Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Exodus, Chapter 1שמות 1

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Jacob's seventy descendants become a multiplying people, provoking a Pharaoh who does not know Joseph to answer covenant blessing with forced labor and finally infanticide; yet the more Israel is afflicted the more it multiplies, and God-fearing midwives quietly defeat a king's decree before Moses is even born.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. The narrative functions as a deliberate bridge from Genesis into Exodus and should retain that continuity in translation. Verse 1's 'And these are the names' echoes earlier toledot-style transitions and ties the book's opening directly to the household that came down with Jacob. Verses 1-5 should preserve the list-like cadence and the total of seventy persons, while also keeping visible the notice that Joseph was already in Egypt. Verse 7 is one of the narrative's major theological lines: the string of verbs - fruitful, swarmed, multiplied, and grew exceedingly strong - should remain cumulative rather than flattened, because the wording deliberately sounds like creation and patriarchal blessing language now erupting within Egypt. Verse 8's 'a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph' should be left in its terse force; whether the ignorance is personal, political, or dynastic, the narrative point is that the old memory of Joseph's service no longer governs the throne. Verse 10 is central to Pharaoh's rhetoric. The cohortative strategy 'Come, let us deal wisely with him' is really the language of political cunning, and the fear that Israel might join enemies, fight against Egypt, and go up from the land should retain its anxious and ironic force. The final line is especially important because 'go up from the land' is spoken by Pharaoh as a security threat before it becomes the book's redemptive trajectory. In verses 11-14 the oppression intensifies through forced labor. The titles 'chiefs of forced labor,' the building of the storage cities Pithom and Raamses, and the repeated use of affliction and harsh service should be preserved as concrete instruments of imperial domination. Verse 12 is one of the narrative's great reversals: the more they afflicted him, the more he multiplied and spread out. The singular pronoun for Israel can be retained in translation to preserve the people-as-one collective. Verse 14's piling up of mortar, bricks, and field labor should remain heavy and cumulative. The midwife episode in verses 15-21 is equally crucial. Verse 15's relation of the named midwives to 'the Hebrew women' has been much discussed; the wording may suggest Hebrew midwives or midwives for the Hebrews, and the text should be handled with restraint. Verse 16 contains a classic crux in the line 'when you see on the birthstools' (על האבנים), whose exact concrete reference has long been debated; the standard sense of the birthing seat or stones should be preserved without false certainty. Verse 17 is the moral center: the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt spoke to them. Their answer in verse 19 is also famous. The line that the Hebrew women are 'vigorous' or 'lively' (חיות) before the midwife comes may carry both physical robustness and wordplay with life itself, and should not be reduced to a thin clinical observation. Verse 20 states plainly that God dealt well with the midwives, while the people continued to multiply and grow very strong. Verse 21's statement that God made them houses has generated longstanding discussion: households, families, enduring lineage, or some broader form of established security may all be in view, and the phrase should be translated in a way that preserves its compact blessing force. Finally, verse 22 widens the policy from secret command to public decree. Pharaoh now charges all his people to cast every newborn son into the Nile while letting every daughter live. The narrative therefore ends not with release but with intensified anti-life violence, preparing immediately for Moses' birth in the next chapter. Versification follows the MT.

1

וְאֵ֗לֶּה שְׁמוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַבָּאִ֖ים מִצְרָ֑יְמָה אֵ֣ת יַעֲקֹ֔ב אִ֥ישׁ וּבֵית֖וֹ בָּֽאוּ

And these are the names of the sons of Israel who came into Egypt with Jacob; each man and his household came.

Book opening links Exodus directly to the household that came with Jacob into Egyptוְאֵ֗לֶּה
The chapter begins in continuity rather than rupture: the same family from Genesis is named again as the seed of the coming national story.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְאֵ֗לֶּהand theseconj וְ + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject of the nominal clause, introducing the listאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these', common plural demonstrative; opens a list, echoing Genesis' toledot-style formula ('these are...').
שְׁמוֹת֙names ofN m pl constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Predicate nominative, in construct with the following genitiveשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; construct plural heading the roster of Jacob's sons, echoing Gen 46:8.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain, first link)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural forming the chain 'sons of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, second link)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name given to Jacob (Gen 32:28), used for the collective family.
הַבָּאִ֖יםwho cameart + Qal ptc m pl · בּוֹא (H935)Attributive participle modifying בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל→ Participle: characterizing description of the group as 'the ones who came'בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; substantival/attributive participle for 'those who entered [Egypt]'.
מִצְרָ֑יְמָהto EgyptN proper + directional ־ָה · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial accusative of direction (goal)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the ־ָה (he-locale) suffix marks direction, 'into Egypt'.
אֵ֣תwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase of accompaniment ('with Jacob')אֵת (H854) 'with, together with' (comitative preposition; homographic with, but distinct from, the direct-object marker H853).
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobN proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of the preposition אֵתיַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch whose household migration frames the list.
אִ֥ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition, subject (coordinate) of בָּאוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used distributively, 'each (man) with his household'.
וּבֵית֖וֹand his householdconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Subject (coordinate with אִישׁ) of בָּאוּבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; with 3ms suffix, 'his household' — the extended family group.
בָּֽאוּcameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, simple narration of arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Qal perfect 3cp closing the verse, summarizing the whole household's arrival.
2

רְאוּבֵ֣ן שִׁמְע֔וֹן לֵוִ֖י וִיהוּדָֽה

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah;

The first cluster of Jacob’s sons is listed by nameרְאוּבֵ֣ן
The terse naming style preserves genealogical continuity and keeps the opening anchored in remembered household identity.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
רְאוּבֵ֣ןReubenN proper · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)List item in apposition (subject/list heading, first-born son named)רְאוּבֵן (H7205) 'Reuben', Jacob's firstborn (by Leah); popularly linked to רָאָה 'see' + עֳנִי 'affliction' (Gen 29:32).
שִׁמְע֔וֹןSimeonN proper · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)List item in appositionשִׁמְעוֹן (H8095) 'Simeon', Leah's second son; associated with שָׁמַע 'hear' (Gen 29:33).
לֵוִ֖יLeviN proper · לֵוִי (H3878)List item in appositionלֵוִי (H3878) 'Levi', Leah's third son; later ancestor of the priestly tribe.
וִיהוּדָֽהand Judahconj וְ + N proper · יְהוּדָה (H3063)List item in apposition, closing this clusterיְהוּדָה (H3063) 'Judah', Leah's fourth son; ancestor of the royal/messianic tribe.
3

יִשָּׂשכָ֥ר זְבוּלֻ֖ן וּבְנְיָמִֽן

Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin;

The list continues through the next sons of Israelיִשָּׂשכָ֥ר
The cadence remains list-like and cumulative, extending the family roll without narrative expansion.
Word-by-word analysis· 3 words
יִשָּׂשכָ֥רIssacharN proper · יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485)List item in appositionיִשָּׂשכָר (H3485) 'Issachar', Leah's fifth son; popularly linked to שָׂכָר 'wage/reward' (Gen 30:18).
זְבוּלֻ֖ןZebulunN proper · זְבוּלֻן (H2074)List item in appositionזְבוּלֻן (H2074) 'Zebulun', Leah's sixth son; associated with זָבַל 'dwell/honor' (Gen 30:20).
וּבְנְיָמִֽןand Benjaminconj וְ + N proper · בִּנְיָמִן (H1144)List item in apposition, Rachel's second sonבִּנְיָמִן (H1144) 'Benjamin', lit. 'son of the right hand'; Rachel's second son, born last of the twelve (Gen 35:18).
4

דָּ֥ן וְנַפְתָּלִ֖י גָּ֥ד וְאָשֵֽׁר

Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher.

