1
לֹא תִזְבַּח֩ לַיהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ שׁ֣וֹר וָשֶׂ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִהְיֶ֥ה בוֹ֙ מ֔וּם כֹּ֖ל דָּבָ֣ר רָ֑ע כִּ֧י תוֹעֲבַ֛ת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ הֽוּא
You shall not sacrifice to YHWH your God an ox or a sheep in which there is a defect, any bad thing — for that is an abomination to YHWH your God.
Opens the chapter's section on covenant justice with a cultic prohibition rather than a case law: no blemished animal may be sacrificed. The closing כִּי-clause grounds the rule theologically — a defect makes the offering תּוֹעֵבָה, 'abomination,' the same category-word used later for apostasy (v.4) and forbidden kingship choices, linking cultic, judicial, and royal purity as one concern.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the verb (forms an absolute prohibition)לֹא (H3808), the ordinary negative particle; with yiqtol it expresses a standing, durative prohibition — 'you must never...'
תִזְבַּח֩you shall sacrificeQal impf 2ms · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol (negated): a standing prohibition, 'you must never sacrifice'זָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter for sacrifice'; distinct from ordinary slaughter (שָׁחַט), it marks an act offered to a deity.
לַיהוָ֨הto YHWHprep לְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object (recipient of the sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the prep לְ marks him as the sole legitimate recipient of Israel's sacrifice.
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; plural of majesty construed as singular, forming with the Tetragrammaton the book's recurring covenant-name formula.
שׁ֣וֹרan oxN m sg abs · שׁוֹר (H7794)Direct object (first of a pair)שׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; a leading sacrificial animal from the herd.
וָשֶׂ֗הor a sheepconj וְ + N c sg abs · שֶׂה (H7716)Direct object (second of pair; disjunctive וְ)שֶׂה (H7716) 'a member of the flock, sheep or goat'; the וְ here functions disjunctively ('or'), as regularly when pairing sacrificial categories.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), the invariable relative particle 'who/which/that,' introducing the clause qualifying the animal.
יִהְיֶ֥הthere isQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: gnomic/habitual — 'whenever there is (a defect)'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; existential use, 'there is/exists' a blemish.
בוֹ֙in itprep בְּ + 3ms sf · בְּAdverbial (locative complement of יִהְיֶה)The inseparable preposition בְּ 'in' with 3ms suffix, referring back to the sacrificial animal.
מ֔וּםa defectN m sg abs · מוּם (H3971)Subject of יִהְיֶהמוּם (H3971) 'blemish, defect'; the technical term disqualifying both sacrificial animals (Lev 22:20-25) and priests (Lev 21:17-23) from cultic service.
כֹּ֖לanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing דָּבָר רָע (appositional intensifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; generalizes the preceding מוּם — 'any bad thing whatever.'
דָּבָ֣רa thingN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Noun in construct-like chain with רָע (attributive)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here concrete, 'a thing/matter' modified by the adjective רָע.
רָ֑עbadAdj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Attributive adjective modifying דָּבָררַע (H7451) 'bad, evil'; broadens מוּם beyond physical blemish to any defect whatsoever.
כִּ֧יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clauseכִּי (H3588), here causal 'for, because,' grounding the prohibition in the animal's status as תּוֹעֵבָה.
תוֹעֲבַ֛תan abomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Predicate nominative (construct with יְהוָה)תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; Deuteronomy's strongest term of cultic/moral revulsion, reused for idolatry (v.4).
יְהוָ֥הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive after תּוֹעֲבַת (construct)יְהוָה (H3068); the one who finds the blemished offering abhorrent.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, closing the verse's covenant-name formula.
הֽוּאit/thatindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject pronoun (fronted predicate תּוֹעֲבַת... resumed)הוּא (H1931), 3ms independent pronoun; resumes the fronted predicate in a nominal clause, 'it is an abomination.'
2
כִּֽי יִמָּצֵ֤א בְקִרְבְּךָ֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑ךְ אִ֣ישׁ אוֹ אִשָּׁ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה אֶת הָרַ֛ע בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהוָֽה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּרִיתֽוֹ
If there is found in your midst, within one of your towns that YHWH your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the eyes of YHWH your God, transgressing his covenant,
The conjunction opens a casuistic legal protasis, 'if it is found...' — the standard formula for case law (cf. Exod 21-22). The apodosis is suspended until the crime is fully described (vv.2-4), resuming only in v.5's 'then you shall bring out.'
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
כִּֽיifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the casuistic protasisכִּי (H3588), here conditional 'if,' opening a legal case in the style of Exodus's casuistic law.
יִמָּצֵ֤אthere is foundNiphal impf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol (Niphal, passive): hypothetical discovery — 'should it be found'מָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; Niphal passive 'be found, come to light,' the standard verb for a crime's coming to light and triggering legal process.
בְקִרְבְּךָ֙in your midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms sf · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; with בְּ, 'within/among you,' setting the communal scope of the case.
בְּאַחַ֣דin one ofprep בְּ + Adj m sg constr · אֶחָד (H259)Locative phrase narrowing קִרְבְּךָ to a specific townאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; in construct, 'one of,' narrowing 'your midst' to a specific town.
שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָyour gatesN m pl constr + 2ms sf · שַׁעַר (H8179)Genitive completing אַחַד (construct chain)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; metonymy for the town itself, where the local court sat — contrasted later with הַמָּקוֹם, the central sanctuary.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying שְׁעָרֶיךָאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle introducing the clause identifying the towns as YHWH's gift.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068), subject of the participial clause 'is giving.'
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, the recurring divine-name formula.
נֹתֵ֣ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle (relative clause)→ Participle: durative/ongoing — the land-gift as a continuing stateנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the participle frames the land-gift as YHWH's continuing act, standard Deuteronomic idiom.
לָ֑ךְto youprep לְ + 2fs sf · לְIndirect object of נֹתֵןThe preposition לְ with the (archaic-style) 2fs suffix common in Deuteronomy's second-person address — 'to you.'
אִ֣ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the casuistic clause (first of pair)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; paired with אִשָּׁה to make the law gender-inclusive — the same due-process rule applies to either.
אוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or', the standard Hebrew disjunctive.
אִשָּׁ֗הa womanN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject (second of pair)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; explicit inclusion signals the apostasy law applies without regard to sex.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the description of the crimeאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle introducing the clause describing the offense.
יַעֲשֶׂ֧הdoesQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: habitual/characterizing — 'one who does (such a thing)'עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here 'commits, practices' the evil described.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת/אֶת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָרַ֛עthe evilart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · רַע (H7451)Direct object of יַעֲשֶׂהרַע (H7451) used substantivally with the article, 'the evil (thing)'; specified as a violation of YHWH's own sight/covenant.
בְּעֵינֵ֥יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N c du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phrase (standard of judgment)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the idiom 'in the eyes of X' means 'as X judges it' — the crime is defined by YHWH's own evaluation.
יְהוָֽהYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive after עֵינֵי (construct)יְהוָה (H3068), whose evaluative gaze defines the crime.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, closing the divine-name formula.
לַעֲבֹ֥רtransgressingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitival clause of result/explanation (epexegetical to 'the evil')→ Infinitive construct: explanatory/result — defines the evil as covenant-transgressionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; with בְּרִית as object, the standard idiom 'to transgress/violate a covenant.'
בְּרִיתֽוֹhis covenantN f sg constr + 3ms sf · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of the infinitive לַעֲבֹרבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the Horeb/Sinai covenant, whose violation via other gods is the 'evil' in view.
3
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ וַֽיַּעֲבֹד֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לָהֶ֑ם וְלַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ א֣וֹ לַיָּרֵ֗חַ א֛וֹ לְכָל צְבָ֥א הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא צִוִּֽיתִי
and has gone and served other gods, worshiping them — the sun, the moon, or any of the host of heaven — which I have not commanded,
Three wayyiqtol verbs (went, served, bowed down) continue the crime's description begun in v.2, specifying the apostasy as worship of celestial bodies. The closing 'which I have not commanded' is the theological crux — this cult was never authorized, unlike the sacrificial system YHWH did prescribe (v.1).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְand he has gonewayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (continues the crime's description)→ Wayyiqtol: sequential advance — the first step of the apostasyהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; here 'has gone (after other gods)', the standard idiom for apostasy (cf. Deut 13:3).
וַֽיַּעֲבֹד֙and servedwayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · עָבַד (H5647)Wayyiqtol continuing the sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential — the substance of the apostasyעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; with אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים as object, the technical term for idolatrous worship/service.
אֱלֹהִ֣יםother godsN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of וַיַּעֲבֹדאֱלֹהִים (H430) here plural in reference, 'gods' (not Israel's God); qualified by אֲחֵרִים, 'other/foreign.'
אֲחֵרִ֔יםotherAdj m pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying אֱלֹהִיםאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; Deuteronomy's standard qualifier for illegitimate deities.
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּand bowed downwayyiqtol (Hishtaphel) 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol continuing the sequence→ Wayyiqtol: sequential — the climactic act of worshipשָׁחָה (H7812), Hishtaphel (a unique reflexive-causative stem) 'to bow oneself down, prostrate in worship'; reserved for cultic obeisance.
