1
כִּֽי יִהְיֶ֥ה רִיב֙ בֵּ֣ין אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְנִגְּשׁ֥וּ אֶל הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט וּשְׁפָט֑וּם וְהִצְדִּ֨יקוּ֙ אֶת הַצַּדִּ֔יק וְהִרְשִׁ֖יעוּ אֶת הָרָשָֽׁע
When there is a dispute between men, and they come to court, and the judges judge them, and they acquit the innocent and condemn the guilty —
Opens the chapter's final block of case-laws with the standard כִּי-protasis pattern (cf. v.5, v.11). The paired forensic verbs הִצְדִּיק/הִרְשִׁיעַ ('acquit'/'condemn') supply the antithesis of righteous and wicked that v.2's sentencing scene presupposes.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the case-law protasisכִּי (H3588) 'when, if, that, because'; opens a fresh casus-law case, 'when there is...' (cf. v.5, v.11). source id 05RiQ.
יִהְיֶ֥הthere isQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (protasis, existential)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — generic 'whenever there arises'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; existential, 'there is/arises [a dispute].' source id 05A4d.
רִיב֙a disputeN c.g. sg abs · רִיב (H7379)Subject of יִהְיֶהרִיב (H7379) 'strife, dispute, lawsuit'; the technical term for a legal controversy brought to court. source id 059G4.
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase marking the disputing partiesבֵּין (H996) 'between, among'; introduces the parties to the dispute. source id 05vJQ.
אֲנָשִׁ֔יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of preposition בֵּיןאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural, the generic parties to the dispute. source id 05Svx.
וְנִגְּשׁ֥וּand they come nearconj וְ + Niphal perf 3cp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Weqatal predicate, sequential (case procedure)→ Weqatal: sequential — the next stage in the legal processנָגַשׁ (H5066) Niphal 'to approach, draw near'; technical for coming before the court. source id 05fdR.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the goal of approach. source id 05QnD.
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖טthe judgment [court]art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Object of preposition אֶלמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, justice, court'; the tribunal/legal proceeding itself. source id 05Np6.
וּשְׁפָט֑וּםand they judge themconj וְ + Qal perf 3cp + 3mp suffix · שָׁפַט (H8199)Weqatal predicate, sequential (with pronominal object)→ Weqatal: sequential — the judges' verdict-rendering actשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge, adjudicate'; subject the judges (implied), object suffix 'them' = the parties. source id 059D7.
וְהִצְדִּ֨יקוּ֙and they justifyconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3cp · צָדַק (H6663)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — declarative-forensic, causative 'declare righteous'צָדַק (H6663) Hiphil 'to declare/pronounce righteous, acquit, vindicate'; forensic verdict for the innocent party. source id 05Zzo.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05kr3.
הַצַּדִּ֔יקthe righteous [one]art + adj m sg abs (substantival) · צַדִּיק (H6662)Direct object of וְהִצְדִּיקוּצַדִּיק (H6662) 'righteous, in the right'; substantivized adjective, the party judged innocent. source id 05wiP.
וְהִרְשִׁ֖יעוּand they condemnconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3cp · רָשַׁע (H7561)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — declarative-forensic, causative 'declare guilty'רָשַׁע (H7561) Hiphil 'to declare/pronounce wicked, condemn'; verdict against the guilty, antonym of הִצְדִּיק. source id 05MA8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05DTM.
הָרָשָֽׁעthe wicked [one]art + adj m sg abs (substantival) · רָשָׁע (H7563)Direct object of וְהִרְשִׁיעוּרָשָׁע (H7563) 'wicked, guilty'; substantivized adjective, the party judged guilty — pair with צַדִּיק opens the chapter's antithesis of measured justice. source id 05pcc.
2
וְהָיָ֛ה אִם בִּ֥ן הַכּ֖וֹת הָרָשָׁ֑ע וְהִפִּיל֤וֹ הַשֹּׁפֵט֙ וְהִכָּ֣הוּ לְפָנָ֔יו כְּדֵ֥י רִשְׁעָת֖וֹ בְּמִסְפָּֽר
And if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall have him lie down and be struck in his presence, in proportion to his guilt, by number.
A weqatal chain narrates the sentencing procedure step by step — lying down, striking, counted blows — before v.3 supplies the actual cap. The idiom 'son of striking' (בִּן הַכּוֹת) treats liability to punishment as a kind of kinship to the act itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהָיָ֛הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf(consec) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate, sequential (apodosis opener)→ Weqatal: sequential — formulaic legal apodosis, 'and it shall be...'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; formulaic weqatal opening a new stage of the case-law procedure. source id 05HG2.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing embedded protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces a conditional clause nested within the larger כִּי-casus, 'if the guilty one merits...'. source id 05A13.
בִּ֥ןdeserving [lit. son]N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct governing infinitive הַכּוֹת (idiom of desert)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; in construct with an infinitive forms an idiom of liability/desert, 'a son of striking' = 'one deserving to be struck'. source id 05vHy.
הַכּ֖וֹתstrikingHiphil inf constr · נָכָה (H5221)Infinitive construct completing the idiom בִּן הַכּוֹת→ Infinitive: verbal noun naming the act, idiomatic desert-constructionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; inf constr completing the idiom 'liable to be struck'. source id 05717.
הָרָשָׁ֑עthe guilty oneart + adj m sg abs (substantival) · רָשָׁע (H7563)Subject of the nominal clause בִּן הַכּוֹתרָשָׁע (H7563) 'wicked, guilty'; substantivized, the party condemned in v.1's verdict, now facing sentencing. source id 05k6g.
וְהִפִּיל֤וֹand he shall lay him downconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suffix · נָפַל (H5307)Weqatal predicate, sequential (the judge's procedural act)→ Weqatal: sequential — the judge causes the guilty man to lie down for floggingנָפַל (H5307) Hiphil 'to cause to fall, lay prostrate'; the judge has the guilty man lie down before the blows are administered. source id 05eGQ.
הַשֹּׁפֵט֙the judgeart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · שֹׁפֵט (H8199)Subject of וְהִכָּהוּ→ Participle: substantival, characterizing the judge's official roleשָׁפַט (H8199) Qal ptc 'one judging' = 'the judge'; substantival participle naming the officiant of the flogging. source id 05Pk7.
וְהִכָּ֣הוּand he shall strike himconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Weqatal predicate, sequential (main punitive act)→ Weqatal: sequential — the judge's decisive administration of the blowsנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the judge administers or oversees the flogging in person. source id 05R3Z.
לְפָנָ֔יוbefore himprep לְ + N c pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, 'in the judge's presence')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵי + suffix 'in the presence of' — the flogging is public, before the judge's own eyes. source id 05Ky7.
כְּדֵ֥יaccording to the measure ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · דַּי (H1767)Prepositional phrase (measure/proportion) governing רִשְׁעָתוֹדַּי (H1767) 'enough, sufficiency'; construct with כְּ, 'in proportion to his guilt' — the punishment must fit the crime. source id 057pW.
רִשְׁעָת֖וֹhis guiltN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · רִשְׁעָה (H7564)Genitive complement of כְּדֵי (construct chain)רִשְׁעָה (H7564) 'wickedness, guilt'; the degree/gravity of the guilty man's offense that sets the number of blows. source id 05ubK.
בְּמִסְפָּֽרby numberprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner, anticipates v.3's count)מִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number, count'; anticipates the specific cap (forty) given in v.3 — the blows must be counted, not open-ended. source id 05weN.
3
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים יַכֶּ֖נּוּ לֹ֣א יֹסִ֑יף פֶּן יֹסִ֨יף לְהַכֹּת֤וֹ עַל אֵ֨לֶּה֙ מַכָּ֣ה רַבָּ֔ה וְנִקְלָ֥ה אָחִ֖יךָ לְעֵינֶֽיךָ
Forty stripes he may strike him; he shall not exceed it, lest he continue to strike him beyond these with a great blow, and your brother be degraded in your eyes.
