1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:
Opens a new divine-speech unit; the wayyiqtol וַיְדַבֵּר continues the narrative chain from Exod 13 while introducing YHWH's tactical instructions for the encampment at the sea.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רspokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, introducing new divine speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standard verb opening a divine-speech unit.
יְהֹוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the recipient of speech.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, mediator of the exodus; addressee of YHWH's word.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct quotation (quotative frame)→ Infinitive: non-finite, marks the onset of reported speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens direct discourse.
2
דַּבֵּר֮ אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְיָשֻׁ֗בוּ וְיַחֲנוּ֙ לִפְנֵי֙ פִּ֣י הַחִירֹ֔ת בֵּ֥ין מִגְדֹּ֖ל וּבֵ֣ין הַיָּ֑ם לִפְנֵי֙ בַּ֣עַל צְפֹ֔ן נִכְח֥וֹ תַחֲנ֖וּ עַל הַיָּֽם
Speak to the sons of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; before Baal-zephon, opposite it you shall encamp by the sea.
The imperative דַּבֵּר begins YHWH's reported instruction; the coordinated jussives/imperatives lay out the precise, deliberately vulnerable campsite meant to lure Pharaoh.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
דַּבֵּר֮speakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb, imperative (main clause of divine command)→ Volitional: direct commandדָּבַר (H1696) Piel imperative 'speak'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct noun, first member of construct chain (object of prep אֶל)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural idiom 'sons of Israel' = the Israelites.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of construct בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the patriarch/nation name.
וְיָשֻׁ֗בוּthat they turn backconj וְ + Qal juss 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Jussive verb continuing the imperatival force (purpose of the command)→ Jussive: volitional/purposive, dependent on the preceding imperativeשׁוּב (H7725) 'to turn, return'; a directional reversal of the day's march.
וְיַחֲנוּ֙and encampconj וְ + Qal juss 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Coordinate jussive verb (continuing purpose clause)→ Jussive: volitional continuationחָנָה (H2583) 'to encamp, pitch camp'.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of location (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct + לְ idiomatically 'before, in front of'.
פִּ֣יPi-N proper · פִּי הַחִירֹת (H6367)First element of place-name construct (locative object of לִפְנֵי)part of the toponym פִּי הַחִירֹת 'Pi-hahiroth', perhaps 'mouth of the gorges/canals'; site location debated.
הַחִירֹ֔תhahirothN proper · פִּי הַחִירֹת (H6367)Second element completing the place-namesee previous entry; likely near the eastern Delta lakes.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase, first of paired בֵּין...וּבֵיןבֵּין (H996) 'between'.
מִגְדֹּ֖לMigdolN proper · מִגְדֹּל (H4024)Object of first בֵּיןמִגְדֹּל (H4024) 'tower, fort'; a border fortress-town of the eastern Delta.
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Second half of paired prepositionבֵּין (H996) repeated for the second term of comparison.
הַיָּ֑םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of second בֵּיןיָם (H3220) 'sea'; here the yam suph, the Sea of Reeds.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of location (further specifying the site)as above; פָּנִים construct 'before'.
בַּ֣עַלBaal-N proper · בַּעַל צְפֹן (H1189)First element of place-namepart of the toponym בַּעַל צְפֹן 'Baal-zephon', a Canaanite storm-god sanctuary name attached to a Delta site.
צְפֹ֔ןzephonN proper · בַּעַל צְפֹן (H1189)Second element completing the place-name (object of לִפְנֵי)see previous entry.
נִכְח֥וֹopposite itprep + 3ms suffix · נֹכַח (H5226)Adverbial prepositional phrase specifying the camp's orientationנֹכַח (H5226) 'in front of, opposite', with 3ms suffix referring to Baal-zephon.
תַחֲנ֖וּyou shall encampQal impf 2mp · חָנָה (H2583)Predicate verb, imperfect of command (main clause resuming from the imperative)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — directive force continuing the imperative דַּבֵּרחָנָה (H2583) 'to encamp'.
עַלbyprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'upon, by, at'.
הַיָּֽםthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of עַל, locative complement of תַּחֲנוּas above.
3
וְאָמַ֤ר פַּרְעֹה֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל נְבֻכִ֥ים הֵ֖ם בָּאָ֑רֶץ סָגַ֥ר עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם הַמִּדְבָּֽר
And Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, 'They are entangled in the land; the wilderness has closed in on them.'
YHWH predicts Pharaoh's inference; the participle נְבֻכִים voices Pharaoh's own viewpoint, setting up the trap.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאָמַ֤רand he will sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, weqatal continuing the sequence of divine instruction (prediction)→ Weqatal: predictive/consequential — continues the modal sequence begun with the imperativesאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
פַּרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of וְאָמַרפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title used as a proper name.
לִבְנֵ֣יconcerningprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, topic concerning whom Pharaoh speaksבֵּן (H1121); לְ here marks the topic, 'concerning'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of בְּנֵיas above.
נְבֻכִ֥יםentangledNiphal ptc mpl abs · בּוּךְ (H943)Predicate participle (nominal clause predicate)→ Participle: stative/durative — describes Israel's perceived conditionבּוּךְ (H943) Niphal 'to be confused, wander bewildered'; Pharaoh imagines Israel disoriented.
הֵ֖םtheyindep pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of the nominal clause (participial predicate נְבֻכִים)הֵם (H1992) 3mp independent pronoun.
בָּאָ֑רֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N com sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here Egypt's territory.
סָגַ֥רhas shutQal perf 3ms · סָגַר (H5462)Predicate verb (new main clause, asyndetic)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive state — the wilderness now a barrierסָגַר (H5462) 'to shut, close'; personifies the wilderness as trapping Israel.
עֲלֵיהֶ֖םupon themprep עַל + 3mp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of סָגַרעַל (H5921) with suffix, 'against/upon them'.
הַמִּדְבָּֽרthe wildernessart + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Subject of סָגַרמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'.
4
וְחִזַּקְתִּ֣י אֶת לֵב פַּרְעֹה֮ וְרָדַ֣ף אַחֲרֵיהֶם֒ וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּפַרְעֹה֙ וּבְכָל חֵיל֔וֹ וְיָדְע֥וּ מִצְרַ֖יִם כִּֽי אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ כֵֽן
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and over all his army, and Egypt will know that I am YHWH.' And they did so.
The oracle's goal clause culminates in the recognition formula אֲנִי יְהוָה; the closing wayyiqtol notice drops back to level 0, reporting Israel's compliance.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְחִזַּקְתִּ֣יand I will hardenconj וְ + Piel weqatal 1cs · חָזַק (H2388)Predicate verb, weqatal (YHWH speaking) continuing the divine oracle→ Weqatal: predictive — YHWH announces his own future causative actחָזַק (H2388) Piel 'to strengthen, harden'; causative of Pharaoh's obstinacy.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi.
לֵבheart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Direct object, construct (first member)לֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind, will'; seat of Pharaoh's resolve.
פַּרְעֹה֮PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complement of לֵבas above.
וְרָדַ֣ףand he will pursueconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָדַף (H7291)Predicate verb, weqatal continuing the sequence→ Weqatal: predictive continuationרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue, chase'.
אַחֲרֵיהֶם֒after themprep אַחַר + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase, object of רָדַףאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'.
וְאִכָּבְדָ֤הand I will get gloryconj וְ + Niphal cohort 1cs · כָּבֵד (H3513)Predicate verb, cohortative continuing the oracle→ Cohortative: self-directed volitional — YHWH resolves to display his gloryכָּבֵד (H3513) Niphal 'to be honored, get glory'; self-glorification through Egypt's defeat.
בְּפַרְעֹה֙through Pharaohprep בְּ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase, means/sphere of the glorificationבְּ marks the one 'over/through whom' glory is won.
וּבְכָלand over allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate prepositional phrase, constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'.
חֵיל֔וֹhis armyN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive complement of כָּלחַיִל (H2428) 'strength, army, wealth'; Pharaoh's military force.
וְיָדְע֥וּand they will knowconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb, weqatal continuing the sequence, result clause→ Weqatal: predictive/resultative — recognition formulaיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the recognition-formula climaxing the plague/sea narratives.