לָהֶ֑םto themprep לְ + 3mp sf · לְIndirect object of וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּThe preposition לְ with 3mp suffix, referring to the 'other gods.'
וְלַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁor to the sunconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Prepositional phrase specifying the object of worship (first of list)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; first named celestial object of the forbidden astral cult condemned throughout Deuteronomy (cf. 4:19).
א֣וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction linking the listאוֹ (H176) 'or', linking the celestial objects.
לַיָּרֵ֗חַor to the moonprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · יָרֵחַ (H3394)Prepositional phrase (second item)יָרֵחַ (H3394) 'moon'; second object in the astral triad (sun, moon, host of heaven).
א֛וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or', continuing the list.
לְכָלto any ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase governing the construct chain (third item)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, any'; introduces the comprehensive third category, 'all the host of heaven.'
צְבָ֥אthe host ofN c sg constr · צָבָא (H6635)Construct noun governing הַשָּׁמַיִםצָבָא (H6635) 'army, host'; 'host of heaven' denotes sun, moon, and stars collectively as a heavenly army — the object of the forbidden astral cult.
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִםheavenart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive completing צְבָא (construct chain)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heaven(s), sky'; here the domain whose 'host' (sun, moon, stars) is illicitly worshiped.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifies the whole astral triad)אֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the decisive qualifying clause — these were never divinely sanctioned.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates צִוִּיתִילֹא (H3808), negating YHWH's own first-person verb — he never commanded this worship.
צִוִּֽיתִיI commandedPiel perf 1cs · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause (divine first-person)→ Perfective: a completed act (here negated) — YHWH never issued this instructionצִוָּה (H6680) 'to command, charge'; the Piel is the standard stem for authoritative divine command; its negation is the theological crux — astral worship has no divine warrant, unlike the cult YHWH did prescribe.
4
וְהֻֽגַּד לְךָ֖ וְשָׁמָ֑עְתָּ וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֣ הֵיטֵ֔ב וְהִנֵּ֤ה אֱמֶת֙ נָכ֣וֹן הַדָּבָ֔ר נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛ה הַתּוֹעֵבָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
and it is told to you and you hear of it, then you shall investigate thoroughly, and behold, if it is true and confirmed that this abomination has been done in Israel,
Four verbs (it is told, you hear, you investigate, [it is found] true and confirmed) mandate a formal inquiry before any charge is acted on — a report alone is insufficient; it must be investigated 'thoroughly' (דָרַשׁ הֵיטֵב) and found 'established' (נָכוֹן) before the case proceeds to punishment in vv.5-7.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהֻֽגַּדand it is toldconj וְ + Hophal perf 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Weqatal continuing the protasis (passive report)→ Weqatal: sequential/consequential — the crime having occurred, a report reaches youנָגַד (H5046) 'to tell, declare'; Hophal passive 'it is reported/told to you' — the initiating report of the alleged apostasy.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms sf · לְIndirect object of וְהֻגַּדThe preposition לְ with 2ms suffix, the recipient of the report.
וְשָׁמָ֑עְתָּand you hearweqatal (Qal) 2ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Weqatal continuing the sequence→ Weqatal: sequential — hearing the reportשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; here 'hear (of it)', receiving the report as the trigger for investigation.
וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֣and you shall investigateweqatal (Qal) 2ms · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Weqatal continuing the sequence (main procedural command)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — a mandated inquiryדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to seek, inquire, investigate'; the technical term for judicial investigation, intensified by the following הֵיטֵב.
הֵיטֵ֔בthoroughlyHiphil inf abs (adverbial) · יָטַב (H3190)Adverbial infinitive absolute intensifying דָרַשְׁתָּ→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies the preceding verb — 'investigate well/diligently'יָטַב (H3190) 'to be good, do well'; used adverbially, 'well, thoroughly' — due diligence is textually mandated, not optional.
וְהִנֵּ֤הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the confirmed findingהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; marks the vivid, confirmed result of the investigation.
אֱמֶת֙trueN f sg abs (predicate) · אֱמֶת (H571)Predicate of the nominal clause (with נָכוֹן)אֱמֶת (H571) 'truth, faithfulness'; used predicatively, 'it is true' — the report is verified as factual.
נָכ֣וֹןconfirmedNiphal ptc m sg abs · כּוּן (H3559)Predicate participle in apposition to אֱמֶת→ Participle: resultative state — the matter stands verifiedכּוּן (H3559), Niphal 'be established, confirmed, certain'; paired with אֱמֶת, doubling emphasis on verified factuality before punishment may proceed.
הַדָּבָ֔רthe matterart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of the nominal clause (אֱמֶת/נָכוֹן)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, affair'; here 'the matter/report' under investigation.
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֛הhas been doneNiphal perf 3fs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the subordinate clause (passive)→ Perfective (Niphal, passive): a completed act — the abomination has in fact occurredעָשָׂה (H6213), Niphal passive 'be done, be committed'; confirms the abomination as an accomplished fact, not mere rumor.
הַתּוֹעֵבָ֥הabominationart + N f sg abs · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Subject of נֶעֶשְׂתָהתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination'; recalls v.1's cultic term, now applied to the graver crime of apostasy.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַתּוֹעֵבָהזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fs); points deictically to the astral worship just described.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽלin Israelprep בְּ + Np · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); situates the crime within the covenant community, whose purity is at stake (cf. v.7's 'purge the evil from Israel').
5
וְהֽוֹצֵאתָ֣ אֶת הָאִ֣ישׁ הַה֡וּא אוֹ֩ אֶת הָאִשָּׁ֨ה הַהִ֜וא אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָ֠שׂוּ אֶת הַדָּבָ֨ר הָרָ֤ע הַזֶּה֙ אֶל שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֶת הָאִ֕ישׁ א֖וֹ אֶת הָאִשָּׁ֑ה וּסְקַלְתָּ֥ם בָּאֲבָנִ֖ים וָמֵֽתוּ
then you shall bring out that man or that woman who has done this evil thing, to your gates — the man or the woman — and you shall stone them with stones, and they shall die.
After the extended protasis (vv.2-4) confirming the crime, the apodosis finally arrives: bring the guilty party to the town gate (the local court venue) and execute by stoning — the community itself carries out the sentence, communally participating in purging the evil (cf. v.7).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וְהֽוֹצֵאתָ֣then you shall bring outweqatal (Hiphil) 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the apodosis (main clause)→ Weqatal: consequential/obligatory — the resumed main clause after the protasisיָצָא (H3318), Hiphil 'to bring out'; of leading the condemned party out to the place of execution.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָאִישׁ as definite direct object.
הָאִ֣ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of וְהוֹצֵאתָ (first of pair)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the accused party, now definite ('the man' in question).
הַה֡וּאthatart + independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative-use pronoun modifying הָאִישׁהוּא (H1931) with article functions demonstratively, 'that (man)' — anaphoric to the man of v.2.
אוֹ֩orconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or', linking the two possible offenders.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853), marking הָאִשָּׁה as definite direct object.
הָאִשָּׁ֨הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object (second of pair)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; the accused party, if female.
הַהִ֜ואthatart + independent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative-use pronoun modifying הָאִשָּׁההִיא (H1931) with article, demonstrative 'that (woman)' — anaphoric to v.2.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the summary clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), reintroducing (in summary) the crime already established as fact.
עָ֠שׂוּhave doneQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act, now legally establishedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; perfect tense summarizing the confirmed deed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַדָּבָר as definite direct object.
הַדָּבָ֨רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of עָשׂוּדָּבָר (H1697) 'thing, matter'; here 'this evil thing' summarizing the apostasy.
הָרָ֤עevilart + Adj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Attributive adjective modifying הַדָּבָררַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; the same term used for the crime throughout the chapter.
הַזֶּה֙thisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088) 'this' (ms); deictic, pointing to the astral apostasy of vv.2-4.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (destination of bringing-out)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the execution — the town gate, the local judicial venue.
שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָyour gatesN m pl constr + 2ms sf · שַׁעַר (H8179)Object of אֶלשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the town gate, seat of local justice (cf. v.2).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, restates the parties for sentencing)אֵת (H853), reintroducing הָאִישׁ for the execution clause.
הָאִ֕ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Resumed direct object (before sentencing)אִישׁ (H376), repeated for emphasis before sentencing at the gate.
א֖וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָאִשָּׁה.
הָאִשָּׁ֑הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Resumed direct object (before sentencing)אִשָּׁה (H802), repeated for emphasis before sentencing.
וּסְקַלְתָּ֥םand you shall stone themweqatal (Qal) 2ms + 3mp obj sf · סָקַל (H5619)Predicate verb of the apodosis (main clause, execution)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — the mandated mode of executionסָקַל (H5619) 'to stone'; communal execution by stoning is Deuteronomy's standard capital-case procedure, implicating the whole community (v.7).
בָּאֲבָנִ֖יםwith stonesprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; instrument of the execution, freely and communally available, requiring no specialized executioner.
וָמֵֽתוּand they shall dieweqatal (Qal) 3cp · מוּת (H4191)Result clause completing the sentence→ Weqatal: resultative — the intended and certain outcomeמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the plain result clause confirming the sentence is capital.
