1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:
The standard divine-speech introduction formula (cf. 6:2, 6:10, 6:29, 12:1) opens a fresh block of instruction. It has no narrative connection stated to what precedes; the chapter begins with pure legislation before the itinerary resumes in v.17.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), narrative wayyiqtol opening divine speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance introducing direct discourseדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel is the ordinary stem for verbal communication, here the formulaic introduction of divine address to Moses.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיְדַבֵּר (addressee)
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (addressee of speech)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), traditionally associated with מָשָׁה 'to draw out' (cf. 2:10); Israel's mediator and lawgiver.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: introduces reported divine speech (quotative frame)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formula לֵאמֹר regularly opens direct discourse in narrative and legal material.
2
קַדֶּשׁ לִ֨י כָל בְּכ֜וֹר פֶּ֤טֶר כָּל רֶ֨חֶם֙ בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֖י הֽוּא
Consecrate to Me every firstborn, the opener of every womb among the children of Israel, whether man or beast — it is Mine.
Embedded within the quoted speech of v.1, this terse imperative states the chapter's founding principle — every firstborn, human and animal, belongs to YHWH — which vv.11-16 will later regulate procedurally through substitution and redemption.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
קַדֶּשׁconsecratePiel impv 2ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (imperative main clause), divine command opening the speech→ Volitional: direct imperative commandקָדַשׁ (H6942) 'to be/make holy, set apart'; Piel is factitive/consecrating — 'set apart as holy, dedicate'.
לִ֨יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative complement of קַדֶּשׁ (beneficiary/possessor)
כָלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בְּכוֹר (quantifier 'every')כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier.
בְּכ֜וֹרfirstbornN m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Genitive complement of כָל (construct chain 'every firstborn'), direct object of קַדֶּשׁבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn son (and firstling of livestock) holds a privileged legal and cultic status in Israel.
פֶּ֤טֶרopener ofN m sg constr · פֶּטֶר (H6363)Appositional construct further defining בְּכוֹר ('the one opening every womb')פֶּטֶר (H6363) 'that which opens/breaches', from פָּטַר 'to open, breach'; פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם is the technical phrase for the first male issue of a womb.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing רֶחֶם (quantifier within the appositional phrase)כֹּל (H3605); the repeated quantifier tightens the scope to every womb without exception.
רֶ֨חֶם֙wombN m sg abs · רֶחֶם (H7358)Genitive complement of כָּל, object of the פֶּטֶר construct chainרֶחֶם (H7358) 'womb'; פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם 'opener of the womb' designates the first male offspring, human or animal.
בִּבְנֵ֣יamong the sons ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Locative prepositional phrase specifying the domain ('among the Israelites')בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of בְּנֵי (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Jacob's covenant name (Gen 32:29), here designating the nation.
בָּאָדָ֖םamong manprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Prepositional phrase further specifying the scope of the firstborn law (human offspring)אָדָם (H120) 'man, mankind'; here generic, distinguishing human firstborn from animal.
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑הand among beastconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Conjoined prepositional phrase, second member specifying the scope (animal offspring)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, cattle'; paired with אָדָם, the phrase covers both human and animal firstborn under the consecration law.
לִ֖יmineprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְPredicate of the closing verbless clause הוּא לִי ('it is mine')
הֽוּאit (is)3ms pers pron · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the closing verbless clause, resuming בְּכוֹר/פֶּטֶר רֶחֶםהוּא (H1931), 3ms personal pronoun functioning as copula-subject in a nominal clause: 'it belongs to me'.
3
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל הָעָ֗ם זָכ֞וֹר אֶת הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצָאתֶ֤ם מִמִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ מִבֵּ֣ית עֲבָדִ֔ים כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד הוֹצִ֧יא יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִזֶּ֑ה וְלֹ֥א יֵאָכֵ֖ל חָמֵֽץ
And Moses said to the people, Remember this day, on which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slaves; for by strength of hand YHWH brought you out from this place — no leavened bread shall be eaten.
Moses' own speech opens a new major unit (vv.3-10), parallel to but distinct from YHWH's firstborn command of vv.1-2. It grounds the festival concretely in the memory of the exodus deliverance, anticipating the didactic 'when your son asks' formula of vv.8 and 14.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard narrative speech verb.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרמֹשֶה (H4872), traditionally associated with מָשָה 'to draw out' (cf. 2:10); Israel's mediator and lawgiver, the speaker/actor throughout this chapter.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיֹּאמֶר (addressee)
הָעָ֗םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition אֶל (addressee)עַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; here Israel collectively addressed by Moses.
זָכ֞וֹרrememberQal inf abs · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate (infinitive absolute functioning as an imperative)→ Volitional: infinitive absolute standing for a forceful commandזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the infinitive absolute in place of a finite imperative intensifies the command, matching the memorial character of the festival.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of זָכוֹר)
הַיּ֤וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Direct object of זָכוֹריוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here the exodus day marked as a perpetual day of remembrance.
הַזֶּה֙thisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹם
אֲשֶׁ֨רon whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces the relative clause modifying הַיּוֹם
יְצָאתֶ֤םyou went outQal perf 2mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed past event recalledיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the exodus departure, the festival's historical ground.
מִמִּצְרַ֨יִם֙from Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase of source, complement of יְצָאתֶםמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
מִבֵּ֣יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Appositional prepositional phrase restating the source ('house of slaves')בַיִת (H1004) 'house'; בֵית עֲבָדִים 'house of slaves' is a fixed epithet for Egypt's bondage (cf. 20:2).
עֲבָדִ֔יםslavesN m pl abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive complement of בֵּית (construct chain 'house of slaves')עֶבֶד (H5650) 'slave, servant'; בֵּית עֲבָדִים 'house of slaves' recurs as an epithet for Egypt's bondage (cf. 20:2).
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clause
בְּחֹ֣זֶקby strength ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · חֹזֶק (H2392)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying הוֹצִיאחֹזֶק (H2392) 'strength, might', from חָזַק 'to be strong'; בְּחֹזֶק יָד 'by strength of hand' is a formulaic description of YHWH's exodus power, repeated in vv.9, 14, 16.
יָ֔דhandN f sg abs · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of חֹזֶק (construct chain)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; a metonymy for power/might.
הוֹצִ֧יאhe brought outHiphil perf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of deliveranceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring/lead out', causative of the same root as v.3's earlier יָצָא — YHWH is the one who causes Israel's going-out.
יְהֹוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הוֹצִיאיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
אֶתְכֶ֖םyouobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of הוֹצִיא
מִזֶּ֑הfrom this (place)prep מִן + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Prepositional phrase of source ('from this place'), complement of הוֹצִיא
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verb, introducing the closing prohibition
יֵאָכֵ֖לshall be eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (passive, prohibition clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/prohibitive, ongoing prohibitionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; Niphal passive 'be eaten', prohibiting leavened food throughout the festival.
חָמֵֽץleavened breadN m sg abs · חָמֵץ (H2557)Subject of the passive verb יֵאָכֵלחָמֵץ (H2557) 'leavened/fermented food', from חָמֵץ 'to be leavened, sour'; forbidden throughout the seven days of Unleavened Bread.
4
הַיּ֖וֹם אַתֶּ֣ם יֹצְאִ֑ים בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁ הָאָבִֽיב
Today you are going out, in the month of Abib.
A brief circumstantial aside fixing the calendrical anchor (the month later called Nisan) before the festival law resumes in v.5; the fronted temporal 'today' underscores the immediacy of the departure being commemorated.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
הַיּ֖וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of time (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; fronted for emphasis, marking the very day of departure.
אַתֶּ֣םyou2mp pers pron · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of יֹצְאִים
יֹצְאִ֑יםare going outQal ptc m pl abs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate participle (present/progressive)→ Participle: durative, depicting the ongoing and immediate departureיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the participle frames the exodus as happening in the narrative present.
בְּחֹ֖דֶשׁin the month ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phrase modifying יֹצְאִיםחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'.
