1
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֵ֛ת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לֵאמֹֽר
And God spoke all these words, saying:
The narrator's frame verse; sets the entire chapter as one continuous divine utterance ('all these words'), establishing that vv.2-17 are direct quoted speech from God himself, not mediated through Moses.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive utterance opening the Decalogueדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel is the common stem for authoritative divine speech; the root also yields דָּבָר 'word' (cf. 'the ten words' below).
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּראֱלֹהִים (H430), the generic divine name/title used in the narrative frame (contrast יְהוָה in the direct address of v.2); plural of majesty.
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה as the definite direct object of דִּבֶּר.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַדְּבָרִים (quantifying)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; construct כָּל governs the following definite noun, totalizing 'all these words' — the whole Decalogue as one utterance.
הַדְּבָרִ֥יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Object of כָּל (construct chain)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here 'the Ten Words' (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים, Exod 34:28) — the traditional Hebrew name for the Decalogue derives from this root.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; with the article it functions as a definite attributive, pointing to the specific words that follow.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: marks the transition into quoted speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the standard formula opening direct quotation, here the very words of the covenant.
2
אָֽנֹכִ֖י יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ אֲשֶׁ֧ר הוֹצֵאתִ֛יךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים
I am YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
Opens the direct discourse with covenant self-identification and historical prologue, the standard opening of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties: the sovereign names himself and cites his prior gracious act before issuing any stipulation.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
אָֽנֹכִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject / predicate nominative (self-identification formula)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 1cs pronoun, the solemn form of self-presentation used in royal/covenant self-identification formulas (cf. ANE treaty preambles).
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate complement (divine name in apposition to אָנֹכִי)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant/personal name of Israel's God revealed at the burning bush (Exod 3:14-15); its use here (not אֱלֹהִים) grounds the commandments in the specific God of the exodus covenant.
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָyour GodN m pl constr + Sp2ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָה, specifying the covenant relationאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 2ms suffix 'your God'; the possessive pins the universal Creator (Gen 1) to a particular covenant people.
אֲשֶׁ֧רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) invariable relative particle, opening a relative clause of historical grounding.
הוֹצֵאתִ֛יךָbrought you outHiphil perf 1cs + Sp2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, foundational act of deliveranceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hiphil causative 'to bring out' — the exodus verb par excellence, the ground of covenant obligation.
מֵאֶ֥רֶץfrom the land ofprep מִן + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; construct with מִצְרַיִם, the source of the departure.
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive complement of אֶרֶץמִצְרַיִם (H4714), Egypt; the place of slavery, the negative counterpart to the freedom the commandments preserve.
מִבֵּ֥יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Adverbial prepositional phrase in apposition (restates source)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; בֵּית עֲבָדִים 'house of slaves' restates מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם for emphasis.
עֲבָדִֽיםslavesN m pl abs · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive complement of בֵּית (construct chain)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'slave, servant'; Israel's former status, which the Decalogue reverses into covenant service rather than coerced bondage.
3
לֹֽ֣א יִהְיֶֽה לְךָ֛ אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים עַל פָּנָֽיַ
You shall have no other gods before me.
The first commandment stands without a connective, as befits the foundational stipulation from which the others follow: exclusive loyalty to YHWH alone.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
לֹֽ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verb יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808) the plain negative; with yiqtol (rather than the jussive אַל) it forms the classic apodictic/durative prohibition of Israelite law — an enduring, categorical command, not an ad hoc one.
יִהְיֶֽהthere shall be / you shall haveQal yiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), negated by לֹא→ Yiqtol negated by לֹא: modal-durative prohibition — an enduring, categorical 'there shall never be'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, exist'; with לְךָ 'there shall be for you' = 'you shall have'; the existential verb prohibits the very existence of rival gods in Israel's life.
לְךָ֛for youprep לְ + Sp2ms · לDative of possession ('have')The לְ + suffix idiom of possession ('there is to you' = 'you have'); addressed to Israel corporately in the 2ms of covenant address.
אֱלֹהִ֥יםgodsN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of יִהְיֶהאֱלֹהִים (H430) here plural in sense, 'gods' — the rival deities of the nations.
אֲחֵרִ֖יםotheradj m pl abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying אֱלֹהִיםאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; qualifies אֱלֹהִים as any god other than YHWH — the root prohibition underlying Israelite monotheistic exclusivity.
עַלbefore / againstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (spatial/rank)עַל (H5921) 'upon, before, against'; עַל־פָּנַי idiomatically 'in my presence' or 'in my face' — either besides me or in defiance of me, an apt ambiguity.
פָּנָֽיַmy faceN c pl constr + Sp1cs · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face' (plural in form); no rival deity is to stand in YHWH's presence, coextensive with the whole life of the covenant people.
4
לֹֽ֣א תַֽעֲשֶׂ֨ה לְךָ֥ פֶ֨סֶל֙ וְכָל תְּמוּנָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר בַּשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ מִמַּ֔עַל וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּאָ֖רֶץ מִתָּ֑חַת וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּמַּ֖יִם מִתַּ֥חַת לָאָֽרֶץ
You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of what is in the heavens above, or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth.
A second, closely related prohibition against images; the threefold cosmic list (heavens/earth/water) totalizes creation to exclude any possible source for an idol.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
לֹֽ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verb תַעֲשֶׂה
תַֽעֲשֶׂ֨הyou shall makeQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol negated by לֹא: durative prohibition against ever fashioning an imageעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; here of manufacturing a cult object.
לְךָ֥for yourselfprep לְ + Sp2ms · לAdverbial (benefactive/reflexive)
פֶ֨סֶל֙a carved imageN m sg abs · פֶּסֶל (H6459)Direct object of תַעֲשֶׂהפֶּסֶל (H6459) 'carved/graven image', from פָּסַל 'to hew, carve'; any hand-fashioned cult statue, whatever its material.
וְכָלor anyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated construct governing תְּמוּנָה
תְּמוּנָ֔הlikenessN f sg abs · תְּמוּנָה (H8544)Genitive complement of כָּלתְּמוּנָה (H8544) 'form, likeness, representation'; broadens the prohibition beyond carved idols to any representational image of the divine, in any medium.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthat (is)relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying תְּמוּנָה
בַּשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙in the heavensprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Locative within the relative clause
מִמַּ֔עַלaboveprep מִן + adverb · מַעַל (H4605)Adverbial intensifier ('from above')מַעַל (H4605) 'above, upward'; specifies the heavenly sphere, the first of a threefold cosmic totalization.
וַאֲשֶׁ֥רor thatconj וְ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinated relative clause
בָּאָ֖רֶץon the earthprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative within the relative clause
מִתָּ֑חַתbeneathprep מִן + noun/adverb · תַחַת (H8478)Adverbial intensifier ('from beneath')תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; the second cosmic sphere, the visible earth.
וַאֲשֶׁ֥רor thatconj וְ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinated relative clause
בַּמַּ֖יִםin the waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Locative within the relative clauseמַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; the third cosmic sphere, completing heavens/earth/waters — the totality of creation is thereby excluded as a source for images (cf. Gen 1's threefold cosmography).
