹ֑ד…בְּ⁠חֵ֨שֶׁב֙ הָֽ⁠אֵפֹ֔ד

These are special garments that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

בָּֽ⁠אַבְנֵ֔ט

A sash is a long piece of cloth that is tied around the waist or chest.

וַ⁠יֶּאְפֹּ֥ד ל֖⁠וֹ בּֽ⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “and tied it around him”

Leviticus 8:8

וַ⁠יָּ֥שֶׂם עָלָ֖י⁠ו אֶת־ הַ⁠חֹ֑שֶׁן

Alternate translation: “And Moses placed the breastpiece on Aaron”

אֶת־ הַ⁠חֹ֑שֶׁן…הַ⁠חֹ֔שֶׁן

This is a special garment that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אֶת־ הָ⁠אוּרִ֖ים וְ⁠אֶת־ הַ⁠תֻּמִּֽים

It is not clear what the Urim and the Thummim are. They were objects that the priest somehow used to determine the will of God. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 8:9

אֶת־ הַ⁠מִּצְנֶ֖פֶת

A turban is a man’s head covering that is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head.

אֵ֣ת צִ֤יץ הַ⁠זָּהָב֙ נֵ֣זֶר הַ⁠קֹּ֔דֶשׁ

These two phrases refer to the same thing. It was a plate of pure gold attached to the turban.

Leviticus 8:11

כָּל־ כֵּלָ֗י⁠ו

These utensils were all the pots, pans, shovels, and forks used at the altar.

הַ⁠כִּיֹּ֛ר

This washbasin was a bronze basin that was located between the altar and the tabernacle.

כַּנּ֖⁠וֹ

This base was a bronze stand on which the washbasin was placed.

Leviticus 8:12

וַ⁠יִּצֹק֙

Alternate translation: “And Moses poured”

Leviticus 8:13

אַבְנֵ֔ט

The word sashes is the plural form of “sash.” See how you translated this in Leviticus 8:7.

Leviticus 8:14

וַ⁠יִּסְמֹ֨ךְ אַהֲרֹ֤ן וּ⁠בָנָי⁠ו֙ אֶת־ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֔ם עַל־ רֹ֖אשׁ

This is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:4. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 8:15

קַרְנ֨וֹת הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֤חַ

The horns of the altar refer to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

וַֽ⁠יְקַדְּשֵׁ֖⁠הוּ

Alternate translation: “And he set the altar apart for God”

לְ⁠כַפֵּ֥ר עָלָֽי⁠ו

Here, to make atonement means to make the altar fit for use in serving God. Alternate translation: “in order to make it a suitable place for burning sacrifices for sin”

Leviticus 8:16

הַ⁠קֶּרֶב֒

The inner parts were the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

הַ⁠כָּבֵ֔ד…הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֖ת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 8:17

עֹר⁠וֹ֙

A hide is the coat or skin of a herd animal.

Leviticus 8:18

וַֽ⁠יִּסְמְכ֞וּ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּ⁠בָנָ֛י⁠ו אֶת־ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־ רֹ֥אשׁ

Leviticus 8:21

לְ⁠רֵֽיחַ־ נִיחֹ֨חַ֙

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 1:9. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 8:22

אֵ֖יל הַ⁠מִּלֻּאִ֑ים

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word consecration, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the ram for setting Aaron and his sons apart for service to God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

וַֽ⁠יִּסְמְכ֞וּ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּ⁠בָנָ֛י⁠ו אֶת־ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־ רֹ֥אשׁ

This is a symbolic action that identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way the they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:4. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 8:23

וַ⁠יִּשְׁחָ֓ט׀ וַ⁠יִּקַּ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ מִ⁠דָּמ֔⁠וֹ

It is implied that Moses caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained out from the animal. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “And Moses slaughtered it, caught some of the blood in a bowl,” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 8:25

הַ⁠קֶּרֶב֒

Here, the inner parts refers to the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

הַ⁠כָּבֵ֔ד…הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֖ת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

שׁ֥וֹק הַ⁠יָּמִֽין

The thigh is the upper part of the leg above the knee. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:32.

Leviticus 8:26

וּ⁠מִ⁠סַּ֨ל הַ⁠מַּצּ֜וֹת אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֗ה

This does not refer to the location of the basket of bread. It means this is the bread that Moses had dedicated to Yahweh.

Leviticus 8:27

וַ⁠יִּתֵּ֣ן אֶת־ הַ⁠כֹּ֔ל עַ֚ל כַּפֵּ֣י אַהֲרֹ֔ן וְ⁠עַ֖ל כַּפֵּ֣י בָנָ֑י⁠ו

Here, hands represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “gave it all to Aaron and his sons” (See: Synecdoche)

וַ⁠יָּ֧נֶף אֹתָ֛⁠ם תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

It is implied that Aaron and his sons presented the offering. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “and Aaron and his sons waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וַ⁠יָּ֧נֶף אֹתָ֛⁠ם

This is a symbolic action that dedicates the offering to Yahweh. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 8:28

וַ⁠יִּקַּ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֤ה אֹתָ⁠ם֙

Here, them refers to the fat, thigh, and all of the bread.

מִלֻּאִ֥ים הֵם֙

Alternate translation: “They were an offering for setting Aaron and his sons apart for service to Yahweh”

לְ⁠רֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֔חַ

Leviticus 8:29

אֶת־ הֶ֣⁠חָזֶ֔ה

The breast is the front part of the animal’s body below the neck.

מֵ⁠אֵ֣יל הַ⁠מִּלֻּאִ֗ים

Here, * consecration* refers to an official ceremony that makes someone a priest.

Leviticus 8:31

בְּ⁠סַ֣ל הַ⁠מִּלֻּאִ֑ים

This means the basket contains offerings used while consecrating Aaron and his sons.

צִוֵּ֨יתִי֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר אַהֲרֹ֥ן וּ⁠בָנָ֖י⁠ו יֹאכְלֻֽ⁠הוּ

This is a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “I commanded Aaron and his sons will eat it” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

Leviticus 8:33

עַ֚ד י֣וֹם מְלֹ֔את יְמֵ֖י מִלֻּאֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until you fulfill the days of your ordination” (See: Active or Passive)

יְמֵ֖י מִלֻּאֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

This consecration was an official ceremony that made someone a priest. See how you translated this in Leviticus 8:29.

Leviticus 8:34

לַ⁠עֲשֹׂ֖ת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “us to do” (See: Active or Passive)

לְ⁠כַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word atonement, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “to atone for your sins” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 8:35

כֵ֖ן צֻוֵּֽיתִי

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this is what he has commanded me” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 9

Leviticus 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Aaron begins to function as the high priest in this chapter. (See: high priest, chief priests)

Special concepts in this chapter

Following Yahweh’s instructions

Great care is taken to show that Aaron perfectly followed Yahweh’s instructions. Moses records every detail to show how Aaron correctly followed Yahweh.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Fire came out from Yahweh”

Aaron did not create the fire that consumed his sacrifice. Instead, Yahweh miraculously began the fire which consumed the sacrifice. This showed that the sacrifice was acceptable to him. (See: miracle, wonder, sign)

Leviticus 9:1

בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁמִינִ֔י

The word eighth is the ordinal number for eight. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Leviticus 9:2

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “to Yahweh” or “in the presence of Yahweh”

Leviticus 9:3

וְ⁠אֶל־ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל תְּדַבֵּ֣ר לֵ⁠אמֹ֑ר קְח֤וּ שְׂעִיר־ עִזִּים֙

This is the beginning of a direct quote within a direct quote. You can change this into an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “And you must tell the people of Israel to take a male goat” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

בְּנֵי־ שָׁנָ֛ה

Alternate translation: “a year old” or “twelve months of age”

Leviticus 9:4

לִ⁠זְבֹּ֨חַ֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה

Alternate translation: “to sacrifice to Yahweh”

Leviticus 9:6

צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ

Here, you refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

וְ⁠יֵרָ֥א אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם כְּב֥וֹד יְהוָֽה

Here, glory represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “so that Yahweh may show you the glory of his presence” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 9:7

וַ⁠עֲשֵׂ֞ה אֶת־ חַטָּֽאתְ⁠ךָ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־ עֹ֣לָתֶ֔⁠ךָ…וַ⁠עֲשֵׂ֞ה אֶת־ קָרְבַּ֤ן הָ⁠עָם֙ וְ⁠כַפֵּ֣ר בַּֽעֲדָ֔⁠ם

These are two different sacrifices. The first sacrifice is to atone for the sins of the high priest. When the high priest sins it also makes the people guilty (Leviticus 4:3). The second sacrifice is to atone of the sins the people themselves commit.

Leviticus 9:9

וַ֠⁠יַּקְרִבוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֣ן אֶת־ הַ⁠דָּם֮ אֵלָי⁠ו֒

This implies that they caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the animal. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

קַרְנ֣וֹת הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ

The horns of the altar refer to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7.

יְס֖וֹד הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּֽחַ

Alternate translation: “the bottom of the altar”

Leviticus 9:10

הִקְטִ֖יר

Alternate translation: “Aaron burned”

הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֜ת…הַ⁠כָּבֵד֙

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 9:11

הָ⁠ע֑וֹר

A hide is the coat or skin of a herd animal. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:8.

Leviticus 9:12

וַ֠⁠יַּמְצִאוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֤ן אֵלָי⁠ו֙ אֶת־ הַ⁠דָּ֔ם

It is implied that the sons of Aaron caught the blood in a bowl as the blood drained from the animal. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 9:14

אֶת־ הַ⁠קֶּ֖רֶב

Here, the inner parts refers to the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

Leviticus 9:15

כָּ⁠רִאשֽׁוֹן

The word first is the ordinal number for one. Alternate translation: “like the goat of the sin offering” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Leviticus 9:17

מִ⁠לְּ⁠בַ֖ד עֹלַ֥ת הַ⁠בֹּֽקֶר

The burnt offering of the morning refers to the first sacrifice of each day. The priests would offer this burnt sacrifice in the morning before any other sacrifice. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 9:18

וַ⁠יִּשְׁחַ֤ט

Alternate translation: “And Aaron killed”

וַ֠⁠יַּמְצִאוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֤ן אֶת־ הַ⁠דָּם֙ אֵלָ֔י⁠ו

It is implied that they caught the blood in a bowl. The full meaning of this statement may be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 9:19

וְ⁠הַֽ⁠מְכַסֶּה֙

The inner parts* are the stomach and intestines. See how you translated this in Leviticus 1:9.

וְ⁠הַ⁠כְּלָיֹ֔ת…הַ⁠כָּבֵֽד

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:4.

Leviticus 9:20

וַ⁠יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ אֶת־ הַ⁠חֲלָבִ֖ים עַל־ הֶ⁠חָז֑וֹת וַ⁠יַּקְטֵ֥ר

Alternate translation: “Aaron’s sons then put the fat portions on the breasts, and Aaron burned”

הֶ⁠חָז֑וֹת

The breast is front part of the animal’s body below the neck. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:30.

Leviticus 9:21

שׁ֣וֹק הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ין

The thigh is the upper part of the leg above the knee. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:32.

לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Alternate translation: “to Yahweh”

Leviticus 9:22

וַ⁠יֵּ֗רֶד

The phrase came down is used because the place of the altar was higher than where the people were standing.

Leviticus 9:23

וַ⁠יֵּרָ֥א כְבוֹד־ יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־ כָּל־ הָ⁠עָֽם

Here, glory represents Yahweh’s presence. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh showed all the people the glory of his presence” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 9:24

וַ⁠תֵּ֤צֵא אֵשׁ֙ מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וַ⁠תֹּ֨אכַל֙

Alternate translation: “And Yahweh sent a fire that consumed”

וַ⁠תֹּ֨אכַל֙…אֶת־ הָ⁠עֹלָ֖ה

The fire completely burning up the offering is spoken of as if the fire consumed or used up the burnt offering. (See: Metaphor)

וַֽ⁠יִּפְּל֖וּ עַל־ פְּנֵי⁠הֶֽם

This is a sign respect and honor. Alternate translation: “and lay with their faces to the ground” (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 10

Leviticus 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 10:3.

Special concepts in this chapter

Mourning

Aaron was told that he and his remaining sons should not mourn Aaron’s sons who were killed. As priests, they must put priestly work first, before their mourning and personal problems.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Unapproved fire”

The phrase “unapproved fire “ indicates that Aaron’s son offered an unacceptable sacrifice. Because of Yahweh’s holiness, this was a serious sin. They may have offered a sacrifice at the wrong time or in the wrong way. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Leviticus 10:1

נָדָ֨ב וַ⁠אֲבִיה֜וּא

Nadab and Abihu are the names of Aaron’s sons. (See: How to Translate Names)

מַחְתָּת֗⁠וֹ

A censer is a shallow metal container which priests used to carry hot coals or incense.

וַ⁠יִּתְּנ֤וּ בָ⁠הֵן֙ אֵ֔שׁ

Alternate translation: “and they put burning coals in it”

וַ⁠יַּקְרִ֜בוּ לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֵ֣שׁ זָרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹ֦א צִוָּ֖ה אֹתָֽ⁠ם

Alternate translation: “But Yahweh did not approve of their offering because it was not according to what he commanded them to offer”

לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֵ֣שׁ זָרָ֔ה

Alternate translation: “unapproved fire to Yahweh”

Leviticus 10:2

וַ⁠תֵּ֥צֵא אֵ֛שׁ מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה

Alternate translation: “So Yahweh sent out fire”

וַ⁠תֹּ֣אכַל אוֹתָ֑⁠ם

The fire completely burning the men up is spoken of as if the fire devoured or completely used them up. (See: Metaphor)

וַ⁠יָּמֻ֖תוּ לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “And they died in the presence of Yahweh”

Leviticus 10:3

הוּא֩ אֲשֶׁר־ דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהוָ֤ה׀ לֵ⁠אמֹר֙ בִּ⁠קְרֹבַ֣⁠י אֶקָּדֵ֔שׁ וְ⁠עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י כָל־ הָ⁠עָ֖ם אֶכָּבֵ֑ד

This has a quotation within a quotation. You can state this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “This is what Yahweh was talking about when he said that he would reveal his holiness to those who come near him, and that he will be glorified on the faces of the people.” (See:Quotes within Quotes)

בִּ⁠קְרֹבַ֣⁠י אֶקָּדֵ֔שׁ

The phrase those who come near me refers to the priests that serve Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I will show those that come near to serve me that I am holy” or “Those who come near to serve me must treat me as holy”

וְ⁠עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י כָל־ הָ⁠עָ֖ם אֶכָּבֵ֑ד

This second part of Yahweh’s statement still concerns the priest, who are the ones who come near to Yahweh. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And they must glorify me before all the people” or “And they must honor me in the presence of all the people” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 10:4

מִֽישָׁאֵל֙…אֶלְצָפָ֔ן…בְּנֵ֥י עֻזִּיאֵ֖ל

Mishael, Elzaphan, and Uzziel are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

אֶת־ אֲחֵי⁠כֶם֙

This does not mean they were literal brothers. Here brothers means relatives or cousins.

Leviticus 10:5

וַֽ⁠יִּקְרְב֗וּ

Alternate translation: “So Mishael and Elzaphan came near”

וַ⁠יִּשָּׂאֻ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠כֻתֳּנֹתָ֔⁠ם

They carried the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, which still had on the priestly tunics.

Leviticus 10:6

וּ⁠לְ⁠אֶלְעָזָר֩ וּ⁠לְ⁠אִֽיתָמָ֨ר

Eleazar and Ithamar are the names of Aaron’s sons. (See: How to Translate Names)

רָֽאשֵׁי⁠כֶ֥ם אַל־ תִּפְרָ֣עוּ׀ וּ⁠בִגְדֵי⁠כֶ֤ם לֹֽא־ תִפְרֹ֨מוּ֙

Yahweh is telling Aaron and his sons not to show any outward signs of grief or mourning. (See: Symbolic Action)

כָּל־ הָ⁠עֵדָ֖ה

Here, assembly means the whole congregation of Israel, not just a group of leaders. Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

כָּל־ בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

Here, house represents the people. Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

יִבְכּוּ֙ אֶת־ הַ⁠שְּׂרֵפָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר שָׂרַ֥ף יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “may mourn for those whom Yahweh killed with his fire”

Leviticus 10:9

חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם

Here, It refers back to the command for the priests to not drink wine or strong drink when they enter the tent of meeting.

חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְ⁠דֹרֹתֵי⁠כֶֽם

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 10:10

וּֽ⁠לֲ⁠הַבְדִּ֔יל

You can start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You must do this so that you will be able to distinguish”

הַ⁠קֹּ֖דֶשׁ וּ⁠בֵ֣ין הַ⁠חֹ֑ל

The nominal adjectives the set apart and the common can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “what is holy and what is common” or “between what is dedicated to God and what is ordinary” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

הַ⁠טָּמֵ֖א וּ⁠בֵ֥ין הַ⁠טָּהֽוֹר

The nominal adjectives the unclean and the clean indicate groups of things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “what is unclean and what is clean” or “what God will not accept and what he will accept” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

הַ⁠טָּמֵ֖א

A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

הַ⁠טָּהֽוֹר

A person or thing that Yahweh has stated is fit to touch is spoken of as if they were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 10:12

כִּ֛י קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִֽוא

Alternate translation: “for the grain offering is most holy”

Leviticus 10:13

כִּי־ כֵ֖ן צֻוֵּֽיתִי

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this is what Yahweh commanded me” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 10:14

שׁ֣וֹק

The thigh is the upper part of the leg above the knee.

בְּ⁠מָק֣וֹם טָה֔וֹר

A place that is fit to be used for God’s purposes is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

אַתָּ֕ה וּ⁠בָנֶ֥י⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְנֹתֶ֖י⁠ךָ אִתָּ֑⁠ךְ

Here, you and your refer to Aaron. (See: Forms of You)

כִּֽי־ חָקְ⁠ךָ֤ וְ⁠חָק־ בָּנֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ נִתְּנ֔וּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh has given them as the share of you and of your sons” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 10:15

וַ⁠חֲזֵ֣ה

The breast is the front part of the animal’s body below the neck.

וְ⁠הָיָ֨ה לְ⁠ךָ֜ וּ⁠לְ⁠בָנֶ֤י⁠ךָ אִתְּ⁠ךָ֙ לְ⁠חָק־ עוֹלָ֔ם

Translate this so it is understood that the portion belongs to Aaron and his sons. Alternate translation: “And this portion will always be for you and your sons” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 10:16

אֶלְעָזָ֤ר…אִֽיתָמָר֙

See how you translated Eleazar* and Ithamar in Leviticus 10:6.

Leviticus 10:17

מַדּ֗וּעַ לֹֽא־ אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֶת־ הַֽ⁠חַטָּאת֙ בִּ⁠מְק֣וֹם הַ⁠קֹּ֔דֶשׁ כִּ֛י קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִ֑וא וְ⁠אֹתָ֣⁠הּ׀ נָתַ֣ן לָ⁠כֶ֗ם לָ⁠שֵׂאת֙ אֶת־ עֲוֺ֣ן הָ⁠עֵדָ֔ה לְ⁠כַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Moses uses a question to rebuke Eleazar and Ithamar. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have eaten the sin offering in the holy place, since it is the holiest holy thing, and it he has given to you to take away the iniquity of the assembly, to make atonement for them before the face of Yahweh.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

כִּ֛י קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִ֑וא

Alternate translation: “since the sin offering is most the most holy thing”

לָ⁠שֵׂאת֙ אֶת־ עֲוֺ֣ן הָ⁠עֵדָ֔ה

Causing Yahweh to forgive the people of Israel is spoken of as if their iniquity were an object that Yahweh takes from the people. (See: Metaphor)

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Leviticus 10:18

לֹא־ הוּבָ֣א אֶת־ דָּמָ֔⁠הּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you did not bring its blood” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 10:19

וַ⁠תִּקְרֶ֥אנָה אֹתִ֖⁠י כָּ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה

Aaron is referring to the death of his two sons.