הָאָבִֽיבthe Abibart + N m sg abs · אָבִיב (H24)Genitive complement of חֹדֶשׁ (construct chain 'month of Abib')אָבִיב (H24) 'young ears (of grain), springtime'; the first month of the religious calendar (later called Nisan), named for the ripening barley.
5
וְהָיָ֣ה כִֽי יְבִֽיאֲךָ֣ יְהוָ֡ה אֶל אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽ֠כְּנַעֲנִי וְהַחִתִּ֨י וְהָאֱמֹרִ֜י וְהַחִוִּ֣י וְהַיְבוּסִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֤ע לַאֲבֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ לָ֣תֶת לָ֔ךְ אֶ֛רֶץ זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָ֑שׁ וְעָבַדְתָּ֛ אֶת הָעֲבֹדָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַזֶּֽה
And it shall be, when YHWH brings you into the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite — which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey — that you shall perform this service in this month.
The protasis-apodosis structure (וְהָיָה כִּי...וְעָבַדְתָּ) frames Unleavened Bread as a law to be kept once Israel is settled in Canaan, naming the five nations to be dispossessed and grounding the land itself in the patriarchal oath.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וְהָיָ֣הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, apodosis-introducing formula opening a future temporal clause→ Weqatal: converted perfect projecting a future contingencyהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וְהָיָה כִּי is the formulaic 'and it shall come to pass when...'.
כִֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunction introducing the protasis
יְבִֽיאֲךָ֣he brings youHiphil impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the temporal protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective, an anticipated future actבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to enter', causative of 'to come/go in'.
יְהוָ֡הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יְבִיאֲךָיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of יְבִיאֲךָ (goal)
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition אֶל, head of the construct chain naming the nationsאֶרץ (H776) 'earth, land'; here of the promised land of Canaan (vv.5,11) or of Egypt (v.15,18), the territorial anchor of the chapter's legislation and narrative.
הַֽ֠כְּנַעֲנִיthe Canaaniteart + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Genitive complement of אֶרֶץ (first of five nations)כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669), gentilic from כְּנַעַן; one of the peoples inhabiting the promised land.
וְהַחִתִּ֨יand the Hittiteconj + art + gentilic · חִתִּי (H2850)Conjoined member of the nation-listחִתִּי (H2850), gentilic from חֵת.
וְהָאֱמֹרִ֜יand the Amoriteconj + art + gentilic · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Conjoined member of the nation-listאֱמֹרִי (H567), one of the peoples of the hill country.
וְהַחִוִּ֣יand the Hiviteconj + art + gentilic · חִוִּי (H2340)Conjoined member of the nation-listחִוִּי (H2340), a Canaanite people group.
וְהַיְבוּסִ֗יand the Jebusiteconj + art + gentilic · יְבוּסִי (H2983)Conjoined member (final) of the nation-listיְבוּסִי (H2983), inhabitants of Jebus/Jerusalem before its conquest by David.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces the relative clause modifying אֶרֶץ (the land which He swore)
נִשְׁבַּ֤עhe sworeNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, binding oathשָׁבַע (H7650) Niphal 'to swear (an oath)', reflexive-passive of the numeral root for 'seven', reflecting oath-making by sevenfold pledge.
לַאֲבֹתֶ֨יךָ֙to your fathersprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אָב (H1)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of נִשְׁבַּעאָב (H1) 'father'; here the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, recipients of the land promise.
לָ֣תֶתto giveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Purpose/result infinitive complementing נִשְׁבַּע→ Infinitive construct: expresses the content/purpose of the oathנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לָ֔ךְto youprep לְ + 2fs suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of לָתֶתThe suffix is pointed as 2fs though Israel is addressed collectively as masculine; an archaic/anomalous epicene-style pointing found occasionally in the Pentateuch (cf. v.11), not a change of addressee.
אֶ֛רֶץa landN f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of לָתֶת, in apposition to the land just named (resumptive)אֶרץ (H776) 'earth, land'; here of the promised land of Canaan (vv.5,11) or of Egypt (v.15,18), the territorial anchor of the chapter's legislation and narrative.
זָבַ֥תflowing withQal ptc f sg constr · זוּב (H2100)Attributive participle modifying אֶרֶץ (construct with following nouns)→ Participle: durative, an ongoing characteristicזוּב (H2100) 'to flow, gush'; אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ is the classic formula for the land's fertility.
חָלָ֖בmilkN m sg abs · חָלָב (H2461)Genitive complement of זָבַת (construct chain)חָלָב (H2461) 'milk'.
וּדְבָ֑שׁand honeyconj + N m sg abs · דְּבַשׁ (H1706)Conjoined genitive complement of זָבַתדְּבַשׁ (H1706) 'honey'.
וְעָבַדְתָּ֛and you shall performconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb of the apodosis (main command resuming from וְהָיָה)→ Weqatal: converted perfect expressing the consequent obligationעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, serve'; here 'perform, observe' a rite.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָעֲבֹדָ֥הthe serviceart + N f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Direct object of וְעָבַדְתָּעֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, rite, observance'; here the festival just legislated.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעֲבֹדָה
בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁin the monthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phrase modifying וְעָבַדְתָּחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'; here the month of Abib, later called Nisan, the first month of the festival calendar.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying חֹדֶשׁ
6
שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים תֹּאכַ֣ל מַצֹּ֑ת וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י חַ֖ג לַיהוָֽה
Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day is a feast to YHWH.
The fronted duration-phrase gives the festival's temporal frame before the seventh day is singled out as itself a feast to YHWH, matching 12:15-16's structure.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
שִׁבְעַ֥תseven (of)cardinal numeral m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Construct governing יָמִים ('seven days', adverbial accusative of duration, fronted)שֶבַע (H7651) 'seven'; שְִבְעַת יָמִים 'seven days' fixes the festival's duration.
יָמִ֖יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of שִׁבְעַת (construct chain); together an adverbial accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; used both of the exodus day itself and, in the durational/idiomatic phrases of this chapter, of the festival's fixed calendar.
תֹּאכַ֣לyou shall eatQal impf 2ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/durative obligation extending over the seven daysאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'.
מַצֹּ֑תunleavened breadN f pl abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Direct object of תֹּאכַלמַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread', giving the feast its name חַג הַמַּצּוֹת.
וּבַיּוֹם֙and on the dayconj + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase, fronted (new clause)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; used both of the exodus day itself and, in the durational/idiomatic phrases of this chapter, of the festival's fixed calendar.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔יthe seventhart + ordinal numeral m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive ordinal modifying יוֹםשְׂבִיעִי (H7637), ordinal from שֶבַע 'seven'; the climactic seventh day of Unleavened Bread, itself set apart as a feast to YHWH.
חַ֖גa feastN m sg abs · חַג (H2282)Predicate nominative of the verbless clauseחַג (H2282) 'feast, pilgrimage festival', from חָגַג 'to celebrate, go in procession'.
לַיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, dative complement of חַג ('a feast dedicated to YHWH')יהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
7
מַצּוֹת֙ יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת שִׁבְעַ֣ת הַיָּמִ֑ים וְלֹֽא יֵרָאֶ֨ה לְךָ֜ חָמֵ֗ץ וְלֹֽא יֵרָאֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ שְׂאֹ֖ר בְּכָל גְּבֻלֶֽךָ
Unleavened bread shall be eaten the seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, nor shall leaven be seen with you, in all your territory.
The doubled prohibition (יֵרָאֶה לְךָ twice) matches 12:19-20, extending the ban on both the leavened product and the leavening agent itself across the whole territory, not merely private households.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
מַצּוֹת֙unleavened breadN f pl abs · מַצָּה (H4682)Fronted subject (casus pendens) of the passive verb יֵאָכֵל, for emphasisמַצָּה (H4682) 'unleavened bread', giving the feast its name חַג הַמַּצּוֹת.
יֵֽאָכֵ֔לshall be eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (passive main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/durative prescription for the festivalאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; Niphal passive 'be eaten', prohibiting leavened food throughout the seven-day festival.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Marks the following time-phrase as an accusative of durationאֵת (H853) here extends before a temporal accusative rather than a true grammatical object — a recognized idiomatic use.
