1
אִם בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶת יִמָּצֵ֥א הַגַּנָּ֖ב וְהֻכָּ֣ה וָמֵ֑ת אֵ֥ין ל֖וֹ דָּמִֽים
If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there is no bloodguilt for him.
Opens the chapter's second theft case (continuing directly from the ox/sheep theft law at the end of ch.21) with the standard אִם-protasis; the apodosis exempts the householder from bloodguilt when a night-breaking thief is killed in the act — darkness makes the thief's intent, and the risk to the householder, unverifiable.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerאִם (H518) 'if', hypothetical particle opening the casuistic protasis.
בַּמַּחְתֶּ֛רֶתbreaking inprep בִמ + N f sg abs · מַחְתֶּרֶת (H4290)Circumstantial/temporal prepositional phraseמַחְתֶרֶת (H4290) 'a breaking-in, tunneling', from חתר 'to dig through (a wall)'; denotes night burglary.
יִמָּצֵ֥אis caughtNiphal impf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol (Niphal, passive): the general/gnomic 'is found/caught' of casuistic lawמָצָא (H4672) Niphal 'to be found, caught (in the act)'; passive of the active 'find', a forensic idiom.
הַגַּנָּ֖בthe thiefart + N m sg abs · גַנָּב (H1590)Subject of יִמָּצֵאגַנָּב (H1590) 'thief', agent noun from גנב 'to steal'.
וְהֻכָּ֣הand is struckconj וְ + Hophal perf 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb, coordinate (apodosis-opening)→ Perfective (Hophal passive): a completed passive blowנָכָה (H5221) Hophal 'to be struck down'; the householder's blow against the intruder.
וָמֵ֑תand he diesconj וָ + Qal perf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb, coordinate (resultant)→ Perfective: the resulting, completed deathמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; consecutive result of the blow.
אֵ֥יןthere is notnegative existential particle · אֵין (H369)Predicate of negative existential clause (apodosis)אֵין (H369), negative existential particle 'there is not/no'; here rules out legal liability.
ל֖וֹto/for himprep לְ + Sp3msDative complement of אֵין (possessor)preposition לְ + 3ms suffix, marking the party to whom bloodguilt would (not) attach — the killer.
דָּמִֽיםbloodguiltN m pl abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of the existential clauseדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; plural דָּמִים is the technical legal term for 'bloodguilt, culpability for bloodshed'.
2
אִם זָרְחָ֥ה הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ עָלָ֖יו דָּמִ֣ים ל֑וֹ שַׁלֵּ֣ם יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם אִם אֵ֣ין ל֔וֹ וְנִמְכַּ֖ר בִּגְנֵבָתֽוֹ
If the sun has risen on him, there is bloodguilt for him. He shall surely make restitution; if he has nothing, he shall be sold for his theft.
Reverses the ruling of v.1 by changing only the time: daylight removes the killer's excuse, making him liable for bloodguilt; the verse then supplies the ordinary civil remedy — restitution, or sale into debt-slavery if insolvent — as the true penalty replacing killing.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis marker (new sub-case)H518 'if'.
זָרְחָ֥הhas risenQal perf 3fs · זָרַח (H2224)Predicate verb of protasis→ Perfective: a completed state reached ('once the sun is up')זָרַח (H2224) 'to rise, shine' (of heavenly bodies); marks daylight, when the intruder is visible and lethal force unjustified.
הַשֶּׁ֛מֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶמֶש (H8121)Subject of זָרְחָהשֶמֶש (H8121) 'sun'; common gender noun, subject of the temporal clause.
עָלָ֖יוupon himprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Adverbial complement (locative, 'on him')preposition עַל + 3ms suffix, 'upon him'; idiom for daybreak catching the thief.
דָּמִ֣יםbloodguiltN m pl abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of implied existential clause (apodosis)דָּם (H1818); pl. 'bloodguilt' — here affirmed, in contrast to v.1's denial.
ל֑וֹto/for himprep לְ+Sp3msDative complement ('for him')marks the killer as liable in daylight.
שַׁלֵּ֣םhe shall surelyPiel inf abs · שָלֵם (H7999)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic: intensifies certainty of the obligationשָלֵם (H7999) Piel 'to complete, repay, make whole'; inf. abs. + finite verb is the classic Hebrew emphatic construction, 'shall surely repay'.
יְשַׁלֵּ֔םmake restitutionPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (apodosis, main obligation)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/modal obligation, 'he must repay'שָלֵם (H7999) Piel impf, paired with the infinitive absolute for emphasis; the base restitution rule.
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (embedded sub-case)H518, introduces the debtor's-insolvency contingency.
אֵ֣יןthere is notnegative existential particle · אֵין (H369)Predicate of negative existential clauseH369 'there is not', i.e. he has no means to pay.
ל֔וֹto/for himprep לְ+Sp3msDative complement (possession, 'he has [nothing]')marks the insolvent thief.
וְנִמְכַּ֖רthen he shall be soldconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3ms · מָכַר (H4376)Predicate verb, apodosis of embedded condition→ Weqatal: consequential/future obligation continuing the case sequenceמָכַר (H4376) Niphal 'to be sold'; into servitude to satisfy the debt of restitution.
בִּגְנֵבָתֽוֹfor his theftprep בְ + N f sg constr/Sp3ms · גְּנֵבָה (H1591)Adverbial (causal/price) prepositional phraseגְּנֵבָה (H1591) 'theft, stolen property', from גנב; here the price/cause of his sale into slavery.
3
אִֽם הִמָּצֵא֩ תִמָּצֵ֨א בְיָד֜וֹ הַגְּנֵבָ֗ה מִשּׁ֧וֹר עַד חֲמ֛וֹר עַד שֶׂ֖ה חַיִּ֑ים שְׁנַ֖יִם יְשַׁלֵּֽם
If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession, whether ox or donkey or sheep, he shall pay double.
Narrows the general theft law to the case where the stolen animal itself is recovered alive in the thief's hand; the double-restitution penalty (rather than simple restitution) punishes the act of theft itself even when no permanent loss to the owner results.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אִֽםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerH518.
הִמָּצֵא֩indeed foundNiphal inf abs · מָצָא (H4672)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyמָצָא (H4672) Niphal inf. abs. + finite verb, 'assuredly found'.
תִמָּצֵ֨אis foundNiphal impf 3fs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditional passiveagrees with fem. הַגְּנֵבָה 'the stolen animal'.
בְיָד֜וֹin his possessionprep בְ + N constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom 'in his possession'.
הַגְּנֵבָ֗הthe stolen animalart + N f sg abs · גְּנֵבָה (H1591)Subject of תִמָּצֵאגְּנֵבָה (H1591) here concretely 'stolen property/animal' rather than the abstract 'theft'.
מִשּׁ֧וֹרwhether oxprep מִן + N m sg abs · שְוֹר (H7794)Adverbial (partitive) phrase, first of merismשְוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; large livestock example.
עַדto/orprep · עַד (H5704)Coordinating preposition (merism 'from...to')עַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; with מִן forms the merism 'whether ox or donkey'.
חֲמ֛וֹרdonkeyN c sg abs · חֲמוּר (H2543)Object of עַד (second term of first merism)חֲמוּר (H2543) 'donkey, ass'.
עַדorprep · עַד (H5704)Coordinating preposition (second merism)repeats the מִן...עַד pattern for small livestock.
שֶׂ֖הsheep/goatN c sg abs · שֶה (H7716)Object of second עַדשֶה (H7716) 'sheep or goat, a member of the flock'.
חַיִּ֑יםaliveAdj m pl abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjective modifying שֶה (living)חַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; the animal recovered alive (contrast v.1's dead thief), triggering the double-payment rule.
שְׁנַ֖יִםdoublenumeral · שְנַיִם (H8147)Adverbial accusative of measure (object of payment)שְנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; idiom 'pay double' — the standard theft penalty when the animal is recovered alive.
יְשַׁלֵּֽםhe shall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationthe core payment verb, cf. vv.2,4,6,8.
4
כִּ֤י יַבְעֶר אִישׁ֙ שָׂדֶ֣ה אוֹ כֶ֔רֶם וְשִׁלַּח֙ אֶת בעירה בְּעִיר֔וֹ וּבִעֵ֖ר בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה אַחֵ֑ר מֵיטַ֥ב שָׂדֵ֛הוּ וּמֵיטַ֥ב כַּרְמ֖וֹ יְשַׁלֵּֽם
When a man lets his livestock graze in a field or vineyard, and lets it loose, and it grazes in another's field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.
A new case of negligent property damage (rather than theft): the offender must pay not the market value but his own best produce, a penalty designed to sting the negligent party rather than merely restore the victim. Contains one of the chapter's two ketiv/qere pairs (words 9–10).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּ֤יwhen/ifC · כִּּי (H3588)Conditional/causal protasis markerכִּּי (H3588) 'when, if'; introduces a new casuistic case (grazing damage).