וְ⁠אָכַ֤לְתִּי חַטָּאת֙ הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם הַ⁠יִּיטַ֖ב בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

These sacrifices were to be eaten with joy and happiness. Aaron uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh would not be pleased for him to eat the sacrifices since he is sad because of his sons’ deaths. This question may be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly, Yahweh would not have been pleased if I had eaten the sin offering today.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Leviticus 11

Leviticus 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Laws about food

This chapter contains a list of the animals the Israelites were not allowed to eat. Further research may be needed to determine the exact location of different parts of an animal. Many of these foods are not consumed to this day because they cause diseases, but it is unclear why the other foods are prohibited.

Eating unclean foods made a person unclean. The process of consuming these types of foods spread the uncleanliness to a person. (See: clean, wash)

Leviticus 11:2

מִ⁠כָּל־ הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֖ה

Alternate translation: “from any of the animals”

Leviticus 11:3

מַפְרֶ֣סֶת פַּרְסָ֗ה

This means the hoof is split into two parts instead of being one whole.

מַעֲלַ֥ת גֵּרָ֖ה

This means an animal that brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again.

Leviticus 11:4

מִֽ⁠מַּעֲלֵי֙ הַ⁠גֵּרָ֔ה וּ⁠מִ⁠מַּפְרִיסֵ֖י הַ⁠פַּרְסָ֑ה

That is, they match one condition or the other, but not both.

אֶֽת־ הַ֠⁠גָּמָל…טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָ⁠כֶֽם

The camel being unfit for the people to eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:5

הַ⁠שָּׁפָ֗ן

A rock badger is a small animal that lives in rocky places. (See: Translate Unknowns)

טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָ⁠כֶֽם

The rock badger, which God declared to be unfit for the people to eat, is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:6

הָ⁠אַרְנֶ֗בֶת

A rabbit is a small animal with long ears that eats plants and usually lives in holes in the ground.

Leviticus 11:8

וּ⁠בְ⁠נִבְלָתָ֖⁠ם לֹ֣א תִגָּ֑עוּ

Alternate translation: “and you must not touch their dead bodies”

Leviticus 11:9

סְנַפִּ֨יר

The fins are the thin, flat parts that the fish uses to move through the water.

וְ⁠קַשְׂקֶ֜שֶׂת

The scales are the small, bony plates that cover the body of the fish.

Leviticus 11:13

הַ⁠פֶּ֔רֶס

A vulture is a bird that feeds on dead animals and on rodents and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:14

הַ֨⁠דָּאָ֔ה…הָ⁠אַיָּ֖ה

A kite and falcon are birds that are either awake at night or feed on rodents and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:15

עֹרֵ֖ב

A raven is a bird that feeds on rodents and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:16

הַֽ⁠יַּעֲנָ֔ה…הַ⁠תַּחְמָ֖ס…הַ⁠שָּׁ֑חַף…הַ⁠נֵּ֖ץ

These are birds that feed on rodents and dead animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:17

הַ⁠כּ֥וֹס…הַ⁠שָּׁלָ֖ךְ…הַ⁠יַּנְשֽׁוּף

These are birds that eat rodents and insects. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:18

הַ⁠תִּנְשֶׁ֥מֶת…הַ⁠קָּאָ֖ת…הָ⁠רָחָֽם

These are birds that eat fish, rodents, and insects and are awake mainly at night. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:19

הַ⁠חֲסִידָ֔ה…הָ⁠אֲנָפָ֖ה

The stork and heron are birds that feed on rodents and lizards.

הַ⁠דּוּכִיפַ֖ת

The hoopoe is a bird that eats rodents and insects and is awake mainly at night. (See: Translate Unknowns)

הָ⁠עֲטַלֵּֽף

Although not a bird, the bat is included in this list because it has wings and flies. It has a furry body and is awake mainly at night. It eats insects and rodents.

Leviticus 11:20

שֶׁ֥קֶץ ה֖וּא לָ⁠כֶֽם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word detestable, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “you will hate it” (See: Abstract Nouns)

כֹּ֚ל שֶׁ֣רֶץ הָ⁠ע֔וֹף הַ⁠הֹלֵ֖ךְ עַל־ אַרְבַּ֑ע

Here the phrase all fours is an idiom that means to crawl on the ground on four legs. This sets these insects apart from other flying things, such as birds, that have only two feet. Alternate translation: “Every four-legged flying insect that crawls on the ground” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 11:22

אֶת־ הָֽ⁠אַרְבֶּ֣ה…הַ⁠סָּלְעָ֖ם…הַ⁠חַרְגֹּ֣ל…הֶ⁠חָגָ֖ב

These are small insects that eat plants and can jump. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:24

וּ⁠לְ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה

Here, these refers to the animals he is about to list in the following verses.

תִּטַּמָּ֑אוּ

A person who is unacceptable for God’s purposes because he has touched one of these dead animals is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:26

לְֽ⁠כָל־ הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֡ה…טְמֵאִ֥ים הֵ֖ם

These animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠שֶׁ֣סַע׀ אֵינֶ֣⁠נָּה שֹׁסַ֗עַת

This refers to a hoof that is completely split into two parts instead of being one whole. See how you translated these in Leviticus 11:3.

וְ⁠גֵרָה֙ אֵינֶ֣⁠נָּה מַעֲלָ֔ה

An animal chews the cud if it brings its food up from its stomach and chews it again. See how you translated these in Leviticus 11:3.

כָּל־ הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֥עַ בָּ⁠הֶ֖ם יִטְמָֽא

A person who is unacceptable for God’s purposes because he has touched one of these animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:27

כַּפָּ֗י⁠ו

The paws of an animal refer to feet with claws.

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 11:29

וְ⁠זֶ֤ה לָ⁠כֶם֙ הַ⁠טָּמֵ֔א

God speaks of the animals that he declares are unfit for people to touch or eat as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

הַ⁠חֹ֥לֶד

A weasel is a small animal with brown fur that eats birds and small animals. (See: Translate Unknowns)

וְ⁠הַ⁠צָּ֥ב לְ⁠מִינֵֽ⁠הוּ

This refers to different kinds of reptiles with four legs. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 11:30

וְ⁠הָ⁠אֲנָקָ֥ה וְ⁠הַ⁠כֹּ֖חַ וְ⁠הַ⁠לְּטָאָ֑ה וְ⁠הַ⁠חֹ֖מֶט וְ⁠הַ⁠תִּנְשָֽׁמֶת

These are different kinds of reptiles with four legs. (See: Translate Unknowns)

וְ⁠הַ⁠חֹ֖מֶט

Alternate translation: “the sand lizard”

Leviticus 11:31

אֵ֛לֶּה הַ⁠טְּמֵאִ֥ים לָ⁠כֶ֖ם

These animals that God declared to be unfit for people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

כָּל־ הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֧עַ בָּ⁠הֶ֛ם בְּ⁠מֹתָ֖⁠ם יִטְמָ֥א

A person who is unacceptable for God’s purposes because he has touched one of these dead animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 11:32

וְ⁠כֹ֣ל אֲשֶׁר־ יִפֹּל־ עָלָי⁠ו֩ מֵ⁠הֶ֨ם׀ בְּ⁠מֹתָ֜⁠ם יִטְמָ֗א

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch because one of these dead animals has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

בַּ⁠מַּ֧יִם יוּבָ֛א

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must put it into water” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch after it has been washed is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:34

יִטְמָ֑א…יִטְמָֽא

Food becomes unacceptable for the people to eat because unclean water has fallen on it is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:35

מִ⁠נִּבְלָתָ֥⁠ם

Alternate translation: “a part of one of their dead bodies”

יֻתָּ֖ץ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must break to pieces” or “you must shatter” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 11:36

מַעְיָ֥ן וּ⁠ב֛וֹר…יִהְיֶ֣ה טָה֑וֹר

Water that the people are permitted to drink from a spring or cistern is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠נִבְלָתָ֖⁠ם

Alternate translation: “their dead bodies”

יִטְמָֽא

A person who is unacceptable for God’s purposes because he has touched the carcass of one of these animals is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:37

כָּל־ זֶ֥רַע זֵר֖וּעַ

Alternate translation: “any seeds that you intend to plant”

טָה֖וֹר הֽוּא

Seeds that God has permitted the people to plant are spoken of as if they are physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:38

וְ⁠כִ֤י יֻתַּן־ מַ֨יִם֙ עַל־ זֶ֔רַע

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But if you put water on the seeds” (See: Active or Passive)

טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָ⁠כֶֽם

Seeds that God has not permitted to plant are spoken of as if they were unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:39

הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֥עַ בְּ⁠נִבְלָתָ֖⁠הּ יִטְמָ֥א

A person who is unacceptable for God’s purposes because he touches the body of a dead animal is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 11:41

שֶׁ֥קֶץ ה֖וּא לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵֽל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is detestable and you must not eat it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 11:43

אַל־ תְּשַׁקְּצוּ֙ אֶת־ נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם…וְ⁠לֹ֤א תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙

Yahweh repeats the same idea twice in order to strengthen the command that they are not to eat any unclean animal. (See: Parallelism)

וְ⁠לֹ֤א תִֽטַּמְּאוּ֙

A person who is unacceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 11:47

בֵּ֥ין הַ⁠טָּמֵ֖א וּ⁠בֵ֣ין הַ⁠טָּהֹ֑ר

Animals that God declared to be unfit for the people to touch or eat are spoken of as if they were physically unclean, and those which he declared to be acceptable for the people to touch and eat are spoken of as if they were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

הַֽ⁠נֶּאֱכֶ֔לֶת…אֲשֶׁ֖ר לֹ֥א תֵאָכֵֽל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you may eat … that you may not eat” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 12

Leviticus 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Menstruation

A woman was considered to be unclean after she began to bleed from her womb every month and after having a baby. This was because all blood was considered to be unclean. (See: clean, wash and blood)

Leviticus 12:2

אִשָּׁה֙ כִּ֣י תַזְרִ֔יעַ וְ⁠יָלְדָ֖ה זָכָ֑ר וְ⁠טָֽמְאָה֙

A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

כִּ⁠ימֵ֛י נִדַּ֥ת דְּוֺתָ֖⁠הּ

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb. (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 12:3

יִמּ֖וֹל בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽ⁠וֹ

Only the priest could perform this action. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a priest must circumcise the baby boy” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 12:4

וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים יוֹם֙ וּ⁠שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֔ים תֵּשֵׁ֖ב בִּ⁠דְמֵ֣י טָהֳרָ֑ה

This means that the mother will remain impure for 33 days.

Leviticus 12:5

וְ⁠טָמְאָ֥ה שְׁבֻעַ֖יִם

A woman whom other people must not touch because she is bleeding from her womb is spoken of as if she were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

כְּ⁠נִדָּתָ֑⁠הּ

This refers to the time of the month when a woman bleeds from her womb. See how you translated this in Leviticus 12:2. (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 12:6

וּ⁠בִ⁠מְלֹ֣את׀ יְמֵ֣י טָהֳרָ֗⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “And when the days of the mother’s purification are finished”

לְ⁠בֵן֮ א֣וֹ לְ⁠בַת֒

This refers to the different number of days for purification based on if she gave birth to a son or a daughter.

Leviticus 12:7

וְ⁠טָהֲרָ֖ה מִ⁠מְּקֹ֣ר דָּמֶ֑י⁠הָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And this will cleanse her from her bleeding occurring during childbirth” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 12:8

וְ⁠אִם־ לֹ֨א תִמְצָ֣א יָדָ⁠הּ֮ דֵּ֣י שֶׂה֒

Translate this so it clarifies the woman’s inability to purchase a sacrificial animal. Alternate translation: “If she does not have enough money to buy a lamb” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠טָהֵֽרָה

A woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13

Leviticus 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Skin disease

This chapter addresses the ways a priest was to decide if a person had a skin disease, which would make a person unclean. This was important because these diseases could have easily spread among the people in the ancient Near East. This is also true concerning things growing on clothing or things that touch a person’s skin. (See: priest, priesthood and clean, wash)

Leviticus 13:2

וְ⁠הוּבָא֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then someone must bring him” or “then he must go” (See: Active or Passive)

אַחַ֥ד מִ⁠בָּנָ֖י⁠ו

Alternate translation: “one of Aaron’s sons”

Leviticus 13:3

מֵ⁠ע֣וֹר בְּשָׂר֔⁠וֹ

Here, his refers to the person with the skin disease.

וְ⁠טִמֵּ֥א אֹתֽ⁠וֹ

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “must pronounce the man unclean” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:5

וְ⁠רָאָ֣⁠הוּ הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֮

Here, him refers to the person with the skin disease.

בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִי֒

The word seventh is the ordinal form of “seven.” Alternate translation: “on day seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

וְ⁠הִנֵּ֤ה הַ⁠נֶּ֨גַע֙ עָמַ֣ד בְּ⁠עֵינָ֔י⁠ו לֹֽא־ פָשָׂ֥ה הַ⁠נֶּ֖גַע בָּ⁠ע֑וֹר

This means if the skin disease has not increased in size or moved to other parts of the body.

Leviticus 13:6

וְ⁠טִהֲר֤⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙…וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

מִסְפַּ֣חַת

A rash is an area of the skin that is irritated.

Leviticus 13:8

וְ⁠טִמְּא֥⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

צָרַ֥עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:9

וְ⁠הוּבָ֖א אֶל־ הַ⁠כֹּהֵֽן

The priest would determine if a disease was spreading. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then someone must bring him to the priest” or “then he must go to the priest” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:10

וּ⁠מִֽחְיַ֛ת בָּשָׂ֥ר חַ֖י

Here, new raw flesh could refer to open sores on the skin or it could refer to new skin that has grown, but the area around it is still diseased. Either one indicates that the skin disease is not healing properly.

Leviticus 13:11

צָרַ֨עַת נוֹשֶׁ֤נֶת

A chronic disease is one that continues or reoccurs over a long period of time.

וְ⁠טִמְּא֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֑ן…כִּ֥י טָמֵ֖א הֽוּא

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:13

וְ⁠טִהַ֖ר אֶת־ הַ⁠נָּ֑גַע…טָה֥וֹר הֽוּא

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean and the man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:14

יִטְמָֽא

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:15

וְ⁠טִמְּא֑⁠וֹ…טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠טִמְּא֑⁠וֹ

Here, him refers to the person with the skin disease.

הַ⁠בָּשָׂ֥ר הַ⁠חַ֛י

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:10.

צָרַ֥עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:17

וְ⁠טִהַ֧ר הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן אֶת־ הַ⁠נֶּ֖גַע

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:18

שְׁחִ֑ין

A boil is a painful, swollen area on the skin that is infected.

Leviticus 13:19

וְ⁠נִרְאָ֖ה אֶל־ הַ⁠כֹּהֵֽן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then he must show it to the priest” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:20

וְ⁠טִמְּא֧⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:21

יִרְאֶ֣⁠נָּה

Here, it refers to the white swelling or bright spot on the skin.

Leviticus 13:22

וְ⁠טִמֵּ֧א הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֛ן אֹת֖⁠וֹ

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:23

וְ⁠טִהֲר֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵֽן

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:25

צָרַ֣עַת הִ֔וא…צָרַ֖עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

וְ⁠טִמֵּ֤א אֹת⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֔ן

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:26

יִרְאֶ֣⁠נָּה

Here, it refers to the burn on the person’s skin.

Leviticus 13:27

וְ⁠טִמֵּ֤א הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙ אֹת֔⁠וֹ

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

צָרַ֖עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:28

וְ⁠טִֽהֲר⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֔ן

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:30

וְ⁠טִמֵּ֨א אֹת֤⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:33

הַ⁠נֶּ֖תֶק לֹ֣א יְגַלֵּ֑חַ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but he must not shave the hair on the sore” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:34

וְ⁠טִהַ֤ר אֹת⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֔ן…וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:35

אַחֲרֵ֖י טָהֳרָתֽ⁠וֹ

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:36

טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא

The man whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:37

טָה֣וֹר ה֑וּא וְ⁠טִהֲר֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠כֹּהֵֽן

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:39

כֵּה֣וֹת לְבָנֹ֑ת

Alternate translation: “are a faded white”

בֹּ֥הַק

See how you translated rash in Leviticus 13:6.

טָה֥וֹר הֽוּא

Here, He refers to both men and women in general. Alternate translation: “That person is clean” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

טָה֥וֹר הֽוּא

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:40

טָה֥וֹר הֽוּא

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:42

צָרַ֤עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 13:44

טָמֵ֣א ה֑וּא טַמֵּ֧א יְטַמְּאֶ֛⁠נּוּ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן

The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:45

וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א׀ טָמֵ֖א

The person whom other people must not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:46

מִ⁠ח֥וּץ לַֽ⁠מַּחֲנֶ֖ה

The camp is the area where the majority of Israelites lived. The unclean person was not permitted to live among them because his disease may spread to others.

Leviticus 13:47

וְ⁠הַ⁠בֶּ֕גֶד כִּֽי־ יִהְיֶ֥ה ב֖⁠וֹ נֶ֣גַע צָרָ֑עַת

Alternate translation: “A garment that has and infection of skin disease in it” or “A garment that is diseased with an infection”

Leviticus 13:48

בְּ⁠כָל־ מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֽוֹר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “in anything that someone has made from leather” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:49

וְ⁠הָיָ֨ה הַ⁠נֶּ֜גַע יְרַקְרַ֣ק׀ א֣וֹ אֲדַמְדָּ֗ם בַּ⁠בֶּגֶד֩

Alternate translation: “if there is greenish or reddish infection in the garment”

וְ⁠הָרְאָ֖ה אֶת־ הַ⁠כֹּהֵֽן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And he owner must show it to a priest” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:51

בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י

The word **seventh” is the ordinal number for “seven.” Alternate translation: “on day seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

לְ⁠כֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־ יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה הָ⁠ע֖וֹר לִ⁠מְלָאכָ֑ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “anything in which a person uses leather” (See: Active or Passive)

טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:52

בָּ⁠אֵ֖שׁ תִּשָּׂרֵֽף

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He must burn the item in the fire” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:54

וְ⁠צִוָּה֙ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֔ן

Here the priest is telling the people what to do with household items that were possibly infected. Alternate translation: “then the priest will command the owners”

Leviticus 13:55

אַחֲרֵ֣י׀ הֻכַּבֵּ֣ס

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after they have washed” (See: Active or Passive)

טָמֵ֣א ה֔וּא

Something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

תִּשְׂרְפֶ֑⁠נּוּ

Here, you does not refer to the priest specifically. It just means someone must burn the object.

Leviticus 13:56

אַחֲרֵ֖י הֻכַּבֵּ֣ס אֹת֑⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after the owner washed it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 13:57

תִּשְׂרְפֶ֔⁠נּוּ

Here, you does not refer to the priest specifically. It just means someone must burn the item.