The chapter's most-quoted number. The פֶּן-clause supplies the rationale (עִלָּה) for the cap: exceeding forty risks 'degrading' the guilty man — corporal punishment must never erase his standing as 'brother,' bounding justice by kinship even at its harshest.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אַרְבָּעִ֥יםfortynumeral c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Adverbial accusative (number of blows), fronted for emphasisאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; the maximum stripe-count — later tradition (m. Makkot 3:10; cf. 2 Cor 11:24 'forty stripes save one') capped it at 39 to guard against miscount exceeding the limit. source id 05oFq.
יַכֶּ֖נּוּhe shall strike himHiphil impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb, permissive/prescriptive (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — permissive-prescriptive, the sanctioned maximumנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; yiqtol here modal-permissive, setting the ceiling of lawful blows. source id 05pDi.
לֹ֣אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יֹסִיףלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle; negates the following verb, prohibiting exceeding the forty. source id 05NHC.
יֹסִ֑יףhe shall add [exceed]Hiphil impf 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — prohibition against exceeding the capיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, continue, do again'; 'he shall not add [more blows]' — sets the absolute limit. source id 056Cr.
פֶּןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative-purpose conjunction introducing the feared-result clauseפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the rationale/warning motivating the cap. source id 05NUj.
יֹסִ֨יףhe continue [to strike]Hiphil impf 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb within the פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — hypothetical excess being guarded againstיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, continue'; repeats the verb of v.3a within the feared-result clause. source id 05PJg.
לְהַכֹּת֤וֹto strike himprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Infinitival complement of יֹסִיף→ Infinitive: the additional striking-act being warned againstנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil inf constr 'to strike'; completes 'lest he continue to strike him'. source id 05E7S.
עַלbeyondprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (comparative) governing אֵלֶּהעַל (H5921) 'upon, beyond, in excess of'; comparative, 'more than these [forty]'. source id 05KKi.
אֵ֨לֶּה֙thesedemonstr pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Object of preposition עַל, referring back to the forty stripesאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; demonstrative pointing back to the forty-stripe limit just stated. source id 05uCx.
מַכָּ֣הa blowN f sg abs · מַכָּה (H4347)Adverbial accusative (the excess, disproportionate beating)מַכָּה (H4347) 'blow, wound, strike'; a further beating beyond the sanctioned forty. source id 05K9C.
רַבָּ֔הgreatadj f sg abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective modifying מַכָּהרַב (H7227) 'many, great'; qualifies מַכָּה as excessive, disproportionate to the crime. source id 05nZx.
וְנִקְלָ֥הand be degradedconj וְ + Niphal perf 3ms · קָלָה (H7034)Weqatal predicate, resultative (rationale for the cap)→ Weqatal: sequential — the feared consequence, 'and so your brother would be degraded'קָלָה (H7034) Niphal 'to be dishonored, made light/vile, degraded'; the theological rationale for the 40-stripe cap — corporal punishment must not strip the guilty man of his dignity as 'brother'. source id 05KVG.
אָחִ֖יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · אָח (H251)Subject of וְנִקְלָהאָח (H251) 'brother'; even the guilty, flogged man remains 'your brother' — kinship bounds the punishment. source id 05gtm.
לְעֵינֶֽיךָin your eyesprep לְ + N c du constr + 2ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative/perceptual, 'in your sight')עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiom לְעֵינֵי 'in the eyes of' — the community witnesses the flogging, so the cap protects public honor. source id 05KY7.
4
לֹא תַחְסֹ֥ם שׁ֖וֹר בְּדִישֽׁוֹ
You shall not muzzle an ox while it is threshing.
A single terse prohibition, asyndetically juxtaposed with the flogging law yet thematically continuous: a laborer — even an animal — earns the right to benefit from its own toil. Paul allegorizes it twice (1 Cor 9:9; 1 Tim 5:18) as a principle for human wage-laborers and ministers.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
לֹאnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates תַחְסֹםלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle, negating the prohibition. source id 05uJV.
תַחְסֹ֥םyou shall muzzleQal impf 2ms · חָסַם (H2629)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — categorical prohibitionחָסַם (H2629) Qal 'to muzzle, stop up the mouth of'; rare verb — the working animal's labor entitles it to eat, quoted as a principle of fair recompense in 1 Cor 9:9, 1 Tim 5:18. source id 05EYJ.
שׁ֖וֹרan oxN m sg abs · שׁוֹר (H7794)Direct object of תַחְסֹםשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; the working animal treading the threshing floor. source id 05fzq.
בְּדִישֽׁוֹwhile it threshesprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · דּוּשׁ (H1758)Temporal infinitival clause ('while/in its threshing')→ Infinitive: circumstantial/temporal, the ox's ongoing laborדּוּשׁ (H1758) Qal 'to thresh, tread out grain'; inf constr with prep and suffix, 'in its threshing' — the ox tramples the grain and may eat as it works. source id 05Zpp.
5
כִּֽי יֵשְׁב֨וּ אַחִ֜ים יַחְדָּ֗ו וּמֵ֨ת אַחַ֤ד מֵהֶם֙ וּבֵ֣ן אֵֽין ל֔וֹ לֹֽא תִהְיֶ֧ה אֵֽשֶׁת הַמֵּ֛ת הַח֖וּצָה לְאִ֣ישׁ זָ֑ר יְבָמָהּ֙ יָבֹ֣א עָלֶ֔יהָ וּלְקָחָ֥הּ ל֛וֹ לְאִשָּׁ֖ה וְיִבְּמָֽהּ
When brothers dwell together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not marry outside to a strange man; her brother-in-law shall come in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the levirate duty for her.
Introduces the levirate institution with the same כִּי-protasis formula as v.1, signaling a new legal unit. The technical vocabulary (יָבָם, יִבֵּם) is otherwise almost confined to Genesis 38 and this passage — the background presupposed by the book of Ruth.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the levirate case-law protasisכִּי (H3588) 'when, if'; opens the levirate case, echoing v.1's formula. source id 05GvP.
יֵשְׁב֨וּdwellQal impf 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (protasis, generic/habitual)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — generic, 'whenever brothers dwell...'יָשַׁב (H3427) Qal 'to sit, dwell, remain'; brothers on the same undivided patrimony — the presupposition for the levirate duty. source id 05xb5.
אַחִ֜יםbrothersN m pl abs · אָח (H251)Subject of יֵשְׁבוּאָח (H251) 'brother'; plural, the parties subject to this law. source id 05xSy.
יַחְדָּ֗וtogetheradverb · יַחְדָּו (H3162)Adverb modifying יֵשְׁבוּ (manner)יַחְדָּו (H3162) 'together, jointly'; emphasizes the shared household/inheritance, the condition triggering levirate duty. source id 05z29.
וּמֵ֨תand diesconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Weqatal predicate, sequential (protasis continuation)→ Weqatal: sequential — the triggering eventמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; the death of one brother without offspring triggers the levirate law. source id 056ip.
אַחַ֤דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Subject of וּמֵתאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; 'one of them [the brothers]'. source id 05Dv2.
מֵהֶם֙of themprep מִן + 3mp suffix · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phrase modifying אַחַדמִן (H4480) 'from, of'; partitive, 'one from among them'. source id 05GCo.
וּבֵ֣ןand a sonconj וְ + N m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of the existential clause אֵין לוֹבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the absence of a son (not necessarily any child) is the specific trigger — cf. Tamar/Onan in Gen 38, and Ruth's story. source id 05tFN.
אֵֽיןthere is notneg exist part · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicate ('he has no [son]')אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; negative existential, with לוֹ 'he has no [son]'. source id 05pf3.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase of possession ('he has no [son]')לְ dative of possession 'to, for'; with אֵין, 'there is not to him' = 'he has none'. source id 059LD.
לֹֽאnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle, negating the marriage prohibition. source id 05MnJ.
תִהְיֶ֧הshall be [married]Qal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — prohibition, main apodosisהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be, become'; idiomatic 'become [wife] to' = marry; the widow may not marry outside the clan. source id 05a4D.
אֵֽשֶׁתthe wife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of תִהְיֶה (construct)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; construct, 'the wife of the dead man'. source id 05yxF.
הַמֵּ֛תthe dead [man]art + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · מֵת (H4191)Genitive complement of אֵשֶׁת (construct chain), substantival participle→ Participle: substantival, denoting the deceased husbandמוּת (H4191) Qal ptc 'dying/dead'; substantivized, 'the dead man' = the deceased brother. source id 05Rb8.