יַבְעֶרlets graze/lets looseHiphil impf 3ms · בָּעַר (H1197)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditional, causative 'lets (an animal) graze'בָּעַר (H1197) Hiphil 'to cause to graze/consume, let loose'; here of a man letting his livestock stray into another's field.
אִישׁ֙a manN m sg abs · אִיש (H376)Subject of יַבְעֶראִיש (H376) 'man, someone'; generic legal subject.
שָׂדֶ֣הa fieldN m sg abs · שָדֶה (H7704)Direct object (first of pair)שָדֶה (H7704) 'field, open land'.
אוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
כֶ֔רֶםa vineyardN c sg abs · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Direct object (second of pair)כֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'.
וְשִׁלַּח֙and lets looseconj וְ + Piel perf 3ms · שָלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, coordinate (apodosis-continuing protasis)→ Perfective: continuing the conditional descriptionשָלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send, let loose (an animal)'; specifies the mode of the offense — driving the beast in.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerH853, nota accusativi; marks the following noun as definite direct object.
בעירהhis livestock (ketiv)Ketiv (unpointed) · בְּעִיר (H1165)Direct object — Ketiv (written form, not vocalized/read)בְּעִיר (H1165) 'livestock, cattle, beast'; the Ketiv (consonantal text as written) of this word, superseded in reading by the Qere that follows — one of the MT's notable ketiv/qere pairs.
בְּעִיר֔וֹhis livestock (qere)N m sg constr/Sp3ms · בְּעִיר (H1165)Direct object — Qere (form actually read)בְּעִיר (H1165) 'livestock'; the Qere, i.e. the form traditionally read aloud in place of the immediately preceding Ketiv.
וּבִעֵ֖רand it grazes/consumesconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · בָּעַר (H1197)Predicate verb, apodosis of protasis (result)→ Weqatal: consequential 'and it grazes/consumes'בָּעַר (H1197) Piel 'to graze on, consume'; here the animal's actual feeding on another's produce.
בִּשְׂדֵ֣הin the field ofprep בְ + N constr · שָדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseשָדֶה (H7704) in construct, 'in the field of'.
אַחֵ֑רanother (man)Adj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Genitive-adjective completing the construct (=another's field)אַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; substantival, 'someone else'.
מֵיטַ֥בthe best ofN m sg constr · מֵיטָב (H4315)Subject of יְשַלֵּם (first of compound subject)מֵיטָב (H4315) 'best part, choicest', from יטב 'to be good'; construct noun heading the restitution formula.
שָׂדֵ֛הוּhis fieldN m sg constr/Sp3ms · שָדֶה (H7704)Genitive completing the construct chain (מֵיטַב שָדֵהוּ)שָדֶה (H7704) + 3ms suffix, 'his field' — the offender's own field, from which the best portion is taken.
וּמֵיטַ֥בand the best ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · מֵיטָב (H4315)Subject, second conjunct of compound subjectrepeats מֵיטָב for the second item (vineyard).
כַּרְמ֖וֹhis vineyardN c sg constr/Sp3ms · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Genitive completing second construct chainכֶּרֶם (H3754) + 3ms suffix, 'his vineyard'.
יְשַׁלֵּֽםhe shall repayPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationthe standard restitution verb; here paid in kind from the offender's own best produce.
5
כִּֽי תֵצֵ֨א אֵ֜שׁ וּמָצְאָ֤ה קֹצִים֙ וְנֶאֱכַ֣ל גָּדִ֔ישׁ א֥וֹ הַקָּמָ֖ה א֣וֹ הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה שַׁלֵּ֣ם יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם הַמַּבְעִ֖ר אֶת הַבְּעֵרָֽה
If a fire breaks out and catches in thornbushes so that stacked grain, standing grain, or the whole field is consumed, the one who started the fire shall surely make restitution.
A third negligence case (after the grazing-animal case of v.4) moves from a straying beast to a spreading fire, escalating through a triad (stacked grain / standing grain / field) to cover total loss; liability falls on the one who set the process in motion.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
כִּֽיwhen/ifC · כִּי (H3588)Conditional protasis markerH3588 'when, if'.
תֵצֵ֨אbreaks out/goes outQal impf 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/gnomic, 'breaks out'יָצָא (H3318) Qal 'to go out, spread'; of fire spreading uncontrolled.
אֵ֜שׁfireN c sg abs · אֵש (H784)Subject of תֵצֵאאֵש (H784) 'fire'.
וּמָצְאָ֤הand it reaches/catchesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb, apodosis of first protasis→ Weqatal: consequential, 'and finds/reaches'מָצָא (H4672) Qal 'to find, reach, encounter'; idiom of fire spreading to combustible material.
קֹצִים֙thornbushesN m pl abs · קוֹץ (H6975)Direct object of וּמָצְאָהקוֹץ (H6975) 'thorn, thornbush'; brushwood serving as kindling that spreads the fire.
וְנֶאֱכַ֣לand is consumedconj וְ + Niphal perf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb, further apodosis (result)→ Perfective (Niphal passive): the resultant consumptionאָכַל (H398) Niphal 'to be consumed, eaten (by fire)'.
גָּדִ֔ישׁa stacked sheafN m sg abs · גָּדִיש (H1430)Subject of וְנֶאֱכַל (first of triad)גָּדִיש (H1430) 'stack of harvested grain, shock'.
א֥וֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionH176.
הַקָּמָ֖הthe standing grainart + N f sg abs · קָמָה (H7054)Subject, second of triadקָמָה (H7054) 'standing grain', from קום 'to stand'; unharvested crop.
א֣וֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionH176.
הַשָּׂדֶ֑הthe field (itself)art + N m sg abs · שָדֶה (H7704)Subject, third of triadשָדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the case escalates from stacked grain to standing grain to the field itself.
שַׁלֵּ֣םhe shall surelyPiel inf abs · שָלֵם (H7999)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyinf. abs. + finite verb construction, cf. v.2.
יְשַׁלֵּ֔םmake restitutionPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationthe restitution verb, obligating the one who caused the fire.
הַמַּבְעִ֖רthe one who started/kindledart + Hiphil ptc m sg abs · בָּעַר (H1197)Subject of יְשַלֵּם (substantival participle)→ Participle: durative/characterizing, 'the kindler'בָּעַר (H1197) Hiphil ptc. 'the one causing to burn'; substantival participle identifying the liable party — echoes and contrasts the grazing case of v.4 (same verb, different stem/sense).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerH853.
הַבְּעֵרָֽהthe burningart + N f sg abs · בְּעֵרָה (H1200)Direct object of הַמַּבְעִיר (cognate object)בְּעֵרָה (H1200) 'burning, conflagration', cognate with בָּעַר; a cognate-object construction, '[the one] who burns the burning' — i.e. who kindled the fire.
6
כִּֽי יִתֵּן֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵ֜הוּ כֶּ֤סֶף אֽוֹ כֵלִים֙ לִשְׁמֹ֔ר וְגֻנַּ֖ב מִבֵּ֣ית הָאִ֑ישׁ אִם יִמָּצֵ֥א הַגַּנָּ֖ב יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם שְׁנָֽיִם
If a man gives his neighbor money or goods to keep, and it is stolen from the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double.
Introduces the bailment (deposit) laws proper: an innocent bailee is not liable for an ordinary theft from his own house so long as the actual thief can be identified — the double-restitution burden shifts to the thief himself, protecting the good-faith custodian.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּֽיwhen/ifC · כִּי (H3588)Conditional protasis markeropens new case: the deposited-goods bailment law.
יִתֵּן֩gives/entrustsQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here 'to hand over, entrust'.
אִ֨ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִיש (H376)Subject of יִתֵּןgeneric legal subject, the depositor.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking recipientH413 'to, toward'.
רֵעֵ֜הוּhis neighborN m sg constr/Sp3ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Object of prep. אֶל (the bailee)רֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, fellow, companion'; the trusted party.
כֶּ֤סֶףsilver/moneyN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object of יִתֵּן (first item)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'.
אֽוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionH176.
כֵלִים֙goods/vesselsN m pl abs · כְּלִי (H3627)Direct object, second itemכְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, article, implement'; movable valuables generally.
לִשְׁמֹ֔רto keep/guardprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָמַר (H8104)Purpose infinitival clause (adverbial)→ Infinitive: purpose, 'in order to safeguard'שָמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, watch over'; defines the bailment's purpose.
וְגֻנַּ֖בand it is stolenconj וְ + Pual perf 3ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb, apodosis of protasis→ Perfective (Pual passive): completed passive eventגָּנַב (H1589) Pual 'to be stolen'; the risk event triggering the case.
מִבֵּ֣יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative/source prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; theft from the bailee's own house (as opposed to a field, cf. v.9).