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subject of וְיָדְעוּמִצְרַיִם (H4713), dual-form name of Egypt, standing for its people.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing content clause of יָדְעוּכִּי (H3588) 'that, because'.
אֲנִ֣יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject/predicate of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589) 1cs independent pronoun; emphatic subject.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative in the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068); recognition formula אֲנִי יְהוָה climactic.
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּand they didconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, wayyiqtol resuming the narrative (Israel obeying Moses' relayed command)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, notice of complianceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; compliance notice closing the command unit.
כֵֽןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of וַיַּעֲשׂוּכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; formulaic marker of obedience.
5
וַיֻּגַּד֙ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם כִּ֥י בָרַ֖ח הָעָ֑ם וַ֠יֵּהָפֵךְ לְבַ֨ב פַּרְעֹ֤ה וַעֲבָדָיו֙ אֶל הָעָ֔ם וַיֹּֽאמרוּ֙ מַה זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֔ינוּ כִּֽי שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵעָבְדֵֽנוּ
And it was told to the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people, and they said, 'What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?'
Resumes main-line narration; the report-formula וַיֻּגַּד and its passive verb keep the informant anonymous, focusing attention on Pharaoh's reaction.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיֻּגַּד֙it was toldHophal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (main clause), passive wayyiqtol→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; passive voice suppresses the informant's identityנָגַד (H5046) Hophal 'to be told, reported'; passive report-formula.
לְמֶ֣לֶךְto the king ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Prepositional phrase, indirect object (recipient of the report)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of מֶלֶךְמִצְרַיִם (H4714) Egypt.
כִּ֥יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing the reported contentכִּי (H3588) 'that'.
בָרַ֖חhad fledQal perf 3ms · בָּרַח (H1272)Predicate verb of the subordinate content clause→ Perfective: antecedent completed action (pluperfect nuance within the report)בָּרַח (H1272) 'to flee, run away'.
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of בָרַחעַם (H5971) 'people'; here the national body of Israel.
וַ֠יֵּהָפֵךְand it was turnedconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָפַךְ (H2015)Predicate verb (new main clause, narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — Pharaoh's political/emotional reversalהָפַךְ (H2015) Niphal 'to be turned, changed'; idiom for a change of heart/policy.
לְבַ֨בheart ofN m sg constr · לֵבָב (H3824)Subject, construct (first member)לֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind', variant of לֵב, seat of resolve.
פַּרְעֹ֤הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complement of לְבַבas above.
וַעֲבָדָיו֙and his servantsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinate subject (second element joined to לְבַב פַּרְעֹה)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; here Pharaoh's officials/courtiers.
אֶלagainstprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of the turningאֶל (H413), here with hostile nuance 'against'.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of אֶלעַם (H5971), referring now to Israel.
וַיֹּֽאמרוּ֙and they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause), quotative frame→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance introducing direct speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
מַהwhatinterrog pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative predicate of the nominal clauseמָה (H4100) interrogative pronoun 'what'.
זֹּ֣אתthisdemonstr pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Subject/demonstrative referent of the nominal clauseזֹאת (H2063) fs demonstrative 'this'.
עָשִׂ֔ינוּhave we doneQal perf 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of exclamatory clause modifying זֹאת→ Perfective: completed act now regrettedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing the content of their self-reproachכִּי (H3588) 'that'.
שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּwe have sent awayPiel perf 1cp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb of the subordinate clause→ Perfective: completed, regretted actשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release'; the exodus permission now rued.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct object of שִׁלַּחְנוּas above.
מֵעָבְדֵֽנוּfrom serving usprep מִן + Qal inf constr + 1cp suffix · עָבַד (H5647)Prepositional/infinitival phrase, source ('from being our slaves')→ Infinitive construct: the source-point of the release, now regrettedעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work'; infinitive construct with 1cp suffix, 'their serving us'.
6
וַיֶּאְסֹ֖ר אֶת רִכְבּ֑וֹ וְאֶת עַמּ֖וֹ לָקַ֥ח עִמּֽוֹ
And he made his chariot ready, and took his people with him.
Terse, rapid-fire wayyiqtols narrate Pharaoh's personal mobilization for pursuit.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֶּאְסֹ֖רand he harnessedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָסַר (H631)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָסַר (H631) 'to bind, harness'; of hitching a chariot-team.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
רִכְבּ֑וֹhis chariotN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֶכֶב (H7393)Direct object of וַיֶּאְסֹררֶכֶב (H7393) 'chariot(ry)'; Pharaoh's personal chariot.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)coordinates the second object עַמּוֹ.
עַמּ֖וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Second direct object (of the resumptive verb לָקַח)עַם (H5971) here 'troops, retinue'.
לָקַ֥חhe tookQal perf 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — mobilizing the armyלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'.
עִמּֽוֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase, adjunct of לָקַחעִם (H5973) 'with'.
7
וַיִּקַּ֗ח שֵׁשׁ מֵא֥וֹת רֶ֨כֶב֙ בָּח֔וּר וְכֹ֖ל רֶ֣כֶב מִצְרָ֑יִם וְשָׁלִשִׁ֖ם עַל כֻּלּֽוֹ
And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them.
Elaborates the size and elite composition of the pursuing force, heightening the sense of overwhelming threat.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּקַּ֗חand he tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'.
שֵׁשׁsixnumeral f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Numeral, construct with מֵאוֹת (part of direct object)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) cardinal 'six'.
מֵא֥וֹתhundrednumeral com pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral, construct governing רֶכֶב (compound numeral)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred', plural 'hundreds of'.
רֶ֨כֶב֙chariotsN m sg abs · רֶכֶב (H7393)Direct object, head noun of the numbered phraseרֶכֶב (H7393) collective 'chariotry'.
בָּח֔וּרchosenQal pass ptc msg abs · בָּחַר (H977)Attributive participle modifying רֶכֶב→ Passive participle: qualitative description, elite statusבָּחַר (H977) Qal passive ptc 'chosen, picked'; the crack chariot corps.
וְכֹ֖לand all (of)conj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate direct object, construct headכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
רֶ֣כֶבthe chariots ofN m sg constr · רֶכֶב (H7393)Genitive-governing construct, in appositionas above.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of רֶכֶבas above.
וְשָׁלִשִׁ֖םand officersconj וְ + N m pl abs · שָׁלִישׁ (H7991)Coordinate direct objectשָׁלִישׁ (H7991) 'third-man, officer'; a chariot-crew rank.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
כֻּלּֽוֹall of itN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · כֹּל (H3605)Object of עַל, referring to the whole hostכֹּל (H3605) with 3ms suffix, 'the whole of it'.
8
וַיְחַזֵּ֣ק יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶת לֵ֤ב פַּרְעֹה֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּרְדֹּ֕ף אַחֲרֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יֹצְאִ֖ים בְּיָ֥ד רָמָֽה
And YHWH hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the sons of Israel; and the sons of Israel were going out with a high hand.
Reprises the hardening-of-heart formula (cf. v.4) as pursuit becomes explicit; the closing nominal clause (יֹצְאִים בְּיָד רָמָה) functions as a contrastive circumstantial aside underscoring Israel's bold departure.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיְחַזֵּ֣קand he hardenedconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · חָזַק (H2388)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזַק (H2388) Piel causative 'to harden, strengthen'.
יְהֹוָ֗הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
לֵ֤בheart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Direct object, constructas above.
פַּרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complementas above.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Apposition to פַּרְעֹה, constructמֶלֶךְ (H4428).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of מֶלֶךְas above.
וַיִּרְדֹּ֕ףand he pursuedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָדַף (H7291)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָדַף (H7291).
אַחֲרֵ֖יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct, object of אַחֲרֵיas above.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
וּבְנֵ֣יand the sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of the following nominal clause (casus pendens/topic)as above.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
יֹצְאִ֖יםwere going outQal ptc mpl abs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate participle (nominal clause, circumstantial)→ Participle: durative/progressive — ongoing action contrasted with Egypt's pursuitיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'.
בְּיָ֥דwith a handprep בְּ + N com sg abs · יָד (H3027)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)יָד (H3027) 'hand'.
