1
וְאֶל מֹשֶׁ֨ה אָמַ֜ר עֲלֵ֣ה אֶל יְהוָ֗ה אַתָּה֙ וְאַהֲרֹן֙ נָדָ֣ב וַאֲבִיה֔וּא וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים מִזִּקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֖ם מֵרָחֹֽק
And to Moses he said, "Come up to YHWH, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar."
The chapter opens mid-speech, fronting the prepositional phrase אֶל־מֹשֶׁה for emphasis: this next instruction is addressed specifically to Moses, initiating the covenant-ratification ceremony that will occupy the whole chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + prepositional phrase (introducing recipient of address)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; here governs מֹשֶׁה as the one addressed — the direction of divine speech.
מֹשֶׁ֨הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (indirect object of address)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), the covenant mediator; traditionally derived from מָשָׁה 'to draw out' (Exod 2:10).
אָמַ֜רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, resumed after fronted prepositional phrase)→ Perfective: a completed speech-act introducing direct discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard verb introducing direct divine speech throughout the Pentateuch.
עֲלֵ֣הgo upQal impv 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Direct object clause — imperative opening YHWH's direct speech→ Volitional: a commandעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the chapter's key verb of covenant ascent, repeated at vv. 1, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal of motion)אֶל (H413) marking the goal, 'to YHWH' — i.e. up the mountain into his presence.
יְהוָ֗הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition אֶליְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the destination of the ascent is God himself, not merely the mountain.
אַתָּה֙youindependent pers pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (resumptive, in apposition to the implied 2ms addressee of עֲלֵה)אַתָּה (H859) emphatic independent pronoun 'you'; heads the list of those summoned, singling out Moses before naming his companions.
וְאַהֲרֹן֙and Aaronconj וְ + Np · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinate subject (second of the ascending party)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother and the future high priest; here included in the elite covenant delegation.
נָדָ֣בNadabNp · נָדָב (H5070)Coordinate subject (third of the ascending party)נָדָב (H5070) 'noble, generous'; Aaron's eldest son, later struck down for offering unauthorized fire (Lev 10:1-2).
וַאֲבִיה֔וּאand Abihuconj וְ + Np · אֲבִיהוּא (H30)Coordinate subject (fourth of the ascending party)אֲבִיהוּא (H30) 'he is my father' (i.e. YHWH); Aaron's second son, paired with Nadab throughout and sharing his fate.
וְשִׁבְעִ֖יםand seventyconj וְ + cardinal number · שִׁבְעִים (H7657)Coordinate subject (numeral heading a construct chain)שִׁבְעִים (H7657) 'seventy'; a symbolic full number recalling the seventy descendants of Jacob (Exod 1:5) and anticipating the seventy elders of Num 11.
מִזִּקְנֵ֣יof the elders ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Partitive construct chain (מִן + construct noun) modifying שִׁבְעִיםזָקֵן (H2205) 'elder, old man'; here the tribal/clan elders who represent Israel in covenant ratification.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of the construct chain (elders of Israel)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, Jacob's renamed identity (Gen 32:28).
וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֖םand you shall bow downweqatal (Hishtaphel) 2mp · חָוָה (H7812)Weqatal continuing the imperatival/volitive sequence (command)→ Weqatal: a further volitional instruction continuing the force of the preceding imperativeחָוָה (H7812), the reflexive-like hishtaphel stem denoting prostration in worship; the whole party is to bow at a distance even as Moses alone draws near.
מֵרָחֹֽקfrom afarprep מִן + adj m sg abs · רָחוֹק (H7350)Adverbial prepositional phrase of distance (manner/location of worship)רָחוֹק (H7350) 'far, distant'; marks graduated access to the divine presence — the seventy worship at a distance while Moses alone approaches (v. 2).
2
וְנִגַּ֨שׁ מֹשֶׁ֤ה לְבַדּוֹ֙ אֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְהֵ֖ם לֹ֣א יִגָּ֑שׁוּ וְהָעָ֕ם לֹ֥א יַעֲל֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ
Moses alone shall approach YHWH, but they shall not approach, and the people shall not go up with him.
A parenthetical clarification, breaking the narrative flow to specify precisely who may approach how closely: Moses alone, then the elders, then not the people at all — establishing the three-tiered access pattern realized narratively only in vv. 9-11.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְנִגַּ֨שׁand shall approachweqatal (Niphal) 3ms · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Weqatal, volitive continuation (restrictive stipulation)→ Weqatal: modal/injunctive — a restriction following the preceding commandנָגַשׁ (H5066) Niphal 'to draw near, approach'; here restricting approach to Moses alone.
מֹשֶׁ֤הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); singled out as sole mediator who may approach YHWH directly.
לְבַדּוֹ֙by himself, aloneprep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּד (H905) + 3ms suffixAdverbial accusative-like phrase (manner, emphasizing exclusivity)בַּד (H905) 'part, separation'; the idiom לְבַד + suffix means 'alone, by oneself,' underscoring Moses' unique mediatorial access.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition אֶליְהוָה (H3068); the exclusive object of Moses' approach.