הָאִ֑ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִיש (H376)Genitive completing the construct (the bailee)refers back to רֵעֵהוּ, the one entrusted with the goods.
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (embedded sub-case)introduces the resolution condition.
יִמָּצֵ֥אis found/caughtNiphal impf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of embedded protasis→ Yiqtol: passive/conditionalechoes vv.1,3,7 — same forensic idiom for catching the culprit.
הַגַּנָּ֖בthe thiefart + N m sg abs · גַּנָּב (H1590)Subject of יִמָּצֵאגַּנָּב (H1590), cf. v.1.
יְשַׁלֵּ֥םhe shall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationthe thief himself, once caught, bears double restitution — not the innocent bailee.
שְׁנָֽיִםdoublenumeral · שְנַיִם (H8147)Adverbial accusative of measure'double', the standard theft penalty of vv.3,8.
7
אִם לֹ֤א יִמָּצֵא֙ הַגַּנָּ֔ב וְנִקְרַ֥ב בַּֽעַל הַבַּ֖יִת אֶל הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים אִם לֹ֥א שָׁלַ֛ח יָד֖וֹ בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת רֵעֵֽהוּ
If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God, to see whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property.
When no thief can be identified, the bailee's own innocence must be certified before God (a sanctuary oath/ordeal procedure) rather than assumed or simply denied by him — the case moves from criminal to procedural law, anticipating the fuller oath ritual of v.10.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (contrastive sub-case)reverses v.6: the thief is NOT found.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִמָּצֵאלֹא (H3808), standard clause negative.
יִמָּצֵא֙is foundNiphal impf 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: passive/conditionalcf. vv.1,3,6.
הַגַּנָּ֔בthe thiefart+N m sg abs · גַּנָּב (H1590)Subject of יִמָּצֵא
וְנִקְרַ֥בthen he shall come near/be broughtconj וְ + Niphal perf 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb, apodosis→ Perfective (Niphal): consequential procedureקָרַב (H7126) Niphal 'to approach, be brought near (for judgment)'; technical term for appearing before a tribunal.
בַּֽעַלthe master ofN m sg constr · בַּעַל (H1167)Subject of וְנִקְרַב (construct head)בַּעַל (H1167) 'owner, master'; here 'owner of the house'.
הַבַּ֖יִתthe houseart + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive completing construct (בַּעַל הַבַּיִת)בַּיִת (H1004); the bailee himself, now a suspect.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)H413.
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑יםGod/the judgesart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of prep. אֶלאֱלֹהִים (H430); here most naturally 'God' as ultimate judge, though rabbinic and some modern readings take it of the local judges/tribunal who adjudicate in his name (cf. v.8).
אִםif/whetherC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker introducing the oath's content
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates שָלַח
שָׁלַ֛חhe has put forth/laidQal perf 3ms · שָלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (content of the sworn declaration)→ Perfective: completed act denied under oathשָלַח (H7971) Qal 'to send, put forth, lay (the hand)'.
יָד֖וֹhis handN f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of שָלַח (idiom)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom שָלַח יָד 'to misappropriate, embezzle'.
בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶתin the property/goods ofprep בְ + N f sg constr · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Locative/objective prepositional phraseמְלָאכָה (H4399) 'work, property, goods'; here concretely the deposited property.
רֵעֵֽהוּhis neighborN m sg constr/Sp3ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitive completing construct (בִּמְלֶאכֶת רֵעֵהוּ)cf. v.6.
8
עַֽל כָּל דְּבַר פֶּ֡שַׁע עַל שׁ֡וֹר עַל חֲ֠מוֹר עַל שֶׂ֨ה עַל שַׂלְמָ֜ה עַל כָּל אֲבֵדָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֹאמַר֙ כִּי ה֣וּא זֶ֔ה עַ֚ד הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים יָבֹ֖א דְּבַר שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַרְשִׁיעֻן֙ אֱלֹהִ֔ים יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם שְׁנַ֖יִם לְרֵעֵֽהוּ
For every breach of trust, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost property about which one says, 'This is it,' the case of both parties shall come before God (the judges); whomever God (the judges) condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
Generalizes the preceding bailment cases into a comprehensive rule covering any disputed claim to lost or entrusted property, resolved by a divine/judicial tribunal (אֱלֹהִים, echoing v.7's oath) rather than self-help, with double restitution imposed on whichever party is found guilty.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
עַֽלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase heading the whole case (topic)עַל (H5921) 'concerning, regarding'.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (כָּל דְּבַר)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
דְּבַרmatter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive chain continuing כָּל דְּבַרדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, case'; legal-technical 'case of'.
פֶּ֡שַׁעtransgression/disputed claimN m sg abs · פֶשַע (H6588)Genitive completing the construct chainפֶשַע (H6588) 'transgression, offense'.
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (list item 1)
שׁ֡וֹרan oxN m sg abs · שְוֹר (H7794)Object of prep. עַל
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (item 2)
חֲ֠מוֹרa donkeyN c sg abs · חֲמוּר (H2543)Object of prep. עַל
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (item 3)
שֶׂ֨הa sheep/goatN c sg abs · שֶה (H7716)Object of prep. עַל
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (item 4)
שַׂלְמָ֜הa garmentN f sg abs · שַלְמָה (H8008)Object of prep. עַלשַלְמָה (H8008) 'garment, cloak'; cf. vv.25–26's pledge law.
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (final, generalizing item)
כָּלanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (כָּל אֲבֵדָה)
אֲבֵדָ֗הlost thingN f sg abs · אֲבֵדָה (H9)Genitive completing construct; object of final עַלאֲבֵדָה (H9) 'lost property', from אבד 'to perish, be lost'; generalizes the whole list to any lost item.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhich/of whichrelative particle · אֲשֶר (H834)Subordinator introducing the relative clauseאֲשֶר (H834), relative particle/pronoun 'which, that'.
יֹאמַר֙says/claimsQal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: general/gnomic, 'says, claims'אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the disputed claim of ownership.
כִּיthatC · כִּּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing direct/indirect speechH3588 'that', marking the content of the claim.
ה֣וּאit (is)independent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of nominal clause (predicate identification)הוּא (H1931), copula-like independent pronoun, 'it (is)'.
זֶ֔הthisdemonstrative pronoun · זֶה (H2088)Predicate of nominal clauseזֶה (H2088) 'this'; the disputed object itself, 'this is it'.
עַ֚דto/beforeprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (goal, terminative)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, before'.
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔יםGod/the judgesart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of prep. עַדcf. v.7; here nearly universally read by tradition as 'the judges' who adjudicate in God's name, though the plain sense 'to God' remains possible.
יָבֹ֖אshall comeQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/procedural obligationבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; the case itself is personified as 'coming' before the tribunal.
דְּבַרthe case/matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of יָבֹא (construct head)resumes דָּבָר from the verse's opening, now as grammatical subject.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֑םthe two of themnumeral constr/Sp3mp · שְנַיִם (H8147)Genitive completing construct (both litigants)שְנַיִם (H8147) with 3mp suffix, 'the two of them' — plaintiff and defendant together.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶר (H834)Subordinator introducing final relative clauseintroduces the verdict clause.
יַרְשִׁיעֻן֙condemns/declares guiltyHiphil impf 3mp (+paragogic nun) · רָשַע (H7561)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: judicial/declarative, 'whomever [the judges/God] condemn'רָשַע (H7561) Hiphil 'to declare guilty, condemn'; the paragogic נ lends solemn, formal weight to the verdict formula.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGod/the judgesN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of יַרְשִיעוּןechoes vv.7–8; the same ambiguity of divine/human adjudication.
יְשַׁלֵּ֥םshall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (ultimate apodosis, main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationthe party found guilty owes double restitution.
שְׁנַ֖יִםdoublenumeral · שְנַיִם (H8147)Adverbial accusative of measurethe double-restitution standard, cf. vv.3,6.
לְרֵעֵֽהוּto his neighborprep לְ + N constr/Sp3ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Dative complement (recipient)cf. vv.6–7.
9
כִּֽי יִתֵּן֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵ֜הוּ חֲמ֨וֹר אוֹ שׁ֥וֹר אוֹ שֶׂ֛ה וְכָל בְּהֵמָ֖ה לִשְׁמֹ֑ר וּמֵ֛ת אוֹ נִשְׁבַּ֥ר אוֹ נִשְׁבָּ֖ה אֵ֥ין רֹאֶֽה
If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies, or is injured, or is driven away, without anyone seeing it,
Extends the bailment principle from valuables (v.6) to livestock, listing three unwitnessed risks (death, injury, capture) that set up the resolving oath of the next verse.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
כִּֽיwhen/ifC · כִּי (H3588)Conditional protasis markeropens the entrusted-animal case (cf. v.6's goods).
יִתֵּן֩gives/entrustsQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalcf. v.6.
