1
אֵ֠לֶּה הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן לַעֲשׂוֹת֒ בָּאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֩ נָתַ֨ן יְהוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֧י אֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ לְךָ֖ לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ כָּל הַיָּמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּ֥ם חַיִּ֖ים עַל הָאֲדָמָֽה
These are the statutes and the judgments that you shall keep to do, in the land that YHWH, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess, all the days that you live on the ground.
Asyndetic opening formula (אֵלֶּה, 'these') headed the whole law code of chs. 12–26; the chapter proper begins the sequence of case law that Deut 4:44–11:32 introduced. The double designation חֻקִּים / מִשְׁפָּטִים signals comprehensive legal scope, and 'all the days that you live on the land' frames the entire chapter's land-centered horizon.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
אֵ֠לֶּהtheseDemonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject (resumptive demonstrative, casus pendens)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; common plural demonstrative pointing forward to the statutes and judgments — the Code's superscription. Source id 05KA6.
הַֽחֻקִּ֣יםthe statutesart + N m pl abs · חֹק (H2706)Predicate nominative (with אֵלֶּה)חֹק (H2706) 'statute, prescribed limit', from חקק 'to inscribe, decree'; paired with מִשְׁפָּטִים as the twin categories of the law code opening here (chs. 12–26). Source id 05c6h.
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮and the judgmentsconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Predicate nominative, second member of hendiadysמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, ordinance', from שׁפט 'to judge'; case-law rulings complementing חֻקִּים. Source id 05oqA.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing restrictive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative marker; introduces the clause defining the statutes Israel must keep. Source id 05FwU.
תִּשְׁמְר֣וּןyou shall keepQal impf 2mp (+ paragogic נ) · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — an ongoing, standing obligationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; the paragogic nun lends solemn emphasis fitting covenant stipulation. Source id 059Yo.
לַעֲשׂוֹת֒to doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive: purpose — the aim of keeping is active performanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, perform'; with שָׁמַר forms the standard Deuteronomic diptych 'keep to do' (observe in order to enact). Source id 05jBe.
בָּאָ֕רֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the promised land, the sphere in which the statutes take effect. Source id 05t1Z.
אֲשֶׁר֩whichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift. Source id 05hvs.
נָתַ֨ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of grant, viewed as settled factנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH as subject, the land as gift — a leitmotif of Deuteronomy. Source id 05J2L.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, the tetragrammaton, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי. Source id 05c7R.
אֱלֹהֵ֧יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct in apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct governing אֲבֹתֶיךָ, 'the God of your fathers' — patriarchal covenant continuity. Source id 05Yoy.
אֲבֹתֶ֛יךָyour fathersN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אָב (H1)Genitive complement of אֱלֹהֵיאָב (H1) 'father'; plural 'fathers' = the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, recipients of the land promise. Source id 05HqH.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object of נָתַןלְ dative preposition marking the recipient of the gift — Israel, addressed collectively in the singular. Source id 05fWw.
לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּto possess itprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Purpose infinitival clause (suffix = the land)→ Infinitive: purpose — the intended outcome of the giftיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, inherit, dispossess'; here of Israel taking possession of the given land. Source id 05HSo.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַיָּמִים (temporal phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole, every'; construct with הַיָּמִים forms the adverbial time phrase 'all the days.' Source id 055Sv.
הַיָּמִ֔יםthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of time (with כָּל)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural with article, the whole span of covenant life in the land. Source id 05jaB.
אֲשֶׁרthat/whilerelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing temporal clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); here temporal, 'as long as.' Source id 05wNv.
אַתֶּ֥םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of nominal clause (with חַיִּים)אַתֶּם (H859), emphatic subject of the verbless clause 'you are alive.' Source id 05V6g.
חַיִּ֖יםlivingAdj m pl abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective (verbless clause)חַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; predicate of the verbless clause — literally 'that you are alive upon the ground,' i.e. as long as you live. Source id 05jfK.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; governs הָאֲדָמָה. Source id 05yXw.
הָאֲדָמָֽהthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Object of preposition עַלאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil, land'; here essentially synonymous with אֶרֶץ, the arable land of promise. Source id 05x5y.
2
אַבֵּ֣ד תְּ֠אַבְּדוּן אֶֽת כָּל הַמְּקֹמ֞וֹת אֲשֶׁ֧ר עָֽבְדוּ שָׁ֣ם הַגּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם יֹרְשִׁ֥ים אֹתָ֖ם אֶת אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם עַל הֶהָרִ֤ים הָֽרָמִים֙ וְעַל הַגְּבָע֔וֹת וְתַ֖חַת כָּל עֵ֥ץ רַעֲנָן
You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you are dispossessing served their gods — on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree.
The infinitive absolute plus finite verb (אַבֵּד תְּאַבְּדוּן) opens the chapter's first substantive command with maximal emphasis: total destruction. The threefold site-list (mountains, hills, every green tree) is the standard Deuteronomic formula for illegitimate cult places, set up as the foil for the single legitimate 'place' introduced in v.5.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
אַבֵּ֣דutterlyPiel inf abs · אָבַד (H6)Infinitive absolute intensifying the finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic — reinforces the completeness of the destroyingאָבַד (H6) 'to perish' (Qal), 'to destroy' (Piel); paired with the finite תְּאַבְּדוּן in the classic Hebrew emphatic construction 'utterly destroy.' Source id 05b7a.
תְּ֠אַבְּדוּןyou shall destroyPiel impf 2mp (+ paragogic נ) · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb (main clause), reinforced by preceding infinitive absolute→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — an urgent, standing commandאָבַד (H6) Piel 'to destroy utterly'; the paragogic nun adds solemn weight to this opening command of the chapter. Source id 05TNv.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marks הַמְּקֹמוֹת as the definite direct object. Source id 05Eb5.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַמְּקֹמוֹתכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הַמְּקֹמוֹת, 'all the places.' Source id 05hZ8.
הַמְּקֹמ֞וֹתthe placesart + N m pl abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Direct object of תְּאַבְּדוּןמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; here the pagan cult sites, ironically the same term that will denote YHWH's own chosen sanctuary later in the chapter. Source id 05iYK.
אֲשֶׁ֧רwhererelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַמְּקֹמוֹתאֲשֶׁר (H834); here locative-relative, 'where.' Source id 05z3c.
עָֽבְדוּservedQal perf 3cp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, habitual past actעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work, worship'; here of idolatrous cultic service performed by the nations. Source id 05B7n.
שָׁ֣םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locativeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anticipates the ironic contrast with the chosen מָקוֹם later in the chapter. Source id 05C22.
הַגּוֹיִ֗םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject of עָבְדוּגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; the Canaanite peoples whose worship sites are to be destroyed. Source id 05kX9.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the nations Israel is dispossessing. Source id 053n3.
אַתֶּ֛םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of participial clauseאַתֶּם (H859), emphatic subject before the participle יֹרְשִׁים. Source id 05cMk.
יֹרְשִׁ֥יםare dispossessingQal ptc m pl abs · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate participle (durative)→ Participle: durative — the ongoing, imminent act of dispossessionיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess, inherit'; participle marks Israel's role as currently displacing these nations. Source id 05Jpy.
אֹתָ֖ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resuming הַגּוֹיִם)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, marking the nations as object of יֹרְשִׁים. Source id 05Nka.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אֱלֹהֵיהֶם as object of עָבְדוּ (resumed sense: the gods they served). Source id 058Wu.
אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑םtheir godsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct objectאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'gods'; here plural and pagan, the deities served at the condemned sites. Source id 05Jgp.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (site description)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; introduces the topographical listing of cult sites. Source id 05CXM.
הֶהָרִ֤יםthe mountainsart + N m pl abs · הַר (H2022)Object of preposition עַלהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; high places were favored sites for Canaanite cult. Source id 053R8.
הָֽרָמִים֙the highart + Qal ptc m pl abs (attributive) · רוּם (H7311)Attributive participle modifying הֶהָרִים→ Participle: stative/adjectival — describing the mountains as loftyרוּם (H7311) 'to be high, exalted'; participle used adjectivally, 'the high mountains,' the conspicuous, elevated cult sites. Source id 05d1m.
וְעַלand onconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinating prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) repeated with וְ, continuing the list of high-place locations. Source id 05EHw.
הַגְּבָע֔וֹתthe hillsart + N f pl abs · גִּבְעָה (H1389)Object of preposition עַלגִּבְעָה (H1389) 'hill'; paired with הָרִים as the standard merism for high-place cult sites. Source id 05hPq.
וְתַ֖חַתand underconj וְ + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Coordinating prepositional phraseתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; introduces the third site-type, trees. Source id 05oBv.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing עֵץכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'every tree.' Source id 05FXM.
עֵ֥ץtreeN m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Object of preposition תַּחַת (via כָּל)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree'; sacred trees were common cultic markers in Canaanite religion. Source id 05qQy.
רַעֲנָןgreen/luxuriantAdj m sg abs · רַעֲנָן (H7488)Attributive adjective modifying עֵץרַעֲנָן (H7488) 'luxuriant, green, leafy'; the stock Deuteronomic idiom 'every green tree' denotes any flourishing tree used as a cult site. Source id 05vXa.
3
וְנִתַּצְתֶּ֣ם אֶת מִזְבּחֹתָ֗ם וְשִׁבַּרְתֶּם֙ אֶת מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔ם וַאֲשֵֽׁרֵיהֶם֙ תִּשְׂרְפ֣וּן בָּאֵ֔שׁ וּפְסִילֵ֥י אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖ם תְּגַדֵּע֑וּן וְאִבַּדְתֶּ֣ם אֶת שְׁמָ֔ם מִן הַמָּק֖וֹם הַהֽוּא
And you shall tear down their altars, smash their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire; and the carved images of their gods you shall hew down, and you shall destroy their name from that place.
A rapid-fire chain of five weqatal verbs (tear down, smash, burn, hew down, destroy) itemizes total demolition: structure (altars, pillars), symbol (Asherim), image (idols), and finally the very 'name' associated with the site. The fronting of אֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם and פְּסִילֵי אֱלֹהֵיהֶם before their verbs gives rhetorical emphasis to each object in turn.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְנִתַּצְתֶּ֣םand you shall tear downconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · נָתַץ (H5422)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — continuing the command chain from v.2נָתַץ (H5422) 'to tear down, break down'; Piel intensive, of demolishing altars. Source id 056pa.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking מִזְבְּחֹתָם as object. Source id 05XBs.
מִזְבּחֹתָ֗םtheir altarsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct objectמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זבח 'to sacrifice'; the structure for offering, first item to be demolished. Source id 054Sd.
וְשִׁבַּרְתֶּם֙and you shall smashconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · שָׁבַר (H7665)Predicate verb (sequential)→ Weqatal: sequential commandשָׁבַר (H7665) 'to break, shatter'; Piel intensive, smashing the standing stones. Source id 05ic3.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking מַצֵּבֹתָם as object. Source id 05Wo6.
מַצֵּ֣בֹתָ֔םtheir pillarsN f pl constr + 3mp suffix · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct objectמַצֵּבָה (H4676) 'standing stone, pillar', from יצב/נצב 'to stand'; a sacred stone marker, forbidden in Israelite worship (cf. 16:22). Source id 05EGe.
וַאֲשֵֽׁרֵיהֶם֙and their Asherimconj וְ + N + 3mp suffix · אֲשֵׁרָה (H842)Fronted direct object (casus pendens, resumed by the following verb)אֲשֵׁרָה (H842), a sacred wooden pole or living tree symbolizing the Canaanite goddess Asherah; fronted here for emphasis before its verb תִּשְׂרְפוּן. Source id 05D3g.
תִּשְׂרְפ֣וּןyou shall burnQal impf 2mp (+ paragogic נ) · שָׂרַף (H8313)Predicate verb (with fronted object אֲשֵׁרֵיהֶם)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — standing commandשָׂרַף (H8313) 'to burn'; complete destruction by fire, the fate of the Asherim. Source id 05ZxC.
בָּאֵ֔שׁwith fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the means of destruction. Source id 05ocE.
וּפְסִילֵ֥יand the carved images ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · פֶּסֶל (H6456)Fronted direct object, construct chainפֶּסֶל (H6456) 'carved/graven image', from פסל 'to hew, carve'; idol images fronted for emphasis before תְּגַדֵּעוּן. Source id 055NY.
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֖םtheir godsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive complement of פְּסִילֵיאֱלֹהִים (H430), here the pagan deities whose images are hewn down. Source id 05ZXC.
תְּגַדֵּע֑וּןyou shall hew downPiel impf 2mp (+ paragogic נ) · גָּדַע (H1438)Predicate verb (with fronted object פְּסִילֵי אֱלֹהֵיהֶם)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — standing commandגָּדַע (H1438) 'to cut down, hew off'; Piel intensive, of destroying idol images. Source id 05bW5.
וְאִבַּדְתֶּ֣םand you shall destroyconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb (sequential, climactic)→ Weqatal: sequential — the culminating actאָבַד (H6) Piel 'to destroy, obliterate'; echoes v.2's אַבֵּד תְּאַבְּדוּן, now applied to the very name of the pagan gods. Source id 05ahu.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking שְׁמָם as object. Source id 05wEv.
שְׁמָ֔םtheir nameN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; erasing the 'name' means erasing memory and cultic presence — an ironic counterpoint to YHWH's own name, which he will cause 'to dwell' at the chosen place (vv.5, 11). Source id 05owX.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase, sourceמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks separation, the erasure of the name from that place. Source id 05ece.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthat placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition מִןמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; here the condemned pagan site, echoing the term that will denote YHWH's chosen sanctuary. Source id 05cUM.
