1
לֹֽא יִ֠הְיֶה לַכֹּהֲנִ֨ים הַלְוִיִּ֜ם כָּל שֵׁ֧בֶט לֵוִ֛י חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה עִם יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִשֵּׁ֧י יְהוָ֛ה וְנַחֲלָת֖וֹ יֹאכֵלֽוּן
The Levitical priests -- the whole tribe of Levi -- shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the fire offerings of YHWH, which is his inheritance.
The chapter opens abruptly, without connective, on the priests' lack of tribal inheritance -- a sharp topical break from the land-allotment material of the preceding chapters. The wordplay between the denied נַחֲלָה of v.1a and YHWH's own נַחֲלָה that becomes the priests' food in v.1b frames the whole pericope: Levi's compensation is cultic, not territorial.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808), the standard Hebrew negator; here negating the existence-verb יִהְיֶה to deny the priests any tribal share.
יִ֠הְיֶהthere shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, existential)→ Yiqtol: modal/deontic -- a durative legal stipulationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; here existential/copular, negated: 'there shall not be to the priests...' = they shall have no portion.
לַכֹּהֲנִ֨יםfor the priestsprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Dative of possession (with negated יהיה = 'shall have no')כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest', plural with article and prefixed לְ marking the dative-possessor of the negated existential clause.
הַלְוִיִּ֜םthe Levitesart + gentilic N m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים (identifying the priests as Levites)לֵוִי (H3881) gentilic 'Levite'; in apposition, identifying the priesthood as drawn from the tribe of Levi.
כָּלall/wholeN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing שֵׁבֶט לֵוִי (broadening the reference)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole, every'; construct heading 'the whole tribe of Levi', broadening the statement beyond officiating priests to the entire tribe.
שֵׁ֧בֶטthe tribe ofN m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Construct noun, governed by כָּל, governing לֵוִישֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe, rod, staff'; here the tribal unit of Levi.
לֵוִ֛יLeviproper noun · לֵוִי (H3878)Genitive (construct chain: tribe of Levi)לֵוִי (H3878), the patriarch and eponymous ancestor of the priestly tribe.
חֵ֥לֶקa portionN m sg abs · חֵלֶק (H2506)Subject of יִהְיֶה (predicate nominative of the negated existential)חֵלֶק (H2506) 'portion, share, allotment'; the term for a tribal land-share, which Levi is denied.
וְנַחֲלָ֖הor inheritanceconj וְ + N f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Coordinate subject with חֵלֶקנַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance, hereditary property'; paired with חֵלֶק, denoting the tribal land-allotment Levi will not receive.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Comitative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with, together with'; marks Israel as the other tribes among whom Levi has no territorial share.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of preposition עִםיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant nation, here denoting the other tribes with their land allotments.
אִשֵּׁ֧יthe fire offerings ofN m pl constr · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Construct chain; direct object of the implied verb (Levi's compensation)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'offering made by fire' (traditionally linked to אֵשׁ 'fire'); the priestly portions of the sacrificial offerings.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct: fire-offerings of YHWH)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the offerings belong to him and he assigns their priestly portion.
וְנַחֲלָת֖וֹand his inheritanceconj וְ + N f sg constr + 3ms sfx · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Coordinate direct object with אִשֵּׁי יְהוָהנַחֲלָה (H5159) with 3ms suffix, 'his inheritance' -- YHWH's portion of the offerings, becoming the priests' due; a wordplay on v.1a's denied נַחֲלָה.
יֹאכֵלֽוּןthey shall eatQal impf 3mp (paragogic nun) · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: durative/customary -- the ongoing, legally prescribed practiceאָכַל (H398) 'to eat, consume'; paragogic nun adds emphasis; here of the priests consuming their assigned portion of the offerings.
2
וְנַחֲלָ֥ה לֹא יִֽהְיֶה לּ֖וֹ בְּקֶ֣רֶב אֶחָ֑יו יְהוָה֙ ה֣וּא נַחֲלָת֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּר לֽוֹ
He shall have no inheritance among his brothers; YHWH is his inheritance, just as he promised him.
The vav-initial clause specifies v.1's tribal statement for the individual: no Levite receives a territorial share; instead YHWH himself is his נַחֲלָה, a claim grounded (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר) in a prior divine word, tying this legislation to earlier promises (cf. Num 18:20; Deut 10:9).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְנַחֲלָ֥הand an inheritanceconj וְ + N f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Coordinate subject, resuming v.1's themeנַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance'; resumes v.1's denial, now stated of the individual Levite ('he').
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808), standard negator of the predicate.
יִֽהְיֶהhe shall haveQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, existential)→ Yiqtol: modal/deontic legal stipulationהָיָה (H1961) existential 'to be'; negated with dative לּוֹ, 'there shall not be to him' = 'he shall have no'.
לּ֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms sfx · לְ (l)Dative of possessionלְ + 3ms suffix, the possessor in the negated existential clause -- the individual Levite.
בְּקֶ֣רֶבamongprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; with בְּ, 'in the midst of' = among.
אֶחָ֑יוhis brothersN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Object of preposition בְּקֶרֶבאָח (H251) 'brother'; here the Levite's fellow Israelites of the other tribes.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of nominal clauseיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; here the predicated 'inheritance' of the individual priest/Levite.
ה֣וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Copular pronoun (resumptive subject-predicate link)הוּא (H1931) 3ms independent pronoun functioning as copula: 'YHWH -- he -- is his inheritance'.
נַחֲלָת֔וֹhis inheritanceN f sg constr + 3ms sfx · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Predicate nominativeנַחֲלָה (H5159) with 3ms suffix; YHWH himself, not land, constitutes the Levite's 'inheritance' -- the theological center of the chapter's opening.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as, according to what'; introduces the ground clause recalling a prior divine promise (cf. Deut 10:9; Num 18:20).
דִּבֶּרhe had promisedPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: an antecedent completed act (the prior promise)דִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; here of YHWH's earlier promise concerning the Levites' portion.
לֽוֹto himprep לְ + 3ms sfx · לְ (l)Indirect object of דִּבֶּרלְ + 3ms suffix, the recipient of YHWH's promise -- the Levite/tribe of Levi.
3
וְזֶ֡ה יִהְיֶה֩ מִשְׁפַּ֨ט הַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים מֵאֵ֣ת הָעָ֗ם מֵאֵ֛ת זֹבְחֵ֥י הַזֶּ֖בַח אִם שׁ֣וֹר אִם שֶׂ֑ה וְנָתַן֙ לַכֹּהֵ֔ן הַזְּרֹ֥עַ וְהַלְּחָיַ֖יִם וְהַקֵּבָֽה
This shall be the priests' due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether ox or sheep: they shall give the priest the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the stomach.
The formula וְזֶה יִהְיֶה מִשְׁפַּט signals a fresh regulation specifying, item by item, the priest's tangible share of every lay sacrifice (shoulder, jowls, stomach), balancing the theological claim of vv.1-2 (YHWH as inheritance) with concrete material provision.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְזֶ֡הand thisconj וְ + demonstrative pronoun ms · זֶה (H2088)Subject, introducing the following legal formulaזֶה (H2088) demonstrative 'this'; points forward to the priestly-due regulation that follows.
יִהְיֶה֩shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, copular)→ Yiqtol: durative legal stipulationהָיָה (H1961) copular 'to be'; introduces the standing legal formula מִשְׁפַּט הַכֹּהֲנִים.
מִשְׁפַּ֨טthe due ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Predicate nominative, construct governing הַכֹּהֲנִיםמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, custom, legal due'; here the priests' legally prescribed entitlement from the people's sacrifices.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֜יםof the priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive (construct chain)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest', plural with article; the beneficiaries of the מִשְׁפָּט.
מֵאֵ֣תfromcompound prep מִן + אֵת · אֵת (H854)Source prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with, from', compounded with מִן; marks the source of the priestly due -- the offering people.
הָעָ֗םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition מֵאֵתעַם (H5971) 'people'; here the lay Israelites who bring sacrifices.
מֵאֵ֛תfromcompound prep מִן + אֵת · אֵת (H854)Source prepositional phrase, appositionally narrowing 'the people'אֵת (H854) with מִן; second, appositional source-phrase narrowing 'the people' to those actually sacrificing.
זֹבְחֵ֥יthose sacrificingQal ptc m pl constr · זָבַח (H2076)Substantival participle, construct, object of preposition מֵאֵת→ Participle: durative/characterizing -- those engaged in the act of sacrificingזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; the Qal participle substantivized, 'sacrificers', in construct with הַזֶּבַח.