רָמָֽהraisedQal ptc fsg abs · רוּם (H7311)Attributive participle modifying יָד→ Participle: stative description — triumphant boldnessרוּם (H7311) Qal ptc fs 'high, exalted'; idiom 'with uplifted hand' = boldly, in triumph.
9
וַיִּרְדְּפ֨וּ מִצְרַ֜יִם אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם וַיַּשִּׂ֤יגוּ אוֹתָם֙ חֹנִ֣ים עַל הַיָּ֔ם כָּל סוּס֙ רֶ֣כֶב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וּפָרָשָׁ֖יו וְחֵיל֑וֹ עַל פִּי֙ הַֽחִירֹ֔ת לִפְנֵ֖י בַּ֥עַל צְפֹֽן
And the Egyptians pursued after them, and overtook them encamping by the sea, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, at Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
The pursuit reaches its point of contact: Egypt overtakes Israel encamped by the sea, repeating the geographic notice of v.2 to close a narrative frame.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיִּרְדְּפ֨וּand they pursuedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָדַף (H7291)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָדַף (H7291).
מִצְרַ֜יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subjectמִצְרַיִם (H4713).
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗םafter themprep + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase, object of pursuitאַחַר (H310).
וַיַּשִּׂ֤יגוּand overtookconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשַׂג (H5381)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the climax of the pursuitנָשַׂג (H5381) Hiphil 'to reach, overtake'.
אוֹתָם֙themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיַּשִּׂיגוּH853 obj marker + suffix; functions as the pronoun 'them'.
חֹנִ֣יםencampingQal ptc mpl abs · חָנָה (H2583)Predicate participle, circumstantial (describing Israel's state when overtaken)→ Participle: durative — Israel caught while stationaryחָנָה (H2583).
עַלbyprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
הַיָּ֔םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of עַליָם (H3220).
כָּלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the appositional list specifying the Egyptian forceכֹּל (H3605).
סוּס֙the horses ofN m sg constr · סוּס (H5483)Genitive-governing constructסוּס (H5483) 'horse'.
רֶ֣כֶבchariots ofN m sg constr · רֶכֶב (H7393)Coordinate constructרֶכֶב (H7393).
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complementas above.
וּפָרָשָׁ֖יוand his horsemenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Coordinate appositive nounפָּרָשׁ (H6571) 'horseman, cavalryman'.
וְחֵיל֑וֹand his armyconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · חַיִל (H2428)Coordinate appositive nounחַיִל (H2428).
עַלatprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locationעַל (H5921).
פִּי֙Pi-N proper · פִּי הַחִירֹת (H6367)First element of place-nameas v.2.
הַֽחִירֹ֔תhahirothN proper · פִּי הַחִירֹת (H6367)Second elementas v.2.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of locationפָּנִים (H6440).
בַּ֥עַלBaal-N proper · בַּעַל צְפֹן (H1189)First element of place-nameas v.2.
צְפֹֽןzephonN proper · בַּעַל צְפֹן (H1189)Second elementas v.2, closing the geographic inclusio with v.2.
10
וּפַרְעֹ֖ה הִקְרִ֑יב וַיִּשְׂאוּ֩ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל אֶת עֵינֵיהֶ֜ם וְהִנֵּ֥ה מִצְרַ֣יִם נֹסֵ֣עַ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם וַיִּֽירְאוּ֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶל יְהוָֽה
And as Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid, and the sons of Israel cried out to YHWH.
The circumstantial clause with הִנֵּה represents Israel's own visual perception before the narrative resumes with their fear and cry to YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וּפַרְעֹ֖הand Pharaohconj וְ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject, casus pendens introducing a circumstantial clauseas above.
הִקְרִ֑יבdrew nearHiphil perf 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb of the circumstantial clause→ Perfective: describes the approach as accomplished background for what followsקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, draw near'.
וַיִּשְׂאוּ֩and they lifted upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Constructas above.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֨לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
עֵינֵיהֶ֜םtheir eyesN com dual constr + 3mp suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Direct object (dual)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye', dual עֵינַיִם; idiom נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם 'to look up'.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + presentative part · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse deictic particle introducing a vivid, surprising observationהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; marks a shift to the characters' own viewpoint.
מִצְרַ֣יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subjectthe Egyptians, as a collective.
נֹסֵ֣עַmarchingQal ptc msg abs · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate participle (nominal clause after הִנֵּה)→ Participle: vivid present, describing the scene as perceivedנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out'.
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗םafter themprep + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310).
וַיִּֽירְאוּ֙and they fearedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, emotional turning pointיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'.
מְאֹ֔דgreatlyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier of וַיִּיראוּמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'.
וַיִּצְעֲק֥וּand they cried outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advanceצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out (in distress)'; echoes the exodus cry-formula of 2:23-24.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Constructas above.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectas above.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prep אֶלas above.
11
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮ אֶל מֹשֶׁה֒ הַֽמִבְּלִ֤י אֵין קְבָרִים֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּ לָמ֣וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר מַה זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֔נוּ לְהוֹצִיאָ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָֽיִם
And they said to Moses, 'Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What is this you have done to us, bringing us out of Egypt?'
Opens the people's bitter, sarcastic complaint against Moses, structured as a pair of rhetorical questions.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮and they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause), quotative frame→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance introducing panicked direct speechאָמַר (H559).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
מֹשֶׁה֒MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prep אֶלas above.
הַֽמִבְּלִ֤יis it because there are nointerrog הֲ + prep מִן + neg part · בְּלִי (H1097)Interrogative + preposition + negative particle, introducing a bitter rhetorical questionבְּלִי (H1097) 'without, lack of'; idiom הֲמִבְּלִי אֵין 'was it for lack of...'.
אֵיןthere are noneg part · אַיִן (H369)Existential negative particle, predicate of the clause (notional subject קְבָרִים)אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; negates existence.
קְבָרִים֙gravesN m pl abs · קֶבֶר (H6913)Notional subject of the existential negation אֵיןקֶבֶר (H6913) 'grave, tomb'.
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִםin Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phraseas above.
לְקַחְתָּ֖נוּthat you have taken usQal perf 2ms + 1cp suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (rhetorical question clause), with object suffix→ Perfective: completed act now bitterly protestedלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; 'you have taken us away'.
לָמ֣וּתto dieprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Purpose infinitival clause complementing לְקַחְתָּנוּ→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the perceived intended outcomeמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057).
מַהwhatinterrog pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun, predicate of the second rhetorical questionמָה (H4100).
זֹּאת֙thisdemonstr pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative, referent of the questionזֹאת (H2063).
עָשִׂ֣יתָhave you doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Perfective: completed act under bitter reproachעָשָׂה (H6213).
לָּ֔נוּto usprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative complement of עָשִׂיתָלְ 'to, for'.
לְהוֹצִיאָ֖נוּin bringing us outprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 1cp suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Infinitival clause, epexegetical, specifying the deed complained of→ Infinitive construct: epexegetical — restates/specifies מַה זֹּאת עָשִׂיתָיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the exodus verb itself, flung back as accusation.
מִמִּצְרָֽיִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase, source, complement of לְהוֹצִיאָנוּas above.
12
הֲלֹא זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבַּ֨רְנוּ אֵלֶ֤יךָ בְמִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר חֲדַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖נּוּ וְנַֽעַבְדָ֣ה אֶת מִצְרָ֑יִם כִּ֣י ט֥וֹב לָ֨נוּ֙ עֲבֹ֣ד אֶת מִצְרַ֔יִם מִמֻּתֵ֖נוּ בַּמִּדְבָּֽר
'Is not this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, "Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians"? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.'
The people cite their own prior words in Egypt (echoing 5:21; 6:9) and conclude with the proverbial preference for slavery over death.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
הֲלֹאis it notinterrog הֲ + neg part · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative particle + negative, introducing a rhetorical question expecting 'yes'לֹא (H3808) negative; rhetorical formula affirming the statement as true.
זֶ֣הthisdemonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative pronoun, subject/predicate of the nominal clauseזֶה (H2088).