וְהֵ֖םbut theyconj וְ + indep pers pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject, contrastive (disjunctive waw)הֵם (H1992) 'they', emphatic subject pronoun contrasting with Moses' unique access.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle negating a finite verb.
יִגָּ֑שׁוּshall approachQal impf 3mp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb, negated yiqtol (prohibition/restriction)→ Yiqtol: modal — restriction, 'they shall/may not draw near'נָגַשׁ (H5066) Qal 'to approach'; the same root as v.2a, here negated for the elders.
וְהָעָ֕םand the peopleconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject, further disjunctive contrastעַם (H5971) 'people'; the third and most restricted tier of access — behind Moses and the seventy elders.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808) negating יַעֲלוּ.
יַעֲל֖וּshall go upQal impf 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb, negated yiqtol→ Yiqtol: modal — prohibition/restrictionעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the people are barred from ascending at all, unlike the graded access of Moses and the elders.
עִמּֽוֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Adverbial prepositional phrase (accompaniment)עִם (H5973) 'with'; marks the people's total exclusion from accompanying Moses up the mountain.
3
וַיָּבֹ֣א מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיְסַפֵּ֤ר לָעָם֙ אֵ֚ת כָּל דִּבְרֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת כָּל הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים וַיַּ֨עַן כָּל הָעָ֜ם ק֤וֹל אֶחָד֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֛ים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶֽׂה
And Moses came and told the people all the words of YHWH and all the ordinances, and all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words that YHWH has spoken we will do."
Resumes the narrative mainline: Moses descends, reports the covenant terms, and the people respond with unanimous, unconditional assent — the first iteration of the obedience pledge later intensified in v.7.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אand he camewayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main storyline resumes)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; marks Moses' return down the mountain to report to the people.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the mediator now reports back.
וַיְסַפֵּ֤רand he recounted/toldwayyiqtol Piel 3ms · סָפַר (H5608)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָפַר (H5608) Piel 'to recount, declare in detail'; Moses relays the full content of YHWH's word, not a summary.
לָעָם֙to the peopleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Indirect objectעַם (H5971) 'people'; the recipients of Moses' report.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; marks דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה as definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the direct object (totality)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; heads the construct chain כָּל דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה, 'all the words of YHWH.'
דִּבְרֵ֣יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct noun (genitive complement of כָּל)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here the covenant stipulations already given in Exod 20-23 (the Book of the Covenant).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (source of the words)יְהוָה (H3068); the divine speaker whose words Moses transmits verbatim.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853) marks הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים as the second definite object, paired with the first by וְ.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the second objectכֹּל (H3605) heading כָּל הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים, 'all the judgments.'
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑יםthe judgments/ordinancesart + N m pl abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Genitive complement of כָּל (second construct chain, in apposition to דברי יהוה)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, ordinance, case-law'; the civil/social case-laws of Exod 21-23, distinguished from but subsumed under 'the words.'
וַיַּ֨עַןand he/they answeredwayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; introduces the people's unanimous covenant response.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the subject (totality)כֹּל (H3605) heading כָּל הָעָם, 'all the people,' stressing unanimity.
הָעָ֜םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of כָּל (subject of וַיַּעַן)עַם (H5971); the whole assembly answers as one body.
ק֤וֹלvoiceN m sg abs · קוֹל (H6963)Adverbial accusative (manner: 'with one voice')קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; construct with אֶחָד forms the idiom for unanimous acclamation.
אֶחָד֙onecardinal number m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive modifier of קוֹלאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; קוֹל אֶחָד, 'one voice,' idiom for unanimity — the whole people speak as a single covenant partner.
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidwayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct discourse→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces the people's first covenant pledge, the germ of the fuller formula in v. 7.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the object of the people's speechכֹּל (H3605) heading כָּל הַדְּבָרִים, 'all the words.'
הַדְּבָרִ֛יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive complement of כָּל; antecedent of the relative clauseדָּבָר (H1697); the same term as v. 3, now echoed back by the people as the object of their obedience.
אֲשֶׁרthat, whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a subordinate relative clause modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834), the invariant Hebrew relative particle; introduces the clause specifying which words are meant.
דִּבֶּ֥רhe has spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of speaking, prior to the people's responseדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the perfect marks YHWH's speaking as already accomplished, the ground for the people's promise.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּריְהוָה (H3068); the speaker of the covenant stipulations.
נַעֲשֶֽׂהwe will doQal impf 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause of the people's pledge)→ Yiqtol: volitive/future — cohortative-like pledge of obedienceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, perform'; the people's first pledge of covenant obedience, expanded in v.7 with 'and we will hear.'
4
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֵ֚ת כָּל דִּבְרֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַיִּ֥בֶן מִזְבֵּ֖חַ תַּ֣חַת הָהָ֑ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And Moses wrote all the words of YHWH, and he rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Moses formalizes the oral report into a written document and stages the ceremonial apparatus (altar, twelve pillars) that will embody the covenant partners: YHWH and the twelve tribes.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣בand he wrotewayyiqtol 3ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; Moses commits the covenant words to a written document (סֵפֶר הַבְּרִית, v.7).