הַזֶּ֖בַחthe sacrificeart + N m sg abs · זֶבַח (H2077)Genitive (construct chain: sacrificers of the sacrifice)זֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice, slaughtered offering', cognate to זֹבְחֵי; the object slaughtered.
אִםwhetherconj · אִם (H518)Disjunctive conjunction (first of pair)אִם (H518) here disjunctive 'whether...or', not conditional 'if'.
שׁ֣וֹרoxN m sg abs · שׁוֹר (H7794)First disjunctשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; large cattle offered in sacrifice.
אִםorconj · אִם (H518)Disjunctive conjunction (second of pair)אִם (H518) 'or', continuing the disjunction.
שֶׂ֑הsheep/goatN c sg abs · שֶׂה (H7716)Second disjunctשֶׂה (H7716) 'a sheep or goat, one of the flock'; small livestock offered in sacrifice.
וְנָתַן֙and he shall giveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the legal stipulation)→ Weqatal: continuation of durative legal instruction (the offerer's obligation)נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the offerer must give these portions to the priest.
לַכֹּהֵ֔ןto the priestprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Indirect object of וְנָתַןכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest', singular, the recipient of the specified cuts.
הַזְּרֹ֥עַthe shoulderart + N c sg abs · זְרוֹעַ (H2220)Direct object (first of three)זְרוֹעַ (H2220) 'arm, shoulder (foreleg)'; one of the priest's three prescribed cuts of the sacrificial animal.
וְהַלְּחָיַ֖יִםand the two cheeksconj + art + N c dual abs · לְחִי (H3895)Direct object (second of three, dual form)לְחִי (H3895) 'cheek, jaw', dual form 'the two cheeks/jowls'; second prescribed priestly cut.
וְהַקֵּבָֽהand the stomachconj + art + N f sg abs · קֵבָה (H6896)Direct object (third of three)קֵבָה (H6896) 'stomach, maw'; the third prescribed priestly cut, completing the triad.
4
רֵאשִׁ֨ית דְּגָֽנְךָ֜ תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣ וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָ וְרֵאשִׁ֛ית גֵּ֥ז צֹאנְךָ֖ תִּתֶּן לּֽוֹ
The firstfruits of your grain, your new wine, and your oil, and the first shearing of your flock, you shall give him.
Without a connective, the verse extends v.3's animal-sacrifice dues to the produce of the land -- the standard grain-wine-oil triad plus the first fleece -- rounding out the priest's regular income from both flock and field.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
רֵאשִׁ֨יתthe firstfruits ofN f sg constr · רֵאשִׁית (H7225)Direct object (construct, fronted for emphasis)רֵאשִׁית (H7225) 'first, beginning, choicest part'; the first/best portion of the produce, owed to the priest.
דְּגָֽנְךָ֜your grainN m sg constr + 2ms sfx · דָּגָן (H1715)Genitive (construct: firstfruits of your grain)דָּגָן (H1715) 'grain, corn'; one of the triad of staple produce (grain, wine, oil).
תִּֽירֹשְׁךָ֣your new wineN m sg constr + 2ms sfx · תִּירוֹשׁ (H8492)Coordinate direct object (asyndetic, second of triad)תִּירוֹשׁ (H8492) 'new wine, must'; second of the triad of firstfruits produce.
וְיִצְהָרֶ֗ךָand your oilconj + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · יִצְהָר (H3323)Coordinate direct object (third of triad)יִצְהָר (H3323) 'fresh oil'; completes the standard triad דָּגָן-תִּירוֹשׁ-יִצְהָר representing all agricultural firstfruits.
וְרֵאשִׁ֛יתand the first ofconj + N f sg constr · רֵאשִׁית (H7225)Coordinate direct object, construct heading a new itemרֵאשִׁית (H7225), repeated to introduce a distinct category -- the first shearing of the flock -- alongside the produce triad.
גֵּ֥זthe fleece/shearing ofN m sg constr · גֵּז (H1488)Genitive (construct chain)גֵּז (H1488) 'shearing, fleece'; the wool cut from the sheep.
צֹאנְךָ֖your flockN c sg constr + 2ms sfx · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive (construct chain: shearing of your flock)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, small livestock'; the source of the fleece owed as a priestly due.
תִּתֶּןyou shall giveQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/deontic -- an ongoing obligationנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the addressee (the Israelite householder) is commanded to render these items.
לּֽוֹto himprep לְ + 3ms sfx · לְ (l)Indirect object of תִּתֶּןלְ + 3ms suffix, referring back to הַכֹּהֵן of v.3 -- the priest as recipient.
5
כִּ֣י ב֗וֹ בָּחַ֛ר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ מִכָּל שְׁבָטֶ֑יךָ לַעֲמֹ֨ד לְשָׁרֵ֧ת בְּשֵׁם יְהוָ֛ה ה֥וּא וּבָנָ֖יו כָּל הַיָּמִֽים
For YHWH your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of YHWH, he and his sons, all the days.
The כִּי-clause grounds vv.3-4's provisions in YHWH's own electing act: the priesthood is not a human arrangement but a divine choice 'out of all your tribes', extended in perpetuity to the priestly line ('he and his sons, all the days').
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, grounding the preceding duesכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the priestly income regulations in Levi's divine election.
ב֗וֹhimprep בְּ + 3ms sfx · בְּ (b)Fronted direct object (resumed by בָּחַר)בְּ + 3ms suffix; fronted for emphasis as the object of בָּחַר -- 'him YHWH has chosen'.
בָּחַ֛רhas chosenQal perf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of divine electionבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose, select'; YHWH's electing act constituting the Levites' priesthood.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of בָּחַריְהוָה (H3068), the subject who elects the tribe of Levi to priestly service.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix, 'your God'; covenantal apposition to the divine name.
מִכָּלfrom allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) with מִן, 'from all/out of the whole of'; marks Levi's selection as a partitive choice among the tribes.
שְׁבָטֶ֑יךָyour tribesN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Genitive (object of partitive מִכָּל)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe', plural with 2ms suffix; the twelve tribes from among which Levi was singled out.
לַעֲמֹ֨דto standprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָמַד (H5975)Purpose infinitive construct (first of pair)→ Infinitive: purpose/result of the electing actעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; of cultic standing/service before YHWH, the first purpose of the election.
לְשָׁרֵ֧תto ministerprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שֵׁרֵת (H8334)Purpose infinitive construct (second of pair)→ Infinitive: purpose/result of the electing actשֵׁרֵת (Piel of H8334) 'to serve, minister'; technical term for cultic priestly/Levitical service.
בְּשֵׁםin the name ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase modifying לְשָׁרֵתשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; 'to minister in YHWH's name' denotes acting as his authorized representative.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct: in the name of YHWH)יְהוָה (H3068), whose name/authority the priest ministers under.
ה֥וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject (in apposition, specifying who serves)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun resuming the referent of בוֹ -- the individual priest.
וּבָנָ֖יוand his sonsconj + N m pl constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject with הוּאבֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural with 3ms suffix; extends priestly service to his descendants -- hereditary succession.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַיָּמִים (adverbial accusative of duration)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; heads the idiom כָּל הַיָּמִים 'all the days' = perpetually/forever.
הַיָּמִֽיםthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive (construct chain: adverbial accusative of duration)יוֹם (H3117) 'day', plural with article; with כָּל forms the idiom for perpetuity -- the priesthood is a permanent office.
6
וְכִֽי יָבֹ֨א הַלֵּוִ֜י מֵאַחַ֤ד שְׁעָרֶ֨יךָ֙ מִכָּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁר ה֖וּא גָּ֣ר שָׁ֑ם וּבָא֙ בְּכָל אַוַּ֣ת נַפְשׁ֔וֹ אֶל הַמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַ֥ר יְהוָֽה
And if a Levite comes from any of your towns, out of all Israel, where he has been sojourning, and comes with all the desire of his soul to the place that YHWH will choose,
The protasis sets up the apodosis in vv.7-8: a Levite may leave his town -- where he has only sojourner status, having no tribal land -- and come, wholeheartedly, to the central sanctuary; the emphatic בְּכָל אַוַּת נַפְשׁוֹ underscores that this move is voluntary devotion, not compulsion.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְכִֽיand ifconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing a new casuistic scenarioכִּי (H3588) here conditional 'if/when'; opens the case of the country Levite who relocates to the central sanctuary.