6
עַל פִּ֣י שְׁנַ֣יִם עֵדִ֗ים א֛וֹ שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה עֵדִ֖ים יוּמַ֣ת הַמֵּ֑ת לֹ֣א יוּמַ֔ת עַל פִּ֖י עֵ֥ד אֶחָֽד
On the testimony of two witnesses or three witnesses shall the one to die be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
States the chapter's central due-process safeguard: capital conviction requires the concurring testimony of at least two witnesses; a single accuser's word, however confident, can never suffice — Deuteronomy's most-repeated witness rule (cf. 19:15).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (evidentiary basis)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on the basis of'; idiomatically 'on the mouth/testimony of.'
פִּ֣יthe mouth/testimony ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Object of עַל (construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom עַל פִּי, 'according to the testimony/word of' — the standard formula for legal witness.
שְׁנַ֣יִםtwonumeral m du abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying עֵדִיםשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the minimum plurality required for capital testimony — never a single witness.
עֵדִ֗יםwitnessesN m pl abs · עֵד (H5707)Genitive completing פִּי (construct chain)עֵד (H5707) 'witness'; the pivotal legal term of this due-process rule.
א֛וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥הthreenumeral m sg abs · שְׁלֹשָׁה (H7969)Numeral modifying עֵדִיםשְׁלֹשָׁה (H7969) 'three'; an alternative higher number, but two remains the operative minimum.
עֵדִ֖יםwitnessesN m pl abs · עֵד (H5707)Noun completing the numeral phraseעֵד (H5707) 'witness', repeated for the alternative count.
יוּמַ֣תshall he be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (passive, main clause)→ Yiqtol (Hophal, passive): mandated legal outcome — 'shall be executed'מוּת (H4191), Hophal 'be caused to die, be put to death'; the passive execution-formula presupposing a prior valid conviction.
הַמֵּ֑תthe one to dieart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · מוּת (H4191)Subject of יוּמַת (substantival participle)→ Participle (substantival): the condemned party, designated by the verb of dying itselfמוּת (H4191), Qal participle used substantivally with the article, 'the one liable to die' — i.e., the condemned.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second יוּמַתלֹא (H3808), negating capital execution on insufficient evidence.
יוּמַ֔תshall he be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (negated, restating the rule)→ Yiqtol (Hophal, negated): categorical prohibition — execution is barred without sufficient witnessesמוּת (H4191), Hophal, repeated and negated — the rule's negative counterpart, closing the verse emphatically.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (evidentiary basis, repeated)עַל (H5921), repeating the evidentiary formula for the negative case.
פִּ֖יthe testimony ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Object of עַל (construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom repeated, 'the testimony of.'
עֵ֥דa witnessN m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Genitive completing פִּי (construct chain), modified by אֶחָדעֵד (H5707) 'witness'; singular here, the insufficient case.
אֶחָֽדonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying עֵדאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the disqualifying number — a lone accuser can never secure a capital conviction (cf. 19:15).
7
יַ֣ד הָעֵדִ֞ים תִּֽהְיֶה בּ֤וֹ בָרִאשֹׁנָה֙ לַהֲמִית֔וֹ וְיַ֥ד כָּל הָעָ֖ם בָּאַחֲרֹנָ֑ה וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָרָ֖ע מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ
The hand of the witnesses shall be against him first, to put him to death, and the hand of all the people afterward. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
Requires the accusing witnesses themselves to cast the first stones before the rest of the community joins — a structural deterrent against false or careless testimony, since the witness's own hand must initiate a killing he cannot take back. The chapter's refrain 'purge the evil' closes the unit (cf. v.12; 13:6; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21-24; 24:7).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
יַ֣דthe hand ofN c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Subject of תִּהְיֶהיָד (H3027) 'hand'; metonymy for agency/action — the witnesses' own hand must initiate the execution.
הָעֵדִ֞יםthe witnessesart + N m pl abs · עֵד (H5707)Genitive completing יַד (construct chain)עֵד (H5707) 'witness'; the accusers who now must act, not merely testify.
תִּֽהְיֶהshall beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future — a mandated procedureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here 'shall be (against him)', establishing the required order of execution.
בּ֤וֹagainst himprep בְּ + 3ms sf · בְּAdverbial complement of תִּהְיֶהThe preposition בְּ here adversative, 'against him' — the condemned party.
בָרִאשֹׁנָה֙firstprep בְּ + art + Adj f sg abs (adverbial) · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Temporal adverbial phraseרִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first'; used adverbially, establishing the witnesses' priority in the act of execution.
לַהֲמִית֔וֹto put him to deathprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 3ms obj sf · מוּת (H4191)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the aim of the witnesses' first actionמוּת (H4191), Hiphil 'to kill, put to death'; the purpose infinitive names the witnesses' own hand as the instrument of death.
וְיַ֥דand the hand ofconj וְ + N c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Subject (second clause, coordinate with יַד הָעֵדִים)יָד (H3027) 'hand', repeated for the community's subsequent participation.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifying הָעָםכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the whole community joins after the witnesses.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing כָּל (construct chain)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the covenant community as corporate agent of judicial purgation.
בָּאַחֲרֹנָ֑הafterwardprep בְּ + art + Adj f sg abs (adverbial) · אַחֲרוֹן (H314)Temporal adverbial phrase (contrasted with בָרִאשֹׁנָה)אַחֲרוֹן (H314) 'last, latter'; used adverbially, 'afterward' — the people follow only after the witnesses have acted.
וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥so you shall purgeweqatal (Piel) 2ms · בָּעַר (H1197)Predicate verb (main clause, concluding command)→ Weqatal: consequential command — the required communal outcomeבָּעַר (H1197), Piel 'to burn, sweep away, purge'; Deuteronomy's refrain for eliminating covenant-breaking evil from the community (cf. 13:6; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21-24; 24:7).
הָרָ֖עthe evilart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · רַע (H7451)Direct object of וּבִעַרְתָּרַע (H7451) used substantivally, 'the evil (thing/person)' being purged.
מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָfrom your midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2ms sf · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; with מִן, 'from your midst' — the community must be cleansed of the offense.
8
כִּ֣י יִפָּלֵא֩ מִמְּךָ֨ דָבָ֜ר לַמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט בֵּֽין דָּ֨ם לְדָ֜ם בֵּֽין דִּ֣ין לְדִ֗ין וּבֵ֥ין נֶ֨גַע֙ לָנֶ֔גַע דִּבְרֵ֥י רִיבֹ֖ת בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ וְקַמְתָּ֣ וְעָלִ֔יתָ אֶל הַמָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ בּֽוֹ
If a case is too difficult for you in judgment — between blood and blood, between plea and plea, or between stroke and stroke, matters of dispute in your gates — then you shall arise and go up to the place that YHWH your God chooses,
Introduces the second major case-type: when local gate-courts cannot resolve a dispute (three legal categories — capital/bloodshed, civil/plea, and assault/injury) the matter escalates to the central sanctuary. יִפָּלֵא (Niphal of פָּלָא, 'be too wonderful/difficult') marks the threshold for appeal beyond local jurisdiction.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
כִּ֣יifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing casuistic protasisכִּי (H3588), conditional 'if', opening the second major case in the chapter.
יִפָּלֵא֩is too difficultNiphal impf 3ms · פָּלָא (H6381)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol (Niphal): hypothetical — 'should it be too wonderful/hard'פָּלָא (H6381), Niphal 'be too wonderful, extraordinary, beyond one's capacity'; the technical term marking a case beyond local judicial competence (cf. Exod 18:26).
מִמְּךָ֨for youprep מִן + 2ms sf · מִן (H4480)Adverbial complement of יִפָּלֵאמִן (H4480) 'from'; idiomatic with פָּלָא, 'too hard for you' — beyond your judicial capacity.
דָבָ֜רa matterN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of יִפָּלֵאדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, case'; here a legal case/matter.
לַמִּשְׁפָּ֗טfor judgmentprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Adverbial phrase specifying the domain of difficultyמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, justice, legal decision'; specifies that the case is difficult precisely regarding its verdict.
בֵּֽיןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (first of three case categories)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; introduces the first of three paired legal categories.
דָּ֨םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Object of בֵּין (first term)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; shorthand for capital/homicide cases.
לְדָ֜םand bloodprep לְ + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Object completing the בֵּין...לְ pairingדָּם (H1818) 'blood', repeated — 'between one bloodshed-claim and another,' i.e. disputed homicide cases.
בֵּֽיןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (second category)בֵּין (H996) 'between', introducing the second pair.
דִּ֣יןa pleaN m sg abs · דִּין (H1779)Object of בֵּין (first term)דִּין (H1779) 'judgment, legal claim, plea'; shorthand for civil litigation.
לְדִ֗יןand pleaprep לְ + N m sg abs · דִּין (H1779)Object completing the בֵּין...לְ pairingדִּין (H1779), repeated — 'between one claim and another,' disputed civil cases.
וּבֵ֥יןor betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (third category)בֵּין (H996) 'between', introducing the third pair.