אִ֨ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִיש (H376)Subject of יִתֵּן
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (recipient)
רֵעֵ֜הוּhis neighborN m sg constr/Sp3ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Object of prep. אֶל
חֲמ֨וֹרa donkeyN c sg abs · חֲמוּר (H2543)Direct object of יִתֵּן (item 1)
אוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
שׁ֥וֹרan oxN m sg abs · שְוֹר (H7794)Direct object, item 2
אוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
שֶׂ֛הsheep/goatN c sg abs · שֶה (H7716)Direct object, item 3
וְכָלor anyconj וְ + N constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated construct head (generalizing item)כֹּל (H3605), broadening the list.
בְּהֵמָ֖הanimal/beastN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Genitive completing construct (וְכָל בְּהֵמָה)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'animal, beast, livestock' generically.
לִשְׁמֹ֑רto keepprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָמַר (H8104)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive: purposecf. v.6, defines the bailment.
וּמֵ֛תand it diesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb, apodosis (first risk)→ Weqatal: consequential, 'and it dies'cf. v.1's מוּת.
אוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
נִשְׁבַּ֥רis injured/brokenNiphal perf 3ms · שָבַר (H7665)Predicate verb, apodosis (second risk)→ Perfective (Niphal passive): completed passive eventשָבַר (H7665) Niphal 'to be broken, maimed, injured'.
אוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
נִשְׁבָּ֖הis driven off/capturedNiphal perf 3ms · שָבָה (H7617)Predicate verb, apodosis (third risk)→ Perfective (Niphal passive): completed passive eventשָבָה (H7617) Niphal 'to be taken captive, driven away' (e.g. by raiders).
אֵ֥יןthere is notnegative existential particle · אֵין (H369)Predicate of existential clause (circumstantial)qualifies the loss as unwitnessed.
רֹאֶֽהa witness/one who seesQal ptc m sg abs · רָאָה (H7200)Subject of existential clause (substantival participle)→ Participle: durative/characterizing, 'anyone seeing (it)'רָאָה (H7200) Qal ptc. 'one who sees'; substantival, 'witness' — no eyewitness to the loss, setting up the oath procedure of v.10.
10
שְׁבֻעַ֣ת יְהוָ֗ה תִּהְיֶה֙ בֵּ֣ין שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם אִם לֹ֥א שָׁלַ֛ח יָד֖וֹ בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶת רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְלָקַ֥ח בְּעָלָ֖יו וְלֹ֥א יְשַׁלֵּֽם
an oath before YHWH shall settle the matter between the two of them, whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's property; the owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.
Resolves the unwitnessed bailment loss of v.9 through a sworn declaratory oath rather than compensation — the sanctity of the divine name substitutes for missing evidence, and the owner is bound to accept it as final.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
שְׁבֻעַ֣תan oath ofN f sg constr · שְבוּעָה (H7621)Subject of תִהְיֶה (construct head)שְבוּעָה (H7621) 'oath', from שבע 'to swear'.
יְהוָ֗הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing construct (שְבֻעַת יְהוָה)the divine name; the oath is sworn in YHWH's name, giving it binding sanctity.
תִּהְיֶה֙shall beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive, procedural obligationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; establishes the oath as the required legal procedure.
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (locative, relational)בֵּין (H996) 'between'.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֔םthe two of themnumeral constr/Sp3mp · שְנַיִם (H8147)Object of prep. בֵּיןcf. v.8; bailor and bailee.
אִםwhetherC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker introducing the oath's content
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates שָלַח
שָׁלַ֛חhe has put forthQal perf 3ms · שָלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (content of oath)→ Perfective: completed act denied under oathidiom שָלַח יָד, cf. v.7.
יָד֖וֹhis handN f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of שָלַח (idiom)
בִּמְלֶ֣אכֶתin/on the property ofprep בְ + N constr · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Locative/objective prepositional phrasecf. v.7.
רֵעֵ֑הוּhis neighborN m sg constr/Sp3ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitive completing construct
וְלָקַ֥חand shall acceptconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Weqatal: consequential/prescriptiveלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, accept'; the owner must accept the sworn oath as sufficient.
בְּעָלָ֖יוits ownerN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בַּעַל (H1167)Subject of וְלָקַחבַּעַל (H1167), plural of majesty/honorific used for a single owner; cf. v.11.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (c/H3808)Negates יְשַלֵּם
יְשַׁלֵּֽםhe shall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (final apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — negated, the bailee is thereby exemptonce the oath is sworn, the bailee owes no restitution — the oath itself settles the case.
11
וְאִם גָּנֹ֥ב יִגָּנֵ֖ב מֵעִמּ֑וֹ יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם לִבְעָלָֽיו
But if it is indeed stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.
Distinguishes provable theft (bailee liable, since due care could have prevented it) from the unwitnessed loss of vv.9–10 (bailee exempt by oath) — liability tracks negligence, not mere loss.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + C · אִם (c/H518)Contrastive conditional marker (new sub-case)shifts to actual theft (vs. v.9's accidental loss).
גָּנֹ֥בindeed stolenQal inf abs · גָּנַב (H1589)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyinf. abs. + finite verb, 'assuredly stolen'.
יִגָּנֵ֖בis stolenNiphal impf 3ms · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: passive/conditionalגָּנַב (H1589) Niphal 'to be stolen'.
מֵעִמּ֑וֹfrom with himprep מִן + prep עִם + Sp3ms · עִם (H5973)Locative/source prepositional phrase'from beside/with him', i.e. from the bailee's actual custody.
יְשַׁלֵּ֖םhe shall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationunlike v.10's oath-exemption, actual proven theft from the bailee's custody makes him liable — he bears responsibility for security.
לִבְעָלָֽיוto its ownerprep לְ + N constr/Sp3ms · בַּעַל (H1167)Dative complement (recipient)cf. v.10.
12
אִם טָרֹ֥ף יִטָּרֵ֖ף יְבִאֵ֣הוּ עֵ֑ד הַטְּרֵפָ֖ה לֹ֥א יְשַׁלֵּֽם
If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn.
Completes the bailment sequence with a force-majeure exemption: predation by a wild animal, when evidenced by the carcass, relieves the keeper of liability — paralleling the sworn-oath exemption of v.10 but resting on physical rather than verbal proof.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (final sub-case)
טָרֹ֥ףindeed torn/mauledQal inf abs · טָרַף (H2963)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyinf. abs. + finite verb.
יִטָּרֵ֖ףis torn/mauledNiphal impf 3ms · טָרַף (H2963)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: passive/conditionalטָרַף (H2963) Niphal 'to be torn (by a wild beast)'.
יְבִאֵ֣הוּlet him bring itHiphil impf 3ms/Sp3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (apodosis, jussive nuance)→ Yiqtol/jussive: prescriptive, 'he shall/let him bring'בּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; here the bailee must produce evidence.
עֵ֑דas evidence/a witnessN m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Adverbial accusative (object complement of יְבִאֵהוּ)עֵד (H5707) 'witness, evidence'; here the mauled carcass itself serves as proof.
הַטְּרֵפָ֖הthe torn (carcass)art + N f sg abs · טְרֵפָה (H2966)Subject of the final clause (nominal, resumptive)טְרֵפָה (H2966) 'that which is torn/mauled'; the carcass produced as evidence — cf. v.30's dietary application of the same root.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יְשַלֵּם
יְשַׁלֵּֽםhe shall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (final apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — negated, exemptiononce the mauled carcass is produced as proof, the bailee is exempt from restitution — a force-majeure defense.
13
וְכִֽי יִשְׁאַ֥ל אִ֛ישׁ מֵעִ֥ם רֵעֵ֖הוּ וְנִשְׁבַּ֣ר אוֹ מֵ֑ת בְּעָלָ֥יו אֵין עִמּ֖וֹ שַׁלֵּ֥ם יְשַׁלֵּֽם
And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.
Moves from bailment (custody without use-benefit) to borrowing (use-benefit for the borrower), imposing full liability on the borrower when the owner was not present — benefit and risk are matched.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְכִֽיand ifconj וְ + C · כִּי (c/H3588)Conditional protasis marker (new case: borrowing)shifts from bailment to borrowing, a related but distinct institution.
יִשְׁאַ֥לborrowsQal impf 3ms · שָאַל (H7592)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalשָאַל (H7592) Qal 'to ask, request, borrow'.
אִ֛ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִיש (H376)Subject of יִשְאַל
מֵעִ֥םfrom withprep מִן + prep עִם · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (source)'from beside/with', i.e. from the lender.
רֵעֵ֖הוּhis neighborN m sg constr/Sp3ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Object of prep. מֵעִם
וְנִשְׁבַּ֣רand it is injuredconj וְ + Niphal perf 3ms · שָבַר (H7665)Predicate verb, apodosis (risk 1)→ Perfective (Niphal passive)cf. v.9.
