1
כִּֽי יִקַּ֥ח אִ֛ישׁ אִשָּׁ֖ה וּבְעָלָ֑הּ וְהָיָ֞ה אִם לֹ֧א תִמְצָא חֵ֣ן בְּעֵינָ֗יו כִּי מָ֤צָא בָהּ֙ עֶרְוַ֣ת דָּבָ֔ר וְכָ֨תַב לָ֜הּ סֵ֤פֶר כְּרִיתֻת֙ וְנָתַ֣ן בְּיָדָ֔הּ וְשִׁלְּחָ֖הּ מִבֵּיתֽוֹ
When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she does not find favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her away from his house,
Verse 1 begins a long case-law protasis spanning vv. 1-3, piling up weqatal clauses (marries, it-happens, writes, gives, sends-away) that narrate the sequence of a first marriage's dissolution; the apodosis proper does not arrive until v. 4. The law regulates rather than commands divorce, and famously leaves the ground for it ('some indecency') undefined.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction opening the casuistic protasisכִּי (H3588) conditional/temporal particle 'when, if'; opens the case-law formula 'when a man takes a wife...'
יִקַּ֥חtakesQal impf 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb of the protasis (main clause of the case law)→ Yiqtol: generic/customary — the recurring case the law envisionsלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; here the technical idiom for taking a wife in marriage.
אִ֛ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; generic subject of the casuistic protasis, 'any man.'
אִשָּׁ֖הa wifeN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; object of יִקַּח, 'takes a wife (in marriage).'
וּבְעָלָ֑הּand marries/consummates with herconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms + 3fs suffix · בָּעַל (H1166)Coordinate predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential action continuing the customary scenarioבָּעַל (H1166) 'to rule, possess; to marry, consummate marriage with'; the suffix stands for the wife whom he has taken.
וְהָיָ֞הand it happensconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb introducing the next clause of the compound protasis→ Weqatal: continuing legal-narrative sequence, 'and it comes to be that...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; introduces the nested condition that follows.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (nested protasis)אִם (H518) conditional particle 'if'; nests a further condition within the overall casuistic law.
לֹ֧אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verbלֹא (H3808) the ordinary negative particle for indicative verbs.
תִמְצָאshe findsQal impf 3fs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the nested conditional clause→ Yiqtol: hypothetical/generic — 'if she does not find'מָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; here in the idiom 'find favor in the eyes of.'
חֵ֣ןfavorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct objectחֵן (H2580) 'favor, grace'; object of מָצָא in the idiom מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי, 'to find favor in someone's eyes.'
בְּעֵינָ֗יוin his eyesprep בְּ + N c dual constr + 3ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (idiomatic locus of favor)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; dual construct with suffix, the standard idiom for personal estimation, 'in his eyes.'
כִּיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground for divorceכִּי (H3588) here causal, 'because he has found in her...'
מָ֤צָאhe has foundQal perf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed discovery — the settled ground for the man's actionמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the perfect marks the discovery as an accomplished fact grounding what follows.
בָהּ֙in herprep בְּ + 3fs suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, locus of the indecency foundבְּ preposition 'in'; with 3fs suffix, anticipating עֶרְוַת דָּבָר as its complement.
עֶרְוַ֣תindecency ofN f sg constr · עֶרְוָה (H6172)Construct head of construct chain (direct object)עֶרְוָה (H6172) 'nakedness, indecency, shame'; construct with דָּבָר. THE CRUX: עֶרְוַת דָּבָר, lit. 'nakedness of a thing,' is the Torah's only ground stated for this divorce and became the center of the Hillel/Shammai dispute (m. Gittin 9:10) — Shammai restricted it to sexual immorality, Hillel broadened it to any displeasing thing; cf. Matt 19:3; Mark 10:2.
דָּבָ֔רa matterN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive complement of the construct chainדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; genitive completing עֶרְוַת דָּבָר, the deliberately vague ground for divorce.
וְכָ֨תַבand he writesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Predicate verb, apodosis sequence→ Weqatal: consequential/sequential action — the legally required next stepכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; the drafting of the formal writ of divorce.
לָ֜הּfor herprep לְ + 3fs suffix · לְIndirect object (dative of recipient)לְ preposition marking the recipient of the writ, 'for/to her.'
סֵ֤פֶרa document ofN m sg constr · סֵפֶר (H5612)Construct head (direct object)סֵפֶר (H5612) 'document, scroll, writing'; construct with כְּרִיתֻת forming the technical legal term for a bill of divorce.
כְּרִיתֻת֙of cutting-offN f sg abs · כְּרִיתֻת (H3748)Genitive complement of the construct chainכְּרִיתֻת (H3748) 'cutting off,' from כָּרַת 'to cut'; סֵפֶר כְּרִיתֻת, 'writ of cutting-off,' is the Torah's technical term for a bill of divorce (cf. Jer 3:8; Isa 50:1).
וְנָתַ֣ןand givesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb, apodosis sequence→ Weqatal: sequential legal actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place, put'; delivers the writ into her hand.
בְּיָדָ֔הּinto her handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3fs suffix · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (locative of transfer)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; 'into her hand' marks formal, personal delivery of the legal document.
וְשִׁלְּחָ֖הּand sends her awayconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms + 3fs suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, apodosis sequence (culminating act)→ Weqatal (Piel intensive): the decisive dismissal completing the divorce procedureשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, dismiss, divorce'; the technical verb for divorce, completing the write-deliver-dismiss sequence.
מִבֵּיתֽוֹfrom his houseprep מִן + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; 'from his house' marks the legal and physical severance from the household.
2
וְיָצְאָ֖ה מִבֵּית֑וֹ וְהָלְכָ֖ה וְהָיְתָ֥ה לְאִישׁ אַחֵֽר
and she leaves his house and goes and becomes wife to another man,
Still within the protasis begun in v. 1; three weqatal clauses trace her departure and remarriage, setting up the further condition of v. 3 (the second husband's own divorce or death).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְיָצְאָ֖הand she leavesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Coordinate predicate verb continuing the protasis (her departure begins the sequence resolved by v. 3-4)→ Weqatal: sequential action continuing the customary scenarioיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, leave'; she leaves the first husband's house as a formally divorced woman.
מִבֵּית֑וֹfrom his houseprep מִן + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; 'from his house' marks her formal departure from the first husband's household, echoing v. 1's מִבֵּיתוֹ.
וְהָלְכָ֖הand she goesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Coordinate predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential action continuing the customary scenarioהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; she goes on to a new life, setting up the remarriage that follows.
וְהָיְתָ֥הand she becomesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Coordinate predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential action continuing the customary scenarioהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here 'become wife to,' the standard idiom for entering marriage (הָיָה לְאִשָּׁה).
לְאִישׁto a manprep לְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Predicate complement (dative of state, 'become wife to')אִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; complement of הָיְתָה לְ, the idiom for becoming someone's wife.
אַחֵֽרanotherAdj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying אִישׁאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; qualifies אִישׁ, 'another/a different man' - the second husband.
3
וּשְׂנֵאָהּ֮ הָאִ֣ישׁ הָאַחֲרוֹן֒ וְכָ֨תַב לָ֜הּ סֵ֤פֶר כְּרִיתֻת֙ וְנָתַ֣ן בְּיָדָ֔הּ וְשִׁלְּחָ֖הּ מִבֵּית֑וֹ א֣וֹ כִ֤י יָמוּת֙ הָאִ֣ישׁ הָאַחֲר֔וֹן אֲשֶׁר לְקָחָ֥הּ ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה
and the latter husband hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her away from his house, or if the latter husband who took her as wife dies,
Verse 3 extends the protasis begun in v. 1 through a second hypothetical (the second husband either divorces her too, using the same write-give-send formula verbatim, or dies), still awaiting the apodosis of v. 4; the repetition of the divorce formula underlines that the woman's situation after v. 3 is formally identical whether by second divorce or widowhood.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּשְׂנֵאָהּ֮and he hates herconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms + 3fs suffix · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Predicate verb opening v. 3's continuation of the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential action, the second husband's turn against herשָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate'; here marital repudiation/dislike, the emotional trigger paralleling 'does not find favor' in v. 1.
הָאִ֣ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject, resumed and specified as 'the latter husband'אִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband', with article referring back to the second husband introduced in v. 2.
הָאַחֲרוֹן֒the latterart + Adj m sg abs · אַחֲרוֹן (H314)Attributive adjective (apposition to הָאִישׁ, 'the latter husband')אַחֲרוֹן (H314) 'last, latter, following'; distinguishes the second husband from הָרִאשׁוֹן, 'the first,' in v. 4.
וְכָ֨תַבand he writesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Coordinate predicate verb, repeating v. 1's divorce formula→ Weqatal: sequential legal actכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; repeats v. 1's formula verbatim, marking the fixed legal diction of the writ.
לָ֜הּfor herprep לְ + 3fs suffix · לְIndirect object (dative of recipient)לְ preposition marking the recipient of the writ, 'for/to her'; repeats v. 1's לָהּ.
סֵ֤פֶרa document ofN m sg constr · סֵפֶר (H5612)Construct head (direct object)סֵפֶר (H5612) 'document, scroll'; construct with כְּרִיתֻת, repeating v. 1's technical term for the bill of divorce.