הַדָּבָ֗רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Predicate noun of the nominal clauseדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'.
אֲשֶׁר֩thatrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the relative clause modifying הַדָּבָראֲשֶׁר (H834).
דִּבַּ֨רְנוּwe spokePiel perf 1cp · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: completed prior act, recalling their earlier protest in Egypt (cf. 5:21; 6:9)דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'.
אֵלֶ֤יךָto youprep + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, addressee of דִּבַּרְנוּאֶל (H413).
בְמִצְרַ֨יִם֙in Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phraseas above.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing quoted content→ Infinitive: quotative frameאָמַר (H559).
חֲדַ֥לleave offQal impv 2ms · חָדַל (H2308)Predicate verb, imperative (the quoted words)→ Volitional: direct command (quoted from their earlier complaint)חָדַל (H2308) 'to cease, leave off, desist'.
מִמֶּ֖נּוּfrom usprep מִן + 1cp suffix · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase, object of חֲדַלמִן (H4480).
וְנַֽעַבְדָ֣הthat we may serveconj וְ + Qal cohort 1cp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb, cohortative expressing purpose/result→ Cohortative: volitional purpose — the preferred alternative to the exodusעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, work (as slaves)'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מִצְרָ֑יִםthe EgyptiansN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Direct object of וְנַעַבְדָהas above.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing their rationale/complaintכִּי (H3588).
ט֥וֹבgoodadj msg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective of the comparative nominal clauseטוֹב (H2896) 'good'; here comparative, 'better'.
לָ֨נוּ֙for usprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of reference/experiencerלְ 'for'.
עֲבֹ֣דto serveQal inf constr · עָבַד (H5647)Infinitival subject of the nominal clause (טוֹב לָנוּ עֲבֹד, 'better for us to serve')→ Infinitive construct: subject of the evaluative clauseעָבַד (H5647).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מִצְרַ֔יִםthe EgyptiansN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Direct object of עֲבֹדas above.
מִמֻּתֵ֖נוּthan our dyingprep מִן + Qal inf constr + 1cp suffix · מוּת (H4191)Prepositional/infinitival phrase of comparison ('than to die')→ Infinitive construct: comparative complementמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
בַּמִּדְבָּֽרin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase, complement of מִמֻּתֵנוּמִדְבָּר (H4057).
13
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל הָעָם֮ אַל תִּירָאוּ֒ הִֽתְיַצְב֗וּ וּרְאוּ֙ אֶת יְשׁוּעַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם כִּ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר רְאִיתֶ֤ם אֶת מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ הַיּ֔וֹם לֹ֥א תֹסִ֛יפוּ לִרְאֹתָ֥ם ע֖וֹד עַד עוֹלָֽם
And Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear; stand firm, and see the salvation of YHWH which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see again, forever.'
Moses answers panic with a classic holy-war salvation-oracle pattern: prohibition of fear, command to stand firm, promise of divine action.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectas above.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
הָעָם֮the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of prep אֶלעַם (H5971).
אַלdo notneg part · אַל (H408)Negative particle of prohibition, negating תִּירָאוּ (jussive of command)אַל (H408), negative used with the jussive for direct prohibition.
תִּירָאוּ֒fearQal juss 2mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb, jussive/vetitive (prohibition, main clause)→ Jussive (negated): vetitive — a direct prohibition, 'do not fear'יָרֵא (H3372).
הִֽתְיַצְב֗וּstand firmHitpael impv 2mp · יָצַב (H3320)Predicate verb, imperative (main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandיָצַב (H3320) Hitpael 'to station oneself, stand firm'; a call to composed resolve rather than panic.
וּרְאוּ֙and seeconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb, imperative, coordinate command→ Volitional: direct commandרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יְשׁוּעַ֣תthe salvation ofN f sg constr · יְשׁוּעָה (H3444)Direct object of וּרְאוּ, constructיְשׁוּעָה (H3444) 'salvation, deliverance', from יָשַׁע; the chapter's central theological term (cf. v.30).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of יְשׁוּעַתas above.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing relative clause modifying יְשׁוּעַת יְהוָהאֲשֶׁר (H834).
יַעֲשֶׂ֥הhe will workQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — assured future divine actionעָשָׂה (H6213).
לָכֶ֖םfor youprep + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of advantageלְ 'for'.
הַיּ֑וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of timeיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; here adverbial 'today'.
כִּ֗יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground/basis of the assuranceכִּי (H3588).
אֲשֶׁ֨ר[whom]rel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, resumed as casus-pendens antecedent (correlative אֲשֶׁר...לֹא)אֲשֶׁר (H834); forms a casus pendens, 'as for the Egyptians whom you have seen...'.
רְאִיתֶ֤םyou have seenQal perf 2mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: completed action up to the speech momentרָאָה (H7200).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙EgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Direct object of רְאִיתֶםas above.
הַיּ֔וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of time (resumed)as above.
לֹ֥אnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תֹסִיפוּלֹא (H3808).
תֹסִ֛יפוּyou will againHiphil impf 2mp · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (main clause, resuming after the casus pendens)→ Yiqtol (negated): assured future — categorical negationיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, do again'; idiom 'you will never again...'.
לִרְאֹתָ֥םsee themprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · רָאָה (H7200)Complementary infinitive completing תֹסִיפוּ (idiom 'add to see' = 'see again')→ Infinitive construct: complementary, completing the periphrastic 'never again' constructionרָאָה (H7200).
ע֖וֹדagainadv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial reinforcement of the 'never again' idiomעוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, yet'.
עַדforeverprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase intensifying the finalityעַד (H5704) 'unto, up to'.
עוֹלָֽםeternityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Object of עַד, forming the idiom עַד עוֹלָם 'forever'עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, eternity, forever'.
14
יְהוָ֖ה יִלָּחֵ֣ם לָכֶ֑ם וְאַתֶּ֖ם תַּחֲרִישֽׁוּן
YHWH will fight for you, and you shall be still.
A terse two-line couplet crystallizing the chapter's theology: YHWH fights, Israel is still — the thematic center of the whole narrative.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
יִלָּחֵ֣םwill fightNiphal impf 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol (Niphal): imperfective/modal — assured, ongoing future combatלָחַם (H3898) Niphal 'to fight, do battle'; the chapter's thesis statement, echoed by the Egyptians in v.25.
לָכֶ֑םfor youprep + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phraseלְ 'for'.
וְאַתֶּ֖םand (as for) youconj וְ + indep pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Independent pronoun, emphatic fronted subject, contrastive with יְהוָהאַתֶּם (H859) 2mp pronoun; fronted for sharp contrast, 'while YHWH fights, you...'.
תַּחֲרִישֽׁוּןshall be silentHiphil impf 2mp (paragogic nun) · חָרַשׁ (H2790)Predicate verb (main clause), paragogic nun→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a calm, trusting stillness commanded in place of panicחָרַשׁ (H2790) Hiphil 'to be silent, keep still, hold one's peace'; paragogic ן lends emphasis.
15
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה מַה תִּצְעַ֖ק אֵלָ֑י דַּבֵּ֥ר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וְיִסָּֽעוּ
And YHWH said to Moses, 'Why do you cry out to me? Speak to the sons of Israel, that they go forward.'
YHWH's brisk rhetorical question redirects Moses from prayer to action, launching the instructions that trigger the crossing.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prep אֶלas above.
מַהwhyinterrog pron (adverbial) · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun, adverbial (reason), predicate of the questionמָה (H4100) 'what/why'; here adverbial, 'why'.
תִּצְעַ֖קdo you cry outQal impf 2ms · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate verb (main clause, rhetorical question)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/present — an implicit rebuke, redirecting Moses to actionצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out'; echoes the people's cry of v.10, now of Moses' own unrecorded prayer.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
דַּבֵּ֥רspeakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb, imperative (main clause)→ Volitional: direct command, pivoting from prayer to actionדָּבַר (H1696).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
בְּנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Constructas above.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
וְיִסָּֽעוּthat they may set outconj וְ + Qal juss 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb, jussive (purpose/result clause)→ Jussive: volitional/purposive — command to advance toward the seaנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out'; the command that precipitates the crossing.