מִתַּ֥חַתunderprep מִן + prep · תַחַת (H8478)Adverbial intensifier
לָאָֽרֶץthe earthprep לְ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the compound preposition, specifying location
5
לֹֽא תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥ה לָהֶ֖ם וְלֹ֣א תָעָבְדֵ֑ם כִּ֣י אָֽנֹכִ֞י יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א פֹּ֠קֵד עֲוֺ֨ן אָבֹ֧ת עַל בָּנִ֛ים עַל שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל רִבֵּעִ֖ים לְשֹׂנְאָֽי
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, YHWH your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
כִּי introduces the ground for the image prohibition: YHWH's jealous character and his practice of generational reckoning — subordinate to the stipulation of vv.4-5a.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה
תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥הyou shall bow downHishtaphel/Hitpael impf 2ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Predicate verb (first of two parallel prohibitions)→ Yiqtol negated by לֹא: durative prohibition — no act of prostration, everשָׁחָה (H7812), historically a hishtaphel-type form ('bow down low, prostrate oneself'), the standard verb for worship-gesture before a deity or sovereign; forbids physical homage to images.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + Sp3mpIndirect object (the images of vv.4-5)
וְלֹ֣אnorconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinates the second prohibition
תָעָבְדֵ֑םserve themQal impf 2ms + Sp3mp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (second parallel prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition, paired with תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה — no gesture and no serviceעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, serve'; cultic service/worship here, distinct from the servitude of עֲבָדִים in v.2 — Israel left Pharaoh's service only to be forbidden the service of idols.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the motive clauseכִּי (H3588) causal 'for, because', grounding the prohibition in YHWH's own jealous character.
אָֽנֹכִ֞יIindependent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject, resumed emphatically from v.2אָנֹכִי (H595) repeats the self-identification of v.2, binding the jealousy clause back to the personal covenant God of the exodus.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Apposition to אָנֹכִי
אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙your GodN m pl constr + Sp2ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition, continuing the identification
אֵ֣לa GodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Predicate nominativeאֵל (H410) generic word for 'God/deity, mighty one'; paired with קַנָּא as predicate noun + adjective, 'a jealous God'.
קַנָּ֔אjealousadj m sg abs · קַנָּא (H7067)Attributive/predicate adjective modifying אֵלקַנָּא (H7067) 'jealous, zealous'; denotes the exclusive, ardent claim of a husband on a wife or suzerain on a vassal — YHWH tolerates no rival in the covenant relationship (cf. 34:14).
פֹּ֠קֵדvisitingQal ptc m sg abs · פָּקַד (H6485)Participle in apposition to אֵל קַנָּא (further characterizing YHWH)→ Participle: characteristic, ongoing action describing God's settled disposition toward covenant-breakersפָּקַד (H6485) 'to visit, attend to, reckon'; a judicial reckoning of guilt — YHWH's abiding pattern of moral bookkeeping across generations, not a single act.
עֲוֺ֨ןthe iniquity ofN (c) sg constr · עָוֹן (H5771)Direct object of פֹּקֵדעָוֹן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt', often carrying the sense of guilt's consequence too; the entail of sin extends into family and social structures.
אָבֹ֧תfathersN m pl abs · אָב (H1)Genitive complement of עֲוֺן (construct chain)אָב (H1) 'father'; plural 'fathers' names the originating generation whose guilt is in view.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the object of visitation
בָּנִ֛יםchildren/sonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition עַלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here general 'children/descendants' who inherit consequences (not the moral guilt itself, cf. Deut 24:16; Ezek 18) within the covenant community's shared life.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (parallel, distributive)
שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥יםthe third generationN m pl abs · שִׁלֵּשִׁים (H8029)Object of preposition עַלשִׁלֵּשִׁים (H8029) 'third generation'; marks the limited scope ('to the third') of the converse of covenant fidelity — judgment does not run indefinitely.
וְעַלand uponconj וְ + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase
רִבֵּעִ֖יםthe fourth generationN m pl abs · רִבֵּעִים (H7256)Object of preposition, parallel to שִׁלֵּשִׁיםרִבֵּעִים (H7256) 'fourth generation'; completes the fixed idiom 'third and fourth' (a living household's span) — sharply contrasted with the 'thousands' of v.6, showing mercy vastly outweighing judgment.
לְשֹׂנְאָֽיof those who hate meprep לְ + Qal ptc m pl constr + Sp1cs · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Genitive complement, defining who receives the visitation→ Substantival participle: describes an abiding class/disposition, 'haters', not one actשָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate'; substantival participle 'those who hate me' — the visitation falls on a persisting line of covenant hostility, i.e. continued idolatry, not innocent descendants per se.
6
וְעֹ֥שֶׂה חֶ֖סֶד לַאֲלָפִ֑ים לְאֹהֲבַ֖י וּלְשֹׁמְרֵ֥י מִצְוֺתָֽי
but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Balances the preceding judgment clause with a far larger scope of covenant mercy ('thousands' vs. 'three or four'), completing the motive clause begun in v.5.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְעֹ֥שֶׂהbut showing / doingconj וְ + Qal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Participle continuing the characterization of YHWH, contrastive with פֹּקֵד→ Participle: YHWH's habitual, characteristic disposition — mercy as the dominant, ongoing noteעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; עֹשֶׂה חֶסֶד 'one who shows חֶסֶד' balances פֹּקֵד of v.5 — its scope (thousands vs. 3-4 generations) shows YHWH's mercy vastly outweighing his judgment.
חֶ֖סֶדsteadfast loveN m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Direct object of עֹשֶׂהחֶסֶד (H2617) covenant loyalty/steadfast love, the central term for YHWH's faithful, gracious commitment; here its recipients number 'thousands' against 'three or four' for judgment.
לַאֲלָפִ֑יםto thousandsprep לְ + N (c) pl abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Prepositional phrase, recipient of חֶסֶדאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; likely 'a thousand generations' (cf. Deut 7:9), an open-ended, hyperbolic reach far surpassing the 'third and fourth' of judgment.
לְאֹהֲבַ֖יto those who love meprep לְ + Qal ptc m pl constr + Sp1cs · אָהֵב (H157)Prepositional phrase in apposition, defining the recipients→ Substantival participle: an abiding class defined by ongoing love/loyaltyאָהֵב (H157) 'to love'; in covenant contexts love denotes loyal allegiance, paired here with שֹׁמְרֵי מִצְוֹתָי as its practical expression.
וּלְשֹׁמְרֵ֥יand to those who keepconj וְ + prep לְ + Qal ptc m pl constr · שָׁמַר (H8104)Coordinated prepositional phrase, in apposition→ Substantival participle: a class characterized by ongoing observanceשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; loving YHWH is defined concretely as keeping his commandments — love and obedience are inseparable (cf. Deut 6:5; John 14:15).
מִצְוֺתָֽיmy commandmentsN f pl constr + Sp1cs · מִצְוָה (H4687)Direct object of שֹׁמְרֵימִצְוָה (H4687) 'commandment', from צוה 'to command'; the first explicit use of the term in the Decalogue, retroactively naming the preceding words as YHWH's מִצְוֺת.
7
לֹ֥א תִשָּׂ֛א אֶת שֵֽׁם יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לַשָּׁ֑וְא כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יְנַקֶּה֙ יְהוָ֔ה אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר יִשָּׂ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ לַשָּֽׁוְא
You shall not take up the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not leave unpunished the one who takes up his name in vain.
A new asyndetic stipulation, again reinforced by its own כִּי-clause naming the certain sanction — the only commandment besides the second to carry an explicit divine warning.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִשָּׂא
תִשָּׂ֛אyou shall lift up / take upQal impf 2ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition against any misuse, ongoingנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; נָשָׂא שֵׁם 'to lift up/bear the name' — broader than perjury alone: any invoking of YHWH's name in emptiness, falsehood, magic, or frivolous oath.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שֵֽׁםthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of תִשָּׂאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; in the ancient world a name carries the bearer's person and authority — invoking YHWH's name misappropriates his very presence and power.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + Sp2ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition
לַשָּׁ֑וְאin vain / for falsehoodprep לְ + N m sg abs · שָׁוְא (H7723)Adverbial prepositional phrase of mannerשָׁוְא (H7723) 'emptiness, vanity, falsehood'; covers false swearing, empty invocation, and use of the name for sorcery or deceit — the commandment guards the name's holiness across all these misuses.