הַח֖וּצָהoutsideart + N m sg abs + directive ה · חוּץ (H2351)Adverbial accusative of direction ('to the outside')חוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street'; with directional ה, 'to the outside' — she may not marry outside the clan/family. source id 05CN5.
לְאִ֣ישׁto a manprep לְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Prepositional phrase (goal, complement of תִהְיֶה)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; object of the prohibited outside marriage. source id 05u25.
זָ֑רstrange [outside the family]adj m sg abs · זָר (H2114)Attributive adjective modifying אִישׁזָר (H2114) 'strange, foreign, outside [the clan]'; not necessarily a foreigner, but any man outside the deceased's family/clan. source id 05qSq.
יְבָמָהּ֙her levir [brother-in-law]N m sg constr + 3fs suffix · יָבָם (H2993)Subject of יָבֹאיָבָם (H2993) 'husband's brother, levir'; the technical term for the surviving brother obligated to marry the widow — source of the loanword 'levirate'. source id 05AMc.
יָבֹ֣אshall come inQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, euphemism for consummation)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — prescriptive, the levir's dutyבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, go in'; euphemistic for sexual consummation of the levirate marriage. source id 05Adu.
עָלֶ֔יהָto herprep עַל + 3fs suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (goal) complementing יָבֹאעַל (H5921) 'upon, to'; with בּוֹא, idiomatic for entering a woman (intercourse). source id 05sh6.
וּלְקָחָ֥הּand take herconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms + 3fs suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the formal act of marriage following consummationלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; standard verb for taking a wife in marriage. source id 05Az8.
ל֛וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (benefactive/reflexive)לְ dative, reflexive-benefactive here, 'for himself'. source id 05z7z.
לְאִשָּׁ֖הas wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Prepositional phrase of predication ('as/for a wife')אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; predicate complement, 'take her ... as wife'. source id 05Gyr.
וְיִבְּמָֽהּand perform levirate duty to herconj וְ + Piel perf 3ms + 3fs suffix · יִבֵּם (H2992)Weqatal predicate, sequential (summarizing the legal act)→ Weqatal: sequential — the denominative verb naming the whole institutionיִבֵּם (H2992) Piel, denominative from יָבָם 'brother-in-law'; 'to perform the duty of a levir' — the technical verb for this institution, occurring almost only here and Gen 38:8. source id 059AQ.
6
וְהָיָ֗ה הַבְּכוֹר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּלֵ֔ד יָק֕וּם עַל שֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו הַמֵּ֑ת וְלֹֽא יִמָּחֶ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
And it shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, so that his name not be blotted out from Israel.
States the legal EFFECT of the levirate marriage: the resulting son is legally reckoned to the dead brother, not the biological father. The verb יִמָּחֶה ('blotted out') anticipates v.19's תִּמְחֶה — here what must NOT be erased is a name; there, what MUST be erased is Amalek's.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהָיָ֗הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf(consec) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate, sequential (apodosis opener)→ Weqatal: sequential — formulaic legal apodosisהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic, introduces the levirate son's legal effect. source id 05FMj.
הַבְּכוֹר֙the firstbornart + N m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Subject of יָקוּםבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the child born of the levirate union counts legally as firstborn to the deceased. source id 05VET.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhomrelative part · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying הַבְּכוֹראֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle 'who, which, that'. source id 05pwL.
תֵּלֵ֔דshe bearsQal impf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the anticipated birth, generic/futureיָלַד (H3205) Qal 'to bear, give birth'; subject the levirate wife (יְבָמָה) of v.5. source id 05Ap2.
יָק֕וּםshall succeedQal impf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — prescriptive, legal successionקוּם (H6965) Qal 'to rise, stand, be established'; legal-successive here, 'shall be reckoned/succeed' to the dead brother's name and estate. source id 05ZZu.
עַלupon [for]prep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (goal, 'for the sake of the name')עַל (H5921) 'upon, for, on behalf of'; marks purpose — the son perpetuates the dead brother's name. source id 05Gw5.
שֵׁ֥םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Object of preposition עַל (construct)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the legal/genealogical identity to be perpetuated. source id 054uN.
אָחִ֖יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Genitive complement of שֵׁם (construct chain)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the deceased brother whose name/line is preserved. source id 05Tau.
הַמֵּ֑תthe dead [one]art + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · מֵת (H4191)Appositional substantival participle modifying אָחִיו→ Participle: substantival, denoting the deceasedמוּת (H4191) Qal ptc 'dying, dead'; appositional, 'his dead brother'. source id 05tv5.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + neg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִמָּחֶהוְ (conj) + לֹא (H3808) negative; introduces the purpose clause's negation. source id 05zV6.
יִמָּחֶ֥הbe wiped outNiphal impf 3ms · מָחָה (H4229)Predicate verb (result/purpose clause, passive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — purpose, 'so that it not be blotted out'מָחָה (H4229) Niphal (passive) 'to be wiped out, erased'; the same root recurs in v.19's command to erase Amalek's memory — here what must NOT be erased is an individual's name, there what MUST be erased is the enemy's. source id 05DF1.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of יִמָּחֶהשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the deceased's name, perpetuated through the levirate son. source id 05UwN.
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽלfrom Israelprep מִן + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; the corporate body from which the name must not disappear — genealogical continuity within the covenant nation. source id 05wi6.
7
וְאִם לֹ֤א יַחְפֹּץ֙ הָאִ֔ישׁ לָקַ֖חַת אֶת יְבִמְתּ֑וֹ וְעָלְתָה֩ יְבִמְתּ֨וֹ הַשַּׁ֜עְרָה אֶל הַזְּקֵנִ֗ים וְאָֽמְרָה֙ מֵאֵ֨ין יְבָמִ֜י לְהָקִ֨ים לְאָחִ֥יו שֵׁם֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לֹ֥א אָבָ֖ה יַבְּמִֽי
But if the man does not wish to take his sister-in-law, his sister-in-law shall go up to the gate, to the elders, and say, 'My brother-in-law refuses to raise up a name for his brother in Israel; he is not willing to perform the levirate duty for me.'
Branches from v.5's main case into the refusal scenario, shifting the legal initiative to the widow herself, who must formally plead her case before the town's elders at the gate — the customary site of local justice (cf. Ruth 4).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conjunction introducing the counter-case (levir's refusal)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the exception clause where the levir refuses. source id 05p3S.
לֹ֤אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יַחְפֹּץלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05eBV.
יַחְפֹּץ֙he desiresQal impf 3ms · חָפֵץ (H2654)Predicate verb (protasis, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — volition, 'does not wish'חָפֵץ (H2654) Qal 'to desire, delight in, be willing'; expresses the levir's refusal of will, not physical inability. source id 05xzL.
הָאִ֔ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יַחְפֹּץאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the reluctant levir. source id 05khJ.
לָקַ֖חַתto takeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · לָקַח (H3947)Infinitival complement of יַחְפֹּץ (object clause)→ Infinitive: the desired/refused act, marriageלָקַח (H3947) Qal inf constr 'to take'; complement of חָפֵץ, 'to take [in marriage]'. source id 05ftY.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05opc.
יְבִמְתּ֑וֹhis sister-in-lawN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · יְבָמָה (H2994)Direct object of לָקַחַתיְבָמָה (H2994) 'levirate widow, sister-in-law'; feminine counterpart of יָבָם, the widow awaiting levirate marriage. source id 05oMo.
וְעָלְתָה֩and she shall go upconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · עָלָה (H5927)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the widow's procedural recourseעָלָה (H5927) Qal 'to go up, ascend'; the gate as the seat of local justice, typically elevated/prominent in the town. source id 05dqs.
יְבִמְתּ֨וֹhis sister-in-lawN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · יְבָמָה (H2994)Subject of וְעָלְתָהיְבָמָה (H2994) 'levirate widow'; repeated for clarity as subject. source id 054Bp.