16
וְאַתָּ֞ה הָרֵ֣ם אֶֽת מַטְּךָ֗ וּנְטֵ֧ה אֶת יָדְךָ֛ עַל הַיָּ֖ם וּבְקָעֵ֑הוּ וְיָבֹ֧אוּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּ֖ם בַּיַּבָּשָֽׁה
But you, lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and split it, that the sons of Israel may go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.
Emphatic אַתָּה fronting contrasts Moses' required action with his prior cry (v.15); the chain of imperatives specifies the sea-splitting gesture.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְאַתָּ֞הbut youconj וְ + indep pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Independent pronoun, emphatic fronted subject (contrastive with Moses' prior inaction)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; fronting + וְ marks emphatic contrast, 'but as for you...'.
הָרֵ֣םlift upHiphil impv 2ms · רוּם (H7311)Predicate verb, imperative (main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandרוּם (H7311) Hiphil 'to lift up, raise'.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מַטְּךָ֗your staffN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of הָרֵםמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod, branch'; also 'tribe'; Moses' shepherd's staff, instrument of the earlier signs.
וּנְטֵ֧הand stretch outconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb, imperative, coordinate command→ Volitional: direct commandנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, extend'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יָדְךָ֛your handN com sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וּנְטֵהיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the gesture channeling divine power.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
הַיָּ֖םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of עַליָם (H3220).
וּבְקָעֵ֑הוּand split itconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms + 3ms suffix · בָּקַע (H1234)Predicate verb, imperative, coordinate command with pronominal object→ Volitional: direct commandבָּקַע (H1234) 'to split, cleave'.
וְיָבֹ֧אוּthat they may comeconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, purpose/result clause (imperfect continuing the command sequence)→ Yiqtol: purpose/result — the intended outcome of the sea's splittingבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Constructבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectas above.
בְּת֥וֹךְinto the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase of location, complement of וְיָבֹאוּתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'.
הַיָּ֖םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement of בְּתוֹךְיָם (H3220).
בַּיַּבָּשָֽׁהon dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/means)יַבָּשָׁה (H3004) 'dry ground, dry land'.
17
וַאֲנִ֗י הִנְנִ֤י מְחַזֵּק֙ אֶת לֵ֣ב מִצְרַ֔יִם וְיָבֹ֖אוּ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּפַרְעֹה֙ וּבְכָל חֵיל֔וֹ בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹ וּבְפָרָשָֽׁיו
And as for me, behold, I am hardening the heart of the Egyptians, so that they will go in after them; and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his army, over his chariots and his horsemen.
וַאֲנִי mirrors וְאַתָּה of v.16, pairing Moses' action with YHWH's own; הִנְנִי + participle marks imminent certainty.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַאֲנִ֗יand as for meconj וְ + indep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Independent pronoun, emphatic fronted subject (YHWH's own action paralleling Moses')אֲנִי (H589) 1cs pronoun; emphatic fronting continues the 'you...I' contrast begun in v.16.
הִנְנִ֤יbehold, Ipresentative part + 1cs suffix · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle with 1cs suffix, introducing vivid immediate assertionהִנֵּה (H2009) + 1cs suffix; the 'הִנְנִי + participle' construction expresses imminent, certain action.
מְחַזֵּק֙hardeningPiel ptc msg abs · חָזַק (H2388)Predicate participle (with הִנְנִי, expressing imminent certain action)→ Participle: vivid immediate/imminent actionחָזַק (H2388) Piel ptc 'strengthen, harden'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
לֵ֣בheart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Direct object, constructלֵב (H3820).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Genitive complement of לֵבמִצְרַיִם (H4713).
וְיָבֹ֖אוּso that they will go inconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, purpose/result clause→ Yiqtol: purpose/resultבּוֹא (H935).
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑םafter themprep + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310).
וְאִכָּבְדָ֤הand I will get gloryconj וְ + Niphal cohort 1cs · כָּבֵד (H3513)Predicate verb, cohortative (main clause)→ Cohortative: self-directed volitional, YHWH's resolveכָּבֵד (H3513) Niphal 'get glory, be honored'.
בְּפַרְעֹה֙over Pharaohprep בְּ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase, sphere/means of the glorificationas above.
וּבְכָלand over allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate prepositional phrase, constructכֹּל (H3605).
חֵיל֔וֹhis armyN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive complement of כָּלחַיִל (H2428).
בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹover his chariotsprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֶכֶב (H7393)Coordinate prepositional phrase, further specifying the sphere of gloryרֶכֶב (H7393).
וּבְפָרָשָֽׁיוand over his horsemenconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Coordinate prepositional phraseפָּרָשׁ (H6571).
18
וְיָדְע֥וּ מִצְרַ֖יִם כִּי אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה בְּהִכָּבְדִ֣י בְּפַרְעֹ֔ה בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹ וּבְפָרָשָֽׁיו
And the Egyptians shall know that I am YHWH, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.
Restates the recognition formula of v.4, now anchored specifically in the coming defeat of Pharaoh's chariotry.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְיָדְע֥וּand they shall knowconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb, weqatal continuing the oracle's result clause→ Weqatal: predictive/resultative — recognition formulaיָדַע (H3045).
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subjectמִצְרַיִם (H4713).
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunctionכִּי (H3588).
אֲנִ֣יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589).
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominativeas above.
בְּהִכָּבְדִ֣יwhen I get gloryprep בְּ + Niphal inf constr + 1cs suffix · כָּבֵד (H3513)Temporal infinitival clause (Niphal inf constr with 1cs subject-suffix)→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the moment/means of recognitionכָּבֵד (H3513) Niphal inf constr 'to be glorified'; echoes וְאִכָּבְדָה of v.17.
בְּפַרְעֹ֔הover Pharaohprep בְּ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phraseas above.
בְּרִכְבּ֖וֹhis chariotsN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֶכֶב (H7393)Coordinate object of the temporal clause (asyndetic apposition)רֶכֶב (H7393).
וּבְפָרָשָֽׁיוand his horsemenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Coordinate appositive nounפָּרָשׁ (H6571).
19
וַיִּסַּ֞ע מַלְאַ֣ךְ הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים הַהֹלֵךְ֙ לִפְנֵי֙ מַחֲנֵ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּסַּ֞ע עַמּ֤וּד הֶֽעָנָן֙ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֖ד מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶֽם
And the angel of God, who was going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.
Reports the protective repositioning of the divine guide from vanguard to rearguard, staged just before the crossing.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּסַּ֞עand movedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (main clause), narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out, pull up (tent-pegs)'.
מַלְאַ֣ךְmessenger ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject, constructמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, angel'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֗יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive complement of מַלְאַךְאֱלֹהִים (H430), here with article, 'God' (the generic term, not the divine name).
הַהֹלֵךְ֙who was goingart + Qal ptc msg abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Attributive participle modifying מַלְאַךְ הָאֱלֹהִים→ Participle: durative, describing the angel's prior ongoing positionהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of locationפָּנִים (H6440).
מַחֲנֵ֣הcamp ofN com sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive complement of לִפְנֵימַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְand wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause), continuing narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advanceהָלַךְ (H3212/H1980 root) 'to go, walk'.
מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶ֑םfrom behind themprep מִן + prep אַחַר + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase of resulting locationאַחַר (H310) with מִן, idiomatic 'to a position behind'.
וַיִּסַּ֞עmovedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (main clause), parallel narrative sequence (second subject, pillar of cloud)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, parallel to the angel's movementנָסַע (H5265).
עַמּ֤וּדpillar ofN m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Subject, constructעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'.
הֶֽעָנָן֙the cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Genitive complement of עַמּוּדעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the visible sign of divine presence guiding Israel.
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔םfrom before themprep מִן + N com pl constr + 3mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of source locationפָּנִים (H6440).
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֖דand stoodconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, resolution of the movementעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'.
מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶֽםbehind themprep מִן + prep אַחַר + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase of resulting locationאַחַר (H310).