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the sanction clause
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יְנַקֶּה
יְנַקֶּה֙will leave unpunishedPiel impf 3ms · נָקָה (H5352)Predicate verb of the sanction clause→ Yiqtol negated: emphatic future — a certain, standing divine guarantee of judgmentנָקָה (H5352) 'to be clean, free of guilt'; Piel 'to hold innocent, acquit'; לֹא יְנַקֶּה is a formulaic legal phrase (cf. 34:7) guaranteeing that this sin, alone among the Ten Words, carries an explicit sanction clause.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יְנַקֶּה
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker introducing the relative clause as object
אֲשֶׁרthe one who / whoeverrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause functioning as the object of יְנַקֶּה
יִשָּׂ֥אlifts up / takes upQal impf 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb within the relative clause→ Yiqtol: generic/habitual — 'whoever does (this)'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + Sp3ms · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of יִשָּׂא
לַשָּֽׁוְאin vain / for falsehoodprep לְ + N m sg abs · שָׁוְא (H7723)Adverbial prepositional phrase, repeating v.7a for emphasis
8
זָכ֛וֹר אֶת י֥וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת לְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Introduces the sabbath command with the infinitive-absolute imperative זָכוֹר, unpacked in the following three verses — an expansive, motivated commandment unlike the terser prohibitions.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
זָכ֛וֹרrememberQal inf abs (imperatival) · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate (infinitive absolute used as an imperative, main clause)→ Infinitive absolute as imperative: solemn, weighty, unconditional command — stronger/more formal than a plain imperativeזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the infinitive absolute standing for an imperative gives unusual solemnity — active, covenantal observance, not mere mental recall (contrast Deuteronomy's שָׁמוֹר, Deut 5:12).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
י֥וֹםthe day ofN m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Direct object of זָכוֹר (construct chain)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with הַשַּׁבָּת, 'the sabbath day' as a single sanctified unit of time.
הַשַּׁבָּ֖תthe sabbathart + N (c) sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Genitive complement of יוֹםשַׁבָּת (H7676) 'sabbath, cessation', from שָׁבַת 'to cease, rest'; the article assumes the institution already known from Exod 16 prior to Sinai.
לְקַדְּשֽׁוֹto sanctify it / keep it holyprep לְ + Piel inf constr + Sp3ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Purpose/result infinitive clause→ Infinitive construct: states the purpose of remembering — active consecration, not passive recollectionקָדַשׁ (H6942) 'to be holy, set apart'; Piel 'to sanctify, treat as holy'; the goal of remembering is to mark the day off from ordinary days as belonging to God.
9
שֵׁ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ תַּֽעֲבֹ֔ד וְעָשִׂ֖יתָ כָּל מְלַאכְתֶּֽךָ
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
Specifies the six permitted workdays before the negative sabbath command proper, framing rest as the counterpart to labor rather than idleness.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
שֵׁ֤שֶׁתsix (of)numeral m sg constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Adverbial accusative of time (construct with יָמִים)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; construct שֵׁשֶׁת governs יָמִים, 'six days' as a temporal accusative — the workweek framed by, and subordinate to, the seventh-day sabbath.
יָמִים֙daysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of שֵׁשֶׁת (temporal accusative phrase)
תַּֽעֲבֹ֔דyou shall laborQal impf 2ms · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: durative/habitual — the settled pattern of the workweekעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, labor, serve'; the same root used of Egyptian servitude (v.2) and cultic service (v.5) — labor is reframed within a God-given rhythm rather than unending toil.
וְעָשִׂ֖יתָand you shall doconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Weqatal continuing the imperatival force of תַּעֲבֹד→ Weqatal: consequential/continuing instruction, carrying imperatival force forwardעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; paired with עָבַד to cover the whole range of the six-day labor permitted (and expected).
כָּלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing מְלַאכְתֶּךָ
מְלַאכְתֶּֽךָyour workN f sg constr + Sp2ms · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Direct object of וְעָשִׂיתָ (construct chain with כָּל)מְלָאכָה (H4399) 'work, occupation, business'; distinct from עֲבֹדָה, denotes the full range of one's productive activity — 'all your work' left undone on the seventh day.
10
וְי֨וֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י שַׁבָּ֖ת לַיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ לֹֽ֣א תַעֲשֶׂ֨ה כָל מְלָאכָ֜ה אַתָּ֣ה וּבִנְךָֽ֣ וּבִתֶּ֗ךָ עַבְדְּךָ֤ וַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙ וּבְהֶמְתֶּ֔ךָ וְגֵרְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ
but the seventh day is a sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work — you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or your sojourner who is within your gates.
The sabbath prohibition proper, uniquely extended to every member of the household and even livestock and the resident alien — the most socially expansive stipulation in the Decalogue.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְי֨וֹם֙but the day ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Coordinated subject, contrastive with the six days
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔יthe seventhart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive, modifying יוֹםשְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh', from שֶׁבַע 'seven'; ties the weekly sabbath to the seven-day pattern of creation (v.11), not to a lunar or exodus cycle.
שַׁבָּ֖תa sabbathN (c) sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Predicate nominative
לַיהוָ֣הto/for YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, dative of possession/dedicationThe sabbath is 'to YHWH' — not merely a human holiday but a day dedicated to God himself, its ground in v.11 (his own rest) made explicit.
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָyour GodN m pl constr + Sp2ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָה
לֹֽ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תַעֲשֶׂה
תַעֲשֶׂ֨הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition — a standing weekly cessation, not a one-time act
כָלany/all (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing מְלָאכָה
מְלָאכָ֜הworkN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Direct object of תַעֲשֶׂה
אַתָּ֣הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Appositional subject, heading the list of household membersאַתָּה (H859) emphatic 2ms pronoun, resuming the addressee and opening the list of everyone bound by the command — the sabbath's scope extends the householder's rest to the whole household.
וּבִנְךָֽ֣and your sonconj וְ + N m sg constr + Sp2ms · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinated appositional subject
וּבִתֶּ֗ךָand your daughterconj וְ + N f sg constr + Sp2ms · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated appositional subjectבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; paired with בֵּן to name every child of the household, sons and daughters alike, among those granted sabbath rest.
עַבְדְּךָ֤your male servantN m sg constr + Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated appositional subjectעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; the sabbath rest is strikingly extended to household slaves — a social leveling recalling Israel's own former slavery (Deut 5:15) and limiting the master's claim on his servants' time.
וַאֲמָֽתְךָ֙and your female servantconj וְ + N f sg constr + Sp2ms · אָמָה (H519)Coordinated appositional subjectאָמָה (H519) 'maidservant, female slave'; paired with עֶבֶד to include female household servants explicitly in the sabbath rest.
וּבְהֶמְתֶּ֔ךָand your livestockconj וְ + N f sg constr + Sp2ms · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Coordinated appositional subjectבְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, livestock'; the sabbath's mercy reaches even to work-animals — an early witness to Torah's concern for animal welfare (cf. Deut 25:4).