The final cluster completes the naming of the sons who came downדָּ֥ן
By finishing the roster, the text closes the backward look to Genesis before turning to generational summary and growth.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
דָּ֥ןDanN proper · דָּן (H1835)List item in apposition (son of Bilhah)דָּן (H1835) 'Dan', son of Bilhah (Rachel's maid); linked to דִּין 'judge' (Gen 30:6).
וְנַפְתָּלִ֖יand Naphtaliconj וְ + N proper · נַפְתָּלִי (H5321)List item in apposition (son of Bilhah)נַפְתָּלִי (H5321) 'Naphtali', Bilhah's second son; linked to פָּתַל 'wrestle' (Gen 30:8).
גָּ֥דGadN proper · גָּד (H1410)List item in apposition (son of Zilpah)גָּד (H1410) 'Gad', son of Zilpah (Leah's maid); name linked to 'good fortune' (Gen 30:11).
וְאָשֵֽׁרand Asherconj וְ + N proper · אָשֵׁר (H836)List item in apposition, closing the name-listאָשֵׁר (H836) 'Asher', Zilpah's second son; linked to אֹשֶׁר 'happiness' (Gen 30:13); the roster totals eleven here, since Joseph is already in Egypt (v.5).
5

וַֽיְהִ֗י כָּל נֶ֛פֶשׁ יֹצְאֵ֥י יֶֽרֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֖ב שִׁבְעִ֣ים נָ֑פֶשׁ וְיוֹסֵ֖ף הָיָ֥ה בְמִצְרָֽיִם

And all the persons coming out of the thigh of Jacob were seventy persons, and Joseph was already in Egypt.

The household total is counted and Joseph’s prior presence in Egypt is recalledוַֽיְהִ֗י
The count of seventy and the notice about Joseph tie the opening tightly to the end of Genesis while preparing for a transition beyond that generation.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַֽיְהִ֗יand it waswayyiqtol · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of narrative summary clause (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative statement introducing a summary totalהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; wayyiqtol opens a summarizing statement of the total persons.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing נֶפֶשׁ (quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct, 'all the persons...'.
נֶ֛פֶשׁpersons ofN comm sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject (in construct chain) of the summary clauseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; used to count individuals, as often in censuses.
יֹצְאֵ֥יcoming out ofQal ptc m pl constr · יָצָא (H3318)Attributive participle modifying נֶפֶשׁ, in construct with יֶרֶךְ→ Participle: characterizing description — 'those descending from'יָצָא (H3318) 'to go/come out'; idiomatically 'those issuing from the loins of', i.e. descendants.
יֶֽרֶךְthe loins ofN f sg constr · יָרֵךְ (H3409)Genitive (construct chain — object of יֹצְאֵי)יָרֵךְ (H3409) 'thigh, loin'; euphemistic idiom for procreative descent, 'those who came from Jacob's loins'.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobN proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive, completing the construct chainיַעֲקֹב (H3290); the patriarch whose descendants are being counted.
שִׁבְעִ֣יםseventycardinal number comm pl abs · שִׁבְעִים (H7657)Predicate numeral (with נָפֶשׁ, total count)שִׁבְעִים (H7657) 'seventy'; the traditional total of Jacob's household descending to Egypt (cf. Gen 46:27; Deut 10:22).
נָ֑פֶשׁpersonsN comm sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate noun completing the numeral phrase ('seventy persons')נֶפֶשׁ (H5315); singular used distributively/collectively after a numeral, standard Hebrew counting idiom.
וְיוֹסֵ֖ףand Josephconj וְ + N proper · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of second clause (disjunctive, circumstantial)יוֹסֵף (H3130); the narrative flags his prior presence, distinguishing him from the seventy who 'came'.
הָיָ֥הwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the disjunctive/circumstantial clause→ Perfective (stative): a settled prior condition — Joseph already in Egyptהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the perfect here marks anteriority/circumstance rather than sequence.
בְמִצְרָֽיִםin Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phrase (predicate complement)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; Joseph's location prior to the family's arrival (Gen 37-45).
6

וַיָּ֤מָת יוֹסֵף֙ וְכָל אֶחָ֔יו וְכֹ֖ל הַדּ֥וֹר הַהֽוּא

And Joseph died, and all his brothers, and all that generation.

Joseph and the founding generation pass awayוַיָּ֤מָת
This death notice clears the narrative stage: the preserving generation is gone, so the story can move from family memory to national pressure.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיָּ֤מָתand diedwayyiqtol · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the closing of an eraמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; wayyiqtol marks the next event, moving from the household list to its passing.
יוֹסֵף֙JosephN proper · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of וַיָּמָתיוֹסֵף (H3130); his death marks the end of the generation that remembered his service in Egypt.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (coordinate), construct governing אֶחָיוכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; in construct with 'his brothers'.
אֶחָ֔יוhis brothersN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · אָח (H251)Genitive completing כָּל, subject (coordinate) of וַיָּמָתאָח (H251) 'brother'; with 3ms suffix, Joseph's brothers — the other sons of Jacob.
וְכֹ֖לand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (coordinate), construct governing הַדּוֹרכֹּל (H3605); repeated for a third coordinated subject, 'and all that generation'.
הַדּ֥וֹרthe generationart + N m sg abs · דּוֹר (H1755)Genitive completing כֹל (construct chain)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation, age'; denotes the whole cohort of that era, now passing away.
הַהֽוּאthatart + demonstrative pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדּוֹר ('that generation')הוּא (H1931) used demonstratively with the article ('the...that'), a common idiom for 'that particular X'.
7

וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל פָּר֧וּ וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּ וַיִּרְבּ֥וּ וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ אֹתָֽם

But the sons of Israel were fruitful and swarmed and multiplied and became exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.