שִׁבְעַ֣תseven (of)cardinal numeral m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Construct governing הַיָּמִיםשֶבַע (H7651) 'seven'; שְִבְעַת יָמִים 'seven days' fixes the festival's duration.
הַיָּמִ֑יםthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of שִׁבְעַת; adverbial accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; used both of the exodus day itself and, in the durational/idiomatic phrases of this chapter, of the festival's fixed calendar.
וְלֹֽאand notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verb
יֵרָאֶ֨הshall be seenNiphal impf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (passive prohibition)→ Yiqtol: modal prohibitiveרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Niphal 'be seen, appear' — the prohibition targets visible presence of leaven, the basis for the search-and-removal custom (בְּדִיקַת חָמֵץ).
לְךָ֜with youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (dative of possession/presence), complement of יֵרָאֶה
חָמֵ֗ץleavened breadN m sg abs · חָמֵץ (H2557)Subject of יֵרָאֶהחָמֵץ (H2557) 'leavened/fermented food', from חָמֵץ 'to be leavened, sour'; forbidden throughout the seven days of Unleavened Bread.
וְלֹֽאand notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second verb, parallel clause
יֵרָאֶ֥הshall be seenNiphal impf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of the parallel prohibition→ Yiqtol: modal prohibitiveרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Niphal 'be seen, appear' -- the prohibition targets visible presence of leaven, the basis for the search-and-removal custom (בְדִיקַת חָמֵץ).
לְךָ֛with youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, complement of the second יֵרָאֶה
שְׂאֹ֖רleavenN m sg abs · שְׂאֹר (H7603)Subject of the second יֵרָאֶהשְׂאֹר (H7603) 'leaven, sourdough'; the fermenting agent itself, distinct from חָמֵץ the leavened product — together the two prohibitions cover both agent and result.
בְּכָלin all (of)prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase modifying both prohibitionsכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
גְּבֻלֶֽךָyour territoryN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · גְּבוּל (H1366)Genitive complement of כָּל (construct chain 'in all your territory')גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; extends the leaven-prohibition to the whole land, not just households.
8
וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ לְבִנְךָ֔ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹ֑ר בַּעֲב֣וּר זֶ֗ה עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִ֔י בְּצֵאתִ֖י מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
And you shall tell your son on that day, saying, It is because of what YHWH did for me when I went out from Egypt.
The first of the chapter's two 'when your son asks/you shall tell' formulas (cf. v.14), establishing the festival as an act of transgenerational teaching, paralleling 12:26-27's Passover catechesis.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣and you shall tellconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (main clause, catechetical instruction)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, ongoing obligationנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to declare, tell, make known'.
לְבִנְךָ֔to your sonprep לְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of וְהִגַּדְתָּבֵן (H1121) 'son'; the catechetical 'son' of vv.8,14 is the addressee of Israel's transgenerational teaching, while בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the covenant people.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase modifying וְהִגַּדְתָּיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; used both of the exodus day itself and, in the durational/idiomatic phrases of this chapter, of the festival's fixed calendar.
הַה֖וּאthatart + 3ms pers pron · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹם ('that day')
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing the content of what is told→ Infinitive construct: quotative frameאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formula לֵאמֹר regularly opens direct discourse in narrative and catechetical material.
בַּעֲב֣וּרbecause ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עָבוּר (H5668)Causal prepositional phrase heading the reported answerעָבוּר (H5668) 'reason, sake', from עָבַר 'to pass, cross'; בַּעֲבוּר זֶה 'on account of this'.
זֶ֗הthisdemonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Object of the preposition בַּעֲבוּר, pointing forward to the rite/deliverance being explained
עָשָׂ֤הhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, act'.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of עָשָׂהיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
לִ֔יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of benefit, complement of עָשָׂה
בְּצֵאתִ֖יwhen I went outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 1cs suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitival clause modifying עָשָׂה→ Infinitive construct: temporal 'when/at my going out'יָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'.
מִמִּצְרָֽיִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase of source, complement of בְּצֵאתִימִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
9
וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל יָדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
And it shall be to you for a sign on your hand and for a memorial between your eyes, so that the law of YHWH may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand YHWH brought you out from Egypt.
Together with v.16, this verse's 'sign on your hand' and 'memorial/frontlets between your eyes' became the classic scriptural warrant for tefillin (phylacteries); the immediate sense is mnemonic and confessional — that YHWH's torah be constantly 'in your mouth' — but the wording generated the literal binding practice in later Jewish tradition.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְהָיָה֩and it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, ongoing prescriptive forceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וְהָיָה opens the verse's prescription that the sign/memorial formula perpetually apply.
לְךָ֨to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative complement of וְהָיָה
לְא֜וֹתfor a signprep לְ + N c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate complement (function/purpose) of וְהָיָהאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the exodus deliverance is to be perpetually marked on the body.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase modifying לְאוֹת
יָדְךָ֗your handN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Object of the preposition עַליָד (H3027) 'hand'; a metonymy for power/might, recurring in the chapter's fourfold בְחֹזֶק יָד formula.
וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙and for a memorialconj + prep לְ + N m sg abs · זִכָּרוֹן (H2146)Conjoined predicate complement, second purpose of וְהָיָהזִכָּרוֹן (H2146) 'memorial, remembrance', from זָכַר 'to remember'; paired with אוֹת as the traditional basis for tefillin.
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phrase modifying זִכָּרוֹן
עֵינֶ֔יךָyour eyesN f dual constr + 2ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Object of the preposition בֵּיןעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the dual בֵין עֵיֶיךָ 'between your eyes' is part of the sign/frontlets formula (cf. Deut 6:8; 11:18), the traditional textual basis for tefillin.
לְמַ֗עַןso thatprep/conj · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing the result clause
תִּהְיֶ֛הmay beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: modal/purposiveהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here Qal impf 3fs in the purpose clause -- 'that YHWH's law may be in your mouth'.
תּוֹרַ֥תthe law/teaching ofN f sg constr · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Subject of תִּהְיֶה, head of a construct chainתּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law, teaching', from יָרָה 'to teach, direct'; here the whole body of YHWH's teaching, epitomized by the exodus memorial.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of תּוֹרַתיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
בְּפִ֑יךָin your mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase, predicate complement of תִּהְיֶהפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; תּוֹרַת יְהוָה בְּפִיךָ signifies constant recitation/confession, not merely private memory.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the grounding clause
בְּיָ֣דwith a handprep בְּ + N f sg abs · יָד (H3027)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying הוֹצִאֲךָיָד (H3027) 'hand'; a metonymy for power/might, recurring in the chapter's fourfold בְחֹזֶק יָד formula.
חֲזָקָ֔הstrongadj f sg abs · חָזָק (H2389)Attributive adjective modifying יָדחָזָק (H2389) 'strong, mighty'; בְּיָד חֲזָקָה is the recurring formula for YHWH's exodus power.
הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥he brought you outHiphil perf 3ms + 2ms suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of deliveranceיָצא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring/lead out', causative of 'to go out'; the recurring verb of the fourfold בְחֹזֶק/בְיָד חֲזָקָה formula describing YHWH's exodus deliverance.
יְהֹוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הוֹצִאֲךָיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
מִמִּצְרָֽיִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase of source, complement of הוֹצִאֲךָמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
10
וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֛ אֶת הַחֻקָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְמוֹעֲדָ֑הּ מִיָּמִ֖ים יָמִֽימָה
And you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time, from year to year.
A general perpetual-observance formula that seals the Unleavened Bread unit (vv.3-10) before the chapter turns to the parallel law of firstborn redemption (vv.11-16).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֛and you shall keepconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, closing instruction)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, ongoing obligationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַחֻקָּ֥הthe ordinanceart + N f sg abs · חֻקָּה (H2708)Direct object of וְשָׁמַרְתָּחֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, ordinance', from חָקַק 'to inscribe, decree'; a fixed, enduring legal prescription.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַחֻקָּה
לְמוֹעֲדָ֑הּat its appointed timeprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3fs suffix · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Temporal prepositional phrase modifying וְשָׁמַרְתָּמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, fixed season', from יָעַד 'to appoint'; the standard festival-calendar term.