יָבֹ֨אcomesQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (protasis of conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/conditional -- a hypothetical, recurring caseבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, enter'; the Levite's initial departure from his town.
הַלֵּוִ֜יthe Leviteart + gentilic N m sg abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Subject of יָבֹאלֵוִי (H3881) gentilic with article, 'the Levite'; here generically, any member of the tribe living outside the central sanctuary.
מֵאַחַ֤דfrom one ofprep מִן + numeral constr · אֶחָד (H259)Source prepositional phrase (partitive)אֶחָד (H259) 'one', construct with מִן, 'from one of' -- i.e., from any of.
שְׁעָרֶ֨יךָ֙your townsN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · שַׁעַר (H8179)Genitive (object of partitive phrase)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate', plural with 2ms suffix, idiomatic for 'towns/settlements' (the gate representing the town).
מִכָּלout of allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phrase, appositionally specifying the scopeכֹּל (H3605) with מִן, 'out of all'; broadens 'your towns' to the whole territory of Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (object of מִכָּל)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the whole territory occupied by the tribes, in which Levites are dispersed without a tribal territory of their own.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; here locally, 'where'.
ה֖וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of relative clauseהוּא (H1931) resumptive subject of the relative clause, referring to הַלֵּוִי.
גָּ֣רis sojourningQal ptc m sg abs · גּוּר (H1481)Predicate participle (relative clause)→ Participle: durative -- his ongoing state of residenceגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, reside as a resident alien'; the Levite's landless dwelling status among the tribes, consistent with having no territorial נַחֲלָה.
שָׁ֑םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb, resuming the antecedent 'your towns'שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anaphoric to the Levite's town of residence.
וּבָא֙and comesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the protasis)→ Weqatal: continuation of the conditional/modal sequenceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the Levite's further journey to the chosen sanctuary, resuming יָבֹא.
בְּכָלwith allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Manner prepositional phrase, construct governing אַוַּת נַפְשׁוֹכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; heads the idiom 'with the whole desire of his soul' expressing wholehearted motivation.
אַוַּ֣תthe desire ofN f sg constr · אַוָּה (H185)Genitive (construct chain)אַוָּה (H185) 'desire, longing, craving'; the Levite's personal, voluntary longing to serve at the sanctuary.
נַפְשׁ֔וֹhis soulN c sg constr + 3ms sfx · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive (construct chain: desire of his soul)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, self, appetite'; with אַוָּה forms an idiom for full, personal eagerness.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the Levite's journey.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; Deuteronomy's recurring designation for the single chosen sanctuary site.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַמָּקוֹםאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle introducing the divine-election formula.
יִבְחַ֥רwill chooseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: future/characterizing -- YHWH's ongoing prerogative of choiceבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; Deuteronomy's standard formula for YHWH's selection of the central sanctuary site.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִבְחַריְהוָה (H3068), the one who chooses the central place of worship.
7
וְשֵׁרֵ֕ת בְּשֵׁ֖ם יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֑יו כְּכָל אֶחָיו֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם הָעֹמְדִ֥ים שָׁ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה
then he shall minister in the name of YHWH his God, like all his brothers the Levites who stand there before YHWH.
The apodosis grants the migrating Levite full liturgical parity with those already serving permanently at the sanctuary -- no second-class status for the one who comes 'from the towns'.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְשֵׁרֵ֕תthen he shall ministerconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שֵׁרֵת (H8334)Predicate verb (apodosis of the conditional sentence begun in v.6)→ Weqatal: apodosis -- the resulting entitlement/permissionשֵׁרֵת (Piel of H8334) 'to serve, minister'; the apodosis: the migrating Levite is granted full cultic service, resuming לְשָׁרֵת of v.5.
בְּשֵׁ֖םin the name ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase modifying וְשֵׁרֵתשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; as in v.5, denotes ministering under YHWH's authority.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068), whose name/authority frames all Levitical service.
אֱלֹהָ֑יוhis GodN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 3ms suffix, 'his God'; covenantal apposition.
כְּכָלlike allprep כְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) with כְּ, 'like all'; establishes full parity with the resident Levites.
אֶחָיו֙his brothersN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Genitive (object of comparative phrase)אָח (H251) 'brother', here of fellow Levites/kinsmen serving at the sanctuary.
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + gentilic N m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Apposition to אֶחָיולֵוִי (H3881), identifying 'his brothers' specifically as fellow Levites.
הָעֹמְדִ֥יםwho stand/serveart + Qal ptc m pl abs · עָמַד (H5975)Substantival participle (attributive, modifying הַלְוִיִּם)→ Participle: durative -- their ongoing cultic standing/serviceעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; here of continuous cultic attendance at the sanctuary, echoing לַעֲמֹד of v.5.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb modifying הָעֹמְדִיםשָׁם (H8033) 'there', anaphoric to הַמָּקוֹם of v.6.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of locationפָּנִים (H6440) 'face', construct with לְ, idiomatic 'before, in the presence of'.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), in whose presence the resident Levites minister at the sanctuary.
8
חֵ֥לֶק כְּחֵ֖לֶק יֹאכֵ֑לוּ לְבַ֥ד מִמְכָּרָ֖יו עַל הָאָבֽוֹת
They shall eat equal portions, besides what he receives from the sale of his patrimony.
The verse closes the priestly-portion unit by guaranteeing full equality at the sanctuary table regardless of a Levite's prior residence, while allowing him to keep, in addition, whatever he realizes from family property sold before relocating -- resolving a potential inequity between resident and migrating Levites.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
חֵ֥לֶקportionN m sg abs · חֵלֶק (H2506)Adverbial accusative (distributive: 'portion for portion')חֵלֶק (H2506) 'portion, share'; first term of the distributive idiom for equal shares.
כְּחֵ֖לֶקlike a portionprep כְּ + N m sg abs · חֵלֶק (H2506)Comparative adverbial phrase completing the distributive idiomחֵלֶק (H2506) with כְּ; the doubled idiom חֵלֶק כְּחֵלֶק means 'equal portions', guaranteeing the migrating Levite the same share as resident priests.
יֹאכֵ֑לוּthey shall eatQal impf 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/deontic -- a legal entitlementאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the shared consumption of sacrificial portions among all serving priests/Levites equally.
לְבַ֥דbesidesprep לְ + N m sg abs · בַּד (H905)Adverbial phrase of exception/additionבַּד (H905) 'separation, part', with לְ forms the adverb 'apart from, besides, in addition to'.
מִמְכָּרָ֖יוhis sale-proceedsN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · מִמְכָּר (H4465)Object of the exceptive phrase לְבַדמִמְכָּר (H4465) 'sale, that which is sold/its proceeds', from מָכַר 'to sell'; likely proceeds from selling a family's patrimonial property/rights before relocating.
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying מִמְכָּרָיועַל (H5921) 'upon, concerning'; here marking the source/basis -- patrimonial property.
הָאָבֽוֹתthe fathers/patrimonyart + N m pl abs · אָב (H1)Object of preposition עַלאָב (H1) 'father', plural with article, 'the fathers' -- ancestral/family property or rights, a private supplement to the equal cultic portion.
9
כִּ֤י אַתָּה֙ בָּ֣א אֶל הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑ךְ לֹֽא תִלְמַ֣ד לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כְּתוֹעֲבֹ֖ת הַגּוֹיִ֥ם הָהֵֽם
When you come into the land that YHWH your God is giving you, you shall not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations.
Entry into the land is the occasion, not the cause, of the command: the prohibition against learning Canaanite cultic 'abominations' functions as a boundary-marker distinguishing Israel's worship from that of the dispossessed nations, setting up the itemized catalogue that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
כִּ֤יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/causal conjunction introducing a new sectionכִּי (H3588) here temporal 'when'; opens the divination-prohibition unit.
אַתָּה֙youindependent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (fronted for emphasis)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun, emphatic subject of בָּא.
בָּ֣אare comingQal ptc m sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate participle (main clause)→ Participle: imminent/durative -- the impending entry into the landבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; participle expressing Israel's imminent entry into Canaan.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the destination of entry.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the promised land of Canaan.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), introducing the land-grant formula.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of relative clauseיְהוָה (H3068), the giver of the land.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; covenantal apposition.
נֹתֵ֣ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle (relative clause)→ Participle: durative/ongoing -- the land-gift as a continuing divine actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; participle, Deuteronomy's standard formula for the divine land grant.