Leviticus 13:58

וְ⁠סָ֥ר מֵ⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠נָּ֑גַע

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the item is no longer infected” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠כֻבַּ֥ס

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the owner must wash it” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 13:59

צָרַ֜עַת בֶּ֥גֶד…כָּל־ כְּלִי־ ע֑וֹר

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:47-48.

לְ⁠טַהֲר֖⁠וֹ א֥וֹ לְ⁠טַמְּאֽ⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “so that a priest may declare that it is clean or that it is unclean”

לְ⁠טַהֲר֖⁠וֹ א֥וֹ לְ⁠טַמְּאֽ⁠וֹ

Something that God has declared to be fit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically clean and something that God has declared to be unfit for people to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14

Leviticus 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a continuation of the material in the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Skin disease and mildew

This chapter addresses the ways a priest was to decide if a person had a skin disease, which would make a person unclean. This was important because these diseases could have easily spread among the people in the ancient Near East. This was also true for the things which could have touched a person’s skin. This chapter explains how the priest was to treat the person suffering with a skin disease. (See: priest, priesthood and clean, wash)

Leviticus 14:1

Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron what the people must do when someone is cleansed of a skin disease.

Leviticus 14:2

בְּ⁠י֖וֹם טָהֳרָת֑⁠וֹ

This refers to the day on which the priest declares the person to be ritually clean.

וְ⁠הוּבָ֖א אֶל־ הַ⁠כֹּהֵֽן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And someone must bring him to the priest” or “And he must go to the priest” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 14:3

נֶֽגַע־ הַ⁠צָּרַ֖עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 14:4

לַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֛ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for the person he is cleansing” (See: Active or Passive)

שְׁתֵּֽי־ צִפֳּרִ֥ים חַיּ֖וֹת טְהֹר֑וֹת

The birds that God allowed the people to eat and offer as sacrifices are spoken of as if they were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

וּ⁠שְׁנִ֥י תוֹלַ֖עַת

Alternate translation: “and red yarn”

וְ⁠אֵזֹֽב

The word hyssop refer to a herb with a pleasant smell that was used for medicine. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 14:6

הַ⁠צִּפֹּ֣ר הַ⁠שְּׁחֻטָ֔ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the bird that the person killed” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 14:7

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֛ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the person he is cleansing” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠טִ֣הֲר֔⁠וֹ

The person whom other people may touch and who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:8

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֨ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the person whom the priest is cleansing” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠טָהֵ֔ר

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:10

יִקַּ֤ח

Here, he refers to the man who was cleansed.

וּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים

One ephah is 22 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

וְ⁠לֹ֥ג אֶחָ֖ד שָֽׁמֶן

One log was 0.3 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 14:11

אֵ֛ת הָ⁠אִ֥ישׁ הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֖ר

Leviticus 14:12

לֹ֣ג הַ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶן

One log was 0.3 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 14:13

בִּ⁠מְק֣וֹם הַ⁠קֹּ֑דֶשׁ

Here, in the holy place clarifies the previous phrase and further defines where the priest was to kill the lamb.

Leviticus 14:14

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֖ר

Leviticus 14:15

מִ⁠לֹּ֣ג הַ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶן

One log was 0.3 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 14:16

וְ⁠הִזָּ֨ה מִן־ הַ⁠שֶּׁ֧מֶן…לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

There is no indication of what the priest sprinkled the oil on. Alternate translation: “sprinkle some of the oil … in Yahweh’s presence”

Leviticus 14:17

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵר֙

Leviticus 14:18

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “in Yahweh’s presence”

Leviticus 14:19

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֖ר

Leviticus 14:20

וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:21

וְ⁠אֵ֣ין יָד⁠וֹ֮ מַשֶּׂגֶת֒

Alternate translation: “he does not have enough money to buy”

לִ⁠תְנוּפָ֖ה לְ⁠כַפֵּ֣ר עָלָ֑י⁠ו

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the priest will wave to make atonement for him” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂר֨וֹן סֹ֜לֶת אֶחָ֨ד

One-tenth of an ephah is 22 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

וְ⁠לֹ֥ג שָֽׁמֶן

One log was 0.3 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 14:24

לֹ֣ג הַ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶן

One log was 0.3 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 14:25

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֖ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one he is cleansing” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 14:27

וְ⁠הִזָּ֤ה הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙… מִן־ הַ⁠שֶּׁ֕מֶן…לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

There is no indication of what the priest sprinkled the oil on. Alternate translation: “And the priest will sprinkle … some of the oil … in Yahweh’s presence”

Leviticus 14:28

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵר֙

Leviticus 14:30

וְ⁠עָשָׂ֤ה

Alternate translation: “And the priest must offer”

Leviticus 14:31

הַ⁠מִּטַּהֵ֖ר

Leviticus 14:32

נֶ֣גַע צָרָ֑עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא־ תַשִּׂ֥יג יָד֖⁠וֹ

Translate this so it is clear that the person does not have enough money to purchase a standard offering. Alternate translation: “who does not have enough money to buy” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 14:34

כִּ֤י תָבֹ֨אוּ֙

Here, you refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

נֶ֣גַע צָרַ֔עַת

See how you translated this phrase in Leviticus 13:47.

אֶ֥רֶץ אֲחֻזַּתְ⁠כֶֽם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word possession, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “in the land that you possess” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 14:36

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִטְמָ֖א כָּל־ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ⁠בָּ֑יִת

Once the priest declared the house to be unclean, everything in the house became unclean, as well. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that he does not need to declare anything left in the house to be unclean” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִטְמָ֖א כָּל־ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּ⁠בָּ֑יִת

The house that Yahweh has stated is unfit for people to touch or live in is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:37

וּ⁠מַרְאֵי⁠הֶ֥ן שָׁפָ֖ל מִן־ הַ⁠קִּֽיר

This means the priest is to determine whether mildew has gone deeper that just the surface of the wall.

Leviticus 14:40

מָק֖וֹם טָמֵֽא

A place that is unfit for people to occupy or to be used for God’s purposes is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:41

וְ⁠אֶת־ הַ⁠בַּ֛יִת יַקְצִ֥עַ

Here, he refers to the priest.

וְ⁠אֶת־ הַ⁠בַּ֛יִת יַקְצִ֥עַ מִ⁠בַּ֖יִת סָבִ֑יב

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And he will tell the owner of the house to scrape it and all its walls” (See: Active or Passive)

מָק֖וֹם טָמֵֽא

A place that is unfit for people to occupy or to be used for God’s purposes is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:42

וְ⁠עָפָ֥ר אַחֵ֛ר יִקַּ֖ח וְ⁠טָ֥ח אֶת־ הַ⁠בָּֽיִת

Alternate translation: “and they must cover the stones with new clay”

Leviticus 14:43

אַחַ֖ר חִלֵּ֣ץ אֶת־ הָ⁠אֲבָנִ֑ים וְ⁠אַחֲרֵ֛י הִקְצ֥וֹת אֶת־ הַ⁠בַּ֖יִת וְ⁠אַחֲרֵ֥י הִטּֽוֹחַ

Leviticus 14:44

טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא

A house that is unfit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:45

וְ⁠נָתַ֣ץ אֶת־ הַ⁠בַּ֗יִת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And they must tear the house down” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 14:46

וְ⁠הַ⁠בָּא֙ אֶל־ הַ⁠בַּ֔יִת…יִטְמָ֖א

A person whom other people may not touch and who is not acceptable for God’s purposes because he has entered the house is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 14:48

הִטֹּ֣חַ אֶת־ הַ⁠בָּ֑יִת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the owner put new clay on the stones” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠טִהַ֤ר הַ⁠כֹּהֵן֙ אֶת־ הַ⁠בַּ֔יִת

The house that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:49

וְ⁠עֵ֣ץ אֶ֔רֶז וּ⁠שְׁנִ֥י תוֹלַ֖עַת וְ⁠אֵזֹֽב

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 14:4.

Leviticus 14:51

הַ⁠צִּפֹּ֣ר הַ⁠שְּׁחוּטָ֔ה

Leviticus 14:52

וְ⁠חִטֵּ֣א אֶת־ הַ⁠בַּ֔יִת

Alternate translation: “And the priest will make the house ritually clean”

Leviticus 14:53

וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

A house that is fit for people to occupy is spoken of as if it were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 14:54

נֶ֥גַע הַ⁠צָּרַ֖עַת

See how you translated these words in Leviticus 13:3.

Leviticus 14:55

וּ⁠לְ⁠צָרַ֥עַת

See how you translated this word in Leviticus 13:47.

Leviticus 14:56

וְ⁠לַ⁠סַּפַּ֖חַת

See how you translated rash in Leviticus 13:6.

Leviticus 14:57

הַ⁠טָּמֵ֖א…הַ⁠טָּהֹ֑ר

People and items that other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean, and those which people may touch are spoken of as if they were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15

Leviticus 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Bodily fluid

This chapter discusses fluids that come out of the body. These fluids caused a person to be unclean because of their potential to cause diseases. (See: clean, wash)

Cleanliness

While these rules about cleanliness are intended to benefit the Israelites and promote their health, they also were about making Israel into a separate and holy nation, different from the rest of the world. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Leviticus 15:2

מִ⁠בְּשָׂר֔⁠וֹ

This refers to the man’s private parts. (See: Euphemism)

טָמֵ֥א הֽוּא

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:3

טֻמְאָת֖⁠וֹ הִֽוא

Alternate translation: “his body is unclean” or “he is unclean”

Leviticus 15:4

יִטְמָ֑א…יִטְמָֽא

The bed or anything that the man sits on that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:5

וְ⁠אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠מִשְׁכָּב֑⁠וֹ…וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 15:6

וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 15:7

וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֖עַ בִּ⁠בְשַׂ֣ר

Alternate translation: “And anyone who touches any part of the body”

Leviticus 15:8

בַּ⁠טָּה֑וֹר

The person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:9

הַ⁠מֶּרְכָּ֗ב

A saddle is a leather seat that a person puts on the back of a horse in order to ride it.

וְ⁠כָל־ הַ⁠מֶּרְכָּ֗ב…יִטְמָֽא

Something that Yahweh has stated is unfit to touch is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:10

תַחְתָּ֔י⁠ו

Here, him refers to the person with the infected fluid.

יִטְמָ֖א…וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 15:11

וְ⁠כֹ֨ל אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִגַּע־ בּ⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠זָּ֔ב

Alternate translation: “And whomever the person with the infected flow touches”

Leviticus 15:12

וּ⁠כְלִי־ חֶ֛רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר־ יִגַּע־ בּ֥⁠וֹ הַ⁠זָּ֖ב יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And someone must break any clay pot that the one with such a flow of fluid touches” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠כָל־ כְּלִי־ עֵ֔ץ יִשָּׁטֵ֖ף בַּ⁠מָּֽיִם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and someone must rinse every wooden container in water” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 15:13

יִטְהַ֤ר…מִ⁠זּוֹב֔⁠וֹ

The man recovering from his sickness is spoken of as if he becomes physically clean. Alternate translation: “is healed from his flow” (See: Metaphor)

יִטְהַ֤ר…מִ⁠זּוֹב֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “recovers from his flow” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

The man whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:16

וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 15:17

וְ⁠כָל־ בֶּ֣גֶד וְ⁠כָל־ ע֔וֹר אֲשֶׁר־ יִהְיֶ֥ה עָלָ֖י⁠ו שִׁכְבַת־ זָ֑רַע וְ⁠כֻבַּ֥ס בַּ⁠מַּ֖יִם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And someone must wash with water every garment or leather on which there is semen” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 15:18

וְ⁠אִשָּׁ֕ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁכַּ֥ב אִ֛ישׁ אֹתָ֖⁠הּ

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “And if man has sexual relations with a woman” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 15:19

בְ⁠נִדָּתָ֔⁠הּ

The word menstruation refers to the time when blood flows from a woman’s womb.

וְ⁠כָל־ הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֥עַ בָּ֖⁠הּ יִטְמָ֥א

People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:20

בְּ⁠נִדָּתָ֖⁠הּ

The word * menstruation* refers to the time when blood flows from a woman’s womb.

Leviticus 15:21

בְּ⁠מִשְׁכָּבָ֑⁠הּ

Here, her refers to the woman who is menstruating.

וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָֽרֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 15:24

וְ⁠אִ֡ם שָׁכֹב֩ יִשְׁכַּ֨ב אִ֜ישׁ אֹתָ֗⁠הּ

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “And if any man has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

נִדָּתָ⁠הּ֙

Alternate translation: “her unclean flow” or “the blood from her womb”

יִטְמָֽא

People and objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:25

כָּל־ יְמֵ֞י ז֣וֹב טֻמְאָתָ֗⁠הּ כִּ⁠ימֵ֧י נִדָּתָ֛⁠הּ תִּהְיֶ֖ה

This means that if the woman bleeds from her womb at any time other than her regular menstruation time, she is still unclean just like during her menstruation.

טְמֵאָ֥ה הִֽוא

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:26

וְ⁠כָֽל־ הַ⁠כְּלִי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּשֵׁ֣ב עָלָ֔י⁠ו טָמֵ֣א יִהְיֶ֔ה

Objects that other people must not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:27

וְ⁠כָל־ הַ⁠נּוֹגֵ֥עַ בָּ֖⁠ם יִטְמָ֑א…וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:28

וְ⁠אִֽם־ טָהֲרָ֖ה

The word she refers to the woman who is menstruating.

טָהֲרָ֖ה מִ⁠זּוֹבָ֑⁠הּ

The woman recovering from her bleeding is spoken of as if she becomes physically clean. Alternate translation: “she is healed from her flow of blood” (See: Metaphor)

טָהֲרָ֖ה מִ⁠זּוֹבָ֑⁠הּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she recovers from her flow of blood” (See: Active or Passive)

תִּטְהָֽר

The woman whom other people may touch is spoken of as if she were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:30

מִ⁠זּ֖וֹב טֻמְאָתָֽ⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “because of her flow of blood that makes her unclean”

Leviticus 15:31

וְ⁠הִזַּרְתֶּ֥ם אֶת־ בְּנֵי־ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠טֻּמְאָתָ֑⁠ם

Yahweh speaks of preventing the people from becoming unclean as if it were keeping the people at a safe distance from uncleanness. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠הִזַּרְתֶּ֥ם אֶת־ בְּנֵי־ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ⁠טֻּמְאָתָ֑⁠ם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word uncleanness, you could express the same idea with “unclean.” Alternate translation: “And you must prevent the people of Israel from becoming unclean” (See: Abstract Nouns)

מִ⁠טֻּמְאָתָ֑⁠ם

People whom other people may not touch and who are not acceptable for God’s purposes are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:32

זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת

Alternate translation: “This is what must be done”

לְ⁠טָמְאָה

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 15:33

וְ⁠הַ⁠דָּוָה֙ בְּ⁠נִדָּתָ֔⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “and for a woman who is menstruating” or “and for a woman who is bleeding from her womb”

אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִשְׁכַּ֖ב עִם־

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “who has sexual relations with” (See: Euphemism)

טְמֵאָֽה

People whom other people may not touch are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 16

Leviticus 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Holiness

Because Yahweh is holy, he can only be approached in a certain way. This could only happen on a specific day, by a specific person, and only after they offered the proper sacrifice to make themselves clean. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and clean, wash)

Day of Atonement

This chapter gives rules for what the high priest had to do on the Day of Atonement. This was the most important day in Judaism. This is when he interceded for the sins of the people of Israel. (See: high priest, chief priests and atonement, atone, atoned and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Leviticus 16:1

שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן

The phrase the two sons of Aaron refers to Nadab and Abihu, who died because they brought fire to Yahweh that he did not approve (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Leviticus 16:4

וּ⁠מִֽכְנְסֵי־ בַד֮

These undergarments were clothing worn next to the skin under the outer clothes.

וּ⁠בְ⁠אַבְנֵ֥ט בַּד֙

A sash is a piece of cloth that ties around the waist or chest.

וּ⁠בְ⁠מִצְנֶ֥פֶת בַּ֖ד

A turban is a head covering made from wrapped strips of cloth.

Leviticus 16:5

וּ⁠מֵ⁠אֵ֗ת עֲדַת֙

Alternate translation: “And from the congregation of”

Leviticus 16:6

הַ⁠חַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר־ ל֑⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “as the sin offering for himself”

Leviticus 16:8

לַ⁠עֲזָאזֵֽל

Aaron was to have someone set the goat free in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “the scapegoat” or “for the goat that is sent away”

Leviticus 16:9

אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָלָ֥ה עָלָ֛י⁠ו הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֖ל

Alternate translation: “which the lot designated”

Leviticus 16:10

וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂעִ֗יר…יָֽעֳמַד־ חַ֛י

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But Aaron must bring the goat … alive” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 16:11

וְ⁠שָׁחַ֛ט

Aaron would catch the blood of the bull in a bowl so he could later sprinkle it on the atonement lid. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “And he must slaughter and catch the blood of” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 16:12

מְלֹֽא־ הַ֠⁠מַּחְתָּה

A censor is a container for fire and incense, used by the priests.

Leviticus 16:14

מִ⁠דַּ֣ם הַ⁠פָּ֔ר

This is the blood Aaron caught with a bowl in Leviticus 16:11.

עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י הַ⁠כַּפֹּ֖רֶת

He put the blood on the top part of the lid that was towards him as he entered the most holy place.

וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠כַּפֹּ֗רֶת

This could mean: (1) “And below the atonement lid onto the chest” or (2) “And onto the ground in front of the atonement lid.”

Leviticus 16:15

וְ⁠הִזָּ֥ה אֹת֛⁠וֹ עַל־ הַ⁠כַּפֹּ֖רֶת וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠כַּפֹּֽרֶת

Aaron sprinkled the blood in the same manner that he did with the bull’s blood. See how you translated the previous instructions in Leviticus 16:14.

Leviticus 16:16

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֣ר עַל־ הַ⁠קֹּ֗דֶשׁ מִ⁠טֻּמְאֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

The sins of the people of Israel made the holy place unclean.

מִ⁠טֻּמְאֹת֙…וּ⁠מִ⁠פִּשְׁעֵי⁠הֶ֖ם…חַטֹּאתָ֑⁠ם

The words uncleanness, rebellion, and sins mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people have committed all kinds of sins.

מִ⁠טֻּמְאֹת֙

Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠ת֖וֹךְ טֻמְאֹתָֽ⁠ם

The phrase their uncleanness represents the people who commit sinful actions. Alternate translation: “in the presence of people who commit sinful actions” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 16:18

וְ⁠יָצָ֗א אֶל־ הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֛חַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־ יְהוָ֖ה

This is the altar of sacrifice just inside the courtyard of the tabernacle.

וְ⁠כִפֶּ֣ר עָלָ֑י⁠ו

Like the holy place and tent of meeting, the altar is unclean because of the sins of the people.

קַרְנ֥וֹת הַ⁠מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ

The horns of the altar refers to the corners of the altar. They are shaped like the horns of an ox. See how you translated this in Leviticus 4:7. Alternate translation: “the projections at the corners of the altar”

Leviticus 16:19

וְ⁠טִהֲר֣⁠וֹ

Making the altar fit to be used for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the priest were physically cleansing it. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠קִדְּשׁ֔⁠וֹ מִ⁠טֻּמְאֹ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

The altar being dedicated to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were being physically separated from the sins of the people. (See: Metaphor)

מִ⁠טֻּמְאֹ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

Sinful actions which make people unacceptable to Yahweh are spoken of as if they were physical uncleanness. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 16:20

וְ⁠הִקְרִ֖יב אֶת־ הַ⁠שָּׂעִ֥יר הֶ⁠חָֽי

This goat is called the scapegoat in verse Leviticus 16:10.