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); acting as covenant scribe.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking the following as definite direct object.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the direct objectכֹּל (H3605) heading כָּל דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה.
דִּבְרֵ֣יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct noun (genitive of כָּל)דָּבָר (H1697); the same covenant words reported orally in v.3, now written.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitiveיְהוָה (H3068); source of the written words.
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣םand he rose earlywayyiqtol Hiphil 3ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early, do promptly'; signals urgent, eager compliance in preparing the covenant ceremony.
בַּבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; the customary time for cultic action in the Pentateuch.
וַיִּ֥בֶןand he builtwayyiqtol 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; Moses constructs the altar that will anchor the covenant ceremony.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַan altarN m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of וַיִּבֶןמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'; represents YHWH's presence/party in the covenant.
תַּ֣חַתat the foot ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phraseתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; here spatial, 'at the base of the mountain.'
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Object of preposition תַּחַתהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; Sinai, the site of covenant-making.
וּשְׁתֵּ֤יםand twelveconj וְ + cardinal number f · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of compound number modifying מַצֵּבָהשְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; combined with עֶשְׂרֵה to form 'twelve,' matching Israel's twelve tribes.
עֶשְׂרֵה֙-teen (twelve)numeral f · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Second element of the compound numeral 'twelve'עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240), the feminine '-teen' element forming שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה, 'twelve.'
מַצֵּבָ֔הpillar(s)N f sg abs (collective) · מַצֵּבָה (H4676)Direct object counted by the numeralמַצֵּבָה (H4676) 'standing stone, pillar', from נָצַב 'to stand'; twelve pillars stand as witnesses representing the twelve tribes party to the covenant.
לִשְׁנֵ֥יםfor twelveprep לְ + cardinal number m · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Prepositional phrase of purpose/correspondence (dative of reference)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; here the masculine form pairs with עָשָׂר for 'twelve tribes,' explaining the number of pillars.
עָשָׂ֖ר-teen (twelve)numeral m · עָשָׂר (H6240)Second element of the compound numeralעָשָׂר (H6240), masculine '-teen' forming שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר, 'twelve.'
שִׁבְטֵ֥יthe tribes ofN m pl constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Construct noun, genitive complement of the numeralשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'tribe, rod, staff'; the twelve tribal divisions of Israel, each represented by a pillar.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitiveיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant nation, symbolically present via the twelve pillars alongside YHWH's altar.
5
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח אֶֽת נַעֲרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיַּֽעֲל֖וּ עֹלֹ֑ת וַֽיִּזְבְּח֞וּ זְבָחִ֧ים שְׁלָמִ֛ים לַיהוָ֖ה פָּרִֽים
And he sent the young men of the sons of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of bulls to YHWH.
The sacrificial preparations begin: burnt offerings and peace offerings supply both the ratifying blood (vv.6,8) and the covenant meal (vv.9-11).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗חand he sentwayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Moses delegates the sacrificial acts to appointed young men.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking נַעֲרֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as definite direct object.
נַעֲרֵי֙the young men ofN m pl constr · נַעַר (H5288)Construct noun, direct object headנַעַר (H5288) 'young man, servant'; likely firstborn sons acting as proto-priests before the Levitical priesthood is instituted (cf. Exod 19:22, 24).
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct noun continuing the chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the sons/children of Israel,' the standard designation of the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וַיַּֽעֲל֖וּand they offered upwayyiqtol Hiphil 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil (causative) 'to cause to go up, offer up'; the technical term for presenting a burnt offering on the altar.
עֹלֹ֑תburnt offeringsN f pl abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct object of וַיַּעֲלוּעֹלָה (H5930) 'ascending/whole burnt offering', from עָלָה; wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing total consecration.
וַֽיִּזְבְּח֞וּand they sacrificedwayyiqtol 3mp · זָבַח (H2076)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; introduces the second offering type, whose blood will be used for the covenant ritual.
זְבָחִ֧יםsacrificesN m pl abs · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object (cognate accusative with וַיִּזְבְּחוּ)זֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice, slaughtered offering', cognate with the verb זָבַח; here specified as שְׁלָמִים.
שְׁלָמִ֛יםpeace offeringsN m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Appositional noun modifying זְבָחִים (specifying the offering type)שֶׁלֶם (H8002) 'peace/fellowship offering', from שָׁלוֹם 'wholeness, peace'; a communal meal offering, fitting for the covenant meal of vv. 9-11.
לַיהוָ֖הto YHWHprep לְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object (recipient of the sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068); the sacrifices are directed to him as the covenant partner.
פָּרִֽיםbullsN m pl abs · פַּר (H6499)Appositional/accusative noun specifying the sacrificial animalsפַּר (H6499) 'bull, young ox'; a costly, high-value animal fitting the solemnity of covenant ratification.
6
וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ חֲצִ֣י הַדָּ֔ם וַיָּ֖שֶׂם בָּאַגָּנֹ֑ת וַחֲצִ֣י הַדָּ֔ם זָרַ֖ק עַל הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ
And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he dashed against the altar.