הַהֽוּאthatart + demonstrative (attributive) · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַמָּקוֹםהוּא (H1931) with article functions as demonstrative adjective 'that,' pointing back to the site just described. Source id 05K7y.
4
לֹֽא תַעֲשׂ֣וּן כֵּ֔ן לַיהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
You shall not do so to YHWH your God.
A terse, asyndetic pivot: after two verses of destroy-commands aimed at pagan worship, this one-line prohibition turns the mirror on Israel itself — the manner of Canaanite worship (decentralized, multiple sites) is precisely what must NOT characterize worship of YHWH. It sets up the positive counter-command (the chosen-place formula) that follows in v.5.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), the standard verbal negative particle, here forming the chapter's pivotal antithesis. Source id 05zfg.
תַעֲשׂ֣וּןyou shall doQal impf 2mp (+ paragogic נ) · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — a firm standing prohibitionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; negated, the chapter's pivotal antithesis to the pagan practice just condemned. Source id 05eSi.
כֵּ֔ןso, thusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of תַעֲשׂוּןכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; refers back to the destructive worship of vv.2-3 — 'you shall not do so.' Source id 05Rkx.
לַיהוָ֖הto/for YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object / dative of referenceיְהוָה (H3068); the verse's point — Israel's worship of YHWH must not follow the pagan pattern just described. Source id 05WU8.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the covenant epithet 'YHWH your God' recurs as a refrain throughout the chapter. Source id 05FCx.
5
כִּ֠י אִֽם אֶל הַמָּק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַ֨ר יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ מִכָּל שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֔ם לָשׂ֥וּם אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ שָׁ֑ם לְשִׁכְנ֥וֹ תִדְרְשׁ֖וּ וּבָ֥אתָ שָֽׁמָּה
But only to the place that YHWH your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, to make it his dwelling — there you shall seek him out, and there you shall come.
The adversative idiom כִּי אִם ('but only') sharply reverses the negation of v.4, introducing for the first time the chosen-place formula (הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר יהוה) that governs the rest of the chapter. Two purpose infinitives (לָשׂוּם שְׁמוֹ, לְשִׁכְנוֹ) unpack the theology: YHWH's 'name,' not his full presence, is what he causes to dwell at the site — grounding real worship without localizing the deity himself.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּ֠יbutconj · כִּי (H3588)Adversative conjunction, first element of כִּי אִםכִּי (H3588) paired with אִם forms the adversative idiom כִּי אִם, 'but rather, except.' Source id 05zYs.
אִֽםratherconj · אִם (H518)Second element of כִּי אִם, adversativeאִם (H518) 'if'; combined with כִּי forms כִּי אִם, 'but only, except' — sharply contrasting the forbidden pagan sites with the one legitimate place. Source id 05t82.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; governs הַמָּקוֹם, the destination of worship. Source id 05Lnu.
הַמָּק֞וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the first occurrence of the chosen-place formula (הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר יהוה), the theological center of the chapter, recurring roughly six times. Source id 05ko3.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the chosen-place clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause of the chosen-place formula. Source id 05LAQ.
יִבְחַ֨רhe will chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of relative clause (chosen-place formula)→ Yiqtol: future/modal — YHWH's sovereign, still-unfolding choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose, select'; the verb of divine election, central to the chosen-place theology — the site is not named but left to YHWH's free future choice. Source id 05kre.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; subject of the pivotal verb 'choose.' Source id 054VQ.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙your GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet completing 'YHWH your God.' Source id 05vXv.
מִכָּלout of allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, partitive sourceכֹּל (H3605) with מִן, 'out of all your tribes' — the place transcends any single tribal territory. Source id 05aca.
שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֔םyour tribesN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Object of preposition מִן (via מִכָּל)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe, rod'; the twelve tribal divisions of Israel. Source id 05B8J.
לָשׂ֥וּםto putprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שׂוּם (H7760)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive: purpose — the aim of YHWH's choosingשׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; governs שְׁמוֹ, the placing of the divine name. Source id 056iZ.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking שְׁמוֹ as object of לָשׂוּם. Source id 05qCy.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of לָשׂוּםשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the theological centerpiece — YHWH places his 'name,' not his full essence, at the chosen site, safeguarding transcendence while grounding real presence. Source id 05jG7.
שָׁ֑םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locative, resuming הַמָּקוֹםשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anchors the name-placing to the specific, as-yet-unnamed site. Source id 05C4J.
לְשִׁכְנ֥וֹfor his dwellingprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · שָׁכַן (H7933)Purpose/result phrase, epexegetical to לָשׂוּם שְׁמוֹ→ Infinitive: purpose — restates the aim as YHWH's 'causing to dwell'שָׁכַן 'to dwell, settle' (root behind מִשְׁכָּן 'tabernacle'); the infinitive with 3ms suffix reinforces the Name-theology — YHWH's presence 'dwells' via his name at the chosen place, not a pagan notion of a god's physical residence. Source id 05Xc8.
תִדְרְשׁ֖וּyou shall seekQal impf 2mp · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing obligation to seek out that placeדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to seek, inquire, resort to'; here of Israel seeking out the chosen place, contrasted with the forbidden 'inquiring' after pagan gods in v.30. Source id 05q7V.
וּבָ֥אתָand you shall comeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the resulting action of seekingבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the pilgrimage motif, arriving at the chosen sanctuary. Source id 053hw.
שָֽׁמָּהthere/thitheradverb שָׁם + directional ה · שָׁמָּה (H8033)Adverbial locative (directional)שָׁמָּה (H8033) 'there, to there'; directional ה marks motion toward the place, reinforcing שָׁם of v.5a. Source id 05qQm.
6
וַהֲבֵאתֶ֣ם שָׁ֗מָּה עֹלֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֔ם וְאֵת֙ מַעְשְׂרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְאֵ֖ת תְּרוּמַ֣ת יֶדְכֶ֑ם וְנִדְרֵיכֶם֙ וְנִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת בְּקַרְכֶ֖ם וְצֹאנְכֶֽם
And there you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution of your hand, your vow offerings and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock.
A sevenfold inventory of sacrificial gifts (burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, contributions, vows, freewill offerings, firstborn) itemizes what centralization actually means in practice: every category of Israel's cultic economy converges on the single chosen place, none left to local shrines.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַהֲבֵאתֶ֣םand you shall bringconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential commandבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come'; causative counterpart of בָּאתָ in v.5, now with cultic gifts as the object brought. Source id 05tA2.
שָׁ֗מָּהthereadverb שָׁם + directional ה · שָׁמָּה (H8033)Adverbial locative (directional)שָׁמָּה (H8033) 'thither'; the chosen place as destination of all sacrificial gifts. Source id 059ZJ.
עֹלֹֽתֵיכֶם֙your burnt offeringsN f pl constr + 2mp suffix · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct objectעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', from עלה 'to go up'; wholly consumed on the altar, first in the list of centralized offerings. Source id 058mZ.
וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֔םand your sacrificesconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object, second in listזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice', from זבח 'to slaughter'; communal/peace offerings, part of whose flesh was eaten by the offerer. Source id 053dL.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object markerאֵת (H853) with וְ, resuming the object-marking before מַעְשְׂרֹתֵיכֶם. Source id 05nqx.
מַעְשְׂרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םyour tithesN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · מַעֲשֵׂר (H4643)Direct object, third in listמַעֲשֵׂר (H4643) 'tithe', from עשר 'ten'; the tenth-part offering, to be eaten at the central sanctuary (cf. 14:22-27). Source id 05kZH.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object markerאֵת (H853) resuming the object list before תְּרוּמַת יֶדְכֶם. Source id 056Ly.
תְּרוּמַ֣תthe contribution ofN f sg constr · תְּרוּמָה (H8641)Construct governing יֶדְכֶםתְּרוּמָה (H8641) 'contribution, heave offering', from רום 'to lift, raise'; a portion set apart as a gift. Source id 05Azm.
יֶדְכֶ֑םyour handN c sg constr + 2mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of תְּרוּמַתיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom 'the contribution of your hand' = whatever your labor has produced, a voluntary gift. Source id 05AuX.
וְנִדְרֵיכֶם֙and your vow offeringsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · נֶדֶר (H5088)Direct object, in listנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow'; offerings promised under a conditional vow to YHWH. Source id 05gS3.
וְנִדְבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םand your freewill offeringsconj וְ + N f pl constr + 2mp suffix · נְדָבָה (H5071)Direct object, in listנְדָבָה (H5071) 'freewill offering', from נדב 'to be willing, incite'; spontaneous, unvowed gifts of devotion. Source id 05WLs.
וּבְכֹרֹ֥תand the firstborn ofconj וְ + N c pl constr · בְּכוֹר (H1062)Direct object, construct chainבְּכוֹר (H1062) 'firstborn'; firstborn male animals, dedicated to YHWH from birth (cf. 15:19-23), presented at the chosen place. Source id 0572j.
בְּקַרְכֶ֖םyour herdN c sg constr (collective) + 2mp suffix · בָּקָר (H1241)Genitive complement of בְּכֹרֹתבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'; collective for large livestock. Source id 05JA8.
וְצֹאנְכֶֽםand your flockconj וְ + N c sg constr (collective) + 2mp suffix · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive complement of בְּכֹרֹת, coordinate with בְּקַרְכֶםצֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep/goats'; collective for small livestock, completing the list of sacrificial gifts. Source id 0533v.
7
וַאֲכַלְתֶּם שָׁ֗ם לִפְנֵי֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗ם בְּכֹל֙ מִשְׁלַ֣ח יֶדְכֶ֔ם אַתֶּ֖ם וּבָתֵּיכֶ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּֽרַכְךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ
And there you shall eat before YHWH your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all the undertaking of your hand in which YHWH your God has blessed you.
The chapter's signature verb שָׂמַח ('rejoice') makes its first appearance: cultic centralization is not austere but joy-producing, a shared festal meal 'before YHWH' that includes the whole household and is grounded in YHWH's material blessing on labor.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַאֲכַלְתֶּםand you shall eatconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential commandאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the sacred communal meal at the sanctuary, the practical enactment of centralized worship. Source id 05cuG.
שָׁ֗םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locativeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; the chosen place, resumed from vv.5-6. Source id 05F8H.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase governing יְהוָהפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵי 'before the face of' = in the presence of YHWH, cultic proximity at the sanctuary. Source id 052fZ.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 059FM.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔םyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 059zz.
וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗םand you shall rejoiceconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · שָׂמַח (H8055)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential command — instituting joy as a cultic dutyשָׂמַח (H8055) 'to rejoice, be glad'; Deuteronomy's signature verb of festal joy before YHWH, recurring through the chapter (vv.7, 12, 18). Source id 058WW.
בְּכֹל֙in allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, sphere of rejoicingכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ, 'in all/every.' Source id 05Ztw.
מִשְׁלַ֣חthe undertaking ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁלָח (H4916)Construct governing יֶדְכֶםמִשְׁלָח (H4916) 'undertaking, that which is put forth', from שלח 'to send'; idiom for one's economic labor/enterprise. Source id 05Rro.
יֶדְכֶ֔םyour handN c sg constr + 2mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of מִשְׁלַחיָד (H3027) 'hand'; with מִשְׁלַח, 'all that your hand undertakes' = your labor and its produce. Source id 05ymu.
אַתֶּ֖םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Resumptive subject heading the list of household membersאַתֶּם (H859), emphatic, heading the list of those who share in the joy. Source id 05RrX.
וּבָתֵּיכֶ֑םand your householdsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinate with אַתֶּםבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; plural 'your houses' = family members, extending the joy-command to the whole household. Source id 05omm.
אֲשֶׁ֥רin whichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing causal/circumstantial clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the ground for the joy — YHWH's blessing. Source id 05LfE.
בֵּֽרַכְךָ֖he has blessed youPiel perf 3ms + 2ms suffix · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act whose results ground the present joyבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel, YHWH's material blessing as the ground for rejoicing over one's labor's yield. Source id 05KT7.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of בֵּרַכְךָיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; subject of the blessing. Source id 05fGo.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05EoR.
8
לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּן כְּ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנַ֧חְנוּ עֹשִׂ֛ים פֹּ֖ה הַיּ֑וֹם אִ֖ישׁ כָּל הַיָּשָׁ֥ר בְּעֵינָֽיו
You shall not do as we are doing here today, each man doing whatever is right in his own eyes.
The idiom 'each man doing what is right in his own eyes' deliberately echoes the closing indictment of Judges (17:6; 21:25), diagnosing the wilderness-era (and later premonarchic) situation as religiously anarchic. Centralization at the chosen place is the antidote to this individualist chaos.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative. Source id 05LQH.
תַעֲשׂ֔וּןyou shall doQal impf 2mp (+ paragogic נ) · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitiveעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; negated — the practice about to be described is forbidden going forward. Source id 05bmm.
כְּ֠כֹלas/according to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) with כְּ, 'according to all (that).' Source id 05oHh.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause of present practice. Source id 05Wc4.
אֲנַ֧חְנוּweindependent pron 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of participial clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587), 1cp independent pronoun; Moses includes the current wilderness generation's decentralized practice as the foil. Source id 05Khc.
עֹשִׂ֛יםare doingQal ptc m pl abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate participle (durative, present)→ Participle: durative — the current, still-tolerated practiceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; participle marks the present, pre-conquest state of affairs, soon to end. Source id 05Ghm.