וְגֵרְךָ֖and your sojournerconj וְ + N m sg constr + Sp2ms · גֵּר (H1616)Coordinated appositional subjectגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; the non-Israelite living among Israel is likewise granted sabbath rest — the day marks shared humanity, not ethnic privilege.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwho (is)relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying גֵּרְךָ
בִּשְׁעָרֶֽיךָwithin your gatesprep בְּ + N m pl constr + Sp2ms · שַׁעַר (H8179)Predicate locative within the relative clauseשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; idiomatic for the town/settlement itself ('within your gates' = 'in your towns/community').
11
כִּ֣י שֵֽׁשֶׁת יָמִים֩ עָשָׂ֨ה יְהוָ֜ה אֶת הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת הָאָ֗רֶץ אֶת הַיָּם֙ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר בָּ֔ם וַיָּ֖נַח בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֑י עַל כֵּ֗ן בֵּרַ֧ךְ יְהוָ֛ה אֶת י֥וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת וַֽיְקַדְּשֵֽׁהוּ
For in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day; therefore YHWH blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
Grounds the sabbath in creation (cf. Gen 2:1-3), the theological motive distinct from Deuteronomy's exodus/liberation motive (Deut 5:15) — a key crux between the two Decalogue recensions.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground of the sabbath commandכִּי (H3588) grounds the sabbath command in cosmology: creation itself, not the exodus, is the stated basis here (contrast Deut 5:15's exodus-ground) — two complementary motivations for one institution.
שֵֽׁשֶׁתsix (of)numeral m sg constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Adverbial accusative of time
יָמִים֩daysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement (temporal accusative phrase)
עָשָׂ֨הmadeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — creation as accomplished factעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; the verb of Genesis 1's creation refrain, deliberately echoed here to anchor the fourth word in the creation narrative.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Direct object (first of the created realms)
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
הָאָ֗רֶץthe earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (second realm, with שָׁמַיִם forming the Genesis 1 merism)
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיָּם֙the seaart + N m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Direct object (third realm, expanding beyond Gen 1's merism)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; its addition to the heavens-earth merism broadens the scope to all three cosmic domains, underscoring the totality of what YHWH rested from making.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing the relative clause אֲשֶׁר בָּם
אֲשֶׁרthat (is)relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying כָּל
בָּ֔םin themprep בְּ + Sp3mpPredicate locative within the relative clause
וַיָּ֖נַחand he restedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נוּחַ (H5117)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the narrative climax — rest following the completed work, the ground of the sabbath patternנוּחַ (H5117) 'to rest, settle down'; distinct from the anthropomorphic שָׁבַת of Gen 2:2-3, emphasizing repose/settling — God's contentment in a finished creation.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial prepositional phrase of time
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֑יthe seventhart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive, modifying יוֹם
עַלthereforeprep עַל (part of idiom) · עַל (H5921)Idiomatic preposition forming עַל־כֵּן with כֵּן
כֵּ֗ן(there)foreadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Completes the idiom עַל־כֵּן, introducing the resulting divine actכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל־כֵּן 'therefore' links a preceding cause (creation-rest) to a resulting institution (blessing/sanctifying the day) — the same formula used of the sabbath in Gen 2:3.
בֵּרַ֧ךְblessedPiel perf 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause, result)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — a once-for-all consecrating blessingבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel of divine blessing conferring favor and potency on the object — here the day itself, as in Gen 1's blessing of creatures.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
י֥וֹםthe day ofN m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Direct object (construct chain)
הַשַּׁבָּ֖תthe sabbathart + N (c) sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Genitive complement of יוֹם
וַֽיְקַדְּשֵֽׁהוּand sanctified itconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms + Sp3ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, second result verb→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence completing the pair 'blessed...and sanctified' — the twin acts establishing the sabbath's abiding sanctityקָדַשׁ (H6942) 'to be holy'; Piel 'to sanctify'; echoing Gen 2:3 verbatim, rooting Israel's weekly rest in God's own primordial rest — creation, not covenant history, is the stated ground here (contrast Deut 5:15).
12
כַּבֵּ֥ד אֶת אָבִ֖יךָ וְאֶת אִמֶּ֑ךָ לְמַ֨עַן֙ יַאֲרִכ֣וּן יָמֶ֔יךָ עַ֚ל הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that YHWH your God is giving you.
Transitional commandment bridging duties toward God (1-4) and duties toward neighbor (6-10); uniquely positive in form and carrying its own promise of blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
כַּבֵּ֥דhonorPiel impv 2ms · כָּבֵד (H3513)Predicate (imperative, main clause)→ Imperative: direct volitional commandכָּבֵד (H3513) 'to be heavy, honored'; Piel 'to honor, give weight to' — the first commandment addressed to human relationships, bridging duty to God (1-4) and duty to neighbor (6-10).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אָבִ֖יךָyour fatherN m sg constr + Sp2ms · אָב (H1)Direct object of כַּבֵּד
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
אִמֶּ֑ךָyour motherN f sg constr + Sp2ms · אֵם (H517)Coordinated direct objectאֵם (H517) 'mother'; named alongside אָב with equal grammatical weight — an unusual parity for the ancient Near East, where legal codes typically privilege the father.
לְמַ֨עַן֙so thatconjunction · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose/result clause markerלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that'; introduces the promised outcome — the only Decalogue command with an attached motive clause of blessing (cf. Eph 6:2-3).
יַאֲרִכ֣וּןmay be longHiphil impf 3mp (paragogic נ) · אָרַךְ (H748)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol/jussive-modal: a wished-for, contingent outcome — length of days as consequence of honor shownאָרַךְ (H748) 'to be long'; Hiphil 'to prolong'; יָמֶיךָ as subject, 'that your days may be prolonged' — a promise of stability tied to honoring parents.
יָמֶ֔יךָyour daysN m pl constr + Sp2ms · יוֹם (H3117)Subject of יַאֲרִיכוּן
עַ֚לupon/inprep · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase of place
הָאֲדָמָ֔הthe land/groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Object of preposition עַלאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, land, soil'; here the promised land — the same word underlying אָדָם 'humanity', tying human flourishing to the soil YHWH gives.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying הָאֲדָמָה
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the relative clause
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr + Sp2ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָה
נֹתֵ֥ןis givingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause (participle of ongoing/imminent action)→ Participle: an ongoing, imminent gift — the land-grant presented as a present reality, not a bare future eventנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the participle stresses the land as YHWH's continuing gift-in-progress, grounding the household ethic that follows in gratitude.
לָֽךְto youprep לְ + Sp2ms (pointed as if pausal 2fs) · לIndirect object of נֹתֵןThe suffix לָךְ is often pointed identically for 2ms in pause and true 2fs; the addressee here is unambiguously 2ms, as throughout the Decalogue.
13
לֹ֖א תִּרְצָֽח
You shall not murder.
The shortest command in the Decalogue — two words in Hebrew — protecting the sanctity of human life.
Word-by-word analysis· 2 words
לֹ֖אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִּרְצָח
תִּרְצָֽחyou shall murderQal impf 2ms · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate verb (main clause, apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated by לֹא: absolute, durative prohibition — the shortest, starkest of the Ten Wordsרָצַח (H7523) 'to murder, kill unlawfully'; distinct from הָרַג (kill generally) or הֵמִית (put to death judicially/in war) — specifically the unauthorized taking of human life, protecting the sanctity of human life as image-bearer (Gen 9:6).
14
לֹ֖א תִּנְאָֽף
You shall not commit adultery.
Protects the marriage bond; paired thematically with v.17's prohibition of coveting a neighbor's wife.
Word-by-word analysis· 2 words
לֹ֖אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִּנְאָף
תִּנְאָֽףyou shall commit adulteryQal impf 2ms · נָאַף (H5003)Predicate verb (main clause, apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: absolute, durative prohibitionנָאַף (H5003) 'to commit adultery'; sexual intercourse involving a married woman, violating the marriage bond and household integrity — grounds the tenth commandment's concern with coveting a neighbor's wife (v.17).