20
וַיָּבֹ֞א בֵּ֣ין מַחֲנֵ֣ה מִצְרַ֗יִם וּבֵין֙ מַחֲנֵ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיְהִ֤י הֶֽעָנָן֙ וְהַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ וַיָּ֖אֶר אֶת הַלָּ֑יְלָה וְלֹא קָרַ֥ב זֶ֛ה אֶל זֶ֖ה כָּל הַלָּֽיְלָה
And it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet it gave light by night; and the one did not come near the other all night.
The famously paradoxical cloud that is both dark and light-giving separates the camps overnight, a literary crux addressed in the text_note.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיָּבֹ֞אand it cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advanceבּוֹא (H935).
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase, first of paired בֵּין...וּבֵיןבֵּין (H996).
מַחֲנֵ֣הcamp ofN com sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Construct, object of first בֵּיןמַחֲנֶה (H4264).
מִצְרַ֗יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complementas above.
וּבֵין֙and betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Second half of paired prepositionבֵּין (H996).
מַחֲנֵ֣הcamp ofN com sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Construct, object of second בֵּיןמַחֲנֶה (H4264).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
וַיְהִ֤יand there wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), existential→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, existential noticeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
הֶֽעָנָן֙the cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subjectעָנָן (H6051).
וְהַחֹ֔שֶׁךְand the darknessconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹשֶׁךְ (H2822)Coordinate subjectחֹשֶׁךְ (H2822) 'darkness'.
וַיָּ֖אֶרyet it gave lightconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · אוֹר (H215)Predicate verb (main clause), adversative/concessive nuance ('yet')→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, paradoxical simultaneity of cloud/darkness and lightאוֹר (H215) Hiphil 'to give light, illuminate'; see text_note on this crux.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
הַלָּ֑יְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Direct object (temporal accusative) of וַיָּאֶרלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg part · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle, main-clause negationלֹא (H3808).
קָרַ֥בdid draw nearQal perf 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause), negated→ Perfective: negated completed/durative state through the whole nightקָרַב (H7126) 'to draw near, approach'.
זֶ֛הthe onedemonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Subject of קָרַב, first member of reciprocal idiom זֶה אֶל זֶהזֶה (H2088).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase completing the reciprocal idiomאֶל (H413).
זֶ֖הthe otherdemonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Object of אֶל, second member of the reciprocal idiomזֶה...אֶל זֶה idiom, 'one to another, the other'.
כָּלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct, adverbial accusative of durationכֹּל (H3605).
הַלָּֽיְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Genitive complement of כָּל, 'all night'as above.
21
וַיֵּ֨ט מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶת יָדוֹ֮ עַל הַיָּם֒ וַיּ֣וֹלֶךְ יְהוָ֣ה אֶת הַ֠יָּם בְּר֨וּחַ קָדִ֤ים עַזָּה֙ כָּל הַלַּ֔יְלָה וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת הַיָּ֖ם לֶחָרָבָ֑ה וַיִּבָּקְע֖וּ הַמָּֽיִם
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and YHWH drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea into dry ground, and the waters were divided.
The chapter's central miracle: Moses' gesture and YHWH's wind-driven action combine causally, yielding the dry seabed.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיֵּ֨טand stretched outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb (main clause), Moses executes the command of v.16→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186).
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יָדוֹ֮his handN com sg constr + 3ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיֵּטיָד (H3027).
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
הַיָּם֒the seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of עַליָם (H3220).
וַיּ֣וֹלֶךְand droveconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause), new subject YHWH→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — the pivotal divine actהָלַךְ (H3212) Hiphil 'to cause to go'; YHWH as direct causal agent of the wind.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
הַ֠יָּםthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Direct objectיָם (H3220).
בְּר֨וּחַby a wind ofprep בְּ + N com sg constr · רוּחַ (H7307)Instrumental prepositional phrase, constructרוּחַ (H7307) 'wind, spirit, breath'.
קָדִ֤יםeastN m sg abs · קָדִים (H6921)Genitive complement of רוּחַ (construct chain, 'east wind')קָדִים (H6921) 'east, east wind'.
עַזָּה֙strongadj fsg abs · עַז (H5794)Attributive adjective modifying רוּחַ קָדִיםעַז (H5794) 'strong, fierce', fs עַזָּה.
כָּלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial accusative of duration, constructכֹּל (H3605).
הַלַּ֔יְלָהthe nightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Genitive complement of כָּללַיְלָה (H3915).
וַיָּ֥שֶׂםand madeconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, set, make'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
הַיָּ֖םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Direct objectיָם (H3220).
לֶחָרָבָ֑הinto dry groundprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · חָרָבָה (H2724)Prepositional phrase, predicate complement of וַיָּשֶׂם (result)חָרָבָה (H2724) 'dry ground'.
וַיִּבָּקְע֖וּand were dividedconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּקַע (H1234)Predicate verb (main clause), passive→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal-passive): foregrounded advance, the climactic miracleבָּקַע (H1234) Niphal 'be split, divided'.
הַמָּֽיִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subjectמַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'.
22
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּ֖ם בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה וְהַמַּ֤יִם לָהֶם֙ חֹמָ֔ה מִֽימִינָ֖ם וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם
And the sons of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Israel's crossing is narrated with the vivid wall-of-water image, resumed almost verbatim in v.29 as an inclusio around the Egyptian pursuit.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּand wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935).
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Constructבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectas above.
בְּת֥וֹךְinto the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase of locationתָּוֶךְ (H8432).
הַיָּ֖םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement of בְּתוֹךְיָם (H3220).
בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑הon dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/means)יַבָּשָׁה (H3004).
וְהַמַּ֤יִםand the watersconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of the following circumstantial nominal clauseמַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'.
לָהֶם֙to themprep + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of possession/reference in nominal clauseלְ 'to, for'.
חֹמָ֔הa wallN f sg abs · חוֹמָה (H2346)Predicate noun of the circumstantial nominal clauseחוֹמָה (H2346) 'wall' (city/defensive wall); vivid image of the standing waters.
מִֽימִינָ֖םon their right handprep מִן + N f sg constr + 3mp suffix · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial prepositional phrase specifying locationיָמִין (H3225) 'right hand/side'.
וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽםand on their leftconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · שְׂמֹאל (H8040)Coordinate adverbial prepositional phraseשְׂמֹאל (H8040) 'left hand/side'.
23
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם כֹּ֚ל ס֣וּס פַּרְעֹ֔ה רִכְבּ֖וֹ וּפָרָשָׁ֑יו אֶל תּ֖וֹךְ הַיָּֽם
And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen, into the midst of the sea.
Egypt's fatal decision to follow into the seabed sets up the reversal that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּand pursuedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָדַף (H7291)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָדַף (H7291).
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙EgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subjectמִצְרַיִם (H4713).
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּand went inconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the ominous climax of the pursuitבּוֹא (H935).
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔םafter themprep + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310).
כֹּ֚לall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the appositional listכֹּל (H3605).
ס֣וּסthe horses ofN m sg constr · סוּס (H5483)Genitive-governing constructסוּס (H5483).
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complement of סוּסas above.
רִכְבּ֖וֹhis chariotsN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֶכֶב (H7393)Coordinate appositive noun, further specifying the pursuing forceרֶכֶב (H7393).
וּפָרָשָׁ֑יוand his horsemenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Coordinate appositive nounפָּרָשׁ (H6571).
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
תּ֖וֹךְthe midst ofN m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Object of prep אֶלתָּוֶךְ (H8432).
הַיָּֽםthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement of תּוֹךְיָם (H3220).
24
וַֽיְהִי֙ בְּאַשְׁמֹ֣רֶת הַבֹּ֔קֶר וַיַּשְׁקֵ֤ף יְהוָה֙ אֶל מַחֲנֵ֣ה מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּעַמּ֥וּד אֵ֖שׁ וְעָנָ֑ן וַיָּ֕הָם אֵ֖ת מַחֲנֵ֥ה מִצְרָֽיִם
And in the morning watch YHWH looked down upon the camp of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and threw the camp of the Egyptians into confusion.
The morning-watch timing signals the night's tension resolving; YHWH's look from the pillar begins the rout.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַֽיְהִי֙and it happenedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), temporal-notice formula→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, marks a new narrative stageהָיָה (H1961).