Leviticus 16:21

וְ⁠הִתְוַדָּ֣ה עָלָ֗י⁠ו

Alternate translation: “and confess over the goat”

עֲוֺנֹת֙…פִּשְׁעֵי⁠הֶ֖ם…חַטֹּאתָ֑⁠ם

The words wickedness, rebellion, and sins mean basically the same thing. Aaron is confessing every kind of sin that the people committed.

וְ⁠נָתַ֤ן אֹתָ⁠ם֙ עַל־ רֹ֣אשׁ הַ⁠שָּׂעִ֔יר

Aaron’s actions here were a symbolic transfer of the people’s sin to the goat as a sign that the goat would bear the punishment for their guilt. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 16:23

וּ⁠פָשַׁט֙ אֶת־ בִּגְדֵ֣י הַ⁠בָּ֔ד

These were the special garments Aaron wore only when he entered the most holy place.

Leviticus 16:24

וְ⁠רָחַ֨ץ אֶת־ בְּשָׂר֤⁠וֹ בַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙ בְּ⁠מָק֣וֹם קָד֔וֹשׁ

Here, holy place does not refer to the tent of meeting. This was a different place set aside for him to bathe himself.

וְ⁠לָבַ֖שׁ אֶת־ בְּגָדָ֑י⁠ו

These garments were the clothes that Aaron wore for his ordinary duties.

Leviticus 16:25

יַקְטִ֥יר

Alternate translation: “Aaron must burn”

Leviticus 16:26

וְ⁠הַֽ⁠מְשַׁלֵּ֤חַ אֶת־ הַ⁠שָּׂעִיר֙ לַֽ⁠עֲזָאזֵ֔ל יְכַבֵּ֣ס בְּגָדָ֔י⁠ו וְ⁠רָחַ֥ץ אֶת־ בְּשָׂר֖⁠וֹ בַּ⁠מָּ֑יִם

The man was unclean because of his contact with the scapegoat, which carried the sin of the people.

לַֽ⁠עֲזָאזֵ֔ל

See how you translated this in Leviticus 16:8. Alternate translation: “the goat that is sent away”

Leviticus 16:27

אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוּבָ֤א אֶת־ דָּמָ⁠ם֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose blood Aaron brought in” (See: Active or Passive)

יוֹצִ֖יא

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone must carry” (See: Active or Passive)

אֶת־ עֹרֹתָ֥⁠ם

Here, their refers to the bull and the goat. A hide is the skin of an animal. Alternate translation: “the skins of the bull and the goat”

Leviticus 16:29

לָ⁠כֶ֖ם

The word you is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ֠⁠שְּׁבִיעִי בֶּֽ⁠עָשׂ֨וֹר לַ⁠חֹ֜דֶשׁ

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on the western calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ֠⁠שְּׁבִיעִי בֶּֽ⁠עָשׂ֨וֹר לַ⁠חֹ֜דֶשׁ

The words seventh and tenth are the ordinal forms of “seven” and “ten”. Alternate translation: “in month seven on day ten of the month” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Leviticus 16:30

יְכַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֖ם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Aaron will make atonement for you” (See: Active or Passive)

לְ⁠טַהֵ֣ר אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם…תִּטְהָֽרוּ

People who are acceptable for God’s purposes are spoken of as if they were physically made clean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 16:31

שַׁבַּ֨ת שַׁבָּת֥וֹן הִיא֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם

This is not the same as the Sabbath they observed every week on the seventh day. This was a special Sabbath on the Day of Atonement.

Leviticus 16:32

תַּ֣חַת אָבִ֑י⁠ו

When the high priest died, one of his sons would replace him.

בִּגְדֵ֥י הַ⁠קֹּֽדֶשׁ

These holy garments were special clothes the high priest must wear when he enters the most holy place.

Leviticus 16:33

כָּל־ עַ֥ם הַ⁠קָּהָ֖ל

Alternate translation: “all the people of Israel”

Leviticus 16:34

Yahweh finishes telling Moses what the people must do on the Day of Atonement.

Leviticus 17

Leviticus 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sacrifices

Sacrifices could only be offered by the priests at the temple. Any other sacrifice was strictly prohibited. This was probably intended to ensure that the people were only offering sacrifices to Yahweh and not to another god. (See: priest, priesthood and god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“The life of each creature is its blood”

It is unclear why the life is described as being in the blood. It is possible that diseases were more common in the blood and this is why it was prohibited. Blood is also necessary for life to continue in a creature. (See: life, live, living, alive and blood)

Leviticus 17:4

לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהוָ֑ה

Alternate translation: “before Yahweh’s tabernacle”

וְ⁠נִכְרַ֛ת הָ⁠אִ֥ישׁ הַ⁠ה֖וּא מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמּֽ⁠וֹ

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:20. Alternate translation: “that person must be cut off from among his people as a branch is cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרַ֛ת הָ⁠אִ֥ישׁ הַ⁠ה֖וּא מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמּֽ⁠וֹ

Leviticus 17:7

אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֑ם

The people being unfaithful to Yahweh by worshiping false gods is spoken of as if they were prostitutes who sold their bodies for money. Alternate translation: “for which they are unfaithful to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֛ם תִּֽהְיֶה־ זֹּ֥את לָ⁠הֶ֖ם לְ⁠דֹרֹתָֽ⁠ם

See how you translated this phrase in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 17:9

וְ⁠נִכְרַ֛ת הָ⁠אִ֥ישׁ הַ⁠ה֖וּא מֵ⁠עַמָּֽי⁠ו

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:20. Alternate translation: “that person must be cut off from among his people like a branch is cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרַ֛ת הָ⁠אִ֥ישׁ הַ⁠ה֖וּא מֵ⁠עַמָּֽי⁠ו

Leviticus 17:10

וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֣י פָנַ֗⁠י בַּ⁠נֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙

The idiom set my face against means he “firmly decided to oppose.” Alternate translation: “I have made up my mind to oppose that person” (See: Idiom)

וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖⁠הּ מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠הּ

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “I will not permit that person to live among his people any longer” or “I will separate that person from his people” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 17:11

כִּ֣י נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַ⁠בָּשָׂר֮ בַּ⁠דָּ֣ם הִוא֒…כִּֽי־ הַ⁠דָּ֥ם ה֖וּא בַּ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ יְכַפֵּֽר

This means God uses the blood to atone for the sins of the people because the blood is life. The people should not consume the blood because it has this special purpose.

Leviticus 17:12

אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙

Here, I refers to Yahweh.

כָּל־ נֶ֥פֶשׁ מִ⁠כֶּ֖ם לֹא־ תֹ֣אכַל דָּ֑ם

Alternate translation: “no one among you may eat meat with blood in it”

Leviticus 17:13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵאָכֵ֑ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have said they may eat” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 17:14

נֶ֣פֶשׁ כָּל־ בָּשָׂ֗ר דָּמ֣⁠וֹ

This means that the blood is enables the creature to be alive. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “each creature is able to live because of its blood” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

כָּל־ אֹכְלָ֖י⁠ו יִכָּרֵֽת

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “Whoever eats blood may no longer live among his people” or “ Anyone who eats blood must be cut off from his people, as if he were a branch cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

כָּל־ אֹכְלָ֖י⁠ו יִכָּרֵֽת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Whoever eats blood may no longer live among his people” or “You must separate from his people anyone who eats blood” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 17:15

וּ⁠טְרֵפָ֔ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “or that wild animals have killed” (See: Active or Passive)

בָּ⁠אֶזְרָ֖ח

Alternate translation: “among the Israelites”

וְ⁠טָמֵ֥א…וְ⁠טָהֵֽר

The person whom other people may not touch is spoken of as if he were physically unclean and the person whom other people may touch is spoken of as if he were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עֶ֖רֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 17:16

וְ⁠נָשָׂ֖א עֲוֺנֽ⁠וֹ

Here a person’s iniquity is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נָשָׂ֖א עֲוֺנֽ⁠וֹ

Here the word iniquity represents the punishment for that iniquity. Alternate translation: “then he is responsible for his own iniquity” or “then I will punish him for his sin” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 18

Leviticus 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Uncovering nakedness

To “uncover nakedness” is a euphemism for having sexual relations with someone. This chapter gives many examples of people with whom Israelites were not to have sexual relations.

Leviticus 18:4

אֶת־ מִשְׁפָּטַ֧⁠י תַּעֲשׂ֛וּ וְ⁠אֶת־ חֻקֹּתַ֥⁠י תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the people must obey everything that Yahweh has commanded them to do. You can translate this parallelism into one statement that conveys the requirement to keep all of Yahweh’s commands. Alternate translation: “You must obey all of my laws and commandments” (See: Parallelism)

לָ⁠לֶ֣כֶת בָּ⁠הֶ֑ם

Obeying Yahweh’s commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were a path on which the person walks. Alternate translation: “so that you conduct your behavior according to them” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 18:6

לְ⁠גַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָ֑ה

The phrase to uncover nakedness is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 18:7

עֶרְוַ֥ת אָבִ֛י⁠ךָ וְ⁠עֶרְוַ֥ת אִמְּ⁠ךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “Do not have sexual relations with your father or your mother” (See: Euphemism)

לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽ⁠הּ

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “you must not have sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 18:8

אֵֽשֶׁת־ אָבִ֖י⁠ךָ

Sometimes men had more than one wife. God did not allow a son to have sexual intercourse with any woman married to his father, even if she was not his mother.

עֶרְוַ֥ת אָבִ֖י⁠ךָ הִֽוא

Alternate translation: “You would dishonor your father”

Leviticus 18:9

עֶרְוַ֨ת אֲחֽוֹתְ⁠ךָ֤ בַת־ אָבִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַת־ אִמֶּ֔⁠ךָ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת בַּ֔יִת א֖וֹ מוֹלֶ֣דֶת ח֑וּץ לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽ⁠ן

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. See how this is translated in Leviticus 18:7. Alternate translation: “Do not have sexual relations with your sister, the daughter of your father or the daughter of your mother, born at home or born outside” (See: Euphemism)

בַת־ אָבִ֨י⁠ךָ֙ א֣וֹ בַת־ אִמֶּ֔⁠ךָ

This means a man cannot have sexual intercourse with his sister even if she has a different mother or father.

Leviticus 18:10

כִּ֥י עֶרְוָתְ⁠ךָ֖ הֵֽנָּה

Alternate translation: “for you will dishonor yourself as well as them”

Leviticus 18:11

בַּת־ אֵ֤שֶׁת אָבִ֨י⁠ךָ֙

This could mean: (1) “your half-sister” or (2) “your stepsister.” Here the man does not have the same father or mother as the woman. They became brother and sister when their parents married.

Leviticus 18:12

עֶרְוַ֥ת אֲחוֹת־ אָבִ֖י⁠ךָ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. See how this is translated in Leviticus 18:7. Alternate translation: “Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 18:14

אֶל־ אִשְׁתּ⁠וֹ֙ לֹ֣א תִקְרָ֔ב

You may have to make explicit the purpose of the approach. Alternate translation: “do not go to his wife in order to have sexual intercourse with her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 18:15

עֶרְוַ֥ת כַּלָּֽתְ⁠ךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. See how this is translated in Leviticus 18:7. Alternate translation: “Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law” (See: Euphemism)

לֹ֥א תְגַלֶּ֖ה עֶרְוָתָֽ⁠הּ

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “you must not have sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 18:16

עֶרְוַ֥ת אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ הִֽוא

Alternate translation: “if you do that, you will dishonor your brother”

Leviticus 18:17

עֶרְוַ֥ת אִשָּׁ֛ה וּ⁠בִתָּ֖⁠הּ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. See how this is translated in Leviticus 18:7. Alternate translation: “Do not have sexual relations with a woman and her daughter” (See: Euphemism)

לְ⁠גַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָתָ֔⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with her”

Leviticus 18:19

בְּ⁠נִדַּ֣ת טֻמְאָתָ֑⁠הּ

This refers to the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb.

לְ⁠גַלּ֖וֹת עֶרְוָתָֽ⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with her”

Leviticus 18:20

אֵ֨שֶׁת֙ עֲמִֽיתְ⁠ךָ֔

Alternate translation: “any man’s wife”

Leviticus 18:21

וּ⁠מִֽ⁠זַּרְעֲ⁠ךָ֥ לֹא־ תִתֵּ֖ן לְ⁠הַעֲבִ֣יר לַ⁠מֹּ֑לֶךְ

The phrase to pass over to Molech refers to burning a child in the fire as a sacrifice to the idol Molech. Alternate translation: “You must not burn your children alive for Molech” (See: Idiom)

וְ⁠לֹ֧א תְחַלֵּ֛ל אֶת־ שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ

Here the word profane means to dishonor. The word namerepresents God himself. Alternate translation: “And you must not dishonor your God” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 18:22

וְ⁠אֶ֨ת…לֹ֥א תִשְׁכַּ֖ב

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “Do not have sexual relations with” (See: Euphemism)

תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה הִֽוא

Here, detestable refers to a violation of the natural order of things as Yahweh intended them to be.

Leviticus 18:23

לְ⁠רִבְעָ֖⁠הּ

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with it” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 18:24

נִטְמְא֣וּ הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֔ם

Here, the nations refers to the people groups already living in Canaan. Translate this so the term nations is clarified as people. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations … have defiled themselves” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 18:25

וַ⁠תִּטְמָ֣א הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ

Alternate translation: “And the people defiled the land”

וַ⁠תָּקִ֥א הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ אֶת־ יֹשְׁבֶֽי⁠הָ

Yahweh forcibly removing the people from the land is spoken of as if the land vomited the people out. Alternate translation: “I forcibly removed the people from the land” (See: Metaphor)

וַ⁠תָּקִ֥א הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ אֶת־ יֹשְׁבֶֽי⁠הָ

The land is spoken of as if it were a person who could vomit. (See: Personification)

Leviticus 18:26

מִ⁠כֹּ֥ל הַ⁠תּוֹעֵבֹ֖ת הָ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה

Alternate translation: “any of these disgusting things”

Leviticus 18:28

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ תָקִ֤יא הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם…קָאָ֛ה

Yahweh forcibly removing the people from the land is spoken of as if the land vomited the people out. See how you translated this metaphor in Leviticus 18:25. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ תָקִ֤יא הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם…קָאָ֛ה

The land is spoken of as if it were a person who could vomit. See how you translated these phrases in Leviticus 18:25. (See: Personification)

Leviticus 18:29

וְ⁠נִכְרְת֛וּ הַ⁠נְּפָשׁ֥וֹת הָ⁠עֹשֹׂ֖ת מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠ם

People being excluded from the community is spoken of as if they had been cut off from their people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “the people who do these things must be separated from their people as a branch is cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְת֛וּ הַ⁠נְּפָשׁ֥וֹת הָ⁠עֹשֹׂ֖ת מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠ם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must separate the who do such things from their people” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 18:30

אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשׂ֣וּ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which the people did here before you came” (See: Active or Passive)

בָּ⁠הֶ֑ם

Here, them refers to the detestable customs.

Leviticus 19

Leviticus 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Obeying Yahweh

Being holy meant obeying Yahweh in all matters of a person’s life. It is not limited to offering correct sacrifices. The law helped to establish righteousness in a person’s life, as well as justice in Israel. In Israel, these concepts are closely related. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Leviticus 19:3

שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖⁠י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ

Alternate translation: “you must observe my sabbaths” or “you must respect my day of rest”

Leviticus 19:4

אַל־ תִּפְנוּ֙ אֶל־ הָ֣⁠אֱלִילִ֔ים

Worshiping idols is spoken of as if it were physically turning towards them. Alternate translation: “Do not begin to worship worthless idols” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 19:5

לִֽ⁠רְצֹנְ⁠כֶ֖ם תִּזְבָּחֻֽ⁠הוּ

This could mean: (1) Yahweh will accept the person offering the sacrifice. Alternate translation: “you must offer it properly so that I will accept you” or (2) Yahweh will accept the sacrifice from the person. Alternate translation: “you must offer it properly so that I will accept your sacrifice” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 19:6

יֵאָכֵ֖ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must eat it” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹתָר֙ עַד־ י֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֔י בָּ⁠אֵ֖שׁ יִשָּׂרֵֽף

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must burn up in the fire what is left until the third day” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 19:7

וְ⁠אִ֛ם הֵאָכֹ֥ל יֵאָכֵ֖ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And if you eat any of it” (See: Active or Passive)

לֹ֥א יֵרָצֶֽה

To eat the offering after the designated time is against God and increases the guilt the offering was to cover. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You may not accept it for eating” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 19:8

וְ⁠אֹֽכְלָי⁠ו֙ עֲוֺנ֣⁠וֹ יִשָּׂ֔א

A person’s iniquity is spoken of as if it were a physical object that the person carries. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠אֹֽכְלָי⁠ו֙ עֲוֺנ֣⁠וֹ יִשָּׂ֔א

Here the word iniquity represents the punishment for that sin. Alternate translation: “And everyone who eats the sacrifice is responsible for his own sin” or “Yahweh will punish the sin of everyone who eats the sacrifice” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מֵ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

A person being excluded from his community is spoken of as if he had been cut off from his people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. See how you translated this in Leviticus 7:20. Alternate translation: “that person must be cut off from among his people as a branch is cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מֵ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

Leviticus 19:9

וּֽ⁠בְ⁠קֻצְרְ⁠כֶם֙ אֶת־ קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְ⁠כֶ֔ם לֹ֧א תְכַלֶּ֛ה פְּאַ֥ת שָׂדְ⁠ךָ֖

Alternate translation: “And when you gather your crops, do not gather all the way to the edges of your fields”

וְ⁠לֶ֥קֶט קְצִֽירְ⁠ךָ֖ לֹ֥א תְלַקֵּֽט

This refers to the practice of going back over the fields a second time to gather any produce that remained after the first time. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and do not go back and pick up all that you left behind” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 19:12

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ בִ⁠שְׁמִ֖⁠י לַ⁠שָּׁ֑קֶר

Alternate translation: “And do not use my name to swear about something that is not true”

Leviticus 19:13

לֹֽא־ תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק אֶת־ רֵֽעֲ⁠ךָ֖ וְ⁠לֹ֣א תִגְזֹ֑ל

Here, neighbor means “anyone.” The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Do not hurt or rob anyone” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לֹֽא־ תָלִ֞ין פְּעֻלַּ֥ת שָׂכִ֛יר אִתְּ⁠ךָ֖ עַד־ בֹּֽקֶר

Yahweh commands the employer to pay his servant promptly when his work is done that day. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 19:15

לֹא־ תַעֲשׂ֥וּ עָ֨וֶל֙ בַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֔ט

The double negative not … injustice is used for emphasis. It can be expressed in a positive way. Alternate translation: “Always judge rightly” (See: Litotes)

לֹא־ תִשָּׂ֣א פְנֵי־ דָ֔ל וְ⁠לֹ֥א תֶהְדַּ֖ר פְּנֵ֣י גָד֑וֹל

The words poor and great are two extremes, which together mean “anyone.” You can translate this to clarify the terms. Alternate translation: “You must not show favoritism to anyone based on how much money they have” (See: Merism)

בְּ⁠צֶ֖דֶק תִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט עֲמִיתֶֽ⁠ךָ

Alternate translation: “Judge everyone according to what is right”

Leviticus 19:16

רָכִיל֙

A slanderer is someone who says untrue, hurtful messages about other people.