The blood is deliberately halved: one portion held back for the people (v.8), the other immediately applied to the altar — representing YHWH's side of the covenant being sealed first.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּקַּ֤חand he tookwayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Moses personally handles the sacrificial blood, the covenant's ratifying substance.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); acting as covenant mediator/officiant.
חֲצִ֣יhalf ofN m sg constr · חֵצִי (H2677)Construct noun, direct object headחֵצִי (H2677) 'half'; the blood is deliberately divided for a two-part ritual (basins / altar).
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive completing the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the life-substance that ratifies and seals the covenant (v.8).
וַיָּ֖שֶׂםand he putwayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the first half of the blood is reserved in basins for the people (v.8).
בָּאַגָּנֹ֑תin the basinsprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · אַגָּן (H101)Locative prepositional phraseאַגָּן (H101) 'basin, bowl'; vessels for holding the sacrificial blood until it is applied to the people.
וַחֲצִ֣יand half ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · חֵצִי (H2677)Construct noun, subject of the fronted clause (casus pendens continued by זָרַק)חֵצִי (H2677); the second half, contrasted with the first by fronting.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive completing the construct chainדָּם (H1818); repeated for the second half destined for the altar.
זָרַ֖קhe dashed/sprinkledQal perf 3ms · זָרַק (H2236)Predicate verb (fronted object construction, X-qatal for topical contrast)→ Perfective: a decisive ritual actזָרַק (H2236) 'to throw, dash, sprinkle (in bulk, unlike the finer מִדָּה of נָזָה)'; the technical priestly verb for applying blood to an altar.
עַלon, againstprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon, against'; marks the altar as the surface receiving the blood.
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition עַלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); representing YHWH's side of the covenant, receiving half the blood as the altar-blood parallels the people-blood of v.8.
7
וַיִּקַּח֙ סֵ֣פֶר הַבְּרִ֔ית וַיִּקְרָ֖א בְּאָזְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶׂ֥ה וְנִשְׁמָֽע
And he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people, and they said, "All that YHWH has spoken we will do and we will hear."
The covenant document is read aloud verbatim and the people respond with the chapter's most famous formula, נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע — 'we will do and we will hear' — intensifying v.3's pledge by adding attentive obedience to mere performance.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקַּח֙and he tookwayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947); Moses now takes up the written covenant document.
סֵ֣פֶרthe book/scroll ofN m sg constr · סֵפֶר (H5612)Construct noun, direct object headסֵפֶר (H5612) 'document, scroll, book'; refers back to the writing of v.4 — the same words now formalized as a covenant document.
הַבְּרִ֔יתthe covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive completing the construct chainבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant, treaty'; the chapter's central term, echoed in 'blood of the covenant' (v.8).
וַיִּקְרָ֖אand he read/proclaimedwayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, read aloud, proclaim'; public recitation formalizes the people's assent to specific, known terms.
בְּאָזְנֵ֣יin the hearing ofprep בְּ + N f dual constr · אֹזֶן (H241)Idiomatic prepositional phrase (dative of audience)אֹזֶן (H241) 'ear'; the idiom בְּאָזְנֵי, 'in the ears of,' means 'within earshot of, audibly to.'
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing the idiomעַם (H5971); the whole assembly, hearing the terms directly this time (rather than via Moses' summary, v.3).
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidwayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct discourse→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces the climactic covenant formula of this verse.
כֹּ֛לallN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Subject/topic, antecedent of the relative clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; here used absolutely (without construct noun following), 'everything that...'
אֲשֶׁרthat, whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the content of YHWH's speech as the object of the pledge.
דִּבֶּ֥רhe has spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of speech, ground for the pledge that followsדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; the second occurrence of this exact clause (cf. v.3), now sealed with blood.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּריְהוָה (H3068).
נַעֲשֶׂ֥הwe will doQal impf 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (first half of the covenant formula)→ Yiqtol: volitive pledge of obedienceעָשָׂה (H6213); repeats the pledge of v.3, now paired with וְנִשְׁמָע to form the famous נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע formula.
וְנִשְׁמָֽעand we will hear/obeyconj וְ + Qal impf 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (second half of the covenant formula, coordinate with נַעֲשֶׂה)→ Yiqtol: volitive pledge, intensifying commitment beyond mere performance to attentive, ongoing obedienceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; in Hebrew idiom hearing implies obeying. The pairing נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע — 'we will do and we will hear' — reverses the expected logical order (hearing normally precedes doing), expressing unconditional, anticipatory covenant commitment: Israel agrees to obey even before every term is known.
8
וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶת הַדָּ֔ם וַיִּזְרֹ֖ק עַל הָעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּ֤ה דַֽם הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר כָּרַ֤ת יְהוָה֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם עַ֥ל כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה
And Moses took the blood and dashed it on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant that YHWH has cut with you concerning all these words."
The second half of the blood is applied to the people themselves, and Moses interprets the act verbally: this is 'the blood of the covenant' — the phrase later taken up by Jesus at the Last Supper (Matt 26:28; Mark 14:24; cf. Heb 9:18-20).
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּקַּ֤חand he tookwayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947); Moses now takes the blood reserved in the basins (v.6).