בְּאַשְׁמֹ֣רֶתin the watch ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אַשְׁמֹרֶת (H821)Temporal prepositional phrase, constructאַשְׁמֹרֶת (H821) 'watch' (of the night, one of three divisions).
הַבֹּ֔קֶרthe morningart + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Genitive complement of אַשְׁמֹרֶתבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; the final pre-dawn watch.
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֤ףand looked downconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁקַף (H8259)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the decisive divine interventionשָׁקַף (H8259) Hiphil 'to look down, gaze out'; often of ominous divine scrutiny from on high.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
אֶלuponprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
מַחֲנֵ֣הcamp ofN com sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Construct, object of אֶלמַחֲנֶה (H4264).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Genitive complementas above.
בְּעַמּ֥וּדthrough the pillar ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Instrumental prepositional phrase, constructעַמּוּד (H5982).
אֵ֖שׁfireN com sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Genitive complement of עַמּוּדאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'.
וְעָנָ֑ןand cloudconj וְ + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Coordinate genitive complementעָנָן (H6051).
וַיָּ֕הָםand threw into confusionconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָמַם (H2000)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, climactic divine act of panic-inducing confusionהָמַם (H2000) 'to confuse, throw into panic/rout'; used elsewhere of YHWH routing armies in holy war (cf. Josh 10:10).
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מַחֲנֵ֥הcamp ofN com sg constr · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Direct object, constructמַחֲנֶה (H4264).
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Genitive complementas above.
25
וַיָּ֗סַר אֵ֚ת אֹפַ֣ן מַרְכְּבֹתָ֔יו וַֽיְנַהֲגֵ֖הוּ בִּכְבֵדֻ֑ת וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מִצְרַ֗יִם אָנ֨וּסָה֙ מִפְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כִּ֣י יְהוָ֔ה נִלְחָ֥ם לָהֶ֖ם בְּמִצְרָֽיִם
And he removed the wheels of their chariots, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, 'Let us flee from before Israel, for YHWH fights for them against Egypt.'
The sabotage of the chariots (with its own text-critical crux, see text_note) provokes Egypt's own confession that YHWH fights for Israel — an ironic echo of Moses' words in v.14, now voiced by the enemy.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיָּ֗סַרand he removedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, YHWH's direct sabotage of the chariotsסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'turn aside, remove'; MT reads וַיָּסַר 'he removed', while LXX/Sam. tradition reflect וַיֶּאְסֹר 'he bound/clogged' — a well-known text-critical crux (see text_note).
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
אֹפַ֣ןwheel(s) ofN m sg constr · אוֹפַן (H212)Direct object, constructאוֹפַן (H212) 'wheel'.
מַרְכְּבֹתָ֔יוtheir chariotsN f pl constr + 3ms suffix · מֶרְכָּבָה (H4818)Genitive complement of אֹפַןמֶרְכָּבָה (H4818) 'chariot'; a distinct lexeme from רֶכֶב used elsewhere in the chapter.
וַֽיְנַהֲגֵ֖הוּand drove it alongconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms suffix · נָהַג (H5090)Predicate verb (main clause), resultative→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, result of the sabotageנָהַג (H5090) Piel 'to drive, lead (a chariot/flock)'.
בִּכְבֵדֻ֑תwith heavinessprep בְּ + N f sg abs · כְּבֵדֻת (H3517)Adverbial prepositional phrase of mannerכְּבֵדֻת (H3517) 'heaviness'; cognate with כָּבֵד/כָּבוֹד, ironically echoing YHWH's 'getting glory' (כבד) in vv.4,17-18.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause), quotative frame→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
מִצְרַ֗יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Subjectthe Egyptians, collectively.
אָנ֨וּסָה֙let us fleeQal cohort 1cs · נוּס (H5127)Predicate verb, cohortative (direct quotation)→ Cohortative: self-exhortative volitional — panicked resolveנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'.
מִפְּנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep מִן + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, sourceפָּנִים (H6440).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the Egyptians' rationaleכִּי (H3588).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
נִלְחָ֥םis fightingNiphal ptc msg abs · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate participle (nominal clause)→ Participle: durative/present, describing YHWH's ongoing combatant roleלָחַם (H3898) Niphal 'to fight, wage war'; the Egyptians voice the narrator's own theological verdict (cf. v.14).
לָהֶ֖םfor themprep + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, beneficiary (dative of advantage)לְ 'for'.
בְּמִצְרָֽיִםagainst Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase, adversativeמִצְרַיִם (H4714).
26
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה נְטֵ֥ה אֶת יָדְךָ֖ עַל הַיָּ֑ם וְיָשֻׁ֤בוּ הַמַּ֨יִם֙ עַל מִצְרַ֔יִם עַל רִכְבּ֖וֹ וְעַל פָּרָשָֽׁיו
And YHWH said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and upon their horsemen.'
YHWH commands the mirror-image gesture of v.16, setting up the sea's return upon Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413).
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prep אֶלas above.
נְטֵ֥הstretch outQal impv 2ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb, imperative (main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandנָטָה (H5186).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יָדְךָ֖your handN com sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of נְטֵהיָד (H3027).
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
הַיָּ֑םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of עַליָם (H3220).
וְיָשֻׁ֤בוּthat they may returnconj וְ + Qal juss 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb, jussive/purpose clause→ Jussive: volitional/purposive resultשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the waters resume their natural state and course.
הַמַּ֨יִם֙the watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subjectמַיִם (H4325).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Object of עַלthe Egyptians.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
רִכְבּ֖וֹtheir chariotsN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֶכֶב (H7393)Object of עַל (collective singular for Egypt's chariotry)רֶכֶב (H7393).
וְעַלand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinate prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
פָּרָשָֽׁיוtheir horsemenN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Object of וְעַלפָּרָשׁ (H6571).
27
וַיֵּט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶת יָד֜וֹ עַל הַיָּ֗ם וַיָּ֨שָׁב הַיָּ֜ם לִפְנ֥וֹת בֹּ֨קֶר֙ לְאֵ֣יתָנ֔וֹ וּמִצְרַ֖יִם נָסִ֣ים לִקְרָאת֑וֹ וַיְנַעֵ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶת מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּֽם
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned, at the turning of morning, to its normal flow, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it; and YHWH shook off the Egyptians into the midst of the sea.
Moses' compliance triggers the sea's return at daybreak; the vivid verb וַיְנַעֵר ('shook off') pictures YHWH forcibly dislodging Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֵּט֩and stretched outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186).
מֹשֶׁ֨הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יָד֜וֹhis handN com sg constr + 3ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיֵּטיָד (H3027).
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
הַיָּ֗םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Object of עַליָם (H3220).
וַיָּ֨שָׁבand returnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, reversal of v.21שׁוּב (H7725).
הַיָּ֜םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Subjectיָם (H3220).
לִפְנ֥וֹתat the turning ofprep לְ + Qal inf constr · פָּנָה (H6437)Temporal infinitival phrase→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the precise dawn momentפָּנָה (H6437) Qal inf constr 'to turn'; idiom לִפְנוֹת בֹּקֶר 'at daybreak, as morning turned'.
בֹּ֨קֶר֙morningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Genitive complement of לִפְנוֹת (temporal construct phrase)בֹּקֶר (H1242).
לְאֵ֣יתָנ֔וֹto its normal stateprep לְ + adj com sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֵיתָן (H386)Prepositional phrase, complement of וַיָּשָׁב (goal/result)אֵיתָן (H386) 'perennial, ever-flowing, enduring'; the sea resumes its constant, steady state.
וּמִצְרַ֖יִםand the Egyptiansconj וְ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Subject of the following circumstantial participial clauseas above.
נָסִ֣יםwere fleeingQal ptc mpl abs · נוּס (H5127)Predicate participle (circumstantial clause)→ Participle: durative — ongoing panicked flight as the sea returnsנוּס (H5127).
לִקְרָאת֑וֹto meet itprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · קָרָא (H7125)Prepositional/infinitival phrase, directional (fleeing straight into the returning sea)→ Infinitive construct: directional, ironic — their flight brings them to encounter the very seaקָרָא (H7125) 'meeting'; inf constr with לְ, idiom 'toward, to meet'.