לָ֑ךְto youprep לְ + 2fs sfx (pausal) · לְ (l)Indirect object of נֹתֵןלְ with a rare pausal 2fs-form suffix addressing the (male) nation/individual -- an orthographic peculiarity, not a change of addressee; the recipient of the land.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִלְמַדלֹא (H3808), negating the prohibition.
תִלְמַ֣דyou shall learnQal impf 2ms · לָמַד (H3925)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol (prohibitive): a durative command against acquiring the practiceלָמַד (H3925) 'to learn'; the prohibition targets not merely doing but even learning/acquiring pagan cultic practices.
לַעֲשׂ֔וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive construct (object of תִלְמַד)→ Infinitive: complementary -- specifying what must not be learnedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; complements תִלְמַד, 'to learn to do'.
כְּתוֹעֲבֹ֖תaccording to the abominations ofprep כְּ + N f pl constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Prepositional phrase of manner/standard, construct chainתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; the technical term for cultically abhorrent practices, heading the catalogue of vv.10-11.
הַגּוֹיִ֥םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Genitive (construct chain)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; here the Canaanite peoples whose practices are forbidden.
הָהֵֽםthoseart + pronoun 3mp (demonstrative use) · הֵם (H1992)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַגּוֹיִםהֵם (H1992) 3mp pronoun used demonstratively with article, 'those (nations)'; points to the peoples currently occupying the land.
10
לֹֽא יִמָּצֵ֣א בְךָ֔ מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽוֹ וּבִתּ֖וֹ בָּאֵ֑שׁ קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּמְכַשֵּֽׁף
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, a diviner of divinations, a soothsayer, an omen-reader, or a sorcerer,
The catalogue's nine terms are strung as a single sentence under one negated verb, יִמָּצֵא, 'let there not be found' -- a rhetorical accumulation that overwhelms the reader with the sheer range of occult practice Israel must reject, beginning with the most heinous (child sacrifice by fire) and moving through the standard divinatory professions.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִמָּצֵאלֹא (H3808), negating the passive existential verb that governs the whole catalogue.
יִמָּצֵ֣אshall be foundNiphal impf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (Niphal, prohibitive): a durative prohibition framed as non-existenceמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; Niphal passive 'to be found' -- the entire catalogue is framed negatively as things that must not exist in Israel.
בְךָ֔among youprep בְּ + 2ms sfx · בְּ (b)Locative prepositional phraseבְּ + 2ms suffix, 'in/among you' -- the community addressed.
מַעֲבִ֥ירone who makes pass throughHiphil ptc m sg abs · עָבַר (H5674)Substantival participle, subject of יִמָּצֵא (first item in the catalogue)→ Participle: characterizing -- one habitually engaged in this actעָבַר (Hiphil of H5674) 'to cause to pass over/through'; of causing a child to 'pass through the fire' -- child sacrifice or a related fire ritual associated with Molech worship (cf. Lev 18:21; 2 Kgs 23:10).
בְּנֽוֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of מַעֲבִירבֵּן (H1121) 'son', with 3ms suffix; the victim of the forbidden fire-rite.
וּבִתּ֖וֹand his daughterconj + N f sg constr + 3ms sfx · בַּת (H1323)Coordinate direct object with בְּנוֹבַּת (H1323) 'daughter', with 3ms suffix; the female counterpart included in the prohibition.
בָּאֵ֑שׁin/through the fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Prepositional phrase of instrument/meansאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the medium of the forbidden rite, likely referring to Molech-cult child sacrifice.
קֹסֵ֣םa divinerQal ptc m sg abs · קָסַם (H7081)Substantival participle, second item in the catalogue (coordinate subject of יִמָּצֵא)→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitioner of divinationקָסַם (H7081) 'to divine, practice divination'; קֹסֵם קְסָמִים is a cognate-accusative idiom, 'one who divines divinations', the generic term for the diviner heading the catalogue.
קְסָמִ֔יםdivinationsN m pl abs · קֶסֶם (H7080)Cognate accusative object of קֹסֵםקֶסֶם (H7080) 'divination'; cognate noun intensifying קֹסֵם, the professional diviner who seeks hidden knowledge by occult means.
מְעוֹנֵ֥ןa soothsayerPoel ptc m sg abs · עָנַן (H6049)Substantival participle, third item in the catalogue→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitionerעָנַן (Poel of H6049), root uncertain, perhaps 'to cover with cloud' or linked to עַיִן 'eye'; a diviner reading omens -- traditionally 'soothsayer/augur'.
וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁand an omen-readerconj + Piel ptc m sg abs · נִחֵשׁ (H5172)Substantival participle, fourth item in the catalogue→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitionerנִחֵשׁ (Piel of H5172) 'to practice divination, observe signs/omens'; related to נָחָשׁ 'serpent', possibly reflecting serpent- or sign-divination (cf. Gen 44:5, 15).
וּמְכַשֵּֽׁףand a sorcererconj + Piel ptc m sg abs · כָּשַׁף (H3784)Substantival participle, fifth item in the catalogue→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitionerכָּשַׁף (Piel of H3784) 'to practice sorcery/witchcraft'; the general term for magical manipulation, capitally proscribed elsewhere (Exod 22:17).
11
וְחֹבֵ֖ר חָ֑בֶר וְשֹׁאֵ֥ל אוֹב֙ וְיִדְּעֹנִ֔י וְדֹרֵ֖שׁ אֶל הַמֵּתִֽים
or one who binds spells, or a medium, or a familiar spirit, or one who inquires of the dead.
The catalogue closes with the two classic terms for necromancy (אוֹב, יִדְּעֹנִי) and the explicit verb for consulting the dead (דֹּרֵשׁ אֶל הַמֵּתִים), building to the summary verdict of v.12: all such practice is 'an abomination to YHWH'.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְחֹבֵ֖רor one who binds spellsconj + Qal ptc m sg abs · חָבַר (H2266)Substantival participle, sixth item in the catalogue→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitionerחָבַר (H2266) 'to bind, join'; here of 'binding' magical spells/charms -- a spell-binder or charmer.
חָ֑בֶרa spell/charmN m sg abs · חֶבֶר (H2267)Cognate accusative object of חֹבֵרחֶבֶר (H2267) 'association, spell, charm', cognate to חֹבֵר; the object bound -- a magical incantation.
וְשֹׁאֵ֥לor one who consultsconj + Qal ptc m sg abs · שָׁאַל (H7592)Substantival participle, seventh item in the catalogue→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitionerשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'; here technically 'to consult' a spirit medium.
אוֹב֙a medium/ghostN m sg abs · אוֹב (H178)Direct object of שֹׁאֵלאוֹב (H178) 'medium, necromantic spirit'; the entity or practitioner consulted for contact with the dead (cf. the medium of Endor, 1 Sam 28).
וְיִדְּעֹנִ֔יor a familiar spiritconj + N m sg abs · יִדְּעֹנִי (H3049)Coordinate object, eighth item in the catalogueיִדְּעֹנִי (H3049) 'familiar spirit, wizard', from יָדַע 'to know'; regularly paired with אוֹב as the two classic necromantic categories (cf. Lev 19:31; 20:6, 27).
וְדֹרֵ֖שׁor one who seeks/inquiresconj + Qal ptc m sg abs · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Substantival participle, ninth and final item in the catalogue→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitionerדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to seek, inquire, resort to'; here technically of consulting the dead -- necromancy proper, the catalogue's climactic and most explicit term.
אֶלofprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of דֹרֵשׁאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; with דֹּרֵשׁ forms the idiom 'to inquire of' the dead.
הַמֵּתִֽיםthe deadart + Qal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · מוּת (H4191)Substantival participle, object of preposition אֶל→ Participle: substantival -- those who have died, as a classמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the Qal participle substantivized, 'the dead ones', the object of illicit necromantic inquiry.
12
כִּֽי תוֹעֲבַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה כָּל עֹ֣שֵׂה אֵ֑לֶּה וּבִגְלַל֙ הַתּוֹעֵבֹ֣ת הָאֵ֔לֶּה יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ מוֹרִ֥ישׁ אוֹתָ֖ם מִפָּנֶֽיךָ
For whoever does these things is an abomination to YHWH, and because of these abominations YHWH your God is driving them out before you.
The verse supplies the theological rationale for the whole unit: these practices are inherently repugnant to YHWH, and it is precisely because of them -- not merely Israel's need for land -- that the Canaanite nations are being dispossessed; the wordplay מוֹרִישׁ/נַחֲלָה (root ירש) links the nations' expulsion to Israel's inheritance.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, grounding the prohibition in YHWH's verdictכִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the theological rationale for the catalogue's prohibition.