15
לֹ֖א תִּגְנֹֽב
You shall not steal.
Protects property; the terse, parallel form matches vv.13-14, forming a rapid-fire triad of two-word prohibitions.
Word-by-word analysis· 2 words
לֹ֖אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִּגְנֹב
תִּגְנֹֽבyou shall stealQal impf 2ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb (main clause, apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: absolute, durative prohibitionגָּנַב (H1589) 'to steal'; the unqualified object makes the command comprehensive — property theft, though Jewish tradition also reads it as covering kidnapping (cf. Exod 21:16).
16
לֹֽא תַעֲנֶ֥ה בְרֵעֲךָ֖ עֵ֥ד שָֽׁקֶר
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Protects truthful judicial process specifically, guarding the community's system of justice from perjury.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תַעֲנֶה
תַעֲנֶ֥הyou shall answer/testifyQal impf 2ms · עָנָה (H6030)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition, governing courtroom/testimonial speechעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond, testify'; the forensic sense of giving testimony — targets the judicial process specifically, not lying in general.
בְרֵעֲךָ֖against your neighborprep בְּ + N m sg constr + Sp2ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Adverbial prepositional phrase (adversative/forensic 'against')רֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, companion, fellow'; the recurring term binding commandments 8-10 to the shared life of the covenant community.
עֵ֥דwitness ofN m sg constr · עֵד (H5707)Adverbial accusative (predicate of manner, construct chain)עֵד (H5707) 'witness'; construct with שָׁקֶר, 'a witness of falsehood' = 'a false witness' — the concrete danger guarded against is judicial perjury with power to condemn the innocent.
שָֽׁקֶרfalseN m sg abs · שֶׁקֶר (H8267)Genitive complement of עֵדשֶׁקֶר (H8267) 'falsehood, deception, lie'; distinguishes malicious/deceptive testimony from an honest but mistaken witness, targeting deliberate perjury.
17
לֹ֥א תַחְמֹ֖ד בֵּ֣ית רֵעֶ֑ךָ לֹֽא תַחְמֹ֞ד אֵ֣שֶׁת רֵעֶ֗ךָ וְעַבְדּ֤וֹ וַאֲמָתוֹ֙ וְשׁוֹר֣וֹ וַחֲמֹר֔וֹ וְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְרֵעֶֽךָ
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Closes the Decalogue by turning from outward act to inward desire, itemizing the neighbor's household so the prohibition covers every kind of coveted object — the verse where Jewish, Reformed, and Lutheran/Catholic numbering schemes diverge most sharply (see chapter text_note).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the first תַחְמֹד
תַחְמֹ֖דyou shall covetQal impf 2ms · חָמַד (H2530)Predicate verb (main clause, first object)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition — reaching into the internal desire behind action, uniquely among the Ten Wordsחָמַד (H2530) 'to desire, covet'; unlike the preceding commandments (outward acts), this verb targets the inward longing that precedes and motivates theft, adultery, and violence — the Decalogue's final word moves from deed to heart (cf. Rom 7:7).
בֵּ֣יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Direct object of תַחְמֹד (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; here the household as a whole (dwelling, family, estate) — the comprehensive first object before the list is itemized.
רֵעֶ֑ךָyour neighborN m sg constr + Sp2ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitive complement of בֵּית
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second תַחְמֹד
תַחְמֹ֞דyou shall covetQal impf 2ms · חָמַד (H2530)Predicate verb (main clause, repeated for the itemized list)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition, restated to introduce the specific list
אֵ֣שֶׁתthe wife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of תַחְמֹד (first item of the list)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; her separation from the general 'house' of v.17a (contrast Deut 5:21's ordering) reflects the very crux over which the ninth/tenth commandments divide across traditions.
רֵעֶ֗ךָyour neighborN m sg constr + Sp2ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitive complement of אֵשֶׁת
וְעַבְדּ֤וֹor his male servantconj וְ + N m sg constr + Sp3ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated direct object
וַאֲמָתוֹ֙or his female servantconj וְ + N f sg constr + Sp3ms · אָמָה (H519)Coordinated direct objectאָמָה (H519) 'maidservant, female slave'; completing the pair with עֶבֶד among the neighbor's household members not to be coveted.
וְשׁוֹר֣וֹor his oxconj וְ + N m sg constr + Sp3ms · שׁוֹר (H7794)Coordinated direct objectשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; paired with חֲמוֹר as the two primary working animals of an agrarian household's economic base.
וַחֲמֹר֔וֹor his donkeyconj וְ + N (c) sg constr + Sp3ms · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Coordinated direct objectחֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; paired with שׁוֹר as the two staple working animals of an agrarian household.
וְכֹ֖לor anythingconj וְ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated direct object (summary/catch-all)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, anything'; the summary catch-all closing the list, generalizing the prohibition to the neighbor's entire estate.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthat (belongs)relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying כֹּל
לְרֵעֶֽךָto your neighbor / is your neighbor'sprep לְ + N m sg constr + Sp2ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Predicate of the relative clause (possession)
18
וְכָל הָעָם֩ רֹאִ֨ים אֶת הַקּוֹלֹ֜ת וְאֶת הַלַּפִּידִ֗ם וְאֵת֙ ק֣וֹל הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר וְאֶת הָהָ֖ר עָשֵׁ֑ן וַיַּ֤רְא הָעָם֙ וַיָּנֻ֔עוּ וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ מֵֽרָחֹֽק
Now all the people were perceiving the thunders and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and the people saw and trembled, and they stood far off.
The narrative frame resumes after the direct-speech Decalogue (vv.2-17), describing the people's terrified reaction to the ongoing theophany mediated to them through it.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְכָלand all (of)conj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated construct, subject of the participial clause
הָעָם֩the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of כָּל (construct chain); subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; here Israel collectively, witnessing the theophany as a single body — the whole nation, not a representative few, experiences the terror at Sinai.
רֹאִ֨יםwere seeing/perceivingQal ptc m pl abs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate participle (main clause, describing ongoing perception)→ Participle: vivid, ongoing perception — the scene unfolds durative before the eyes of the peopleרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; used synaesthetically of 'seeing' sounds (קוֹלֹת, קוֹל שֹׁפָר) as well as sights — a striking idiom conveying the overwhelming, all-encompassing sensory impact of the theophany.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַקּוֹלֹ֜תthe thundersart + N m pl abs · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object of רֹאִיםקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; plural 'thunders' — the same word rendered 'voice' of the trumpet/of God elsewhere, linking storm phenomena to divine speech.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
הַלַּפִּידִ֗םthe lightning flashes/torchesart + N m pl abs · לַפִּיד (H3940)Coordinated direct objectלַפִּיד (H3940) 'torch, flame, lightning flash'; recalls the 'flaming torch' of Gen 15:17, another theophanic covenant scene.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
ק֣וֹלthe sound ofN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object (construct chain)
הַשֹּׁפָ֔רthe trumpetart + N m sg abs · שׁוֹפָר (H7782)Genitive complement of קוֹלשׁוֹפָר (H7782) 'ram's horn trumpet'; a recurring element of the Sinai theophany (19:16, 19), later echoed in eschatological trumpet imagery (Joel 2:1; 1 Cor 15:52).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
הָהָ֖רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Direct objectהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; Sinai/Horeb itself, the site of the theophany, here personified as smoking like a furnace (cf. 19:18).