Israel multiplies explosively and fills the landוּבְנֵ֣י
The stacked fertility verbs sound like creation and patriarchal blessing language, showing covenant fruitfulness erupting within Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּבְנֵ֣יand the sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct chain, first link)בֵּן (H1121); disjunctive וְ shifts focus from the passing generation (v.6) back to Israel's growth.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing construct chain; whole phrase is subject of the following verbsיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); already functioning as the national/collective name for the people.
פָּר֧וּwere fruitfulQal perf 3cp · פָּרָה (H6509)Predicate verb, first of four cumulative verbs (main clause)→ Perfective: completed/summarizing report of fruitfulness, echoing the creation mandate and patriarchal blessing (Gen 1:28; 35:11)פָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful'; deliberately recalls creation- and blessing-language, now realized within Egypt.
וַֽיִּשְׁרְצ֛וּand swarmedwayyiqtol · שָׁרַץ (H8317)Predicate verb, second of the cumulative verb string→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, intensifying the fruitfulnessשָׁרַץ (H8317) 'to swarm, teem'; used of swarming creatures in Gen 1:20-21, applying creation-language of abundance to Israel.
וַיִּרְבּ֥וּand multipliedwayyiqtol · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb, third of the cumulative verb string→ Wayyiqtol: continued foregrounded advance of the multiplication themeרָבָה (H7235) 'to be(come) many, increase'; recurring key verb of this chapter's population theme.
וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּand grew strongwayyiqtol · עָצַם (H6105)Predicate verb, fourth of the cumulative verb string→ Wayyiqtol: climactic foregrounded advance completing the verb chainעָצַם (H6105) 'to be(come) numerous/mighty'; closes the fourfold verb chain with emphasis on strength.
בִּמְאֹ֣דexceedinglyprep בְּ + adv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial modifier intensifying וַיַּעַצְמוּמְאֹד (H3966) 'muchness, force'; doubled here (בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד) for maximal emphasis, 'exceedingly exceedingly'.
מְאֹ֑דexceedinglyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial modifier, second element of the doubled intensifierמְאֹד (H3966); repetition of the adverb intensifies to the highest degree, matching the piled-up verbs.
וַתִּמָּלֵ֥אand was filledwayyiqtol Niphal 3fs · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb of the result clause (the land filled with them)→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal, passive): foregrounded narrative result — the land becomes fullמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full'; Niphal (passive) here, the culminating result of the fourfold growth.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N comm sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of וַתִּמָּלֵאאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the land of Egypt (or Goshen), now filled with Israelites.
אֹתָֽםwith themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Adverbial accusative of measure/agent with a passive verb ('with them')אֵת (H853) here functions adverbially after the Niphal passive מָלֵא, expressing 'with them' — an idiom marking what a passive subject is filled with.
8

וַיָּ֥קָם מֶֽלֶךְ חָדָ֖שׁ עַל מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא יָדַ֖ע אֶת יוֹסֵֽף

And a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.

A regime change introduces a king who does not know Josephוַיָּ֥קָם
Political memory is severed in one terse line; the old benefactor no longer governs how the throne reads Israel.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיָּ֥קָםand arosewayyiqtol · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, new narrative episode)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance introducing regime changeקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; of a new king's rise to power, a decisive turn in the narrative.
מֶֽלֶךְa kingN m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject of וַיָּקָםמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; indefinite, 'a king', signaling a new, unnamed dynasty/ruler.
חָדָ֖שׁnewadj m sg abs · חָדָשׁ (H2319)Attributive adjective modifying מֶלֶךְחָדָשׁ (H2319) 'new'; may denote a literally new dynasty or simply one with no personal memory of Joseph — the ambiguity is likely deliberate.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of rule/dominion, modifying מֶלֶךְעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marks the domain of kingship, 'over Egypt'.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Object of preposition עַלמִצְרַיִם (H4714); the political entity now ruled by the new king.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause describing the kingאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle 'who/which/that', introducing 'who did not know Joseph'.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יָדַע within the relative clauseלֹא (H3808), the standard Hebrew negative particle for indicative verbs.
יָדַ֖עknewQal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a settled, prior state of non-acquaintance — no relational/political memoryיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; relational/experiential knowledge — no memory of Joseph's service, not mere factual ignorance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of יָדַע)אֵת (H853), marks יוֹסֵף as the definite direct object; untranslated.
יוֹסֵֽףJosephN proper · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Direct object of יָדַעיוֹסֵף (H3130); the forgotten benefactor whose absence from royal memory drives the plot.
9

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֶל עַמּ֑וֹ הִנֵּ֗ה עַ֚ם בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל רַ֥ב וְעָצ֖וּם מִמֶּֽנּוּ

And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more numerous and stronger than we are.

Pharaoh frames Israel as a demographic and political threatוַיֹּ֖אמֶר
The speech turns divine blessing into a problem of state security, recasting fruitfulness as danger.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand saidwayyiqtol · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause) introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance introducing Pharaoh's speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard narrative speech-introducer.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the recipient of the speech.
עַמּ֑וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition אֶלעַם (H5971) 'people'; with 3ms suffix, Pharaoh's own Egyptian people, his political constituency.
הִנֵּ֗הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing Pharaoh's assertionהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws attention to the following alarming fact — a rhetorical marker of urgency.
עַ֚םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Subject (construct chain, first link) of the following predicate adjectivesעַם (H5971); construct governing 'the sons of Israel', i.e. 'the people [that is] the sons of Israel'.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive continuing the construct chainבֵּן (H1121); clarifies which 'people' is meant.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chain; whole phrase is subject of the predicate adjectivesיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); Pharaoh names Israel as a collective political entity, not by covenant relation.
רַ֥בmore numerousadj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Predicate adjective (comparative sense) of the nominal clauseרַב (H7227) 'much, many, great'; describes the people as populous — implicit comparison 'more numerous than us'.
וְעָצ֖וּםand strongerconj וְ + adj m sg abs · עָצוּם (H6099)Predicate adjective (coordinate with רַב)עָצוּם (H6099) 'mighty, numerous'; paired with רַב, echoes Pharaoh's fear of Israel's growing strength (cf. v.7 עָצַם).
מִמֶּֽנּוּthan we [are]prep מִן + 1cp suffix · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of comparison, completing רַב וְעָצוּםמִן (H4480) here in its comparative sense 'than'; Pharaoh voices the fear driving the whole chapter.
10

הָ֥בָה נִֽתְחַכְּמָ֖ה ל֑וֹ פֶּן יִרְבֶּ֗ה וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי תִקְרֶ֤אנָה מִלְחָמָה֙ וְנוֹסַ֤ף גַּם הוּא֙ עַל שֹׂ֣נְאֵ֔ינוּ וְנִלְחַם בָּ֖נוּ וְעָלָ֥ה מִן הָאָֽרֶץ

Come, let us deal shrewdly with him, lest he multiply and, if war should happen, he also join our enemies and fight against us and go up from the land."