כְּרִיתֻת֙of cutting-offN f sg abs · כְּרִיתֻת (H3748)Genitive complement of the construct chainכְּרִיתֻת (H3748) 'cutting off'; completes סֵפֶר כְּרִיתֻת, the technical term for the writ of divorce, repeated verbatim from v. 1.
וְנָתַ֣ןand givesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb, apodosis sequence→ Weqatal: sequential legal actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place'; delivers the writ into her hand, repeating v. 1's formula.
בְּיָדָ֔הּinto her handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3fs suffix · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (locative of transfer)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; formal, personal delivery of the writ, as in v. 1.
וְשִׁלְּחָ֖הּand sends her awayconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms + 3fs suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, apodosis sequence (culminating act)→ Weqatal (Piel intensive): the decisive dismissal completing the second divorceשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, divorce'; completes the identical write-give-dismiss sequence of v. 1, now performed by the second husband.
מִבֵּית֑וֹfrom his houseprep מִן + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; repeats v. 1's phrase, now of the second husband's household.
א֣וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction introducing the alternative case (his death)אוֹ (H176) disjunctive particle 'or'; introduces the alternative to divorce - the second husband's death.
כִ֤יif/whenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the alternative clauseכִּי (H3588) here conditional, 'if/when he dies.'
יָמוּת֙he diesQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the alternative conditional clause→ Yiqtol: hypothetical/generic - the alternative circumstance envisioned by the lawמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the natural-death alternative to the second divorce, both yielding the same legal situation for the woman.
הָאִ֣ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יָמוּתאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband', with article; the second husband, subject of יָמוּת.
הָאַחֲר֔וֹןthe latterart + Adj m sg abs · אַחֲרוֹן (H314)Attributive adjective (apposition, 'the latter husband')אַחֲרוֹן (H314) 'last, latter'; again distinguishes the second husband, as earlier in this verse.
אֲשֶׁרwhorel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clause (identifying the latter husband)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle 'who, which, that'; introduces the clause identifying him as the one who took her as wife.
לְקָחָ֥הּtook herQal perf 3ms + 3fs suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act - his having taken her in marriageלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the technical idiom for taking a wife, as in v. 1.
ל֖וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (dative of advantage/possession)לְ preposition, dative of possession, 'to/for himself,' completing the idiom לָקַח ... לְאִשָּׁה, 'take as wife.'
לְאִשָּֽׁהas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (result, 'to be a wife')אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; completes the idiom לָקַח לְאִשָּׁה, 'take as wife, marry.'
4
לֹא יוּכַ֣ל בַּעְלָ֣הּ הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן אֲשֶֽׁר שִׁ֠לְּחָהּ לָשׁ֨וּב לְקַחְתָּ֜הּ לִהְי֧וֹת ל֣וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֗ה אַחֲרֵי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֻטַּמָּ֔אָה כִּֽי תוֹעֵבָ֥ה הִ֖וא לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְלֹ֤א תַחֲטִיא֙ אֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ נַחֲלָֽה
her first husband, who sent her away, is not permitted to take her again to be his wife, after she has been defiled — for that is an abomination before YHWH — and you shall not bring sin upon the land that YHWH your God is giving you as an inheritance.
Verse 4 finally supplies the apodosis withheld since v. 1: the first husband may not remarry the woman he divorced once she has been defiled by an intervening marriage. The motive clauses (abomination before YHWH, not bringing sin on the land) frame the law as protecting the land's purity, not merely regulating property; this verse, quoted nowhere directly by Jesus, nonetheless supplies the legal backdrop for Matt 5:31-32/19:3-9 and Mark 10:2-12.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
לֹאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates the modal verb יוּכַללֹא (H3808) the ordinary negative particle for indicative verbs.
יוּכַ֣לhe is permittedQal impf 3ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (modal, 'is not permitted/able')→ Yiqtol: modal - expressing legal permissibilityיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, prevail'; with the negative, 'is not permitted/able to,' the standard idiom for legal prohibition.
בַּעְלָ֣הּher husbandN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · בַּעַל (H1167)Subject of יוּכַלבַּעַל (H1167) 'lord, owner, husband'; here specifically 'her husband,' the first husband of v. 1.
הָרִאשׁ֣וֹןthe firstart + Adj ord m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective (apposition, 'the first husband')רִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, former'; distinguishes the original husband from הָאַחֲרוֹן, 'the latter,' of v. 3.
אֲשֶֽׁרwhorel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause identifying the first husbandאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces the clause 'who sent her away.'
שִׁ֠לְּחָהּsent her awayPiel perf 3ms + 3fs suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act - his prior divorce of herשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, divorce'; recalls his own act of divorce in v. 1.
לָשׁ֨וּבto returnprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Complementary infinitive of יוּכַל (the prohibited action)→ Infinitive construct: names the prohibited action itselfשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; with the following infinitive, 'to return to take her' - the remarriage the law forbids.
לְקַחְתָּ֜הּto take herprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Second complementary infinitive, epexegetical to לָשׁוּב→ Infinitive construct: specifies the forbidden act, remarrying herלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the technical marriage verb, completing the forbidden act לָשׁוּב לְקַחְתָּהּ, 'to take her again.'
לִהְי֧וֹתto beprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָיָה (H1961)Third infinitive, purpose/result of לְקַחְתָּהּ→ Infinitive construct: expresses the resulting state, becoming his wife againהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; completes the idiom, 'to be a wife to him' once more.
ל֣וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object (dative of possession) with לִהְיוֹתלְ preposition, dative of possession, 'to him,' completing the idiom לִהְיוֹת לְאִשָּׁה, 'become a wife to.'
לְאִשָּׁ֗הas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (result)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; completes לִהְיוֹת ... לְאִשָּׁה, 'to become a wife (to him),' the forbidden remarriage.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (with the following relative, 'after that')אַחַר/אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'; introduces the temporal clause specifying when the ban applies - after her defilement.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle completing the compound conjunction אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר, 'after that'אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; combines with אַחֲרֵי to form the temporal conjunction 'after that, since.'
הֻטַּמָּ֔אָהshe has been defiledHotpaal perf 3fs · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Perfective (Hotpaal, rare passive-reflexive): she has been made/let herself be defiled by the intervening marriageטָמֵא (H2930) 'to be unclean, defiled'; here the Bible's sole Hotpaal (passive-reflexive) form, 'she has been made to be defiled' - the crux of the verse, debated as to whether the defilement lies in the second marriage itself or something within it.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the motive clauseכִּי (H3588) causal, 'for, because'; grounds the prohibition in the following motive clause.
תוֹעֵבָ֥הan abominationN f sg abs · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Predicate nominativeתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; the strongest term of moral/cultic revulsion in Deuteronomy, elsewhere reserved for idolatry and severe sexual sin.
הִ֖ואitpers pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject/copula pronoun ('that is an abomination')הִיא/הוּא (H1931) 3fs personal pronoun functioning as copula, 'it/that (is).'
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative of divine presence)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct with לְ, the idiom 'before, in the presence of' - here YHWH's own evaluative presence.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the abomination is measured by his own presence, not merely social convention.
וְלֹ֤אand notconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative, introducing the second prohibitionלֹא (H3808) negative particle, joined by וְ to a second, parallel prohibition (not bringing sin on the land).
תַחֲטִיא֙you shall bring guilt onHiphil impf 2ms · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the second prohibition→ Yiqtol (Hiphil, causative): prohibitive/modal - 'you shall not cause the land to sin'חָטָא (H2398) Hiphil 'to cause to sin, bring guilt upon'; the causative stem makes the man responsible for implicating the whole land, not just himself.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת/אֶת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the land of Israel, whose purity before YHWH is implicated by the man's sin, per Deuteronomy's land theology.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces the clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068), covenant name of God; subject of the participle נֹתֵן, 'is giving.'
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct with 2ms suffix, 'your God,' in apposition to יְהוָה - the recurring Deuteronomic epithet.
נֹתֵ֥ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (participle expressing ongoing/durative gift)→ Participle: durative/characterizing action - YHWH's ongoing gift of the landנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the participle expresses the land grant as YHWH's continuing, characteristic action toward Israel.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect object of נֹתֵןלְ preposition, dative of recipient, 'to you' - addressed to Israel/the individual Israelite.
נַחֲלָֽהas an inheritanceN f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Adverbial accusative (defining the mode of the gift)נַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance, possession'; frames the land not as mere real estate but as covenantal heritage, hence its purity's high stakes.
5
כִּֽי יִקַּ֥ח אִישׁ֙ אִשָּׁ֣ה חֲדָשָׁ֔ה לֹ֤א יֵצֵא֙ בַּצָּבָ֔א וְלֹא יַעֲבֹ֥ר עָלָ֖יו לְכָל דָּבָ֑ר נָקִ֞י יִהְיֶ֤ה לְבֵיתוֹ֙ שָׁנָ֣ה אֶחָ֔ת וְשִׂמַּ֖ח אֶת אִשְׁתּ֥וֹ אֲשֶׁר לָקָֽח
When a man has newly taken a wife, he shall not go out with the army, nor shall any duty be laid on him; he shall be free at home one year, and shall gladden his wife whom he has taken.