אוֹorC · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
מֵ֑תdiesQal perf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb, apodosis (risk 2)→ Perfective: completed eventcf. vv.1,9.
בְּעָלָ֥יוits ownerN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בַּעַל (H1167)Subject of the following existential clause
אֵיןnot beingnegative existential particle · אֵין (H369)Predicate, existential clause (circumstantial)qualifies: the owner is absent.
עִמּ֖וֹwith himprep עִם + Sp3ms · עִם (H5973)Locative complement (with the borrower)i.e. the owner was not present to supervise/assume risk.
שַׁלֵּ֥םhe shall surelyPiel inf abs · שָלֵם (H7999)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certainty
יְשַׁלֵּֽםmake restitutionPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationthe borrower bears full risk when the owner is absent — a stricter standard than the bailee's, since the borrower derives the benefit of use.
14
אִם בְּעָלָ֥יו עִמּ֖וֹ לֹ֣א יְשַׁלֵּ֑ם אִם שָׂכִ֣יר ה֔וּא בָּ֖א בִּשְׂכָרֽוֹ
If its owner was with it, he shall not make restitution; if it was hired, the loss is included in its hiring fee.
Closes the borrowing law with two further mitigating conditions — owner's presence, and a commercial rental arrangement — both of which allocate risk away from the borrower/renter, completing a finely graded scale of liability (vv.9–14) keyed to custody, use, presence, and payment.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (contrastive sub-case)
בְּעָלָ֥יוits ownerN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בַּעַל (H1167)Subject of existential/circumstantial clause
עִמּ֖וֹwith him/itprep עִם + Sp3ms · עִם (H5973)Locative complement (predicate of presence)contrast with v.13 — here the owner IS present.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יְשַלֵּם
יְשַׁלֵּ֑םhe shall payPiel impf 3ms · שָלֵם (H7999)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — negated, exemptionwhen the owner is present (and so shares responsibility), the borrower owes nothing.
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (further sub-case, hired animal)
שָׂכִ֣ירa hired thingAdj m sg abs · שָכִיר (H7916)Predicate of nominal clauseשָכִיר (H7916) 'hired, a hireling'; here of a hired animal (or the hired man accompanying it).
ה֔וּאit/he (is)independent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of nominal clause
בָּ֖אit cameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Perfective: a settled, self-contained transactionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter (into)'; idiom, 'it is covered/comes as part of its hire'.
בִּשְׂכָרֽוֹin/for its hireprep בְ + N constr/Sp3ms · שָכָר (H7939)Adverbial (price/means) prepositional phraseשָכָר (H7939) 'wage, hire, rental fee'; the loss is already priced into the rental fee.
15
וְכִֽי יְפַתֶּ֣ה אִ֗ישׁ בְּתוּלָ֛ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא אֹרָ֖שָׂה וְשָׁכַ֣ב עִמָּ֑הּ מָהֹ֛ר יִמְהָרֶ֥נָּה לּ֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה
If a man seduces a virgin who is not betrothed, and lies with her, he shall surely pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.
Opens the chapter's family-law section: consensual seduction of an unattached virgin is remedied by marriage with bride-price, protecting the woman's future standing rather than punishing the act as a capital or corporal crime (contrast the two capital offenses that follow).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְכִֽיand ifconj וְ + C · כִּי (c/H3588)Conditional protasis marker (new topic: seduction)pivots from property law to family/sexual law.
יְפַתֶּ֣הseduces/enticesPiel impf 3ms · פָּתָה (H6601)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalפָּתָה (H6601) Piel 'to seduce, entice, persuade'; consensual seduction, distinguished from the forced-rape case of Deut 22:25-27.
אִ֗ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִיש (H376)Subject of יְפַתֶּה
בְּתוּלָ֛הa virginN f sg abs · בְּתוּלָה (H1330)Direct object of יְפַתֶּהבְּתוּלָה (H1330) 'virgin, unmarried young woman'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶר (H834)Subordinator introducing relative clause
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates אֻרָשָה
אֹרָ֖שָׂהis betrothedPual perf 3fs · אָרַש (H781)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Perfective (Pual passive): stative conditionאָרַש (H781) Pual 'to be betrothed/engaged'; specifies she is legally unattached, distinguishing this case from adultery.
וְשָׁכַ֣בand lies withconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms · שָכַב (H7901)Predicate verb, coordinate (completing the offense)→ Perfective: completed actשָכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; euphemism for sexual intercourse.
עִמָּ֑הּwith herprep עִם + Sp3fs · עִם (H5973)Locative complement of וְשָכַב
מָהֹ֛רhe shall surelyQal inf abs · מָהַר (H4117)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certainty
יִמְהָרֶ֥נָּהpay the bride-price for herQal impf 3ms/Sp3fs · מָהַר (H4117)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationמָהַר (H4117) Qal 'to pay the bride-price (מֹהַר) for'; denominative verb obligating marriage-price payment.
לּ֖וֹfor himselfprep לְ + Sp3msDative complement (benefactive, 'for himself')marking that he takes her as his own wife.
לְאִשָּֽׁהas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּה (H802)Predicate complement (result/purpose, 'to be a wife')אִשָּה (H802) 'woman, wife'; the required outcome — legitimate marriage following payment of the bride-price.
16
אִם מָאֵ֧ן יְמָאֵ֛ן אָבִ֖יהָ לְתִתָּ֣הּ ל֑וֹ כֶּ֣סֶף יִשְׁקֹ֔ל כְּמֹ֖הַר הַבְּתוּלֹֽת
If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the bride-price for virgins.
Qualifies v.15: the father retains veto power over the marriage itself, but the financial obligation (the bride-price) stands regardless, since the woman's honor/marriageability has already been diminished.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (contrastive sub-case)
מָאֵ֧ןindeed refusesPiel inf abs · מָאֵן (H3985)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certainty
יְמָאֵ֛ןrefusesPiel impf 3ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalמָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse'.
אָבִ֖יהָher fatherN m sg constr/Sp3fs · אָב (H1)Subject of יְמָאֵןאָב (H1) 'father'; holds authority over the marriage decision.
לְתִתָּ֣הּto give herprep לְ + Qal inf constr/Sp3fs · נָתַן (H5414)Complementary infinitival clause (object of מָאֵן)→ Infinitive: complement, defining what is refusedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give (in marriage)'.
ל֑וֹto himprep לְ + Sp3msDative complement (recipient, the seducer)
כֶּ֣סֶףsilver/moneyN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object of יִשְקֹלcf. v.6; here the bride-price payment.
יִשְׁקֹ֔לhe shall weigh outQal impf 3ms · שָקַל (H8254)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationשָקַל (H8254) 'to weigh (out money)'; the seducer must still pay the bride-price even if denied the marriage.
כְּמֹ֖הַרaccording to the bride-price ofprep כְ + N constr · מֹהַר (H4119)Adverbial (standard/comparative) prepositional phraseמֹהַר (H4119) 'bride-price, marriage payment'.
הַבְּתוּלֹֽתvirginsart + N f pl abs · בְּתוּלָה (H1330)Genitive completing construct (standard rate)plural generic, 'the going rate for virgins' — a fixed customary sum.
17
מְכַשֵּׁפָ֖ה לֹ֥א תְחַיֶּֽה
You shall not permit a sorceress to live.
Shifts abruptly from casuistic (אִם/כִּי) to apodictic (direct 2nd-person) law-form, opening a short series of absolute capital prohibitions (vv.17-19) that guard Israel's religious purity against magic, bestiality, and idolatry.
Word-by-word analysis· 3 words
מְכַשֵּׁפָ֖הa sorceressPiel ptc f sg abs · כָּשַף (H3784)Subject/topic, fronted (substantival participle)→ Participle: characterizing, 'a practicing sorceress'כָּשַף (H3784) Piel 'to practice sorcery'; participle used substantivally, 'a woman who practices witchcraft' — condemns the professional practitioner of magic, which usurps YHWH's sole authority over hidden powers.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְחַיֶּה
תְחַיֶּֽהyou shall let livePiel impf 2ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (main clause, apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodictic — categorical, not casuisticחָיָה (H2421) Piel 'to let live, preserve alive'; negated command — 'you shall not permit to live', i.e. she is to be put to death.
18
כָּל שֹׁכֵ֥ב עִם בְּהֵמָ֖ה מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת
Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.
Second of the capital triad: bestiality violates the created boundary between human and animal and, like sorcery, receives the death penalty without exception or ransom.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
כָּלwhoeverN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (כָּל שֹכֵב)generalizing 'whoever'.
שֹׁכֵ֥בlies (with)Qal ptc m sg abs · שָכַב (H7901)Genitive/subject-participle completing כָּל (substantival)→ Participle: characterizing, 'whoever lies (with)'שָכַב (H7901), cf. v.15; here of illicit bestial intercourse.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (locative/comitative)
בְּהֵמָ֖הan animalN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Object of prep. עִםcf. v.9.