Leviticus 19:17

לֹֽא־ תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת־ אָחִ֖י⁠ךָ בִּ⁠לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ

Continually hating a person is spoken of as if it were hating a person in the heart. Alternate translation: “Do not continually hate your brother” (See: Metaphor)

הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֨יחַ֙ אֶת־ עֲמִיתֶ֔⁠ךָ

Alternate translation: “You must correct your fellow Israelite who is sinning”

Leviticus 19:20

יִשְׁכַּ֨ב אֶת

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with” (See: Euphemism)

נֶחֱרֶ֣פֶת לְ⁠אִ֔ישׁ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom someone promised to give to a man as his wife” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠הָפְדֵּה֙ לֹ֣א נִפְדָּ֔תָה א֥וֹ חֻפְשָׁ֖ה לֹ֣א נִתַּן־ לָ֑⁠הּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but whom her future husband has not ransomed or given her freedom” (See: Active or Passive)

לֹ֥א יוּמְת֖וּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not kill them” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 19:21

וְ⁠הֵבִ֤יא אֶת־ אֲשָׁמ⁠וֹ֙ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה אֶל־ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד אֵ֖יל אָשָֽׁם

Alternate translation: “And a man must bring a ram as a guilt offering to Yahweh to the entrance of the tent of meeting”

Leviticus 19:22

וְ⁠נִסְלַ֣ח ל֔⁠וֹ מֵ⁠חַטָּאת֖⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָטָֽא

Leviticus 19:23

וַ⁠עֲרַלְתֶּ֥ם עָרְלָת֖⁠וֹ אֶת־ פִּרְי֑⁠וֹ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֗ים יִהְיֶ֥ה לָ⁠כֶ֛ם עֲרֵלִ֖ים לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵֽל

Yahweh repeats the prohibition in order to emphasize it and to clarify that it is in force for the first three years that the tree bears fruit. Translate this to clarify the period of time the trees must be left alone. Alternate translation: “then you must consider the fruit of the trees to be unclean for the first three years and not eat any of it until after that” (See: Parallelism)

לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵֽל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not eat it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 19:29

וְ⁠לֹא־ תִזְנֶ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וּ⁠מָלְאָ֥ה הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ זִמָּֽה

Here both occurrences of the word land represent the people who live there. Alternate translation: “the people will begin to practice prostitution and many wicked things” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠לֹא־ תִזְנֶ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וּ⁠מָלְאָ֥ה הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ זִמָּֽה

Many people practicing prostitution and other wicked deeds is spoken of as if the they have fallen into or become full of those things. Alternate translation: “the people will begin to practice prostitution and many wicked things” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 19:31

הָ⁠אֹבֹת֙ וְ⁠אֶל־ הַ⁠יִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים

The necromancers were people who claimed to speak with dead people. The soothsayers claimed to be able to predict what will happen in the future. The Israelites were not allowed to have anything to do with these people.

אַל־ תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּ לְ⁠טָמְאָ֣ה בָ⁠הֶ֑ם

Alternate translation: “Do not seek those people out. If you do, they will defile you”

Leviticus 19:32

תָּק֔וּם

Standing up in front of someone is a sign of respect. (See: Symbolic Action)

שֵׂיבָה֙

A gray-haired person refers to a person whose hair has turned gray from age, or “an old person.”

Leviticus 19:35

לֹא־ תַעֲשׂ֥וּ עָ֖וֶל בַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּ֑ט בַּ⁠מִּדָּ֕ה בַּ⁠מִּשְׁקָ֖ל וּ⁠בַ⁠מְּשׂוּרָֽה

This prohibits the practice of intentionally using instruments that give inaccurate readings when measuring things.

Leviticus 19:36

אֵ֥יפַת צֶ֛דֶק

An ephah was a measurement for grain. (See: Biblical Volume)

וְ⁠הִ֥ין צֶ֖דֶק

A hin was a measurement for liquids. (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 19:37

וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם…וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם

These phrases mean the same thing and emphasize the command for obedience. (See: Doublet)

Leviticus 20

Leviticus 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Punishments for serious sins

This chapter compiles a list of serious sins. The most serious sins are punished by death. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and die, dead, deadly, death)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Euphemism

“To see someone’s nakedness” means to live as husband wife. (See: Euphemism)

Metaphor

The phrase “you must carry your own guilt” is a metaphor. It is unknown what this means, but it is possible it indicates a penalty of death.

Leviticus 20:2

אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֧ן מִ⁠זַּרְע֛⁠וֹ לַ⁠מֹּ֖לֶךְ

Those who worshiped Molech sacrificed their children to him by means of fire. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “who kills any of his children as a sacrifice to Molech” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people in the land must certainly stone him to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 20:3

וַ⁠אֲנִ֞י אֶתֵּ֤ן אֶת־ פָּנַ⁠י֙ בָּ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠ה֔וּא

The idiom *set me face means he “firmly decided.” Alternate translation: “And I have made up my mind to oppose that man” (See: Idiom)

כִּ֤י מִ⁠זַּרְע⁠וֹ֙ נָתַ֣ן לַ⁠מֹּ֔לֶךְ

Se how you translated a similar phrase in 20:2. Alternate translation: “he has sacrificed his child”

לְמַ֗עַן טַמֵּא֙ אֶת־ מִקְדָּשִׁ֔⁠י וּ⁠לְ⁠חַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־ שֵׁ֥ם קָדְשִֽׁ⁠י

Alternate translation: “and by doing that, he has defiled my holy place and profaned my holy name”

וּ⁠לְ⁠חַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־ שֵׁ֥ם קָדְשִֽׁ⁠י

Here God’s name represents God and his reputation. Alternate translation: “and to dishonor my reputation” or “and to dishonor me” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 20:4

הַעְלֵ֣ם יַעְלִימֽוּ֩ עַ֨ם הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ אֶת־ עֵֽינֵי⁠הֶם֙ מִן־ הָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠ה֔וּא

The phrase to cause their eyes to be hidden implies they do not see that thing. This speaks of ignoring something as closing the eyes. Alternate translation: “the people of the land disregard that man at all” or “the people of the land even partially ignore that man” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 20:5

כָּל־ הַ⁠זֹּנִ֣ים אַחֲרָ֗י⁠ו לִ⁠זְנ֛וֹת אַחֲרֵ֥י הַ⁠מֹּ֖לֶךְ

This phrase compares those who are unfaithful to Yahweh to prostitutes. Alternate translation: “who is unfaithful to Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 20:6

לִ⁠זְנ֖וֹת אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶ֑ם

This phrase compares the unfaithful people to prostitutes. Alternate translation: “by doing that, they seek advice from the spirits rather than from me” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־ פָּנַ⁠י֙ בַּ⁠נֶּ֣פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֔וא

The idiom set my face means he “firmly decided.” Alternate translation: “I have made up my mind that I will oppose that person” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 20:8

וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־ חֻקֹּתַ֔⁠י וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑⁠ם

The words keep and do mean basically the same thing. They are used together in order to emphasize that the people must obey God. (See: Parallelism)

Leviticus 20:9

מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must surely put him to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 20:10

מֽוֹת־ יוּמַ֥ת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must certainly put both of them to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 20:11

יִשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת־ אֵ֣שֶׁת אָבִ֔י⁠ו

This is a polite way of referring to sexual activity. Some languages use more direct phrases such as “has sex with his father’s wife.” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 20:12

תֶּ֥בֶל עָשׂ֖וּ

Here God calls a man having sex with his son’s wife a perversion, an especially serious sin. See how you translated perversion in Leviticus 18:23.

Leviticus 20:13

יִשְׁכַּ֤ב אֶת

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with” (See: Euphemism)

מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י אִשָּׁ֔ה

The way he treats the man is the same way he would treat a woman. Alternate translation: “just like he would with a woman” (See: Simile)

תּוֹעֵבָ֥ה

Alternate translation: “something detestable” or “something detestable”

מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must surely put them to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 20:14

בָּ⁠אֵ֞שׁ יִשְׂרְפ֤וּ אֹת⁠וֹ֙ וְ⁠אֶתְ⁠הֶ֔ן

Leviticus 20:15

יִתֵּ֧ן שְׁכָבְתּ֛⁠וֹ בִּ⁠בְהֵמָ֖ה

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with an animal” (See: Euphemism)

מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת

Leviticus 20:16

לְ⁠רִבְעָ֣ה אֹתָ֔⁠הּ

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “to have sexual relations with it” (See: Euphemism)

וְ⁠הָרַגְתָּ֥ אֶת־ הָ⁠אִשָּׁ֖ה וְ⁠אֶת־ הַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֑ה מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ

Both clauses mean the same thing. They emphasize that the woman and animal must die. (See: Parallelism)

מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must certainly put them to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 20:17

יִקַּ֣ח

This could mean: (1) this is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “has sexual relations with” or (2) it simply means “to marry.” (See: Euphemism)

בַּת־ אָבִ֣י⁠ו א֣וֹ בַת־ אִ֠מּ⁠וֹ

This means a man cannot have sexual intercourse with his sister, even if she has a different mother or father. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “whether it is his full sister or half-sister” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠רָאָ֨ה אֶת־ עֶרְוָתָ֜⁠הּ וְ⁠הִֽיא־ תִרְאֶ֤ה אֶת־ עֶרְוָת⁠וֹ֙

This is a polite way of referring to sexual activity. Alternate translation: “they have sexual relations” (See: Euphemism)

עֶרְוַ֧ת אֲחֹת֛⁠וֹ גִּלָּ֖ה

This is a polite way of referring to sexual activity. Alternate translation: “He has had sexual relations with his sister” (See: Euphemism)

עֲוֺנ֥⁠וֹ יִשָּֽׂא

This phrase means the man is responsible for his sin. Alternate translation: “He is responsible for his sin” or “You must punish him for his sin” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 20:18

וְ֠⁠אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־ יִשְׁכַּ֨ב אֶת־ אִשָּׁ֜ה דָּוָ֗ה

This is a euphemism for sexual activity. Alternate translation: “And if a man has sexual relations with a menstruating woman” (See: Euphemism)

אִשָּׁ֜ה דָּוָ֗ה

This means it is the time every month when a woman bleeds from her womb.

אֶת־ מְקֹרָ֣⁠הּ הֶֽעֱרָ֔ה וְ⁠הִ֕יא גִּלְּתָ֖ה אֶת־ מְק֣וֹר דָּמֶ֑י⁠הָ

This phrase compares having sex with a woman during her menstrual period to removing the cover off of something that should remain hidden. (See: Metaphor)

אֶת־ מְקֹרָ֣⁠הּ הֶֽעֱרָ֔ה וְ⁠הִ֕יא גִּלְּתָ֖ה אֶת־ מְק֣וֹר דָּמֶ֑י⁠הָ

The fact that this was a shameful thing to do can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “they have done a shameful thing by exposing and uncovering the flow of her blood” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠נִכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠ם

People being excluded from their community is spoken of as if they had been cut off from their people, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 7:20. Alternate translation: “And both of them must be cut off among their people as a branch is cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠ם

וְ⁠נִכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם

It can be stated clearly why this must be done. Alternate translation: “Because they have done this shameful thing, both the man and woman must be cut off” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 20:19

וְ⁠עֶרְוַ֨ת אֲח֧וֹת אִמְּ⁠ךָ֛ וַ⁠אֲח֥וֹת אָבִ֖י⁠ךָ לֹ֣א תְגַלֵּ֑ה

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister” (See: Euphemism)

עֲוֺנָ֥⁠ם יִשָּֽׂאוּ

The idiom “carry your own guilt” means “you are responsible for your own sin.” Alternate translation: “They are responsible for their own sin” or “You must punish them for their sin” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 20:20

וְ⁠אִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת־ דֹּ֣דָת֔⁠וֹ

This is a polite way of speaking of sexual relations. You may have to use other words in your translation. Alternate translation: “And if a man has sexual relations with his aunt” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 20:21

וְ⁠אִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִקַּ֛ח אֶת־ אֵ֥שֶׁת אָחִ֖י⁠ו

This could mean: (1) this is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “If a man has sexual relations with his brother’s wife” or (2) it simply means “to marry.” (See: Euphemism)

Leviticus 20:22

וְ⁠לֹא־ תָקִ֤יא אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֜י מֵבִ֥יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֛ם שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לָ⁠שֶׁ֥בֶת בָּֽ⁠הּ

This phrase describes the removal of the people from the land as if they were bad food that a person vomits out. See how you translated this metaphor in Leviticus 18:25. Alternate translation: “the land to which I am bringing you will not reject you” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠לֹא־ תָקִ֤יא אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֜י מֵבִ֥יא אֶתְ⁠כֶ֛ם שָׁ֖מָּ⁠ה לָ⁠שֶׁ֥בֶת בָּֽ⁠הּ

Here, the land is describes as if it were a person who could vomit. Alternate translation: “the land to which I am bringing you will not reject you” (See: Personification)

Leviticus 20:23

וְ⁠לֹ֤א תֵֽלְכוּ֙ בְּ⁠חֻקֹּ֣ת הַ⁠גּ֔וֹי

Doing the actions of idol worshipers is spoken of as walking in their ways. Alternate translation: “And you must not act like the nations” (See: Metaphor)

אֲנִ֥י מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ

Alternate translation: “I will remove”

Leviticus 20:24

אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּ⁠דְבָ֑שׁ

The phrase flowing with milk and honey means “that is rich and productive with enough food for everyone.” Alternate translation: “a land that is excellent for cattle and farming” or “a productive land” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 20:26

וָ⁠אַבְדִּ֥ל אֶתְ⁠כֶ֛ם

Alternate translation: “and I have distinguished you” or “and I have set you apart”

Leviticus 20:27

מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑תוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they must certainly put them to death” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Priests must be holy

Priests must be separate from the rest of the world. Priests should not do anything that would be unclean. They also cannot be unclean because of a birth defect, and they must not marry an unclean woman. (See: priest, priesthood and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and clean, wash)

Leviticus 21:1

לֹֽא־ יִטַּמָּ֖א

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

בְּ⁠עַמָּֽי⁠ו

Alternate translation: “among the Israelites”

Leviticus 21:3

הַ⁠בְּתוּלָה֙

The word virgin is sometimes translated as “young woman.”

Leviticus 21:5

וּ⁠פְאַ֥ת זְקָנָ֖⁠ם לֹ֣א יְגַלֵּ֑חוּ

It is impossible to be certain what the writer intended here. This could mean: (1) shave off certain parts of their beards or (2) cut or shave any part of their beards.

Leviticus 21:6

וְ⁠לֹ֣א יְחַלְּל֔וּ שֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶ֑ם

This word name is used to represent Yahweh’s character. Alternate translation: “and they must not disgrace God’s reputation” or “and they must not disgrace their God” (See: Metonymy)

לֶ֧חֶם אֱלֹהֵי⁠הֶ֛ם

Here, bread represents food in general. Yahweh does not actually eat these offerings. It is the sincerity of those offering the food that pleases God. (See: Synecdoche)

וְ⁠הָ֥יוּ קֹֽדֶשׁ

Alternate translation: “so they must be set apart”

Leviticus 21:7

לֹ֣א יִקָּ֔חוּ…לֹ֣א יִקָּ֑חוּ

Alternate translation: “The priest must not take … the priest must not take”

כִּֽי־ קָדֹ֥שׁ ה֖וּא

Alternate translation: “For he is set apart”

Leviticus 21:8

וְ⁠קִדַּשְׁתּ֔⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “And you people must treat the priest as holy”

כִּֽי־ אֶת־ לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהֶ֖י⁠ךָ ה֣וּא מַקְרִ֑יב

Here, bread represents food in general. Yahweh does not actually eat these offerings. Translate this in a way that makes it clear that Yahweh does not actually eat the food. (See: Synecdoche)

קָדֹשׁ֙ יִֽהְיֶה־ לָּ֔⁠ךְ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must regard him as holy” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 21:9

תִּשָּׂרֵֽף

Leviticus 21:10

שֶׁ֤מֶן הַ⁠מִּשְׁחָה֙

This is a reference to the anointing oil used in the ceremony consecrating a new the high priest. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אֲֽשֶׁר־ יוּצַ֥ק עַל־ רֹאשׁ֣⁠וֹ׀ שֶׁ֤מֶן הַ⁠מִּשְׁחָה֙ וּ⁠מִלֵּ֣א אֶת־ יָד֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “on whose head they poured anointing oil and whose hand they filled” (See: Active or Passive)

אֶת־ רֹאשׁ⁠וֹ֙ לֹ֣א יִפְרָ֔ע וּ⁠בְגָדָ֖י⁠ו לֹ֥א יִפְרֹֽם

Loose hair and torn clothes were signs of mourning. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “he must not mourn for dead relatives” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 21:12

וּ⁠מִן־ הַ⁠מִּקְדָּשׁ֙ לֹ֣א יֵצֵ֔א

This does not mean the high priest could never leave. God did not allow him to leave in order to grieve over someone who died. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 21:14

מֵ⁠עַמָּ֖י⁠ו

Alternate translation: “from among his own tribe, the tribe of Levi”

Leviticus 21:15

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ יְחַלֵּ֥ל זַרְע֖⁠וֹ בְּ⁠עַמָּ֑י⁠ו

By marrying an unholy or ungodly woman, the priest would have children unworthy to be priest. Alternate translation: “And he will not have unworthy children by marrying an ungodly woman” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 21:17

לֹ֣א יִקְרַ֔ב לְ⁠הַקְרִ֖יב לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהָֽי⁠ו

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “must not come to burn the burnt offering of food on God’s altar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 21:18

לֹ֣א יִקְרָ֑ב

A priest had to meet specific physical standards in order to approach Yahweh. This does not imply that physical defects were the result of immorality or that all people with physical defects are unable to approach Yahweh.

Leviticus 21:21

אֵ֚ת לֶ֣חֶם אֱלֹהָ֔י⁠ו לֹ֥א יִגַּ֖שׁ לְ⁠הַקְרִֽיב

Here, bread represents food in general. Alternate translation: “He must not make burnt offering of food on God’s altar” (See: Synecdoche)

Leviticus 21:22

לֶ֣חֶם אֱלֹהָ֔י⁠ו מִ⁠קָּדְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠קֳּדָשִׁ֑ים וּ⁠מִן־ הַ⁠קֳּדָשִׁ֖ים יֹאכֵֽל

Parts of the sacrifices belonged to the priests and could be eaten. Alternate translation: “He may eat the food offering of his God, some of the holiest holy things and some of the holy things”

יֹאכֵֽל

Here, he refers to the priest with the bodily defect.

מִ⁠קָּדְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠קֳּדָשִׁ֑ים וּ⁠מִן־ הַ⁠קֳּדָשִׁ֖ים

This also refers to the food that was sacrificed. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “some of the sacrifices offered in the most holy place or some of the sacrifices offered in the holy place” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 21:24

וְ⁠אֶל־ בָּנָ֑י⁠ו

Alternate translation: “and to Aaron’s sons”

Leviticus 22

Leviticus 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Holy things

Priests who are unclean must not touch any holy thing. The things in the temple and involved in sacrifices must remain clean. An unclean priest would cause anything he touched to become unclean. (See: priest, priesthood and clean, wash and holy, holiness, unholy, sacred)

Leviticus 22:2

וְ⁠יִנָּֽזְרוּ֙ מִ⁠קָּדְשֵׁ֣י

Yahweh is about to describe situations where a priest is unclean and not allowed to touch holy things. Alternate translation: “that there are times when they should keep away from the holy things”

וְ⁠לֹ֥א יְחַלְּל֖וּ אֶת־ שֵׁ֣ם קָדְשִׁ֑⁠י

The word profane here means to dishonor. The word name represents Yahweh’s character. Alternate translation: “And they must not dishonor my reputation” or “And they must not dishonor me” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 22:3

לְ⁠דֹרֹ֨תֵי⁠כֶ֜ם

Alternate translation: “from now on”

וְ⁠טֻמְאָת֖⁠וֹ עָלָ֑י⁠ו

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. Alternate translation: “while he is unclean” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֧פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֛וא מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנַ֖⁠י

A priest no longer being able to serve Yahweh is spoken of as if that person had been cut off from Yahweh’s presence, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: “that person must be cut off from before me as a branch is cut from a tree” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֞ה הַ⁠נֶּ֧פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֛וא מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנַ֖⁠י

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that person will no longer be able to serve as a priest” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 22:4

צָר֨וּעַ֙

This refers to a disease on the skin easily spread from one person to another.