A fresh casuistic law (כִּי + imperfect) shifts from divorce to marital happiness: the bridegroom's military and civic exemption for a full year, climaxing in the positive purpose clause 'and he shall gladden his wife.' Structurally this begins the chapter's turn from the divorce case (vv. 1-4) to the series of humane social statutes running through v. 22.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction opening a new case lawכִּי (H3588) conditional/temporal 'when'; opens the fresh casuistic law of the bridegroom's exemption.
יִקַּ֥חtakesQal impf 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: generic/customary - the recurring case envisionedלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the technical marriage idiom, as in v. 1.
אִישׁ֙a manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; generic subject, 'any man,' as in v. 1.
אִשָּׁ֣הa wifeN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; object of יִקַּח.
חֲדָשָׁ֔הnewAdj f sg abs · חָדָשׁ (H2319)Attributive adjective modifying אִשָּׁהחָדָשׁ (H2319) 'new'; here 'a new wife,' i.e., a bride recently married.
לֹ֤אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates יֵצֵאלֹא (H3808) the ordinary negative particle.
יֵצֵא֙he shall go outQal impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb, apodosis (first prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - he shall not go outיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; here specifically military deployment, 'go out with the army.'
בַּצָּבָ֔אwith the armyprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · צָבָא (H6635)Prepositional phrase (accompaniment/purpose)צָבָא (H6635) 'army, host, service'; the military levy from which the newlywed is exempted.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative, second prohibitionלֹא (H3808) negative, joined by וְ to the second clause of the exemption.
יַעֲבֹ֥רshall it be laid onQal impf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb, second prohibition→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - no duty shall be imposedעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over/through'; here idiomatically 'be laid upon him,' i.e., no public duty devolves on him.
עָלָ֖יוon himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative of imposition)עַל (H5921) preposition 'on, upon' + 3ms suffix; marks him as the one on whom no duty falls.
לְכָלfor anyprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (adverbial, extent)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with לְ, 'for/regarding any matter.'
דָּבָ֑רmatterN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive complement of לְכָלדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; completes לְכָל דָּבָר, 'for any matter/duty whatsoever.'
נָקִ֞יfreeAdj m sg abs · נָקִי (H5355)Predicate adjective (with יִהְיֶה)נָקִי (H5355) 'free, exempt, innocent'; predicate describing his status - clear of all such obligations.
יִהְיֶ֤הhe shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula with נָקִי)→ Yiqtol: modal/jussive force - the legislated stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; copula joining נָקִי to the subject, 'he shall be free.'
לְבֵיתוֹ֙for his houseprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase (purpose/benefit, 'at home')בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; 'for his house,' i.e., devoted to his own household rather than public service.
שָׁנָ֣הa yearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Adverbial accusative of durationשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; specifies the duration of the exemption.
אֶחָ֔תoneNum card f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying שָׁנָהאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; specifies a full single year, not a partial season.
וְשִׂמַּ֖חand he shall gladdenconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שָׂמַח (H8055)Coordinate predicate verb (positive purpose of the exemption)→ Weqatal (Piel causative): the intended, positive outcome of the year of freedomשָׂמַח (H8055) Piel 'to gladden, make rejoice'; the causative stem turns the exemption into a positive duty - actively bringing joy to his wife, the chapter's most tender note.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת/אֶת (H853), marks אִשְׁתּוֹ as the definite direct object.
אִשְׁתּ֥וֹhis wifeN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; construct with 3ms suffix, the object of his gladdening.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying אִשְׁתּוֹאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces 'whom he has taken,' recalling the marriage of the verse's opening.
לָקָֽחhe has takenQal perf 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act - the marriage already contractedלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; recalls יִקַּח at the verse's start, framing the whole verse as a single marital arc from taking to gladdening.
6
לֹא יַחֲבֹ֥ל רֵחַ֖יִם וָרָ֑כֶב כִּי נֶ֖פֶשׁ ה֥וּא חֹבֵֽל
No one shall take a mill or an upper millstone in pledge, for that would be taking a life in pledge.
A terse two-clause law (prohibition + כִּי-motive clause) opens the chapter's pledge/wage subunit (vv. 6-15); the motive clause's wordplay (נֶפֶשׁ, 'life,' echoing the life-sustaining function of the millstone that grinds daily bread) supplies the rationale pattern repeated through v. 15.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
לֹאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates יַחֲבֹללֹא (H3808) negative particle.
יַחֲבֹ֥לhe shall take in pledgeQal impf 3ms · חָבַל (H2254)Predicate verb (categorical prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - a categorical prohibitionחָבַל (H2254) 'to take in pledge, bind'; the technical verb for seizing collateral, central to this pledge-law unit (cf. vv. 10-13, 17).
רֵחַ֖יִםa millN m dual abs · רֵחַיִם (H7347)Direct objectרֵחַיִם (H7347) 'millstones' (dual, the paired upper and lower stones); a household's daily bread-grinding tool.
וָרָ֑כֶבor an upper millstoneconj וְ + N m sg abs · רֶכֶב (H7393)Coordinate direct object (specifying the upper stone)רֶכֶב (H7393) here 'upper millstone' (elsewhere 'chariot'); with רֵחַיִם names the whole grinding apparatus, especially its movable upper stone.
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the motive clauseכִּי (H3588) causal, 'for'; grounds the prohibition in the following motive.
נֶ֖פֶשׁa lifeN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate nominative (fronted for emphasis)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, living being'; the millstone is metonymy for the life it sustains by grinding daily bread - to take it is to take a life.
ה֥וּאitpers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Copula pronoun ('that is what he pledges')הוּא (H1931) 3ms personal pronoun functioning as copula, resuming the fronted נֶפֶשׁ.
חֹבֵֽלpledgingQal ptc m sg abs · חָבַל (H2254)Predicate verb (participle, durative/characterizing)→ Participle: characterizing action - what the pledge-taker is in effect always doingחָבַל (H2254) 'to take in pledge'; participle echoing יַחֲבֹל, closing the verse's wordplay: to pledge a millstone IS to pledge a life.
7
כִּי יִמָּצֵ֣א אִ֗ישׁ גֹּנֵ֨ב נֶ֤פֶשׁ מֵאֶחָיו֙ מִבְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְהִתְעַמֶּר בּ֖וֹ וּמְכָר֑וֹ וּמֵת֙ הַגַּנָּ֣ב הַה֔וּא וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָרָ֖ע מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ
If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the sons of Israel, and he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die; so you shall purge the evil from your midst.
A three-part casuistic law (condition, apodosis, closing formula) on man-stealing, using the standard 'purge the evil' formula shared with Deut 13, 17, 19, 21, 22; kidnapping-and-selling a kinsman is treated as a capital crime, likely because it reduces a free Israelite to the very slave status from which YHWH redeemed the nation (cf. vv. 18, 22).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּיifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction opening a new case lawכִּי (H3588) conditional 'if'; opens the man-stealing law.
יִמָּצֵ֣אis foundNiphal impf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the protasis (passive)→ Yiqtol (Niphal passive): hypothetical/generic - the case as discoveredמָצָא (H4672) Niphal 'to be found'; passive framing casts the crime as something detected, triggering the legal process.
אִ֗ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; generic subject, the perpetrator.
גֹּנֵ֨בstealingQal ptc m sg abs · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate participle in apposition to אִישׁ (describing the act found)→ Participle: describes the ongoing/discovered act of theftגָּנַב (H1589) 'to steal'; participle names the crime - stealing a person, i.e., kidnapping.
נֶ֤פֶשׁa personN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of גֹּנֵבנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; here the object stolen is a human being, making this kidnapping, not property theft.
מֵאֶחָיו֙from his brothersprep מִן + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Prepositional phrase (source, specifying the victim's kinship)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the victim is a fellow Israelite, a kinsman, heightening the crime's severity.
מִבְּנֵ֣יof the sons ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain further specifying אֶחָיובֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct phrase 'sons of Israel,' i.e., the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of מִבְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people; identifies the victim as a fellow member of the nation.
וְהִתְעַמֶּרand he deals with him as a slaveconj וְ + Hitpael weqatal 3ms · עָמַר (H6014)Coordinate predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal (Hitpael, intensive-reflexive): treats him tyrannically as propertyעָמַר (H6014) Hitpael 'to deal tyrannically with, treat as a slave/exploit'; describes the kidnapper reducing his victim to chattel.
בּ֖וֹwith himprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, object of וְהִתְעַמֶּרבְּ preposition 'with, against' + 3ms suffix, marking the victim of the mistreatment.
וּמְכָר֑וֹor sells himconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms + 3ms suffix · מָכַר (H4376)Coordinate predicate verb (alternative act)→ Weqatal: sequential/alternative action completing the crimeמָכַר (H4376) 'to sell'; the culminating act - selling a kinsman into slavery, the full realization of the man-stealing crime.
וּמֵת֙then he shall dieconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb, apodosis (the penalty)→ Weqatal: apodictic consequence - the mandated death sentenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the capital sentence for man-stealing, as also legislated in Exod 21:16.