מ֥וֹתshall surelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certainty
יוּמָֽתbe put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, apodictic)→ Yiqtol (Hophal passive): prescriptive/mandatory penaltyמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; the standard capital-sentence formula.
19
זֹבֵ֥חַ לָאֱלֹהִ֖ים יָֽחֳרָ֑ם בִּלְתִּ֥י לַיהוָ֖ה לְבַדּֽוֹ
Whoever sacrifices to any god, except to YHWH alone, shall be utterly destroyed.
Completes the capital triad with the gravest offense — apostate sacrifice — using חֵרֶם ('the ban') language that treats the idolater exactly as idolatrous objects are treated: irrevocably devoted to destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
זֹבֵ֥חַone who sacrificesQal ptc m sg abs · זָבַח (H2076)Subject/topic, fronted (substantival participle)→ Participle: characterizing, 'whoever sacrifices'זָבַח (H2076) Qal 'to sacrifice'; substantival participle.
לָאֱלֹהִ֖יםto (other) godsprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Dative complement of זֹבֵחַhere plural 'gods' in the sense of foreign deities (contrast the singular referent elsewhere in the chapter).
יָֽחֳרָ֑םshall be devoted to destructionHophal impf 3ms · חָרַם (H2763)Predicate verb (main clause, apodictic)→ Yiqtol (Hophal passive): mandatory ban/consecration to destructionחָרַם (H2763) Hophal 'to be banned, put under the חֵרֶם'; the offender himself becomes forfeit, like idolatrous plunder.
בִּלְתִּ֥יexceptconjunction/particle · בִלְתִי (H1115)Restrictive/exceptive clause markerבִלְתִי (H1115) 'except, only'; introduces the sole exception.
לַיהוָ֖הto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Dative complement, the sole permitted recipient
לְבַדּֽוֹaloneprep לְ + N constr/Sp3ms · בַד (H905)Adverbial phrase intensifying exclusivityבַד (H905) 'alone, by itself' in the idiom לְבַדּוֹ 'by himself alone'; underscores YHWH's exclusive right to sacrifice.
20
וְגֵ֥ר לֹא תוֹנֶ֖ה וְלֹ֣א תִלְחָצֶ֑נּוּ כִּֽי גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.
Opens the social-ethics section (vv.20-27) with a motive-clause structure distinctive of this law collection: the command is grounded not in penalty but in Israel's own historical memory of vulnerability, the same rationale reused in vv.21-24 for widow, orphan, and poor.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְגֵ֥רand a sojournerconj וְ + N m sg abs · גֵר (H1616)Fronted direct object (topicalized)גֵר (H1616) 'resident alien, sojourner'; topic-fronted for emphasis, pivoting to social/humanitarian law.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תוֹנֶה
תוֹנֶ֖הyou shall wrongHiphil impf 2ms · יָנָה (H3238)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticיָנָה (H3238) Hiphil 'to oppress, mistreat, wrong'.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (c/H3808)Negates תִלְחָצֶנּוּ
תִלְחָצֶ֑נּוּyou shall oppress himQal impf 2ms/Sp3ms · לָחַץ (H3905)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition, coordinate)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticלָחַץ (H3905) Qal 'to press, oppress, squeeze'; near-synonym intensifying the prohibition.
כִּֽיforC · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing motive clausegrounds the command in shared experience.
גֵרִ֥יםsojournersN m pl abs · גֵר (H1616)Predicate nominative
הֱיִיתֶ֖םyou wereQal perf 2mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of motive clause→ Perfective: a remembered past stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
בְּאֶ֥רֶץin the land ofprep בְ + N constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive completing construct (בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם)מִצְרַיִם (H4714), the place of Israel's own experience of oppressed sojourning — grounds the ethic in shared memory.
21
כָּל אַלְמָנָ֥ה וְיָת֖וֹם לֹ֥א תְעַנּֽוּן
You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.
Names the two paradigm cases of social vulnerability — widow and orphan, those without a normal male protector — and, uniquely in this run of laws, shifts to plural address (echoed in the divine warning of vv.22-23).
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head (כָּל אַלְמָנָה)
אַלְמָנָ֥הwidowN f sg abs · אַלְמָנָה (H490)Genitive completing construct; fronted direct object (topic 1)אַלְמָנָה (H490) 'widow'.
וְיָת֖וֹםor orphanconj וְ + N m sg abs · יָתוֹם (H3490)Coordinated fronted direct object (topic 2)יָתוֹם (H3490) 'orphan, fatherless'.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְעַנּוּן
תְעַנּֽוּןyou shall afflictPiel impf 2mp (+paragogic nun) · עָנָה (H6031)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition, plural address)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodictic, emphatic (paragogic נ)עָנָה (H6031) Piel 'to afflict, oppress, humble'; the shift to plural address and paragogic נ lend heightened solemnity to this core protection.
22
אִם עַנֵּ֥ה תְעַנֶּ֖ה אֹת֑וֹ כִּ֣י אִם צָעֹ֤ק יִצְעַק֙ אֵלַ֔י שָׁמֹ֥עַ אֶשְׁמַ֖ע צַעֲקָתֽוֹ
If you do afflict him at all, and he cries out to me, I will surely hear his cry.
YHWH speaks in the first person for the only time in the chapter, personally guaranteeing enforcement of the widow/orphan law — the double infinitive-absolute construction ('afflict...afflict', 'hear...hear') binds the certainty of divine hearing to the certainty of the crime, making this law directly policed by God rather than human courts.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional marker (protasis, divine warning)shifts from human-directed apodictic law to first-person divine speech.
עַנֵּ֥הindeed afflictPiel inf abs · עָנָה (H6031)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyinf. abs. + finite verb, 'if you dare afflict'.
תְעַנֶּ֖הyou afflictPiel impf 2ms · עָנָה (H6031)Predicate verb of protasis (singular address, resuming individual responsibility)→ Yiqtol: conditionalעָנָה (H6031), resumes v.21's verb but now 2ms.
אֹת֑וֹhimobj marker/Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with suffix (object of תְעַנֶּה)H853 + 3ms suffix; refers back to the widow/orphan.
כִּ֣יfor/thatC · כִּי (H3588)Causal/emphatic conjunctionintroduces YHWH's certain response.
אִםsurely/indeedC · אִם (H518)Emphatic particle (idiom כִּי אִם, 'if indeed')the combination כִּי אִם intensifies certainty rather than functioning as ordinary 'if'.
צָעֹ֤קindeed cry outQal inf abs · צָעַק (H6817)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyinf. abs. + finite verb, 'if he does cry out'.
יִצְעַק֙he cries outQal impf 3ms · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate verb (protasis, embedded)→ Yiqtol: conditionalצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out (for help)'.
אֵלַ֔יto meprep אֶל + Sp1cs · אֶל (H413)Dative complement of יִצְעַק (goal)prep + 1cs suffix, referring to YHWH speaking in the first person.
שָׁמֹ֥עַindeed hearQal inf abs · שָמַע (H8085)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certaintyinf. abs. + finite verb, 'I will surely hear'.
אֶשְׁמַ֖עI will hearQal impf 1cs · שָמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main apodosis, divine first-person)→ Yiqtol: certain future, emphatic by paired infinitive absoluteשָמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen (and respond)'.
צַעֲקָתֽוֹhis cryN f sg constr/Sp3ms · צְעָקָה (H6818)Direct object of אֶשְמַעצְעָקָה (H6818) 'cry, outcry', cognate with צָעַק; forms a cognate-object pair intensifying the certainty of YHWH's response.
23
וְחָרָ֣ה אַפִּ֔י וְהָרַגְתִּ֥י אֶתְכֶ֖ם בֶּחָ֑רֶב וְהָי֤וּ נְשֵׁיכֶם֙ אַלְמָנ֔וֹת וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם יְתֹמִֽים
My anger will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.
The threatened sanction is a precise mirror-image reversal (measure-for-measure): those who make widows and orphans of others will, by divine judgment in war, make widows and orphans of their own households — reinforcing that this law's enforcement lies wholly with God.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְחָרָ֣הand it will burn/kindleconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Weqatal: certain future consequenceחָרָה (H2734) Qal 'to burn (of anger)'; idiom for divine wrath.
אַפִּ֔יmy angerN m sg constr/Sp1cs · אַף (H639)Subject of וְחָרָהאַף (H639) 'nose, anger'; idiom חָרָה אַף 'anger burns' — physiological metaphor for wrath.
וְהָרַגְתִּ֥יand I will killconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb, coordinate (further apodosis)→ Weqatal: certain future consequenceהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; direct divine agency.
אֶתְכֶ֖םyou (pl)obj marker/Sp2mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with suffix (object of וְהָרַגְתִּי)H853 + 2mp; the whole community held responsible, not merely the individual offender.