עָשֵׁ֑ןsmokingadj m sg abs · עָשֵׁן (H6226)Predicate adjective describing הָהָר (object-complement)עָשֵׁן (H6226) 'smoking'; recalls the furnace-like theophany of 19:18, a visible, tangible sign of the divine presence's fiery holiness.
וַיַּ֤רְאand sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause resumes)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the people's reaction now narrated in sequence
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיַּרְא
וַיָּנֻ֔עוּand they trembled/shookQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נוּעַ (H5128)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — the physical, involuntary reaction of terrorנוּעַ (H5128) 'to shake, quiver, wander'; here of trembling in fear before the theophany, a visceral bodily response to the overwhelming divine presence.
וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּand they stoodQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — the resulting posture of the terrified peopleעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; they stand at a fearful distance rather than approach, a marked contrast with Moses' 'drawing near' in v.21.
מֵֽרָחֹֽקfar offprep מִן + adj m sg abs · רָחוֹק (H7350)Adverbial prepositional phrase of placeרָחוֹק (H7350) 'far, distant'; the people's physical distance embodies the psychological/spiritual gulf the theophany opens, which the ensuing mediatorial request (v.19) seeks to bridge through Moses.
19
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה דַּבֵּר אַתָּ֥ה עִמָּ֖נוּ וְנִשְׁמָ֑עָה וְאַל יְדַבֵּ֥ר עִמָּ֛נוּ אֱלֹהִ֖ים פֶּן נָמֽוּת
And they said to Moses, 'You speak with us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak with us, lest we die.'
The people's fear (v.18) issues in a formal request for mediation — the narrative moment establishing Moses' unique prophetic-mediatorial office for the remainder of the book.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙and they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — introduces the people's direct request
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the covenant mediator whose role is here formally requested and confirmed by the people themselves — the pivot to the mediated giving of the rest of the law (chs.21-23).
דַּבֵּרspeakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate imperative (main clause of direct speech)→ Imperative: direct volitional request
אַתָּ֥הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Emphatic subject, resuming/stressing the imperative's addresseeאַתָּה (H859) emphatic, contrastively stresses 'you (Moses) — not God directly' as the desired speaker.
עִמָּ֖נוּwith usprep עִם + Sp1cp · עִם (H5973)Adverbial prepositional phrase (accompaniment)
וְנִשְׁמָ֑עָהand we will listen/hearconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Cohortative expressing the people's resolve→ Cohortative: self-directed volition — the people commit themselves to hearing/obeying if Moses mediatesשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; the cohortative signals the people's own resolve — they will hear and heed a mediated word, just not the direct voice of God.
וְאַלbut let notconj וְ + negative particle · אַל (H408)Negates the following jussiveאַל (H408) the jussive negative, distinct from the durative לֹא of the Decalogue's prohibitions — here a specific, occasion-bound plea rather than a standing legal prohibition.
יְדַבֵּ֥רlet ... speakPiel jussive 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (negated jussive, main clause)→ Jussive negated by אַל: an urgent, situation-specific request/wish, not a timeless prohibition
עִמָּ֛נוּwith usprep עִם + Sp1cp · עִם (H5973)Adverbial prepositional phrase
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of יְדַבֵּר
פֶּןlestconjunction · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose clause markerפֶּן (H6435) 'lest, so that not'; introduces the feared consequence motivating the request — direct, unmediated divine speech is perceived as lethal danger.
נָמֽוּתwe dieQal impf 1cp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the פֶּן-clause→ Yiqtol: potential/feared future outcomeמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the people's visceral fear that unmediated exposure to the divine voice is fatal (cf. 19:21; Deut 5:24-27; Isa 6:5).
20
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל הָעָם֮ אַל תִּירָאוּ֒ כִּ֗י לְבַֽעֲבוּר֙ נַסּ֣וֹת אֶתְכֶ֔ם בָּ֖א הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וּבַעֲב֗וּר תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛וֹ עַל פְּנֵיכֶ֖ם לְבִלְתִּ֥י תֶחֱטָֽאוּ
And Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear, for God has come in order to test you, and so that his fear may be before your faces, so that you may not sin.'
Moses reframes the terrifying theophany with a purpose clause: not to destroy but to instill lasting reverence as a safeguard against sin — an early instance of 'fear of the LORD' as pedagogical rather than merely punitive.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — Moses' reassuring reply
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
הָעָם֮the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition אֶל
אַלdo notnegative particle (jussive) · אַל (H408)Negates the following jussive
תִּירָאוּ֒fearQal jussive 2mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (negated jussive, main clause)→ Jussive negated by אַל: an immediate, situation-specific exhortation — 'do not be afraid right now', not a timeless legal prohibitionיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; Moses' reassurance plays on the same root recurring in v.20b (יִרְאָתוֹ) — the goal is not the absence of all fear but the replacement of terror with reverent 'fear of God'.
כִּ֗יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing Moses' explanation
לְבַֽעֲבוּר֙in order toprep לְ + prep בַּעֲבוּר · בַּעֲבוּר (H5668)Purpose clause marker introducing the infinitive נַסּוֹתבַּעֲבוּר (H5668) 'for the sake of, in order to'; a purpose-marking compound preposition, explaining the theophany's pedagogical aim.
נַסּ֣וֹתto testPiel inf constr · נָסָה (H5254)Infinitive construct, object of the purpose preposition→ Infinitive construct: states the purpose of God's coming — a testing/proving, not a punitive intentנָסָה (H5254) 'to test, try, prove'; the terrifying theophany serves a formative purpose — testing whether Israel's fear will produce lasting reverence and obedience (cf. Deut 8:2).
אֶתְכֶ֔םyouobj marker + Sp2mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of נַסּוֹת
בָּ֖אhas comeQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, cause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the theophany as an accomplished divine visitationבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; God's dramatic 'coming' at Sinai is itself the theophanic event that has just terrified the people.
הָאֱלֹהִ֑יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of בָּא
וּבַעֲב֗וּרand so thatconj וְ + prep בַּעֲבוּר · בַּעֲבוּר (H5668)Coordinated purpose clause marker
תִּהְיֶ֧הmay beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the second purpose clause→ Yiqtol/modal: purposed, desired outcome
יִרְאָת֛וֹhis fear (of him)N f sg constr + Sp3ms · יִרְאָה (H3374)Subject of תִּהְיֶהיִרְאָה (H3374) 'fear, reverence, awe'; the abiding, positive 'fear of God' the theophany is designed to instill — the pedagogical goal of covenant reverence, not paralysis.
עַלupon/beforeprep · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase
פְּנֵיכֶ֖םyour facesN c pl constr + Sp2mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; עַל־פְּנֵיכֶם idiomatically 'ever before you, constantly in your awareness' — the reverence is meant to be a permanent, guiding disposition.
לְבִלְתִּ֥יso that ... notprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose/result clause markerבִּלְתִּי (H1115) negative particle forming a final/result clause 'so as not to' — the ultimate practical goal of instilled reverence: avoiding sin.
תֶחֱטָֽאוּyou may sinQal impf 2mp · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the negative purpose clause→ Yiqtol: potential/purposed outcome, negated by the preceding לְבִלְתִּיחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; the stated telos of the whole terrifying spectacle — reverent fear as a moral safeguard against transgressing the commandments just given.