הַגַּנָּ֣בthe thiefart + N m sg abs · גַּנָּב (H1590)Subject of וּמֵתגַּנָּב (H1590) 'thief'; agent noun from גָּנַב, here specifically the kidnapper of v. 7.
הַה֔וּאthatart + pers pron 3ms (demonstrative use) · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַגַּנָּב, 'that thief'הוּא (H1931) with article functions demonstratively, 'that (same) thief' - anaphoric reference back to the man just described.
וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥so you shall purgeconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · בָּעַר (H1197)Predicate verb, closing formula addressed to Israel→ Weqatal (Piel intensive): the community's obligatory responseבָּעַר (H1197) Piel 'to burn, purge, remove utterly'; the standard formula 'purge the evil from your midst,' shared with Deut 13, 17, 19, 21-22.
הָרָ֖עthe evilart + Adj m sg abs (substantival) · רַע (H7451)Direct object of וּבִעַרְתָּרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; substantival adjective, 'the evil (thing/person),' object of the purging formula.
מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָfrom your midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, interior'; 'from your midst,' locating the purge within the community itself.
8
הִשָּׁ֧מֶר בְּנֶֽגַע הַצָּרַ֛עַת לִשְׁמֹ֥ר מְאֹ֖ד וְלַעֲשׂ֑וֹת כְּכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁר יוֹר֨וּ אֶתְכֶ֜ם הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים הַלְוִיִּ֛ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתִ֖ם תִּשְׁמְר֥וּ לַעֲשֽׂוֹת
Take heed, in an outbreak of leprosy, to be very careful to do according to all that the Levitical priests shall direct you; as I commanded them, so you shall be careful to do.
An imperative-led injunction (הִשָּׁמֶר) to heed priestly instruction on skin disease (cf. Lev 13-14), reinforced by a doubled emphasis (מְאֹד, 'very') and the appeal to Mosaic authority ('as I commanded them'); v. 9 supplies the negative historical example grounding the caution.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
הִשָּׁ֧מֶרtake heedNiphal impv 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (imperative, opening the injunction)→ Volitional (Niphal imperative): urgent self-directed cautionשָׁמַר (H8104) Niphal 'to guard oneself, take heed'; the reflexive-passive stem makes this a personal, watchful caution rather than a mere instruction.
בְּנֶֽגַעin an outbreak ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · נֶגַע (H5061)Prepositional phrase (sphere of the caution)נֶגַע (H5061) 'plague, mark, affliction'; construct with צָרַעַת, the technical term for a diagnosed skin affliction (cf. Lev 13-14).
הַצָּרַ֛עַתleprosyart + N f sg abs · צָרַעַת (H6883)Genitive complement of נֶגַעצָרַעַת (H6883) a scaly skin disease/mold (traditionally 'leprosy,' broader than Hansen's disease); governed by the priestly diagnostic protocol of Lev 13-14.
לִשְׁמֹ֥רto be carefulprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַר (H8104)Complementary infinitive (purpose/manner of the caution)→ Infinitive construct: names the required careful observanceשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, observe, be careful'; here of diligent compliance with priestly instruction.
מְאֹ֖דveryadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier modifying לִשְׁמֹרמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the required care, doubled again with וְלַעֲשׂוֹת.
וְלַעֲשׂ֑וֹתand to doconj וְ + prep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Coordinate complementary infinitive (paired with לִשְׁמֹר)→ Infinitive construct: the doing that must accompany the careful heedingעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, act'; paired with שָׁמַר, the standard Deuteronomic hendiadys 'to keep and to do,' observance in both attention and action.
כְּכֹל֩according to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (standard of comparison, governing the following relative clause)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with כְּ, 'according to all that...' introducing the scope of priestly instruction.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying כְּכֹלאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces 'that they shall direct you.'
יוֹר֨וּthey shall directHiphil impf 3mp · יָרָה (H3384)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol (Hiphil, causative): authoritative, ongoing instructionיָרָה (H3384) Hiphil 'to teach, direct, instruct'; the root behind תּוֹרָה, 'Torah' - the priests' authoritative ruling on the diagnosis.
אֶתְכֶ֜ם[obj] youobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֶת (H853)Direct object of יוֹרוּאֵת (H853) + 2mp suffix, marking 'you (pl.)' as the direct object of the priests' instruction.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֧יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of יוֹרוּכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the Levitical priesthood holds diagnostic and ritual authority over skin disease (cf. Lev 13-14).
הַלְוִיִּ֛םthe Levitesart + gentilic N m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Apposition to הַכֹּהֲנִים ('the priests, the Levites')לֵוִי (H3881) gentilic 'Levite'; Deuteronomy's characteristic phrase 'the priests, the Levites' identifies the priesthood by tribal descent.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + rel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the clause of Mosaic precedentכַּאֲשֶׁר (כְּ + H834) 'just as, according as'; grounds priestly authority in Moses' own prior instruction to them.
צִוִּיתִ֖םI commanded themPiel perf 1cs + 3mp suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective (Piel): a completed act of Mosaic authorizationצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; Moses' own prior instruction to the priests is the standard against which Israel's obedience is measured.
תִּשְׁמְר֥וּyou shall be carefulQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb, main clause resuming the opening injunction→ Yiqtol: imperatival/modal - the obligation restated for the plural communityשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, observe'; resumes the verse's opening verb, now addressed to the community as a whole (2mp) rather than the individual (2ms).
לַעֲשֽׂוֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of תִּשְׁמְרוּ→ Infinitive construct: completes the keep-and-do formulaעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; closes the verse with the same שָׁמַר-עָשָׂה pairing as its opening, framing the whole verse.
9
זָכ֕וֹר אֵ֧ת אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂ֛ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לְמִרְיָ֑ם בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ בְּצֵאתְכֶ֥ם מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
Remember what YHWH your God did to Miriam on the way as you came out of Egypt.
A single imperative (זָכוֹר, an infinitive absolute used imperativally) recalling Num 12: Miriam's affliction with leprosy for challenging Moses becomes the cautionary paradigm underlying the leprosy law of v. 8, subordinate to it as its historical warrant.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
זָכ֕וֹרrememberQal inf abs (imperatival) · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb (infinitive absolute functioning as imperative)→ Volitional (infinitive absolute for imperative): emphatic command to rememberזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the infinitive absolute used imperativally intensifies the command, echoing Deuteronomy's many 'remember' formulas (5:15; 8:2; 24:18, 22).
אֵ֧ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker introducing the object clauseאֵת (H853), marks the following relative clause as the object of זָכוֹר.
אֲשֶׁרwhatrel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle, 'that which'אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces 'what YHWH did to Miriam.'
עָשָׂ֛הhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed historical actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the historical act of affliction YHWH brought upon Miriam (Num 12).
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of עָשָׂהיְהוָה (H3068), covenant name of God; subject of the historical act recalled here.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) construct with 2ms suffix, 'your God,' the recurring Deuteronomic epithet.
לְמִרְיָ֑םto Miriamprep לְ + proper N · מִרְיָם (H4813)Indirect object of עָשָׂהמִרְיָם (H4813), Moses' sister, struck with a skin affliction for challenging his unique authority (Num 12:1-15) - the negative exemplar grounding v. 8's caution.
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Prepositional phrase (temporal/locative, the wilderness journey)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, journey'; locates the Miriam episode within Israel's wilderness itinerary.
בְּצֵאתְכֶ֥םwhen you came outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 2mp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal clause (infinitive construct with prep, 'in your going out')→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the Exodus as the reference pointיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; 'in your going out (of Egypt),' the temporal anchor connecting this local law to Israel's larger Exodus story.
מִמִּצְרָֽיִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + proper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase (source), completing the temporal clauseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the Exodus departure point, first of the chapter's several Egypt-references (cf. vv. 18, 22).
10
כִּֽי תַשֶּׁ֥ה בְרֵֽעֲךָ מַשַּׁ֣את מְא֑וּמָה לֹא תָבֹ֥א אֶל בֵּית֖וֹ לַעֲבֹ֥ט עֲבֹטֽוֹ
When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his house to take his pledge.
Opens the chapter's most extended humane provision (vv. 10-13) on pledges: the creditor is barred from entering the debtor's house to select the pledge himself, preserving the debtor's dignity even in the act of securing a loan.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction opening a new case lawכִּי (H3588) conditional/temporal 'when'; opens the pledge-restriction law.
תַשֶּׁ֥הyou make a loanHiphil impf 2ms · נָשָׁה (H5383)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol (Hiphil, causative): generic/customary - the recurring case of extending creditנָשָׁה (H5383) Hiphil 'to lend, extend credit to'; causative of the root behind נֶשֶׁךְ/מַשָּׁא, the vocabulary of debt.
בְרֵֽעֲךָto your neighborprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Indirect object (prepositional phrase, the debtor)רֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, companion, fellow'; the debtor is a member of the covenant community, not a stranger.
מַשַּׁ֣אתa loan ofN f sg constr · מַשַּׁאת (H4859)Direct object, construct headמַשַּׁאת (H4859) 'loan, debt, that which is lifted/carried'; from נָשָׂא, the thing extended in credit.