עַ֖ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְהָ֑ר

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּגֵ֨עַ֙ בְּ⁠כָל־ טְמֵא

Something that Yahweh has said is unfit to touch or eat is spoken of as if it were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 22:5

אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִגַּ֔ע בְּ⁠כָל־ שֶׁ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְמָא־ ל֑⁠וֹ א֤וֹ בְ⁠אָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִטְמָא־ ל֔⁠וֹ

This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “or whoever is unclean from touching a creeping animal or from touching another unclean person” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 22:6

נֶ֚פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּגַּע־ בּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠טָמְאָ֖ה

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

עַד־ הָ⁠עָ֑רֶב

Alternate translation: “until sunset”

Leviticus 22:7

וְ⁠טָהֵ֑ר

A person who is acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. Alternate translation: “then he will be considered clean” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 22:8

נְבֵלָ֧ה וּ⁠טְרֵפָ֛ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an animal that someone found dead or that a wild animal has killed” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 22:12

בִּ⁠תְרוּמַ֥ת הַ⁠קֳּדָשִׁ֖ים

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word contributions, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the holy offerings which people have contributed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 22:14

וְ⁠יָסַ֤ף חֲמִֽשִׁית⁠וֹ֙ עָלָ֔י⁠ו וְ⁠נָתַ֥ן לַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן אֶת־ הַ⁠קֹּֽדֶשׁ

This could mean: (1) that the person had to replace the food that he had eaten with the same kind of food or (2) that the person had to pay money to the priest for the food that he had eaten.

חֲמִֽשִׁית⁠וֹ֙

The term its fifth refers to one part out of five equal parts. (See: Fractions)

Leviticus 22:15

אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־ יָרִ֖ימוּ

Here the phrase lifted up refers to a symbolic gesture of respect that represents offering something to Yahweh. It means basically the same thing as “presented.” Alternate translation: “that they offered” (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 22:16

וְ⁠הִשִּׂ֤יאוּ אוֹתָ⁠ם֙ עֲוֺ֣ן אַשְׁמָ֔ה

Here, guilt is spoken of as if it were an object that people can carry. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠הִשִּׂ֤יאוּ אוֹתָ⁠ם֙ עֲוֺ֣ן אַשְׁמָ֔ה

This could mean: (1) they would be responsible for their sin and so become guilty. Alternate translation: “they would be guilty for the sin that they committed” or (2) the word guilt is a metonym for punishment for the sin that they committed. Alternate translation: “they would receive the punishment because they are guilty” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 22:18

הַ⁠גֵּ֣ר

Alternate translation: “the foreigner”

Leviticus 22:19

לִֽ⁠רְצֹנְ⁠כֶ֑ם

Alternate translation: “in order for Yahweh to accept it”

Leviticus 22:21

לְ⁠רָצ֔וֹן

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for me to accept it” or “for Yahweh to accept it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 22:22

שָׁב֜וּר אוֹ־ חָר֣וּץ

The words disabled and maimed refer to defects caused by accidents.

יַבֶּ֗לֶת א֤וֹ גָרָב֙ א֣וֹ יַלֶּ֔פֶת

The words warts, eczema, and scabs refer to types of skin diseases.

Leviticus 22:23

שָׂר֣וּעַ וְ⁠קָל֑וּט

The words deformed andsmall refer to defects the animal has from birth.

לֹ֥א יֵרָצֶֽה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will not accept it” or “Yahweh will not accept it” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 22:25

וּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֣ד בֶּן־ נֵכָ֗ר לֹ֥א תַקְרִ֛יבוּ אֶת־ לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם מִ⁠כָּל־ אֵ֑לֶּה כִּ֣י מָשְׁחָתָ֤⁠ם בָּ⁠הֶם֙ מ֣וּם בָּ֔⁠ם

Here the word hand represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “And you must not offer as food to your God any deformed animal from a foreigner” (See: Synecdoche)

לֹ֥א תַקְרִ֛יבוּ אֶת־ לֶ֥חֶם אֱלֹהֵי⁠כֶ֖ם

God did not actually eat the sacrifices. Priests would offer the sacrifice on God’s altar, and they would eat some of the meat. Alternate translation: “you must not present an animal as a food offering to your God” (See: Synecdoche)

It is implied that Israelites could not use animals as a sacrifice to God if they bought it from a foreigner, because foreigners castrated their animals making them unacceptable to God. Alternate translation: “And you must not offer to your God any animal that a foreigner has castrated, because that animal is deformed as a result” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לֹ֥א יֵרָצ֖וּ לָ⁠כֶֽם

Leviticus 22:27

יֵרָצֶ֕ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you may accept it” (See: Active or Passive)

אִשֶּׁ֖ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for a burnt offering” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 22:30

יֵאָכֵ֔ל

Leviticus 22:31

וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ מִצְוֺתַ֔⁠י וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑⁠ם

The words keep and do mean the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey God’s commands. Alternate translation: “you must obey my commandments” (See: Doublet)

Leviticus 22:32

וְ⁠לֹ֤א תְחַלְּלוּ֙ אֶת־ שֵׁ֣ם קָדְשִׁ֔⁠י

Here the word name represents Yahweh himself and his reputation and profane means to remove the honor that belongs to God as Creator and Lord of the universe. Alternate translation: “And you must not dishonor me, for I am holy” or “And you must not dishonor my holy reputation” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠נִ֨קְדַּשְׁתִּ֔י בְּ⁠ת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel must treat me as holy” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 23

Leviticus 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

The feasts

The people should celebrate the Sabbath, the Passover, the Feast of First Fruits, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Booths. These feasts were important for the religious life of Israel. They were a part of proper worship of Yahweh and the identity of Israel. (See: Sabbath, Passover and firstfruits and atonement, atone, atoned)

Leviticus 23:2

מוֹעֲדֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה

These refers to festivals that the Lord had appointed to happen on specific dates. The people were to worship him at these festivals. Alternate translation: “the festivals for Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s festivals”

Leviticus 23:3

וּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙

The people must rest habitually on the seventh day. After every six days in which they can work, they must rest on the seventh day.

מִקְרָא־ קֹ֔דֶשׁ

The requirement that people assemble to worship God on that day is spoken of as if that day were the assembly. Alternate translation: “a holy day, when you must assemble together to worship me” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 23:4

בְּ⁠מוֹעֲדָֽ⁠ם

Alternate translation: “at their proper times”

Leviticus 23:5

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר לַ⁠חֹ֖דֶשׁ

The first month of the Hebrew calendar marks when Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt. The fourteenth day is around the beginning of April on the Western calendar. (See: Hebrew Months])

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן

The word first is the ordinal form of “one”. Alternate translation: “In month one” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בֵּ֣ין הָ⁠עַרְבָּ֑יִם

Alternate translation: “at sunset”

Leviticus 23:6

וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה

Here, this month is the first month of the Hebrew calendar (verse 5). It was in the first month that Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt. The fifteenth day is around the beginning of April on the Western calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

Leviticus 23:7

בַּ⁠יּוֹם֙ הָֽ⁠רִאשׁ֔וֹן מִקְרָא־ קֹ֖דֶשׁ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָ⁠כֶ֑ם

Alternate translation: “You must set apart the first day to gather together” or “You must treat the first day as different and gather together”

Leviticus 23:8

וְ⁠הִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם אִשֶּׁ֛ה

They would present the offering to Yahweh by burning it on the altar.

בַּ⁠יּ֤וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִי֙ מִקְרָא־ קֹ֔דֶשׁ

The requirement that people assemble on that day is spoken of as if that day were an assembly. Being holy means that when they assemble, they must worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “The seventh day is a day when you must assemble together to worship Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 23:11

לִֽ⁠רְצֹנְ⁠כֶ֑ם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for Yahweh to accept it for you” or “and I will accept it for you” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 23:13

שְׁנֵ֨י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

An ephah is 22 liters. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

רְבִיעִ֥ת הַ⁠הִֽין

A hin is 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: “a liter” (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 23:14

חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְ⁠דֹרֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated this in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 23:16

הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔ת

The word seventh is the ordinal for number seven. See: Ordinal Numbers

Leviticus 23:17

שְׁ֚תַּיִם שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים סֹ֣לֶת תִּהְיֶ֔ינָה חָמֵ֖ץ תֵּאָפֶ֑ינָה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They must be two loaves of bread that you have made from two-tenths of an ephah of flour and then baked with yeast” (See: Active or Passive)

שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

An ephah is 22 liters. Two-tenths of an ephah is is approximately 4.4 liters. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 23:18

רֵֽיחַ־ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַ⁠יהוָֽה

The Lord’s pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will be pleased with you” or “that pleases the Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 23:22

וּֽ⁠בְ⁠קֻצְרְ⁠כֶ֞ם אֶת־ קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְ⁠כֶ֗ם לֹֽא־ תְכַלֶּ֞ה פְּאַ֤ת שָֽׂדְ⁠ךָ֙

Alternate translation: “And when you gather your crops, do not gather them all the way to the edges of your fields”

Leviticus 23:24

בַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֜י בְּ⁠אֶחָ֣ד לַ⁠חֹ֗דֶשׁ

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of September on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

בַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֜י

The word seventh is the ordinal form of “seven”. Alternate translation: “In month seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

שַׁבָּת֔וֹן

This was a period of time that was only for worship and not for work.

Leviticus 23:25

וְ⁠הִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַ⁠יהוָֽה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you must offer a sacrifice that you make by fire to Yahweh” or “and you must burn an offering on the altar to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 23:27

בֶּ⁠עָשׂ֣וֹר לַ⁠חֹדֶשׁ֩ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֨י הַ⁠זֶּ֜ה

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

לַ⁠חֹדֶשׁ֩ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֨י הַ⁠זֶּ֜ה

The word seventh is the ordinal form of “seven”. Alternate translation: “of month seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

י֧וֹם הַ⁠כִּפֻּרִ֣ים

On this day each year the high priest made a sacrifice to Yahweh so that Yahweh would forgive all the sins of the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “the Day of Sacrifice for Forgiveness” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 23:29

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֖ה מֵֽ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

Being excluded is spoken of as being cut off. See how you translated this idea in Leviticus 7:20. Alternate translation: “then he must be cut off from his people as a branch is cut off” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֖ה מֵֽ⁠עַמֶּֽי⁠הָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then you must exclude him from his people” or “then you must separate that person from his people” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 23:30

בְּ⁠עֶ֖צֶם הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה

Alternate translation: “on the Day of Atonement”

Leviticus 23:31

חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְ⁠דֹרֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 23:32

שַׁבַּ֨ת שַׁבָּת֥וֹן הוּא֙

This is not the same as the Sabbath they observed every week on the seventh day. This was a special Sabbath on the Day of Atonement.

וְ⁠עִנִּיתֶ֖ם אֶת־ נַפְשֹׁתֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

In this case humbling themselves implies that they would not eat any food. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “and you must humble yourselves and eat nothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

בְּ⁠תִשְׁעָ֤ה לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ֙

This refers to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The ninth day is near the end of September on Western calendars. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “the ninth day of the seventh month” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

מֵ⁠עֶ֣רֶב עַד־ עֶ֔רֶב

Alternate translation: “From sunset to sunset on the next day”

Leviticus 23:34

בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֜ר י֗וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֤דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִי֙

This date is near the beginning of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

לַ⁠חֹ֤דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִי֙

The word seventh is the ordinal form of “seven”. Alternate translation: “of month seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

חַ֧ג הַ⁠סֻּכּ֛וֹת

This is a celebration during which the people of Israel lived in temporary shelters for seven days as a way to remember the time they spent living in the wilderness after they left Egypt. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 23:37

אֵ֚לֶּה מוֹעֲדֵ֣י

This refers to the festivals mentioned in 23:1-36.

Leviticus 23:39

בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֜וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of October on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י

The word seventh is the ordinal form of “seven”. Alternate translation: “of month seven” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בְּ⁠אָסְפְּ⁠כֶם֙ אֶת־ תְּבוּאַ֣ת

The word produce here represents various kinds of crops. Alternate translation: “after you have gathered the crops of” (See: Synecdoche)

Leviticus 23:40

כַּפֹּ֣ת תְּמָרִ֔ים וַ⁠עֲנַ֥ף עֵץ־ עָבֹ֖ת וְ⁠עַרְבֵי־ נָ֑חַל

Possible uses for these branches are: (1) to make temporary shelters or (2) to wave them as part of their joyous celebration. Some translations state their use clearly; other translations leave it implicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠עַרְבֵי

The willows are trees with long, narrow leaves, which grow near water. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Leviticus 24

Leviticus 24 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Cursing God

The punishment for someone who curses God is to have stones thrown at him until he is dead. This was acceptable in ancient Israel, but it is no longer considered acceptable. (See: curse, cursed, cursing)

Leviticus 24:1

God gives Moses instructions about the things in the tent of meeting.

Leviticus 24:2

שֶׁ֣מֶן זַ֥יִת זָ֛ךְ כָּתִ֖ית

Alternate translation: “pure olive oil”

נֵ֖ר

This refers to the lamp or lamps in Yahweh’s sacred tent. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the lamp in the tent of meeting” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 24:3

מִ⁠חוּץ֩ לְ⁠פָרֹ֨כֶת הָ⁠עֵדֻ֜ת

Here, the testimony represents either the tablets that the decrees were written on or the box that the tablets were put in. These were kept in the very holy place, which was the room behind the curtain in the tent of meeting. Alternate translation: “Outside the curtain that is in front of the tablets of the covenant decrees” or “Outside the curtain that is in front of the box of the covenant” (See: Synecdoche)

לְ⁠פָרֹ֨כֶת

This curtain was a thick fabric hung as a wall. It was not like a light window curtain.

מֵ⁠עֶ֧רֶב עַד־ בֹּ֛קֶר

Alternate translation: “from sunset to sunrise” or “all night”

חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְ⁠דֹרֹֽתֵי⁠כֶֽם

This means that they and their descendants must obey this command forever. See how you translated a similar phrase in Leviticus 3:17.

Leviticus 24:5

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

An ephah is about 22 litres. This two-tenths is about 4.4 liters. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Leviticus 24:6

הַ⁠שֻּׁלְחָ֥ן הַ⁠טָּהֹ֖ר לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

This table is in the holy place, which is before the most holy place.

Leviticus 24:7

וְ⁠נָתַתָּ֥ עַל־ הַֽ⁠מַּעֲרֶ֖כֶת לְבֹנָ֣ה זַכָּ֑ה

The incense was probably next to the loaves, rather than directly on the loaves. Alternate translation: “And you must put pure incense next to the loaves in each row” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠הָיְתָ֤ה לַ⁠לֶּ֨חֶם֙ לְ⁠אַזְכָּרָ֔ה

What the incense would represent can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “and it will represent the loaves as an offering” or “and it will be an offering that represents the loaves” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 24:9

וְ⁠הָֽיְתָה֙

Alternate translation: “And this bread that is offered will be”

מֵ⁠אִשֵּׁ֥י יְהוָ֖ה

Alternate translation: “fro the burnt offerings to Yahweh” or “from the offerings that you burn to Yahweh”

Leviticus 24:10

וַ⁠יֵּצֵא֙

This phrase marks a new section of the book.

Leviticus 24:11

וַ֠⁠יִּקֹּב בֶּן־ הָֽ⁠אִשָּׁ֨ה הַ⁠יִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֤ית אֶת־ הַ⁠שֵּׁם֙ וַ⁠יְקַלֵּ֔ל

The words blasphemed and cursed mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “And the son of the Israelite woman blasphemed Yahweh by cursing him” or “And the son of the Israelite woman said terrible things about Yahweh” (See: Parallelism)

שְׁלֹמִ֥ית

Shelomith is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

בַּת־ דִּבְרִ֖י

* Dibri* is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Leviticus 24:14

וְ⁠סָמְכ֧וּ כָֽל־ הַ⁠שֹּׁמְעִ֛ים אֶת־ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־ רֹאשׁ֑⁠וֹ

They were to put their hands on his head to show that he was the guilty one. (See: Symbolic Action)

Leviticus 24:15

וְ⁠נָשָׂ֥א חֶטְאֽ⁠וֹ

Suffering for sin is spoken of if a person were to carry his guilt. Alternate translation: “then he must suffer for his sin” or “then he must be punished (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 24:16

יוּמָֽת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the people must put him to death” or “the people must kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 24:17

מ֖וֹת יוּמָֽת

Leviticus 24:18

יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑⁠נָּה

How he would repay it can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “must pay it back by giving him a live animal” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

נֶ֖פֶשׁ תַּ֥חַת נָֽפֶשׁ

This is an idiom that means that one life would replace the other. Alternate translation: “one life to replace the other life” or “to replace the one that he killed” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 24:19

כֵּ֖ן יֵעָ֥שֶׂה לּֽ⁠וֹ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must do the same to him” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 24:20

שֶׁ֚בֶר תַּ֣חַת שֶׁ֔בֶר עַ֚יִן תַּ֣חַת עַ֔יִן שֵׁ֖ן תַּ֣חַת שֵׁ֑ן

These phrases emphasize that a person should receive the same harm he did to someone else.

שֶׁ֚בֶר תַּ֣חַת שֶׁ֔בֶר

A fracture refers to broken bones. Alternate translation: “broken bone for broken bone” or “if he breaks someone’s bone, one of his bones must be broken” or “if he breaks someone’s bone, they will break one of his bones” (See: Idiom)

עַ֚יִן תַּ֣חַת עַ֔יִן

This refers to an eye being seriously injured or gouged out. Alternate translation: “if he destroys someone’s eye, one of his bones must be destroyed” or “if he destroys someone’s eye, they will destroy his eye” (See: Idiom)

שֵׁ֖ן תַּ֣חַת שֵׁ֑ן

This refers to a tooth being knocked out of the mouth. Alternate translation: “if he knocks out someone’s tooth, one of his teeth must be knocked out” or “if he knocks out someone’s tooth, they will knock out one of his teeth” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 24:21

וּ⁠מַכֵּ֥ה אָדָ֖ם יוּמָֽת

Leviticus 25

Leviticus 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Over-farming

There is a provision made in this chapter to prevent over-farming of the land. If a land is farmed every year with the same crops, it will quickly become unable to grow anything.

Sabbath and Jubilee Years

Every seventh year, the land should not be planted. Every fiftieth year Israelite slaves must be freed and all land that has been bought returned to its original owners. This prevented people from getting trapped by their poverty.