21
וַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד הָעָ֖ם מֵרָחֹ֑ק וּמֹשֶׁה֙ נִגַּ֣שׁ אֶל הָֽעֲרָפֶ֔ל אֲשֶׁר שָׁ֖ם הָאֱלֹהִֽים
And the people stood far off, but Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
A summary verse contrasting the people's distance with Moses' approach, visually staging the mediator's unique access and preparing for the direct legislative dictation that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּעֲמֹ֥דand stoodQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — resuming/restating the people's posture from v.18
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject
מֵרָחֹ֑קfar offprep מִן + adj m sg abs · רָחוֹק (H7350)Adverbial prepositional phrase of place
וּמֹשֶׁה֙but Mosesconj וְ + proper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Coordinated/contrastive subjectThe conjunction here functions adversatively ('but Moses') — the mediator's action is set in sharp relief against the people's retreat, embodying his unique access to God on the people's behalf.
נִגַּ֣שׁdrew nearNiphal perf 3ms · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb (contrastive main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of approach, contrasting with the people's standing at a distanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to draw near, approach'; Niphal functions as a tolerative/reflexive middle ('brought himself near'), marking Moses' unique mediatorial approach into the very darkness that terrifies everyone else.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, goal of נִגַּשׁ
הָֽעֲרָפֶ֔לthe thick darknessart + N m sg abs · עֲרָפֶל (H6205)Object of preposition אֶלעֲרָפֶל (H6205) 'thick/heavy darkness, cloud-gloom'; used elsewhere of the storm-cloud enveloping the divine presence (Deut 4:11; 5:22; 1 Kgs 8:12) — darkness here signifies concealment of glory too intense to view directly, not absence of God.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying הָעֲרָפֶל
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial predicate within the relative clause
הָאֱלֹהִֽיםGod (was)art + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of the (verbless) relative clause
22
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֹּ֥ה תֹאמַ֖ר אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אַתֶּ֣ם רְאִיתֶ֔ם כִּ֚י מִן הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי עִמָּכֶֽם
And YHWH said to Moses, 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: You yourselves have seen that I have spoken with you from heaven.'
A fresh divine speech to Moses opens the legal appendix (vv.22-26), formally commissioned by the messenger formula כֹּה תֹאמַר and grounded in the people's own eyewitness experience of vv.18-21.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded advance — introduces YHWH's transitional address to Moses
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶל
כֹּ֥הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial marker introducing a messenger-formula commandכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; כֹּה תֹאמַר is the classic messenger formula ('thus you shall say'), formally commissioning Moses to relay the following words — the theophany transitions here into the case-law body delivered through the mediator.
תֹאמַ֖רyou shall sayQal impf 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, commissioning imperative force)→ Yiqtol: instructional/imperatival — a directive for Moses' coming task
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition (construct chain)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people's name, from the patriarch Jacob (Gen 32:28); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'the children/sons of Israel' is the standing designation of the nation as a whole.
אַתֶּ֣םyou (yourselves)independent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject of רְאִיתֶםאַתֶּם (H859) emphatic 2mp pronoun, stressing the people's own direct experience as eyewitnesses — no secondhand report, they themselves 'have seen'.
רְאִיתֶ֔םyou have seenQal perf 2mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, experienced fact — the people's own recent witness of the theophany
כִּ֚יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the content clause of רְאִיתֶם
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Adverbial prepositional phrase of source
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִםheavenart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of preposition מִןשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heaven(s)'; God's speaking 'from heaven' stands in tension/complementarity with the mountain-theophany imagery of chs.19-20 — later tradition (Deut 4:36) explains the mountain fire as itself the vehicle of heavenly speech.
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּיI have spokenPiel perf 1cs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of direct divine communication
עִמָּכֶֽםwith youprep עִם + Sp2mp · עִם (H5973)Adverbial prepositional phrase (accompaniment)
23
לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּן אִתִּ֑י אֱלֹ֤הֵי כֶ֨סֶף֙ וֵאלֹהֵ֣י זָהָ֔ב לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּ לָכֶֽם
You shall not make gods of silver alongside me, nor shall you make for yourselves gods of gold.
Directly reapplies the second commandment's principle (v.4) in light of the theophany just witnessed — an anticipatory rebuke of the golden calf episode soon to follow (ch.32).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the first תַעֲשׂוּן
תַעֲשׂ֖וּןyou shall makeQal impf 2mp (paragogic נ) · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol negated: durative/emphatic prohibition; the paragogic נ lends a solemn, heightened toneעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; the paragogic נ intensifies the prohibition — echoing and reapplying the second commandment (v.4) directly after the theophany that has just proven YHWH's reality beyond any need for an image.
אִתִּ֑יbesides me / with meprep אֵת + Sp1cs · אֵת/אִתִּי (H854)Adverbial prepositional phraseH854 אֵת 'with'; אִתִּי here means 'to rank alongside me' — forbidding any rival image set up in tandem with, not merely instead of, YHWH's worship.
אֱלֹ֤הֵיgods ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of תַעֲשׂוּן (construct chain)
כֶ֨סֶף֙silverN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive complement of אֱלֹהֵיכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; naming the material anticipates and forbids the silver/gold idol-casting Israel will shortly commit with the golden calf (Exod 32).
וֵאלֹהֵ֣יand gods ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Coordinated direct object
זָהָ֔בgoldN m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Genitive complement of אֱלֹהֵיזָהָב (H2091) 'gold'; paired with כֶּסֶף to cover the two precious metals used for cult images — grimly proleptic of the golden calf two chapters later.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second תַעֲשׂוּ
תַעֲשׂ֖וּyou shall makeQal impf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, restated without paragogic נ)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition, restating and closing the ring around the verse
לָכֶֽםfor yourselvesprep לְ + Sp2mpAdverbial prepositional phrase (benefactive/reflexive)
24
מִזְבַּ֣ח אֲדָמָה֮ תַּעֲשֶׂה לִּי֒ וְזָבַחְתָּ֣ עָלָ֗יו אֶת עֹלֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ וְאֶת שְׁלָמֶ֔יךָ אֶת צֹֽאנְךָ֖ וְאֶת בְּקָרֶ֑ךָ בְּכָל הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת שְׁמִ֔י אָב֥וֹא אֵלֶ֖יךָ וּבֵרַכְתִּֽיךָ
An altar of earth you shall make for me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.
Pivots from prohibition (v.23) to positive legislation: the simple earthen altar and the promise of divine presence and blessing wherever YHWH's name is invoked — the theological seed later regulated by centralization in Deuteronomy 12.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
מִזְבַּ֣חan altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of תַּעֲשֶׂה, fronted for emphasis (construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; its fronting before the verb highlights the topic shift from ethical stipulation to cultic instruction.
אֲדָמָה֮earthN f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Genitive complement of מִזְבַּחאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, earth, soil'; an altar of plain, unworked earth (or sod/turf) contrasts with elaborate temple architecture — cultic simplicity fitting Israel's wilderness, pre-tabernacle stage.
תַּעֲשֶׂהyou shall makeQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: instructional/commanding — an authoritative directive rather than a bare prohibition
לִּי֒for meprep לְ + Sp1csAdverbial prepositional phrase (benefactive/dative)
וְזָבַחְתָּ֣and you shall sacrificeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · זָבַח (H2076)Weqatal continuing the imperatival force→ Weqatal: consequential instruction, continuing the command sequenceזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; the verbal root behind מִזְבֵּחַ, naming the altar's very purpose.