הַשַּׁ֜עְרָהto the gateart + N m sg abs + directive ה · שַׁעַר (H8179)Adverbial accusative of directionשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; with directive ה, 'to the gate' — the town gate as the site of the elders' court (cf. Ruth 4). source id 05G2P.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'. source id 0516d.
הַזְּקֵנִ֗יםthe eldersart + adj m pl abs (substantival) · זָקֵן (H2205)Object of preposition אֶלזָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; substantivized plural, the town's judicial council. source id 054RU.
וְאָֽמְרָה֙and she shall sayconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal predicate, sequential (introduces direct speech)→ Weqatal: sequential — her formal pleaאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; introduces the widow's sworn complaint before the elders. source id 05uUK.
מֵאֵ֨יןhe refusesPiel perf 3ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Predicate verb within direct speech (main clause of the widow's complaint)→ Perfective: a completed, settled stance — 'has refused'מָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse, be unwilling'; the levir's formal refusal, quoted verbatim in the widow's plea. source id 05Tyx.
יְבָמִ֜יmy brother-in-lawN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · יָבָם (H2993)Subject of מֵאֵיןיָבָם (H2993) 'levir, husband's brother'; with 1cs suffix, 'my levir' — her direct speech naming him. source id 05eU2.
לְהָקִ֨יםto raise upprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · קוּם (H6965)Infinitival complement of מֵאֵין (object of refusal)→ Infinitive: the refused act — establishing the dead brother's lineקוּם (H6965) Hiphil inf constr 'to raise up, establish'; causative of the verb in v.6's יָקוּם, 'to raise up a name'. source id 05CCe.
לְאָחִ֥יוfor his brotherprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Prepositional phrase (benefactive) complementing לְהָקִיםאָח (H251) 'brother'; the deceased brother for whose sake the name is to be raised. source id 05fFD.
שֵׁם֙a nameN m sg abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of לְהָקִיםשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the object of the refused duty. source id 05dpH.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לin Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; echoes v.6's מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל. source id 05wBW.
לֹ֥אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates אָבָהלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05JYr.
אָבָ֖הhe is willingQal perf 3ms · אָבָה (H14)Predicate verb within direct speech (main clause, restates refusal)→ Perfective: a settled stance/refusal — 'he has not consented'אָבָה (H14) Qal 'to be willing, consent'; restates the refusal in the widow's own words, closing her complaint. source id 05hNG.
יַבְּמִֽיto perform the levirate duty for mePiel inf constr + 1cs suffix · יִבֵּם (H2992)Infinitival complement of אָבָה (object of unwillingness)→ Infinitive: the refused levirate act itselfיִבֵּם (H2992) Piel inf constr, denominative from יָבָם, 'to perform the levir's duty'; with 1cs suffix, 'to do the levirate to me' — echoes v.5's וְיִבְּמָהּ. source id 05tbb.
8
וְקָֽרְאוּ ל֥וֹ זִקְנֵי עִיר֖וֹ וְדִבְּר֣וּ אֵלָ֑יו וְעָמַ֣ד וְאָמַ֔ר לֹ֥א חָפַ֖צְתִּי לְקַחְתָּֽהּ
Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him; if he stands firm and says, 'I do not want to take her,'
The elders attempt persuasion before any ritual sanction — the law prefers reconciliation. His persistence (וְעָמַד, 'and he stands [firm]') sets up the ritual response of v.9, protasis still open pending his repeated refusal in direct speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְקָֽרְאוּand they shall summonconj וְ + Qal perf 3cp · קָרָא (H7121)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the elders' formal summonsקָרָא (H7121) Qal 'to call, summon'; the elders' judicial summons of the reluctant levir. source id 05Ve8.
ל֥וֹhimprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, object of the summonsלְ dative marking the person summoned, 'to/for him' = 'him'. source id 05qLd.
זִקְנֵיthe elders ofadj m pl constr (substantival) · זָקֵן (H2205)Subject of וְקָראוּ (construct)זָקֵן (H2205) 'elder'; construct plural, 'the elders of his city' — the local judicial body. source id 057Jc.
עִיר֖וֹhis cityN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · עִיר (H5892)Genitive complement of זִקְנֵי (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; the levir's own town, whose elders adjudicate. source id 05p5E.
וְדִבְּר֣וּand they shall speakconj וְ + Piel perf 3cp · דָּבַר (H1696)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the elders' exhortation/interrogationדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the elders formally address and presumably urge him to comply. source id 058nB.
אֵלָ֑יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal) complementing וְדִבְּרוּאֶל (H413) 'to'; with suffix, 'to him'. source id 05EvJ.
וְעָמַ֣דand he standsconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Weqatal predicate, sequential (conditional continuation)→ Weqatal: sequential — his persistence in refusalעָמַד (H5975) Qal 'to stand'; standing firm signals his continued refusal despite the elders' words. source id 0547G.
וְאָמַ֔רand he saysconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal predicate, sequential (introduces direct speech)→ Weqatal: sequential — his formal declaration of refusalאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; introduces the levir's ritual formula of refusal. source id 05QcW.
לֹ֥אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates חָפַצְתִּילֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05TMj.
חָפַ֖צְתִּיI do not desireQal perf 1cs · חָפֵץ (H2654)Predicate verb within direct speech (main clause)→ Perfective: a stated, settled refusal — the formal declarationחָפֵץ (H2654) Qal 'to desire, be willing'; 1cs, the levir's own ritual words of refusal, echoing v.7's יַחְפֹּץ. source id 05g4h.
לְקַחְתָּֽהּto take herprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Infinitival complement of חָפַצְתִּי→ Infinitive: the refused act of marriageלָקַח (H3947) Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix 'to take her'; the object of his stated unwillingness. source id 05NYF.
9
וְנִגְּשָׁ֨ה יְבִמְתּ֣וֹ אֵלָיו֮ לְעֵינֵ֣י הַזְּקֵנִים֒ וְחָלְצָ֤ה נַעֲלוֹ֙ מֵעַ֣ל רַגְל֔וֹ וְיָרְקָ֖ה בְּפָנָ֑יו וְעָֽנְתָה֙ וְאָ֣מְרָ֔ה כָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה לָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא יִבְנֶ֖ה אֶת בֵּ֥ית אָחִֽיו
then his sister-in-law shall approach him in the sight of the elders, pull his sandal off his foot, spit in his face, and declare, 'So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house.'
The apodosis to vv.7-8's protasis: a public, ritualized humiliation — sandal removed, spat upon, verbally condemned — performed by the widow herself before the elders. The verb חָלַץ ('draw off') becomes the man's permanent epithet in v.10.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְנִגְּשָׁ֨הand she shall approachconj וְ + Niphal perf 3fs · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the widow's ritual action beginsנָגַשׁ (H5066) Niphal 'to approach, draw near'; same verb as v.1's court approach, now the widow's ceremonial act before the elders. source id 059MF.
יְבִמְתּ֣וֹhis sister-in-lawN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · יְבָמָה (H2994)Subject of וְנִגְּשָׁהיְבָמָה (H2994) 'levirate widow'. source id 05WTP.
אֵלָיו֮to himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to'; goal of her approach. source id 05Fx8.
לְעֵינֵ֣יin the sight ofprep לְ + N c du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative/perceptual, public witness)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiom 'in the eyes of' — the ritual is performed publicly before the court, cf. v.3. source id 05LH8.
הַזְּקֵנִים֒the eldersart + adj m pl abs (substantival) · זָקֵן (H2205)Genitive complement of לְעֵינֵי (construct chain)זָקֵן (H2205) 'elder'. source id 05ZZJ.
וְחָלְצָ֤הand she shall pull offconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · חָלַץ (H2502)Weqatal predicate, sequential (central ritual act)→ Weqatal: sequential — the decisive act of the ceremonyחָלַץ (H2502) Qal 'to draw off, remove, strip'; technical verb for the sandal-removal ritual — root of חֲלוּץ הַנַּעַל in v.10. source id 054Mw.
נַעֲלוֹ֙his sandalN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · נַעַל (H5275)Direct object of וְחָלְצָהנַעַל (H5275) 'sandal'; removing it symbolically annuls his claim/right (cf. Ruth 4:7-8's transfer custom). source id 05VZW.