פֹּ֖הhereadverb · פֹּה (H6311)Adverbial locativeפֹּה (H6311) 'here'; the wilderness location of speaking, contrasted with the land's future single sanctuary. Source id 05FVs.
הַיּ֑וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs (idiom) · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of timeיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; idiom הַיּוֹם 'today,' marking the moment of Mosaic address. Source id 05fZC.
אִ֖ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (in apposition to preceding clause)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive use, 'each/every man,' introducing the individualist description echoing Judges' refrain. Source id 05jvx.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַיָּשָׁרכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'all/whatever' — with הַיָּשָׁר, 'all that is right.' Source id 05qwG.
הַיָּשָׁ֥רrightart + Adj m sg abs · יָשָׁר (H3477)Substantival adjective, object of כָּליָשָׁר (H3477) 'right, straight, upright'; the phrase 'each man doing what is right in his own eyes' echoes the closing refrain of Judges (17:6; 21:25), condemning subjective, decentralized religion. Source id 05k7i.
בְּעֵינָֽיוin his own eyesprep בְּ + N c dual constr + 3ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase, standard of judgmentעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; dual with suffix, idiom 'in his own eyes' = by his own subjective standard, precisely what centralized law is meant to override. Source id 05Yp6.
9
כִּ֥י לֹא בָּאתֶ֖ם עַד עָ֑תָּה אֶל הַמְּנוּחָה֙ וְאֶל הַֽנַּחֲלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ
For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance that YHWH your God is giving you.
Explains why the anarchic 'each doing what is right' has been tolerated so far: Israel has not yet reached the settled, secure land. The participle נֹתֵן ('is giving') frames the gift as still in process, setting up v.10's 'when you cross the Jordan' as the turning point after which centralization becomes obligatory.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the preceding prohibition — you may not yet do this because you have not yet arrived. Source id 05VcG.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative. Source id 05ehE.
בָּאתֶ֖םyou have comeQal perf 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective negated: 'not yet' — an as-yet-uncompleted stateבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; negated perfect, 'you have not yet come/arrived.' Source id 05hvg.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase, temporalעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; with עַתָּה, 'until now.' Source id 055Zp.
עָ֑תָּהnowadverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Object of preposition עַדעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; with עַד, 'until now,' marking the present wilderness moment before entry. Source id 05Nw9.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; governs הַמְּנוּחָה. Source id 05MNP.
הַמְּנוּחָה֙the resting placeart + N c sg abs · מְנוּחָה (H4496)Object of preposition אֶלמְנוּחָה (H4496) 'resting place, rest', from נוח 'to rest'; the settled security of the land, contrasted with the wilderness march (cf. v.10's 'rest from enemies'). Source id 05kig.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) repeated with וְ, governing הַנַּחֲלָה. Source id 05rHR.
הַֽנַּחֲלָ֔הthe inheritanceart + N f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Object of preposition אֶל (2nd)נַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance, possession', from נחל 'to inherit'; the land as Israel's allotted, permanent possession. Source id 05vq2.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַנַּחֲלָהאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the gift. Source id 05Exx.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05vaE.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05H2u.
נֹתֵ֥ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle (durative, present-future)→ Participle: durative — the gift is a still-unfolding, imminent realityנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; participle marks the gift as presently in process, not yet complete until conquest and settlement. Source id 05iog.
לָֽךְto youprep לְ + 2fs suffixIndirect object of נֹתֵןלְ dative preposition; the 2fs suffix here is an archaic/poetic form still addressing Israel collectively, common in Deuteronomy despite masculine plural elsewhere. Source id 05ZR9.
10
וַעֲבַרְתֶּם֮ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֣ם בָּאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם מַנְחִ֣יל אֶתְכֶ֑ם וְהֵנִ֨יחַ לָכֶ֧ם מִכָּל אֹיְבֵיכֶ֛ם מִסָּבִ֖יב וִֽישַׁבְתֶּם בֶּֽטַח
But when you cross the Jordan and dwell in the land that YHWH your God is giving you to inherit, and he gives you rest from all your enemies around, so that you dwell in security,
A chain of three weqatal verbs (cross, dwell, [he] gives rest) plus a resultative fourth (dwell in security) describes the future settled state that will trigger full centralization. This verse is grammatically incomplete on its own — it is the protasis whose apodosis ('then to the place...') arrives in v.11, resuming the chosen-place formula last stated in v.5.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַעֲבַרְתֶּם֮and you shall crossconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (sequential main clause, temporal 'when')→ Weqatal: sequential — marks the future turning pointעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the Jordan crossing as the decisive threshold into the land. Source id 05z2U.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַיַּרְדֵּן as object. Source id 05rrY.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֒the Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383) 'Jordan', from ירד 'to go down'; the river marking the eastern boundary of the promised land. Source id 05bPn.
וִֽישַׁבְתֶּ֣םand you shall dwellconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the settled state following the crossingיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; the transition from wandering to settled habitation. Source id 05cD3.
בָּאָ֔רֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, object of settlement. Source id 05cLr.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift. Source id 05Qpi.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of מַנְחִיליְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05p6Q.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖םyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05dvn.
מַנְחִ֣ילis giving as inheritanceHiphil ptc m sg abs · נָחַל (H5157)Predicate participle (durative, present-future)→ Participle: durative — the process of allotment presently underwayנָחַל (H5157) Hiphil 'to cause to inherit, allot'; participle, YHWH actively apportioning the land as an ongoing act. Source id 05eV2.
אֶתְכֶ֑ם[obj] youobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with 2mp suffix, marking Israel as recipient-object of the allotting. Source id 05Juw.
וְהֵנִ֨יחַand he gives restconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נוּחַ (H5117)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the promised outcome of settlementנוּחַ (H5117) Hiphil 'to give rest, cause to rest'; YHWH securing Israel from military threat, the state of מְנוּחָה anticipated in v.9. Source id 05f7A.
לָכֶ֧םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixIndirect object of וְהֵנִיחַלְ dative preposition marking Israel as beneficiary of the rest given. Source id 05nU3.
מִכָּלfrom allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, sourceכֹּל (H3605) with מִן, 'from all your enemies.' Source id 05i3X.
אֹיְבֵיכֶ֛םyour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr (substantival) + 2mp suffix · אֹיֵב (H341)Object of preposition מִן (via מִכָּל)אֹיֵב (H341), substantival Qal participle of איב 'to be hostile', 'enemy'; those threatening Israel's security in the land. Source id 05cws.
מִסָּבִ֖יבon every sideprep מִן + N c sg abs (adverbial) · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial prepositional phraseסָבִיב (H5439) 'round about, on every side'; total security from surrounding threats. Source id 05jKx.
וִֽישַׁבְתֶּםand you shall dwellconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (sequential main clause, result)→ Weqatal: sequential — the resulting settled stateיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; repeated from earlier in the verse, now qualified by בֶּטַח. Source id 05wes.
בֶּֽטַחin securityN m sg abs (adverbial) · בֶּטַח (H983)Adverbial accusative of mannerבֶּטַח (H983) 'security, safety', from בטח 'to trust'; the settled confidence resulting from YHWH's rest-giving. Source id 05i2Q.
11
וְהָיָ֣ה הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֥ם בּוֹ֙ לְשַׁכֵּ֤ן שְׁמוֹ֙ שָׁ֔ם שָׁ֣מָּה תָבִ֔יאוּ אֵ֛ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּ֣ה אֶתְכֶ֑ם עוֹלֹתֵיכֶ֣ם וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֗ם מַעְשְׂרֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ וּתְרֻמַ֣ת יֶדְכֶ֔ם וְכֹל֙ מִבְחַ֣ר נִדְרֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּדְּר֖וּ לַֽיהוָֽה
Then to the place that YHWH your God will choose to make his name dwell there — there you shall bring everything that I command you: your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution of your hand, and every choice votive offering that you vow to YHWH.
The formulaic וְהָיָה ('and it shall be') signals the long-delayed main clause: once settled and secure (v.10), the chosen-place formula (now its second full statement) becomes binding. The fronted שָׁמָּה ('THERE') before its verb underscores exclusivity, and the offering-list of v.6 is repeated and expanded with מִבְחַר ('the choicest of'), sharing the very root בחר used of YHWH's own choosing — Israel's best gift answers YHWH's gracious choice.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וְהָיָ֣הthen it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, apodosis-introducing (resumes protasis of v.10)→ Weqatal: sequential — marks the apodosis, 'then...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; formulaic use introducing the main clause after the long conditional of v.10 — 'and it shall be [that] to the place...'. Source id 05PGa.
הַמָּק֗וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Subject/topic, fronted before its relative clauseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the chosen-place formula's second full statement, now explicitly tied to the settled, secure land of v.10. Source id 05qpS.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the chosen-place clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause of the chosen-place formula. Source id 05TaF.
יִבְחַר֩he will chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — YHWH's sovereign choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; the chosen-place formula's core verb, restated. Source id 05d9X.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05DJK.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֥םyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05yuf.
בּוֹ֙in itprep בְּ + 3ms suffixPrepositional phrase resuming הַמָּקוֹםבְּ locative preposition with suffix referring back to הַמָּקוֹם, 'in it [the place].' Source id 05BaE.
לְשַׁכֵּ֤ןto cause to dwellprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁכַן (H7931)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive: purpose — the aim of YHWH's choosingשָׁכַן (H7931) Piel 'to cause to dwell, settle'; governs שְׁמוֹ — YHWH's causing his name to reside at the site, the Name-theology restated. Source id 05N7A.
שְׁמוֹ֙his nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of לְשַׁכֵּןשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the theological center of the chapter's Name-theology, repeated a third time. Source id 059MH.
שָׁ֔םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locativeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anchoring the name-dwelling to the specific site. Source id 05k2Q.
שָׁ֣מָּהthere/thitheradverb שָׁם + directional ה · שָׁמָּה (H8033)Adverbial locative (directional), fronted for emphasisשָׁמָּה (H8033) 'there, to there'; fronted before its verb תָבִיאוּ for emphasis — 'THERE you shall bring.' Source id 05Wgg.
תָבִ֔יאוּyou shall bringHiphil impf 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing future obligationבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; the command's main verb, governing the long list of offerings that follows. Source id 05RXq.
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking the extended object list beginning with כָּל אֲשֶׁר. Source id 05xUt.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing the relative clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; heads the object list that follows, resumed by the appositional items later in the verse. Source id 05dQH.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying כָּלאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces Moses's commanding clause. Source id 0553j.
אָנֹכִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of participial clauseאָנֹכִי (H595), emphatic 1cs pronoun; Moses as the authoritative mediator of the command. Source id 05ubQ.
מְצַוֶּ֣הam commandingPiel ptc m sg abs · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate participle (durative, present)→ Participle: durative — Moses's ongoing authoritative act of commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; participle marks the present speech-act of legislation, the verb underlying the whole book's name (mishneh Torah/deuteros nomos as 'repeated command'). Source id 05H2p.
אֶתְכֶ֑ם[obj] youobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with 2mp suffix, marking Israel as object of מְצַוֶּה. Source id 05Snw.
עוֹלֹתֵיכֶ֣םyour burnt offeringsN f pl constr + 2mp suffix · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct object, in apposition to כָּל אֲשֶׁר (resuming the object list)עֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; the list from v.6 resumed and expanded. Source id 05RgS.
וְזִבְחֵיכֶ֗םand your sacrificesconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object, in listזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice'; communal offerings. Source id 0573F.
מַעְשְׂרֹֽתֵיכֶם֙your tithesN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · מַעֲשֵׂר (H4643)Direct object, in listמַעֲשֵׂר (H4643) 'tithe'; the tenth-part offering. Source id 05vYe.
וּתְרֻמַ֣תand the contribution ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · תְּרוּמָה (H8641)Construct governing יֶדְכֶםתְּרוּמָה (H8641) 'contribution, heave offering.' Source id 05VX2.
יֶדְכֶ֔םyour handN c sg constr + 2mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of תְּרוּמַתיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for produce of one's labor. Source id 05nt7.
וְכֹל֙and everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing מִבְחַר נִדְרֵיכֶםכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'and every.' Source id 05Pk3.
מִבְחַ֣רthe choice ofN m sg constr · מִבְחָר (H4005)Construct governing נִדְרֵיכֶםמִבְחָר (H4005) 'choice, best part', from בחר 'to choose' (same root as YHWH's own 'choosing' of the place); 'your choicest vow offerings.' Source id 05sGy.
נִדְרֵיכֶ֔םyour vow offeringsN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · נֶדֶר (H5088)Genitive complement of מִבְחַרנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow'; votive offerings. Source id 05g9J.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying נִדְרֵיכֶםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the vowing clause. Source id 05ZYF.
תִּדְּר֖וּyou vowQal impf 2mp · נָדַר (H5087)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the ongoing practice of vowingנָדַר (H5087) 'to vow'; cognate with נֶדֶר, the act underlying vow offerings. Source id 05mjh.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object of תִּדְּרוּיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the recipient of Israel's vows. Source id 05ugU.
12
וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗ם לִפְנֵי֮ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֒ אַתֶּ֗ם וּבְנֵיכֶם֙ וּבְנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם וְעַבְדֵיכֶ֖ם וְאַמְהֹתֵיכֶ֑ם וְהַלֵּוִי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּשַֽׁעֲרֵיכֶ֔ם כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין ל֛וֹ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה אִתְּכֶֽם
And you shall rejoice before YHWH your God, you, and your sons and your daughters, and your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.