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַדָּם as definite direct object.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of וַיִּקַּחדָּם (H1818); the half reserved in basins, now applied to the people.
וַיִּזְרֹ֖קand he dashed/sprinkledwayyiqtol 3ms · זָרַק (H2236)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceזָרַק (H2236); the same verb as v.6, now applied to the people rather than the altar — completing the two-sided ratification.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; the blood is thrown on the people.
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition עַלעַם (H5971); the human covenant partner, now marked with the same blood as the altar.
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct discourse→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses' covenant-ratification formula.
הִנֵּ֤הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle drawing attention to the following predicationהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, here is'; dramatically presents the blood as the tangible seal of the covenant just concluded.
דַֽםthe blood ofN m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Construct noun, predicate of the הִנֵּה-clauseדָּם (H1818); heads the phrase דַּם הַבְּרִית, 'the blood of the covenant,' quoted in Jesus' words at the Last Supper (Matt 26:28).
הַבְּרִית֙the covenantart + N f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive completing the construct chainבְּרִית (H1285); the covenant just ratified by the reciprocal blood application of vv. 6, 8.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthat, whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הַבְּרִיתאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the description of the covenant's making.
כָּרַ֤תhe has cut/madeQal perf 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive covenant-making actכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut'; the idiom כָּרַת בְּרִית, 'to cut a covenant,' likely echoes ancient rites of cutting animals in covenant ceremonies (cf. Gen 15).
יְהוָה֙YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of כָּרַתיְהוָה (H3068); the divine covenant-maker.
עִמָּכֶ֔םwith youprep עִם + 2mp suffix · עִם (H5973)Adverbial prepositional phrase (covenant partner)עִם (H5973) 'with'; identifies Israel (2mp, the whole nation) as YHWH's covenant partner.
עַ֥לconcerning, according toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of basis/referenceעַל (H5921) here 'concerning, on the basis of'; specifies the content-basis of the covenant.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the object of עַלכֹּל (H3605) heading כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה.
הַדְּבָרִ֖יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive completing the construct chainדָּבָר (H1697); the covenant words of v.3-4, now the explicit basis of the ratified covenant.
הָאֵֽלֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back deictically to the specific stipulations just read aloud (v.7).
9
וַיַּ֥עַל מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹ֑ן נָדָב֙ וַאֲבִיה֔וּא וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים מִזִּקְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up,
Having ratified the covenant below, the summoned delegation now actually ascends, fulfilling the command of v.1.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּ֥עַלand he went upwayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927); the delegation now fulfills the command of v.1, ascending after the covenant has been ratified below.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
וְאַהֲרֹ֑ןand Aaronconj וְ + Np · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinate subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175).
נָדָב֙NadabNp · נָדָב (H5070)Coordinate subjectנָדָב (H5070).
וַאֲבִיה֔וּאand Abihuconj וְ + Np · אֲבִיהוּא (H30)Coordinate subjectאֲבִיהוּא (H30).
וְשִׁבְעִ֖יםand seventyconj וְ + cardinal number · שִׁבְעִים (H7657)Coordinate subject (numeral heading construct chain)שִׁבְעִים (H7657); the full delegation of v.1 now actually ascends.
מִזִּקְנֵ֥יof the elders ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Partitive construct chain modifying שִׁבְעִיםזָקֵן (H2205); the same elders summoned in v.1.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
10
וַיִּרְא֕וּ אֵ֖ת אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְתַ֣חַת רַגְלָ֗יו כְּמַעֲשֵׂה֙ לִבְנַ֣ת הַסַּפִּ֔יר וּכְעֶ֥צֶם הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם לָטֹֽהַר
and they saw the God of Israel, and under his feet was something like a paved work of sapphire, like the very substance of the heavens for clarity.
The vision proper: the elders see the God of Israel, described obliquely by what is beneath his feet rather than his form directly — a reverent circumlocution characteristic of biblical theophany.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּרְא֕וּand they sawwayyiqtol 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the chapter's theophanic climax — the elders behold God directly and live (cf. v.11).
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as definite direct object.
אֱלֹהֵ֣יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct noun, direct object headאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the God of Israel,' the direct object of sight — a striking statement given the usual insistence no one sees God and lives (Exod 33:20).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וְתַ֣חַתand underconj וְ + prep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phrase, fronted (introducing the vision's detail)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'; introduces the description of the pavement beneath the divine feet.
רַגְלָ֗יוhis feetN f dual constr · רֶגֶל (H7272) + 3ms suffixObject of preposition תַּחַתרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; the anthropomorphic description locates God as standing, with a visible surface beneath him.
כְּמַעֲשֵׂה֙like the work ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Comparative prepositional phrase, predicate of the nominal clauseמַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, workmanship'; the comparative כְּ softens the description — a crafted, paved surface, not the essence of God himself.
לִבְנַ֣תof paving-stone/brick ofN f sg constr · לְבֵנָה (H3840)Construct noun, genitive of מַעֲשֵׂהלְבֵנָה (H3840) 'brick, paving tile', from לָבַן 'to be white'; here a paved, tile-like surface of sapphire.