מֵעַ֣לoff ofcompound prep מִן + עַל · מֵעַל (H5921)Compound prepositional phrase (separation, 'from off')מֵעַל (H5921) 'from upon, off of'; compound preposition of separation. source id 059Qr.
רַגְל֔וֹhis footN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֶגֶל (H7272)Object of preposition מֵעַלרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; the physical site of the sandal-removal. source id 05x8X.
וְיָרְקָ֖הand she shall spitconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · יָרַק (H3417)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the public act of contemptיָרַק (H3417) Qal 'to spit'; a gesture of public disgrace performed before the elders (cf. Num 12:14; the milder Ruth 4 parallel omits spitting). source id 05wtH.
בְּפָנָ֑יוin his faceprep בְּ + N c pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (goal/location) complementing וְיָרְקָהפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the target of the shaming gesture. source id 05FP1.
וְעָֽנְתָה֙and she shall answerconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · עָנָה (H6030)Weqatal predicate, sequential (introduces direct speech)→ Weqatal: sequential — formal pronouncementעָנָה (H6030) Qal 'to answer, respond, testify'; introduces her ritual verdict-formula. source id 05esS.
וְאָ֣מְרָ֔הand sayconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal predicate, sequential (hendiadys with וְעָנְתָה)→ Weqatal: sequential — completes the formal-speech formulaאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; paired with עָנָה as the standard formula introducing solemn speech. source id 05mJE.
כָּ֚כָהthusadverb · כָּכָה (H3602)Adverb (manner), fronted to open the verdict formulaכָּכָה (H3602) 'thus, so'; opens the formulaic verdict, 'so shall it be done...'. source id 05YmQ.
יֵעָשֶׂ֣הit shall be doneNiphal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb within direct speech (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — passive, prescriptive formulaעָשָׂה (H6213) Niphal (passive) 'to be done, made'; the passive formula names the shameful precedent for future cases. source id 0564j.
לָאִ֔ישׁto the manprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Prepositional phrase (dative of disadvantage) complementing יֵעָשֶׂהאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the disgraced levir, generalized as a type case. source id 05ofm.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative part · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying לָאִישׁאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle. source id 05Pb4.
לֹאnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִבְנֶהלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05mKf.
יִבְנֶ֖הhe builds upQal impf 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — characterizing, generic present ('does not build')בָּנָה (H1129) Qal 'to build'; metaphorical, 'build [up] a house' = produce descendants/perpetuate the family line (cf. Ruth 4:11's 'build the house of Israel'). source id 05Q4h.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05en1.
בֵּ֥יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Direct object of יִבְנֶה (construct)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; metaphorical for family/lineage — cf. v.10's 'house of the pulled-off sandal', a wordplay. source id 05YBb.
אָחִֽיוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Genitive complement of בֵּית (construct chain)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the deceased brother whose line goes unbuilt. source id 058ej.
10
וְנִקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בֵּ֖ית חֲל֥וּץ הַנָּֽעַל
And his name shall be called in Israel, 'The house of him whose sandal was pulled off.'
Closes the levirate unit with an ironic inversion: the whole institution existed to preserve a dead man's name (v.6), but the refusing brother now receives a permanent shaming name of his own, בֵּית חֲלוּץ הַנַּעַל — his family forever known by his failure.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְנִקְרָ֥אand shall be calledconj וְ + Niphal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Weqatal predicate, sequential (passive)→ Weqatal: sequential — the naming/branding consequenceקָרָא (H7121) Niphal (passive) 'to be called, named'; the permanent, public label the man now bears. source id 05DXD.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of וְנִקְרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; his reputation/designation — ironically the very thing the levirate law aims to preserve (v.6), now marked with shame instead. source id 05fbp.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לin Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, community-wide)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'; the public, national scope of his disgrace. source id 05EFU.
בֵּ֖יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Predicate nominative (construct), naming formulaבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; opens the shaming epithet, a construct chain. source id 05xhY.
חֲל֥וּץthe one pulled offQal pass ptc m sg constr · חָלוּץ (H2502)Passive participle construct, genitive complement of בֵּית→ Participle: passive, denoting the state resulting from the ritual of v.9חָלַץ (H2502) Qal passive ptc constr 'stripped, drawn off'; same root as v.9's וְחָלְצָה, now nominalized as his permanent epithet. source id 05t7t.
הַנָּֽעַלthe sandalart + N f sg abs · נַעַל (H5275)Genitive complement of חֲלוּץ (construct chain, 'stripped of the sandal')נַעַל (H5275) 'sandal'; completes the epithet בֵּית חֲלוּץ הַנַּעַל, 'house of the removed sandal' — his family's lasting name of shame. source id 05JFH.
11
כִּֽי יִנָּצ֨וּ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים יַחְדָּו֙ אִ֣ישׁ וְאָחִ֔יו וְקָֽרְבָה֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת הָֽאֶחָ֔ד לְהַצִּ֥יל אֶת אִישָׁ֖הּ מִיַּ֣ד מַכֵּ֑הוּ וְשָׁלְחָ֣ה יָדָ֔הּ וְהֶחֱזִ֖יקָה בִּמְבֻשָֽׁיו
When men fight together, one with another, and the wife of one draws near to rescue her husband from the hand of the one striking him, and she puts out her hand and seizes him by his genitals —
Opens the chapter's fourth and final flogging-adjacent case with the same כִּי-protasis pattern. The wife's motive is explicitly righteous — rescue — which sharpens the crux of v.12: the penalty attaches to the METHOD of intervention, not to her intent.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the final casusכִּי (H3588) 'when'; opens the last of the chapter's flogging-adjacent case-laws. source id 051sQ.
יִנָּצ֨וּstrive/fightNiphal impf 3mp · נָצָה (H5327)Predicate verb (protasis, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — generic, 'whenever men fight'נָצָה (H5327) Niphal 'to struggle, fight, quarrel'; a mutual physical altercation between men. source id 05x92.
אֲנָשִׁ֤יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יִנָּצוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural, the combatants. source id 05qhm.
יַחְדָּו֙togetheradverb · יַחְדָּו (H3162)Adverb modifying יִנָּצוּ (manner)יַחְדָּו (H3162) 'together'; echoing v.5's brothers dwelling together — here in conflict rather than harmony. source id 05b3m.
אִ֣ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Apposition specifying the combatantsאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; in apposition, 'a man and his fellow' specifies the pair. source id 05t8x.
וְאָחִ֔יוand his fellowconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Apposition, second member paired with אִישׁאָח (H251) 'brother'; here likely generic 'his fellow/companion' rather than literal sibling — idiom for 'one another'. source id 05nzh.
וְקָֽרְבָה֙and draws nearconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · קָרַב (H7126)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the wife's intervention beginsקָרַב (H7126) Qal 'to approach, draw near'; the wife's intervention in the fight. source id 051Tt.
אֵ֣שֶׁתthe wife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of וְקָרְבָה (construct)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'. source id 05kGT.
הָֽאֶחָ֔דthe oneart + numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Genitive complement of אֵשֶׁת (construct chain)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; 'the wife of the one [combatant]'. source id 05jpS.
לְהַצִּ֥ילto rescueprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · נָצַל (H5337)Infinitival clause of purpose complementing וְקָרְבָה→ Infinitive: purpose, her motive for interveningנָצַל (H5337) Hiphil inf constr 'to deliver, rescue, save'; her stated righteous purpose. source id 05osK.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05MPv.
אִישָׁ֖הּher husbandN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of לְהַצִּילאִישׁ (H376) 'man, husband'; her own husband, the one being struck. source id 0545N.
מִיַּ֣דfrom the hand ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom 'from the hand of' = from the power/grip of. source id 05SxS.
מַכֵּ֑הוּthe one striking himHiphil ptc m sg constr (substantival) + 3ms suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Substantival participle, genitive complement of מִיַּד (construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, characterizing the assailant's ongoing actionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil ptc constr 'striking'; substantivized, 'his striker' = the assailant. source id 05oRe.
וְשָׁלְחָ֣הand puts outconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Weqatal predicate, sequential→ Weqatal: sequential — the escalating physical actשָׁלַח (H7971) Qal 'to send, stretch out'; 'send/put out her hand' — the decisive intervention. source id 05z8R.