Pharaoh proposes a policy of shrewd suppression before crisis comesהָ֥בָה
His "let us deal wisely" is strategic cunning, and the feared ascent from the land ironically anticipates the exodus itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
הָ֥בָהcomeQal impv 2ms + paragogic ה · יָהַב (H3051)Volitional predicate opening the cohortative summons ('Come, let us...')→ Volitional (imperative): a summons initiating the following cohortative planיָהַב (H3051) 'to give'; the imperative הָבָה is idiomatic, 'come now!', introducing a proposal (cf. Gen 11:3-4).
נִֽתְחַכְּמָ֖הlet us deal shrewdlyHitpael cohortative 1cp · חָכַם (H2449)Predicate verb, cohortative of exhortation (Pharaoh's proposed policy)→ Volitional (cohortative): self-exhortation to calculated, cunning actionחָכַם (H2449) 'to be wise'; Hitpael reflexive-estimative, 'show ourselves shrewd/deal craftily' — political cunning, not wisdom.
ל֑וֹagainst himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, complement of נִתְחַכְּמָה ('deal shrewdly with/against him')לְ here marks the object of the shrewd dealing — 'with [i.e. against] him [Israel, collective singular]'.
פֶּןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the feared result clauseפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces what Pharaoh fears will happen if unchecked.
יִרְבֶּ֗הit multiplyQal impf 3ms · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb of the פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a feared future possibilityרָבָה (H7235) 'to increase'; the same verb as v.7, now voiced as Pharaoh's anxiety rather than narratorial praise.
וְהָיָ֞הand if it happensconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb continuing the feared scenario→ Weqatal: continuing an irrealis/future scenario begun with יִרְבֶּההָיָה (H1961); weqatal continues the hypothetical sequence into 'and it will come to pass, if war...'.
כִּֽיifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the war scenarioכִּי (H3588) here conditional, 'if/when'; introduces the hypothetical outbreak of war.
תִקְרֶ֤אנָהshould befall [us]Qal impf 3fp · קָרָא II (H7122)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause (subject מִלְחָמָה, fem)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hypothetical future eventקָרָא (H7122) 'to meet, befall'; distinct root from קָרָא 'to call' — 'if war should encounter/befall [us]'.
מִלְחָמָה֙warN f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Subject of תִקְרֶאנָהמִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; the security-crisis scenario Pharaoh imagines.
וְנוֹסַ֤ףand he joinconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb continuing the feared scenario (Israel joining Egypt's enemies)→ Weqatal (Niphal): continuing the irrealis sequence — a feared defectionיָסַף (H3254) 'to add'; Niphal 'be added to, join with' — the fear that Israel would ally with foreign enemies.
גַּםevenadv · גַּם (H1571)Adverb intensifying הוּא ('he too/even he')גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; emphasizes that Israel, in addition to actual enemies, would join the fight.
הוּא֙heindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject (emphatic, resuming/emphasizing the implied subject of וְנוֹסַף)הוּא (H1931); emphatic resumption of the subject, underscoring 'he too' [Israel].
עַלtoprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the party joined ('to/with our enemies')עַל (H5921) here with the sense 'to the side of, added to'.
שֹׂ֣נְאֵ֔ינוּour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + 1cp suffix · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Substantival participle, object of preposition עַל→ Participle: characterizing description — 'those who hate us', functioning as a noun ('our enemies')שָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate'; substantival participle 'haters' = enemies, i.e. Egypt's external foes.
וְנִלְחַםand fightconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb continuing the feared scenario→ Weqatal (Niphal): continuing the irrealis sequence toward open combatלָחַם (H3898) 'to fight'; Niphal reciprocal, 'wage war' — the imagined climax of Israel turning against Egypt.
בָּ֖נוּagainst usprep בְּ + 1cp suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, complement of וְנִלְחַםבְּ here adversative, 'against us', marking Egypt as the object of the feared attack.
וְעָלָ֥הand go upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb, final clause of Pharaoh's feared scenario→ Weqatal: continuing the irrealis sequence to its final, ironic outcomeעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; ironically the same verb that will describe Israel's future exodus (e.g. Ex 3:8), here voiced by Pharaoh as a security threat.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase marking source/separation, completing וְעָלָהמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the land as the point of departure Pharaoh fears.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N comm sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition מִןאֶרֶץ (H776); here Egypt itself — Pharaoh's fear that Israel might 'go up from the land' anticipates the Exodus he is trying to prevent.
11

וַיָּשִׂ֤ימוּ עָלָיו֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מִסִּ֔ים לְמַ֥עַן עַנֹּת֖וֹ בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑ם וַיִּ֜בֶן עָרֵ֤י מִסְכְּנוֹת֙ לְפַרְעֹ֔ה אֶת פִּתֹ֖ם וְאֶת רַעַמְסֵֽס

And they set over him chiefs of forced labor in order to afflict him with their burdens, and he built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses.

Egypt imposes forced labor and building projects to afflict Israelוַיָּשִׂ֤ימוּ
Policy becomes concrete administration: overseers, burdens, and royal store-cities embody imperial domination.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּשִׂ֤ימוּand they setwayyiqtol · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Egypt's administrative action beginsשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set, appoint'; here of installing officials over Israel.
עָלָיו֙over himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיָּשִׂימוּ (locates the officials 'over him' = Israel collectively)עַל (H5921) with 3ms suffix referring to Israel as a collective singular ('him').
שָׂרֵ֣יchiefs ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Object of וַיָּשִׂימוּ (construct chain, first link)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief, official'; construct with מִסִּים, 'chiefs of forced labor' — overseers of the corvée.
מִסִּ֔יםforced laborN m pl abs · מַס (H4522)Genitive completing the construct chainמַס (H4522) 'forced labor, corvée, tribute'; institutionalized state labor conscription.
לְמַ֥עַןin order toprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose prepositional phrase governing the infinitive עַנֹּתוֹלְמַעַן (H4616) 'for the sake of, in order that'; marks purpose — the taskmasters exist specifically to afflict.
עַנֹּת֖וֹafflicting himPiel inf constr + 3ms suffix · עִנָּה (H6031)Infinitive construct, object of לְמַעַן (purpose clause)→ Infinitive: purpose/intent — the stated goal of the labor policyעִנָּה (H6031) 'to afflict, oppress, humble'; Piel intensive, the chapter's key oppression-verb (cf. v.12).
בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑םwith their burdensprep בְּ + N f pl constr + 3mp suffix · סִבְלָה (H5450)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying עַנֹּתוֹסִבְלָה (H5450) 'burden, forced labor'; from סָבַל 'to bear a load' — the concrete instrument of affliction.
וַיִּ֜בֶןand he builtwayyiqtol · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (main clause, second main action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance to the building projectבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; subject is Israel (collective singular) as forced laborers, or impersonal 'they built'.
עָרֵ֤יcities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Object of וַיִּבֶן (construct chain, first link)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; construct with מִסְכְּנוֹת, 'store-cities'.
מִסְכְּנוֹת֙storageN f pl abs · מִסְכְּנוֹת (H4543)Genitive completing the construct chainמִסְכְּנוֹת (H4543) 'storehouses, supply depots'; royal magazine cities.
לְפַרְעֹ֔הfor Pharaohprep לְ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Dative/benefactive prepositional phrase modifying וַיִּבֶןפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title used as a proper name in the narrative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker introducing the city names (in apposition to עָרֵי מִסְכְּנוֹת)אֵת (H853); marks the following proper names as specifying the store-cities just mentioned.
פִּתֹ֖םPithomN proper · פִּתֹם (H6619)Direct object (in apposition, naming the first store-city)פִּתֹם (H6619), an Egyptian store-city (likely Per-Atum, 'house of Atum'), attesting to real building projects under Egyptian rule.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second named city)וְ joins the second city name; אֵת marks רַעַמְסֵס as the second definite object.
רַעַמְסֵֽסRaamsesN proper · רַעַמְסֵס (H7486)Direct object (in apposition, naming the second store-city)רַעַמְסֵס (H7486), a store-city named for Ramesses, often linked to the Nile Delta capital region; a key datum in Exodus-dating debates.
12

וְכַאֲשֶׁר֙ יְעַנּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ כֵּ֥ן יִרְבֶּ֖ה וְכֵ֣ן יִפְרֹ֑ץ וַיָּקֻ֕צוּ מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

But as they afflicted him, so he multiplied and so he spread abroad, and they were in dread because of the sons of Israel.