מְא֑וּמָהof any sortN f sg abs (indefinite) · מְאוּמָה (H3972)Genitive complement of מַשַּׁאת ('a loan of any sort')מְאוּמָה (H3972) 'anything, something'; generalizes the loan law to cover any kind of debt.
לֹאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תָבֹאלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תָבֹ֥אyou shall enterQal impf 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, apodosis (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - a categorical prohibition on enteringבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the prohibited act of entering the debtor's house to seize collateral.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal), governing בֵּיתוֹאֶל (H413) preposition 'to, into'; marks the house as the forbidden destination.
בֵּית֖וֹhis houseN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of preposition אֶלבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the debtor's private domain, protected from the creditor's entry.
לַעֲבֹ֥טto take a pledgeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַט (H5670)Purpose infinitive of תָבֹא→ Infinitive construct: names the forbidden purpose of entryעָבַט (H5670) 'to take a pledge/exact a loan'; related to עֲבוֹט, naming the very act the creditor is barred from performing inside the house.
עֲבֹטֽוֹhis pledgeN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עֲבוֹט (H5667)Direct object of לַעֲבֹטעֲבוֹט (H5667) 'pledge, security'; the collateral item itself, whose selection the debtor - not the creditor - controls (cf. v. 11).
11
בַּח֖וּץ תַּעֲמֹ֑ד וְהָאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ נֹשֶׁ֣ה ב֔וֹ יוֹצִ֥יא אֵלֶ֛יךָ אֶֽת הַעֲב֖וֹט הַחֽוּצָה
You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you.
Specifies the mechanism of v. 10's restriction: the creditor stands outside while the debtor himself brings the pledge out, converting a potentially humiliating seizure into an act the debtor retains agency over.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
בַּח֖וּץoutsideprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Adverbial locative complement (fronted for emphasis)חוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street'; with article and preposition, 'outside,' fronted to stress the creditor's exclusion.
תַּעֲמֹ֑דyou shall standQal impf 2ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (imperatival yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperatival/modal - the required posture of the creditorעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the creditor's posture of respectful waiting, contrasted with entering the house (v. 10).
וְהָאִ֗ישׁand the manconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the following clauseאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; here the debtor, now the grammatical subject who controls the pledge's release.
אֲשֶׁ֤רto whomrel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause identifying the debtorאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces 'to whom you are lending.'
אַתָּה֙youpers pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of נֹשֶׁהאַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun, subject pronoun made explicit for emphasis with the participle.
נֹשֶׁ֣הare lendingQal ptc m sg abs · נָשָׁה (H5383)Predicate verb (participle) of the relative clause→ Participle: durative/characterizing - the ongoing creditor relationshipנָשָׁה (H5383) Qal participle 'one lending, creditor'; describes the addressee's role as lender to this debtor.
ב֔וֹto himprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּObject of preposition with נֹשֶׁהבְּ preposition + 3ms suffix, completing נֹשֶׁה בּוֹ, 'lending to him.'
יוֹצִ֥יאshall bring outHiphil impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb, main clause (the debtor's required action)→ Yiqtol (Hiphil, causative): the debtor's obligatory act - he himself brings it outיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the causative places agency with the debtor, who himself brings the pledge outside rather than having it seized.
אֵלֶ֛יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of יוֹצִיאאֶל (H413) preposition + 2ms suffix, 'to you,' the creditor waiting outside.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת/אֶת (H853), marks הָעֲבוֹט as the definite direct object.
הַעֲב֖וֹטthe pledgeart + N m sg abs · עֲבוֹט (H5667)Direct objectעֲבוֹט (H5667) 'pledge'; the item itself, brought out by the debtor's own hand.
הַחֽוּצָהoutsideart + N m sg abs + directional he · חוּץ (H2351)Adverbial accusative of direction ('to the outside')חוּץ (H2351) with directional ה suffix, 'to the outside'; frames the verse (בַּחוּץ ... הַחוּצָה), the pledge crossing the threshold to where the creditor waits.
12
וְאִם אִ֥ישׁ עָנִ֖י ה֑וּא לֹ֥א תִשְׁכַּ֖ב בַּעֲבֹטֽוֹ
And if he is a poor man, you shall not sleep in his pledge.
A conditional qualification narrows the pledge law further for the poor man specifically, anticipating the resolution of v. 13: even a legitimately held pledge (e.g., a cloak) may not be kept overnight if it is his only covering.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (nested qualification)אִם (H518) conditional 'if', joined by וְ; introduces the further qualification for the case of a poor debtor.
אִ֥ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (nominal clause)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; subject of the nominal clause 'he is a poor man.'
עָנִ֖יpoorAdj m sg abs · עָנִי (H6041)Predicate adjectiveעָנִי (H6041) 'poor, afflicted'; predicate describing the debtor's economic status, triggering the added protection.
ה֑וּאhepers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula pronounהוּא (H1931) 3ms personal pronoun functioning as copula, 'he (is).'
לֹ֥אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִשְׁכַּבלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תִשְׁכַּ֖בyou shall sleepQal impf 2ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - a categorical prohibitionשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down, sleep'; here idiomatically 'keep overnight' - retaining the pledge through the night.
בַּעֲבֹטֽוֹwith his pledgeprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עֲבוֹט (H5667)Prepositional phrase (retaining the pledge overnight)עֲבוֹט (H5667) 'pledge'; 'sleep with his pledge (in your possession),' i.e., retain it overnight - anticipating v. 13's resolution.
13
הָשֵׁב֩ תָּשִׁ֨יב ל֤וֹ אֶֽת הַעֲבוֹט֙ כְּבֹ֣א הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וְשָׁכַ֥ב בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹ וּבֵֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּ וּלְךָ֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה צְדָקָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ
You shall surely return the pledge to him by sunset, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you; and it shall be righteousness for you before YHWH your God.
The resolution of the pledge sequence uses an infinitive-absolute-intensified imperative (הָשֵׁב תָּשִׁיב, 'you shall surely return') for emphasis; the purpose clauses (that he may sleep in it and bless you) and the closing צְדָקָה ('righteousness') formula make the returned pledge itself an act of covenant righteousness, not mere legal compliance.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
הָשֵׁב֩surelyHiphil inf abs · שׁוּב (H7725)Infinitive absolute intensifying תָּשִׁיב→ Infinitive absolute + finite verb: emphatic intensification - 'you shall surely return'שׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to return, restore'; the infinitive absolute before the finite verb intensifies the obligation - an unmistakable command.
תָּשִׁ֨יבyou shall returnHiphil impf 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (intensified by preceding infinitive absolute)→ Yiqtol (Hiphil, causative): emphatic obligation - the pledge must be restoredשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to cause to return, restore'; the finite verb completing הָשֵׁב תָּשִׁיב, the emphatic construction resolving the pledge law.
ל֤וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object of תָּשִׁיבלְ preposition + 3ms suffix, 'to him,' the debtor receiving back his pledge.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת/אֶת (H853), marks הָעֲבוֹט as the definite direct object.
הַעֲבוֹט֙the pledgeart + N m sg abs · עֲבוֹט (H5667)Direct objectעֲבוֹט (H5667) 'pledge'; the item that must be restored before nightfall.
כְּבֹ֣אby the coming ofprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal clause (infinitive construct, 'when the sun sets')→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the deadlineבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; here idiomatically of the sun's setting, 'by sundown' - the strict time limit for returning the pledge.
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of the infinitive clause כְּבֹאשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; subject of the temporal idiom כְּבֹא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, 'at sunset.'
וְשָׁכַ֥בthat he may sleepconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Purpose clause (weqatal expressing result/purpose)→ Weqatal: purpose/result - the desired outcome of prompt restorationשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down, sleep'; now positively, the debtor sleeping IN his own garment because it has been returned.
בְּשַׂלְמָת֖וֹin his cloakprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 3ms suffix · שַׂלְמָה (H8008)Prepositional phrase (means/manner)שַׂלְמָה (H8008) 'cloak, wrap'; the outer garment doubling as bedding for the poor, the very item held in pledge.
וּבֵֽרֲכֶ֑ךָּand he will bless youconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms + 2ms suffix · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Coordinate purpose clause (second desired outcome)→ Weqatal (Piel intensive): the further, relational result of humane complianceבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; the debtor's gratitude becomes a blessing on the creditor - dignity returned yields relational reward, not merely legal compliance.
וּלְךָ֙and for youconj וְ + prep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPredicate complement (dative of possession, fronted for emphasis)לְ preposition + 2ms suffix, fronted for emphasis, 'and for you it shall be righteousness.'
תִּהְיֶ֣הit shall beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula with צְדָקָה)→ Yiqtol: modal/result - the theological consequence of complianceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; copula, 'it shall be (reckoned as) righteousness.'
צְדָקָ֔הrighteousnessN f sg abs · צְדָקָה (H6666)Predicate nominativeצְדָקָה (H6666) 'righteousness, righteous act'; the returned pledge is credited as an act of covenant righteousness before YHWH, not mere legal minimum.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative of divine evaluation)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the idiom 'before YHWH,' as in v. 4 - the deed is measured in the divine presence.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), covenant name of God.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) construct with 2ms suffix, 'your God,' the recurring Deuteronomic epithet closing the pledge unit.