יָדָ֔הּher handN c sg constr + 3fs suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְשָׁלְחָהיָד (H3027) 'hand'. source id 05RSo.
וְהֶחֱזִ֖יקָהand seizesconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3fs · חָזַק (H2388)Weqatal predicate, sequential (climactic act, triggers v.12's penalty)→ Weqatal: sequential — the decisive, penalized actחָזַק (H2388) Hiphil 'to seize, grasp firmly, take hold of'; the specific act that triggers the following penalty. source id 05Bvw.
בִּמְבֻשָֽׁיוby his genitalsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · מְבֻשִׁים (H4016)Prepositional phrase, object of grasping (complement of וְהֶחֱזִיקָה)מְבֻשִׁים (H4016) pl. tantum, 'genitals, private parts'; a euphemistic-clinical term appearing only here in the Hebrew Bible — the Torah's one law addressing genital injury. source id 05yx4.
12
וְקַצֹּתָ֖ה אֶת כַּפָּ֑הּ לֹ֥א תָח֖וֹס עֵינֶֽךָ
then you shall cut off her hand; your eye shall not pity her.
The Torah's only explicit mutilation sanction, and its terseness has generated enduring debate: read literally (so most premodern interpreters) or, per rabbinic tradition (b. BQ 28a), as monetary compensation ('cutting off' her purse, not her hand) — the phrase קַצֹּתָה אֶת כַּפָּהּ is deliberately ambiguous enough to sustain both readings.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְקַצֹּתָ֖הyou shall cut offconj וְ + Qal perf 2ms · קָצַץ (H7112)Weqatal predicate, sequential (apodosis, main clause)→ Weqatal: sequential — the penal sanction, apodosis to v.11's protasisקָצַץ (H7112) Qal 'to cut off, chop off'; the Torah's sole explicit mutilation penalty — though rabbinic tradition (b. BQ 28a) reinterprets it as monetary compensation, not literal amputation; the debate over literal vs. figurative reading is longstanding. source id 052ju.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05h8h.
כַּפָּ֑הּher hand [palm]N f sg constr + 3fs suffix · כַּף (H3709)Direct object of וְקַצֹּתָהכַּף (H3709) 'palm, hand'; the offending hand, object of the sanction. source id 05BoQ.
לֹ֥אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates תָחוֹסלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05gZL.
תָח֖וֹסshall pityQal impf 3fs · חוּס (H2347)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — categorical prohibition of leniencyחוּס (H2347) Qal 'to pity, spare, look upon with compassion'; the same formula used elsewhere for judicial severity (cf. 19:13, 21) — no clemency for this act. source id 05Vdn.
עֵינֶֽךָyour eyeN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Subject of תָחוֹסעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiom for compassion/pity, 'let not your eye have pity'. source id 05H9q.
13
לֹֽא יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ בְּכִֽיסְךָ֖ אֶ֣בֶן וָאָ֑בֶן גְּדוֹלָ֖ה וּקְטַנָּֽה
You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small.
Pivots from bodily/family law to the marketplace, but the underlying value is continuous: no double standard, no hidden advantage taken against the vulnerable. The doubled idiom אֶבֶן וָאָבֶן, 'stone and stone,' names the fraud of keeping two weights for two purposes.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
לֹֽאnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05ZUX.
יִהְיֶ֥הthere shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (prohibition, existential, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — categorical prohibitionהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'; existential, 'there shall not be to you' = 'you shall not have'. source id 05wmf.
לְךָ֛to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase of possessionלְ dative of possession 'to, for you' = 'you shall not have'. source id 05Ai6.
בְּכִֽיסְךָ֖in your bagprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · כִּיס (H3599)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)כִּיס (H3599) 'bag, purse'; the merchant's pouch for carrying weights. source id 05f3s.
אֶ֣בֶןa stone [weight]N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of יִהְיֶהאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; used metonymically for a weighing-stone, a stone standard used on scales. source id 05kgg.
וָאָ֑בֶןand a stoneconj וְ + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Coordinate subject, doubled idiom for inconsistent weightsאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the doubled idiom אֶבֶן וָאֶבֶן, 'stone and stone', denotes two different (fraudulent) weights kept for different transactions. source id 05JkP.
גְּדוֹלָ֖הlargeadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective, appositional to the weight-pairגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; specifies one weight as heavier — used to cheat when buying. source id 05Quh.
וּקְטַנָּֽהand smallconj וְ + adj f sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)Coordinate attributive adjective, paired with גְּדוֹלָהקָטָן (H6996) 'small'; the lighter weight — used to cheat when selling; together the pair names the classic fraud of a double standard. source id 05F3o.
14
לֹא יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ בְּבֵיתְךָ֖ אֵיפָ֣ה וְאֵיפָ֑ה גְּדוֹלָ֖ה וּקְטַנָּֽה
You shall not have in your house two kinds of ephahs, a large and a small.
Repeats v.13's structure exactly, substituting the dry-goods ephah for the stone weight — a matched pair covering the two basic instruments of ancient commerce, weight and volume, both liable to the same fraud.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
לֹאnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05QpL.
יִהְיֶ֥הthere shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (prohibition, existential)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — categorical prohibitionהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'; existential, parallels v.13's formula for volume-measures. source id 05k19.
לְךָ֛to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase of possessionלְ dative of possession 'to/for you'. source id 05smZ.
בְּבֵיתְךָ֖in your houseprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the domestic store of measuring vessels, parallel to v.13's 'bag'. source id 05Ahp.
אֵיפָ֣הan ephahN f sg abs · אֵיפָה (H374)Subject of יִהְיֶהאֵיפָה (H374) 'ephah'; a dry-measure unit (roughly 22 liters) for grain. source id 05oZP.
וְאֵיפָ֑הand an ephahconj וְ + N f sg abs · אֵיפָה (H374)Coordinate subject, doubled idiom for inconsistent measuresאֵיפָה (H374) 'ephah'; the doubled idiom parallels v.13's אֶבֶן וָאָבֶן, now for dry-goods measure. source id 05vJZ.
גְּדוֹלָ֖הlargeadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective, appositional to the measure-pairגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'. source id 05N4g.
וּקְטַנָּֽהand smallconj וְ + adj f sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)Coordinate attributive adjective, paired with גְּדוֹלָהקָטָן (H6996) 'small'; completes the parallel fraud-pair for volume as v.13 did for weight. source id 05vAC.
15
אֶ֣בֶן שְׁלֵמָ֤ה וָצֶ֨דֶק֙ יִֽהְיֶה לָּ֔ךְ אֵיפָ֧ה שְׁלֵמָ֛ה וָצֶ֖דֶק יִֽהְיֶה לָּ֑ךְ לְמַ֨עַן֙ יַאֲרִ֣יכוּ יָמֶ֔יךָ עַ֚ל הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ
A whole and just stone you shall have; a whole and just ephah you shall have, so that your days may be prolonged upon the land that YHWH your God is giving you.
Restates vv.13-14 positively — 'a whole and righteous stone' (אֶבֶן שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק) — and attaches the standard Deuteronomic land-tenure formula (cf. 5:16), making honest commerce a condition, like honoring parents, of long life in the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אֶ֣בֶןa stoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of יִהְיֶהאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the positive counterpart to v.13's forbidden doubled weight. source id 05HhV.
שְׁלֵמָ֤הwhole [perfect]adj f sg abs · שָׁלֵם (H8003)Attributive adjective modifying אֶבֶןשָׁלֵם (H8003) 'complete, whole, perfect'; the weight must be full and undiminished — same root as שָׁלוֹם. source id 05Prb.
וָצֶ֨דֶק֙and justconj וְ + N m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Coordinate noun used attributively ('and righteousness')צֶדֶק (H6664) 'righteousness, justice'; abstract noun used attributively, 'a stone of righteousness' — the ethical weight of honest commerce. source id 05rAT.
יִֽהְיֶהshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (positive command, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — prescriptive, positive counterpart to vv.13-14's prohibitionsהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'; positive mandate, 'a whole and just stone shall you have'. source id 05BC4.