Affliction only produces further multiplication and Egyptian dreadוְכַאֲשֶׁר֙
The verse states the chapter’s central paradox: oppression cannot reverse the blessing but instead intensifies Egyptian alarm.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְכַאֲשֶׁר֙but asconj וְ + prep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Subordinating comparative conjunction introducing the protasis ('as they afflicted...')כַּאֲשֶׁר (H834 with כְּ) 'according as, just as'; matched by כֵּן ('so') in the apodosis.
יְעַנּ֣וּthey afflictedPiel impf 3mp (past-habitual) · עִנָּה (H6031)Predicate verb of the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause→ Yiqtol (past-habitual/durative): repeated, ongoing afflictionעִנָּה (H6031); same key oppression-verb as v.11, here durative — 'the more they kept afflicting him'.
אֹת֔וֹ[obj] himobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + suffix, object of יְעַנּוּ (Israel as collective singular)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix referring to Israel collectively, as often in this chapter.
כֵּ֥ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb introducing the apodosis, matching כַּאֲשֶׁרכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; pairs with כַּאֲשֶׁר to form the 'the more...the more' construction.
יִרְבֶּ֖הhe multipliedQal impf 3ms (past-habitual) · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb of the first apodosis clause→ Yiqtol (past-habitual): repeated, escalating multiplication in direct proportion to the afflictionרָבָה (H7235); the paradox verb — oppression correlates with growth rather than decline.
וְכֵ֣ןand soconj וְ + adv · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb introducing the second apodosis clauseכֵּן (H3651); repeated for a second parallel result.
יִפְרֹ֑ץhe spread abroadQal impf 3ms (past-habitual) · פָּרַץ (H6555)Predicate verb of the second apodosis clause→ Yiqtol (past-habitual): continued, escalating expansionפָּרַץ (H6555) 'to break out, spread abroad'; used elsewhere of blessing overflowing bounds (Gen 28:14; 30:30,43).
וַיָּקֻ֕צוּand they dreadedwayyiqtol · קוּץ (H6973)Predicate verb (main clause, Egyptian reaction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Egypt's dread as consequenceקוּץ (H6973) 'to feel a dread/loathing'; the Egyptians' visceral reaction to Israel's unstoppable growth.
מִפְּנֵ֖יbecause ofcompound prep מִן + פְּנֵי · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phrase, complement of וַיָּקֻצוּמִפְּנֵי (H6440), lit. 'from the face of', a common causal-preposition idiom, 'because of/on account of'.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain, first link), object of מִפְּנֵיבֵּן (H1121); construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the growing people, now the object of Egyptian dread.
13

וַיַּעֲבִ֧דוּ מִצְרַ֛יִם אֶת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּפָֽרֶךְ

And the Egyptians made the sons of Israel serve with harshness.

Egyptian domination hardens into ruthless serviceוַיַּעֲבִ֧דוּ
The narrative briefly restates the oppression in concentrated form before elaborating its bitterness.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיַּעֲבִ֧דוּand made [them] servewayyiqtol Hiphil · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol (causative/Hiphil): foregrounded narrative advance — Egypt actively compels laborעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; Hiphil causative, 'made [Israel] serve/work'.
מִצְרַ֛יִםthe EgyptiansN proper (collective) · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subject of וַיַּעֲבִדוּמִצְרַיִם functioning collectively as 'the Egyptians', the national subject enslaving Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853); marks בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as the definite object of the causative verb.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (construct chain, first link)בֵּן (H1121); construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
בְּפָֽרֶךְwith harshnessprep בְּ + N m sg abs · פֶּרֶךְ (H6531)Adverbial/manner prepositional phrase modifying וַיַּעֲבִדוּפֶּרֶךְ (H6531) 'harshness, rigor, cruelty'; a rare term for brutal, crushing servitude (also v.14; Lev 25:43,46,53).
14

וַיְמָרְר֨וּ אֶת חַיֵּיהֶ֜ם בַּעֲבֹדָ֣ה קָשָׁ֗ה בְּחֹ֨מֶר֙ וּבִלְבֵנִ֔ים וּבְכָל עֲבֹדָ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה אֵ֚ת כָּל עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔ם אֲשֶׁר עָבְד֥וּ בָהֶ֖ם בְּפָֽרֶךְ

And they made their lives bitter with hard service, with mortar and with bricks and with every service in the field; all their service in which they made them serve was with harshness.

Bitter labor is described in cumulative detailוַיְמָרֲר֨וּ
Mortar, bricks, and field service pile up to make the harshness tangible and exhaustive.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיְמָרְר֨וּand made bitterwayyiqtol Piel · מָרַר (H4843)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol (intensive/Piel): foregrounded narrative advance — the intensifying cruelty of the laborמָרַר (H4843) 'to be bitter'; Piel causative-intensive, a vivid metaphor for the misery of forced labor.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of וַיְמָרְרוּ)אֵת (H853); marks חַיֵּיהֶם as the definite direct object.
חַיֵּיהֶ֜םtheir livesN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · חַיִּים (H2416)Direct object of וַיְמָרְרוּחַיִּים (H2416) 'life, lives' (plural form, singular sense); 'their existence' made bitter by forced labor.
בַּעֲבֹדָ֣הwith serviceprep בְּ + N f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying וַיְמָרְרוּעֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, labor, servitude'; from the same root as עָבַד (v.13), naming the means of embitterment.
קָשָׁ֗הhardadj f sg abs · קָשֶׁה (H7186)Attributive adjective modifying עֲבֹדָהקָשֶׁה (H7186) 'hard, harsh, severe'; intensifies עֲבֹדָה, 'harsh service'.
בְּחֹ֨מֶר֙with mortarprep בְּ + N m sg abs · חֹמֶר (H2563)Instrumental prepositional phrase, coordinate specification of the serviceחֹמֶר (H2563) 'mortar, clay, cement'; concrete building material of the forced construction work.
וּבִלְבֵנִ֔יםand with bricksconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f pl abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Instrumental prepositional phrase, coordinate with בְּחֹמֶרלְבֵנָה (H3843) 'brick'; mudbrick construction, the classic emblem of Egyptian corvée labor.
וּבְכָלand with everyconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Instrumental prepositional phrase, construct governing עֲבֹדָהכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with 'service in the field', broadening the scope of labor.
עֲבֹדָ֖הserviceN f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Genitive completing the construct chainעֲבֹדָה (H5656); repeated key term, now specified as agricultural labor.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֑הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phrase modifying עֲבֹדָהשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; agricultural labor alongside building work — comprehensive forced labor.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker introducing a resumptive summary object ('all their service...')אֵת (H853); resumes and summarizes the preceding list as the object of the whole clause (casus pendens-like construction).
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing עֲבֹדָתָם, summarizing direct objectכֹּל (H3605); heads the summarizing phrase 'all their service'.
עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔םtheir serviceN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Genitive completing כָּל, resumed direct objectעֲבֹדָה (H5656) with 3mp suffix; the summarizing noun closing the catalog of labors.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause qualifying עֲבֹדָתָםאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces 'which they made them serve'.
עָבְד֥וּthey made [them] serveQal perf 3cp (causative sense) · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, summarizing report of imposed serviceעָבַד (H5647); Qal here with causative nuance in context ('worked them'), reprising the root from vv.13-14.
בָהֶ֖םthemprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, object-complement of עָבְדוּ ('made them serve')בְּ with the verb עָבַד expresses the object under compulsion, 'worked them [with rigor]'.
בְּפָֽרֶךְwith harshnessprep בְּ + N m sg abs · פֶּרֶךְ (H6531)Adverbial/manner prepositional phrase modifying עָבְדוּ, closing the verseפֶּרֶךְ (H6531); repeated from v.13, framing the whole catalog of labor as brutal rigor.
15

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ שִׁפְרָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית פּוּעָֽה

And the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, the name of the one being Shiphrah and the name of the second Puah.