תוֹעֲבַ֥תan abomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Predicate nominative, construct governing יְהוָהתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination'; repeated from v.9, now applied as YHWH's own verdict on the practitioners.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct: abomination of YHWH = 'abhorrent to YHWH')יְהוָה (H3068), the one to whom such practices are abhorrent.
כָּלeveryone whoN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject, construct governing עֹשֵׂהכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everyone'; universalizing the verdict to any practitioner without exception.
עֹ֣שֵׂהdoes/practicesQal ptc m sg constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Substantival participle, construct, subject complement (= 'whoever does')→ Participle: characterizing -- anyone engaged in these practicesעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, practice'; the participle generalizes the verdict to cover any of the nine preceding categories.
אֵ֑לֶּהthese thingsdemonstrative pronoun cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Direct object of עֹשֵׂהאֵלֶּה (H428) demonstrative plural 'these'; refers back to the whole catalogue of vv.10-11.
וּבִגְלַל֙and because ofconj + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · גָּלָל (H1558)Causal prepositional phraseגָּלָל (H1558) 'roll, matter, cause', construct with בְּ, 'because of, on account of'; introduces the second causal clause explaining the conquest.
הַתּוֹעֵבֹ֣תthe abominationsart + N f pl abs · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Genitive (object of causal phrase)תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) plural with article, resuming the same term now as the ground for dispossession.
הָאֵ֔לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pronoun cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַתּוֹעֵבֹתאֵלֶּה (H428) with article, 'these (abominations)', anaphoric to vv.10-11.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of מוֹרִישׁיְהוָה (H3068), the agent driving out the Canaanite nations.
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; covenantal apposition.
מוֹרִ֥ישׁis driving outHiphil ptc m sg abs · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate participle (main clause)→ Participle: durative -- the ongoing/imminent divine act of dispossessionיָרַשׁ (Hiphil of H3423) 'to dispossess, drive out'; the same root that yields 'inherit' (Qal) -- a deliberate echo, since the nations are dispossessed of the very land Israel will 'inherit'.
אוֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of מוֹרִישׁאֵת (H853) object marker with 3mp suffix, referring to הַגּוֹיִם of v.9 -- 'them [the nations]'.
מִפָּנֶֽיךָfrom before youprep מִן + N c pl constr + 2ms sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of source/separationפָּנִים (H6440) 'face', with מִן and 2ms suffix, idiomatic 'from before you' -- dispossession clearing the land ahead of Israel's advance.
13
תָּמִ֣ים תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה עִ֖ם יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ
You shall be blameless before YHWH your God.
This terse, fronted-adjective sentence functions as the positive obverse of the whole catalogue: instead of seeking illicit access to hidden knowledge through diviners and mediums, Israel's calling is integral, undivided trust in YHWH alone -- the hinge verse pivoting toward the alternative epistemic channel introduced in v.15, the prophet.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
תָּמִ֣יםblameless/wholeadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Predicate adjective (fronted for emphasis)תָּמִים (H8549) 'complete, whole, blameless', from תָּמַם 'to be complete'; the positive counterpart to the forbidden occult practices -- undivided loyalty and integrity toward YHWH rather than seeking hidden knowledge through illicit means.
תִּֽהְיֶ֔הyou shall beQal impf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, copular)→ Yiqtol: modal/deontic -- a standing ethical demandהָיָה (H1961) copular 'to be'; here completing the predicate adjective תָּמִים as a durable state to be maintained.
עִ֖םwith/beforeprep · עִם (H5973)Relational prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with'; here relational, denoting wholehearted covenant relationship rather than mere spatial presence.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition עִםיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant partner with whom Israel must be תָּמִים.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; covenantal apposition.
14
כִּ֣י הַגּוֹיִ֣ם הָאֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ יוֹרֵ֣שׁ אוֹתָ֔ם אֶל מְעֹנְנִ֥ים וְאֶל קֹסְמִ֖ים יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ וְאַתָּ֕ה לֹ֣א כֵ֔ן נָ֛תַן לְךָ֖ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ
For these nations, whom you are dispossessing, listen to soothsayers and diviners, but as for you, YHWH your God has not permitted you to do so.
The verse pivots from prohibition (vv.9-13) to promise (vv.15ff.): Israel is denied the nations' divinatory channel not to leave it epistemically bereft but because YHWH has a superior provision in view -- the prophet like Moses, introduced in the very next verse.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction contrasting Israel with the nationsכִּי (H3588) 'for'; grounds the exclusion of divination in a contrast with the practice of the dispossessed nations.
הַגּוֹיִ֣םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject/topic of the sentenceגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; the Canaanite peoples, resumed from vv.9,12.
הָאֵ֗לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pronoun cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֵלֶּה (H428) with article, anaphoric demonstrative.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
אַתָּה֙youindependent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of relative clauseאַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun, emphatic subject of יוֹרֵשׁ.
יוֹרֵ֣שׁare dispossessingQal ptc m sg abs · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate participle (relative clause)→ Participle: durative/imminent -- Israel's ongoing act of dispossessionיָרַשׁ (H3423) Qal 'to inherit/dispossess'; the same root as מוֹרִישׁ (Hiphil, v.12) -- Israel dispossesses the nations that YHWH is driving out.
אוֹתָ֔םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of יוֹרֵשׁאֵת (H853) object marker with 3mp suffix, referring to הַגּוֹיִם.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (object of יִשְׁמָעוּ)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the object of attentive 'listening' -- here, consulted diviners.
מְעֹנְנִ֥יםsoothsayersPoel ptc m pl abs · עָנַן (H6049)Substantival participle, object of preposition אֶל→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitioners, as a classעָנַן (Poel of H6049), as in v.10; here plural, generic reference to the class of soothsayers the nations consult.
וְאֶלand toconj + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) with conjunction, coordinate with the preceding phrase.
קֹסְמִ֖יםdivinersQal ptc m pl abs · קָסַם (H7080)Substantival participle, coordinate object of preposition וְאֶל→ Participle: characterizing -- habitual practitioners, as a classקָסַם (H7080/7081), as in v.10; here plural, the class of diviners the nations consult.
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּthey listen/heedQal impf 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing -- the nations' habitual practiceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; the nations' characteristic reliance on occult mediation for guidance.
וְאַתָּ֕הbut as for youconj + independent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Fronted contrastive subject (disjunctive vav)אַתָּה (H859) with conjunction, emphatically contrasting Israel's situation with the nations' practice just described.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate כֵןלֹא (H3808), negating the adverbial predicate.
כֵ֔ןso/thusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Predicate adverb (negated: 'not so')כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; here negated, 'not so' -- Israel has not been permitted this practice.
נָ֛תַןhas allowedQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act -- YHWH's settled, prior determinationנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here idiomatically 'to permit, grant' -- YHWH has not granted Israel this recourse to divination.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms sfx · לְ (l)Indirect object of נָתַןלְ + 2ms suffix, the recipient (negatively) of the withheld permission.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068), who withholds from Israel the nations' divinatory recourse.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; covenantal apposition.
15
נָבִ֨יא מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤ מֵאַחֶ֨יךָ֙ כָּמֹ֔נִי יָקִ֥ים לְךָ֖ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אֵלָ֖יו תִּשְׁמָעֽוּן
YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your midst, from your brothers -- to him you shall listen.
This is Deuteronomy's most quoted messianic text (Acts 3:22; 7:37): against the backdrop of the forbidden occult channels, YHWH promises a legitimate prophetic mediator 'like Moses' -- from Israel's own midst -- to whom absolute obedience (תִּשְׁמָעוּן) is owed; the verse both answers v.14's contrast and anticipates the grounding narrative of v.16.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
נָבִ֨יאa prophetN m sg abs · נָבִיא (H5030)Direct object of יָקִים (fronted for emphasis)נָבִיא (H5030) 'prophet', from a root meaning 'to call/announce' or 'one called'; the chapter's climactic term, introducing the promise of prophetic succession to Moses.
מִקִּרְבְּךָ֤from your midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase modifying נָבִיאקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst', with מִן and 2ms suffix; the prophet arises from within Israel itself, not as an outsider.
מֵאַחֶ֨יךָ֙from your brothersprep מִן + N m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אָח (H251)Coordinate/appositional prepositional phrase modifying נָבִיאאָח (H251) 'brother', with מִן and 2ms suffix; reinforces מִקִּרְבְּךָ -- the prophet is a fellow Israelite, kin to the people.