עָלָ֗יוon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֹלֹתֶ֨יךָ֙your burnt offeringsN f pl constr + Sp2ms · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct object of וְזָבַחְתָּעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', from עָלָה 'to go up' (the whole offering ascends in smoke); wholly given to God, none retained by the offerer.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
שְׁלָמֶ֔יךָyour peace offeringsN m pl constr + Sp2ms · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Coordinated direct objectשֶׁלֶם (H8002) 'peace/fellowship offering', from שָׁלוֹם; a communal sacrifice shared between altar, priest, and offerer, celebrating covenant well-being.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
צֹֽאנְךָ֖your sheep/flockN (c) sg constr + Sp2ms · צֹאן (H6629)Coordinated direct object (specifying the animals)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats' (collective); paired with בָּקָר to name the two main categories of sacrificial livestock.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinated direct-object marker
בְּקָרֶ֑ךָyour oxen/cattleN (c) sg constr + Sp2ms · בָּקָר (H1241)Coordinated direct objectבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd' (collective); paired with צֹאן to complete the range of acceptable sacrificial animals.
בְּכָלin everyprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (construct chain)
הַמָּקוֹם֙the placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive complement of כָּלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the promise of divine presence 'in every place' where the name is invoked stands in creative tension with the later centralization of worship at one sanctuary (Deut 12) — a classic canonical crux.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause modifying הַמָּקוֹם
אַזְכִּ֣ירI cause to be rememberedHiphil impf 1cs · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/habitual — YHWH's ongoing self-disclosure of his name at each such altarזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; Hiphil 'cause to be remembered/invoked' — God himself, not the worshiper, determines where his name is proclaimed, echoing זָכוֹר of the sabbath command (v.8) with the same root.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמִ֔יmy nameN m sg constr + Sp1cs · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of אַזְכִּיר
אָב֥וֹאI will comeQal impf 1cs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol: promised future action — a gracious divine visitation contingent on the preceding relative clause
אֵלֶ֖יךָto youprep אֶל + Sp2ms · אֶל (H413)Adverbial prepositional phrase (goal)
וּבֵרַכְתִּֽיךָand I will bless youconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs + Sp2ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Weqatal continuing the promise (apodosis)→ Weqatal: promised, consequential future action completing the divine pledgeבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; the same root closing the sabbath unit (v.11), now closing the altar law — worship rightly offered brings YHWH's presence and blessing.
25
וְאִם מִזְבַּ֤ח אֲבָנִים֙ תַּֽעֲשֶׂה לִּ֔י לֹֽא תִבְנֶ֥ה אֶתְהֶ֖ן גָּזִ֑ית כִּ֧י חַרְבְּךָ֛ הֵנַ֥פְתָּ עָלֶ֖יהָ וַתְּחַֽלְלֶֽהָ
And if you make me an altar of stones, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you profane it.
A conditional/case-law elaboration of v.24's altar instruction, specifying the alternative stone-altar material and its manner-restriction — the first sustained casuistic ('if...then') law in the book, transitioning toward the Covenant Code of chs.21-23.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Introduces a conditional clause (protasis)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces a casuistic (case-law) conditional, the standard form of Israelite legal instruction, in contrast to the apodictic 'you shall/shall not' of the Decalogue itself.
מִזְבַּ֤חan altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of תַּעֲשֶׂה (construct chain)
אֲבָנִים֙stonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Genitive complement of מִזְבַּחאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the alternative altar material to the אֲדָמָה of v.24 — both share the requirement of natural, unworked simplicity.
תַּֽעֲשֶׂהyou makeQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (protasis of the conditional)→ Yiqtol: conditional/hypothetical action
לִּ֔יfor meprep לְ + Sp1csAdverbial prepositional phrase (benefactive)
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִבְנֶה
תִבְנֶ֥הyou shall buildQal impf 2ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (apodosis, main prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition specifying the manner of constructionבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the specific manner-restriction (no hewn stone) governs how, not whether, a stone altar may be made.
אֶתְהֶ֖ןthemobj marker + Sp3fp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of תִבְנֶה
גָּזִ֑יתhewn stoneN f sg abs · גָּזִית (H1496)Adverbial accusative of material/mannerגָּזִית (H1496) 'hewn/dressed stone', from גָּזָה 'to cut, hew'; forbidding tool-worked stone preserves the altar's natural, unadorned character — avoiding the idolatrous artistry of pagan cult objects or the intrusion of human craftsmanship's pride into a place of divine encounter.
כִּ֧יfor/becauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationale
חַרְבְּךָ֛your tool/swordN f sg constr + Sp2ms · חֶרֶב (H2719)Subject of הֵנַפְתָּ (fronted for emphasis)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword, blade, chisel-tool'; here a metal cutting implement used to dress stone, the same word ordinarily meaning 'sword' — the same instrument of violence should not touch the place of atonement.
הֵנַ֥פְתָּyou wield/waveHiphil perf 2ms · נוּף (H5130)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective (conditional/generic use): a hypothetical completed act — 'if/when you have wielded'נוּף (H5130) 'to swing, wave, brandish'; Hiphil of tool-use on the stone — the very motion of striking/carving the altar-stone would desecrate it.
עָלֶ֖יהָupon itprep עַל + Sp3fs · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)
וַתְּחַֽלְלֶֽהָand you profane itconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 2ms + Sp3fs · חָלַל (H2490)Wayyiqtol expressing consequential result within the casuistic clause→ Wayyiqtol (consequential use): the immediate, certain result of using a chisel on the altar-stoneחָלַל (H2490) 'to profane, defile, treat as common'; Piel 'to make profane' — turning the tool-marked stone from sacred to ordinary, voiding its fitness for sacrifice.
26
וְלֹֽא תַעֲלֶ֥ה בְמַעֲלֹ֖ת עַֽל מִזְבְּחִ֑י אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹֽא תִגָּלֶ֥ה עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ עָלָֽיו
And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, so that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.
Closes the altar law (and the chapter) with a final restriction on the manner of approach, guarding priestly modesty and, implicitly, distinguishing Israelite worship from the eroticized cultic practices of the surrounding nations.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְלֹֽאand ... notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verb
תַעֲלֶ֥הyou shall go upQal impf 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause prohibition)→ Yiqtol negated: durative prohibition governing the manner of approach to the altarעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the same root underlying עֹלָה 'burnt offering' (v.24) — the manner of physical ascent to the altar is itself regulated.
בְמַעֲלֹ֖תby stepsprep בְּ + N f pl abs · מַעֲלָה (H4609)Adverbial prepositional phrase of means/mannerמַעֲלָה (H4609) 'step, stair, ascent', from עָלָה; forbidding stepped approach (contrast the later Temple's ramp, per tradition) closes the altar law with a concern for priestly modesty anticipating the linen undergarments later prescribed for priests.
עַֽלto/uponprep · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase (goal)
מִזְבְּחִ֑יmy altarN m sg constr + Sp1cs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition עַל
אֲשֶׁ֛רso thatrelative/result particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Introduces a result/purpose clause explaining the prohibition's rationale
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִגָּלֶה
תִגָּלֶ֥הmay be exposed/uncoveredNiphal impf 3fs · גָּלָה (H1540)Predicate verb (result clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (Niphal, negated): durative/potential passive — a possible, undesired exposure to be preventedגָּלָה (H1540) 'to uncover, reveal, go into exile'; Niphal passive 'be exposed/uncovered' — the concrete concern is avoiding the immodesty (and, by extension, the eroticized cultic practices of surrounding nations) that a stepped, elevated altar-ascent in a simple garment would risk.
עֶרְוָתְךָ֖your nakednessN f sg constr + Sp2ms · עֶרְוָה (H6172)Subject of תִגָּלֶהעֶרְוָה (H6172) 'nakedness, genitals, shame'; the same term used throughout the purity/holiness legislation (Lev 18, 20) for forbidden sexual exposure — ties the altar law to the broader biblical concern that worship guard against Canaanite-style eroticized cultic practice.
עָלָֽיוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locative)