לָּ֔ךְyouprep לְ + 2ms suffix (archaic spelling) · לְPrepositional phrase of possessionלְ dative of possession; the form לָּךְ here is an archaic/rare orthography for the 2ms suffix, matching the masc. addressee throughout. source id 05DKf.
אֵיפָ֧הan ephahN f sg abs · אֵיפָה (H374)Subject of second יִהְיֶהאֵיפָה (H374) 'ephah'; positive counterpart to v.14. source id 05uYL.
שְׁלֵמָ֛הwholeadj f sg abs · שָׁלֵם (H8003)Attributive adjective modifying אֵיפָהשָׁלֵם (H8003) 'complete, whole'. source id 05m2P.
וָצֶ֖דֶקand justconj וְ + N m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Coordinate attributive nounצֶדֶק (H6664) 'righteousness'; repeats the formula for the dry measure. source id 05wGB.
יִֽהְיֶהshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (positive command, main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — prescriptiveהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'; repeated for the ephah. source id 051AN.
לָּ֑ךְyouprep לְ + 2ms suffix (archaic spelling) · לְPrepositional phrase of possessionלְ dative of possession 'to you'. source id 054iw.
לְמַ֨עַן֙so thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing the result clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, for the sake of'; introduces the covenant-blessing rationale — honest commerce as a condition of long tenure in the land. source id 058TL.
יַאֲרִ֣יכוּmay be prolongedHiphil impf 3mp · אָרַךְ (H748)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — purpose/result, a standard Deuteronomic formula (cf. 5:16, 6:2)אָרַךְ (H748) Hiphil 'to prolong, lengthen'; the recurring Deuteronomic land-tenure formula tying ethical conduct to longevity in the land. source id 05iQ3.
יָמֶ֔יךָyour daysN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of יַאֲרִיכוּיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural, 'your days' = your lifespan/tenure in the land. source id 05qvq.
עַ֚לuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon'. source id 05R1y.
הָֽאֲדָמָ֔הthe landart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Object of preposition עַלאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, land, soil'; the promised land as the object of the longevity formula. source id 05xR5.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative part · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying הָאֲדָמָהאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle. source id 05AR8.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read 'Adonai'. source id 05rgE.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct with 2ms suffix, the covenant formula 'YHWH your God'. source id 05SDe.
נֹתֵ֥ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause (participle)→ Participle: durative/progressive, ongoing covenant giftנָתַן (H5414) Qal ptc 'giving'; participle expressing the land-grant as an ongoing divine act. source id 05byL.
לָֽךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suffix (archaic spelling) · לְPrepositional phrase (indirect object) complementing נֹתֵןלְ dative 'to you'. source id 05jnA.
16
כִּ֧י תוֹעֲבַ֛ת יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ כָּל עֹ֣שֵׂה אֵ֑לֶּה כֹּ֖ל עֹ֥שֵׂה עָֽוֶל
For an abomination to YHWH your God is everyone who does these things — everyone who deals unjustly.
Closes the weights unit by naming the theological stakes: תּוֹעֵבָה ('abomination') is elsewhere reserved for idolatry and forbidden cultic practice — its application here to commercial fraud collapses any distinction between ritual and economic sin before YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
כִּ֧יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationale for vv.13-15כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the whole weights-and-measures law in YHWH's character. source id 0513g.
תוֹעֲבַ֛תan abomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Predicate nominative (construct), fronted for emphasisתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; strong cultic-ethical term, elsewhere used of idolatry — here applied to commercial fraud, a striking category-crossing. source id 05Pkt.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of תּוֹעֲבַת (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name. source id 05FsX.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant formula. source id 05VnZ.
כָּלeveryone [all]N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the nominal clause (construct)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct, 'everyone who does'. source id 05mHA.
עֹ֣שֵׂהwho doesQal ptc m sg constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Substantival participle construct, complement of כָּל→ Participle: substantival, characterizing habitual/ongoing conductעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal ptc constr 'doing'; substantivized, 'the doer of'. source id 05vfE.
אֵ֑לֶּהthese [things]demonstr pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Direct object of עֹשֵׂהאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; refers back to the false-weight practices of vv.13-14. source id 05mgu.
כֹּ֖לeveryone [all]N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the second nominal clause, restating the principle (construct)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; restates and generalizes the principle beyond weights alone. source id 05pjw.
עֹ֥שֵׂהwho doesQal ptc m sg constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Substantival participle construct, complement of כֹּל→ Participle: substantival, generalizing the principle to all injusticeעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal ptc constr 'doing'. source id 05VhF.
עָֽוֶלinjusticeN c sg abs · עָוֶל (H5766)Direct object of עֹשֵׂהעָוֶל (H5766) 'injustice, unrighteousness, wrong'; generalizes from false weights to all dishonest dealing — the chapter's ethical thesis. source id 05XDK.
17
זָכ֕וֹר אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂ֥ה לְךָ֖ עֲמָלֵ֑ק בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ בְּצֵאתְכֶ֥ם מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you came out of Egypt.
The infinitive-absolute imperative זָכוֹר ('remember!') opens the Code's final unit with maximal force — the liturgical basis of Shabbat Zakhor. The command's object (vv.17-18) is historical narration before the command proper (v.19) is even given.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
זָכ֕וֹרrememberQal inf abs (imperatival) · זָכַר (H2142)Infinitive absolute functioning as emphatic imperative (main clause, opens the final unit)→ Volitional: emphatic command via infinitive absolute — 'you shall surely remember'זָכַר (H2142) Qal inf abs 'to remember'; used imperativally, this is the command underlying the later Shabbat Zakhor reading — the chapter's climactic charge. source id 057GS.
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker introducing the object clauseאֵת (H853) nota accusativi, here marking the entire relative clause as object of זָכוֹר. source id 05Zgu.
אֲשֶׁרwhat [that which]relative part · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, object of זָכוֹר (via אֵת)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle 'that which'. source id 05R1C.
עָשָׂ֥הhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed historical act, narrated as settled factעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make'; Amalek's historical deed, narrated in Exod 17:8-16. source id 05Rfs.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (dative of disadvantage) complementing עָשָׂהלְ dative 'to you'. source id 05ws8.
עֲמָלֵ֑קAmalekproper noun · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Subject of עָשָׂהעֲמָלֵק (H6002) 'Amalek'; Israel's paradigmatic enemy, grandson of Esau (Gen 36:12), attacking the vulnerable rear of the exodus column. source id 05qM7.
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative/temporal)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, journey'; the wilderness march from Egypt. source id 05jBM.
בְּצֵאתְכֶ֥םwhen you went outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 2mp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: temporal, dating the attack to the exodus journeyיָצָא (H3318) Qal inf constr + 2mp suffix 'in your going out'; dates the attack precisely to the exodus. source id 05rTz.
מִמִּצְרָֽיִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase (source), complementing בְּצֵאתְכֶםמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the place of departure. source id 05mMu.
18
אֲשֶׁ֨ר קָֽרְךָ֜ בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ וַיְזַנֵּ֤ב בְּךָ֙ כָּל הַנֶּחֱשָׁלִ֣ים אַֽחַרֶ֔יךָ וְאַתָּ֖ה עָיֵ֣ף וְיָגֵ֑עַ וְלֹ֥א יָרֵ֖א אֱלֹהִֽים
how he encountered you on the way and cut down at your rear all the stragglers behind you, when you were faint and weary, and he did not fear God.
Subordinate to v.17's זָכוֹר, this verse supplies the indictment's content: an ambush (קָרָה, chance/opportunistic) against the exhausted rear-guard — the weakest, not the strong — closing with the summary moral verdict, 'he did not fear God,' the ultimate Deuteronomic category of culpability.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אֲשֶׁ֨רhow [that]relative part · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun continuing the object clause of v.17's זָכוֹראֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle, continuing v.17's relative clause. source id 05HBg.
קָֽרְךָ֜he happened upon youQal perf 3ms + 2ms suffix · קָרָה (H7136)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, chance/hostile encounterקָרָה (H7136) Qal 'to meet, encounter, befall (often by chance or ambush)'; connotes an opportunistic, unprovoked attack rather than a formal battle. source id 05SXD.
בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative), repeats v.17דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'. source id 05bLz.