כָּמֹ֔נִיlike meprep כְּמוֹ + 1cs sfx · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Comparative phrase modifying נָבִיאכְּמוֹ (H3644) with 1cs suffix, 'like me'; Moses' own self-comparison, the ground of this text's later messianic reading (Acts 3:22; 7:37) -- a prophet in Moses' unique mediatorial mold.
יָקִ֥יםwill raise upHiphil impf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future/promissory -- YHWH's assured future actionקוּם (Hiphil of H6965) 'to raise up, cause to stand'; the technical verb for divine appointment/establishment of leaders/prophets.
לְךָ֖for youprep לְ + 2ms sfx · לְ (l)Indirect object of יָקִיםלְ + 2ms suffix, the beneficiary of the divine appointment -- Israel.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יָקִיםיְהוָה (H3068), the one who raises up the prophet.
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; covenantal apposition.
אֵלָ֖יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Fronted object of תִּשְׁמָעוּן (emphatic)אֶל (H413) with 3ms suffix, fronted for emphasis: 'to him -- him you shall listen'.
תִּשְׁמָעֽוּןyou shall listenQal impf 2mp (paragogic nun) · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, emphatic)→ Yiqtol (emphatic, paragogic nun): a solemn, binding commandשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; paragogic nun intensifies the command -- absolute, binding attention to this prophet's word, echoing the Horeb request of v.16.
16
כְּכֹ֨ל אֲשֶׁר שָׁאַ֜לְתָּ מֵעִ֨ם יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ בְּחֹרֵ֔ב בְּי֥וֹם הַקָּהָ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר לֹ֣א אֹסֵ֗ף לִשְׁמֹ֨עַ֙ אֶת קוֹל֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔י וְאֶת הָאֵ֨שׁ הַגְּדֹלָ֥ה הַזֹּ֛את לֹֽא אֶרְאֶ֥ה ע֖וֹד וְלֹ֥א אָמֽוּת
just as you requested of YHWH your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, 'Let me not hear again the voice of YHWH my God, or see this great fire anymore, lest I die.'
The verse flashes back to Exodus 20:18-21/Deuteronomy 5:23-27, quoting Israel's own fearful request at the theophany: the people, unable to bear direct divine address, asked for a mediator. The promised prophet of v.15 is thus not a novel institution but the fulfillment of Israel's own petition -- a channel of revelation that spares them unmediated divine confrontation.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
כְּכֹ֨לjust as/according to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phrase heading the ground clauseכֹּל (H3605) with כְּ, 'according to all (that)'; grounds v.15's promise in Israel's own prior request at Horeb.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
שָׁאַ֜לְתָּyou askedQal perf 2ms · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, remembered past act -- Israel's own request at Horebשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, request'; the same root as שֹׁאֵל אוֹב (v.11) but here of a legitimate request addressed to YHWH himself, not to a medium.
מֵעִ֨םfromcompound prep מִן + עִם · עִם (H5973)Source prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) with מִן, 'from with/from'; marks YHWH as the one petitioned.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition מֵעִםיְהוָה (H3068), the one Israel petitioned at Horeb.
אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙your GodN m pl constr + 2ms sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix; covenantal apposition.
בְּחֹרֵ֔בat Horebprep בְּ + proper noun · חֹרֵב (H2722)Locative prepositional phraseחֹרֵב (H2722), Deuteronomy's name for the mountain of revelation (= Sinai), the site of the original theophany and lawgiving.
בְּי֥וֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase, constructיוֹם (H3117) 'day', construct with בְּ; dates the request to the day of the assembly at Horeb.
הַקָּהָ֖לthe assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Genitive (construct chain)קָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation'; refers to Israel's gathering at Horeb to receive the covenant (Deut 4:10; 9:10; 10:4).
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: introducing quoted discourse (quotative formula)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard formula introducing the people's actual words to Moses (cf. Exod 20:19).
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates אֹסֵףלֹא (H3808), negating the volitional first clause of direct speech.
אֹסֵ֗ףlet me continue/againHiphil impf 1cs (volitional) · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (main clause of direct speech, auxiliary use)→ Yiqtol (volitional/cohortative sense): a fervent request to be spared repetitionיָסַף (Hiphil of H3254) 'to add, continue'; auxiliary usage with the following infinitive, 'let me not again/continue to hear' -- the people's plea to be spared direct theophanic address.
לִשְׁמֹ֨עַ֙to hearprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Complementary infinitive construct (object of אֹסֵף)→ Infinitive: complementary -- the action the people ask to be sparedשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; complements אֹסֵף, forming 'let me not hear again'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking קוֹל יְהוָה as the definite direct object of לִשְׁמֹעַ.
קוֹל֙the voice ofN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object (construct chain)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; the terrifying direct voice of YHWH heard at Horeb (Exod 20:18-19).
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct: voice of YHWH)יְהוָה (H3068), whose direct, unmediated voice the people found unbearable.
אֱלֹהָ֔יmy GodN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 1cs suffix, 'my God'; within the quoted speech, the people's own personal address, voiced through Moses.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinate direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with conjunction; marks הָאֵשׁ הַגְּדֹלָה הַזֹּאת as the second thing (with אֶרְאֶה) the people ask to be spared.
הָאֵ֨שׁthe fireart + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Direct object (of אֶרְאֶה, resumed after the אֶת marker)אֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the visible, overwhelming theophanic fire at Horeb (Deut 4:11-12; 5:23-25).
הַגְּדֹלָ֥הthe greatart + adj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הָאֵשׁגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; intensifies the terror of the theophanic fire.
הַזֹּ֛אתthisart + demonstrative pronoun fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאֵשׁזֹאת (H2063) demonstrative fs 'this'; anaphoric/deictic reference to the fire the people actually witnessed.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates אֶרְאֶהלֹא (H3808), negating the second volitional clause.
אֶרְאֶ֥הlet me seeQal impf 1cs (volitional) · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause of direct speech)→ Yiqtol (volitional/cohortative sense): a fervent requestרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the people's request to be spared further sight of the theophanic fire.
ע֖וֹדagain/anymoreadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb modifying אֶרְאֶהעוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, anymore'; intensifies the plea to be spared repetition of the terrifying experience.
וְלֹ֥אlestconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates אָמוּת (result clause)לֹא (H3808) with conjunction; introduces the feared consequence, 'lest I die'.
אָמֽוּתI dieQal impf 1cs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause of direct speech, result)→ Yiqtol: modal/potential -- the feared consequence the people sought to avoidמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the people's fear that further direct exposure to YHWH's presence would be fatal, the motivation behind their request for a mediating prophet.
17
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י הֵיטִ֖יבוּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽרוּ
And YHWH said to me, 'They have spoken well.'
YHWH's terse ratification -- 'they have done well in what they spoke' -- validates the people's fear-driven request as theologically sound, setting up his own first-person commitment in vv.18-19 to supply exactly what they asked for.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; wayyiqtol resuming the narrative frame after the embedded quotation of v.16, introducing YHWH's own response.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the speaker responding to Israel's Horeb request.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs sfx · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) with 1cs suffix; Moses is the addressee, recounting YHWH's private words to him.
הֵיטִ֖יבוּthey have done wellHiphil perf 3cp · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb (direct speech, main clause)→ Perfective: a completed evaluative act -- YHWH's approval of the people's requestיָטַב (Hiphil of H3190) 'to do well, be good'; idiomatic, 'they spoke rightly/well' -- YHWH ratifies the people's Horeb request as legitimate.
אֲשֶׁ֥רin whatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the object clause of הֵיטִיבוּאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle, 'that which'.
דִּבֵּֽרוּthey spokePiel perf 3cp · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act -- the people's Horeb request just quotedדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; resumes the people's words of v.16, now approved by YHWH himself.
18
נָבִ֨יא אָקִ֥ים לָהֶ֛ם מִקֶּ֥רֶב אֲחֵיהֶ֖ם כָּמ֑וֹךָ וְנָתַתִּ֤י דְבָרַי֙ בְּפִ֔יו וְדִבֶּ֣ר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲצַוֶּֽנּוּ
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers, and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.
In direct divine speech, YHWH ratifies and elaborates the promise: the coming prophet will be a faithful mouthpiece -- 'my words in his mouth' -- whose authority derives entirely from divine commissioning, not personal initiative; this becomes the criterion for testing prophetic legitimacy in vv.20-22.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
נָבִ֨יאa prophetN m sg abs · נָבִיא (H5030)Direct object of אָקִים (fronted for emphasis)נָבִיא (H5030), resuming v.15's term, now voiced in YHWH's own first-person promise.