Pharaoh turns from labor policy to a covert command through the midwivesוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙
The oppression narrows from general affliction to targeted anti-life violence, and named women now stand at the turning point.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and saidwayyiqtol · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause) introducing a new speech-episode→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance to the midwife narrativeאָמַר (H559); introduces Pharaoh's direct address to the midwives.
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct chain, first link) of וַיֹּאמֶרמֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with מִצְרַיִם.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive completing the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714).
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖תto the midwivesprep לְ + art + Piel ptc f pl · יָלַד (H3205)Prepositional phrase marking the addressees of וַיֹּאמֶר→ Participle (substantival): 'the ones who deliver/help bear' — professional designation, folded into v per corpus conventionיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; Piel participle substantivized as 'midwife' (one who assists birth).
הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑תthe Hebrewart + gentilic adj f pl · עִבְרִי (H5680)Attributive adjective modifying הַמְיַלְּדֹת ('the Hebrew midwives')עִבְרִי (H5680) 'Hebrew'; gentilic, likely designating the midwives' own ethnicity (though the phrase has also been read as 'midwives for the Hebrews').
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhoserelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the naming clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces 'whose name...', identifying the two midwives.
שֵׁ֤םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject (construct chain) of the nominal clauseשֵׁם (H8034); construct with 'the one' — 'the name of the first'.
הָֽאַחַת֙the first oneart + cardinal number f sg · אֶחָד (H259)Genitive completing the construct chain (substantival, 'the first [woman]')אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; here substantival with article, 'the first (of the two)'.
שִׁפְרָ֔הShiphrahN proper · שִׁפְרָה (H8236)Predicate nominative (naming the first midwife)שִׁפְרָה (H8236) 'Shiphrah', possibly related to שָׁפַר 'be fair/beautiful'; one of only two named women workers in this narrative, a mark of honor.
וְשֵׁ֥םand the name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject (construct chain) of the second nominal clauseשֵׁם (H8034); parallel construction naming the second midwife.
הַשֵּׁנִ֖יתthe second oneart + ordinal adj f sg · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Genitive completing the construct chain (substantival, 'the second [woman]')שֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; ordinal, substantival with article.
פּוּעָֽהPuahN proper · פּוּעָה (H6326)Predicate nominative (naming the second midwife)פּוּעָה (H6326) 'Puah', meaning uncertain (perhaps 'splendid' or 'girl'); with Shiphrah stands at the moral center of the chapter.
16

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר בְּיַלֶּדְכֶן֙ אֶת הָֽעִבְרִיּ֔וֹת וּרְאִיתֶ֖ן עַל הָאָבְנָ֑יִם אִם בֵּ֥ן הוּא֙ וַהֲמִתֶּ֣ן אֹת֔וֹ וְאִם בַּ֥ת הִ֖יא וָחָֽיָה

And he said, "When you help the Hebrew women give birth and see them upon the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death, but if it is a daughter, then she shall live."

The king gives the specific order to kill the newborn sonsבְּיַלֶּדְכֶן֙
The command reaches into the birth moment itself, showing Pharaoh trying to intercept covenant life at its emergence.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause) introducing the king's direct command→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance to the explicit commandאָמַר (H559); introduces Pharaoh's specific instruction to the midwives.
בְּיַלֶּדְכֶן֙when you assist at birthprep בְּ + Piel inf constr + 2fp suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause ('when you deliver [the Hebrew women]')→ Infinitive (temporal): marks the circumstance under which the command appliesיָלַד (H3205); Piel infinitive construct with temporal בְּ, 'when you act as midwife/assist in childbirth'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of the infinitive בְּיַלֶּדְכֶן)אֵת (H853); marks הָעִבְרִיּוֹת as the definite object of the infinitive.
הָֽעִבְרִיּ֔וֹתthe Hebrew womenart + gentilic adj f pl · עִבְרִי (H5680)Direct object of the infinitive בְּיַלֶּדְכֶןעִבְרִי (H5680); substantival, 'the Hebrew women', the mothers the midwives assist.
וּרְאִיתֶ֖ןand you see [them]conj וְ + Qal weqatal 2fp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb continuing the temporal/conditional sequence→ Weqatal: continuing the command sequence — 'and when you see...'רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; of observing the moment of delivery.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase modifying וּרְאִיתֶןעַל (H5921) 'upon'; introduces the birthing location.
הָאָבְנָ֑יִםthe birthstoolsart + N m dual abs · אֹבֶן (H70)Object of preposition עַלאֹבֶן (H70), dual form (paired stones/supports); the exact referent (birthing stones, stool, or the birth-canal itself) is debated, but the standard sense is a birthing seat/support.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the first protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the deadly condition, 'if it is a son'.
בֵּ֥ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate noun of the nominal clause (protasis)בֵּן (H1121); the sex that triggers the death command — the specific target of the genocidal policy.
הוּא֙it isindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the verbless (nominal) protasis clauseהוּא (H1931); copula-like pronoun linking the implied subject (the newborn) to בֵּן.
וַהֲמִתֶּ֣ןthen you shall killconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2fp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the apodosis (command)→ Weqatal (Hiphil, volitional force): the imposed command — 'you shall put [him] to death'מוּת (H4191); Hiphil causative, 'cause to die, kill' — Pharaoh's direct command of infanticide.
אֹת֔וֹ[obj] himobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, object of וַהֲמִתֶּןאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix referring to the newborn son.
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the second, contrasting protasisאִם (H518); parallel condition for a daughter, forming the deadly gender-based contrast.
בַּ֥תa daughterN f sg abs · בַּת (H1323)Predicate noun of the second nominal protasis clauseבַּת (H1323); the sex exempted from the death sentence.
הִ֖יאit isindependent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the verbless (nominal) protasis clauseהִיא (H1931); feminine counterpart to הוּא in v.16a.
וָחָֽיָהthen she shall liveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb of the second apodosis→ Weqatal (volitional/permissive force): the permitted outcome — she is allowed to liveחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; sets survival for daughters against the death decreed for sons — the calculated demographic logic of Pharaoh's plan.
17

וַתִּירֶ֤אןָ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙ אֶת הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְלֹ֣א עָשׂ֔וּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אֲלֵיהֶ֖ן מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרָ֑יִם וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת הַיְלָדִֽים

But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had spoken to them, and they kept the boys alive.