מִיָּמִ֖יםfrom daysprep מִן + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial phrase of recurrence, first half of the idiomThe idiom מִיָּמִים יָמִימָה 'from year to year' marks the annual recurrence of the festival.
יָמִֽימָהto days / year by yearN m pl abs + directional ־ָה · יוֹם (H3117)Completes the idiomatic phrase of periodic recurrence begun by מִיָּמִיםיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; used both of the exodus day itself and, in the durational/idiomatic phrases of this chapter, of the festival's fixed calendar.
11
וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי יְבִֽאֲךָ֤ יְהוָה֙ אֶל אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר נִשְׁבַּ֥ע לְךָ֖ וְלַֽאֲבֹתֶ֑יךָ וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָֽךְ
And it shall be, when YHWH brings you into the land of the Canaanite, as He swore to you and to your fathers, and gives it to you,
Echoes v.5's formula almost verbatim, marking a deliberate structural parallel between the chapter's two festal/legal units: Unleavened Bread (vv.3-10) and firstborn redemption (vv.11-16), both anchored in the future entry into Canaan.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהָיָ֞הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, apodosis-introducing formula opening a new future clause→ Weqatal: converted perfect projecting a future contingencyהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וְהָיָה כִּּי is the formulaic 'and it shall come to pass when...', echoing v.5 for the parallel firstborn law.
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunction introducing the protasis
יְבִֽאֲךָ֤he brings youHiphil impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the temporal protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective, an anticipated future actבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to enter', causative of 'to come/go in'; here of YHWH's future bringing Israel into Canaan.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יְבִאֲךָיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal), complement of יְבִאֲךָ
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition אֶל, head of a construct chainאֶרץ (H776) 'earth, land'; here of the promised land of Canaan (vv.5,11) or of Egypt (v.15,18), the territorial anchor of the chapter's legislation and narrative.
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔יthe Canaaniteart + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Genitive complement of אֶרֶץ (here a summary designation representing the fuller five-nation list of v.5)כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669), gentilic from כְּנַען; one of the peoples inhabiting the promised land, here standing for the fuller five-nation list of v.5.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רas/just asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative-causal conjunction introducing the oath clause
נִשְׁבַּ֥עhe sworeNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the כַּאֲשֶׁר-clause→ Perfective: a completed, binding oathשָבַע (H7650) 'to swear (an oath)', reflexive-passive in Niphal, causative 'to adjure' in Hiphil; both stems reflect oath-making by sevenfold pledge (cf. the numeral root).
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of נִשְׁבַּע
וְלַֽאֲבֹתֶ֑יךָand to your fathersconj + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אָב (H1)Conjoined prepositional phrase, second indirect object of נִשְׁבַּעאָב (H1) 'father'; here the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, recipients of the land promise now recalled a second time (cf. v.5).
וּנְתָנָ֖הּand he gives itconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms + 3fs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb continuing the apodosis chain (resumes with the land as object)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, sequential futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לָֽךְto youprep לְ + 2fs suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object of וּנְתָנָהּ (the same anomalous 2fs-form addressee as v.5)
12
וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ֥ כָל פֶּֽטֶר רֶ֖חֶם לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה וְכָל פֶּ֣טֶר שֶׁ֣גֶר בְּהֵמָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִהְיֶ֥ה לְךָ֛ הַזְּכָרִ֖ים לַיהוָֽה
then you shall set apart to YHWH all that open the womb; and every firstling that comes from an animal that is yours — the males shall be YHWH's.
The apodosis of v.11's protasis: possessing the land triggers the obligation to dedicate every firstborn male, restating and expanding the terse command of vv.1-2.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ֥and you shall set apartconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis of v.11's protasis)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, sequential obligationעָבַר (H5674) Hiphil 'to cause to pass over, devote, set apart'; a technical cultic term for dedicating the firstborn to YHWH.
כָלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing פֶּטֶרכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
פֶּֽטֶרthe opener ofN m sg constr · פֶּטֶר (H6363)Genitive complement of כָל, head of further constructפֶטֶר (H6363) 'that which opens/breaches', from פָטַר 'to open, breach'; פֶטֶר רֶחֶם is the technical phrase for the first male issue of a womb.
רֶ֖חֶםthe wombN m sg abs · רֶחֶם (H7358)Genitive complement of פֶּטֶר; whole phrase is direct object of וְהַעֲבַרְתָּרֶחֶם (H7358) 'womb'; פֶטֶר רֶחֶם 'opener of the womb' designates the first male offspring, human or animal.
לַֽיהֹוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, dative complement of וְהַעֲבַרְתָּיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
וְכָלand everyconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Conjoined construct, second object clauseכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
פֶּ֣טֶרthe firstling ofN m sg constr · פֶּטֶר (H6363)Genitive complement of וְכָל, head of further constructפֶטֶר (H6363) 'that which opens/breaches', from פָטַר 'to open, breach'; פֶטֶר רֶחֶם is the technical phrase for the first male issue of a womb.
שֶׁ֣גֶרthe offspring ofN m sg constr · שֶׁגֶר (H7698)Genitive complement of פֶּטֶר (construct chain)שֶׁגֶר (H7698) 'young, offspring (of animals)', a rare term paired with פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם specifically for animal firstlings.
בְּהֵמָ֗הof an animal/beastN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Genitive complement of שֶׁגֶרבְהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, cattle'; paired with אָדָם, the phrase covers both human and animal firstborn under the redemption law.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces the relative clause modifying the preceding animal-firstling phrase
יִהְיֶ֥הshall be/belongsQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: modal, describing ongoing possessionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here of ongoing possession -- 'whatever animal firstling belongs to you'.
לְךָ֛to you / yoursprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, predicate of possession, complement of יִהְיֶה
הַזְּכָרִ֖יםthe malesart + N m pl abs · זָכָר (H2145)Resumptive subject/apposition, isolating the male animals as the ones consecratedזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the firstling-dedication law applies specifically to male offspring, cf. v.15.
לַיהוָֽהbelong to YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate prepositional phrase (verbless clause: 'the males are YHWH's')יהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
13
וְכָל פֶּ֤טֶר חֲמֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה וְאִם לֹ֥א תִפְדֶּ֖ה וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֨ל בְּכ֥וֹר אָדָ֛ם בְּבָנֶ֖יךָ תִּפְדֶּֽה
But every firstling of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you shall break its neck; and every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.
The donkey is singled out as the one common unclean animal whose firstling still falls under the law, resolved by substitution (a lamb) or, failing that, the neck-breaking rite; human sons are always redeemed, never sacrificed — the ransom principle that structures the whole unit.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְכָלand everyconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing פֶּטֶר, fronted casus pendens/topicכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
פֶּ֤טֶרthe firstling ofN m sg constr · פֶּטֶר (H6363)Genitive complement of כָל, head of constructפֶטֶר (H6363) 'that which opens/breaches', from פָטַר 'to open, breach'; פֶטֶר רֶחֶם is the technical phrase for the first male issue of a womb.
חֲמֹר֙a donkeyN c sg abs · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Genitive complement of פֶּטֶרחֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; the one unclean animal singled out for redemption (rather than sacrifice or destruction) among firstlings.
תִּפְדֶּ֣הyou shall redeemQal impf 2ms · פָּדָה (H6299)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/obligatoryפָּדָה (H6299) 'to redeem, ransom'; substituting one life/payment for another that is forfeit.
בְשֶׂ֔הwith a lambprep בְּ + N c sg abs · שֶׂה (H7716)Instrumental prepositional phrase, complement of תִּפְדֶּה (price of redemption)שֶׂה (H7716) 'one of a flock, lamb or kid'; the substitute payment by which a donkey's firstling is redeemed.
וְאִםand ifconj + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the alternative clause
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the conditional verb
תִפְדֶּ֖הyou redeemQal impf 2ms · פָּדָה (H6299)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis→ Yiqtol: modal, conditionalפָדָה (H6299) 'to redeem, ransom'; substituting one life/payment for another that is forfeit -- the donkey by a lamb, the human firstborn always by redemption rather than sacrifice.