הַסַּפִּ֔ירthe sapphireart + N m sg abs · סַפִּיר (H5601)Genitive completing the construct chainסַפִּיר (H5601) 'sapphire, lapis lazuli'; a deep blue precious stone, evoking both royal splendor and the blue of the sky (cf. Ezek 1:26).
וּכְעֶ֥צֶםand like the very substance ofconj וְ + prep כְּ + N f sg constr · עֶצֶם (H6106)Coordinate comparative prepositional phraseעֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone, substance, very self'; idiomatically 'the very essence/self of,' intensifying the comparison — the pavement is like the sky's own clear substance.
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Genitive completing the construct chainשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the pavement's blue clarity is likened to the sky itself.
לָטֹֽהַרin clarity/purityprep לְ + N m sg abs · טֹהַר (H2892)Adverbial prepositional phrase (respect/manner)טֹהַר (H2892) 'clearness, purity, brightness', from טָהֵר 'to be clean'; specifies the quality of the sky-like pavement — dazzling, unclouded brilliance.
11
וְאֶל אֲצִילֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לֹ֥א שָׁלַ֖ח יָד֑וֹ וַֽיֶּחֱזוּ֙ אֶת הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים וַיֹּאכְל֖וּ וַיִּשְׁתּֽוּ
And against the nobles of the sons of Israel he did not stretch out his hand; and they beheld God, and they ate and drank.
Notes, almost in surprise, that God did not strike the leaders down for this direct vision — then narrates the covenant meal (eating and drinking) that seals the fellowship just witnessed.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאֶלand against/towardconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + prepositional phrase, fronted (topicalizing the object of divine restraint)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, against'; fronted to highlight who was (not) touched.
אֲצִילֵי֙the nobles ofN m pl constr · אָצִיל (H678)Construct noun, object of preposition אֶלאָצִיל (H678) 'noble, chief, corner (of a structure)'; here of the leading men among the people, likely identical to or overlapping with the seventy elders.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct noun continuing the chainבֵּן (H1121); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, standard designation of the people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), negating שָׁלַח.
שָׁלַ֖חhe stretched outQal perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, negated qatal (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed (non-)act — God's restraint, not a mere possibilityשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, stretch out'; idiom שָׁלַח יָד, 'to stretch out the hand' (against someone, to harm); negated here — God graciously withheld judgment despite the direct vision.
יָד֑וֹhis handN f sg constr · יָד (H3027) + 3ms suffixDirect object of שָׁלַחיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic direct object completing 'stretch out the hand,' i.e. to strike or harm.
וַֽיֶּחֱזוּ֙and they beheldwayyiqtol 3mp · חָזָה (H2372)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזָה (H2372) 'to gaze upon, behold' (often of prophetic/visionary sight); a stronger, more sustained term than רָאָה (v.10), stressing the wonder of the vision.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הָאֱלֹהִים as definite direct object.
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of וַיֶּחֱזוּאֱלֹהִים (H430); here articular, 'the/that God' — the same one seen in v.10.
וַיֹּאכְל֖וּand they atewayyiqtol 3mp · אָכַל (H398)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the covenant vision culminates in a shared meal, likely of the שְׁלָמִים offerings of v.5 — communion in God's presence.
וַיִּשְׁתּֽוּand they drankwayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; completes the covenant meal, paired with eating as the concluding act of the covenant-ratification scene (vv. 9-11).
12
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה עֲלֵ֥ה אֵלַ֛י הָהָ֖רָה וֶהְיֵה שָׁ֑ם וְאֶתְּנָ֨ה לְךָ֜ אֶת לֻחֹ֣ת הָאֶ֗בֶן וְהַתּוֹרָה֙ וְהַמִּצְוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּתַ֖בְתִּי לְהוֹרֹתָֽם
And YHWH said to Moses, "Come up to me to the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the tablets of stone, and the law and the commandment, which I have written to teach them."
A new divine address begins, shifting the scene from the covenant meal below to a private summons for Moses alone to ascend further and receive the written tablets.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidwayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct discourse→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); shifts the scene to a new, private word from YHWH to Moses alone.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); singled out again, this time to ascend even further, alone with Joshua (v.13).
עֲלֵ֥הgo upQal impv 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (imperative opening direct speech)→ Volitional: a commandעָלָה (H5927); the third summons to ascend in the chapter (vv.1,9,12), each to a higher degree of proximity.
אֵלַ֛יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Adverbial prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413); YHWH speaks of himself as the destination, intensifying the personal nature of the summons.
הָהָ֖רָהto the mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022) + directional הAdverbial accusative of direction (locative ה suffix)הַר (H2022) with the directional/locative ה suffix ('-ah'), 'to/toward the mountain'; specifies the goal of the ascent.
וֶהְיֵהand beconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Coordinate imperative continuing the command→ Volitional: a command (waiting/remaining)הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, remain'; the command to stay implies a period of waiting before the tablets are given (cf. the forty days, v.18).
שָׁ֑םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial complement of וֶהְיֵה (location)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; refers back to הָהָרָה, the mountain summit.