The midwives fear God and preserve the boys aliveוַתִּירֶ֤אןָ
This is the moral hinge of the chapter: the women recognize a higher authority than the king and refuse his decree.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַתִּירֶ֤אןָand they fearedwayyiqtol 3fp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (main clause) — the chapter's moral turning point→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance to the decisive act of reverence/resistanceיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; reverential fear/awe of God, the motivating cause of the midwives' civil disobedience.
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙the midwivesart + Piel ptc f pl · יָלַד (H3205)Subject of וַתִּירֶאןָ→ Participle (substantival): the standing designation 'the midwives'יָלַד (H3205); substantival participle, the professional title used throughout this episode.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וַתִּירֶאןָ)אֵת (H853); marks הָאֱלֹהִים as the definite object of fear.
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodart + N m pl abs (used as sg) · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of וַתִּירֶאןָאֱלֹהִים (H430); the midwives fear God rather than the king — the theological center of the episode.
וְלֹ֣אand did notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates עָשׂוּלֹא (H3808); negates the following verb of compliance.
עָשׂ֔וּdidQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, negated — their refusal to comply)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of non-complianceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here negated, 'did not do [as commanded]' — their concrete disobedience.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רasprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the clause of what was commandedכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834); 'according as, as' — introduces the content of the king's command that they refused.
דִּבֶּ֥רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause→ Perfective: a prior, completed act of commandדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel, the standard verb for authoritative speech/command.
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ןto themprep אֶל + 3fp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of דִּבֶּראֶל (H413) with 3fp suffix, 'to them' (the midwives).
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct chain) of דִּבֶּרמֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with מִצְרָיִם.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive completing the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714).
וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָand they kept alivewayyiqtol Piel 3fp · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (main clause, result of their fear of God)→ Wayyiqtol (Piel, causative): foregrounded narrative advance — the positive, life-preserving outcomeחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; Piel causative 'keep alive, preserve alive' — a direct reversal of the king's death command.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וַתְּחַיֶּיןָ)אֵת (H853); marks הַיְלָדִים as the definite object.
הַיְלָדִֽיםthe boysart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Direct object of וַתְּחַיֶּיןָיֶלֶד (H3206) 'boy, child'; the newborn sons whose lives are preserved against the royal decree.
18

וַיִּקְרָ֤א מֶֽלֶךְ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ן מַדּ֥וּעַ עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ אֶת הַיְלָדִֽים

And the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this thing and kept the boys alive?"

Pharaoh confronts the midwives over their disobedienceוַיִּקְרָ֤א
The failed covert policy forces a direct reckoning between tyrannical command and those who quietly resisted it.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקְרָ֤אand he calledwayyiqtol · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Pharaoh's direct confrontation beginsקָרָא (H7121) 'to call'; summons the midwives to appear before him.
מֶֽלֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct chain) of וַיִּקְרָאמֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with מִצְרַיִם.
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙EgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive completing the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714).
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔תfor the midwivesprep לְ + art + Piel ptc f pl · יָלַד (H3205)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיִּקְרָא (object of summons)→ Participle (substantival): standing title 'the midwives'יָלַד (H3205); substantival participle repeated as the professional title.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause) introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance to Pharaoh's confrontational questionאָמַר (H559); introduces the king's rebuke.
לָהֶ֔ןto themprep לְ + 3fp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, complement of וַיֹּאמֶרלְ with 3fp suffix, 'to them' (the midwives).
מַדּ֥וּעַwhyinterrogative adv · מַדּוּעַ (H4069)Interrogative adverb introducing Pharaoh's accusatory questionמַדּוּעַ (H4069) 'why'; a pointed, accusatory question form.
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ןhave you doneQal perf 2fp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the interrogative clause→ Perfective: a completed act under interrogation — 'why have you done...'עָשָׂה (H6213); repeats the verb from v.17, now as an accusation.
הַדָּבָ֣רthis thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of עֲשִׂיתֶןדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; referring to their act of preserving the boys.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088) 'this'; specifies the 'thing' just referenced — their disobedience.
וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָand kept alivewayyiqtol Piel 2fp · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb continuing Pharaoh's accusatory question→ Wayyiqtol (Piel, 2fp): foregrounded — restates their life-preserving action as the charge against themחָיָה (H2421); repeats the key verb from v.17, now thrown back at them by Pharaoh.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וַתְּחַיֶּיןָ)אֵת (H853); marks הַיְלָדִים as the definite object.
הַיְלָדִֽיםthe boysart + N m pl abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Direct object of וַתְּחַיֶּיןָיֶלֶד (H3206); the boys whose survival is now the substance of Pharaoh's charge.
19

וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה כִּ֣י לֹ֧א כַנָּשִׁ֛ים הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת כִּֽי חָי֣וֹת הֵ֔נָּה בְּטֶ֨רֶם תָּב֧וֹא אֲלֵהֶ֛ן הַמְיַלֶּ֖דֶת וְיָלָֽדוּ

And the midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous; before the midwife comes to them, they have given birth."

The midwives answer with an explanation centered on Hebrew vigorכִּ֣י
Their reply turns the language of life back against Pharaoh’s policy and leaves the decree ineffective.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָand they saidwayyiqtol 3fp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause) introducing the midwives' answer→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — their reply to Pharaohאָמַר (H559); introduces the midwives' clever, life-preserving response.
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙the midwivesart + Piel ptc f pl · יָלַד (H3205)Subject of וַתֹּאמַרְןָ→ Participle (substantival): standing title 'the midwives'יָלַד (H3205); substantival participle, subject of their speech.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413); introduces Pharaoh as recipient of their answer.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition אֶלפַּרְעֹה (H6547).
כִּ֣יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing their explanationכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the reason given for their inaction.
לֹ֧אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the implied comparison (nominal clause)לֹא (H3808); negates the comparison 'not like the Egyptian women'.
כַנָּשִׁ֛יםlike the womenprep כְּ + art + N f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement of comparison (nominal clause: 'the Hebrew women are not like...')אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; plural, comparative phrase 'like the [Egyptian] women'.
הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖תthe Egyptianart + gentilic adj f pl · מִצְרִי (H4713)Attributive adjective modifying הַנָּשִׁים ('the Egyptian women')מִצְרִי (H4713) 'Egyptian'; gentilic adjective, contrasted with the Hebrew women.
הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑תthe Hebrew womenart + gentilic adj f pl · עִבְרִי (H5680)Subject of the comparative nominal clauseעִבְרִי (H5680); substantival, subject of the midwives' explanation.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the midwives' reasonכִּי (H3588); introduces the substantiating clause 'for they are vigorous'.
חָי֣וֹתvigorousadj f pl abs · חָיֶה (H2422)Predicate adjective of the nominal clauseחָיֶה (H2422) 'lively, vigorous'; possibly wordplay with חָיָה 'to live' — the Hebrew women are robust/quick in labor, not merely alive.
הֵ֔נָּהthey [are]independent pron 3fp · הֵנָּה (H2007)Subject of the nominal clause (resumptive)הֵנָּה (H2007) 'they' (fem pl); resumes the subject for the predicate חָיוֹת.
בְּטֶ֨רֶםbeforeprep בְּ + adv · טֶרֶם (H2962)Temporal prepositional phrase introducing the following clauseטֶרֶם (H2962) 'not yet, before'; marks the swift timing that outpaces the midwife's arrival.
תָּב֧וֹאshe comesQal impf 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the not-yet-realized arrival of the midwifeבּוֹא (H935); subject is the midwife, arriving too late to assist.
אֲלֵהֶ֛ןto themprep אֶל + 3fp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of תָּבוֹאאֶל (H413) with 3fp suffix, referring to the Hebrew mothers.
הַמְיַלֶּ֖דֶתthe midwifeart + Piel ptc f sg · יָלַד (H3205)Subject of תָּבוֹא→ Participle (substantival): singular form here, 'the midwife'יָלַד (H3205); singular participle, generic 'the midwife' (any midwife).
וְיָלָֽדוּthey have given birthconj וְ + Qal perf 3cp · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb of the result clause ('before... they have already given birth')→ Perfective (resultative in this construction): a completed action prior to the midwife's expected arrivalיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; underscores the Hebrew women's quick, unassisted deliveries — the midwives' clever, non-incriminating explanation.
20

וַיֵּ֥יטֶב אֱלֹהִ֖ים לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת וַיִּ֧רֶב הָעָ֛ם וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ מְאֹֽד

And God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very strong.