נֶ֨גַע֙a strokeN m sg abs · נֶגַע (H5061)Object of בֵּין (first term)נֶגַע (H5061) 'stroke, plague, injury'; shorthand for assault/personal-injury cases.
לָנֶ֔גַעand strokeprep לְ + N m sg abs · נֶגַע (H5061)Object completing the בֵּין...לְ pairingנֶגַע (H5061), repeated — 'between one assault-claim and another,' disputed injury cases.
דִּבְרֵ֥יmatters ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct summarizing the three case-categoriesדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; here plural construct, 'matters/cases of', summarizing the triad just listed.
רִיבֹ֖תof disputeN c pl abs · רִיב (H7379)Genitive completing דִּבְרֵי (construct chain)רִיב (H7379) 'strife, dispute, lawsuit'; here plural, 'litigations' — the general term covering all three specific case-types.
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms sf · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative prepositional phraseשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the local court where these cases have arisen but cannot be resolved.
וְקַמְתָּ֣then you shall ariseweqatal (Qal) 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — the required response to an intractable caseקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; paired with וְעָלִיתָ as the standard idiom for setting out on a journey/pilgrimage.
וְעָלִ֔יתָand go upweqatal (Qal) 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb continuing the apodosis→ Weqatal: obligatory consequenceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; standard verb for pilgrimage/ascent to the central sanctuary, geographically and theologically 'up.'
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the ascent.
הַמָּק֔וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; Deuteronomy's recurring designation for the future central sanctuary (Jerusalem), contrasted with the local שְׁעָרִים.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַמָּקוֹםאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the clause identifying the place by divine choice, not human designation.
יִבְחַ֛רwill chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing — YHWH's ongoing prerogative of choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose, select'; the theological keyword of Deuteronomy's centralization formula — the place is legitimated solely by divine election.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the sole legitimating agent of the chosen place.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, the recurring divine-name formula.
בּֽוֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms sf · בְּAdverbial complement of יִבְחַר (locative)The preposition בְּ with 3ms suffix, referring back to הַמָּקוֹם — 'in it' YHWH causes his name to dwell (cf. 12:5).
9
וּבָאתָ֗ אֶל הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם וְאֶל הַשֹּׁפֵ֔ט אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֑ם וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֙ וְהִגִּ֣ידוּ לְךָ֔ אֵ֖ת דְּבַ֥ר הַמִּשְׁפָּֽט
and you shall come to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office in those days, and you shall inquire, and they will declare to you the verdict of the case.
Names the two authorities at the central sanctuary — the Levitical priests and 'the judge who is in those days' (a role, not a fixed office, adapting to whoever holds it at the time) — before whom the case is laid for a binding ruling.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וּבָאתָ֗and you shall comeweqatal (Qal) 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb continuing the apodosis→ Weqatal: obligatory consequenceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the arrival at the central sanctuary.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הַכֹּהֲנִים֙the priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of אֶל (first authority)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here qualified as הַלְוִיִּם, the Levitical priesthood entrusted with torah instruction.
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Leviticalart + gentilic N m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Attributive apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִיםלֵוִי (H3881), gentilic 'Levite'; identifies the priesthood by tribal descent, the guardians of torah and cultic instruction (cf. v.18; 33:10).
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (second authority)אֶל (H413), repeated for the second addressee.
הַשֹּׁפֵ֔טthe judgeart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · שָׁפַט (H8199)Object of אֶל (second authority)→ Participle (substantival): the judge, characterized by the ongoing act of judgingשָׁפַט (H8199), Qal participle used substantivally, 'the one who judges' — the presiding magistrate, whoever holds the role.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַשֹּׁפֵטאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the temporal qualifier.
יִהְיֶ֖הwill beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative — holding office at the relevant timeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 'who will be (in office)' — the law adapts to whoever occupies the role.
בַּיָּמִ֣יםin the daysprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural 'the days', temporal scope of the judge's tenure.
הָהֵ֑םthoseart + independent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Attributive demonstrative-use pronoun modifying הַיָּמִיםהֵם (H1992) with article, demonstrative 'those (days)' — whatever era the case falls in.
וְדָרַשְׁתָּ֙and you shall inquireweqatal (Qal) 2ms · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Predicate verb continuing the apodosis→ Weqatal: obligatory consequenceדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to seek, inquire'; formally submitting the case for a ruling.
וְהִגִּ֣ידוּand they will declareweqatal (Hiphil) 3cp · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (subject: the priests/judge)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — the authorities' binding responseנָגַד (H5046), Hiphil 'to declare, announce'; the technical verb for the authoritative verdict handed down (repeated in vv.10-11).
לְךָ֔to youprep לְ + 2ms sf · לְIndirect object of וְהִגִּידוּThe preposition לְ with 2ms suffix, the recipient of the ruling.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking דְּבַר הַמִּשְׁפָּט as definite direct object.
דְּבַ֥רthe verdict ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וְהִגִּידוּ (construct chain)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; here 'the word/verdict of the judgment' — the binding ruling.
הַמִּשְׁפָּֽטthe judgmentart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Genitive completing דְּבַר (construct chain)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, verdict'; the ruling issued by the priests and judge, binding per v.11.
10
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ עַל פִּ֤י הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַגִּ֣ידֽוּ לְךָ֔ מִן הַמָּק֣וֹם הַה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֖ר יִבְחַ֣ר יְהוָ֑ה וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹרֽוּךָ
And you shall act according to the word that they declare to you from that place that YHWH chooses, and you shall be careful to do according to all that they instruct you.
Commands unqualified obedience to the ruling issued at the chosen place — the verdict's authority derives from the location YHWH has chosen, not from the personal standing of the judges.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָand you shall actweqatal (Qal) 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — compliance is mandatoryעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, act'; here 'act/comply' according to the verdict.
עַלaccording toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (standard of action)עַל (H5921) 'upon, according to'; idiom עַל פִּי as in v.6, 'according to the word of.'
פִּ֤יthe word ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Object of עַל (construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom 'according to the word/mouth of' — the pronounced verdict.
הַדָּבָר֙the matterart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive completing פִּי (construct chain)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; here 'the ruling/verdict' just declared.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַדָּבָראֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the clause specifying which ruling.
יַגִּ֣ידֽוּthey will declareHiphil impf 3mp · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing — whatever they announceנָגַד (H5046), Hiphil 'to declare'; the same authoritative-verdict verb as v.9.
לְךָ֔to youprep לְ + 2ms sf · לְIndirect object of יַגִּידוּThe preposition לְ with 2ms suffix.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the source location of the ruling.
הַמָּק֣וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of מִןמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the central sanctuary, repeated from v.8.
הַה֔וּאthatart + independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative-use pronoun modifying הַמָּקוֹםהוּא (H1931) with article, demonstrative 'that (place)' — anaphoric to v.8.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַמָּקוֹםאֲשֶׁר (H834), reintroducing the divine-choice qualifier.
יִבְחַ֣רchoosesQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing — YHWH's standing prerogativeבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; repeated centralization keyword.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068).
וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣and you shall be carefulweqatal (Qal) 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — careful, diligent complianceשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, watch, be careful'; standard Deuteronomic verb for scrupulous covenant obedience.
לַעֲשׂ֔וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitival complement of וְשָׁמַרְתָּ→ Infinitive construct: complementary — specifies the content of the required careעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the infinitive names the required action — performing the verdict.
כְּכֹ֖לaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial phrase modifying לַעֲשׂוֹתכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with כְּ, 'according to all (that)' — comprehensive compliance.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the final comprehensive clause.
יוֹרֽוּךָthey instruct youHiphil impf 3mp + 2ms obj sf · יָרָה (H3384)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing — whatever they continue to teachיָרָה (H3384), Hiphil 'to teach, instruct' (root of תּוֹרָה, 'torah'); the priests' authoritative instruction, binding on the inquirer.
11
עַל פִּ֨י הַתּוֹרָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יוֹר֗וּךָ וְעַל הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט אֲשֶׁר יֹאמְר֥וּ לְךָ֖ תַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה לֹ֣א תָס֗וּר מִן הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר יַגִּ֥ידֽוּ לְךָ֖ יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאל
According to the instruction of the torah that they teach you, and according to the judgment that they tell you, you shall act; you shall not turn aside from the word that they declare to you, to the right or to the left.
States the verdict's absolute, non-negotiable authority in the strongest terms available in Hebrew idiom — 'not turn aside... right or left' (cf. Josh 1:7) — a formula elsewhere reserved for fidelity to the torah itself, here applied to the ruling of the central court.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
עַלaccording toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (standard of the ruling)עַל (H5921) 'upon, according to'; idiom עַל פִּי, the repeated formula for authoritative instruction.
פִּ֨יthe instruction ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Object of עַל (construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom 'according to the instruction of.'
הַתּוֹרָ֜הthe torahart + N f sg abs · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Genitive completing פִּי (construct chain)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law'; here the priestly ruling/instruction, a specific application of the broader concept naming the book itself.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַתּוֹרָהאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the qualifying clause.
יוֹר֗וּךָthey teach youHiphil impf 3mp + 2ms obj sf · יָרָה (H3384)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing — ongoing authoritative instructionיָרָה (H3384), Hiphil 'to teach, instruct'; repeated from v.10, the root of תּוֹרָה itself.