וְאֶתְּנָ֨הand I will giveconj וְ + Qal impf(cohortative) 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Cohortative, coordinate with the imperatives, expressing purpose/result ('so that I may give')→ Cohortative: a self-directed volitional/purposive nuance — YHWH's determined intentionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; introduces the purpose of the ascent — reception of the written tablets.
לְךָ֜to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect object of וְאֶתְּנָהלְ, the dative preposition marking Moses as the recipient of the tablets.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking the following list as the definite direct object of וְאֶתְּנָה.
לֻחֹ֣תthe tablets ofN m pl constr · לוּחַ (H3871)Construct noun, direct object headלוּחַ (H3871) 'tablet, board'; the stone tablets on which the Decalogue will be inscribed (cf. Exod 31:18).
הָאֶ֗בֶןstoneart + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Genitive completing the construct chainאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; the durable material of the tablets, signifying the permanence of the covenant words.
וְהַתּוֹרָה֙and the law/instructionconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · תּוֹרָה (H8451)Coordinate direct object of וְאֶתְּנָהתּוֹרָה (H8451) 'instruction, law', from יָרָה 'to teach, direct'; broader than the tablets alone, encompassing the fuller body of divine instruction.
וְהַמִּצְוָ֔הand the commandmentconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · מִצְוָה (H4687)Coordinate direct object of וְאֶתְּנָהמִצְוָה (H4687) 'commandment', from צִוָּה 'to command'; paired with תּוֹרָה to describe the full scope of what Moses will receive and teach.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying תּוֹרָה/מִצְוָהאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces YHWH's own description of having already written the instruction.
כָּתַ֖בְתִּיI have writtenQal perf 1cs · כָּתַב (H3789)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act — the tablets are already inscribed, awaiting only deliveryכָּתַב (H3789); YHWH is the author, not merely the dictator, of the written tablets — divine authorship of the law.
לְהוֹרֹתָֽםto teach themprep לְ + Hiphil infin constr · יָרָה (H3384) + 3mp suffixInfinitival purpose clause (result/purpose of the writing)→ Infinitive: purpose — the intended aim of the written instructionיָרָה (H3384) Hiphil (הוֹרָה) 'to teach, instruct', the verbal root of תּוֹרָה itself; the tablets exist so that Moses may teach the people — law given for instruction, not mere record.
13
וַיָּ֣קָם מֹשֶׁ֔ה וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ מְשָׁרְת֑וֹ וַיַּ֥עַל מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶל הַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִֽים
So Moses rose, with Joshua his attendant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.
Moses responds immediately, taking only Joshua partway; the repetition of his name (מֹשֶׁה ... מֹשֶׁה) signals that Joshua accompanies only part of the journey.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיָּ֣קָםand he arosewayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; marks Moses' prompt response to YHWH's summons.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַand Joshuaconj וְ + Np · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Coordinate subjectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Moses' aide accompanies him partway up, though only Moses proceeds into the cloud (v.18).
מְשָׁרְת֑וֹhis attendant/ministerPiel ptc m sg constr · שָׁרַת (H8334) + 3ms suffixSubstantival participle in apposition to וִיהוֹשֻׁעַ (epithet identifying his role)→ Participial: a durative, characteristic role — Joshua's ongoing office as Moses' aideשָׁרַת (H8334) Piel 'to minister, serve, attend'; the substantivized participle 'his minister' identifies Joshua's official function, preparing for his later succession of Moses.
וַיַּ֥עַלand he went upwayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927); Moses' fourth ascent notice in the chapter, now toward the mountain of God specifically.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject (resumptive, singling Moses out from Joshua)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); repeated by name to make clear that only Moses, not Joshua, continues onto the mountain of God proper.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
הַ֥רthe mountain ofN m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Construct noun, object of preposition אֶלהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; construct with הָאֱלֹהִים, 'the mountain of God' — Sinai/Horeb, its most sacred designation.
הָאֱלֹהִֽיםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive completing the construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430); the mountain is named for its owner/resident, echoing Exod 3:1.
14
וְאֶל הַזְּקֵנִ֤ים אָמַר֙ שְׁבוּ לָ֣נוּ בָזֶ֔ה עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר נָשׁ֖וּב אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וְהִנֵּ֨ה אַהֲרֹ֤ן וְחוּר֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם מִי בַ֥עַל דְּבָרִ֖ים יִגַּ֥שׁ אֲלֵהֶֽם
And to the elders he said, "Wait here for us until we return to you; and behold, Aaron and Hur are with you — whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them."
Before proceeding, Moses arranges interim governance, delegating judicial authority to Aaron and Hur — a provision whose failure (in Aaron's case) will be exposed in the golden-calf episode of ch. 32.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + prepositional phrase, fronted (topicalizing the addressee)אֶל (H413); fronted to mark a shift of address from Moses' summons to instructions left for the elders.
הַזְּקֵנִ֤יםthe eldersart + adj/N m pl abs · זָקֵן (H2205)Object of preposition אֶלזָקֵן (H2205); those left in charge below while Moses ascends, distinct from the seventy who worshiped at a distance (v.1) though likely overlapping.
אָמַר֙he saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, resumed after fronted phrase)→ Perfective: a completed speech-actאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses' provisions for governance in his absence.