The joy-command's household roster reaches its fullest extent yet — sons, daughters, male and female slaves, and now explicitly the Levite. The causal clause (כִּי אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה אִתְּכֶם) explains why: landless, the Levite depends entirely on the community's worship-generosity, a concern the chapter returns to in vv.18-19.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וּשְׂמַחְתֶּ֗םand you shall rejoiceconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · שָׂמַח (H8055)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential commandשָׂמַח (H8055) 'to rejoice'; the joy-command recurs, now with the fullest household list yet, including the Levite. Source id 05XTu.
לִפְנֵי֮beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase governing יְהוָהפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom 'before the face of' = in YHWH's presence. Source id 05aA5.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 056n5.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֒your GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05bTj.
אַתֶּ֗םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Resumptive subject heading the household listאַתֶּם (H859), emphatic, heading the fullest household list in the chapter. Source id 05HCK.
וּבְנֵיכֶם֙and your sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate with אַתֶּםבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the household extends to children. Source id 05ixD.
וּבְנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םand your daughtersconj וְ + N f pl constr + 2mp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Coordinate with אַתֶּםבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; daughters explicitly included alongside sons. Source id 05DL7.
וְעַבְדֵיכֶ֖םand your male servantsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinate with אַתֶּםעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; the joy-command reaches even those of lowest social status in the household. Source id 05Dmt.
וְאַמְהֹתֵיכֶ֑םand your female servantsconj וְ + N f pl constr + 2mp suffix · אָמָה (H519)Coordinate with אַתֶּםאָמָה (H519) 'maidservant, female slave'; completing the household inventory before the Levite is added. Source id 05EEj.
וְהַלֵּוִי֙and the Leviteconj וְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Coordinate with אַתֶּם, distinct category (landless)לֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite', gentilic of the tribe of Levi; landless and dependent on the sanctuary and tithes, explicitly included among those who rejoice — a recurring concern of the chapter (vv.12, 18, 19). Source id 05NKN.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַלֵּוִיאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the locating clause. Source id 053zR.
בְּשַֽׁעֲרֵיכֶ֔םwithin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative prepositional phrase (predicate of relative clause)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; idiom for 'within your towns' — the Levite lives dispersed among the local settlements, not at the central sanctuary. Source id 05Bet.
כִּ֣יsinceconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, since'; grounds the Levite's inclusion — because he has no landed inheritance. Source id 05FJy.
אֵ֥יןthere is notnegative existential particle · אֵין (H369)Predicate of verbless clause (negative existential)אֵין (H369) negates existence, 'there is not'; with לוֹ, 'he has no.' Source id 058Bw.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffixPossessive dative with אֵיןלְ possessive/dative preposition; 'to him [there is not]' = 'he has not.' Source id 05kHD.
חֵ֥לֶקportionN m sg abs · חֵלֶק (H2506)Subject of negative existential clauseחֵלֶק (H2506) 'portion, share', from חלק 'to divide'; the Levites received no territorial share among the tribes (cf. 10:9; 18:1-2). Source id 05AAn.
וְנַחֲלָ֖הor inheritanceconj וְ + N f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Coordinate subject of negative existential clauseנַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance'; paired with חֵלֶק, the Levite's lack of landed inheritance is precisely why he depends on tithes and the community's generosity. Source id 05cJF.
אִתְּכֶֽםwith youprep אֵת/אִתְּ + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase, comparativeאֵת (H854, comitative preposition, distinct from the object-marker אֵת H853) 'with'; 'a portion with you' = the shared inheritance other tribes possess but the Levite does not. Source id 05mxn.
13
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֔ פֶּֽן תַּעֲלֶ֖ה עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָ בְּכָל מָק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּרְאֶֽה
Take care that you do not offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see.
הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ ('take care, watch yourself') marks a fresh subsection: having stated the positive chosen-place command (vv.5-12), the text now warns against the natural temptation to worship 'wherever one sees fit,' preparing for the qualified concession about ordinary meat-eating in vv.15ff.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
הִשָּׁ֣מֶרtake careNiphal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause imperative)→ Volitional: an urgent warning-commandשָׁמַר (H8104) Niphal 'to guard oneself, take heed'; idiom הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ, 'watch yourself, take care,' introducing a cautionary command. Source id 05SYo.
לְךָ֔for yourselfprep לְ + 2ms suffixEthical dative completing the idiom הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָלְ reflexive/ethical-dative preposition; completes the idiom 'watch yourself.' Source id 05caP.
פֶּֽןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the prohibited actionפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces what must be guarded against — offering burnt offerings at unauthorized sites. Source id 05PX1.
תַּעֲלֶ֖הyou offer upHiphil impf 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol (negative purpose): the forbidden potential actionעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to offer up, cause to ascend'; technical verb for presenting a burnt offering on an altar. Source id 05fnW.
עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָyour burnt offeringsN f pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct objectעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; the offering type most explicitly restricted to the chosen place. Source id 05nre.
בְּכָלin everyprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ, 'in every (place).' Source id 051gq.
מָק֖וֹםplaceN m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition בְּ (via בְּכָל)מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; here anarthrous, ANY place, contrasted with THE place YHWH will choose. Source id 05DYk.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying מָקוֹםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause of arbitrary sighting. Source id 05Xfy.
תִּרְאֶֽהyou seeQal impf 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — any place one might happen to seeרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; 'any place you see' underscores the arbitrariness being forbidden — worship by sight/whim rather than divine designation. Source id 05RES.
14
כִּ֣י אִם בַּמָּק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָ שָׁ֖ם תַּעֲלֶ֣ה עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁ֣ם תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּֽךָּ
But only in the place that YHWH will choose in one of your tribes — there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do everything that I command you.
The adversative כִּי אִם again reverses the preceding prohibition; both שָׁם ('there') clauses are fronted for maximal emphasis on exclusivity. This is the chosen-place formula's fourth appearance, tightly framing vv.13-14 as a matched prohibition/command pair.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּ֣יbutconj · כִּי (H3588)Adversative conjunction, first element of כִּי אִםכִּי (H3588) paired with אִם forms the adversative כִּי אִם, 'but only.' Source id 05D4F.
אִםratherconj · אִם (H518)Second element of כִּי אִם, adversativeאִם (H518); with כִּי forms כִּי אִם, 'but only.' Source id 05mUK.
בַּמָּק֞וֹםin the placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the chosen-place formula's third full statement in the chapter. Source id 05bdm.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the chosen-place clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause. Source id 05qiM.
יִבְחַ֤רhe will chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — YHWH's sovereign choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; the chosen-place formula's core verb, restated a fourth time. Source id 05gyj.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05sDg.
בְּאַחַ֣דin one ofprep בְּ + Adj/numeral m sg constr · אֶחָד (H259)Locative prepositional phraseאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; construct with שְׁבָטֶיךָ, 'in one of your tribes' — the site will fall within a single tribal territory yet serve all Israel. Source id 05cHs.
שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָyour tribesN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Genitive complement of בְּאַחַדשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe'; the twelve tribal divisions. Source id 05qfb.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb (fronted) · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locative, fronted for emphasisשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; fronted before its verb for emphasis — 'THERE you shall offer.' Source id 05mjr.
תַּעֲלֶ֣הyou shall offer upHiphil impf 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing positive counterpart to v.13's prohibitionעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to offer up'; the positive command answering v.13's prohibition. Source id 056PC.
עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָyour burnt offeringsN f pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct objectעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; the restricted offering type, mirrored from v.13. Source id 05CsK.
וְשָׁ֣םand thereconj וְ + adverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locative, fronted for emphasisשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; repeated fronting reinforces exclusive locality. Source id 05Nr9.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — standing commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; governs the full range of ritual acts Moses commands. Source id 05Njp.
כֹּ֛לeverythingN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Direct objectכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; object of תַּעֲשֶׂה, resumed by the relative clause. Source id 05U8E.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces Moses's commanding clause. Source id 05ov7.
אָנֹכִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of participial clauseאָנֹכִי (H595), emphatic 1cs pronoun; Moses's authoritative voice. Source id 05mps.
מְצַוֶּֽךָּam commanding youPiel ptc m sg constr + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate participle (durative, present)→ Participle: durative — Moses's ongoing act of legislatingצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; participle marks the present speech-act. Source id 05Wm8.
15
רַק֩ בְּכָל אַוַּ֨ת נַפְשְׁךָ֜ תִּזְבַּ֣ח וְאָכַלְתָּ֣ בָשָׂ֗ר כְּבִרְכַּ֨ת יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן לְךָ֖ בְּכָל שְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ הַטָּמֵ֤א וְהַטָּהוֹר֙ יֹאכְלֶ֔נּוּ כַּצְּבִ֖י וְכָאַיָּֽל
Nevertheless, you may slaughter and eat meat within all your gates, whatever your soul desires, according to the blessing of YHWH your God that he has given you; the unclean and the clean may eat it alike, as of the gazelle and the deer.
Centralizing sacrificial worship (vv.5-14) would otherwise mean no meat could be eaten anywhere but the sanctuary — impractical once the single altar is far away. This verse grants a major concession: ORDINARY meat-eating (זָבַח used non-cultically) is permitted in any town, open even to the ritually unclean, modeled on the unrestricted eating of wild game (gazelle, deer). The concession is bounded, however, as v.16 immediately qualifies.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
רַק֩neverthelessrestrictive adverb · רַק (H7535)Adverb qualifying the whole clause, marking a concessionרַק (H7535) 'only, however'; introduces a concession — meat MAY be eaten locally (unlike sacral offerings), though blood remains restricted. Source id 05Xgr.
בְּכָלaccording to allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, standard/measureכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ, 'according to all/every.' Source id 05a9y.
אַוַּ֨תthe desire ofN f sg constr · אַוָּה (H185)Construct governing נַפְשְׁךָאַוָּה (H185) 'desire, craving', from אוה 'to desire'; construct with נֶפֶשׁ, 'as much as your soul desires' — a generous, unrestricted permission. Source id 05am8.
נַפְשְׁךָ֜your soulN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of אַוַּתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, appetite'; here of bodily appetite/craving, the same word that will carry weighty theological freight in v.23 ('the blood is the life'). Source id 05CQM.
תִּזְבַּ֣חyou may slaughterQal impf 2ms · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (main clause, permissive)→ Yiqtol: permissive/modal — profane, non-cultic slaughter now allowed anywhereזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter'; here in a NON-sacral, secular sense (unlike its usual cultic use) — the 'profane slaughter' concession that distinguishes ordinary meat-eating from sacrifice proper. Source id 05MHE.
וְאָכַלְתָּ֣and eatconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the resulting permitted actאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; ordinary, non-sacral consumption, now permitted locally. Source id 05c8L.
בָשָׂ֗רmeatN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, meat'; ordinary meat, distinct from sacrificial flesh eaten only at the sanctuary. Source id 05EeM.
כְּבִרְכַּ֨תaccording to the blessing ofprep כְּ + N f sg constr · בְּרָכָה (H1293)Comparative prepositional phrase, measureבְּרָכָה (H1293) 'blessing', from ברך 'to bless'; the abundance of meat available is itself proof of YHWH's blessing on the flocks/herds. Source id 05hEP.
יְהוָ֧הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַן (via construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 052mG.
אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05wzt.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying בִּרְכַּתאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause of divine giving. Source id 05ApD.
נָֽתַןhe has givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH's material blessing already granted. Source id 05NDi.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object of נָתַןלְ dative preposition marking the recipient of the blessing. Source id 05UJ3.
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ, 'in all (your gates).' Source id 051ZR.
שְׁעָרֶ֑יךָyour gatesN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · שַׁעַר (H8179)Object of preposition בְּ (via בְּכָל)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; idiom for local towns/settlements — profane slaughter is permitted anywhere one lives, not just at the sanctuary. Source id 05iDJ.
הַטָּמֵ֤אthe uncleanart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · טָמֵא (H2931)Subject of יֹאכְלֶנּוּטָמֵא (H2931) 'unclean, impure'; substantival use — a person in a state of ritual impurity may nonetheless eat this profane meat, since it carries no sacrificial holiness. Source id 05yW9.
וְהַטָּהוֹר֙and the cleanconj וְ + art + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · טָהוֹר (H2889)Coordinate subject of יֹאכְלֶנּוּטָהוֹר (H2889) 'clean, pure'; paired with טָמֵא, both may eat this meat alike — a marked relaxation from sacrificial law where impurity bars participation. Source id 05Cwi.
יֹאכְלֶ֔נּוּmay eat itQal impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, permissive)→ Yiqtol: permissive/modal — both clean and unclean persons may eatאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the permissive concession's key verb. Source id 05SkB.
כַּצְּבִ֖יas the gazelleprep כְּ + art + N c sg abs · צְבִי (H6643)Comparative prepositional phraseצְבִי (H6643) 'gazelle'; a wild, non-sacrificial animal — its ordinary consumption becomes the model for domesticated meat eaten outside the sanctuary. Source id 05Y5x.
וְכָאַיָּֽלand as the deerconj וְ + prep כְּ + art + N c sg abs · אַיָּל (H354)Coordinate comparative prepositional phraseאַיָּל (H354) 'deer, stag'; paired with צְבִי as the standard idiom for game animals eaten without cultic restriction (repeated in v.22). Source id 05fJm.
16
רַ֥ק הַדָּ֖ם לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑לוּ עַל הָאָ֥רֶץ תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖נּוּ כַּמָּֽיִם
Only the blood you shall not eat; you shall pour it out on the earth like water.
The one non-negotiable limit on profane slaughter: whatever else is permitted, the blood must never be eaten but poured out like water — a mundane disposal that nonetheless carries the chapter's deepest theological principle, spelled out fully in v.23.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
רַ֥קonlyrestrictive adverb · רַק (H7535)Adverb marking the sole exception to v.15's concessionרַק (H7535) 'only'; introduces the ONE absolute limit on the profane-slaughter concession — the blood. Source id 05W9C.
