Καὶ πᾶσα θυσία ἀναπεποιημένη ἐν ἐλαίῳ καὶ μὴ ἀναπεποιημένη πᾶσι τοῖς υἱοῖς Ααρων ἔσται ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἴσον (Leviticus 7:10 LXX)
A Ritual of Sharing: Syntax as Sacred Equity
Leviticus 7:10 LXX prescribes the priestly handling of grain offerings — whether mixed with oil or dry — and decrees their equal distribution among Aaron’s sons. Though brief, this verse hinges on two grammatical pillars: perfect participles and a distributive formula that encodes ritual equality. It is not just priestly regulation — it is grammar woven into justice.
Perfect Participles: Completed Preparation with Ongoing State
Two participles anchor the first half of the verse:
- ἀναπεποιημένη — “having been prepared” or “having been mixed”
- μὴ ἀναπεποιημένη — “not having been prepared”
Grammatical Analysis
- Both are perfect passive participles, feminine nominative singular, agreeing with θυσία (“sacrifice” or “offering”).
- The verb ἀναποιέω means “to mix thoroughly” or “prepare,” especially in a ritual context.
Theology in Aspect
- The perfect tense signifies an action completed in the past with ongoing relevance — the offering has been mixed (or not), and that state still defines it.
- The use of both the positive and negative participial forms reflects inclusive ritual law: whether prepared with oil or not, the offering retains priestly value.
Prepositional Nuance: ἐν ἐλαίῳ
The phrase ἐν ἐλαίῳ (“in oil”) clarifies the medium of preparation. It is:
- A standard instrumental use of ἐν + dative.
- Highlights the symbolic richness of oil in Levitical ritual — signifying consecration, joy, and the Spirit.
πᾶσι τοῖς υἱοῖς Ααρων: The Dative of Advantage
The offering — whether prepared or unprepared — ἔσται πᾶσι τοῖς υἱοῖς Ααρων, “shall belong to all the sons of Aaron.”
Key Grammatical Functions
- ἔσται: future middle indicative of εἰμί, “it will be.”
- πᾶσι: dative plural of πᾶς, “to all”
- τοῖς υἱοῖς Ααρων: dative phrase indicating beneficiaries
This is a dative of advantage — the offering is assigned to their benefit. The Torah here regulates priestly privileges to avoid hoarding or favoritism.
ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἴσον: The Syntax of Equality
The most striking phrase is:
- ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἴσον — “to each, the equal [share]”
Grammatical Breakdown
- ἑκάστῳ: dative singular of ἕκαστος, “each one”
- τὸ ἴσον: neuter singular adjective used substantively, “the equal thing,” i.e., the equal portion
This phrase succinctly encodes distributive justice. It affirms:
- No hierarchy among the priestly sons
- Divine concern for fairness in sacred service
Lexical Echoes of Justice
The word ἴσος in Greek carries deep resonance:
- In classical ethics: equity
- In political theory: equality of citizens
- In Scripture: equal share in holiness and service
In this Levitical context, τὸ ἴσον affirms that the altar is not only a place of offering — but of fairness. Each son of Aaron shares in what God provides.
When Grammar Guards the Altar
Leviticus 7:10 LXX is a subtle but powerful verse. Its perfect participles distinguish offerings by preparation, yet do not rank them. Its syntax ensures no priest is elevated over another. Its future indicative declares divine intention. And its final clause — ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἴσον — declares the sacred principle: all who serve shall share equally.
Here, grammar guards holiness — and justice. The offering system, often seen as legalistic, becomes a school in equality, dignity, and order. In the holy, nothing is arbitrary — not even syntax.