וְעַלand according toconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (second standard)עַל (H5921), repeated for the second element, הַמִּשְׁפָּט.
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛טthe judgmentart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Object of עַל (second parallel term to הַתּוֹרָה)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, verdict'; paired with תּוֹרָה as the twin components of the ruling — instruction and specific verdict.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַמִּשְׁפָּטאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the second qualifying clause.
יֹאמְר֥וּthey sayQal impf 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizingאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; here of the authoritative pronouncement of the verdict.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms sf · לְIndirect object of יֹאמְרוּThe preposition לְ with 2ms suffix.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֑הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol: obligatory — mandated complianceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the main command, 'you shall act (accordingly).'
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תָסוּרלֹא (H3808), forming an absolute prohibition against deviation.
תָס֗וּרyou shall turn asideQal impf 2ms · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (negated, main clause)→ Yiqtol (negated): a standing prohibition — never depart from the rulingסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside, depart'; the same verb that will forbid the king's heart from turning (vv.17, 20) — fidelity to the verdict models fidelity to the whole torah.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, complement of תָסוּר)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the ruling as the fixed reference point not to be departed from.
הַדָּבָ֛רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Object of מִןדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; the verdict as pronounced.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַדָּבָראֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the final qualifying clause.
יַגִּ֥ידֽוּthey declareHiphil impf 3mp · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizingנָגַד (H5046), Hiphil 'to declare'; the verdict-announcement verb, repeated a final time.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms sf · לְIndirect object of יַגִּידוּThe preposition לְ with 2ms suffix, repeated.
יָמִ֥יןthe rightN f sg abs (adverbial) · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial accusative of direction (with וּשְׂמֹאל, idiom of total conformity)יָמִין (H3225) 'right (hand/side)'; paired with שְׂמֹאל in the idiom 'right or left' meaning 'in any direction whatsoever' — absolute, undeviating obedience.
וּשְׂמֹֽאלor the leftconj וְ + N m sg abs (adverbial) · שְׂמֹאל (H8040)Adverbial accusative of direction (second term of the idiom)שְׂמֹאל (H8040) 'left (hand/side)'; completes the idiom of total, unwavering obedience (cf. Josh 1:7; Deut 5:32; 28:14).
12
וְהָאִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה בְזָד֗וֹן לְבִלְתִּ֨י שְׁמֹ֤עַ אֶל הַכֹּהֵן֙ הָעֹמֵ֞ד לְשָׁ֤רֶת שָׁם֙ אֶת יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ א֖וֹ אֶל הַשֹּׁפֵ֑ט וּמֵת֙ הָאִ֣ישׁ הַה֔וּא וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָרָ֖ע מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
And the man who acts presumptuously, not listening to the priest who stands to minister there before YHWH your God, or to the judge — that man shall die, and you shall purge the evil from Israel.
בְזָדוֹן, 'in presumption/insolence,' names the aggravating factor — willful defiance, not honest error — that turns non-compliance with the ruling into a capital offense; the refrain 'purge the evil' again closes the unit (cf. v.7).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְהָאִ֞ישׁand the manconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the casuistic clause (topicalized)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; introduces the sanction case, fronted for topical emphasis.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the descriptionאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the clause describing the defiant party.
יַעֲשֶׂ֣הactsQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: habitual/characterizing — 'one who acts'עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, act'; here 'act (presumptuously)', characterizing the defiant party's conduct.
בְזָד֗וֹןpresumptuouslyprep בְּ + N m sg abs · זָדוֹן (H2087)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)זָדוֹן (H2087) 'presumption, insolence, willful arrogance'; from the root זיד, 'to boil over, act insolently'; distinguishes willful defiance from honest error — a chapter keyword (cf. v.13).
לְבִלְתִּ֨יso as not toprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative infinitival complement (result/purpose)בִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, except'; with לְ and the following infinitive, a negative purpose/result clause, 'so as not to listen.'
שְׁמֹ֤עַlistenQal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Infinitive construct completing לְבִלְתִּי (negated purpose)→ Infinitive construct: negated purpose — willful refusal to heedשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; the refusal to 'hear' here means refusal to submit to the ruling.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (object of שְׁמֹעַ)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the authority being defied.
הַכֹּהֵן֙the priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of אֶל (first authority)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the officiating minister at the sanctuary.
הָעֹמֵ֞דwho standsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · עָמַד (H5975)Attributive participle modifying הַכֹּהֵן→ Participle: durative — ongoing, official standing/officeעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; participle describing the priest's standing office/ministry at the sanctuary.
לְשָׁ֤רֶתto ministerprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁרַת (H8334)Infinitival purpose clause modifying הָעֹמֵד→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the aim of the priest's standingשָׁרַת (H8334), Piel 'to serve, minister'; the technical term for cultic priestly service.
שָׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (locative)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; refers to the chosen place of v.8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking יְהוָה as the object of ministry — 'to minister to/before YHWH.'
יְהוָ֣הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of לְשָׁרֶת (via אֶת)יְהוָה (H3068), the one the priest ministers to/before.
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, the recurring divine-name formula.
א֖וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or', linking the two authorities.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (second authority)אֶל (H413), repeated for the second addressee.
הַשֹּׁפֵ֑טthe judgeart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · שָׁפַט (H8199)Object of אֶל (second authority)→ Participle (substantival): the presiding magistrateשָׁפַט (H8199), Qal participle used substantivally, 'the one who judges' — repeated from v.9.
וּמֵת֙shall dieweqatal (Qal) 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Weqatal: consequential — the mandated capital sanctionמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the plain sentence for contempt of the ruling.
הָאִ֣ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וּמֵת (resumptive)אִישׁ (H376), resuming the subject named at the verse's opening.
הַה֔וּאthatart + independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative-use pronoun modifying הָאִישׁהוּא (H1931) with article, demonstrative 'that (man)'.
וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥and you shall purgeweqatal (Piel) 2ms · בָּעַר (H1197)Predicate verb (main clause, concluding command)→ Weqatal: consequential commandבָּעַר (H1197), Piel 'to purge, sweep away'; the chapter's refrain, repeated from v.7.
הָרָ֖עthe evilart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · רַע (H7451)Direct object of וּבִעַרְתָּרַע (H7451) used substantivally, 'the evil (person)' being purged.
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽלfrom Israelprep מִן + Np · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant community cleansed of the offense, echoing v.7's מִקִּרְבֶּךָ.
13
וְכָל הָעָ֖ם יִשְׁמְע֣וּ וְיִרָ֑אוּ וְלֹ֥א יְזִיד֖וּן עֽוֹד
And all the people shall hear and fear, and shall no longer act presumptuously.
States the didactic purpose of public capital justice — not vengeance but deterrence; the whole community 'hears and fears' so that presumptuous defiance (יָזִיד, echoing v.12's זָדוֹן) does not recur, closing the high-court unit (vv.8-13) with the fear-formula used elsewhere in Deuteronomy's judicial texts (13:12; 19:20; 21:21).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifying הָעָם (subject)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the entire covenant community, not just witnesses or officials.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing כָּל (construct chain); subject of יִשְׁמְעוּעַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole nation as audience and beneficiary of the deterrent.
יִשְׁמְע֣וּshall hearQal impf 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, purpose/result)→ Yiqtol: purpose/result — the intended national effectשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; here of receiving news of the execution as public report.
וְיִרָ֑אוּand shall fearweyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb continuing the result clause→ Yiqtol: purpose/result — the deterrent emotion producedיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the intended psychological effect of public justice — reverent dread that restrains future defiance.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יְזִידוּןלֹא (H3808), negating the recurrence of presumptuous defiance.
יְזִיד֖וּןshall they act presumptuouslyHiphil impf 3mp (paragogic nun) · זִיד (H2102)Predicate verb (negated, main clause; paragogic nun for emphasis)→ Yiqtol (negated, emphatic): the deterred future — presumption will not recurזִיד (H2102), Hiphil 'to act presumptuously, boil over in insolence'; the verbal root of v.12's זָדוֹן, forming an inclusio with that verse.
עֽוֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial (temporal, modifying יְזִידוּן)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, again'; 'no longer/never again' — the deterrent is meant to be permanent.
14
כִּֽי תָבֹ֣א אֶל הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֔ךְ וִֽירִשְׁתָּ֖הּ וְיָשַׁ֣בְתָּה בָּ֑הּ וְאָמַרְתָּ֗ אָשִׂ֤ימָה עָלַי֙ מֶ֔לֶךְ כְּכָל הַגּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר סְבִיבֹתָֽי
When you come to the land that YHWH your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and you say, 'Let me set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,'
Opens the Torah's only kingship law with a permissive-anticipatory structure: it does not command a monarchy but foresees Israel's future request for one 'like all the nations' — a request whose motive (imitation of the nations) is already faintly ambivalent, setting up the restrictive conditions of vv.15-17.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/conditional conjunction introducing the protasisכִּי (H3588), here temporal-conditional 'when', opening the kingship law.