הַדָּ֖םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Fronted direct object (emphatic, resumed by verb)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; fronted for maximal emphasis — this is the chapter's central taboo, explained theologically in v.23 ('the blood is the life'). Source id 05QFL.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative — the absolute prohibition. Source id 05nWY.
תֹאכֵ֑לוּyou shall eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, negated, with fronted object הַדָּם)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — an absolute standing prohibitionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; negated with the fronted דָּם, 'the blood you shall NOT eat.' Source id 05HDj.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; governs הָאָרֶץ. Source id 052um.
הָאָ֥רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, ground'; the blood must be returned to the earth, not consumed. Source id 05vdB.
תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖נּוּyou shall pour it outQal impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing positive disposal-commandשָׁפַךְ (H8210) 'to pour out'; the required ritual disposal of blood — returned to the ground rather than ingested. Source id 051vw.
כַּמָּֽיִםlike waterprep כְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Comparative prepositional phraseמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the simile emphasizes that blood, once poured out, has no further ritual value — it is simply discarded, not offered or consecrated. Source id 05khp.
17
לֹֽא תוּכַ֞ל לֶאֱכֹ֣ל בִּשְׁעָרֶ֗יךָ מַעְשַׂ֤ר דְּגָֽנְךָ֙ וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣ וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָ וּבְכֹרֹ֥ת בְּקָרְךָ֖ וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ וְכָל נְדָרֶ֨יךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּדֹּ֔ר וְנִדְבֹתֶ֖יךָ וּתְרוּמַ֥ת יָדֶֽךָ
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, your new wine, or your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or your flock, or any of your vow offerings that you vow, or your freewill offerings, or the contribution of your hand.
After v.15's concession for ordinary meat, this verse draws the line firmly: SACRAL items — tithe, firstborn, vows, freewill offerings, contributions — remain forbidden to eat locally, unlike profane meat. The lengthy list mirrors vv.6/11, underscoring that the entire cultic economy, not just burnt offerings, is bound to the one chosen place.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative. Source id 059T8.
תוּכַ֞לyou mayQal impf 2ms (modal) · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (main clause, negated modal, governing infinitive)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — 'you are not able/permitted to'יָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; negated modal auxiliary governing לֶאֱכֹל — 'you may not eat.' Source id 05Sk2.
לֶאֱכֹ֣לto eatprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Complementary infinitive completing תוּכַל→ Infinitive: complementary — object of the modal verbאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; complements the negated modal, forbidding eating these items locally. Source id 05RFY.
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֗יךָwithin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative prepositional phraseשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; idiom for local towns — sacral items, unlike ordinary meat (v.15), may NOT be eaten locally. Source id 053DM.
מַעְשַׂ֤רthe tithe ofN m sg constr · מַעֲשֵׂר (H4643)Construct governing דְּגָנְךָמַעֲשֵׂר (H4643) 'tithe'; the first item in the list of sacral produce restricted to the chosen place. Source id 05xjx.
דְּגָֽנְךָ֙your grainN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · דָּגָן (H1715)Genitive complement of מַעְשַׂרדָּגָן (H1715) 'grain'; the first of the tithed produce triad (grain, wine, oil), Deuteronomy's standard summary of agricultural yield. Source id 05XTG.
וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֣and your new wineconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · תִּירוֹשׁ (H8492)Coordinate genitive complement of מַעְשַׂרתִּירוֹשׁ (H8492) 'new wine, must'; second of the grain-wine-oil triad. Source id 05gmz.
וְיִצְהָרֶ֔ךָor your oilconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · יִצְהָר (H3323)Coordinate genitive complement of מַעְשַׂריִצְהָר (H3323) 'fresh oil'; completes the standard triad of tithed produce. Source id 05bsU.
וּבְכֹרֹ֥תor the firstborn ofconj וְ + N c pl constr · בְּכוֹר (H1062)Direct object, construct chainבְּכוֹר (H1062) 'firstborn'; added to the restricted list — firstborn animals belong exclusively to the sanctuary. Source id 05KEw.
בְּקָרְךָ֖your herdN c sg constr (collective) + 2ms suffix · בָּקָר (H1241)Genitive complement of בְּכֹרֹתבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle'; large livestock. Source id 056nN.
וְצֹאנֶ֑ךָor your flockconj וְ + N c sg constr (collective) + 2ms suffix · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive complement of בְּכֹרֹת, coordinate with בְּקָרְךָצֹאן (H6629) 'sheep/goats'; small livestock. Source id 05rRm.
וְכָלor any ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing נְדָרֶיךָכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'and any of your vows.' Source id 05Hkb.
נְדָרֶ֨יךָ֙your vow offeringsN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · נֶדֶר (H5088)Genitive complement of כָּלנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow'; votive offerings, also restricted to the chosen place. Source id 05o2L.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying נְדָרֶיךָאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the vowing clause. Source id 05eif.
תִּדֹּ֔רyou vowQal impf 2ms · נָדַר (H5087)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the ongoing practice of vowingנָדַר (H5087) 'to vow'; cognate with נֶדֶר. Source id 05cpk.
וְנִדְבֹתֶ֖יךָor your freewill offeringsconj וְ + N f pl constr + 2ms suffix · נְדָבָה (H5071)Direct object, in listנְדָבָה (H5071) 'freewill offering'; spontaneous gifts, also restricted. Source id 05mqu.
וּתְרוּמַ֥תor the contribution ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · תְּרוּמָה (H8641)Construct governing יָדֶךָתְּרוּמָה (H8641) 'contribution, heave offering.' Source id 05vky.
יָדֶֽךָyour handN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of תְּרוּמַתיָד (H3027) 'hand'; final item of the sacral-list, closing the sentence. Source id 05b22.
18
כִּ֡י אִם לִפְנֵי֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ תֹּאכְלֶ֗נּוּ בַּמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִבְחַ֜ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮ בּוֹ֒ אַתָּ֨ה וּבִנְךָ֤ וּבִתֶּ֨ךָ֙ וְעַבְדְּךָ֣ וַאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ וְהַלֵּוִ֖י אֲשֶׁ֣ר בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֗ לִפְנֵי֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶֽךָ
But you shall eat them before YHWH your God, in the place that YHWH your God will choose, you and your son and your daughter, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates; and you shall rejoice before YHWH your God in all the undertaking of your hand.
The adversative answers v.17's prohibition point for point: these sacral items must be eaten, but only at the chosen place, and by the same household roster as v.12 (now in singular address). The joy-command recurs a third time, closing the subsection on offerings with the same festal note that opened it in v.7.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
כִּ֡יbutconj · כִּי (H3588)Adversative conjunction, first element of כִּי אִםכִּי (H3588) paired with אִם forms the adversative כִּי אִם, 'but only.' Source id 05y1q.
אִםratherconj · אִם (H518)Second element of כִּי אִם, adversativeאִם (H518); with כִּי forms כִּי אִם. Source id 05XBR.
לִפְנֵי֩beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase governing יְהוָהפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom 'before the face of' = in YHWH's presence. Source id 05RKz.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 055Qt.
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05HJA.
תֹּאכְלֶ֗נּוּyou shall eat itQal impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, positive counter-command)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — standing positive commandאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; positive counterpart to v.17's prohibition — these items ARE to be eaten, but only at the sanctuary. Source id 05ixu.
בַּמָּקוֹם֙in the placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the chosen-place formula's fifth full statement. Source id 05mUN.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the chosen-place clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause. Source id 05pZF.
יִבְחַ֜רhe will chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — YHWH's sovereign choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; the chosen-place formula's core verb. Source id 05q4S.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05rMH.
אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮your GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05GcS.
בּוֹ֒in itprep בְּ + 3ms suffixPrepositional phrase resuming הַמָּקוֹםבְּ locative preposition with suffix, 'in it [the place].' Source id 05VEY.
אַתָּ֨הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Resumptive subject heading the household listאַתָּה (H859), emphatic 2ms pronoun, heading the household list. Source id 05neC.
וּבִנְךָ֤and your sonconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate with אַתָּהבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here singular (contrast v.12's plural), addressed to the individual householder. Source id 054J2.
וּבִתֶּ֨ךָ֙and your daughterconj וְ + N f sg constr + 2ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Coordinate with אַתָּהבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; singular, matching בִּנְךָ. Source id 0558T.
וְעַבְדְּךָ֣and your male servantconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinate with אַתָּהעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; singular, matching the individual-address register of this verse. Source id 05jfT.
וַאֲמָתֶ֔ךָand your female servantconj וְ + N f sg constr + 2ms suffix · אָמָה (H519)Coordinate with אַתָּהאָמָה (H519) 'maidservant'; completing the household list before the Levite. Source id 05Dvx.
וְהַלֵּוִ֖יand the Leviteconj וְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Coordinate with אַתָּהלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; once again explicitly included in the worship-meal, the chapter's recurring concern for this landless group. Source id 05rfH.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַלֵּוִיאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the locating clause. Source id 05VZS.
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָwithin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative prepositional phrase (predicate of relative clause)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the Levite's ordinary dwelling place, contrasted with the sanctuary he is invited to visit for the festal meal. Source id 05Dd4.
וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֗and you shall rejoiceconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שָׂמַח (H8055)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential command — instituting joy as cultic dutyשָׂמַח (H8055) 'to rejoice'; the joy-command's third appearance in the chapter (vv.7, 12, 18). Source id 05sUM.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr (idiom) · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase governing יְהוָהפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom 'before the face of' = in YHWH's presence. Source id 057mw.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05kxi.
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05Zo4.
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, sphere of rejoicingכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ, 'in all/every.' Source id 05Ps1.
מִשְׁלַ֥חthe undertaking ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁלָח (H4916)Construct governing יָדֶךָמִשְׁלָח (H4916) 'undertaking', from שלח 'to send'; idiom for economic labor/enterprise, repeated from v.7. Source id 05x3o.
יָדֶֽךָyour handN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of מִשְׁלַחיָד (H3027) 'hand'; closing the verse's list, echoing v.7. Source id 05GdL.
19
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֔ פֶּֽן תַּעֲזֹ֖ב אֶת הַלֵּוִ֑י כָּל יָמֶ֖יךָ עַל אַדְמָתֶֽךָ
Take care that you do not forsake the Levite all your days on your land.
A second הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ warning (cf. v.13) closes the subsection on centralized offerings by returning to the chapter's persistent concern: the landless Levite must never be forgotten, a duty framed as perpetual ('all your days').
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
הִשָּׁ֣מֶרtake careNiphal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause imperative)→ Volitional: an urgent warning-commandשָׁמַר (H8104) Niphal 'to guard oneself, take heed'; idiom הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ, 'watch yourself.' Source id 05ikj.
לְךָ֔for yourselfprep לְ + 2ms suffixEthical dative completing the idiom הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָלְ reflexive/ethical-dative preposition. Source id 05Yxf.
פֶּֽןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the prohibited actionפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces what must be guarded against — forsaking the Levite. Source id 05Jji.
תַּעֲזֹ֖בyou forsakeQal impf 2ms · עָזַב (H5800)Predicate verb of פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol (negative purpose): the forbidden potential neglectעָזַב (H5800) 'to forsake, abandon, leave'; the danger being warned against — neglecting the landless Levite once local worship (v.15's concession) makes the sanctuary visit less routine. Source id 05vF1.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַלֵּוִי as object. Source id 05baH.
הַלֵּוִ֑יthe Leviteart + gentilic N m sg abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct objectלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; the object of care named explicitly for a third time (vv.12, 18, 19), an emphatic drumbeat concern of the chapter. Source id 05DYG.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing יָמֶיךָכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'all your days.' Source id 05wMm.
יָמֶ֖יךָyour daysN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of timeיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'all your days' = for as long as you live, a perpetual obligation. Source id 056Bv.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; governs אַדְמָתֶךָ. Source id 05GsM.
אַדְמָתֶֽךָyour landN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · אֲדָמָה (H127)Object of preposition עַלאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, land'; a pointed irony — YOUR land, since the Levite has none of his own (v.12). Source id 05asE.
20
כִּֽי יַרְחִיב֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֥יךָ אֶֽת גְּבֽוּלְךָ֮ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּר לָךְ֒ וְאָמַרְתָּ֙ אֹכְלָ֣ה בָשָׂ֔ר כִּֽי תְאַוֶּ֥ה נַפְשְׁךָ֖ לֶאֱכֹ֣ל בָּשָׂ֑ר בְּכָל אַוַּ֥ת נַפְשְׁךָ֖ תֹּאכַ֥ל בָּשָֽׂר
When YHWH your God enlarges your territory, as he has promised you, and you say, 'I would eat meat,' because your soul craves to eat meat, you may eat meat, whatever your soul desires.
The threefold repetition of 'meat' (בָּשָׂר) and 'your soul' (נַפְשְׁךָ) enacts the craving being described. Territorial expansion, not merely distance from the sanctuary, becomes the new trigger for the profane-slaughter concession — restated more fully than in v.15, anticipating vv.21ff.'s detailed instructions.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/conditional conjunction introducing protasisכִּי (H3588) 'when, if'; introduces the future scenario of territorial expansion. Source id 05ZC1.
יַרְחִיב֩he enlargesHiphil impf 3ms · רָחַב (H7337)Predicate verb of temporal/conditional clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the anticipated territorial expansionרָחַב (H7337) Hiphil 'to enlarge, make wide'; YHWH's promised expansion of Israel's borders (cf. 19:8), the trigger for this expanded concession. Source id 05QkY.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יַרְחִיביְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05ViX.