14
לֹא תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק שָׂכִ֖יר עָנִ֣י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן מֵאַחֶ֕יךָ א֧וֹ מִגֵּרְךָ֛ אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאַרְצְךָ֖ בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ
You shall not oppress a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.
Opens the wage-law unit (vv. 14-15) with a general prohibition (עשׁק, 'oppress/exploit') applied to both the native poor and the resident sojourner alike, setting up the specific timing requirement of v. 15.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
לֹאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תַעֲשֹׁקלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תַעֲשֹׁ֥קyou shall oppressQal impf 2ms · עָשַׁק (H6231)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - a categorical prohibitionעָשַׁק (H6231) 'to oppress, exploit, extort'; the general verb for economic mistreatment, especially of the vulnerable (cf. Lev 19:13).
שָׂכִ֖ירa hired workerAdj m sg abs (substantival) · שָׂכִיר (H7916)Direct objectשָׂכִיר (H7916) 'hired laborer'; a day-worker paid wages rather than a permanent household member, economically precarious by nature.
עָנִ֣יpoorAdj m sg abs · עָנִי (H6041)Attributive adjective modifying שָׂכִירעָנִי (H6041) 'poor, afflicted'; qualifies the hired worker as economically vulnerable.
וְאֶבְי֑וֹןand needyconj וְ + Adj m sg abs · אֶבְיוֹן (H34)Coordinate attributive adjective (paired with עָנִי)אֶבְיוֹן (H34) 'needy, destitute'; paired with עָנִי, a common word-pair intensifying the description of poverty.
מֵאַחֶ֕יךָof your brothersprep מִן + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אָח (H251)Prepositional phrase (partitive, specifying the worker's identity)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the hired worker may be a fellow Israelite kinsman.
א֧וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) disjunctive 'or'; introduces the second category of hired worker.
מִגֵּרְךָ֛of your sojournersprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · גֵּר (H1616)Coordinate prepositional phrase (partitive)גֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; the law extends the same wage protection to non-Israelite resident workers.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorel · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying גֵּרְךָאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; introduces 'who is in your land, within your gates.'
בְּאַרְצְךָ֖in your landprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 2ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; locates the sojourner's residence within Israel's territory.
בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָwithin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · שַׁעַר (H8179)Prepositional phrase (locative, in apposition to בְּאַרְצְךָ)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; plural 'your gates/towns,' the local settlements where such workers reside and labor.
15
בְּיוֹמוֹ֩ תִתֵּ֨ן שְׂכָר֜וֹ וְֽלֹא תָב֧וֹא עָלָ֣יו הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁ כִּ֤י עָנִי֙ ה֔וּא וְאֵלָ֕יו ה֥וּא נֹשֵׂ֖א אֶת נַפְשׁ֑וֹ וְלֹֽא יִקְרָ֤א עָלֶ֨יךָ֙ אֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְהָיָ֥ה בְךָ֖ חֵֽטְא
You shall give him his wages on his day, before the sun sets — for he is poor, and he lifts up his soul to it — lest he cry out against you to YHWH, and it be sin in you.
The positive counterpart to v. 14's prohibition: wages must be paid the same day, grounded in a doubled motive clause (he is poor and he lifts his soul to it) and a warning clause (lest he cry out to YHWH) that treats withheld wages as a matter YHWH himself will avenge — the same idiom (קרא אל יהוה) used of Israel's cry from Egyptian bondage.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
בְּיוֹמוֹ֩on his dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial temporal phrase (fronted for emphasis)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'on his day,' i.e., the very day he works - same-day payment required.
תִתֵּ֨ןyou shall giveQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (positive obligation)→ Yiqtol: imperatival/modal - the required prompt paymentנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the required act of paying wages.
שְׂכָר֜וֹhis wagesN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שָׂכָר (H7939)Direct objectשָׂכָר (H7939) 'wages, hire, reward'; the payment owed the hired worker of v. 14.
וְֽלֹאand notconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative, second prohibitionלֹא (H3808) negative, joined by וְ to the negative restatement (the sun shall not go down on it).
תָב֧וֹאshall it go downQal impf 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (negated, restating the deadline)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - the sun must not set on unpaid wagesבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; here of the sun 'coming' upon him unpaid, i.e., 'the sun shall not set on it' (unpaid wages).
עָלָ֣יוon itprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, referring back to the unpaid wages)עַל (H5921) preposition 'on, over' + 3ms suffix, referring to the wages still owed.
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of תָבוֹאשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; subject of the negated clause, restating v. 13's sunset deadline in wage form.
כִּ֤יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the motive clauseכִּי (H3588) causal, 'for'; grounds the prompt-payment law in the worker's need.
עָנִי֙poorAdj m sg abs · עָנִי (H6041)Predicate adjectiveעָנִי (H6041) 'poor'; predicate describing the worker's status, resumed from v. 14.
ה֔וּאhepers pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula pronounהוּא (H1931) 3ms personal pronoun functioning as copula, 'he (is) poor.'
וְאֵלָ֕יוand to itconj וְ + prep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Fronted prepositional phrase (object of נֹשֵׂא, emphatic)אֶל (H413) preposition + 3ms suffix, fronted for emphasis, 'and to it (his wages) he lifts up his soul.'
ה֥וּאhepers pron 3ms (resumptive) · הוּא (H1931)Subject of נֹשֵׂא (resumptive, emphatic)הוּא (H1931) 3ms independent pronoun, resuming the subject for emphasis before the participle.
נֹשֵׂ֖אlifts upQal ptc m sg abs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (participle, characterizing action)→ Participle: durative/characterizing - his continual, desperate hope for the wageנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; idiom נָשָׂא נֶפֶשׁ אֶל, 'to set one's heart/soul on, long for' - the worker's whole hope is pinned on this payment.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת/אֶת (H853), marks נַפְשׁוֹ as the definite direct object.
נַפְשׁ֑וֹhis soulN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of נֹשֵׂאנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, desire'; completes the idiom - his whole being/desire set upon the wage, since poverty makes the payment existential, not incidental.
וְלֹֽאlestconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative, introducing the warning clauseלֹא (H3808) negative, joined by וְ; introduces the consequence to avoid, 'lest he cry out.'
יִקְרָ֤אhe cry outQal impf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb of the warning clause→ Yiqtol: negative purpose/result - the outcome to be preventedקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, cry out'; the same verb used of Israel's cry from Egyptian bondage (Exod 3:7), applied here to the wronged worker's appeal.
עָלֶ֨יךָ֙against youprep עַל + 2ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (object of יִקְרָא)עַל (H5921) preposition 'against' + 2ms suffix, marking the employer as the one accused.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal, the recipient of the cry)אֶל (H413) preposition 'to'; the cry's destination - YHWH himself.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition אֶליְהוָה (H3068), covenant name of God; the ultimate court of appeal for the wronged poor.
וְהָיָ֥הand it will beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, apodosis-like consequence→ Weqatal: consequential result - the moral/legal verdict on the offenderהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the resulting verdict, 'and it will be sin in you.'
בְךָ֖in youprep בְּ + 2ms suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase (locative, predicate complement)בְּ preposition + 2ms suffix, 'in you'; the guilt is charged to the employer personally.
חֵֽטְאsinN m sg abs · חֵטְא (H2399)Predicate nominativeחֵטְא (H2399) 'sin, guilt'; withholding a poor worker's wages is reckoned not merely unjust but sinful before YHWH.
16
לֹֽא יוּמְת֤וּ אָבוֹת֙ עַל בָּנִ֔ים וּבָנִ֖ים לֹא יוּמְת֣וּ עַל אָב֑וֹת אִ֥יש בְּחֶטְא֖וֹ יוּמָֽתוּ
Fathers shall not be put to death for children, nor children be put to death for fathers; each shall be put to death for his own sin.
A programmatic statement of individual (not corporate/vicarious) liability for capital crimes, later quoted nearly verbatim at 2 Kgs 14:6 to justify Amaziah's restraint in punishing his father's assassins; its placement here, amid pledge and wage laws protecting the vulnerable, extends the chapter's concern for justice rightly apportioned.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
לֹֽאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates יוּמְתוּלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
יוּמְת֤וּshall be put to deathHophal impf 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (passive prohibition)→ Yiqtol (Hophal passive): prohibitive/modal - a categorical ban on vicarious executionמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; the passive stem places the fathers as objects of (forbidden) capital punishment for their children's guilt.
אָבוֹת֙fathersN m pl abs · אָב (H1)Subject of יוּמְתוּאָב (H1) 'father'; plural, the parents who may not be executed for their children's sins.
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (causal, 'on account of')עַל (H5921) preposition 'on account of, for'; introduces the (forbidden) basis of vicarious liability.
בָּנִ֔יםchildrenN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition עַלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural, the children whose guilt may not be transferred to their parents.
וּבָנִ֖יםand childrenconj וְ + N m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject (of the parallel clause)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; subject of the mirror-image second clause, reversing the direction of the first.
לֹאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second יוּמְתוּלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
יוּמְת֣וּshall be put to deathHophal impf 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (passive prohibition, mirrored clause)→ Yiqtol (Hophal passive): prohibitive/modal - the mirrored banמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; repeats the previous clause's verb, completing the chiastic reversal (fathers-for-sons / sons-for-fathers).