בֶּחָ֑רֶבwith the swordprep בְ + N f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Adverbial (instrumental) prepositional phraseחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; likely denotes war/violent death rather than judicial execution.
וְהָי֤וּand they will becomeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, coordinate (result)→ Weqatal: certain future resultהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
נְשֵׁיכֶם֙your wivesN f pl constr/Sp2mp · אִשָה (H802)Subject of וְהָיוּ (first conjunct)אִשָה (H802) pl. 'wives'.
אַלְמָנ֔וֹתwidowsN f pl abs · אַלְמָנָה (H490)Predicate complement of וְהָיוּ (first result)אַלְמָנָה (H490), cf. v.21 — the poetic-justice reversal: oppressors of widows will make their own wives widows.
וּבְנֵיכֶ֖םand your childrenconj וְ + N m pl constr/Sp2mp · בֵּן (H1121)Subject, second conjunct of וְהָיוּבֵּן (H1121) pl. 'sons/children'.
יְתֹמִֽיםorphansN m pl abs · יָתוֹם (H3490)Predicate complement, second resultיָתוֹם (H3490), cf. v.21 — the same lex talionis-style reversal completing the warning.
24
אִם כֶּ֣סֶף תַּלְוֶ֣ה אֶת עַמִּ֗י אֶת הֶֽעָנִי֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ לֹא תִהְיֶ֥ה ל֖וֹ כְּנֹשֶׁ֑ה לֹֽא תְשִׂימ֥וּן עָלָ֖יו נֶֽשֶׁךְ
If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest.
Begins the chapter's economic-justice cluster: YHWH claims personal ownership of 'my people,' redefining lending to the poor as covenant solidarity rather than commercial opportunity, and forbidding both a creditor's harsh demeanor and literal interest.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis marker (new topic: lending)pivots to economic/lending law.
כֶּ֣סֶףmoneyN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct object of תַלְוֶה (fronted)cf. v.6.
תַּלְוֶ֣הyou lendHiphil impf 2ms · לָוָה (H3867)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalלָוָה (H3867) Hiphil 'to lend'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַמִּ֗יmy peopleN m sg constr/Sp1cs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of תַלְוֶה (in apposition/further specified)עַם (H5971) 'people'; divine first-person possessive, YHWH claims the poor as his own.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second, specifying)
הֶֽעָנִי֙the poor (one)art + Adj m sg abs · עָנִי (H6041)Direct object, appositional specification of עַמִּיעָנִי (H6041) 'poor, afflicted'; narrows 'my people' to the poor specifically.
עִמָּ֔ךְwith youprep עִם + Sp2fs · עִם (H5973)Locative/circumstantial complementnote the 2fs suffix (a grammatical peculiarity/archaic or collective form), 'among you'.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִהְיֶה
תִהְיֶ֥הyou shall beQal impf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + Sp3msDative complement (predicate of תִהְיֶה)
כְּנֹשֶׁ֑הlike a creditorprep כְ + Qal ptc m sg abs · נָשָה (H5383)Predicate complement of תִהְיֶה (comparative participle)→ Participle: characterizing, 'acting as one who exacts debt'נָשָה (H5383) Qal ptc. 'one who lends at interest/exacts a debt, creditor'; prohibits a harsh creditor posture toward the poor.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְשִׂימוּן
תְשִׂימ֥וּןyou (pl) shall imposeQal impf 2mp (+paragogic nun) · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition, plural, emphatic)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodictic, solemn (paragogic נ)שִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, impose'.
עָלָ֖יוupon himprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement of תְשִׂימוּן
נֶֽשֶׁךְinterestN m sg abs · נֶשֶך (H5392)Direct object of תְשִׂימוּןנֶשֶך (H5392) 'interest, usury', from נשך 'to bite'; the vivid root meaning frames interest on the poor as predatory 'biting'.
25
אִם חָבֹ֥ל תַּחְבֹּ֖ל שַׂלְמַ֣ת רֵעֶ֑ךָ עַד בֹּ֥א הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ תְּשִׁיבֶ֥נּוּ לֽוֹ
If you take your neighbor's garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down.
Introduces the pledge (collateral) law: a creditor may hold security, but even legitimate collateral must yield each night to the debtor's basic need — the daily rhythm of sunset becomes the legal deadline, prefiguring the compassionate rationale given explicitly in v.26.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אִםifC · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis marker (new sub-case: pledge)
חָבֹ֥לindeed take in pledgeQal inf abs · חָבַל (H2254)Infinitive absolute reinforcing finite verb (emphatic)→ Volitional/emphatic certainty
תַּחְבֹּ֖לyou take in pledgeQal impf 2ms · חָבַל (H2254)Predicate verb of protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditionalחָבַל (H2254) 'to take a pledge (as security for a loan)'.
שַׂלְמַ֣תthe garment ofN f sg constr · שַלְמָה (H8008)Direct object (construct head)cf. v.8's list.
רֵעֶ֑ךָyour neighborN m sg constr/Sp2ms · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitive completing construct
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase
בֹּ֥אthe coming/setting ofQal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitival head of temporal clause→ Infinitive: temporalבּוֹא (H935); idiom 'until the sun's coming (in)', i.e. sunset.
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶמֶש (H8121)Subject of the infinitive בֹּאcf. v.2.
תְּשִׁיבֶ֥נּוּyou shall return itHiphil impf 2ms/Sp3ms · שוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main apodosis)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive obligationשוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to bring back, return, restore'.
לֽוֹto himprep לְ + Sp3msDative complement (recipient)
26
כִּ֣י הִ֤וא כסותה כְסוּתוֹ֙ לְבַדָּ֔הּ הִ֥וא שִׂמְלָת֖וֹ לְעֹר֑וֹ בַּמֶּ֣ה יִשְׁכָּ֔ב וְהָיָה֙ כִּֽי יִצְעַ֣ק אֵלַ֔י וְשָׁמַעְתִּ֖י כִּֽי חַנּ֥וּן אָֽנִי
for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am gracious.
Grounds the sunset deadline of v.25 in concrete human need (a poor man's cloak as his only blanket) and, like vv.22-23, escalates to direct divine speech, naming YHWH's own graciousness (חַנּוּן) as the reason the law must be kept — compassion is here made a divine character trait, not merely a legal technicality. Contains the chapter's second ketiv/qere pair (words 3-4).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּ֣יforC · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds the pledge law)
הִ֤ואit (is)independent pronoun 3fs · הוּא/הִיא (H1931)Subject of nominal clauseהִוא, the fem. form (written with ו, the classic MT 'Pentateuchal הוא' spelling for הִיא).
כסותהhis covering (ketiv)Ketiv (unpointed) · כְּסוּת (H3682)Predicate — Ketiv (written form, not read)כְּסוּת (H3682) 'covering, clothing'; the Ketiv of this word, superseded in reading by the Qere immediately following — another instance of the ketiv/qere phenomenon seen at v.4.
כְסוּתוֹ֙his covering (qere)N f sg constr/Sp3ms · כְּסוּת (H3682)Predicate nominative — Qere (form actually read)כְּסוּת (H3682); the Qere reading, 'his (sole) covering' — his cloak doubles as his only blanket.
לְבַדָּ֔הּalone/by itselfprep לְ + N constr/Sp3fs · בַד (H905)Adverbial phrase intensifying (cf. v.19)cf. v.19; 'it alone', emphasizing he has no other covering.
הִ֥ואit (is)independent pronoun 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject of second nominal clauseresumes the topic for a second predicate.
שִׂמְלָת֖וֹhis garmentN f sg constr/Sp3ms · שַלְמָה (H8008)Predicate nominativecf. v.25; near-synonym of כְּסוּת, restating for emphasis.
לְעֹר֑וֹfor his skinprep לְ + N constr/Sp3ms · עוֹר (H5785)Adverbial (purpose/benefactive) prepositional phraseעוֹר (H5785) 'skin'; 'the covering for his body/skin' — his only protection against the cold.
בַּמֶּ֣הin whatprep בְ + interrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Fronted interrogative (rhetorical question)מָה (H4100) 'what'; rhetorical question, 'in what else could he sleep?'.
יִשְׁכָּ֔בshall he lie downQal impf 3ms · שָכַב (H7901)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: deliberative/rhetoricalשָכַב (H7901), cf. vv.15,18; here innocuously 'to sleep'.
וְהָיָה֙and it will be/happenconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Weqatal: certain future consequenceהָיָה (H1961), introduces the consequence clause.
כִּֽיwhenC · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/conditional conjunction
יִצְעַ֣קhe cries outQal impf 3ms · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate verb of temporal clause→ Yiqtol: conditional/futureצָעַק (H6817), cf. v.22.
אֵלַ֔יto meprep אֶל + Sp1cs · אֶל (H413)Dative complement of יִצְעַק
וְשָׁמַעְתִּ֖יthen I will hearconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · שָמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main apodosis, divine first-person)→ Weqatal: certain future responseשָמַע (H8085), cf. v.22.