אֱלֹהֶ֥יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05uKa.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking גְּבוּלְךָ as object. Source id 053zX.
גְּבֽוּלְךָ֮your territoryN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · גְּבוּל (H1366)Direct objectגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; Israel's promised expanded borders (cf. Gen 15:18; Exod 23:31). Source id 05H8Z.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing clause of mannerכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'just as'; introduces the clause confirming fulfillment of YHWH's promise. Source id 05tg6.
דִּבֶּרhe has spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of comparative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of promiseדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; YHWH's prior spoken promise of expanded territory now being fulfilled. Source id 059wB.
לָךְ֒to youprep לְ + 2fs suffixIndirect object of דִּבֶּרלְ dative preposition; archaic 2fs suffix addressing Israel collectively, common in Deuteronomy. Source id 05i2Y.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֙and you sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the resulting desire once territory expandsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the direct speech expressing craving for meat. Source id 05JU3.
אֹכְלָ֣הlet me eatQal cohortative 1cs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of direct speech (cohortative)→ Volitional (cohortative): self-directed desire/resolve — 'I would like to eat'אָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; cohortative expresses the speaker's own wish, quoting the craving that prompts the concession. Source id 05gmt.
בָשָׂ֔רmeatN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object of אֹכְלָהבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'meat'; the object of craving, repeated three times in this verse. Source id 05jqR.
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because'; grounds the wish just quoted. Source id 05rFY.
תְאַוֶּ֥הdesiresPiel impf 3fs · אָוָה (H183)Predicate verb of causal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the ongoing cravingאָוָה (H183) Piel 'to desire, crave'; cognate with אַוָּה (v.15). Source id 05zTW.
נַפְשְׁךָ֖your soulN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of תְאַוֶּהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, appetite'; the bodily craving, repeated from v.15. Source id 0518W.
לֶאֱכֹ֣לto eatprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Complementary infinitive completing תְאַוֶּה→ Infinitive: complementary — the content of the cravingאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; completes 'your soul craves to eat meat.' Source id 058Ad.
בָּשָׂ֑רmeatN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object of לֶאֱכֹלבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'meat'; second occurrence in the verse. Source id 05RQy.
בְּכָלaccording to allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, standard/measureכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ. Source id 05exE.
אַוַּ֥תthe desire ofN f sg constr · אַוָּה (H185)Construct governing נַפְשְׁךָאַוָּה (H185) 'desire, craving'; repeated from v.15's identical phrase. Source id 05kDB.
נַפְשְׁךָ֖your soulN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of אַוַּתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, appetite'; the phrase's third occurrence in this short unit. Source id 05c5h.
תֹּאכַ֥לyou may eatQal impf 2ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, permissive)→ Yiqtol: permissive/modal — the concession's climactic grantאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the main verb of permission, closing this expanded restatement of v.15's concession. Source id 05MWC.
בָּשָֽׂרmeatN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'meat'; third and final occurrence in the verse, sealing the concession's grant. Source id 054HD.
21
כִּֽי יִרְחַ֨ק מִמְּךָ֜ הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִבְחַ֜ר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮ לָשׂ֣וּם שְׁמ֣וֹ שָׁם֒ וְזָבַחְתָּ֞ מִבְּקָרְךָ֣ וּמִצֹּֽאנְךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֤ן יְהוָה֙ לְךָ֔ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוִּיתִ֑ךָ וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֙ בִּשְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ בְּכֹ֖ל אַוַּ֥ת נַפְשֶֽׁךָ
If the place that YHWH your God will choose to put his name there is too far from you, then you shall slaughter from your herd and your flock, which YHWH has given you, as I have commanded you, and you shall eat within your gates whatever your soul desires.
Distance is now named explicitly as the practical rationale for the concession first stated broadly in v.15. Moses's self-reference ('as I have commanded you') anchors the instructions in his own authority, reinforcing the legitimacy of eating meat away from the sanctuary.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
כִּֽיifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing protasisכִּי (H3588) 'if, when'; introduces the case of geographic distance from the sanctuary. Source id 05NTC.
יִרְחַ֨קis farQal impf 3ms · רָחַק (H7368)Predicate verb of conditional clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the anticipated distanceרָחַק (H7368) 'to be far, distant'; the practical difficulty of geographic distance from the single sanctuary, once the land is enlarged (v.20). Source id 05SsZ.
מִמְּךָ֜from youprep מִן + 2ms suffix · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase, source of distanceמִן (H4480) 'from'; measures the distance of the sanctuary from the individual householder. Source id 05gHx.
הַמָּק֗וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Subject of יִרְחַקמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the chosen-place formula's sixth full statement in the chapter. Source id 059Gq.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the chosen-place clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause. Source id 05z1r.
יִבְחַ֜רhe will chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — YHWH's sovereign choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; the chosen-place formula's core verb. Source id 05qiE.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05Pbx.
אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮your GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05iu9.
לָשׂ֣וּםto putprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שׂוּם (H7760)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive: purpose — the aim of YHWH's choosingשׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, place'; governs שְׁמוֹ, the Name-theology restated a fourth time. Source id 05v6K.
שְׁמ֣וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of לָשׂוּםשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the Name-theology's recurring center. Source id 05Zfe.
שָׁם֒thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locativeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anchoring the name-placing to the specific site. Source id 05XqJ.
וְזָבַחְתָּ֞then you shall slaughterconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Weqatal: sequential — the permitted response to distanceזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter'; here again profane (non-cultic) slaughter, permitted because of distance. Source id 05zba.
מִבְּקָרְךָ֣from your herdprep מִן + N c sg constr (collective) + 2ms suffix · בָּקָר (H1241)Prepositional phrase, source of the object slaughteredבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle'; large livestock, source of the profane meat. Source id 05bCg.
וּמִצֹּֽאנְךָ֗and from your flockconj וְ + prep מִן + N c sg constr (collective) + 2ms suffix · צֹאן (H6629)Coordinate prepositional phraseצֹאן (H6629) 'sheep/goats'; small livestock, completing the source pair. Source id 05rcS.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying בְּקָרְךָ/צֹאנְךָאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the granting clause. Source id 05kPb.
נָתַ֤ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH as giver of the livestock. Source id 05jmq.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05L8L.
לְךָ֔to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object of נָתַןלְ dative preposition marking the recipient of the gift. Source id 05Qdn.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing clause of mannerכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'just as'; introduces the clause of Moses's authorization. Source id 05zXy.
צִוִּיתִ֑ךָI have commanded youPiel perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of comparative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of command, referring back to this very legislationצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; Moses's authorization for the details of profane slaughter, echoing his repeated commanding formula in the chapter. Source id 05BE6.
וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֙and you shall eatconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the resulting permitted actאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; ordinary consumption, now permitted locally. Source id 054Hh.
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֔יךָwithin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative prepositional phraseשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; idiom for local towns. Source id 05wqg.
בְּכֹ֖לaccording to allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, standard/measureכֹּל (H3605) construct with בְּ. Source id 05wyc.
אַוַּ֥תthe desire ofN f sg constr · אַוָּה (H185)Construct governing נַפְשֶׁךָאַוָּה (H185) 'desire, craving'; the phrase repeated a third time in this section (vv.15, 20, 21). Source id 05wXU.
נַפְשֶֽׁךָyour soulN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive complement of אַוַּתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, appetite'; closing the verse's concession formula. Source id 05Kzw.
22
אַ֗ךְ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יֵאָכֵ֤ל אֶֽת הַצְּבִי֙ וְאֶת הָ֣אַיָּ֔ל כֵּ֖ן תֹּאכְלֶ֑נּוּ הַטָּמֵא֙ וְהַטָּה֔וֹר יַחְדָּ֖ו יֹאכְלֶֽנּוּ
Just as the gazelle and the deer are eaten, so you shall eat it; the unclean and the clean alike may eat it.
The gazelle/deer analogy from v.15 is restated as a formal comparative clause (כַּאֲשֶׁר... כֵּן), formally sealing the equivalence: profane meat carries no more sanctity than wild game — hence no purity restriction applies to it.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אַ֗ךְjust asrestrictive adverb · אַךְ (H389)Adverb introducing comparative statementאַךְ (H389) 'surely, just'; introduces the comparison confirming the analogy already made in v.15. Source id 05RDi.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing clause of mannerכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'just as'; introduces the model of eating gazelle/deer. Source id 05t9h.
יֵאָכֵ֤לis eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of comparative clause (passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): a generalized customary factאָכַל (H398) Niphal (passive) 'to be eaten'; the customary, unrestricted eating of wild game as the model for profane slaughter. Source id 05VYa.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (retained despite passive verb, a common Hebrew idiom)אֵת (H853) marking הַצְּבִי; retained even with a passive verb, a known Hebrew usage. Source id 05TZK.
הַצְּבִי֙the gazelleart + N c sg abs · צְבִי (H6643)Subject (retained accusative with passive verb)צְבִי (H6643) 'gazelle'; repeated from v.15 as the model of unrestricted eating. Source id 059yY.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object markerאֵת (H853) with וְ, resuming the object-marking before הָאַיָּל. Source id 05yyS.
הָ֣אַיָּ֔לthe deerart + N c sg abs · אַיָּל (H354)Coordinate subject (retained accusative with passive verb)אַיָּל (H354) 'deer, stag'; paired with צְבִי, completing the wild-game model. Source id 05i6F.
כֵּ֖ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of תֹּאכְלֶנּוּ, correlating with כַּאֲשֶׁרכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; correlative with כַּאֲשֶׁר, 'just as... so.' Source id 05gag.
תֹּאכְלֶ֑נּוּyou shall eat itQal impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, correlative apodosis)→ Yiqtol: permissive/modal — the concession stated as an equivalenceאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the profane meat is to be eaten exactly as game is eaten — without ritual restriction. Source id 05ocU.
הַטָּמֵא֙the uncleanart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · טָמֵא (H2931)Subject of יֹאכְלֶנּוּטָמֵא (H2931) 'unclean'; repeated from v.15, restating the relaxation of purity restriction for profane meat. Source id 05E6L.
וְהַטָּה֔וֹרand the cleanconj וְ + art + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · טָהוֹר (H2889)Coordinate subject of יֹאכְלֶנּוּטָהוֹר (H2889) 'clean'; paired with טָמֵא. Source id 05nAX.
יַחְדָּ֖וtogether, alikeadverb · יַחְדָּו (H3162)Adverbial complement of יֹאכְלֶנּוּיַחְדָּו (H3162) 'together, alike'; both may eat 'together/alike,' with no distinction of purity status required for this profane meat. Source id 058Kr.
יֹאכְלֶֽנּוּmay eat itQal impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, permissive)→ Yiqtol: permissive/modal — closing statement of the concessionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; closes the verse restating the concession's scope. Source id 0598g.
23
רַ֣ק חֲזַ֗ק לְבִלְתִּי֙ אֲכֹ֣ל הַדָּ֔ם כִּ֥י הַדָּ֖ם ה֣וּא הַנָּ֑פֶשׁ וְלֹא תֹאכַ֥ל הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ עִם הַבָּשָֽׂר
Only be firm not to eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you shall not eat the life with the flesh.
The chapter's theological high point: הַדָּם הוּא הַנֶּפֶשׁ, 'the blood IS the life.' This equation, not mere ritual taboo, grounds the whole blood-prohibition tradition running through Genesis 9, Leviticus 17, and here — life belongs to God alone and must be returned to him (symbolically, to the earth), never appropriated by ingestion. The imperative חֲזַק ('be firm/resolute') signals this requires active vigilance, not passive compliance.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
רַ֣קonlyrestrictive adverb · רַק (H7535)Adverb marking the sole exceptionרַק (H7535) 'only'; reintroduces the one absolute limit (cf. v.16) with added theological urgency. Source id 05QQU.
חֲזַ֗קbe firmQal impv 2ms · חָזַק (H2388)Predicate verb (main clause imperative)→ Volitional: an urgent, resolute commandחָזַק (H2388) 'to be strong, firm'; imperative urges deliberate resolve — resisting blood-eating requires active vigilance, not mere passive avoidance. Source id 05dJi.
לְבִלְתִּי֙not toprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose particle governing the infinitiveבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, so as not to'; with לְ governs אֲכֹל, 'firm not to eat.' Source id 05G5x.
אֲכֹ֣לto eatQal inf constr · אָכַל (H398)Infinitive governed by לְבִלְתִּי→ Infinitive: negated purpose/resultאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the forbidden act, the blood. Source id 055MG.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of אֲכֹלדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the object of the prohibition, about to receive its theological rationale. Source id 05BCd.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the theological rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the chapter's most theologically weighty clause. Source id 05WHx.
הַדָּ֖םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of verbless clauseדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; subject of the famous equation with נֶפֶשׁ — 'the blood, it is the life.' Source id 05E2T.
ה֣וּאit/he [is]independent pron 3ms (copula) · הוּא (H1931)Copula linking subject and predicate in verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), resumptive/copular pronoun; the identity statement's pivot — 'the blood, IT IS the life.' Source id 05C8V.
הַנָּ֑פֶשׁthe lifeart + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate of verbless clauseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, soul'; the chapter's theological center — הַדָּם הוּא הַנֶּפֶשׁ, 'the blood is the life,' the rationale for the whole blood-prohibition tradition (cf. Gen 9:4; Lev 17:11). Source id 05Cn5.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative, drawing the practical conclusion from the theological premise. Source id 05wzb.