God deals well with the midwives while the people keep multiplyingוַיֵּ֥יטֶב
Divine favor now stands openly with the women who feared God, and the people’s growth continues unabated.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּ֥יטֶבand dealt wellwayyiqtol Hiphil · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb (main clause) — divine response to the midwives' fear of God→ Wayyiqtol (Hiphil): foregrounded narrative advance — God's favorable actionיָטַב (H3190) 'to be good'; Hiphil causative, 'do good to, deal well with' — God's reward for the midwives' courage.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs (as sg) · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֵּיטֶבאֱלֹהִים (H430); the same God the midwives feared (v.17) now rewards them.
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑תto the midwivesprep לְ + art + Piel ptc f pl · יָלַד (H3205)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיֵּיטֶב (indirect object)→ Participle (substantival): standing title 'the midwives'יָלַד (H3205); substantival participle, indirect object of God's favor.
וַיִּ֧רֶבand multipliedwayyiqtol · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (main clause, second effect)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — continued population growthרָבָה (H7235); the recurring growth-verb, here of 'the people' collectively.
הָעָ֛םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיִּרֶב and וַיַּעַצְמוּעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel collectively, subject of the parallel growth-verbs.
וַיַּֽעַצְמ֖וּand grew strongwayyiqtol · עָצַם (H6105)Predicate verb (main clause, coordinate with וַיִּרֶב)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, echoing v.7's verb chainעָצַם (H6105); repeats the strength-verb from v.7, showing growth continuing unabated.
מְאֹֽדveryadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial modifier intensifying וַיַּעַצְמוּמְאֹד (H3966); intensifier, 'exceedingly', echoing the emphatic language of v.7.
21

וַיְהִ֕י כִּֽי יָֽרְא֥וּ הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת אֶת הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם בָּתִּֽים

And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made households for them.

The fear of God receives enduring household blessingוַיְהִ֕י
The women who preserved households are themselves granted households, a compact narrative answer to Pharaoh’s anti-life command.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיְהִ֕יand it came to passwayyiqtol · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause) introducing a causal result statement→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, formulaic introduction to a summarizing consequenceהָיָה (H1961); standard narrative formula introducing 'and it happened that...'.
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground for God's actionכִּי (H3588); 'because', gives the reason for the reward that follows.
יָֽרְא֥וּthey fearedQal perf 3cp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed, defining act — the midwives' fear of God restated as grounds for blessingיָרֵא (H3372); recalls v.17's key verb, now cited as the reason for divine favor.
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖תthe midwivesart + Piel ptc f pl · יָלַד (H3205)Subject of יָרְאוּ→ Participle (substantival): standing title 'the midwives'יָלַד (H3205); substantival participle, subject of the causal clause.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of יָרְאוּ)אֵת (H853); marks הָאֱלֹהִים as the definite object of their fear.
הָאֱלֹהִ֑יםGodart + N m pl abs (as sg) · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of יָרְאוּאֱלֹהִים (H430); the object of the midwives' reverence, cited again as the grounds for blessing.
וַיַּ֥עַשׂand he madewayyiqtol · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause) — God's rewarding action→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the consequence/rewardעָשָׂה (H6213); God's constructive action, contrasting with Pharaoh's destructive commands throughout the chapter.
לָהֶ֖םfor themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (dative of benefit), complement of וַיַּעַשׂלְ with 3mp suffix, benefactive 'for them' (the midwives).
בָּתִּֽיםhouseholdsN m pl abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Direct object of וַיַּעַשׂבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; plural 'households/dynasties' — God grants the midwives enduring family lines, a compact and much-discussed blessing (lineage, family stability, or social establishment).
22

וַיְצַ֣ו פַּרְעֹ֔ה לְכָל עַמּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹ֑ר כָּל הַבֵּ֣ן הַיִּלּ֗וֹד הַיְאֹ֨רָה֙ תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔הוּ וְכָל הַבַּ֖ת תְּחַיּֽוּן

And Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born you shall cast into the Nile, but every daughter you shall let live."

Pharaoh escalates to a public Nile-death decree against the sonsוַיְצַ֣ו
The chapter closes with open and widened violence, setting the stage for Moses’ birth under a sentence of death.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְצַ֣וand he commandedwayyiqtol Piel · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (main clause) — the chapter's final escalation→ Wayyiqtol (Piel): foregrounded narrative advance — the covert plan becomes public decreeצָוָה (H6680) 'to command'; Piel, standard verb of authoritative royal command, now addressed to the whole populace.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of וַיְצַופַּרְעֹה (H6547).
לְכָלto allprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיְצַו (construct chain, first link)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עַמּוֹ, 'to all his people' — the addressees widen from midwives to the whole nation.
עַמּ֖וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing the construct chainעַם (H5971) with 3ms suffix; Pharaoh's own Egyptian populace, now enlisted in the violence.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech (quotative)→ Infinitive: standard quotative marker introducing the content of the commandאָמַר (H559); the conventional 'saying' formula introducing direct discourse.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct chain, first link) of the decreeכֹּל (H3605); construct governing 'the son who is born', 'every son'.
הַבֵּ֣ןsonart + N m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing the construct chainבֵּן (H1121); the target of the public decree, as in the earlier covert command (v.16).
הַיִּלּ֗וֹדwho is bornart + verbal adj (passive sense) m sg abs · יִלּוֹד (H3209)Attributive modifier of הַבֵּןיִלּוֹד (H3209) 'born'; passive verbal adjective, 'every son that is born' — comprehensive, covering all future births.
הַיְאֹ֨רָה֙into the Nileart + N proper + directional ־ָה · יְאֹר (H2975)Adverbial accusative of direction (goal), complement of תַּשְׁלִיכֻהוּיְאֹר (H2975) 'the Nile, river' (Egyptian loanword); the ־ָה suffix marks direction — ironically the same river from which Moses will be drawn (2:10).
תַּשְׁלִיכֻ֔הוּyou shall cast himHiphil impf 2mp + 3ms suffix · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb (imperatival force) of the decree, with resumptive object suffix→ Yiqtol (imperatival/volitional force): the binding, public commandשָׁלַךְ (H7993) 'to throw, cast'; Hiphil, the violent verb of the command, now made public and universal.
וְכָלbut everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct chain, first link) of the contrasting clauseכֹּל (H3605); introduces the antithetical clause concerning daughters.
הַבַּ֖תdaughterart + N f sg abs · בַּת (H1323)Genitive completing the construct chainבַּת (H1323); the exempted class, contrasted with הַבֵּן.
תְּחַיּֽוּןyou shall let livePiel impf 2mp + paragogic nun · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (imperatival force) of the final clause, closing the chapter→ Yiqtol (imperatival/volitional force, paragogic nun for emphasis): the binding command to let daughters liveחָיָה (H2421); Piel causative 'let live', closing the chapter on Pharaoh's calculated, gender-selective violence — the crisis into which Moses will be born.