וַיְזַנֵּ֤בand he cut off the rearconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · זָנַב (H2179)Wayyiqtol predicate of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive hostile actזָנַב (H2179) Piel denominative from זָנָב 'tail', 'to attack the rear/tail of a marching column'; a rare, vivid verb depicting Amalek's cowardly tactic of striking the vulnerable back of the line. source id 05hLM.
בְּךָ֙against youprep בְּ + 2ms suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, object of וַיְזַנֵּבבְּ locative/hostile 'against, in' — 'against you'. source id 05xrN.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of וַיְזַנֵּב (construct), specifying the attackedכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct, 'all the stragglers'. source id 05yrm.
הַנֶּחֱשָׁלִ֣יםthe stragglersart + Niphal ptc m pl abs (substantival) · חָשַׁל (H2826)Substantival participle, genitive complement of כָּל (construct chain)→ Participle: substantival passive-stative, denoting those worn out and falling behindחָשַׁל (H2826) Niphal ptc 'to be weak, lag behind, straggle'; rare root, the exhausted rear-guard — the weakest and most vulnerable, Amalek's specific targets. source id 05UCQ.
אַֽחַרֶ֔יךָbehind youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)אַחַר (H310) 'behind, after'; marks the rear position of the stragglers. source id 05KjR.
וְאַתָּ֖הand youconj וְ + independent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject pronoun, fronted for circumstantial clauseאַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun 'you'; fronted to open a circumstantial clause describing Israel's condition. source id 05CLi.
עָיֵ֣ףfaintadj m sg abs · עָיֵף (H5889)Predicate adjective of the circumstantial clauseעָיֵף (H5889) 'faint, exhausted, weary'; describes Israel's physical state, exploited by Amalek. source id 05Qav.
וְיָגֵ֑עַand tiredconj וְ + adj m sg abs · יָגֵעַ (H3023)Coordinate predicate adjective, paired with עָיֵףיָגֵעַ (H3023) 'weary, tired, exhausted'; near-synonym doubled with עָיֵף for emphasis. source id 05M8b.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָרֵאוְ (conj) + לֹא (H3808) negative, introducing the summary moral indictment. source id 05Dzp.
יָרֵ֖אhe fearedQal perf 3ms · יָרֵא (H3373)Predicate verb (main clause, summarizing indictment)→ Perfective: a completed, characterizing state — Amalek's defining moral failureיָרֵא (H3373) Qal 'to fear, revere'; the chapter's summary verdict on Amalek — attacking the defenseless shows he had no fear of God, the ultimate ethical failing. source id 05HLK.
אֱלֹהִֽיםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of יָרֵאאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; generic divine name here (not the covenant name YHWH), used for universal moral accountability — even a non-Israelite nation like Amalek is held to it. source id 05BX2.
19
וְהָיָ֡ה בְּהָנִ֣יחַ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ לְ֠ךָ מִכָּל אֹ֨יְבֶ֜יךָ מִסָּבִ֗יב בָּאָ֨רֶץ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יְהוָֽה אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵ֨ן לְךָ֤ נַחֲלָה֙ לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ תִּמְחֶה֙ אֶת זֵ֣כֶר עֲמָלֵ֔ק מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם לֹ֖א תִּשְׁכָּֽח
And when YHWH your God gives you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that YHWH your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget.
The chapter's — and the whole law-code's (chs. 12-26) — closing command: erase Amalek's memory once rest is secured. The zakhor/timcheh paradox is deliberate: Israel must actively REMEMBER Amalek in order to carry out the command to ERASE his remembrance; the terse two-word close, 'do not forget,' seals the entire legal corpus.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וְהָיָ֡הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf(consec) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate, sequential (temporal clause opener)→ Weqatal: sequential — formulaic 'and it shall be [when...]'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic, opens the future temporal clause. source id 05hgh.
בְּהָנִ֣יחַwhen [he] gives restprep בְּ + Hiphil inf constr · נוּחַ (H5117)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: temporal, 'when YHWH gives you rest' — the condition for the commandנוּחַ (H5117) Hiphil inf constr 'to give rest, cause to rest'; the promised cessation of hostilities that triggers the Amalek-erasure command. source id 05S2v.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of בְּהָנִיחַיְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name. source id 052Ys.
אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; covenant formula. source id 05s9h.
לְ֠ךָto youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (indirect object) complementing בְּהָנִיחַלְ dative 'to you'. source id 05fMZ.
מִכָּלfrom allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (source) governing אֹיְבֶיךָכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; 'from all your enemies'. source id 05H3v.
אֹ֨יְבֶ֜יךָyour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr (substantival) + 2ms suffix · אֹיֵב (H341)Substantival participle, genitive complement of מִכָּל (construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, 'those who are enemies to you'אֹיֵב (H341) Qal ptc 'enemy'; substantivized participle, the generic hostile nations surrounding Israel in the land. source id 05U8c.
מִסָּבִ֗יבfrom aroundprep מִן + N c sg abs · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative, encircling)סָבִיב (H5439) 'around, surrounding'; describes the enemies as encircling Israel. source id 05zAY.
בָּאָ֨רֶץ֙in the landprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the promised land. source id 05gMV.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative part · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying בָּאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle. source id 05ZDb.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נֹתֵןיְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name. source id 05Jo8.
אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָyour GodN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'. source id 05Q6C.
נֹתֵ֨ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause (participle)→ Participle: durative/progressive, the ongoing gift of the landנָתַן (H5414) Qal ptc 'giving'; participle expressing the land-grant as an ongoing divine act, echoing v.15. source id 05gzJ.
לְךָ֤to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (indirect object) complementing נֹתֵןלְ dative 'to you'. source id 05C4c.
נַחֲלָה֙as an inheritanceN f sg abs · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Adverbial accusative (result/manner), complement of נֹתֵןנַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance, possession'; the land given as a permanent, heritable estate. source id 054oi.
לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּto possess itprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Infinitival clause of purpose complementing נֹתֵן→ Infinitive: purpose, 'to possess it'יָרַשׁ (H3423) Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix 'to take possession of, inherit'; purpose of the land-gift. source id 05eTd.
תִּמְחֶה֙you shall blot outQal impf 2ms · מָחָה (H4229)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis — the central command)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — categorical command, the chapter's climactic imperativeמָחָה (H4229) Qal 'to wipe out, blot out, erase'; here active (contrast v.6's Niphal passive יִמָּחֶה) — Israel is the active agent commanded to erase Amalek's memory, the famous zakhor/timcheh paradox: 'remember' in order 'to erase remembrance'. source id 05aZd.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated. source id 05fbe.
זֵ֣כֶרthe remembrance ofN m sg constr · זֵכֶר (H2143)Direct object of תִּמְחֶה (construct)זֵכֶר (H2143) 'remembrance, memory'; cognate with זָכוֹר of v.17 — the paradox: Israel must REMEMBER Amalek precisely in order to ERASE Amalek's memory/name from history. source id 05ihX.
עֲמָלֵ֔קAmalekproper noun · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Genitive complement of זֵכֶר (construct chain)עֲמָלֵק (H6002) 'Amalek'. source id 05UxC.
מִתַּ֖חַתfrom undercompound prep מִן + תַּחַת · מִתַּחַת (H8478)Compound prepositional phrase (extent, totality)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; compound מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמַיִם, 'from under the heavens' — total, universal erasure. source id 05BkJ.
הַשָּׁמָ֑יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of preposition מִתַּחַתשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; completes the idiom for totality/universality. source id 05dAv.
לֹ֖אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִּשְׁכָּחלֹא (H3808) the standard negative particle. source id 05C2a.
תִּשְׁכָּֽחyou shall forgetQal impf 2ms · שָׁכַח (H7911)Predicate verb (final prohibition, closes the chapter and the legal corpus)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — categorical, terse closing prohibitionשָׁכַח (H7911) Qal 'to forget'; the chapter's and the entire law-code's (chs. 12-26) final word — a two-word command, 'do not forget', crystallizing the zakhor/timcheh paradox that structures Jewish memory (the Shabbat Zakhor reading before Purim). source id 05FGj.