תֹאכַ֥לyou shall eatQal impf 2ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — the practical conclusion drawn from the blood-is-life principleאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; negated, the direct practical consequence of the theological premise just stated. Source id 05Mdh.
הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁthe lifeart + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of תֹאכַלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, soul'; recurring a second time in the verse — now as the forbidden object of eating (i.e. the blood itself). Source id 05TmA.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase, associationעִם (H5973) 'with'; governs הַבָּשָׂר. Source id 052ni.
הַבָּשָֽׂרthe fleshart + N m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Object of preposition עִםבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, meat'; the blood and flesh must be separated — the meat may be eaten, the life-bearing blood may not. Source id 05yrG.
24
לֹ֖א תֹּאכְלֶ֑נּוּ עַל הָאָ֥רֶץ תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖נּוּ כַּמָּֽיִם
You shall not eat it; you shall pour it out on the earth like water.
A terse restatement of v.16, verbatim in substance, closing this round of instruction with the same practical disposal method before v.25 supplies the motivation clause.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
לֹ֖אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative. Source id 05cnY.
תֹּאכְלֶ֑נּוּyou shall eat itQal impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — repeats the absolute prohibitionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; negated, the prohibition restated a third time (vv.16, 23, 24) for emphasis. Source id 05B32.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; governs הָאָרֶץ. Source id 05mFz.
הָאָ֥רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition עַלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, ground'; the blood's proper destination — returned to the earth. Source id 05AU3.
תִּשְׁפְּכֶ֖נּוּyou shall pour it outQal impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing positive disposal-commandשָׁפַךְ (H8210) 'to pour out'; the required disposal, repeated verbatim from v.16. Source id 05Ljo.
כַּמָּֽיִםlike waterprep כְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Comparative prepositional phraseמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the simile from v.16 repeated, confirming the blood has no lingering sanctity once poured out. Source id 05zHu.
25
לֹ֖א תֹּאכְלֶ֑נּוּ לְמַ֨עַן יִיטַ֤ב לְךָ֙ וּלְבָנֶ֣יךָ אַחֲרֶ֔יךָ כִּֽי תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה הַיָּשָׁ֖ר בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהוָֽה
You shall not eat it, so that it may go well with you and with your children after you, when you do what is right in the eyes of YHWH.
The blood-prohibition unit (vv.16, 23-25) closes with a motive clause deliberately echoing and reversing v.8: there, 'each man doing what is right in his own eyes' was condemned; here, doing 'what is right in the EYES OF YHWH' is the standard that brings multigenerational blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לֹ֖אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative. Source id 05EH3.
תֹּאכְלֶ֑נּוּyou shall eat itQal impf 2ms + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — the fourth restatement of the blood banאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; negated, now followed by a motive clause explaining WHY. Source id 05APw.
לְמַ֨עַןso thatprep (as conjunction) · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing motive clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'so that, in order that'; introduces the motivational rationale — obedience yields well-being. Source id 054ud.
יִיטַ֤בit will go wellQal impf 3ms · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb of purpose clause→ Yiqtol: modal/purpose — the promised result of obedienceיָטַב (H3190) 'to be good, go well'; the standard Deuteronomic promise of well-being attached to obedience. Source id 05oke.
לְךָ֙for youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object / dative of advantage with יִיטַבלְ dative of advantage, 'for you.' Source id 05Wom.
וּלְבָנֶ֣יךָand for your childrenconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate indirect objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural, 'your sons/children'; the promise of well-being extends across generations. Source id 05K1g.
אַחֲרֶ֔יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial temporal phrase modifying וּלְבָנֶיךָאַחַר (H310) 'after'; the future generations succeeding the addressee. Source id 05q4F.
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'when, because'; introduces the condition for the promised well-being. Source id 05sh2.
תַעֲשֶׂ֥הyou doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing condition of obedienceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the doing of 'what is right' as the condition for well-being. Source id 05A1q.
הַיָּשָׁ֖רrightart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · יָשָׁר (H3477)Direct object of תַעֲשֶׂהיָשָׁר (H3477) 'right, straight'; here the ANTIDOTE to v.8's condemned individualism — 'right' now measured 'in the eyes of YHWH,' not one's own eyes. Source id 057mG.
בְּעֵינֵ֥יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase, standard of judgmentעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; construct governing יְהוָה — the reversal of v.8's 'in his own eyes,' now 'in YHWH's eyes.' Source id 055fE.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of בְּעֵינֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the objective standard replacing 'his own eyes' of v.8. Source id 05JNN.
26
רַ֧ק קָֽדָשֶׁ֛יךָ אֲשֶׁר יִהְי֥וּ לְךָ֖ וּנְדָרֶ֑יךָ תִּשָּׂ֣א וּבָ֔אתָ אֶל הַמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַ֥ר יְהוָֽה
But your holy things that are due you, and your vow offerings, you shall take and go to the place that YHWH will choose.
The topic pivots back from ordinary meat (vv.20-25) to consecrated items, resuming the theme of vv.17-19: whatever is 'holy' — vows and other sanctums — must still be physically carried to the one chosen place, however far, unlike the profane meat just discussed.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
רַ֧קbutrestrictive adverb · רַק (H7535)Adverb marking transition to a new topic (sacral items)רַק (H7535) 'only, but'; here shifts topic from ordinary meat back to sacral items that must be brought to the sanctuary. Source id 05TRZ.
קָֽדָשֶׁ֛יךָyour holy thingsN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Fronted direct object (resumed by verb later in the verse)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holy thing, sanctum', from קדשׁ 'to be holy'; a general term covering the consecrated items — tithes, firstborn, votive gifts — owed to the sanctuary. Source id 05c1k.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying קָדָשֶׁיךָאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause of accrual. Source id 05KKG.
יִהְי֥וּthey areQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: modal — the ongoing condition of belonging to youהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; 'that are/become yours' — items that accrue to the householder through vows, tithes, etc. Source id 0531M.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixPossessive predicate complement of יִהְיוּלְ possessive preposition, 'that are yours/belong to you.' Source id 05PE3.
וּנְדָרֶ֑יךָand your vow offeringsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · נֶדֶר (H5088)Fronted direct object, coordinate with קָדָשֶׁיךָנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow'; specifically named alongside the general 'holy things.' Source id 056Da.
תִּשָּׂ֣אyou shall takeQal impf 2ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause, resuming fronted objects)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing obligationנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, take'; the physical act of transporting these consecrated items to the sanctuary. Source id 05C4U.
וּבָ֔אתָand goconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the resulting journey to the sanctuaryבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; the pilgrimage motif recurring across the chapter. Source id 05VPw.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; governs הַמָּקוֹם. Source id 05kTf.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the chosen-place formula's seventh statement, closing this cycle of instruction. Source id 05tqR.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the chosen-place clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause. Source id 05jzx.
יִבְחַ֥רhe will chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — YHWH's sovereign choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; the chosen-place formula's core verb, restated once more. Source id 05qj6.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05pus.
27
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ עֹלֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ הַבָּשָׂ֣ר וְהַדָּ֔ם עַל מִזְבַּ֖ח יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ וְדַם זְבָחֶ֗יךָ יִשָּׁפֵךְ֙ עַל מִזְבַּח֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ וְהַבָּשָׂ֖ר תֹּאכֵֽל
And you shall offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, on the altar of YHWH your God; and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of YHWH your God, and the flesh you shall eat.
A precise ritual distinction: for the burnt offering (עֹלָה), BOTH flesh and blood go wholly to the altar; for the peace offering/sacrifice (זֶבַח), only the blood is applied to the altar while the flesh is eaten by the offerer. This clarifies why blood always belongs to the altar or the earth (never the eater) regardless of offering type.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָand you shall offer upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, offer'; here of performing the sacrificial rite of the burnt offering. Source id 05Z5a.
עֹלֹתֶ֨יךָ֙your burnt offeringsN f pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct objectעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; wholly consumed on the altar, distinguished here from the peace-offering procedure that follows. Source id 05N2d.
הַבָּשָׂ֣רthe fleshart + N m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object, in apposition to עֹלֹתֶיךָבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; specifying the burnt offering's material components — flesh and blood, both wholly given to the altar. Source id 05fmp.
וְהַדָּ֔םand the bloodconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Coordinate direct objectדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; for the burnt offering (unlike profane meat) the blood too goes to the altar — dashed against it, not poured on the earth. Source id 05zva.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; governs מִזְבַּח יְהוָה. Source id 05dUC.
מִזְבַּ֖חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Construct governing יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the singular, chosen altar, distinct from the pagan altars destroyed in v.3. Source id 05NuL.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of מִזְבַּחיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05f26.
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 053cG.
וְדַםand the blood ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Fronted subject of יִשָּׁפֵךְדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; construct governing זְבָחֶיךָ, now turning to the peace-offering procedure. Source id 05DF8.
זְבָחֶ֗יךָyour sacrificesN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · זֶבַח (H2077)Genitive complement of וְדַםזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice'; communal/peace offerings, whose flesh (unlike the burnt offering) may be eaten but whose blood must still go to the altar. Source id 05Ao5.
יִשָּׁפֵךְ֙shall be poured outNiphal impf 3ms · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): imperfective/modal — the standing ritual requirementשָׁפַךְ (H8210) Niphal (passive) 'to be poured out'; here at the altar (unlike ordinary blood, poured on the ground in v.16), sacrificial blood is ritually applied to the sanctuary's altar. Source id 05kni.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; governs מִזְבַּח יְהוָה. Source id 05yRm.
מִזְבַּח֙the altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Construct governing יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; repeated for the sacrifice, as with the burnt offering above. Source id 058gB.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of מִזְבַּחיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05oEM.
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05p3B.
וְהַבָּשָׂ֖רand the fleshconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Fronted direct object of תֹּאכֵלבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the sacrifice's edible portion, distinguishing זֶבַח from עֹלָה, which is wholly burnt. Source id 05FcZ.
תֹּאכֵֽלyou shall eatQal impf 2ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the permitted, indeed expected, consumptionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the peace-offering's flesh, unlike the burnt offering, is eaten by the offerer — the sacrificial meal. Source id 05WG5.
28
שְׁמֹ֣ר וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֗ אֵ֚ת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּ֑ךָּ לְמַעַן֩ יִיטַ֨ב לְךָ֜ וּלְבָנֶ֤יךָ אַחֲרֶ֨יךָ֙ עַד עוֹלָ֔ם כִּ֤י תַעֲשֶׂה֙ הַטּ֣וֹב וְהַיָּשָׁ֔ר בְּעֵינֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ
Keep and obey all these words that I command you, so that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the eyes of YHWH your God.
This verse functions as a formal seam, echoing v.1's 'these words' (an inclusio) while intensifying v.25's motive clause with 'forever' and 'good' added to 'right.' It closes the sacrificial-legislation core of the chapter before the final warning against Canaanite religion (vv.29-31).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
שְׁמֹ֣רkeepQal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause imperative)→ Volitional: a summarizing commandשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, observe'; opens the chapter's closing exhortation, echoing v.1's תִּשְׁמְרוּן. Source id 05FnR.
וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֗and obeyconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential commandשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; paired with שָׁמַר, the classic Deuteronomic diptych 'keep and obey/hear.' Source id 05zxj.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה as object. Source id 05jnw.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַדְּבָרִיםכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'all these words.' Source id 05UjJ.
הַדְּבָרִ֣יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive complement of כָּלדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; summarizes the whole chapter's legislation as 'these words.' Source id 05wmR.
הָאֵ֔לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; echoes v.1's opening אֵלֶּה, forming an inclusio around the chapter. Source id 05Xsc.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces Moses's commanding clause. Source id 05qCb.
אָנֹכִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of participial clauseאָנֹכִי (H595), emphatic 1cs pronoun; Moses's authoritative voice, closing as it began (v.1's mediated command). Source id 05rDe.
מְצַוֶּ֑ךָּam commanding youPiel ptc m sg constr + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate participle (durative, present)→ Participle: durative — Moses's ongoing act of legislatingצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; participle marks the present speech-act, closing the chapter's repeated commanding formula. Source id 05LQN.
לְמַעַן֩so thatprep (as conjunction) · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing motive clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'so that'; introduces the same motive as v.25, now attached to the whole chapter's obedience. Source id 05gWC.
יִיטַ֨בit will go wellQal impf 3ms · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb of purpose clause→ Yiqtol: modal/purpose — the promised result of obedienceיָטַב (H3190) 'to be good, go well'; the Deuteronomic promise, repeated from v.25. Source id 05c6U.
לְךָ֜for youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object / dative of advantage with יִיטַבלְ dative of advantage. Source id 05PAw.
וּלְבָנֶ֤יךָand for your childrenconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate indirect objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the multigenerational scope of the promise, as in v.25. Source id 05hXi.
אַחֲרֶ֨יךָ֙after youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial temporal phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; future generations. Source id 05jjb.
עַדforeverprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase, extentעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; with עוֹלָם, 'forever' — an unusual added temporal intensifier not present in v.25's parallel formula. Source id 05gpQ.
עוֹלָ֔םeternityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Object of preposition עַדעוֹלָם (H5769) 'forever, eternity, long duration'; heightens the promise's scope beyond v.25's more modest formulation. Source id 05EiV.
כִּ֤יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'when, because'; introduces the condition for the eternal blessing. Source id 05dY1.
תַעֲשֶׂה֙you doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the standing condition of obedienceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the doing of 'what is good and right' as the condition. Source id 05iDg.
הַטּ֣וֹבgoodart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · טוֹב (H2896)Direct object of תַעֲשֶׂה, first of pairטוֹב (H2896) 'good'; added to הַיָּשָׁר (v.25), intensifying the ethical standard for this climactic close. Source id 05dB9.