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (causal)עַל (H5921) preposition 'on account of'; introduces the (forbidden) basis in the mirrored clause.
אָב֑וֹתfathersN m pl abs · אָב (H1)Object of preposition עַלאָב (H1) 'father'; plural, completing the chiasm - sons may not die for fathers.
אִ֥ישeachN m sg abs (distributive) · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (fronted, 'each man')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive use, 'each (individually),' establishing the positive principle of individual liability.
בְּחֶטְא֖וֹfor his own sinprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · חֵטְא (H2399)Prepositional phrase (causal, specifying the ground of his death)חֵטְא (H2399) 'sin'; construct with 3ms suffix, 'his own sin' - guilt is strictly individual, not transferable.
יוּמָֽתוּshall they be put to deathHophal impf 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (passive, positive statement of the principle)→ Yiqtol (Hophal passive): the positive counterpart - death only for one's own sinמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; closes the verse with the positive principle underlying the two preceding prohibitions.
17
לֹ֣א תַטֶּ֔ה מִשְׁפַּ֖ט גֵּ֣ר יָת֑וֹם וְלֹ֣א תַחֲבֹ֔ל בֶּ֖גֶד אַלְמָנָֽה
You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or the orphan, nor take a widow's garment in pledge.
Combines two prohibitions (perverting judgment for the vulnerable; taking a widow's pledge) that anticipate the triad (sojourner-orphan-widow) governing the gleaning laws of vv. 19-21; 'pervert judgment' (נטה משפט) is the same idiom condemned throughout Deuteronomy's judicial legislation (16:19; 27:19).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
לֹ֣אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תַטֶּהלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תַטֶּ֔הyou shall pervertHiphil impf 2ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol (Hiphil, causative): categorical prohibition against skewing judgmentנָטָה (H5186) Hiphil 'to turn aside, incline, pervert'; the standard idiom for corrupting judicial process (cf. Deut 16:19; 27:19).
מִשְׁפַּ֖טthe justice ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Direct object, construct headמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, justice, legal right'; construct with גֵּר and (implied) יָתוֹם, the due process owed the vulnerable.
גֵּ֣רof the sojournerN m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Genitive complement of מִשְׁפַּטגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; first of the vulnerable triad governing vv. 17-21.
יָת֑וֹםor the orphanN m sg abs · יָתוֹם (H3490)Coordinate genitive complement of מִשְׁפַּט (asyndetic)יָתוֹם (H3490) 'orphan, fatherless'; second of the triad, joined without conjunction to גֵּר.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative, second prohibitionלֹא (H3808) negative, joined by וְ to the second prohibition of the verse.
תַחֲבֹ֔לyou shall take in pledgeQal impf 2ms · חָבַל (H2254)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - a categorical prohibition, echoing v. 6חָבַל (H2254) 'to take in pledge'; same verb as v. 6, extending the pledge-restriction specifically to the widow.
בֶּ֖גֶדthe garment ofN m sg constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object, construct headבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment, clothing'; construct with אַלְמָנָה, the widow's own clothing, protected from seizure entirely (unlike vv. 10-13's temporary pledge).
אַלְמָנָֽהof a widowN f sg abs · אַלְמָנָה (H490)Genitive complement of בֶּגֶדאַלְמָנָה (H490) 'widow'; third of the vulnerable triad, completing the group (sojourner-orphan-widow) that governs vv. 17-21.
18
וְזָכַרְתָּ֗ כִּ֣י עֶ֤בֶד הָיִ֨יתָ֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֛ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ מִשָּׁ֑ם עַל כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֶת הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה
But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and YHWH your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this thing.
The first of two Exodus-memory refrains closing this unit of chapter 24 (cf. v. 22, and structurally echoed in vv. 19-21's gleaning laws); Israel's own history as redeemed slaves supplies the motive for its social legislation, turning memory into ethical obligation ('therefore I command you').
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְזָכַרְתָּ֗and you shall rememberconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb, main clause (grounding the prior laws)→ Weqatal: consequential obligation - the memory that must follow/underlie obedienceזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the second of the chapter's 'remember' formulas (cf. v. 9), here grounding social law in Israel's own history.
כִּ֣יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the object clause of וְזָכַרְתָּכִּי (H3588) here introducing indirect discourse, 'that you were a slave.'
עֶ֤בֶדa slaveN m sg abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Predicate nominativeעֶבֶד (H5650) 'slave, servant'; Israel's own former status, the ground of its obligation to the vulnerable.
הָיִ֨יתָ֙you wereQal perf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula) of the object clause→ Perfective: a completed past state - Israel's historical slaveryהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; copula, 'you were a slave,' recalling Israel's Egyptian bondage.
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִםin Egyptprep בְּ + proper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase (locative)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the place of Israel's former slavery.
וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֛and he redeemed youconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 2ms suffix · פָּדָה (H6299)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance - YHWH's decisive redemptive actפָּדָה (H6299) 'to redeem, ransom'; the Exodus as an act of redemption from slavery, the theological ground for Israel's own treatment of the vulnerable.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּפְדְּךָיְהוָה (H3068), covenant name of God; subject of the redemptive act.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) construct with 2ms suffix, 'your God,' the recurring Deuteronomic epithet.
מִשָּׁ֑םfrom thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Prepositional phrase (source), completing the redemption clauseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with מִן, 'from there (Egypt),' the place of departure in redemption.
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (with כֵּן forming the inferential conjunction עַל כֵּן)עַל (H5921) preposition; with כֵּן forms the inferential formula 'therefore.'
כֵּ֞ןthereforeadv/particle · כֵּן (H3651)Completes the inferential conjunction עַל כֵּן, drawing the conclusionכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with עַל, 'therefore,' drawing the ethical conclusion from Israel's redemption.
אָנֹכִ֤יIpers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of מְצַוְּךָ (emphatic, explicit)אָנֹכִי (H595) 1cs independent pronoun, 'I'; emphatic, Moses (as YHWH's spokesman) personally commanding.
מְצַוְּךָ֙am commanding youPiel ptc m sg constr + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (participle, present/durative)→ Participle: present, authoritative ongoing commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; participle expresses the immediate, ongoing force of the legislation being delivered.
לַעֲשׂ֔וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of מְצַוְּךָ→ Infinitive construct: names the required actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; completes the command formula, 'commanding you to do this thing.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת/אֶת (H853), marks הַדָּבָר as the definite direct object.
הַדָּבָ֖רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct objectדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here 'this commandment' - referring to the immediately preceding legislation of vv. 14-17.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstr pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088) demonstrative 'this'; specifies the immediately preceding legislation as the referent.
19
כִּ֣י תִקְצֹר֩ קְצִֽירְךָ֨ בְשָׂדֶ֜ךָ וְשָֽׁכַחְתָּ֧ עֹ֣מֶר בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה לֹ֤א תָשׁוּב֙ לְקַחְתּ֔וֹ לַגֵּ֛ר לַיָּת֥וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֑ה לְמַ֤עַן יְבָרֶכְךָ֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכֹ֖ל מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה יָדֶֽיךָ
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow, that YHWH your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Opens the gleaning triad (vv. 19-21: sheaf, olive, vineyard) that gives the sojourner, orphan, and widow a standing legal claim on the harvest margins rather than mere charity; the positive framing (a blessing on all the worker's undertakings) recasts the loss as a covenantal investment. This is the law that structures the gleaning scene of the book of Ruth (Ruth 2).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
כִּ֣יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction opening the gleaning triadכִּי (H3588) conditional/temporal 'when'; opens the first of the gleaning triad (vv. 19-21).
תִקְצֹר֩you reapQal impf 2ms · קָצַר (H7114)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: generic/customary - the recurring harvest scenarioקָצַר (H7114) 'to reap, harvest'; the grain harvest, first of the three agricultural gleaning laws.
קְצִֽירְךָ֨your harvestN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · קָצִיר (H7105)Direct objectקָצִיר (H7105) 'harvest'; the standing grain being cut.
בְשָׂדֶ֜ךָin your fieldprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Prepositional phrase (locative)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the location of the harvesting.
וְשָֽׁכַחְתָּ֧and you forgetconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שָׁכַח (H7911)Coordinate predicate verb continuing the protasis→ Weqatal: sequential/incidental action - the accidental oversight the law addressesשָׁכַח (H7911) 'to forget'; the accidental (not deliberate) oversight that becomes the law's occasion, giving its name to the sheaf, שִׁכְחָה.
עֹ֣מֶרa sheafN m sg abs · עֹמֶר (H6016)Direct objectעֹמֶר (H6016) 'sheaf, bundle'; the forgotten bundle of cut grain left behind in the field.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֗הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Prepositional phrase (locative, resumptive)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; resumes the location, now with the article as the specific field of harvest.
לֹ֤אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תָשׁוּבלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תָשׁוּב֙you shall returnQal impf 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/modal - forbidding retrieval of the forgotten sheafשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; the prohibited act of going back for what was left behind.