Leviticus 25:2

וְ⁠שָׁבְתָ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ שַׁבָּ֖ת לַ⁠יהוָֽה

The land is spoken of as if it were a person that could obey the Sabbath by resting. (See: Personification)

וְ⁠שָׁבְתָ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ שַׁבָּ֖ת לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Here the people honoring God by not farming the land every seventh year is spoken of as if the land were taking a sabbath rest. Alternate translation: “you must let the land rest every seventh year to honor Yahweh” or “you must obey Yahweh’s Sabbath by not farming the land every seventh year” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 25:3

תִּזְמֹ֣ר כַּרְמֶ֑⁠ךָ

To prune a vineyard is to cut the branches and vines to help the fruit grow better.

Leviticus 25:4

שַׁבַּ֤ת שַׁבָּתוֹן֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ

Not farming the land is spoken of as letting the land rest. Alternate translation: “you must observe a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land by not farming it” or “you must obey the Sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 25:5

אֵ֣ת סְפִ֤יחַ קְצִֽירְ⁠ךָ֙ לֹ֣א תִקְצ֔וֹר וְ⁠אֶת־ עִנְּבֵ֥י נְזִירֶ֖⁠ךָ לֹ֣א תִבְצֹ֑ר

Yahweh will not allow the owner of a field to organize his workers and harvest the land as he does the other six years. However, Yahweh will allow individuals to go through the fields to pick and eat the fruit they find.

נְזִירֶ֖⁠ךָ

To be unpruned means that no one has taken care of the vines and cut them as they do during the other six years. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your vines that you do not prune” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 25:6

וְ֠⁠הָיְתָה שַׁבַּ֨ת הָ⁠אָ֤רֶץ לָ⁠כֶם֙ לְ⁠אָכְלָ֔ה לְ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠לְ⁠עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֣ וְ⁠לַ⁠אֲמָתֶ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׂכִֽירְ⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠לְ⁠תוֹשָׁ֣בְ⁠ךָ֔ הַ⁠גָּרִ֖ים עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ

Leviticus 25:7

כָל־ תְּבוּאָתָ֖⁠הּ

Alternate translation: “whatever grows on the land”

Leviticus 25:8

שֶׁ֚בַע שַׁבְּתֹ֣ת הַ⁠שָּׁנִ֔ים

Alternate translation: “seven sets of seven years”

Leviticus 25:9

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִעִ֔י בֶּ⁠עָשׂ֖וֹר לַ⁠חֹ֑דֶשׁ

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The tenth day is near the end of September on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִעִ֔י בֶּ⁠עָשׂ֖וֹר לַ⁠חֹ֑דֶשׁ

The words seventh and tenth are the ordinals of “seven” and “ten”. Alternate translation: “in month seven, on day ten of the month” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בְּ⁠יוֹם֙ הַ⁠כִּפֻּרִ֔ים

On * the Day of Atonement* each year the high priest would make a sacrifice to Yahweh so that Yahweh would forgive all the sins of the people of Israel. See how you translated this in Leviticus 23:27.

Leviticus 25:10

יוֹבֵ֥ל הִוא֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָ⁠כֶ֔ם

The Jubilee was a year when the Jews had to return land to its’ original owners and set slaves free. Alternate translation: “it will be a year of restoration for you” or “it will be a year for you to return land and free slaves”

Leviticus 25:11

יוֹבֵ֣ל…תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָ⁠כֶ֑ם

You can state clearly who they were returning the land to. Alternate translation: “will be a year for you to return the land to me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 25:12

מִן־ הַ֨⁠שָּׂדֶ֔ה תֹּאכְל֖וּ אֶת־ תְּבוּאָתָֽ⁠הּ

Yahweh did not allow the land owner to organize his workers and harvest the land as he did the other six years. However, he did allow individuals to go through the fields and eat what they find.

Leviticus 25:13

בִּ⁠שְׁנַ֥ת הַ⁠יּוֹבֵ֖ל הַ⁠זֹּ֑את

Alternate translation: “In this year of restoration” or “In this year to return land and free slaves”

Leviticus 25:18

וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶם֙ אֶת־ חֻקֹּתַ֔⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־ מִשְׁפָּטַ֥⁠י תִּשְׁמְר֖וּ וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם אֹתָ֑⁠ם

All of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey everything Yahweh says. (See: Parallelism)

Leviticus 25:19

וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֖ם לָ⁠שֹׂ֑בַע

This means that they would eat enough until their stomach was full. Alternate translation: “and you will eat till you are full” or “snd you will eat plenty” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 25:20

תֹאמְר֔וּ

Here, you refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Leviticus 25:21

וְ⁠צִוִּ֤יתִי אֶת־ בִּרְכָתִ⁠י֙ לָ⁠כֶ֔ם

God speaks of Yahweh’s blessing as if it were a person that could obey him. Alternate translation: “Then I will send my blessing on you” or “Then I will bless you” (See: Personification)

Leviticus 25:23

וְ⁠הָ⁠אָ֗רֶץ לֹ֤א תִמָּכֵר֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must not sell your land” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 25:24

גְּאֻלָּ֖ה תִּתְּנ֥וּ לָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word redemption, you could express the same idea with the verbs “redeem” or “buy back.” Alternate translation: “you must remember that the original owner has the right to redeem the land whenever he wants” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 25:27

אֶת־ שְׁנֵ֣י מִמְכָּר֔⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “the number of years since he sold the land”

וְ⁠הֵשִׁיב֙ אֶת־ הָ֣⁠עֹדֵ֔ף לָ⁠אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מָֽכַר־ ל֑⁠וֹ

This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “and repay to the purchaser who bought it the money the purchaser would have made” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 25:28

שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠יּוֹבֵ֑ל

See how you translated this in Leviticus 25:10. Alternate translation: “the year of restoration” or “the year to return land”

וְ⁠שָׁ֖ב לַ⁠אֲחֻזָּתֽ⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “and he will go back to his land”

Leviticus 25:29

גְּאֻלָּת֔⁠וֹ

Leviticus 25:30

וְ⁠אִ֣ם לֹֽא־ יִגָּאֵ֗ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And if he or his family does not redeem the house” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 25:31

וּ⁠בָתֵּ֣י הַ⁠חֲצֵרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֵין־ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם חֹמָה֙ סָבִ֔יב

Some villages did not have a wall around them.

Leviticus 25:33

מִמְכַּר־ בַּ֛יִת

Alternate translation: “a house that he has sold”

בַּ⁠יֹּבֵ֑ל

Alternate translation: “in the year of restoration” or “in the year to return land and free slaves”

הִ֚וא אֲחֻזָּתָ֔⁠ם בְּ⁠ת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

The land of Canaan was divided up among the people of Israel, but of that land, the Levites were only given 48 cities with the fields around them. Alternate translation: “it is their part of the land that the Israelites possessed” or “it is their property in the land of Israel”

Leviticus 25:34

וּֽ⁠שְׂדֵ֛ה מִגְרַ֥שׁ עָרֵי⁠הֶ֖ם לֹ֣א יִמָּכֵ֑ר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And the Levites must not sell the fields around their cities” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 25:36

אַל־ תִּקַּ֤ח מֵֽ⁠אִתּ⁠וֹ֙ נֶ֣שֶׁךְ וְ⁠תַרְבִּ֔ית

Alternate translation: “Do not make him pay you back more than what you lend him”

Leviticus 25:39

לֹא־ תַעֲבֹ֥ד בּ֖⁠וֹ עֲבֹ֥דַת עָֽבֶד

The owner was to treat the Israelite with more respect than he would treat a slave.

Leviticus 25:40

כְּ⁠שָׂכִ֥יר כְּ⁠תוֹשָׁ֖ב יִהְיֶ֣ה עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ

The owner was to treat the Israelite with more respect than he would treat a slave.

שְׁנַ֥ת הַ⁠יֹּבֵ֖ל

Alternate translation: “the year of restoration” or “the year to return land and free slaves”

Leviticus 25:42

עֲבָדַ֣⁠י הֵ֔ם

Alternate translation: “your fellow countrymen are my servants”

לֹ֥א יִמָּכְר֖וּ מִמְכֶּ֥רֶת עָֽבֶד

Leviticus 25:48

אַחֲרֵ֣י נִמְכַּ֔ר גְּאֻלָּ֖ה תִּהְיֶה־ לּ֑⁠וֹ אֶחָ֥ד מֵ⁠אֶחָ֖י⁠ו יִגְאָלֶֽ⁠נּוּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after the foreigner buys your fellow Israelite, someone in the Israelite’s family may buy him back” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 25:50

עַ֖ד שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠יֹּבֵ֑ל

An Israelite could be a slave only until the year of Jubilee. These instructions are for when an Israelite wanted to buy back his freedom before the year of Jubilee.

שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠יֹּבֵ֑ל

Alternate translation: “the year of restoration” or “the year to return land and to free slaves”

בְּ⁠מִסְפַּ֣ר שָׁנִ֔ים

Alternate translation: “according to the number of years until the jubilee that the Israelite would have continued to work but will not”

כִּ⁠ימֵ֥י שָׂכִ֖יר יִהְיֶ֥ה עִמּֽ⁠וֹ

If the Israelite bought back his freedom, the foreigner would have to hire a servant to do the work that the Israelite would have done but will not. If your language does not use the passive verb hired in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “according to the rate a person would pay to hire a servant” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 25:51

יָשִׁ֣יב

Alternate translation: “the Israelite slave must pay back”

Leviticus 25:54

וְ⁠אִם־ לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵ֖ל בְּ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If no one redeems him by these means” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠אִם־ לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵ֖ל בְּ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה

You can state explicitly who he is to be redeemed from. Alternate translation: “If no one redeems him by these means from the one who bought him as a slave” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וְ⁠יָצָא֙ בִּ⁠שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠יֹּבֵ֔ל ה֖וּא וּ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו עִמּֽ⁠וֹ

The Israelite slave and his children would serve the foreigner until the Year of Jubilee, and then the foreigner would have to set the Israelite and his children free.

Leviticus 25:55

לִ֤⁠י בְנֵֽי־ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ עֲבָדִ֔ים

This is the reason that God wanted the Israelites to be set free in the year of jubilee. They were his servants. They were not permitted to be anyone else’s permanent slave. Alternate translation: “it is to me that the people of Israel are servants”

Leviticus 26

Leviticus 26 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Worship only Yahweh

If people obey God and worship only him, he will bless and protect them. If people disobey his law and if they worship other gods, then he will severely punish them to help them to repent and begin obeying him. This takes the form of a promise. (See: law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God and repent, repentance and promise, promised)

Leviticus 26:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

Leviticus 26:2

אֶת־ שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣⁠י תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ

Alternate translation: “You must obey the rules for my Sabbaths”

Leviticus 26:3

בְּ⁠חֻקֹּתַ֖⁠י תֵּלֵ֑כוּ וְ⁠אֶת־ מִצְוֺתַ֣⁠י תִּשְׁמְר֔וּ וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָֽ⁠ם

These are three ways of saying the same thing. They emphasize that the people must obey everything that God commands them to do. Alternate translation: “If you carefully obey my laws and commands” (See: Parallelism)

בְּ⁠חֻקֹּתַ֖⁠י תֵּלֵ֑כוּ

Behaving according to the statutes is spoken of as if they were to walk in the laws. Alternate translation: “you behave according to my laws” or “you live according to my laws” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:5

וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם לַחְמְ⁠כֶם֙ לָ⁠שֹׂ֔בַע

Here bread represents food. Alternate translation: “will eat your food to satisfaction” (See: Synecdoche)

וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם לַחְמְ⁠כֶם֙ לָ⁠שֹׂ֔בַע

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word satisfaction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “And you will eat food until you are satisfied” or “And you will have plenty of food to eat” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 26:6

וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֤י שָׁלוֹם֙ בָּ⁠אָ֔רֶץ

Alternate translation: “And I will cause there to be peace in the land”

וְ⁠חֶ֖רֶב לֹא־ תַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּ⁠אַרְצְ⁠כֶֽם

Here the word sword represents enemy armies or enemy attacks. Alternate translation: “and no armies will attack you” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:7

וְ⁠נָפְל֥וּ לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠כֶ֖ם לֶ⁠חָֽרֶב

Here, fall represents dying, and the sword represents either attacking people with a sword or battle in general. Alternate translation: “and they will die when you attack them with the sword” or “and you will kill them in battle” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:8

וְ⁠רָדְפ֨וּ מִ⁠כֶּ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ מֵאָ֔ה וּ⁠מֵאָ֥ה מִ⁠כֶּ֖ם רְבָבָ֣ה יִרְדֹּ֑פוּ

This means the Israelites will have victory against larger armies.

Leviticus 26:9

וּ⁠פָנִ֣יתִי אֲלֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

Alternate translation: “And I will show you favor” or “And I will bless you”

וְ⁠הִפְרֵיתִ֣י אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠הִרְבֵּיתִ֖י אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם

These two phrases refer to God causing them to have many descendants so they become a large group. (See: Doublet)

וְ⁠הִפְרֵיתִ֣י אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם

God speaks of them having many children as if they were trees that bear a lot of fruit. Alternate translation: “and cause you to have many children” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:10

וַ⁠אֲכַלְתֶּ֥ם יָשָׁ֖ן נוֹשָׁ֑ן

Alternate translation: “And you will have enough food stored to eat for a long time” or “And you will have enough food to store and eat it for a long time”

Leviticus 26:11

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ תִגְעַ֥ל נַפְשִׁ֖⁠י אֶתְ⁠כֶֽם

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not detest, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “and I will accept you” (See: Double Negatives)

Leviticus 26:12

וְ⁠הִתְהַלַּכְתִּי֙ בְּ⁠ת֣וֹכְ⁠כֶ֔ם

Walking among them represents living with them. Alternate translation: “And I will live with you” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:13

וָ⁠אֶשְׁבֹּר֙ מֹטֹ֣ת עֻלְּ⁠כֶ֔ם

God speaks of their slavery as if they had to wear a yoke that animals wear in order to do hard work. Breaking the bars of the yoke represents setting them free. Alternate translation: “I have set you free from the hard labor they made you do” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:16

וְ⁠הִפְקַדְתִּ֨י עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֤ם בֶּֽהָלָה֙

Here, terror represents the things that will cause them to be terrified. Alternate translation: “I will send disasters that will terrify you” (See: Metaphor)

וּ⁠מְדִיבֹ֣ת נָ֑פֶשׁ

It is the diseases and the fever that will do this. Alternate translation: “and will slowly take away your life” or “and will slowly make you die”

וּ⁠זְרַעְתֶּ֤ם לָ⁠רִיק֙ זַרְעֲ⁠כֶ֔ם

The phrase for nothing means that they would get nothing from their work. Alternate translation: “And you will plant your seeds in vain” or “And you will plant your seeds, but you will not get anything from them” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 26:17

וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֤י פָנַ⁠י֙ בָּ⁠כֶ֔ם

This idiom means he “firmly decided.” Alternate translation: “And I have made up my mind to oppose you” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 26:18

שֶׁ֖בַע

Here, seven times is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment. (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 26:19

וְ⁠שָׁבַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־ גְּא֣וֹן עֻזְּ⁠כֶ֑ם

Using force to cause them not to be proud is spoken of as if he were to break their pride. Alternate translation: “And I will punish you and so end the pride that you feel about your power” or “And I will punish you so that you will no longer be proud of your power” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־ שְׁמֵי⁠כֶם֙ כַּ⁠בַּרְזֶ֔ל וְ⁠אֶֽת־ אַרְצְ⁠כֶ֖ם כַּ⁠נְּחֻשָֽׁה

This means God will stop the rain from falling from the sky. This will make the ground hard so that people cannot plant seed or grow crops. (See: Simile)

Leviticus 26:20

וְ⁠תַ֥ם לָ⁠רִ֖יק כֹּחֲ⁠כֶ֑ם

Working very hard is spoken of as if they were to use all their strength until they had no more strength. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠תַ֥ם לָ⁠רִ֖יק כֹּחֲ⁠כֶ֑ם

The phrase for nothing means that they would get nothing from working so hard. Alternate translation: “You will work very hard in vain” or “You will work very hard, but you will not receive anything good from working so hard” (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 26:21

תֵּֽלְכ֤וּ עִמִּ⁠י֙

Walking represents behavior. To walk against God represents opposing him or rebelling against him. Alternate translation: “you rebel against me” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠יָסַפְתִּ֤י עֲלֵי⁠כֶם֙ מַכָּ֔ה שֶׁ֖בַע

Yahweh causing disasters to happen to the Israelites is spoken of as if he would strike them with blows or hit them. Alternate translation: “I will cause seven times as many disasters to come against you” or “I will punish you seven times more severely” (See: Metaphor)

שֶׁ֖בַע

Here, seven times is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment. (See: Idiom)

כְּ⁠חַטֹּאתֵי⁠כֶֽם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sins, you could express the same idea with the verb “sin.” Alternate translation: “according to how much you have sinned” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 26:22

וְ⁠נָשַׁ֖מּוּ דַּרְכֵי⁠כֶֽם

Here, deserted means that there is no one there. Alternate translation: “And so no one will travel on your roads”

Leviticus 26:23

וְ⁠אִ֨ם־ בְּ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה

Alternate translation: “And if when I punish you like this” or “And if I discipline you like this and”

לֹ֥א תִוָּסְר֖וּ לִ֑⁠י

Accepting his discipline represents responding rightly to it. In this case responding rightly to it is choosing to obey him. Alternate translation: “you still do not listen to my correction” or “you still do not obey me” (See: Metaphor)

וַ⁠הֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם עִמִּ֖⁠י קֶֽרִי

To walk represents behavior. Walking in opposition to him means opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: “and you oppose me” or “and you fight against me” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:24

וְ⁠הָלַכְתִּ֧י אַף־ אֲנִ֛י עִמָּ⁠כֶ֖ם בְּ⁠קֶ֑רִי

To walk represents behavior. Walking in opposition to him means opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: “then I myself will also oppose you” or “ then I myself will also fight against you” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠הִכֵּיתִ֤י אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ גַּם־ אָ֔נִי שֶׁ֖בַע

The number seven represents completeness. Alternate translation: “And I will personally punish you many times” or “And I myself will punish you most severely”

עַל־ חַטֹּאתֵי⁠כֶֽם

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sins, you could express the same idea with the verb “sin.” Alternate translation: “because you continue to sin against me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Leviticus 26:25

וְ⁠הֵבֵאתִ֨י עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֜ם חֶ֗רֶב

Here the word sword represents an army or an attack from an army. Alternate translation: “And I will bring an enemy army against you” or “And I will cause an enemy army to attack you” (See: Metonymy)

נֹקֶ֨מֶת֙ נְקַם־ בְּרִ֔ית

Alternate translation: “that will punish you because you broke the covenant”

וְ⁠נֶאֱסַפְתֶּ֖ם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you will gather together” or “and you will run to hide” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠נִתַּתֶּ֖ם בְּ⁠יַד־ אוֹיֵֽב

Here “into the hand” means “into the control” and refers to defeat by their enemy. Alternate translation: “and you will be place under the control of your enemy” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠נִתַּתֶּ֖ם בְּ⁠יַד־ אוֹיֵֽב

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will deliver you into the hand of your enemy” or “I will allow your enemy to control you” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 26:26

בְּ⁠שִׁבְרִ֣⁠י לָ⁠כֶם֮ מַטֵּה־ לֶחֶם֒

Destroying the food that people have stored or stopping people from being able to get it is spoken of as breaking the staff of their bread. Alternate translation: “When I destroy the food you have stored” or “When I cut off your food supply” (See: Metaphor)

וְ֠⁠אָפוּ עֶ֣שֶׂר נָשִׁ֤ים לַחְמְ⁠כֶם֙ בְּ⁠תַנּ֣וּר אֶחָ֔ד

This implies that there will be so little flour that one small oven will be able to hold all the bread that many women have to put into it.