וַעֲרַפְתּ֑וֹthen you shall break its neckconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms + 3ms suffix · עָרַף (H6202)Predicate verb of the apodosis→ Weqatal: converted perfect, consequence of non-redemptionעָרַף (H6202) 'to break the neck'; the required disposal if the donkey is not ransomed.
וְכֹ֨לand everyconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בְּכוֹר, fronted topic of a new clauseכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
בְּכ֥וֹרthe firstborn ofN m sg constr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Genitive complement of כֹלבְכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn son (and firstling of livestock) holds a privileged legal and cultic status claimed by YHWH throughout the chapter.
אָדָ֛םmanN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitive complement of בְּכוֹר (construct chain 'firstborn of man')אָדָם (H120) 'man, mankind'; generic, distinguishing human firstborn from animal in the redemption law.
בְּבָנֶ֖יךָamong your sonsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase specifying the domain of the human firstbornבֵן (H1121) 'son'; the catechetical 'son' of vv.8,14 is the addressee of Israel's transgenerational teaching, while בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the covenant people.
תִּפְדֶּֽהyou shall redeemQal impf 2ms · פָּדָה (H6299)Predicate verb (main clause, resumes and closes the section)→ Yiqtol: modal/obligatoryפָדָה (H6299) 'to redeem, ransom'; substituting one life/payment for another that is forfeit -- the donkey by a lamb, the human firstborn always by redemption rather than sacrifice.
14
וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֣ר מַה זֹּ֑את וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד הוֹצִיאָ֧נוּ יְהוָ֛ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים
And it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, What is this? that you shall say to him, By strength of hand YHWH brought us out from Egypt, from the house of slaves.
Parallels v.8's formula but is keyed to the firstborn-redemption rite rather than the unleavened bread; the answer here leads directly into the explicit recollection of the tenth plague in v.15.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְהָיָ֞הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, ongoing prescriptive forceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וְהָיָה כִּּי opens the second catechetical formula, parallel to v.8.
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunction introducing the clause
יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥he asks youQal impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective, anticipated future questioningשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'.
בִנְךָ֛your sonN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יִשְׁאָלְךָבֵן (H1121) 'son'; the catechetical 'son' of vv.8,14 is the addressee of Israel's transgenerational teaching, while בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the covenant people.
מָחָ֖רtomorrow / in time to comeN m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Adverbial accusative of time modifying יִשְׁאָלְךָמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; here idiomatic for 'in future generations', cf. v.8's בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא.
לֵאמֹ֣רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing the son's question→ Infinitive construct: quotative frame introducing the son's questionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר here introduces the son's own question, 'What is this?'.
מַהwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Predicate of the verbless question-clauseמָה (H4100) 'what?', the interrogative pronoun opening the catechetical question that structures the festival's teaching function.
זֹּ֑את(is) thisdemonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of the verbless clause מַה זֹּאת ('what is this?')
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (apodosis, main instruction)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, prescribed future responseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formula לֵאמֹר regularly opens direct discourse in narrative and catechetical material.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, complement of וְאָמַרְתָּ (addressee)
בְּחֹ֣זֶקby strength ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · חֹזֶק (H2392)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying הוֹצִיאָנוּחֹזֶק (H2392) 'strength, might', from חָזַק 'to be strong'; בְחֹזֶק יָד 'by strength of hand' is the chapter's formulaic description of YHWH's exodus power (vv.3,9,14,16).
יָ֗דhandN f sg abs · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of חֹזֶקיָד (H3027) 'hand'; a metonymy for power/might, recurring in the chapter's fourfold בְחֹזֶק יָד formula.
הוֹצִיאָ֧נוּhe brought us outHiphil perf 3ms + 1cp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the reported answer→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of deliveranceיָצא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring/lead out', causative of 'to go out'; the recurring verb of the fourfold בְחֹזֶק/בְיָד חֲזָקָה formula describing YHWH's exodus deliverance.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הוֹצִיאָנוּיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
מִמִּצְרַ֖יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
מִבֵּ֥יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Appositional prepositional phrase restating the sourceבַיִת (H1004) 'house'; בֵית עֲבָדִים 'house of slaves' is a fixed epithet for Egypt's bondage (cf. 20:2).
עֲבָדִֽיםslavesN m pl abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive complement of בֵּית (construct chain)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'slave, servant'; בֵּית עֲבָדִים 'house of slaves' recurs as an epithet for Egypt's bondage (cf. 20:2).
15
וַיְהִ֗י כִּֽי הִקְשָׁ֣ה פַרְעֹה֮ לְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ֒ וַיַּהֲרֹ֨ג יְהֹוָ֤ה כָּל בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם מִבְּכֹ֥ר אָדָ֖ם וְעַד בְּכ֣וֹר בְּהֵמָ֑ה עַל כֵּן֩ אֲנִ֨י זֹבֵ֜חַ לַֽיהוָ֗ה כָּל פֶּ֤טֶר רֶ֨חֶם֙ הַזְּכָרִ֔ים וְכָל בְּכ֥וֹר בָּנַ֖י אֶפְדֶּֽה
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, that YHWH killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast; therefore I sacrifice to YHWH all the males that open the womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.
This is the reported content of the father's answer begun in v.14; its causal logic ('therefore I sacrifice... but redeem', עַל כֵּן) directly answers the son's question, tying the chapter's firstborn law to the Passover night's climactic judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it came to passconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (narrative main clause opening the retrospective)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וַיְהִי כִּי introduces the retrospective clause recalling Pharaoh's stubbornness and the tenth plague.
כִּֽיwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal conjunction introducing the circumstantial clause
הִקְשָׁ֣הhe hardened/was stubbornHiphil perf 3ms · קָשָׁה (H7185)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Perfective: a completed, obstinate actקָשָׁה (H7185) Hiphil 'to make hard/stiff, be stubborn'; describes Pharaoh's hardened refusal, part of the hardening motif running through the plagues narrative.
פַרְעֹה֮PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of הִקְשָׁהפַרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (not a personal name) used throughout Exodus for the reigning king who enslaved and finally released Israel.
לְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ֒to send us awayprep לְ + Piel inf constr + 1cp suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Infinitival complement of הִקְשָׁה ('was stubborn about sending us')→ Infinitive construct: complement expressing the withheld actשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release, let go'.
וַיַּהֲרֹ֨גand he killedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, the climactic judgmentהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'.
יְהֹוָ֤הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיַּהֲרֹגיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בְּכוֹרכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
בְּכוֹר֙firstbornN m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Direct object of וַיַּהֲרֹג (with כָּל as quantifier)בְכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn son (and firstling of livestock) holds a privileged legal and cultic status claimed by YHWH throughout the chapter.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase modifying וַיַּהֲרֹגאֶרץ (H776) 'earth, land'; here of the promised land of Canaan (vv.5,11) or of Egypt (v.15,18), the territorial anchor of the chapter's legislation and narrative.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of אֶרֶץמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
מִבְּכֹ֥רfrom the firstborn ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Prepositional phrase specifying the range ('from... to...'), first termבְכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn son (and firstling of livestock) holds a privileged legal and cultic status claimed by YHWH throughout the chapter.
אָדָ֖םmanN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitive complement of בְּכֹראָדָם (H120) 'man, mankind'; generic, distinguishing human firstborn from animal in the redemption law.
וְעַדand to/even toconj + prep · עַד (H5704)Conjunction+preposition marking the second term of the range
בְּכ֣וֹרthe firstborn ofN m sg constr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Object of עַד, head of constructבְכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn son (and firstling of livestock) holds a privileged legal and cultic status claimed by YHWH throughout the chapter.
בְּהֵמָ֑הbeastN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Genitive complement of בְּכוֹר (second term of the range)בְהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, cattle'; paired with אָדָם, the phrase covers both human and animal firstborn under the redemption law.
עַלon/for (that reason)prep · עַל (H5921)First element of the idiom עַל כֵּן ('therefore')
כֵּן֩soadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Completes the idiom עַל כֵּן 'therefore', introducing the resulting practiceכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל כֵּן a fixed causal-consequential formula, 'therefore, for this reason'.