אָקִ֥יםI will raise upHiphil impf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, direct speech)→ Yiqtol: future/promissory -- YHWH's first-person commitmentקוּם (Hiphil of H6965) 'to raise up'; YHWH's own voice restates Moses' promise of v.15 in the first person, underscoring divine origin.
לָהֶ֛םfor themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְ (l)Indirect object of אָקִיםלְ + 3mp suffix, the beneficiaries -- Israel.
מִקֶּ֥רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase modifying נָבִיאקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst', with מִן; parallels v.15's מִקִּרְבְּךָ.
אֲחֵיהֶ֖םtheir brothersN m pl constr + 3mp sfx · אָח (H251)Genitive (construct chain)אָח (H251) 'brother', plural with 3mp suffix; parallels v.15's מֵאַחֶיךָ.
כָּמ֑וֹךָlike youprep כְּמוֹ + 2ms sfx · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Comparative phrase modifying נָבִיאכְּמוֹ (H3644) with 2ms suffix, 'like you' -- YHWH here addresses Moses directly, echoing v.15's כָּמֹנִי from Moses' own mouth; the double attestation underlines the promise's authority.
וְנָתַתִּ֤יand I will putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the promise)→ Weqatal: continuation of the future promissory sequenceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put'; YHWH's direct inspiration of the prophet's speech.
דְבָרַי֙my wordsN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וְנָתַתִּידָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing', plural with 1cs suffix; the content of authentic prophecy -- YHWH's own words, not the prophet's invention.
בְּפִ֔יוin his mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase (indirect object)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth', with בְּ and 3ms suffix; the prophet becomes the vehicle, not the source, of the divine word.
וְדִבֶּ֣רand he shall speakconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the promise)→ Weqatal: continuation of the future promissory sequenceדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; the prophet's resulting proclamation of the implanted words.
אֲלֵיהֶ֔םto themprep אֶל + 3mp sfx · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וְדִבֶּראֶל (H413) with 3mp suffix; the prophet's audience -- the people.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking כָּל אֲשֶׁר אֲצַוֶּנּוּ as the definite direct object of וְדִבֶּר.
כָּלall thatN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object, construct heading the relative clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; universalizes the scope of the prophet's authorized message.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying כָּלאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
אֲצַוֶּֽנּוּI command himPiel impf 1cs + 3ms sfx · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: durative/characterizing -- the ongoing divine commissioning of the prophet's messageצִוָּה (Piel of H6680) 'to command'; the prophet speaks only what YHWH commissions, the criterion by which true prophecy is bounded (cf. v.20's false prophet who speaks unbidden).
19
וְהָיָ֗ה הָאִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא יִשְׁמַע֙ אֶל דְּבָרַ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר בִּשְׁמִ֑י אָנֹכִ֖י אֶדְרֹ֥שׁ מֵעִמּֽוֹ
And whoever will not listen to my words, which he shall speak in my name -- I myself will require it of him.
The verse establishes personal, direct divine accountability (אָנֹכִי אֶדְרֹשׁ) for anyone who ignores the authorized prophet's message: because the prophet speaks 'in my name' with YHWH's own words, rejecting the message is rejecting YHWH himself -- a solemn undergirding of the prophetic office's authority.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהָיָ֗הand it shall be (that)conj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weqatal, introducing a casuistic formula)→ Weqatal: introduces a future, standing legal caseהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic use introducing a conditional/casuistic statement, 'and it shall come about that...'.
הָאִישׁ֙the man/whoeverart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (generic, = 'whoever')אִישׁ (H376) 'man', with article used generically, 'the man who...' = 'whoever'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הָאִישׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִשְׁמַעלֹא (H3808), negating the verb of hearing/obeying.
יִשְׁמַע֙will listen/obeyQal impf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/conditional -- the hypothetical case of disobedienceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, obey'; resumes the imperative of v.15 (תִּשְׁמָעוּן), now stated negatively of the disobedient hearer.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of יִשְׁמַעאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the object of obedient attention -- the prophet's words.
דְּבָרַ֔יmy wordsN m pl constr + 1cs sfx · דָּבָר (H1697)Object of preposition אֶלדָּבָר (H1697) 'word', plural with 1cs suffix; YHWH's own words as delivered through the prophet, resuming v.18.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying דְּבָרַיאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
יְדַבֵּ֖רhe shall speakPiel impf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: future/characterizing -- the prophet's ongoing task of proclamationדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; the prophet's authorized speech-act, as commissioned in v.18.
בִּשְׁמִ֑יin my nameprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs sfx · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase modifying יְדַבֵּרשֵׁם (H8034) 'name', with בְּ and 1cs suffix; the prophet speaks under YHWH's own authority and identity.
אָנֹכִ֖יI myselfindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Fronted emphatic subject of אֶדְרֹשׁאָנֹכִי (H595) 1cs independent pronoun, emphatic 'I myself' -- YHWH personally, not merely through human agency, will hold the offender accountable.
אֶדְרֹ֥שׁI will requireQal impf 1cs · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future -- YHWH's assured, personal act of accountabilityדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'to seek, require, hold to account'; the same root used pejoratively of necromantic 'seeking' the dead in v.11, here used legitimately of YHWH's own judicial reckoning -- an ironic contrast.
מֵעִמּֽוֹfrom himcompound prep מִן + עִם + 3ms sfx · עִם (H5973)Source prepositional phrase, object of אֶדְרֹשׁעִם (H5973) with מִן and 3ms suffix, 'from with him' = 'of him'; marks the disobedient hearer as the one from whom YHWH will exact accountability.
20
אַ֣ךְ הַנָּבִ֡יא אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָזִיד֩ לְדַבֵּ֨ר דָּבָ֜ר בִּשְׁמִ֗י אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא צִוִּיתִיו֙ לְדַבֵּ֔ר וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר יְדַבֵּ֔ר בְּשֵׁ֖ם אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים וּמֵ֖ת הַנָּבִ֥יא הַהֽוּא
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.
Having established true prophecy's criteria (divine commissioning, speaking in YHWH's name, vv.15-19), the law now names its counterfeit: a prophet who either speaks unauthorized words in YHWH's name or speaks for other gods entirely -- both forms of זָדוֹן, presumption -- incurs death, protecting the office's integrity.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אַ֣ךְbut/howeverrestrictive particle · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive/adversative adverb introducing the contrasting caseאַךְ (H389) 'only, but, however'; sharply pivots from the true prophet (vv.15-19) to the counterfeit/presumptuous one.
הַנָּבִ֡יאthe prophetart + N m sg abs · נָבִיא (H5030)Subject (topic of the sentence)נָבִיא (H5030) with article; here the presumptuous/false claimant to the office just described.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַנָּבִיאאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
יָזִיד֩acts presumptuouslyHiphil impf 3ms · זִיד (H2102)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: characterizing -- the habitual/defining act of arrogant self-assertionזִיד (Hiphil of H2102) 'to act presumptuously, boil over, be insolent'; from the same root as זָדוֹן (v.22), 'presumption' -- deliberate arrogation of prophetic authority not granted.
לְדַבֵּ֨רto speakprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Complementary infinitive construct (object of יָזִיד)→ Infinitive: complementary -- the presumptuous act specifiedדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; complements יָזִיד, 'presumes to speak'.
דָּבָ֜רa wordN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of לְדַבֵּרדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; the message the false prophet illegitimately claims to utter.
בִּשְׁמִ֗יin my nameprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs sfx · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase modifying לְדַבֵּרשֵׁם (H8034) with 1cs suffix; the false prophet falsely claims YHWH's own authority for an unauthorized message.
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker resuming/specifying דָּבָראֵת (H853), nota accusativi, resuming and specifying the previous דָּבָר with the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates צִוִּיתִיולֹא (H3808), negating the verb of commanding.
צִוִּיתִיו֙I commanded himPiel perf 1cs + 3ms sfx · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed (non-)act -- YHWH's explicit non-commissioningצִוָּה (Piel of H6680) 'to command'; negated, establishing the precise criterion of falsehood -- speaking without divine commission, the inverse of v.18's אֲצַוֶּנּוּ.
לְדַבֵּ֔רto speakprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Complementary infinitive construct→ Infinitive: complementary -- specifying the uncommanded actדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696), repeated, completing 'that I did not command him to speak'.