כִּֽיforC · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing motive clause
חַנּ֥וּןgraciousAdj m sg abs · חַנוּן (H2587)Predicate adjective of nominal clauseחַנוּן (H2587) 'gracious, compassionate', from חנן; a divine attribute term used elsewhere of YHWH's covenant character (cf. Exod 34:6).
אָֽנִיI (am)independent pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of nominal clause (copula)אֲנִי (H589), emphatic divine self-identification closing the motive clause.
27
אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֹ֣א תְקַלֵּ֑ל וְנָשִׂ֥יא בְעַמְּךָ֖ לֹ֥א תָאֹֽר
You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Pairs the ultimate religious and political authorities — God and the civil ruler — under a single prohibition, protecting the two poles of the covenant community's authority structure with matched apodictic verbs (קלל / ארר).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of תְקַלֵל (fronted)here evidently the singular referent, YHWH.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְקַלֵל
תְקַלֵּ֑לyou shall revilePiel impf 2ms · קָלַל (H7043)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticקָלַל (H7043) Piel 'to curse, revile, treat with contempt'.
וְנָשִׂ֥יאand a leader/rulerconj וְ + N m sg abs · נָשִיא (H5387)Fronted direct object, second conjunctנָשִיא (H5387) 'chief, prince, leader'.
בְעַמְּךָ֖among your peopleprep בְ + N constr/Sp2ms · עַם (H5971)Attributive prepositional phrase modifying נָשִיאעַם (H5971), cf. v.24.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תָאֹר
תָאֹֽרyou shall curseQal impf 2ms · אָרַר (H779)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition, second)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticאָרַר (H779) Qal 'to curse'; a near-synonym of קָלַל, forming a parallel pair.
28
מְלֵאָתְךָ֥ וְדִמְעֲךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְאַחֵ֑ר בְּכ֥וֹר בָּנֶ֖יךָ תִּתֶּן לִּֽי
You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses; the firstborn of your sons you shall give to me.
Moves from social ethics to cultic obligation, still in YHWH's first-person voice: firstfruits (solid and liquid) and the firstborn son belong to God by right and must be rendered without delay, continuing the motif of divine ownership begun with 'my people' in v.24.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
מְלֵאָתְךָ֥your (grain) offeringN f sg constr/Sp2ms · מְלֵאָה (H4395)Fronted direct object (topic 1)מְלֵאָה (H4395) 'fullness, abundance'; here the grain/harvest offering owed from produce.
וְדִמְעֲךָ֖and your juice/liquid offeringconj וְ + N constr/Sp2ms · דֶמַע (H1831)Fronted direct object (topic 2)דֶמַע (H1831) 'liquid produce (wine, oil)', lit. 'tear, drip'; paired with מְלֵאָה for solid + liquid firstfruits.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְאַחֵר
תְאַחֵ֑רyou shall delayPiel impf 2ms · אָחַר (H309)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticאָחַר (H309) Piel 'to delay, hold back'; the firstfruits offering must be prompt.
בְּכ֥וֹרthe firstborn ofN m sg constr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Fronted direct object (topic 3, construct head)בְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'.
בָּנֶ֖יךָyour sonsN m pl constr/Sp2ms · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing constructבֵּן (H1121), cf. v.23.
תִּתֶּןyou shall giveQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main apodictic clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/apodictic obligationנָתַן (H5414), cf. v.6; here the dedication/redemption of the firstborn son (cf. Exod 13:13; 34:20 for the redemption provision assumed here).
לִּֽיto meprep לְ + Sp1csDative complement (recipient, divine first-person)YHWH again speaks in the first person, claiming firstfruits and firstborn as his own.
29
כֵּֽן תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְשֹׁרְךָ֖ לְצֹאנֶ֑ךָ שִׁבְעַ֤ת יָמִים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה עִם אִמּ֔וֹ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֖י תִּתְּנוֹ לִֽי
You shall do likewise with your oxen and your sheep: seven days it shall remain with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to me.
Extends the firstborn-dedication law of v.28 to firstborn livestock, adding the humane stipulation (paralleled in Lev 22:27) that the young animal first nurse a full week — cultic obligation is again shaped by compassionate concern for the animal, mirroring the human compassion laws of vv.20-27.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כֵּֽןso/likewiseadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial modifier of the main clause (comparative)כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; extends the firstborn principle of v.28 to livestock.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָה (H6213)Predicate verb (main apodictic clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/apodictic obligationעָשָה (H6213) 'to do, act'.
לְשֹׁרְךָ֖with your oxprep לְ + N constr/Sp2ms · שוֹר (H7794)Dative/reference complement of תַעֲשֶה (topic 1)cf. v.3.
לְצֹאנֶ֑ךָwith your flockprep לְ + N constr/Sp2ms · צֹאן (H6629)Dative/reference complement, second conjunctצֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats'.
שִׁבְעַ֤תseven ofnumeral constr · שֶבַע (H7651)Construct head (שִבְעַת יָמִים)שֶבַע (H7651) 'seven'.
יָמִים֙daysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive completing construct; subject of יִהְיֶהיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
יִהְיֶ֣הit shall be/remainQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of subordinate clause→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveהָיָה (H1961), cf. v.24.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (locative/comitative)
אִמּ֔וֹits motherN f sg constr/Sp3ms · אֵם (H517)Object of prep. עִםאֵם (H517) 'mother'; the young animal must nurse a full week before being taken.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְ + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase
הַשְּׁמִינִ֖יeighthart + ordinal · שְמִינִי (H8066)Attributive adjective modifying בַּיוֹםשְמִינִי (H8066) 'eighth', ordinal from שְמֹנֶה 'eight'.
תִּתְּנוֹyou shall give itQal impf 2ms/Sp3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main apodictic clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/apodictic obligationנָתַן (H5414), cf. v.28.
לִֽיto meprep לְ + Sp1csDative complement (recipient, divine first-person)continues YHWH's first-person claim.
30
וְאַנְשֵׁי קֹ֖דֶשׁ תִּהְי֣וּן לִ֑י וּבָשָׂ֨ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֤ה טְרֵפָה֙ לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֔לוּ לַכֶּ֖לֶב תַּשְׁלִכ֥וּן אֹתֽוֹ
You shall be holy men to me; you shall not eat any flesh torn by beasts in the field, but shall throw it to the dogs.
Closes the chapter by grounding the dietary prohibition in Israel's corporate identity as YHWH's 'holy men' — the same טְרֵפָה vocabulary that governed the bailee's legal defense in v.12 now governs table purity, uniting the chapter's civil, humanitarian, and cultic material under a single holiness rationale.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאַנְשֵׁיand men ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · אִיש (H376)Subject, construct head (fronted predicate nominal)אִיש (H376) pl. construct 'men of'.
קֹ֖דֶשׁholinessN m sg abs · קֹדֶש (H6944)Genitive completing construct (אַנְשֵי קֹדֶש)קֹדֶש (H6944) 'holiness, sacredness', from קדש; 'holy men' — Israel's status summarized as the chapter closes.
תִּהְי֣וּןyou (pl) shall beQal impf 2mp (+paragogic nun) · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, solemn closing charge)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/apodictic, solemn (paragogic נ)הָיָה (H1961), cf. v.24; the paragogic נ marks a formal, weighty declaration.
לִ֑יto meprep לְ + Sp1csDative complement (divine first-person, possession)continues YHWH's first-person voice from vv.28-29.
וּבָשָׂ֨רand fleshconj וְ + N m sg abs · בָשָר (H1320)Fronted direct object (topic)בָשָר (H1320) 'flesh, meat'.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֤הin the fieldprep בְ + art + N m sg abs · שָדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phrase modifying the topiccf. v.4; 'torn in the open field' by a wild beast.
טְרֵפָה֙torn (by beasts)N f sg abs · טְרֵפָה (H2966)Attributive/appositional noun qualifying בָשָרטְרֵפָה (H2966), cf. v.12; here a dietary rather than a bailment concern.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תֹאכֵלוּ
תֹאכֵ֔לוּyou (pl) shall eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (apodictic prohibition)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/apodicticאָכַל (H398), cf. v.5.
לַכֶּ֖לֶבto the dogprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · כֶּלֶב (H3611)Dative complement of תַשְלִיכוּן (recipient)כֶּלֶב (H3611) 'dog'; the disposal recipient, marking the carcass as unfit even for human contact yet not wasted.
תַּשְׁלִכ֥וּןyou (pl) shall throwHiphil impf 2mp (+paragogic nun) · שָלַך (H7993)Predicate verb (main clause, positive instruction)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive, solemn (paragogic נ)שָלַך (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast away'.
אֹתֽוֹitobj marker/Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with suffix (object of תַשְלִיכוּן)H853 + 3ms suffix, resuming בָשָר.