וְהַיָּשָׁ֔רand rightconj וְ + art + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · יָשָׁר (H3477)Coordinate direct object of תַעֲשֶׂהיָשָׁר (H3477) 'right'; paired with טוֹב, echoing and expanding v.25's single term, again reversing v.8's individualist standard. Source id 05CcA.
בְּעֵינֵ֖יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase, standard of judgmentעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; construct governing יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, the objective divine standard. Source id 05R2m.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of בְּעֵינֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05ryM.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet closing the chapter's central legislative section. Source id 05evQ.
29
כִּֽי יַכְרִית֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ אֶת הַגּוֹיִ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֥ה בָא שָׁ֛מָּה לָרֶ֥שֶׁת אוֹתָ֖ם מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ וְיָרַשְׁתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔ם וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֖ בְּאַרְצָֽם
When YHWH your God cuts off before you the nations whom you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land,
This verse resumes the conquest scenario, forming a new subsection (vv.29-31) that returns full circle to the chapter's opening concern (vv.2-3): the danger of adopting Canaanite religious practice, now that Israel will physically occupy the very land and towns where it was practiced.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/conditional conjunction introducing protasisכִּי (H3588) 'when, if'; introduces the future scenario of conquest, opening the chapter's closing subsection. Source id 05jkP.
יַכְרִית֩he cuts offHiphil impf 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb of temporal/conditional clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the anticipated act of dispossessionכָּרַת (H3772) Hiphil 'to cut off, destroy'; YHWH as the true agent of conquest, going before Israel. Source id 05NA8.
יְהוָ֨הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יַכְרִיתיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 05Zrf.
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant epithet. Source id 05cEv.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַגּוֹיִם as object. Source id 05KV2.
הַגּוֹיִ֗םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Direct objectגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; the Canaanite peoples whose worship-sites were condemned in v.2, now to be dispossessed. Source id 05c59.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhomrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause of Israel's dispossessing them. Source id 05d4U.
אַתָּ֥הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of participial clauseאַתָּה (H859), emphatic 2ms pronoun; subject before the participle בָא. Source id 05nLr.
בָאare goingQal ptc m sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate participle (durative, imminent)→ Participle: durative — the imminent act of enteringבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go in'; participle marks the imminent conquest, still future from Moses's speaking-position. Source id 05Qb5.
שָׁ֛מָּהthere/thitheradverb שָׁם + directional ה · שָׁמָּה (H8033)Adverbial locative (directional)שָׁמָּה (H8033) 'there, to there'; the land of the nations Israel is entering. Source id 05tTy.
לָרֶ֥שֶׁתto dispossessprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive: purpose — the aim of enteringיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess'; the stated purpose of Israel's entry. Source id 05T78.
אוֹתָ֖ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, resuming הַגּוֹיִם as object of לָרֶשֶׁת. Source id 05q8b.
מִפָּנֶ֑יךָbefore youprep מִן + N c pl constr (idiom) + 2ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, sourceפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom מִפָּנֶיךָ 'from before you' — the nations driven out ahead of Israel's advance. Source id 05ehU.
וְיָרַשְׁתָּ֣and you dispossessconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the human counterpart to YHWH's cutting-offיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to dispossess, possess'; Israel's own act of taking possession, following YHWH's prior action. Source id 056io.
אֹתָ֔ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, marking the nations as object of וְיָרַשְׁתָּ. Source id 05WEE.
וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֖and you dwellconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (sequential main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the settled resultיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; the completion of the process begun in v.10. Source id 05dDG.
בְּאַרְצָֽםin their landprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3mp suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the former nations' land, now Israel's inheritance. Source id 05iLp.
30
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֗ פֶּן תִּנָּקֵשׁ֙ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם אַחֲרֵ֖י הִשָּׁמְדָ֣ם מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ וּפֶן תִּדְרֹ֨שׁ לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶ֜ם לֵאמֹ֨ר אֵיכָ֨ה יַעַבְד֜וּ הַגּוֹיִ֤ם הָאֵ֨לֶּה֙ אֶת אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם וְאֶעֱשֶׂה כֵּ֖ן גַּם אָֽנִי
take care that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.'
The chapter's most vivid warning: even after the nations are gone, curiosity about their worship remains a live 'snare' (מוֹקֵשׁ imagery). The quoted inner monologue ('How did they serve...? I also will do likewise') dramatizes exactly how syncretism begins — not with rebellion but with innocent-seeming curiosity, using the very verb (דָּרַשׁ) that elsewhere describes properly seeking YHWH's chosen place (v.5).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
הִשָּׁ֣מֶרtake careNiphal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause imperative)→ Volitional: an urgent warning-commandשָׁמַר (H8104) Niphal 'to guard oneself, take heed'; the chapter's final warning-imperative, its most severe. Source id 05HkZ.
לְךָ֗for yourselfprep לְ + 2ms suffixEthical dative completing the idiom הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָלְ reflexive/ethical-dative preposition. Source id 05RLR.
פֶּןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the dangerפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the first of two dangers — being ensnared into imitating pagan worship. Source id 05nDg.
תִּנָּקֵשׁ֙you be ensnaredNiphal impf 2ms · נָקַשׁ (H5367)Predicate verb of פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol (negative purpose, passive): the forbidden potential entrapmentנָקַשׁ (H5367) Niphal 'to be snared, trapped'; the image of a hunter's trap (מוֹקֵשׁ), vividly describing the seductive danger of imitating pagan worship. Source id 05A6M.
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔םafter themprep אַחַר + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase, following/imitatingאַחַר (H310) 'after'; idiom for imitating/following the nations' religious practice. Source id 05RP4.
אַחֲרֵ֖יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase governing the infinitiveאַחַר (H310) 'after'; here temporal, governing הִשָּׁמְדָם. Source id 05D9w.
הִשָּׁמְדָ֣םtheir being destroyedNiphal inf constr + 3mp suffix · שָׁמַד (H8045)Temporal infinitival clause governed by אַחֲרֵי→ Infinitive (passive): temporal — 'after they have been destroyed'שָׁמַד (H8045) Niphal (passive) 'to be destroyed, exterminated'; even AFTER the nations are gone, their religious influence remains a live danger — a sober warning about cultural residue outlasting conquest. Source id 05TJQ.
מִפָּנֶ֑יךָbefore youprep מִן + N c pl constr (idiom) + 2ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, sourceפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom מִפָּנֶיךָ, 'from before you.' Source id 056yq.
וּפֶןand lestconj וְ + conj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the second dangerפֶּן (H6435) with וְ, introducing the second danger — inquiring after pagan gods' practices. Source id 05Kqr.
תִּדְרֹ֨שׁyou inquireQal impf 2ms · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Predicate verb of פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol (negative purpose): the forbidden potential inquiryדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to inquire, seek'; the SAME verb used positively of seeking the chosen place (v.5), here forbidden when directed at pagan cultic practice — a deliberate ironic contrast. Source id 05248.
לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶ֜םabout their godsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase, object of inquiryאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'gods'; the pagan deities whose worship-practices must not be investigated or emulated. Source id 055vz.
לֵאמֹ֨רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing quoted speech (idiom)→ Infinitive: idiomatic marker of direct speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard idiom introducing a quotation — the imagined inquiry itself. Source id 05cN2.
אֵיכָ֨הhowinterrogative adverb · אֵיכָה (H349)Interrogative introducing the quoted questionאֵיכָה (H349) 'how'; the forbidden question itself, quoted verbatim as the very inquiry to be avoided. Source id 052jd.
יַעַבְד֜וּdid they serveQal impf 3mp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb of quoted question→ Yiqtol: modal/historic — the practice being (illicitly) investigatedעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, worship'; the same verb condemning the nations' worship in v.2, now forbidden as a subject of curious inquiry. Source id 05K5Z.
הַגּוֹיִ֤םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject of יַעַבְדוּגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; the same nations whose sites were destroyed in vv.2-3, now the subject of forbidden curiosity. Source id 05n6n.
הָאֵ֨לֶּה֙theseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; another echo of the chapter's opening word (v.1), now marking its final, ominous subject — 'these nations.' Source id 05T41.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אֱלֹהֵיהֶם as object of יַעַבְדוּ. Source id 05Bjn.
אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔םtheir godsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct objectאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'gods'; the pagan deities in question. Source id 0599z.
וְאֶעֱשֶׂהand let me also doconj וְ + Qal impf/cohortative 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of quoted resolution (cohortative sense)→ Volitional (cohortative): the forbidden resolve to imitateעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; completes the forbidden quoted question — the imagined temptation to imitate the very practices just condemned. Source id 05zYd.
כֵּ֖ןso, likewiseadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of וְאֶעֱשֶׂהכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; 'let me do likewise' — the temptation to imitation named directly. Source id 05scM.
גַּםalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Adverb intensifying אָנִיגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; emphasizes the speaker's own intended participation. Source id 05cPY.
אָֽנִיIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic subject resuming the cohortative verbאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; closes the quoted temptation with maximal emphasis on personal complicity — precisely the attitude v.31 immediately forbids. Source id 05juj.
31
לֹא תַעֲשֶׂ֣ה כֵ֔ן לַיהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כִּי֩ כָּל תּוֹעֲבַ֨ת יְהוָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׂנֵ֗א עָשׂוּ֙ לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם כִּ֣י גַ֤ם אֶת בְּנֵיהֶם֙ וְאֶת בְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם יִשְׂרְפ֥וּ בָאֵ֖שׁ לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽם
You shall not do so to YHWH your God, for every abomination that YHWH hates they have done to their gods — for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.
The chapter closes as it pivoted in v.4 — 'you shall not do so to YHWH your God' — now with its full horror made explicit: child sacrifice by fire. This inclusio frames the whole chapter's positive vision (one place, joyful worship, righteous law) against the darkest possible alternative. (The MT's next clause, the 'do not add or subtract' colophon, opens ch. 13 in the Hebrew versification and lies outside this chapter's scope.)
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative, opening the chapter's final prohibition. Source id 05pkn.
תַעֲשֶׂ֣הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol negated: prohibitive — a firm final prohibitionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; negated, forming with v.4 an inclusio around the whole chapter — 'you shall not do so to YHWH your God' bookends the entire Code's opening unit. Source id 05dgR.
כֵ֔ןso, thusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of תַעֲשֶׂהכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; repeats v.4's exact phrase, closing the inclusio — 'you shall not do so.' Source id 05uxz.
לַיהוָ֖הto/for YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object / dative of referenceיְהוָה (H3068); completing the inclusio with v.4's identical phrase 'to YHWH your God.' Source id 05Mge.
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the covenant epithet closing the inclusio with v.4. Source id 05Ymi.
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the horrifying reason behind the prohibition. Source id 05h2b.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing תּוֹעֲבַתכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'every abomination.' Source id 05E7Q.
תּוֹעֲבַ֨תthe abomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Construct governing יְהוָהתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; Deuteronomy's strongest term of revulsion, reserved for the most offensive cultic practices. Source id 05g5W.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of תּוֹעֲבַתיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name. Source id 056FM.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing clause modifying תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָהאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause of YHWH's hatred. Source id 055yw.
שָׂנֵ֗אhe hatesQal perf 3ms · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective (stative): a settled, characteristic disposition — YHWH's abiding hatredשָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate'; stative perfect describing YHWH's fixed, unchanging revulsion toward these practices. Source id 05YRc.
עָשׂוּ֙they have doneQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, established pattern of past actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the nations' established practice, now specified in the verse's final, horrifying clause. Source id 05zfB.
לֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔םfor/to their godsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase, recipient of the actאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'gods'; the pagan deities for whom these abominable acts were performed. Source id 05jg4.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/explicative conjunction, intensifying (with גַּם) the horrorכִּי (H3588), here with גַּם forming an intensive 'for even, indeed' — introducing the specific, most horrifying instance of the abomination. Source id 051yU.
גַ֤םevenadverb · גַּם (H1571)Adverb intensifying אֶת בְּנֵיהֶםגַּם (H1571) 'even, also'; heightens the horror — they burn EVEN their own sons and daughters. Source id 053fd.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking בְּנֵיהֶם as object. Source id 05CvK.
בְּנֵיהֶם֙their sonsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; victims of child sacrifice, the chapter's final horror — the same word used positively throughout for the beloved sons who share in Israel's worship-joy (vv.12, 18). Source id 05Vio.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object markerאֵת (H853) with וְ, resuming the object-marking before בְּנֹתֵיהֶם. Source id 05pZB.
בְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔םtheir daughtersN f pl constr + 3mp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Coordinate direct objectבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; completing the pair, echoing the beloved daughters of vv.12, 18 — the very children the joy-command embraced are here sacrificed by the pagan nations. Source id 05S2M.
יִשְׂרְפ֥וּthey burnQal impf 3mp · שָׂרַף (H8313)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: habitual/customary — an ongoing, characteristic practiceשָׂרַף (H8313) 'to burn'; the same verb used of burning the Asherim in v.3, here turned to the unspeakable horror of child sacrifice — the chapter's closing indictment of Canaanite religion. Source id 05eZE.
בָאֵ֖שׁwith fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the same instrument that destroyed the Asherim in v.3, now the means of human sacrifice — the chapter's darkest irony. Source id 05W4S.
לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽםto their godsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase, recipient of the sacrificeאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'gods'; the chapter's final word — the child sacrifice offered 'to their gods,' the ultimate horror that centralized, uncorrupted worship of YHWH exists precisely to prevent. Source id 05Gbr.