וַאֲשֶׁ֣רor whoconj + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinate relative particle introducing a second caseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with conjunction; introduces the second ground for condemnation, alongside unauthorized speech.
יְדַבֵּ֔רspeaksPiel impf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: characterizing -- a habitual/defining actדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; here of proclaiming on behalf of foreign gods.
בְּשֵׁ֖םin the name ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase modifying יְדַבֵּרשֵׁם (H8034) 'name', construct; the second, more overt violation -- idolatrous prophecy.
אֱלֹהִ֣יםgodsN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive (construct chain)אֱלֹהִים (H430) here plural 'gods' (not Israel's God), the foreign deities in whose name the false prophet speaks.
אֲחֵרִ֑יםotheradj m pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying אֱלֹהִיםאַחֵר (H312) 'other'; the standard Deuteronomic phrase 'other gods' for illegitimate deities.
וּמֵ֖תshall dieconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (weqatal, apodosis of the whole conditional sentence)→ Weqatal: apodosis -- the mandated capital sanctionמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the death penalty for either presumptuous unauthorized prophecy or idolatrous prophecy, distinguishing true prophetic office from its counterfeits.
הַנָּבִ֥יאthe prophetart + N m sg abs · נָבִיא (H5030)Subject of וּמֵת (resumptive)נָבִיא (H5030) with article, resumed as subject of the apodosis.
הַהֽוּאthatart + pronoun 3ms (demonstrative use) · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַנָּבִיאהוּא (H1931) used demonstratively with article, 'that (prophet)' -- emphatic identification of the guilty party.
21
וְכִ֥י תֹאמַ֖ר בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ אֵיכָה֙ נֵדַ֣ע אֶת הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא דִבְּר֖וֹ יְהוָֽה
And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word that YHWH has not spoken?' --
The law-giver anticipates the obvious pastoral difficulty -- how does the community distinguish an authentic word of YHWH from a presumptuous fabrication? -- before supplying, in v.22, the empirical criterion of fulfillment.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְכִ֥יand ifconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing an anticipated objectionכִּי (H3588) conditional 'if'; anticipates the reader's practical question of how to identify false prophecy.
תֹאמַ֖רyou sayQal impf 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (protasis of conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/conditional -- a hypothetical internal objectionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; here of internal deliberation, 'say in your heart' = think/wonder.
בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָin your heartprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · לֵבָב (H3824)Locative prepositional phrase (idiom for inner thought)לֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind'; idiom for internal reflection, 'say in one's heart' = think to oneself.
אֵיכָה֙howinterrogative adverb · אֵיכָה (H349)Interrogative adverb introducing direct-speech questionאֵיכָה (H349) 'how'; interrogative opening the people's rhetorical question about discerning true from false prophecy.
נֵדַ֣עshall we knowQal impf 1cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause of direct speech)→ Yiqtol: deliberative/modal -- the people's uncertain, seeking questionיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the practical epistemological question the law now answers -- how to discern a word YHWH has not spoken.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַדָּבָר as the definite direct object of נֵדַע.
הַדָּבָ֔רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of נֵדַעדָּבָר (H1697) 'word', with article; the specific test-case, a prophetic utterance of disputed authenticity.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַדָּבָראֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates דִבְּרוֹלֹא (H3808), negating the verb of speaking.
דִבְּר֖וֹhe has spoken itPiel perf 3ms + 3ms sfx · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a hypothetical completed (non-)act -- the disputed word's actual, unverified originדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) with 3ms object suffix, 'he spoke it'; negated, the crux the following verse resolves -- how to tell that YHWH did not speak a given word.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִבְּרוֹיְהוָה (H3068), the one whose speech (or non-speech) is at issue in the test.
22
אֲשֶׁר֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר הַנָּבִ֜יא בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֗ה וְלֹֽא יִהְיֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ וְלֹ֣א יָב֔וֹא ה֣וּא הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא דִבְּר֖וֹ יְהוָ֑ה בְּזָדוֹן֙ דִּבְּר֣וֹ הַנָּבִ֔יא לֹ֥א תָג֖וּר מִמֶּֽנּוּ
when a prophet speaks in the name of YHWH, and the word does not happen or come about -- that is the word that YHWH has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
The chapter's final test is pragmatic, not merely charismatic: a prophetic claim proves false when 'the word does not happen or come about' -- retroactive verification rather than a rule for advance discernment, a tension the tradition wrestled with (cf. Jer 28) but which nonetheless de-fangs presumptuous claims after the fact, closing with the reassurance 'do not be afraid of him'.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
אֲשֶׁר֩whenrelative particle (temporal use) · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/temporal conjunction introducing the test-case clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), here temporal/conditional, 'when'; introduces the criterion case.
יְדַבֵּ֨רspeaksPiel impf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (protasis)→ Yiqtol: characterizing/hypothetical -- any instance of prophetic speechדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) 'to speak'; the prophet's utterance under scrutiny.
הַנָּבִ֜יאthe prophetart + N m sg abs · נָבִיא (H5030)Subject of יְדַבֵּרנָבִיא (H5030) with article; the (self-proclaimed) prophet whose word is being tested.
בְּשֵׁ֣םin the name ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase modifying יְדַבֵּרשֵׁם (H8034) 'name', construct; the prophet claims to speak with YHWH's authority -- the very claim under test.
יְהוָ֗הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068), in whose name the claim is made.
וְלֹֽאand notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808) with conjunction, negating the verb of coming-to-pass.
יִהְיֶ֤הit comes to passQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (the empirical test)→ Yiqtol: hypothetical/future -- the anticipated (non-)occurrenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to happen, come about'; the test criterion -- a genuine word will occur; here negated, it fails to happen.
הַדָּבָר֙the thing/wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of יִהְיֶהדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; the prophetic utterance being tested for fulfillment (deliberate ambiguity: 'word' and 'thing/event').
וְלֹ֣אand notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָבוֹא (coordinate with the previous negation)לֹא (H3808) with conjunction, second negation reinforcing the first.
יָב֔וֹאit comes aboutQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (coordinate with יִהְיֶה)→ Yiqtol: hypothetical/future -- reinforcing the failed-fulfillment testבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; paired with יִהְיֶה as a doubling that emphasizes total non-fulfillment.
ה֣וּאthatindependent pronoun 3ms (copular use) · הוּא (H1931)Copular/resumptive pronoun (predicate identification)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun functioning copularly, 'it/that is'; identifies the failed word as the criterion case.
הַדָּבָ֔רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Predicate nominativeדָּבָר (H1697), repeated to state the verdict: this unfulfilled word IS the one YHWH did not speak.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַדָּבָראֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates דִבְּרוֹלֹא (H3808), negating the verb of speaking.
דִבְּר֖וֹhe spoke itPiel perf 3ms + 3ms sfx · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed (non-)act -- the negative verdict on the word's originדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) with 3ms object suffix; the verdict answering v.21's question -- non-fulfillment proves YHWH did not speak it.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִבְּרוֹיְהוָה (H3068), whose non-authorship is now established by the empirical test.
בְּזָדוֹן֙presumptuouslyprep בְּ + N m sg abs · זָדוֹן (H2087)Adverbial prepositional phrase of mannerזָדוֹן (H2087) 'presumption, insolence', from the same root as יָזִיד (v.20); characterizes the false prophet's motive as arrogant self-assertion, not mere error.
דִּבְּר֣וֹhe spoke itPiel perf 3ms + 3ms sfx · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, verdict)→ Perfective: a completed act -- the settled verdict on the false prophet's speechדִּבֶּר (Piel of H1696) with 3ms suffix, repeated for emphasis; the concluding verdict on the prophet's act.
הַנָּבִ֔יאthe prophetart + N m sg abs · נָבִיא (H5030)Subject of דִּבְּרוֹנָבִיא (H5030) with article, resumed as the guilty subject.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תָגוּרלֹא (H3808), negating the closing exhortation.
תָג֖וּרyou shall be afraidQal impf 2ms · גּוּר (H1481 II)Predicate verb (main clause, closing exhortation)→ Yiqtol (prohibitive): a durative command against fearגּוּר here in the sense 'to dread, be afraid of' (a root homonymous with גּוּר 'to sojourn' in v.6); the community need not fear the exposed false prophet's now-nullified claim.
מִמֶּֽנּוּof himprep מִן + 3ms sfx · מִן (H4480)Object of preposition (source of the negated dread)מִן (H4480) with 3ms suffix, 'from him' = 'of him'; refers to the discredited false prophet.