לְקַחְתּ֔וֹto take itprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Complementary infinitive of תָשׁוּב→ Infinitive construct: names the forbidden retrievalלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; completes the idiom 'go back to take it,' the forbidden retrieval of the forgotten sheaf.
לַגֵּ֛רfor the sojournerprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Predicate complement/indirect object (dative of benefit)גֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner'; first of the vulnerable triad, now benefiting from the forgotten sheaf.
לַיָּת֥וֹםfor the orphanprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · יָתוֹם (H3490)Coordinate dative of benefitיָתוֹם (H3490) 'orphan'; second of the triad.
וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖הand for the widowconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N f sg abs · אַלְמָנָה (H490)Coordinate dative of benefit (completing the triad)אַלְמָנָה (H490) 'widow'; third of the triad, completing the beneficiary group of the gleaning law.
יִהְיֶ֑הit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula, main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/legislative - the legally mandated dispositionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; copula, 'it shall be (reserved) for the sojourner, orphan, and widow.'
לְמַ֤עַןso thatconj · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing the final clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, so that'; introduces the positive purpose/result - divine blessing on the worker.
יְבָרֶכְךָ֙he may bless youPiel impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol (Piel, purpose/result): the intended divine blessing following obedienceבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; YHWH's blessing as reward for generosity toward the vulnerable, recasting apparent loss as covenantal gain.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יְבָרֶכְךָיְהוָה (H3068), covenant name of God; subject of the blessing.
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) construct with 2ms suffix, 'your God.'
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (sphere of blessing)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct phrase, 'in all the work of your hands.'
מַעֲשֵׂ֥הthe work ofN m sg constr · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Genitive complement of בְּכֹלמַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, deed'; construct with יָדֶיךָ, the totality of the worker's labor.
יָדֶֽיךָyour handsN c dual constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of מַעֲשֵׂהיָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual, 'your hands,' completing the idiom 'the work of your hands' - all economic labor and its fruit.
20
כִּ֤י תַחְבֹּט֙ זֵֽיתְךָ֔ לֹ֥א תְפָאֵ֖ר אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ לַגֵּ֛ר לַיָּת֥וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖ה יִהְיֶֽה
When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow.
The second of the triad, terser than v. 19 (no separate motive clause, since v. 19's rationale carries forward); 'do not go over the boughs again' (לא תפאר) leaves the second pass of fruit for the vulnerable.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
כִּ֤יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction continuing the gleaning triadכִּי (H3588) conditional/temporal 'when'; opens the second member of the triad, the olive harvest.
תַחְבֹּט֙you beatQal impf 2ms · חָבַט (H2251)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: generic/customary - the recurring harvest actionחָבַט (H2251) 'to beat, knock down'; the standard method of harvesting olives, striking the branches to dislodge the fruit.
זֵֽיתְךָ֔your olive treeN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · זַיִת (H2132)Direct objectזַיִת (H2132) 'olive, olive tree'; the tree being harvested.
לֹ֥אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְפָאֵרלֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תְפָאֵ֖רyou shall go over the boughs againPiel impf 2ms · פָּאַר (H6286)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol (Piel, intensive/denominative): prohibitive - forbidding a second, thorough passפָּאַר (H6286) Piel 'to go over the boughs again, glean thoroughly' (denominative from פְּאֵרָה 'bough'); prohibits a meticulous second beating that would leave nothing behind.
אַחֲרֶ֑יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial phrase (temporal/locative, 'a second time')אַחַר (H310) preposition + 2ms suffix, 'after you' - i.e., a repeat pass once the first beating is done.
לַגֵּ֛רfor the sojournerprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Predicate complement (dative of benefit)גֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner'; the leftover fruit belongs to him, first of the triad.
לַיָּת֥וֹםfor the orphanprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · יָתוֹם (H3490)Coordinate dative of benefitיָתוֹם (H3490) 'orphan'; second of the triad.
וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖הand for the widowconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N f sg abs · אַלְמָנָה (H490)Coordinate dative of benefit (completing the triad)אַלְמָנָה (H490) 'widow'; third of the triad, completing the beneficiary group as in v. 19.
יִהְיֶֽהit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula, main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/legislative - the mandated disposition of the leftover fruitהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; copula, 'it shall be (reserved) for the sojourner, orphan, and widow,' as in v. 19.
21
כִּ֤י תִבְצֹר֙ כַּרְמְךָ֔ לֹ֥א תְעוֹלֵ֖ל אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ לַגֵּ֛ר לַיָּת֥וֹם וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖ה יִהְיֶֽה
When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow.
The third and final member of the triad, matching v. 20's terse form; the three-fold repetition of 'it shall be for the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow' across vv. 19-21 rhetorically enacts the very provision it legislates.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
כִּ֤יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction concluding the gleaning triadכִּי (H3588) conditional/temporal 'when'; opens the third and final member of the triad, the vineyard harvest.
תִבְצֹר֙you gatherQal impf 2ms · בָּצַר (H1219)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: generic/customary - the recurring harvest actionבָּצַר (H1219) 'to cut off, gather grapes, harvest'; the standard verb for the grape harvest.
כַּרְמְךָ֔your vineyardN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Direct objectכֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'; the vines being harvested.
לֹ֥אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְעוֹלֵללֹא (H3808) negative particle.
תְעוֹלֵ֖לyou shall glean it a second timePoel impf 2ms · עָלַל (H5953)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Yiqtol (Poel, intensive): prohibitive - forbidding a thorough second gleaningעָלַל (H5953) Poel 'to glean thoroughly, deal severely with'; denominative from עוֹלֵלֹת 'gleanings,' prohibiting a meticulous second pass through the vineyard.
אַחֲרֶ֑יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial phrase (temporal/locative, 'a second time')אַחַר (H310) preposition + 2ms suffix, 'after you' - a repeat pass, as in v. 20.
לַגֵּ֛רfor the sojournerprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Predicate complement (dative of benefit)גֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner'; the ungleaned grapes belong to him, first of the triad.
לַיָּת֥וֹםfor the orphanprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · יָתוֹם (H3490)Coordinate dative of benefitיָתוֹם (H3490) 'orphan'; second of the triad.
וְלָאַלְמָנָ֖הand for the widowconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N f sg abs · אַלְמָנָה (H490)Coordinate dative of benefit (completing the triad)אַלְמָנָה (H490) 'widow'; third of the triad, closing the threefold repetition that spans vv. 19-21.
יִהְיֶֽהit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula, main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/legislative - the mandated disposition, closing the gleaning triadהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; copula repeating vv. 19-20's formula for the third and final time.
22
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔ כִּי עֶ֥בֶד הָיִ֖יתָ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם עַל כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֶת הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה
And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this thing.
Verbatim in substance with v. 18's motive clause, this closing refrain brackets vv. 19-22 and indeed much of the chapter's social legislation: Israel's memory of Egyptian slavery is the theological ground of its entire code of humane treatment for the economically vulnerable.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔and you shall rememberconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb, main clause (closing the chapter's Egypt-memory bracket)→ Weqatal: consequential obligation - the memory that grounds the whole social codeזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the third and final 'remember' formula of the chapter (cf. vv. 9, 18), closing the gleaning laws with the same historical warrant.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the object clauseכִּי (H3588) introducing indirect discourse, 'that you were a slave,' as in v. 18.
עֶ֥בֶדa slaveN m sg abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Predicate nominativeעֶבֶד (H5650) 'slave, servant'; Israel's former status, repeated verbatim from v. 18.
הָיִ֖יתָyou wereQal perf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copula) of the object clause→ Perfective: a completed past stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; copula, 'you were a slave.'
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase, construct head (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with מִצְרָיִם, 'in the land of Egypt' - fuller than v. 18's simple בְּמִצְרַיִם.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptproper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of בְּאֶרֶץמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; completing 'the land of Egypt,' Israel's place of former bondage.
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (with כֵּן forming the inferential conjunction)עַל (H5921) preposition; with כֵּן forms 'therefore,' as in v. 18.
כֵּ֞ןthereforeadv/particle · כֵּן (H3651)Completes the inferential conjunction עַל כֵּןכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with עַל, 'therefore,' repeating v. 18's inferential formula to close the chapter.
אָנֹכִ֤יIpers pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of מְצַוְּךָ (emphatic)אָנֹכִי (H595) 1cs independent pronoun, 'I'; emphatic, repeating v. 18's formula verbatim.
מְצַוְּךָ֙am commanding youPiel ptc m sg constr + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (participle, present/durative)→ Participle: present, authoritative ongoing commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; participle as in v. 18, the immediate force of the legislation.
לַעֲשׂ֔וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of מְצַוְּךָ→ Infinitive construct: names the required actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; completes the command formula, closing the chapter as v. 18 closed its own subunit.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֶת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת/אֶת (H853), marks הַדָּבָר as the definite direct object.
הַדָּבָ֖רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct objectדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here 'this commandment,' referring back to the gleaning laws of vv. 19-21 and, by extension, the whole chapter's social legislation.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstr pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088) demonstrative 'this'; closes the chapter exactly as v. 18 closed its subunit, framing Deuteronomy 24 as bookended by the memory of slavery in Egypt.