תָבֹ֣אyou comeQal impf 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: future/anticipatory — the entrance into the landבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; anticipates Israel's future settlement, as throughout Deuteronomy's forward-looking legislation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the promised land.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the qualifying clause.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068), the giver of the land.
אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙your GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, the recurring divine-name formula.
נֹתֵ֣ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle (relative clause)→ Participle: durative — the ongoing gift of the landנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; participle framing the land-gift as YHWH's continuing act.
לָ֔ךְto youprep לְ + 2fs sf · לְIndirect object of נֹתֵןThe preposition לְ with 2fs suffix, 'to you.'
וִֽירִשְׁתָּ֖הּand possess itweqatal (Qal) 2ms + 3fs obj sf · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential — the act of taking possessionיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, inherit, dispossess'; the standard verb for Israel's taking of the land.
וְיָשַׁ֣בְתָּהand dwellweqatal (Qal) 2ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential — settled habitationיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; marks the transition from conquest to settled life, the context in which kingship becomes conceivable.
בָּ֑הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs sf · בְּAdverbial complement of וְיָשַׁבְתָּהThe preposition בְּ with 3fs suffix, referring to הָאָרֶץ.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֗and you sayweqatal (Qal) 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb introducing direct speech (protasis continues)→ Weqatal: sequential — the anticipated requestאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the people's future request, quoted directly.
אָשִׂ֤ימָהlet me setQal cohortative 1cs · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb of the quoted request (cohortative)→ Cohortative: self-exhortation/volitional — the people's expressed desireשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set, place'; cohortative expressing the people's own initiative in requesting a king.
עָלַי֙over meprep עַל + 1cs sf · עַל (H5921)Adverbial complement of אָשִׂימָהעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; with 1cs suffix, 'over me' — the king's rule over the speaker(s).
מֶ֔לֶךְa kingN m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object of אָשִׂימָהמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the chapter's central institution, here first named — the Torah's only formal kingship legislation begins here.
כְּכָלlike allprep כְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial phrase of comparison modifying the requestכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with כְּ, 'like all' — introduces the comparison to surrounding nations, the request's ambivalent motive.
הַגּוֹיִ֖םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Genitive completing כָּל (construct chain)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; the foreign nations Israel wishes to emulate — the same term used elsewhere for peoples marked for dispossession.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the final qualifying clause.
סְבִיבֹתָֽיaround meN c pl constr + 1cs sf · סָבִיב (H5439)Predicate of the relative clause (locative)סָבִיב (H5439) 'surrounding area, roundabout'; with 1cs suffix, 'around me' — the geopolitical pressure motivating the request.
15
שׂ֣וֹם תָּשִׂ֤ים עָלֶ֨יךָ֙ מֶ֔לֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִבְחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ בּ֑וֹ מִקֶּ֣רֶב אַחֶ֗יךָ תָּשִׂ֤ים עָלֶ֨יךָ֙ מֶ֔לֶךְ לֹ֣א תוּכַ֗ל לָתֵ֤ת עָלֶ֨יךָ֙ אִ֣ישׁ נָכְרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא אָחִ֖יךָ הֽוּא
You shall surely set as king over you the one whom YHWH your God chooses; from among your brothers you shall set a king over you — you may not put over you a foreign man who is not your brother.
The infinitive-absolute construction שׂוֹם תָּשִׂים ('you shall surely set') grants permission emphatically while immediately qualifying it: the king must be YHWH's own choice and a native Israelite ('from among your brothers'), never a foreigner — the first of the chapter's restrictive conditions on kingship.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
שׂ֣וֹםsurelyQal inf abs (adverbial) · שִׂים (H7760)Infinitive absolute intensifying תָּשִׂים→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies the finite verb — emphatic permission/certaintyשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set'; infinitive absolute before the finite form for emphasis, 'you shall surely set.'
תָּשִׂ֤יםyou shall setQal impf 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory/permissive — the granted (and regulated) permissionשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set, appoint'; the finite verb of appointment, intensified by the preceding infinitive absolute.
עָלֶ֨יךָ֙over youprep עַל + 2ms sf · עַל (H5921)Adverbial complement of תָּשִׂיםעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; with 2ms suffix, 'over you.'
מֶ֔לֶךְa kingN m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object of תָּשִׂיםמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying מֶלֶךְאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the divine-choice qualifier — the first restriction on kingship.
יִבְחַ֛רchoosesQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing — YHWH's prerogative of selectionבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; the centralization/legitimation keyword, here applied to the monarchy itself — even a request 'like the nations' remains under divine election.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, the recurring divine-name formula.
בּ֑וֹhimprep בְּ + 3ms sf · בְּAdverbial complement of יִבְחַר (object marked with בְּ)The preposition בְּ with 3ms suffix, idiomatic object-marking with בָּחַר, 'choose in/him.'
מִקֶּ֣רֶבfrom amongprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source of selection)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; with מִן, 'from the midst of' — restricting the candidate pool to Israelites.
אַחֶ֗יךָyour brothersN m pl constr + 2ms sf · אָח (H251)Genitive completing מִקֶּרֶב (construct chain)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the second restriction — native kinship, not foreign origin, qualifies the king.
תָּשִׂ֤יםyou shall setQal impf 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (repeated main clause, emphatic)→ Yiqtol: obligatory — restating the command with the added qualificationשִׂים (H7760), repeated to attach the 'from your brothers' qualification directly to the act of appointment.
עָלֶ֨יךָ֙over youprep עַל + 2ms sf · עַל (H5921)Adverbial complement of תָּשִׂיםעַל (H5921), repeated.
מֶ֔לֶךְa kingN m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Direct object of תָּשִׂיםמֶלֶךְ (H4428), repeated.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תוּכַללֹא (H3808), negating the permissibility of a foreign king.
תוּכַ֗לyou mayQal impf 2ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (modal, negated)→ Yiqtol (negated, modal): categorical incapacity/prohibition — 'you are not permitted'יָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; negated, expresses absolute prohibition — installing a foreigner is simply not a live option.
לָתֵ֤תto putprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitival complement of תוּכַל→ Infinitive construct: complementary — the disallowed actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, set'; here 'appoint/install' — the forbidden act.
עָלֶ֨יךָ֙over youprep עַל + 2ms sf · עַל (H5921)Adverbial complement of לָתֵתעַל (H5921), repeated a third time.
אִ֣ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of לָתֵתאִישׁ (H376) 'man', qualified by נָכְרִי as the disqualified candidate.
נָכְרִ֔יforeignAdj m sg abs · נָכְרִי (H5237)Attributive adjective modifying אִישׁנָכְרִי (H5237) 'foreign, alien'; the disqualifying trait — non-Israelite origin bars the throne.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun modifying אִישׁ נָכְרִיאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the clarifying clause.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the nominal clause אָחִיךָ הוּאלֹא (H3808), negating the kinship claim.
אָחִ֖יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms sf · אָח (H251)Predicate of the nominal clauseאָח (H251) 'brother'; restates the kinship criterion negatively — a foreigner simply is not 'your brother.'
הֽוּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the nominal clauseהוּא (H1931), resumptive pronoun completing the nominal clause 'he is not your brother.'
16
רַק֮ לֹא יַרְבֶּה לּ֣וֹ סוּסִים֒ וְלֹֽא יָשִׁ֤יב אֶת הָעָם֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה לְמַ֖עַן הַרְבּ֣וֹת ס֑וּס וַֽיהוָה֙ אָמַ֣ר לָכֶ֔ם לֹ֣א תֹסִפ֗וּן לָשׁ֛וּב בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ הַזֶּ֖ה עֽוֹד
Only he must not multiply horses for himself, or return the people to Egypt in order to multiply horses, since YHWH has said to you, 'You shall never again return that way.'
The first of three NOTs restricting royal power: no multiplying horses, because doing so would require renewed traffic with Egypt (likely for cavalry trade), reversing the exodus itself — YHWH's own prior word forbids permanently retracing that road (cf. Exod 13:17; 14:13).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
רַק֮onlyparticle · רַק (H7535)Restrictive particle introducing the first royal limitationרַק (H7535) 'only, surely'; restrictive particle marking the first of three royal restrictions (horses, wives, silver/gold).
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יַרְבֶּהלֹא (H3808), forming the prohibition.
יַרְבֶּהhe shall multiplyHiphil impf 3ms · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (negated, main clause)→ Yiqtol (negated): a standing prohibition on the kingרָבָה (H7235), Hiphil 'to make many, multiply, increase'; the first of three verbs of royal excess forbidden in vv.16-17.
לּ֣וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms sf · לְDative of interest/possession complementing יַרְבֶּהThe preposition לְ with 3ms suffix; personal accumulation for the king's own benefit is the target of the restriction.
סוּסִים֒horsesN m pl abs · סוּס (H5483)Direct object of יַרְבֶּהסוּס (H5483) 'horse'; symbol of military/economic power and, in the ancient Near East, typically imported via Egypt — hence the following prohibition.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָשִׁיבלֹא (H3808), extending the prohibition to the related act of returning to Egypt.
יָשִׁ֤יבshall he cause to returnHiphil impf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (negated, main clause)→ Yiqtol (negated): a standing prohibitionשׁוּב (H7725), Hiphil 'to cause to return, bring back'; forbids the king from sending the people back toward Egypt.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָעָם as definite direct object.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of יָשִׁיבעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel as a whole, whom the king must never redirect toward Egypt.