אֲנִ֨יI1cs pers pron · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic subject of the participial clause (fronted for emphasis, resuming the father's first-person voice)
זֹבֵ֜חַsacrificeQal ptc m sg abs · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate participle (present-durative main clause)→ Participle: durative, an ongoing/customary practiceזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'.
לַֽיהוָ֗הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, dative complement of זֹבֵחַיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing פֶּטֶרכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
פֶּ֤טֶרopener ofN m sg constr · פֶּטֶר (H6363)Genitive complement of כָּל, head of constructפֶטֶר (H6363) 'that which opens/breaches', from פָטַר 'to open, breach'; פֶטֶר רֶחֶם is the technical phrase for the first male issue of a womb.
רֶ֨חֶם֙the wombN m sg abs · רֶחֶם (H7358)Genitive complement of פֶּטֶר; whole phrase is direct object of זֹבֵחַרֶחֶם (H7358) 'womb'; פֶטֶר רֶחֶם 'opener of the womb' designates the first male offspring, human or animal.
הַזְּכָרִ֔יםthe malesart + N m pl abs · זָכָר (H2145)Apposition to פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, specifying male offspring as the sacrificial classזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the firstling-dedication law applies specifically to male offspring (cf. v.12).
וְכָלbut everyconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בְּכוֹר, adversative conjunction opening the contrasting clauseכֹל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with a following noun it functions as a universal quantifier, tightening the scope of the firstborn/festival law to admit no exception.
בְּכ֥וֹרthe firstborn ofN m sg constr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Genitive complement of כָּלבְכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn son (and firstling of livestock) holds a privileged legal and cultic status claimed by YHWH throughout the chapter.
בָּנַ֖יmy sonsN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive complement of בְּכוֹר; whole phrase is direct object of אֶפְדֶּהבֵן (H1121) 'son'; the catechetical 'son' of vv.8,14 is the addressee of Israel's transgenerational teaching, while בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the covenant people.
אֶפְדֶּֽהI redeemQal impf 1cs · פָּדָה (H6299)Predicate verb closing the verse, contrasted with זֹבֵחַ→ Yiqtol: durative/customary, an ongoing practice of redemptionפָּדָה (H6299) 'to redeem'; the human firstborn is redeemed rather than sacrificed, unlike the animal firstling of the verse's parallel clause.
16
וְהָיָ֤ה לְאוֹת֙ עַל יָ֣דְכָ֔ה וּלְטוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֔ד הוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ יְהוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
And it shall be for a sign on your hand and for frontlets between your eyes; for by strength of hand YHWH brought us out of Egypt.
The near-verbatim repetition of v.9 (אוֹת/טוֹטָפֹת, בְּחֹזֶק יָד) frames vv.1-16 as a symmetrical double unit — Unleavened Bread and firstborn redemption — each closing with the same memorial-sign language; with v.9, the traditional textual basis for tefillin.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהָיָ֤הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, ongoing prescriptive forceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; closes the firstborn unit with the same וְהָיָה formula that opened v.9, forming an inclusio.
לְאוֹת֙for a signprep לְ + N c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate complement of וְהָיָהאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the exodus deliverance is to be perpetually marked on the body, echoing v.9.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
יָ֣דְכָ֔הyour handN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Object of the preposition עַליָד (H3027) 'hand'; a metonymy for power/might, recurring in the chapter's fourfold בְחֹזֶק יָד formula.
וּלְטוֹטָפֹ֖תand for frontletsconj + prep לְ + N f pl abs · טוֹטָפֹת (H2903)Conjoined predicate complement, second purpose of וְהָיָהטוֹטָפֹת (H2903), of uncertain etymology (perhaps 'bands, bindings'); together with לְאוֹת in v.9, this pair of verses is the traditional scriptural basis for tefillin/phylacteries bound on the arm and forehead.
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Locative prepositional phrase modifying טוֹטָפֹת
עֵינֶ֑יךָyour eyesN f dual constr + 2ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Object of the preposition בֵּיןעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the dual בֵין עֵיֶיךָ 'between your eyes' is part of the sign/frontlets formula (cf. Deut 6:8; 11:18), the traditional textual basis for tefillin.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
בְּחֹ֣זֶקby strength ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · חֹזֶק (H2392)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying הוֹצִיאָנוּחֹזֶק (H2392) 'strength, might', from חָזַק 'to be strong'; בְחֹזֶק יָד 'by strength of hand' is the chapter's formulaic description of YHWH's exodus power (vv.3,9,14,16).
יָ֔דhandN f sg abs · יָד (H3027)Genitive complement of חֹזֶקיָד (H3027) 'hand'; a metonymy for power/might, recurring in the chapter's fourfold בְחֹזֶק יָד formula.
הוֹצִיאָ֥נוּhe brought us outHiphil perf 3ms + 1cp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of deliveranceיָצא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring/lead out', causative of 'to go out'; the recurring verb of the fourfold בְחֹזֶק/בְיָד חֲזָקָה formula describing YHWH's exodus deliverance.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
מִמִּצְרָֽיִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase of sourceמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
17
וַיְהִ֗י בְּשַׁלַּ֣ח פַּרְעֹה֮ אֶת הָעָם֒ וְלֹא נָחָ֣ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים דֶּ֚רֶךְ אֶ֣רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים כִּ֥י קָר֖וֹב ה֑וּא כִּ֣י אָמַ֣ר אֱלֹהִ֗ים פֶּֽן יִנָּחֵ֥ם הָעָ֛ם בִּרְאֹתָ֥ם מִלְחָמָ֖ה וְשָׁ֥בוּ מִצְרָֽיְמָה
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.
The legal instruction of vv.1-16 gives way to narrative; the verse supplies the theological rationale for the roundabout route, avoiding the short, exposed coastal road to Canaan.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it came to passconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (narrative main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; וַיְהִי בְּשַׁלַּח marks the narrative's pivot from legislation to the itinerary of the march.
בְּשַׁלַּ֣חwhen he sent awayprep בְּ + Piel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Temporal infinitival clause modifying וַיְהִי (giving the circumstance)→ Infinitive construct: temporal 'when/at the sending away'שָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release'.
פַּרְעֹה֮PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of the infinitival clause בְּשַׁלַּחפַרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (not a personal name) used throughout Exodus for the reigning king who enslaved and finally released Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of the infinitive שַׁלַּח)
הָעָם֒the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of שַׁלַּחעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; here Israel collectively, addressed or acted upon in the exodus narrative.
וְלֹאand notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the main verb
נָחָ֣םhe led themQal perf 3ms + 3mp suffix · נָחָה (H5148)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Perfective: a negated completed act ('did not lead')נָחָה (H5148) 'to lead, guide'.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of נָחָםאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural in form but taking a singular verb of Israel's God (plural of majesty/fullness); the subject of the itinerary decisions and providence of vv.17-18.
דֶּ֚רֶךְthe way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative (route), head of construct chain, object-complement of נָחָםדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, route'; here the direct, short coastal route.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of דֶּרֶךְאֶרץ (H776) 'earth, land'; here of the promised land of Canaan (vv.5,11) or of Egypt (v.15,18), the territorial anchor of the chapter's legislation and narrative.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔יםthe Philistinesgentilic N m pl abs · פְּלִשְׁתִּי (H6430)Genitive complement of אֶרֶץ (construct chain 'the way of the land of the Philistines')פְּלִשְׁתִּי (H6430), gentilic of פְּלֶשֶׁת; the short Mediterranean coastal road (later 'Via Maris'), avoided precisely because it was the most direct and most militarily exposed route.
כִּ֥יalthough/forconj · כִּי (H3588)Concessive/causal conjunction
קָר֖וֹבnearadj m sg abs · קָרוֹב (H7138)Predicate adjective of the verbless clauseקָרוֹב (H7138) 'near, close'; the adjective describing the short Philistine coastal route deliberately avoided despite its proximity.