וְ⁠הֵשִׁ֥יבוּ לַחְמְ⁠כֶ֖ם בַּ⁠מִּשְׁקָ֑ל

This means there will be so little bread that they will have to measure how much each person gets.

Leviticus 26:27

לֹ֥א תִשְׁמְע֖וּ לִ֑⁠י

To listen represents obeying what he has said. Alternate translation: “you do not obey me” (See: Metonymy)

וַ⁠הֲלַכְתֶּ֥ם עִמִּ֖⁠י בְּ⁠קֶֽרִי

To walk represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: “and you oppose me” or “and you fight against me” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:28

וְ⁠הָלַכְתִּ֥י עִמָּ⁠כֶ֖ם

To walk represents behavior. Walking against someone represents opposing him or fighting against him. Alternate translation: “then I will oppose you” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠יִסַּרְתִּ֤י אֶתְ⁠כֶם֙ אַף־ אָ֔נִי שֶׁ֖בַע

Here, seven times is not literal. It means Yahweh will increase the severity of his punishment. (See: Idiom)

Leviticus 26:30

וְ⁠הִשְׁמַדְתִּ֞י אֶת־ בָּמֹֽתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם וְ⁠הִכְרַתִּי֙ אֶת־ חַמָּ֣נֵי⁠כֶ֔ם וְ⁠נָֽתַתִּי֙ אֶת־ פִּגְרֵי⁠כֶ֔ם עַל־ פִּגְרֵ֖י גִּלּוּלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

Because God would send an army to do these things, he speaks as if he would do them. Alternate translation: “I will send an enemy army to destroy your high places, and cut down your incense altars, and put your corpses on the corpses of your idols” (See: Metonymy)

פִּגְרֵ֖י גִּלּוּלֵי⁠כֶ֑ם

God speaks of idols not being alive as if they had been alive and then died. Alternate translation: “your lifeless idols” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:31

וְ⁠נָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־ עָֽרֵי⁠כֶם֙ חָרְבָּ֔ה וַ⁠הֲשִׁמּוֹתִ֖י אֶת־ מִקְדְּשֵׁי⁠כֶ֑ם

Because God would send armies to do these things, he speaks as if he would do them. Alternate translation: “I will send enemy armies to turn your cities into ruins and destroy your sanctuaries” (See: Metonymy)

אֶת־ מִקְדְּשֵׁי⁠כֶ֑ם

These holy places were places where people worshiped idols instead of God.

וְ⁠לֹ֣א אָרִ֔יחַ בְּ⁠רֵ֖יחַ נִיחֹֽחֲ⁠כֶֽם

Normally the Lord’s pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with those who burn the offering. But in this case, people would burn offerings, but God would not be pleased with them. Alternate translation: “You will burn offerings, but I will not be pleased with you” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 26:33

וַ⁠הֲרִיקֹתִ֥י אַחֲרֵי⁠כֶ֖ם חָ֑רֶב

To * unsheathe a sword* represents sending armies to chase them. Alternate translation: “and I will send enemy armies to chase you” or “and I will send enemy armies to attack you with their swords” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:34

אָז֩ תִּרְצֶ֨ה הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ אֶת־ שַׁבְּתֹתֶ֗י⁠הָ

The people were supposed to obey the sabbath law by not farming the land every seventh year. God speaks about this as if the land were a person that would obey the sabbath law and rest. Alternate translation: “Then the land will rest according to the sabbath law” or “Then, as required by the sabbath law, the land will not be farmed” (See: Personification)

Leviticus 26:35

תִּשְׁבֹּ֑ת

God speaks about the land not being farmed as if it were a person that would rest. Alternate translation: “it will not be farmed” (See: Personification)

Leviticus 26:36

וְ⁠הֵבֵ֤אתִי מֹ֨רֶךְ֙ בִּ⁠לְבָבָ֔⁠ם

To bring despair into their hearts represents making them afraid. Alternate translation: “I will make you terribly afraid” (See: Metaphor)

מְנֻֽסַת־ חֶ֛רֶב

The sword represents either someone who is ready to kill using a sword or an attack from an enemy army. Alternate translation: “as though you were fleeing from someone who was chasing you with a sword” or “as though you were fleeing from an enemy army” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:37

כְּ⁠מִ⁠פְּנֵי־ חֶ֖רֶב

The sword represents either someone who is ready to kill using a sword or an attack from an enemy army. Alternate translation: “as though you were running away from someone who was chasing you with a sword” or “as though you were running away from an enemy army” (See: Metonymy)

תְּקוּמָ֔ה לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י אֹֽיְבֵי⁠כֶֽם

Standing before the enemies represents not falling when the enemies attack and fighting against them. Alternate translation: “power to resist your enemies when they attack you” or “power to fight back against your enemies” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:38

וְ⁠אָכְלָ֣ה אֶתְ⁠כֶ֔ם אֶ֖רֶץ אֹיְבֵי⁠כֶֽם

Yahweh speaks about the enemies’ land as if it were a wild animal that would eat the Israelites. The word devour emphasizes that most of the Israelites will die there. Alternate translation: “and you will die in your enemies’ land” (See: Personification)

Leviticus 26:39

וְ⁠הַ⁠נִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים בָּ⁠כֶ֗ם

Alternate translation: “And those of you who do not die”

יִמַּ֨קּוּ֙ בַּֽ⁠עֲוֺנָ֔⁠ם

To rot in their * iniquity** represents wasting away because of their sins.

בַּ⁠עֲוֺנֹ֥ת אֲבֹתָ֖⁠ם

Here, their fathers represents their ancestors. (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:40

עֲוֺ֣ן אֲבֹתָ֔⁠ם

Here, their fathers represents their ancestors. (See: Metonymy)

בְּ⁠מַעֲלָ֖⁠ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר מָֽעֲלוּ־ בִ֑⁠י

Alternate translation: “the way that they were unfaithful to me and tuned against me after I had been so good to them”

Leviticus 26:41

אֵלֵ֤ךְ עִמָּ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠קֶ֔רִי

To go against them represents opposing them. Alternate translation: “opposed them” (See: Metaphor)

אוֹ־ אָ֣ז יִכָּנַ֗ע לְבָבָ⁠ם֙ הֶֽ⁠עָרֵ֔ל

Here the term uncircumcised hearts refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “if they will be humble instead of stubbornly disobedient” (See: Synecdoche)

Leviticus 26:42

וְ⁠זָכַרְתִּ֖י אֶת־ בְּרִיתִ֣⁠י יַעֲק֑וֹב

Here, remember represents fulfilling his covenant. Alternate translation: “then I will fulfill the covenant I made with Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠הָ⁠אָ֥רֶץ אֶזְכֹּֽר

Here, remember represents fulfilling his promise concerning the land. Alternate translation: “And I will fulfill my promise about the land” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 26:43

וְ⁠הָ⁠אָרֶץ֩ תֵּעָזֵ֨ב מֵ⁠הֶ֜ם

וְ⁠תִ֣רֶץ אֶת־ שַׁבְּתֹתֶ֗י⁠הָ

Yahweh speaks about the land as if it were a person who will rejoice about resting, because no one will be planting seed or growing crops on it. This will allow the land to become more fertile. Alternate translation: “so it will benefit from the sabbaths” (See: Personification)

Leviticus 26:45

וְ⁠זָכַרְתִּ֥י לָ⁠הֶ֖ם בְּרִ֣ית רִאשֹׁנִ֑ים

Here, remember represents fulfilling his covenant. Alternate translation: “And I will fulfill my covenant with their ancestors” (See: Metonymy)

לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֗ם

Here , eyes represents the knowledge of the nations. Alternate translation: “in the knowledge of the nations” or “and the nations knew about it” (See: Metonymy)

הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֗ם

Here, nations represents the people of the nations. Alternate translation: “the people of the nations” (See: Metonymy)

Leviticus 27

Leviticus 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Dedicated to Yahweh

This chapter records the manner in which people make vows of dedication to Yahweh. There are many reasons why a person would dedicate something to Yahweh. (See: vow)

Leviticus 27:2

אִ֕ישׁ כִּ֥י יַפְלִ֖א נֶ֑דֶר בְּ⁠עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֥ נְפָשֹׁ֖ת לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה

In this case the vow would involve giving oneself or another person to God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “If anyone vows to give someone to Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

בְּ⁠עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֥ נְפָשֹׁ֖ת

Instead of giving the person, he would give the Lord a certain amount of silver. Alternate translation: “according to the following values for the person” or “according to the following amounts of silver instead of the person” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Leviticus 27:3

עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֙…עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֗

Alternate translation: “the amount … the amount”

חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כֶּ֖סֶף

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “50 pieces of silver, each of which weighs ten grams” or “500 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

בְּ⁠שֶׁ֥קֶל הַ⁠קֹּֽדֶשׁ

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. It weighed about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “the kind of shekel that is used in the sanctuary” or “the weight that is used in the sanctuary” (See: Biblical Weight)

Leviticus 27:4

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים שָֽׁקֶל

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “30 pieces of silver, each of which weighs ten grams” or “300 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

Leviticus 27:5

עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֛

Alternate translation: “the amount you must pay”

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שְׁקָלִ֑ים

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “20 pieces of silver” or “200 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

וְ⁠לַ⁠נְּקֵבָ֖ה עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת שְׁקָלִֽים

The phrases “of that age” and “your standard value must be” are left out, but are meant to be understood. Alternate translation: “for the female of that age your standard value must be ten shekels” (See: Ellipsis)

עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת שְׁקָלִֽים

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “ten pieces of silver” or “100 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

Leviticus 27:6

חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה שְׁקָלִ֖ים כָּ֑סֶף

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “five pieces of silver” or “50 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת שְׁקָלִ֖ים כָּֽסֶף

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “three pieces of silver” or “30 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

Leviticus 27:7

שִׁשִּׁ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה וָ⁠מַ֨עְלָ⁠ה֙

Alternate translation: “60 years old and older”

חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר שָׁ֑קֶל

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “15 pieces of silver” or “150 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

וְ⁠לַ⁠נְּקֵבָ֖ה עֲשָׂרָ֥ה שְׁקָלִֽים

The phrases “of that age” and “your standard value must be” are left out, but are meant to be understood. Alternate translation: “for a female of that age your standard value must be ten shekels” (See: Ellipsis)

Leviticus 27:10

וְ⁠הָֽיָה־ ה֥וּא וּ⁠תְמוּרָת֖⁠וֹ יִֽהְיֶה־ קֹּֽדֶשׁ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will set apart both it and the one he exchanges it for” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 27:11

וְ⁠אִם֙ כָּל־ בְּהֵמָ֣ה טְמֵאָ֔ה אֲ֠שֶׁר לֹא־ יַקְרִ֧יבוּ מִמֶּ֛⁠נָּה קָרְבָּ֖ן לַֽ⁠יהוָ֑ה

If Yahweh will not accept a certain animal as an offering, the animal is spoken of as if it were physically dirty. It may be unclean because it is a certain kind of animal or because it has a defect. Alternate translation: “And if it is in fact one that Yahweh will not accept” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 27:12

כְּ⁠עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֥

This refers to the value the animal is normally worth when someone buys or sells it.

Leviticus 27:13

גָּאֹ֖ל יִגְאָלֶ֑⁠נָּה

Alternate translation: “he every buys it back”

Leviticus 27:15

וְ֠⁠יָסַף חֲמִישִׁ֧ית כֶּֽסֶף־ עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֛ עָלָ֖י⁠ו

A fifth is a part of something that is divided into five equal parts. Alternate translation: “then he must divide the value of the house into five equal parts, add the amount equal to one of those parts, and pay all of it” (See: Fractions)

Leviticus 27:16

וְ⁠הָיָ֥ה עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֖ לְ⁠פִ֣י זַרְע֑⁠וֹ זֶ֚רַע חֹ֣מֶר שְׂעֹרִ֔ים בַּ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כָּֽסֶף

Here, a homer of barley seed represents a piece of land that would need one homer of barley in order to plant on all of it. Alternate translation: “then you will value a piece of land that requires one homer of barley in order to plant all of it at 50 shekels of silver” or ‘then the value of land that requires one homer of barley will be 50 shekels” (See: Metonymy)

חֹ֣מֶר

A homer is 220 liters. (See: Biblical Volume)

בַּ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שֶׁ֥קֶל כָּֽסֶף

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two way of doing it. Alternate translation: “50 pieces of silver, each of which weighs ten grams” or “500 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Weight)

Leviticus 27:17

מִ⁠שְּׁנַ֥ת הַ⁠יֹּבֵ֖ל

The Jubilee occurs every 50 years. See how you translated Jubilee in Leviticus 25:10.

כְּ⁠עֶרְכְּ⁠ךָ֖ יָקֽוּם

Here, stand represents “remain” or “remain the same.” Alternate translation: “its value will remain the same” or “its value will be the full amount” (See: Metaphor)

Leviticus 27:18

וְ⁠נִגְרַ֖ע מֵֽ⁠עֶרְכֶּֽ⁠ךָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and he must reduce the estimated value” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 27:20

וְ⁠אִם־ לֹ֤א יִגְאַל֙ אֶת־ הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֔ה

The time for redeeming the field can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “And if he does not redeem the field before the year of Jubilee” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵ֖ל עֽוֹד

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he can no longer buy it back” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 27:21

בַ⁠יֹּבֵ֗ל

The Jubilee was a year when the Jews had to return land to its original owners and set slaves free. See how you translated it in Leviticus 25:13. Alternate translation: “in the year of restoration” or “the year for you to return land and free slaves”

הַ⁠חֵ֑רֶם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that someone has completely given to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 27:24

לַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר קָנָ֖⁠הוּ מֵ⁠אִתּ֑⁠וֹ לַ⁠אֲשֶׁר־ ל֖⁠וֹ אֲחֻזַּ֥ת הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ

These two phases refer to the same person. Normally the land would be bought from its owner.

Leviticus 27:25

בְּ⁠שֶׁ֣קֶל הַ⁠קֹּ֑דֶשׁ

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. (See: Biblical Weight)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים גֵּרָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֥ה הַ⁠שָּֽׁקֶל

The purpose of this sentence is to tell how much the sanctuary shekel weighs. The gerah was the smallest unit of weight that the Israelites used. Alternate translation: “one shekel must equal 20 gerahs” (See: Biblical Weight)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים גֵּרָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֥ה הַ⁠שָּֽׁקֶל

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here is a way to do it. Alternate translation: “one shekel must weigh ten grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

Leviticus 27:26

לֹֽא־ יַקְדִּ֥ישׁ אִ֖ישׁ אֹת֑⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “no one may set it apart to Yahweh”

Leviticus 27:27

וְ⁠אִם־ לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵ֖ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And if the person does not buy back the animal” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠נִמְכַּ֥ר בְּ⁠עֶרְכֶּֽ⁠ךָ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then the priest must sell it at the set value” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 27:28

כָּל־ חֵ֡רֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַחֲרִם֩ אִ֨ישׁ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֜ה מִ⁠כָּל־ אֲשֶׁר־ ל֗⁠וֹ מֵ⁠אָדָ֤ם וּ⁠בְהֵמָה֙ וּ⁠מִ⁠שְּׂדֵ֣ה אֲחֻזָּת֔⁠וֹ לֹ֥א יִמָּכֵ֖ר וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִגָּאֵ֑ל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one may sell or redeem anything a man has devoted to Yahweh, from all that he has, whether it is a human, an animal, or his family land” or “if a man devotes to Yahweh anything he has, whether human or animal, or his family land, no one may sell or redeem it” (See: Active or Passive)

כָּל־ חֵ֕רֶם קֹֽדֶשׁ־ קָֽדָשִׁ֥ים ה֖וּא לַ⁠יהוָֽה

Alternate translation: “Everything that anyone devotes to Yahweh is very holy to Yahweh”

Leviticus 27:29

כָּל־ חֵ֗רֶם אֲשֶׁ֧ר יָחֳרַ֛ם

Why a person would be dedicated to destruction can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Any person whom Yahweh has determined should die because of his sin” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

לֹ֣א יִפָּדֶ֑ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “no one may pay a ransom for it” (See: Active or Passive)

מ֖וֹת יוּמָֽת

Leviticus 27:31

וְ⁠אִם־ גָּאֹ֥ל יִגְאַ֛ל אִ֖ישׁ מִ⁠מַּֽעַשְׂר֑⁠וֹ

Alternate translation: “And if a man wants to buy back any of his tithe”

Leviticus 27:32

כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־ יַעֲבֹ֖ר תַּ֣חַת הַ⁠שָּׁ֑בֶט

This refers to the way they would count their animals. Alternate translation: “any animals you count by raising your shepherd rod and having them walk under it to the other side” or “any animals you count” (See: Metonymy)

הָֽ⁠עֲשִׂירִ֕י יִֽהְיֶה־ קֹּ֖דֶשׁ לַֽ⁠יהוָֽה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must set apart one-tenth to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

הָֽ⁠עֲשִׂירִ֕י

Alternate translation: “every tenth animal”

Leviticus 27:33

וְ⁠הָֽיָה־ ה֧וּא וּ⁠תְמוּרָת֛⁠וֹ יִֽהְיֶה־ קֹ֖דֶשׁ

Alternate translation: “then you will set apart both animals”

לֹ֥א יִגָּאֵֽל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He cannot redeem it” or “He cannot buy it back” (See: Active or Passive)

Leviticus 27:34

אֵ֣לֶּה הַ⁠מִּצְוֺ֗ת

This is a summary statement. It refers to the commandments that were given in the past chapters.

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Leviticus

Leviticus front

Introduction to Leviticus

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Leviticus

What is the book of Leviticus about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Who wrote the book of Leviticus?

What is the meaning of “holy” and “holiness” in the book of Leviticus?

What are the important narrative features of Leviticus?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why did the Israelites need so many rules about sacrificing animals?

Why was the priesthood important in the book of Leviticus?

How did the Israelite’s rules for worshiping God and sacrificing animals differ from the other nations at that time?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What important symbols are introduced in Leviticus?

Why do many sections begin with the phrase “Yahweh said to Moses?”

Leviticus 1

Leviticus 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Atonement

Leviticus 1:1

Leviticus 1:2

Leviticus 1:3

Leviticus 1:4

Leviticus 1:5

Leviticus 1:6

Leviticus 1:7

Leviticus 1:9

Leviticus 1:11

Leviticus 1:12

Leviticus 1:13

Leviticus 1:15

Leviticus 1:16

Leviticus 1:17

Leviticus 2

Leviticus 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Yeast

Leviticus 2:1

Leviticus 2:2

Leviticus 2:4

Leviticus 2:5

Leviticus 2:6

Leviticus 2:7

Leviticus 2:8

Leviticus 2:9

Leviticus 2:10

Leviticus 2:11

Leviticus 2:12

Leviticus 2:13

Leviticus 2:14

Leviticus 2:16

Leviticus 3

Leviticus 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter

Fat

Leviticus 3:1

Leviticus 3:2

Leviticus 3:3

Leviticus 3:4

Leviticus 3:5

Leviticus 3:7

Leviticus 3:8

Leviticus 3:9

Leviticus 3:10

Leviticus 3:11

Leviticus 3:12

Leviticus 3:13

Leviticus 3:14

Leviticus 3:16

Leviticus 3:17

Leviticus 4

Leviticus 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Special concepts in this chapter