מִצְרַ֔יְמָהto EgyptNp + directional he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial (locative, directional)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt', with directional ה־, 'to/toward Egypt'; renewed traffic there would reverse the exodus itself.
לְמַ֖עַןin order toprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Prepositional phrase of purpose introducing the infinitiveלְמַעַן (H4616) 'for the sake of, in order that'; introduces the (forbidden) motive for such traffic.
הַרְבּ֣וֹתto multiplyHiphil inf constr · רָבָה (H7235)Infinitival complement of לְמַעַן (purpose)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the forbidden aim of the trafficרָבָה (H7235), Hiphil infinitive 'to multiply'; repeats the verb of v.16a, naming horse-acquisition as the specific motive barred.
ס֑וּסhorsesN m sg abs (collective) · סוּס (H5483)Direct object of הַרְבּוֹתסוּס (H5483), repeated, closing the horse-restriction with an inclusio.
וַֽיהוָה֙and YHWHconj וְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of אָמַריְהוָה (H3068); the divine speaker who grounds the prohibition in prior revealed word.
אָמַ֣רhas saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, grounding the prohibition)→ Perfective: a completed, prior declaration — the authoritative basis for the banאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; refers to YHWH's prior word (cf. Exod 13:17; 14:13) forbidding a return to Egypt.
לָכֶ֔םto youprep לְ + 2mp sf · לְIndirect object of אָמַרThe preposition לְ with 2mp suffix, addressing Israel collectively.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תֹסִפוּןלֹא (H3808), forming the quoted prohibition's negation.
תֹסִפ֗וּןyou shall (never) againHiphil impf 2mp (paragogic nun) · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (negated, quoted direct speech; paragogic nun for emphasis)→ Yiqtol (negated, emphatic): permanent prohibition — 'you shall never again'יָסַף (H3254), Hiphil 'to add, continue, do again'; with the following infinitive, 'you shall never again (return).'
לָשׁ֛וּבreturnprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Infinitival complement of תֹסִפוּן→ Infinitive construct: complementary — the forbidden actionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the forbidden act — retracing the exodus route.
בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְby the wayprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial prepositional phrase (path/route)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; the specific exodus route, never to be retraced.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדֶּרֶךְזֶה (H2088) 'this' (ms); deictic, pointing to the exodus road specifically.
עֽוֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial (temporal, reinforcing 'never again')עוֹד (H5750) 'still, again'; reinforces the permanence of the prohibition alongside תֹסִפוּן.
17
וְלֹ֤א יַרְבֶּה לּוֹ֙ נָשִׁ֔ים וְלֹ֥א יָס֖וּר לְבָב֑וֹ וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב לֹ֥א יַרְבֶּה לּ֖וֹ מְאֹֽד
And he shall not multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.
Completes the triad of royal restraints: many wives risk turning the king's heart from YHWH (a warning famously vindicated by Solomon, 1 Kgs 11:1-4), and excessive silver and gold risk the corrupting concentration of wealth — kingship is hedged against the very means by which ancient kings normally built and displayed power.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְלֹ֤אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יַרְבֶּהלֹא (H3808), forming the second royal prohibition.
יַרְבֶּהhe shall multiplyHiphil impf 3ms · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (negated, main clause)→ Yiqtol (negated): a standing prohibitionרָבָה (H7235), Hiphil 'to multiply'; the same verb restricting horses now applied to wives.
לּוֹ֙for himselfprep לְ + 3ms sf · לְDative of interest complementing יַרְבֶּהThe preposition לְ with 3ms suffix, personal accumulation for the king.
נָשִׁ֔יםwivesN f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of יַרְבֶּהאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; plural 'wives' — political marriages were a standard means of alliance-building among ancient kings, here restricted.
וְלֹ֥אlestconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָסוּר (result clause)לֹא (H3808), negating the feared consequence — the heart's turning away.
יָס֖וּרturn asideQal impf 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb of the result/purpose clause (negated)→ Yiqtol (negated): the danger to be avoided — apostasy of heartסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside'; the same verb forbidding deviation from the ruling (v.11), now describing the heart's potential defection from YHWH through foreign wives.
לְבָב֑וֹhis heartN m sg constr + 3ms sf · לֵבָב (H3824)Subject of יָסוּרלֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind'; seat of loyalty and decision — its turning is the real danger of many wives (cf. 1 Kgs 11:1-4, Solomon's paradigm failure).
וְכֶ֣סֶףand silverconj וְ + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object of the final יַרְבֶּה (third restriction)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the standard medium of ancient wealth, here restricted alongside gold.
וְזָהָ֔בand goldconj וְ + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Direct object (paired with כֶּסֶף)זָהָב (H2091) 'gold'; paired with כֶּסֶף as the standard merism for wealth/treasure.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the final יַרְבֶּהלֹא (H3808), forming the third royal prohibition.
יַרְבֶּהshall he multiplyHiphil impf 3ms · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (negated, main clause)→ Yiqtol (negated): a standing prohibitionרָבָה (H7235), Hiphil, repeated a third time — the triad of royal excess (horses, wives, silver/gold) complete.
לּ֖וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms sf · לְDative of interest complementing יַרְבֶּהThe preposition לְ with 3ms suffix, repeated a third time.
מְאֹֽדgreatlyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial (intensifying יַרְבֶּה)מְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the prohibition against excessive accumulation.
18
וְהָיָ֣ה כְשִׁבְתּ֔וֹ עַ֖ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַמְלַכְתּ֑וֹ וְכָ֨תַב ל֜וֹ אֶת מִשְׁנֵ֨ה הַתּוֹרָ֤ה הַזֹּאת֙ עַל סֵ֔פֶר מִלִּפְנֵ֥י הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים הַלְוִיִּֽם
And it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this torah in a scroll, from before the Levitical priests.
The pivotal command of the whole unit: מִשְׁנֵה הַתּוֹרָה, 'a copy of this torah,' is the phrase the Septuagint rendered δευτερονόμιον ('second law' / 'copy of the law'), giving the entire book its Greek and English name Deuteronomy — a title arising from translating מִשְׁנֶה as 'second' rather than 'copy,' though the underlying command (a personal transcription for the king) is unaffected by the translation question.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְהָיָ֣הand it shall beweqatal (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, introducing a temporal/circumstantial protasis)→ Weqatal: sequential/consequential — introduces the next royal dutyהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; formulaic 'and it shall be (when...)', introducing a new temporal circumstance.
כְשִׁבְתּ֔וֹwhen he sitsprep כְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms subj sf · יָשַׁב (H3427)Temporal infinitival clause (subject of infinitive: the king)→ Infinitive construct: temporal — marks the moment of accessionיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; here 'sit (on the throne)' — the standard idiom for royal accession.
עַ֖לonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; marks the throne as the locus of enthronement.
כִּסֵּ֣אthe throne ofN m sg constr · כִּסֵּא (H3678)Object of עַל (construct chain)כִּסֵּא (H3678) 'throne, seat'; the symbol of royal authority.
מַמְלַכְתּ֑וֹhis kingdomN f sg constr + 3ms sf · מַמְלָכָה (H4467)Genitive completing כִּסֵּא (construct chain)מַמְלָכָה (H4467) 'kingdom, royal reign'; the phrase כִּסֵּא מַמְלַכְתּוֹ, 'the throne of his kingdom,' becomes the recurring dynastic formula (cf. 2 Sam 7:13, 16).
וְכָ֨תַבand he shall writeweqatal (Qal) 3ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Predicate verb (main clause, the central command)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — the king's own personal dutyכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; the king himself must write his own torah-scroll — the chapter's central positive charge.
ל֜וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms sf · לְDative of interest complementing וְכָתַבThe preposition לְ with 3ms suffix, 'for himself' — his own personal copy.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking מִשְׁנֵה הַתּוֹרָה as definite direct object.
מִשְׁנֵ֨הa copy ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁנֶה (H4932)Direct object of וְכָתַב (construct chain)מִשְׁנֶה (H4932) 'double, copy, second (instance)'; from שָׁנָה 'to repeat.' The phrase מִשְׁנֵה הַתּוֹרָה, 'a copy of the torah,' is the Hebrew source of the Greek/Latin/English name of this book, Deuteronomy (from LXX δευτερονόμιον, 'second law'), though the Hebrew sense is 'a copy,' not 'a second, different law.'
הַתּוֹרָ֤הthe torahart + N f sg abs · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Genitive completing מִשְׁנֵה (construct chain)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law'; here the whole body of Mosaic teaching, of which the king must possess a personal transcription.
הַזֹּאת֙thisart + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַתּוֹרָהזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fs); deictic, pointing to the Deuteronomic torah as a definite, delimited body of instruction.
עַלinprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (medium of writing)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; idiom 'on/in a scroll' for the medium of writing.
סֵ֔פֶרa scrollN m sg abs · סֵפֶר (H5612)Object of עַלסֵפֶר (H5612) 'scroll, document, book'; the physical medium of the king's personal torah-copy.