וַיְנַעֵ֧רand shook offconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · נָעַר (H5287)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the climactic overthrowנָעַר (H5287) Piel 'to shake off, shake out'; vivid image of YHWH shaking Egypt from the sea like debris from a garment.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Direct objectthe Egyptians.
בְּת֥וֹךְinto the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432).
הַיָּֽםthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement of בְּתוֹךְיָם (H3220).
28
וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ הַמַּ֗יִם וַיְכַסּ֤וּ אֶת הָרֶ֨כֶב֙ וְאֶת הַפָּ֣רָשִׁ֔ים לְכֹל֙ חֵ֣יל פַּרְעֹ֔ה הַבָּאִ֥ים אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם בַּיָּ֑ם לֹֽא נִשְׁאַ֥ר בָּהֶ֖ם עַד אֶחָֽד
And the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh's army that had come into the sea after them; not so much as one of them remained.
The totalizing formula לֹא נִשְׁאַר בָּהֶם עַד אֶחָד seals Egypt's annihilation, balancing the totalizing description of the pursuing force in v.7.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּand returnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725).
הַמַּ֗יִםthe watersart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subjectמַיִם (H4325).
וַיְכַסּ֤וּand coveredconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the fatal engulfingכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover, engulf'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
הָרֶ֨כֶב֙the chariotsart + N m sg abs · רֶכֶב (H7393)Direct objectרֶכֶב (H7393).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)coordinates הַפָּרָשִׁים.
הַפָּ֣רָשִׁ֔יםthe horsemenart + N m pl abs · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Coordinate direct objectפָּרָשׁ (H6571).
לְכֹל֙even all ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase in apposition, totalizing the preceding objectsכֹּל (H3605); לְ here has an appositional/explicative force, 'namely, all of...'.
חֵ֣ילthe army ofN m sg constr · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive-governing constructחַיִל (H2428).
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive complementas above.
הַבָּאִ֥יםthat had comeart + Qal ptc mpl abs · בּוֹא (H935)Attributive participle modifying חֵיל פַּרְעֹה→ Participle: durative, describing the army's prior advance into the seaבּוֹא (H935).
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖םafter themprep + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310).
בַּיָּ֑םinto the seaprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Prepositional phraseיָם (H3220).
לֹֽאnotneg part · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808).
נִשְׁאַ֥רremainedNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (main clause), negated→ Perfective (Niphal): negated completed state — total annihilationשָׁאַר (H7604) Niphal 'to remain, be left over'.
בָּהֶ֖םof themprep + 3mp suffix · בְּPrepositional phraseבְּ 'in, of, among'.
עַדup toprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase intensifying the negation (idiom 'not even one')עַד (H5704) 'unto, up to, even'.
אֶחָֽדonenumeral msg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Object of עַד, subject-complement of the negated clauseאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; idiom עַד אֶחָד 'not so much as a single one'.
29
וּבְנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל הָלְכ֥וּ בַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה בְּת֣וֹךְ הַיָּ֑ם וְהַמַּ֤יִם לָהֶם֙ חֹמָ֔ה מִֽימִינָ֖ם וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם
But the sons of Israel walked on dry ground through the midst of the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
A near-verbatim reprise of v.22 forms an inclusio, contrasting Israel's dry-ground safety with the drowning just narrated.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּבְנֵ֧יbut the sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, contrastive fronting (Israel's safety vs. Egypt's destruction in v.28)בֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complementas above.
הָלְכ֥וּwalkedQal perf 3cp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: summarizing, completed act, recapitulating vv.22,29 in triumphant retrospectהָלַךְ (H1980).
בַיַּבָּשָׁ֖הon dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)יַבָּשָׁה (H3004).
בְּת֣וֹךְthrough the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase of locationתָּוֶךְ (H8432).
הַיָּ֑םthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement of בְּתוֹךְיָם (H3220).
וְהַמַּ֤יִםand the watersconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of the following circumstantial clauseמַיִם (H4325).
לָהֶם֙to themprep + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of referenceלְ 'to, for'.
חֹמָ֔הa wallN f sg abs · חוֹמָה (H2346)Predicate noun of the circumstantial clauseחוֹמָה (H2346).
מִֽימִינָ֖םon their right handprep מִן + N f sg constr + 3mp suffix · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial prepositional phraseיָמִין (H3225).
וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽםand on their leftconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · שְׂמֹאל (H8040)Coordinate adverbial prepositional phraseשְׂמֹאל (H8040).
30
וַיּ֨וֹשַׁע יְהוָ֜ה בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֛וּא אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִיַּ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיַּ֤רְא יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת מִצְרַ֔יִם מֵ֖ת עַל שְׂפַ֥ת הַיָּֽם
Thus YHWH saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore of the sea.
The chapter's thesis (cf. v.13's יְשׁוּעַת יְהוָה) is realized and named outright: וַיּוֹשַׁע, YHWH's saving act, confirmed by the sight of the dead Egyptians.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיּ֨וֹשַׁעand savedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁע (H3467)Predicate verb (main clause), summarizing climax of the chapter→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, summary-resolutionיָשַׁע (H3467) Hiphil 'to save, deliver'; root of יְשׁוּעָה 'salvation' in v.13.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַה֛וּאthatart + indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative-adjectival modifier of בַּיּוֹםהוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun used demonstratively with the article, 'that (day)'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct objectas above.
מִיַּ֣דfrom the hand ofprep מִן + N com sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase, sourceיָד (H3027).
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרָיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of מִיַּדas above.
וַיַּ֤רְאand sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the visual confirmation of deliveranceרָאָה (H7200).
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Direct objectthe Egyptians.
מֵ֖תdeadQal ptc msg abs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate participle, complement of direct object (object complement, 'saw Egypt [as] dead')→ Participle: stative — the resulting state observedמוּת (H4191) Qal ptc 'dead, dying'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
שְׂפַ֥תshore ofN f sg constr · שָׂפָה (H8193)Genitive-governing constructשָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, edge, shore'.
הַיָּֽםthe seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive complement of שְׂפַתיָם (H3220).
31
וַיַּ֨רְא יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת הַיָּ֣ד הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ הָעָ֖ם אֶת יְהוָ֑ה וַיַּֽאֲמִ֨ינוּ֙ בַּֽיהוָ֔ה וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖ה עַבְדּֽוֹ
And Israel saw the great hand which YHWH did against the Egyptians, and the people feared YHWH, and they believed in YHWH and in his servant Moses.
The chapter closes on the people's fear of YHWH and belief in him and in Moses, resolving the crisis of confidence that opened at vv.10-12 and preparing for the Song of the Sea in ch.15.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיַּ֨רְאand sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectas above.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
הַיָּ֣דthe handart + N com sg abs · יָד (H3027)Direct objectיָד (H3027) 'hand'; here of God's mighty power/deed.
הַגְּדֹלָ֗הgreatart + adj fsg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הַיָּדגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, mighty'.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the relative clause modifying הַיָּדאֲשֶׁר (H834).
עָשָׂ֤הdidQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: completed, decisive actעָשָׂה (H6213).
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectas above.
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִםagainst Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Prepositional phrase, adversativeas above.
וַיִּֽירְא֥וּand fearedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the culminating response of reverenceיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853).
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct objectas above.
וַיַּֽאֲמִ֨ינוּ֙and they believedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb (main clause), climactic response→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance, the narrative's theological climaxאָמַן (H539) Hiphil 'to believe, trust, have faith in'; the chapter's — and the exodus deliverance's — culminating verb, echoing 4:1-9,31.
בַּֽיהוָ֔הin YHWHprep בְּ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional object of וַיַּאֲמִינוּas above.
וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖הand in Mosesconj וְ + prep בְּ + N proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Coordinate prepositional objectas above.
עַבְדּֽוֹhis servantN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Apposition to מֹשֶׁהעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; here honorific, of Moses as YHWH's chosen agent, vindicating his leadership after the people's complaints in vv.11-12.