ה֑וּאit (was)3ms pers pron · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the verbless clause (referring back to that route)
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the divine rationale
אָמַ֣רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed statement/reasoningאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formula לֵאמֹר regularly opens direct discourse in narrative and catechetical material.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of אָמַראֱלֹהִים (H430), plural in form but taking a singular verb of Israel's God (plural of majesty/fullness); the subject of the itinerary decisions and providence of vv.17-18.
פֶּֽןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunction introducing the content of God's reasoningפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces a feared/undesired contingency to be averted.
יִנָּחֵ֥םthey change their minds/regretNiphal impf 3ms · נָחַם (H5162)Predicate verb of the פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol: modal, a feared possible futureנָחַם (H5162) Niphal 'to be sorry, relent, change one's mind'; a distinct root from נָחָה earlier in this verse despite the visual similarity — here of a change of resolve, not guidance.
הָעָ֛םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of יִנָּחֵםעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; here Israel collectively, addressed or acted upon in the exodus narrative.
בִּרְאֹתָ֥םwhen they seeprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · רָאָה (H7200)Temporal infinitival clause modifying יִנָּחֵם→ Infinitive construct: temporal 'when/at their seeing'רָאָה (H7200) 'to see'.
מִלְחָמָ֖הwarN f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Direct object of בִּרְאֹתָםמִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle', from לָחַם 'to fight'; the sight of it is feared to provoke the people's loss of resolve and return to Egypt.
וְשָׁ֥בוּand (they) returnconj + Qal weqatal 3cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb continuing the feared sequence→ Weqatal: converted perfect, sequential feared consequenceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'.
מִצְרָֽיְמָהto EgyptN proper + directional ־ָה · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial accusative of direction (goal), complement of וְשָׁבוּמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
18
וַיַּסֵּ֨ב אֱלֹהִ֧ים אֶת הָעָ֛ם דֶּ֥רֶךְ הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר יַם ס֑וּף וַחֲמֻשִׁ֛ים עָל֥וּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt.
'Armed'/'in ranks' (חֲמֻשִׁים) stresses an orderly, prepared exodus rather than a panicked flight, setting up the narrative before the Joseph-bones notice and the itinerary proper.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּסֵּ֨בand he led aroundconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · סָבַב (H5437)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָבַב (H5437) Hiphil 'to cause to turn/go around, lead by a circuitous route'.
אֱלֹהִ֧יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּסֵּבאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural in form but taking a singular verb of Israel's God (plural of majesty/fullness); the subject of the itinerary decisions and providence of vv.17-18.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָעָ֛םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of וַיַּסֵּבעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; here Israel collectively, addressed or acted upon in the exodus narrative.
דֶּ֥רֶךְthe way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative (route) modifying וַיַּסֵּב, head of construct chainדֶרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, route'; here the deliberately-avoided short Philistine coastal road versus the wilderness route God actually chose.
הַמִּדְבָּ֖רthe wildernessart + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Genitive complement of דֶּרֶךְמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert, uninhabited pastureland'.
יַםsea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement continuing the construct chain ('the wilderness [road toward] the Sea of Reeds')יָם (H3220) 'sea'; יַם סוּף 'Sea of Reeds' (traditionally 'Red Sea') names the body of water toward which Israel is routed.
ס֑וּףreedsN m sg abs · סוּף (H5488)Genitive complement of יַם (construct chain 'Sea of Reeds')סוּף (H5488) 'reed(s), rushes'; יַם־סוּף, traditionally 'Red Sea', more literally 'Sea of Reeds'.
וַחֲמֻשִׁ֛יםand armed/in battle arrayconj + Qal passive ptc m pl abs · חָמֻשׁ (H2571)Adverbial/circumstantial participle modifying עָלוּ (manner of the going up)→ Participle: passive/stative, describing the manner or state of departureחָמֻשׁ (H2571), passive participle whose precise sense is debated between 'in ordered ranks' and 'armed/equipped', but which consistently marks a disciplined, prepared departure rather than a chaotic flight.
עָל֥וּthey went upQal perf 3cp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Perfective: a completed departureעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the standard verb for leaving Egypt toward the land, framed as an ascent.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of עָלוּ, head of constructבֵן (H1121) 'son'; the catechetical 'son' of vv.8,14 is the addressee of Israel's transgenerational teaching, while בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Jacob's covenant name (Gen 32:29), here designating the nation as a whole.
מֵאֶ֥רֶץfrom the land ofprep מִן + N f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase of source modifying עָלוּאֶרץ (H776) 'earth, land'; here of the promised land of Canaan (vv.5,11) or of Egypt (v.15,18), the territorial anchor of the chapter's legislation and narrative.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of אֶרֶץמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the dual/plural-form place name for Egypt; here the land of bondage from which YHWH brought Israel out.
19
וַיִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת עַצְמ֥וֹת יוֹסֵ֖ף עִמּ֑וֹ כִּי֩ הַשְׁבֵּ֨עַ הִשְׁבִּ֜יעַ אֶת בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהַעֲלִיתֶ֧ם אֶת עַצְמֹתַ֛י מִזֶּ֖ה אִתְּכֶֽם
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had solemnly made the children of Israel swear, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.
A flashback/parenthesis within the itinerary narrative that recalls Gen 50:24-25's פָּקֹד יִפְקֹד almost verbatim, presenting the exodus itself as the fulfillment of the patriarchal promise Joseph anticipated on his deathbed.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיִּקַּ֥חand he tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּקַּחמֹשֶה (H4872), traditionally associated with מָשָה 'to draw out' (cf. 2:10); Israel's mediator and lawgiver, the speaker/actor throughout this chapter.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַצְמ֥וֹתthe bones ofN f pl constr · עֶצֶם (H6106)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח, head of construct chainעֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone'; carrying Joseph's bones fulfills his dying oath in Gen 50:25.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephN proper · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive complement of עַצְמוֹתיוֹסֵף (H3130), Jacob's son sold into Egypt (Gen 37); his bones are carried out in fulfillment of the oath he extracted from his brothers in Gen 50:24-25.
עִמּ֑וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (accompaniment) modifying וַיִּקַּח
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the flashback rationale
הַשְׁבֵּ֨עַsolemnly (swear)Hiphil inf abs · שָׁבַע (H7650)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb הִשְׁבִּיעַ→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic/intensive construction ('had utterly sworn')שָׁבַע (H7650) Hiphil 'to cause to swear, adjure'.
הִשְׁבִּ֜יעַhe made swearHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the causal clause (paired with the preceding infinitive absolute)→ Perfective: a completed, emphatic past act ('had straitly sworn')שָבַע (H7650) 'to swear (an oath)', reflexive-passive in Niphal, causative 'to adjure' in Hiphil; both stems reflect oath-making by sevenfold pledge (cf. the numeral root).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּנֵ֤יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of הִשְׁבִּיעַ, head of constructבֵן (H1121) 'son'; the catechetical 'son' of vv.8,14 is the addressee of Israel's transgenerational teaching, while בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Jacob's covenant name (Gen 32:29), here designating the nation as a whole.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing the oath's content→ Infinitive construct: quotative frame introducing the oath's contentאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר here introduces the content of Joseph's oath to his brothers.
פָּקֹ֨דsurelyQal inf abs · פָּקַד (H6485)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb יִפְקֹד→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic construction ('will surely visit')פָּקַד (H6485) 'to visit, attend to, reckon'; here of God's gracious intervention to deliver.
יִפְקֹ֤דhe will visitQal impf 3ms · פָּקַד (H6485)Predicate verb of the quoted oath content (paired with preceding infinitive absolute)→ Yiqtol: modal/emphatic future ('will surely visit')Echoes Joseph's own words in Gen 50:24-25 (פָּקֹד יִפְקֹד), now fulfilled.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of יִפְקֹדאֱלֹהִים (H430), plural in form but taking a singular verb of Israel's God (plural of majesty/fullness); the subject of the itinerary decisions and providence of vv.17-18.
אֶתְכֶ֔םyouobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of יִפְקֹד
וְהַעֲלִיתֶ֧םand you shall bring upconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb continuing the quoted oath (imperatival future)→ Weqatal: converted perfect, obligatory future actעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring/cause to go up', causative of the same root as v.18's עָלוּ.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַצְמֹתַ֛יmy bonesN f pl constr + 1cs suffix · עֶצֶם (H6106)Direct object of וְהַעֲלִיתֶםעֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone'; carrying Joseph's bones fulfills his dying oath in Gen 50:25.