מִלִּפְנֵ֥יfrom beforeprep מִן + prep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source/supervision)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the compound idiom 'from before' indicates the priests' custodial role — the master copy from which the king's is made resides with (or is supervised by) them.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of מִלִּפְנֵיכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the same Levitical priesthood of v.9 who guard and transmit the authoritative torah text.
הַלְוִיִּֽםthe Leviticalart + gentilic N m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Attributive apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִיםלֵוִי (H3881), gentilic 'Levite'; identifies the priesthood as guardians of the authoritative torah text (cf. 31:9, 24-26).
19
וְהָיְתָ֣ה עִמּ֔וֹ וְקָ֥רָא ב֖וֹ כָּל יְמֵ֣י חַיָּ֑יו לְמַ֣עַן יִלְמַ֗ד לְיִרְאָה֙ אֶת יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔יו לִ֠שְׁמֹר אֶֽת כָּל דִּבְרֵ֞י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּ֛את וְאֶת הַחֻקִּ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לַעֲשֹׂתָֽם
And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear YHWH his God, to keep all the words of this torah and these statutes, to do them,
States the purpose clause governing the whole royal charter: continual reading produces fear of YHWH and careful obedience — the king's daily discipline of torah-reading, not military or dynastic power, is what Deuteronomy makes central to legitimate rule.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְהָיְתָ֣הand it shall beweqatal (Qal) 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — the scroll's ongoing presenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 3fs agreeing with the (feminine) torah-scroll/copy just mentioned.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms sf · עִם (H5973)Adverbial complement of וְהָיְתָהעִם (H5973) 'with'; the scroll must remain in the king's personal possession, not archived away.
וְקָ֥רָאand he shall readweqatal (Qal) 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: obligatory consequence — the king's ongoing practiceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, read (aloud)'; the king's personal, presumably regular, engagement with the text.
ב֖וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms sf · בְּAdverbial complement of וְקָרָאThe preposition בְּ with 3ms suffix, referring to the scroll.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifying יְמֵי (temporal extent)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; comprehensive temporal scope — reading is a lifelong discipline, not a onetime act.
יְמֵ֣יthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive completing כָּל (construct chain)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct plural, 'the days of.'
חַיָּ֑יוhis lifeN m pl constr + 3ms sf · חַי (H2416)Genitive completing יְמֵי (construct chain)חַי (H2416) 'life, living'; plural form idiomatic for 'lifetime' — 'all the days of his life.'
לְמַ֣עַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Prepositional phrase of purpose introducing the resultלְמַעַן (H4616) 'so that, in order that'; introduces the purpose of the continual reading.
יִלְמַ֗דhe may learnQal impf 3ms · לָמַד (H3925)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: purpose/result — the intended fruit of daily readingלָמַד (H3925) 'to learn'; the practical goal of possessing and reading the scroll.
לְיִרְאָה֙to fearprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָרֵא (H3372)Infinitival complement of יִלְמַד→ Infinitive construct: complementary — the content of what is learnedיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the disposition of reverent obedience that reading the torah is meant to instill.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיו as the object of fearing.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of לְיִרְאָה (via אֶת)יְהוָה (H3068), the object of the king's learned fear.
אֱלֹהָ֔יוhis GodN m pl constr + 3ms sf · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 3ms suffix, 'his God' — even the king stands under YHWH as his own God.
לִ֠שְׁמֹרto keepprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַר (H8104)Infinitival complement of יִלְמַד (second purpose)→ Infinitive construct: complementary — the practical outcome of fearשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, observe'; the practical corollary of fearing YHWH — careful obedience to the torah's content.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking כָּל דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה as definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifying דִּבְרֵי (comprehensive scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; comprehensive scope of the required obedience.
דִּבְרֵ֞יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive completing כָּל (construct chain)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; plural construct, 'the words of' — the content of the torah in its particulars.
הַתּוֹרָ֥הthe torahart + N f sg abs · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Genitive completing דִּבְרֵי (construct chain)תּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law'; repeated once more, underscoring its centrality to kingship.
הַזֹּ֛אתthisart + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַתּוֹרָהזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fs); deictic, the same specific torah just described.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks הַחֻקִּים as the definite second object.
הַחֻקִּ֥יםthe statutesart + N m pl abs · חֹק (H2706)Direct object (second of pair with דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה)חֹק (H2706) 'statute, decree'; paired with 'the words of the torah' for comprehensive coverage of the legal material.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַחֻקִּיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; deictic plural, pointing to the specific statutes of this torah.
לַעֲשֹׂתָֽםto do themprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3mp obj sf · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitival complement of לִשְׁמֹר (purpose/result)→ Infinitive construct: complementary — the practical fulfillment of keepingעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the final infinitive names actual performance, not mere knowledge, as the goal of the king's reading.
20
לְבִלְתִּ֤י רוּם לְבָבוֹ֙ מֵֽאֶחָ֔יו וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י ס֥וּר מִן הַמִּצְוָ֖ה יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לְמַעַן֩ יַאֲרִ֨יךְ יָמִ֧ים עַל מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹ ה֥וּא וּבָנָ֖יו בְּקֶ֥רֶב יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
so that his heart may not be lifted above his brothers, and so that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he may prolong his days over his kingdom, he and his sons, in the midst of Israel.
Closes the kingship law with the theological center of the whole unit: the torah-discipline exists so that the king's heart not be lifted above his brothers — the antithesis of pagan kingship's self-exaltation — with covenant longevity (long days, for him and his sons) as the reward of humble, book-bound rule, echoing the deuteronomic 'right or left' formula of v.11.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
לְבִלְתִּ֤יso that notprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative infinitival purpose clauseבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, except'; with the following infinitive, 'so that...not' — negative purpose.
רוּםbe lifted upQal inf constr · רוּם (H7311)Infinitive construct completing לְבִלְתִּי (negated purpose)→ Infinitive construct: negated purpose — the guarded-against outcomeרוּם (H7311) 'to be high, rise, be exalted'; the danger of self-exaltation the whole royal charter is designed to prevent.
לְבָבוֹ֙his heartN m sg constr + 3ms sf · לֵבָב (H3824)Subject of רוּםלֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind'; the seat of the king's self-assessment relative to his people.
מֵֽאֶחָ֔יוabove his brothersprep מִן + N m pl constr + 3ms sf · אָח (H251)Adverbial prepositional phrase (comparative)אָח (H251) 'brother'; with מִן, comparative 'above/more than his brothers' — the king remains fundamentally a brother among brothers, not a being apart.
וּלְבִלְתִּ֛יand so that notconj וְ + prep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative infinitival purpose clause (second)בִּלְתִּי (H1115), repeated for the second negative purpose clause.
ס֥וּרturn asideQal inf constr · סוּר (H5493)Infinitive construct completing וּלְבִלְתִּי (negated purpose)→ Infinitive construct: negated purposeסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside'; the same verb from vv.11, 17 — fidelity to the commandment, like fidelity to the court's ruling, admits no deviation.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, complement of סוּר)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the commandment as the fixed reference point.
הַמִּצְוָ֖הthe commandmentart + N f sg abs · מִצְוָה (H4687)Object of מִןמִצְוָה (H4687) 'commandment'; the torah's content summarized as a single unified charge.
יָמִ֣יןthe rightN f sg abs (adverbial) · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial accusative of direction (idiom of total conformity)יָמִין (H3225) 'right'; paired with שְׂמֹאול in the same idiom as v.11 — absolute, undeviating obedience.
וּשְׂמֹ֑אולor the leftconj וְ + N m sg abs (adverbial) · שְׂמֹאול (H8040)Adverbial accusative of direction (second term of the idiom)שְׂמֹאול (H8040) 'left'; completes the idiom, echoing v.11's formula for the court's ruling — now applied to the torah as a whole.
לְמַעַן֩in order thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Prepositional phrase of purpose introducing the final clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'so that, in order that'; introduces the reward-purpose of the king's humble obedience.
יַאֲרִ֨יךְhe may prolongHiphil impf 3ms · אָרַךְ (H748)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: purpose/result — the promised reward of covenant longevityאָרַךְ (H748), Hiphil 'to prolong, lengthen'; the standard covenant-blessing verb for extended life/reign in the land.
יָמִ֧יםhis daysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Direct object of יַאֲרִיךְיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural, 'days' — the length of his reign.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marking the domain of his prolonged days.
מַמְלַכְתּ֛וֹhis kingdomN f sg constr + 3ms sf · מַמְלָכָה (H4467)Object of עַלמַמְלָכָה (H4467) 'kingdom'; repeats v.18's dynastic term, closing the chapter's royal frame.
ה֥וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject in apposition (emphatic, coordinate with וּבָנָיו)הוּא (H1931), emphatic independent pronoun, 'he himself' — coordinated with his sons as joint beneficiaries.
וּבָנָ֖יוand his sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3ms sf · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject with הוּאבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the dynastic promise extends to his heirs, echoing 2 Sam 7's Davidic covenant language.
בְּקֶ֥רֶבin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; the king's reign situated within, not above, the nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing בְּקֶרֶב (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the chapter's closing word — the king's throne endures 'in the midst of Israel,' a member of the covenant people to the end.