מִזֶּ֖הfrom hereprep מִן + demonstrative pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Prepositional phrase of source modifying וְהַעֲלִיתֶם
אִתְּכֶֽםwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (accompaniment) modifying וְהַעֲלִיתֶםאֵת (H854) 'with', the comitative preposition (distinct from H853 the object marker despite similar spelling).
20
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִסֻּכֹּ֑ת וַיַּחֲנ֣וּ בְאֵתָ֔ם בִּקְצֵ֖ה הַמִּדְבָּֽר
And they took their journey from Succoth and encamped in Etham, at the edge of the wilderness.
The itinerary notice picks up from 12:37's departure at Succoth and moves the march to the edge of the wilderness, setting the stage for the routing decision explained in vv.17-18 and the pillar's introduction in v.21.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּand they journeyedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up (tent pegs), set out, journey'.
מִסֻּכֹּ֑תfrom Succothprep מִן + N proper · סֻכּוֹת (H5523)Prepositional phrase of source modifying וַיִּסְעוּסֻכּוֹת (H5523) 'booths, huts'; the first campsite named in the itinerary of 12:37.
וַיַּחֲנ֣וּand they encampedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Predicate verb (main narrative clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to encamp, pitch camp'.
בְאֵתָ֔םin Ethamprep בְּ + N proper · אֵתָם (H864)Locative prepositional phrase, complement of וַיַּחֲנוּאֵתָם (H864), a place at 'the edge of the wilderness', otherwise unidentified with certainty, on the route toward the Sea of Reeds.
בִּקְצֵ֖הat the edge ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Locative prepositional phrase in apposition to בְאֵתָם, further specifying the locationקָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge, extremity'; Etham lies at the boundary between settled Egypt and the open wilderness.
הַמִּדְבָּֽרthe wildernessart + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Genitive complement of קְצֵהמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert, uninhabited pastureland'.
21
וַֽיהוָ֡ה הֹלֵךְ֩ לִפְנֵיהֶ֨ם יוֹמָ֜ם בְּעַמּ֤וּד עָנָן֙ לַנְחֹתָ֣ם הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְלַ֛יְלָה בְּעַמּ֥וּד אֵ֖שׁ לְהָאִ֣יר לָהֶ֑ם לָלֶ֖כֶת יוֹמָ֥ם וָלָֽיְלָה
And YHWH went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might go by day and by night.
The chiastic day/night, cloud/fire structure underscores uninterrupted divine guidance and light; the pillar becomes the chapter's closing image and recurs throughout the wilderness narrative (14:19-24; 40:36-38).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַֽיהוָ֡הand YHWHconj + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הֹלֵךְ (fronted, emphatic — 'and YHWH [was the one who] went')יהוה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי and rendered 'the LORD'.
הֹלֵךְ֩was goingQal ptc m sg abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle (durative main clause)→ Participle: durative, YHWH's continuous accompanying presenceהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk, go'; the participle depicts an ongoing, sustained guidance rather than a single act.
לִפְנֵיהֶ֨םbefore themprep לְ + N c pl constr + 3mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase, complement of הֹלֵךְפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in front of', here of God's vanguard presence leading the march.
יוֹמָ֜םby dayadverb · יוֹמָם (H3119)Adverbial phrase of time modifying הֹלֵךְיוֹמָם (H3119) 'by day, in the daytime', adverbial form of יוֹם.
בְּעַמּ֤וּדin a pillar ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Instrumental/locative prepositional phrase modifying הֹלֵךְ, head of constructעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'.
עָנָן֙cloudN m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Genitive complement of עַמּוּד (construct chain 'pillar of cloud')עָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the daytime form of YHWH's guiding presence, paired with fire by night.
לַנְחֹתָ֣םto lead themprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 3mp suffix · נָחָה (H5148)Purpose infinitival clause modifying הֹלֵךְ→ Infinitive construct: purpose 'in order to lead them'נָחָה (H5148) Hiphil 'to lead, guide' (cf. the same root at v.17's נָחָם).
הַדֶּ֔רֶךְthe wayart + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative (route) complementing לַנְחֹתָם ('to lead them [along] the way')דֶרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road, route'; here the deliberately-avoided short Philistine coastal road versus the wilderness route God actually chose.
וְלַ֛יְלָהand by nightconj + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of time, contrastive with יוֹמָם, opening the parallel night-clauseלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; paired with יוֹמָם 'by day' to express YHWH's continuous, round-the-clock guidance by the pillar.
בְּעַמּ֥וּדin a pillar ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Instrumental/locative prepositional phrase (elliptical: 'and [was going] by night in a pillar of...')עַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'; the visible form of YHWH's guiding presence, cloud by day and fire by night.
אֵ֖שׁfireN c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Genitive complement of עַמּוּד (construct chain 'pillar of fire')אֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the nocturnal counterpart to the daytime cloud, together forming the one continuous guiding theophany.
לְהָאִ֣ירto give lightprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · אוֹר (H215)Purpose infinitival clause parallel to לַנְחֹתָם→ Infinitive construct: purpose 'in order to light'אוֹר (H215) Hiphil 'to give light, illumine'.
לָהֶ֑םfor themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, complement of לְהָאִיר (beneficiary)
לָלֶ֖כֶתso that they might goprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H3212)Purpose/result infinitival clause summarizing the function of both pillars→ Infinitive construct: purpose/result 'so that [they could] go'הָלַךְ/יָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; explaining why continuous guidance and light were needed — travel was possible at any hour.
יוֹמָ֥םby dayadverb · יוֹמָם (H3119)Adverbial phrase of time modifying לָלֶכֶת
וָלָֽיְלָהand by nightconj + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of time, conjoined with יוֹמָם, closing the verse's inclusioלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; paired with יוֹמָם 'by day' to express YHWH's continuous, round-the-clock guidance by the pillar.
22
לֹֽא יָמִ֞ישׁ עַמּ֤וּד הֶֽעָנָן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְעַמּ֥וּד הָאֵ֖שׁ לָ֑יְלָה לִפְנֵ֖י הָעָֽם
He did not remove the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Caps the chapter with an emphatic assurance of God's continuous, unbroken presence, forming an inclusio with the pillar's introduction in v.21 and anticipating its recurring role throughout the wilderness wanderings.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the main verb
יָמִ֞ישׁhe removed/it departedQal impf 3ms · מוּשׁ (H4185)Predicate verb (main clause, closing summary)→ Yiqtol: modal/durative, describing the sustained, never-interrupted provisionמוּשׁ (H4185) 'to depart, remove, be removed'; negated here — 'the pillar... never departed' (or, if transitive with YHWH as implied agent, 'he did not remove').
עַמּ֤וּדthe pillar ofN m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Subject of יָמִישׁ, head of constructעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'; the visible form of YHWH's guiding presence, cloud by day and fire by night.
הֶֽעָנָן֙the cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Genitive complement of עַמּוּדעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the daytime form of YHWH's guiding presence, paired with fire by night.
יוֹמָ֔םby dayadverb · יוֹמָם (H3119)Adverbial phrase of time modifying the clause
וְעַמּ֥וּדand the pillar ofconj + N m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Conjoined subject, second pillar namedעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'; the visible form of YHWH's guiding presence, cloud by day and fire by night.
הָאֵ֖שׁthe fireart + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Genitive complement of עַמּוּדאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the nocturnal counterpart to the daytime cloud, together forming the one continuous guiding theophany.
לָ֑יְלָהby nightN m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of time modifying the clause, paired with יוֹמָםלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; paired with יוֹמָם 'by day' to express YHWH's continuous, round-the-clock guidance by the pillar.
לִפְנֵ֖יfrom beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase modifying יָמִישׁ ('did not depart from before the people')פָנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in front of', here of God's vanguard presence never departing from before the people.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵיעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; here Israel collectively, addressed or acted upon in the exodus narrative.