שְׁבוּremain, sitQal impv 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (imperative opening direct speech)→ Volitional: a commandיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; instructs the elders to stay put at the base of the mountain.
לָ֣נוּfor usprep לְ + 1cp suffix · לְDative of advantage/ethical dativeלְ; the ethical dative reinforces the command's benefit — 'wait here on our behalf.'
בָזֶ֔הhereprep בְּ + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Adverbial prepositional phrase of placeזֶה (H2088) 'this'; idiomatic בָּזֶה, 'in this (place), here.'
עַ֥דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase, head of the following clauseעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; introduces the temporal limit of the waiting.
אֲשֶׁר[that]relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/conjunctive particle forming the compound conjunction עַד אֲשֶׁר, 'until (that)'אֲשֶׁר (H834); combines with עַד to form a temporal conjunction.
נָשׁ֖וּבwe returnQal impf 1cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — an anticipated returnשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; Moses anticipates a definite return, though the forty days (v.18) will make the wait long enough to provoke the golden calf crisis (Exod 32).
אֲלֵיכֶ֑םto youprep אֶל + 2mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Adverbial prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413); marks the elders as those to whom Moses and Joshua will return.
וְהִנֵּ֨הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the provision for interim leadershipהִנֵּה (H2009); draws attention to the named deputies left in charge.
אַהֲרֹ֤ןAaronNp · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of the nominal clause (predicate עִמָּכֶם)אַהֲרֹן (H175); left as one of two deputies during Moses' absence.
וְחוּר֙and Hurconj וְ + Np · חוּר (H2354)Coordinate subjectחוּר (H2354) 'Hur'; associated elsewhere with holding up Moses' hands (Exod 17:10,12); paired with Aaron as co-regent here.
עִמָּכֶ֔םwith youprep עִם + 2mp suffix · עִם (H5973)Predicate of the nominal clause (Aaron and Hur are with you)עִם (H5973) 'with'; states that Aaron and Hur remain present among the people as interim authorities.
מִיwhoeverinterrogative pron · מִי (H4310)Subject, introducing an indefinite relative clause ('whoever')מִי (H4310) 'who?'; used here indefinitely, 'whoever (has a legal matter)' rather than as a direct question.
בַ֥עַלpossessor/master ofN m sg constr · בַּעַל (H1167)Construct noun, predicate nominative of the indefinite clauseבַּעַל (H1167) 'lord, owner, possessor'; idiom בַּעַל דְּבָרִים, 'one who has a legal matter/dispute,' i.e. a litigant.
דְּבָרִ֖יםmatters, disputesN m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive completing the construct chainדָּבָר (H1697); here in the specialized sense 'legal matter, case,' the same lemma rendered 'words' elsewhere in the chapter.
יִגַּ֥שׁlet him approachQal impf(jussive) 3ms · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Predicate verb, jussive (permission/instruction)→ Jussive: a third-person volitional instructionנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to approach'; the same verb restricting access to YHWH (v.2) now regulates access to the human deputies for legal matters.
אֲלֵהֶֽםto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Adverbial prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413); refers back to Aaron and Hur as those to be approached.
15
וַיַּ֥עַל מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶל הָהָ֑ר וַיְכַ֥ס הֶעָנָ֖ן אֶת הָהָֽר
And Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain.
Moses' final ascent and the cloud's covering of the mountain mark the transition into the extended theophany described in vv.16-18.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּ֥עַלand he went upwayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927); Moses' final ascent notice before the cloud and glory take over the narrative.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Object of preposition אֶלהַר (H2022).
וַיְכַ֥סand it coveredwayyiqtol Piel 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover'; the cloud's covering marks the transition from human ascent to divine self-veiling and revelation.
הֶעָנָ֖ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of וַיְכַסעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the recurring vehicle of theophanic presence throughout Exodus (13:21-22; 40:34-38).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הָהָר as definite direct object.
הָהָֽרthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Direct object of וַיְכַסהַר (H2022); wholly enveloped in cloud, hidden from ordinary sight.
16
וַיִּשְׁכֹּ֤ן כְּבוֹד יְהוָה֙ עַל הַ֣ר סִינַ֔י וַיְכַסֵּ֥הוּ הֶעָנָ֖ן שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֑ים וַיִּקְרָ֧א אֶל מֹשֶׁ֛ה בַּיּ֥וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י מִתּ֥וֹךְ הֶעָנָֽן
And the glory of YHWH dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days; and on the seventh day he called to Moses from the midst of the cloud.
Explains what happened during the cloud's covering: the glory settled for six days before YHWH's voice called Moses from within it on the seventh — a structured sequence recalling the six-plus-seventh pattern of creation.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּשְׁכֹּ֤ןand it dwelt/settledwayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַן (H7931)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle, abide'; root of מִשְׁכָּן ('tabernacle'), here describing the glory's settling presence on Sinai, anticipating its later settling in the tabernacle.
כְּבוֹדthe glory ofN m sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Construct noun, subject of וַיִּשְׁכֹּןכָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, weight, honor', from כָּבֵד 'to be heavy'; denotes the weighty, visible manifestation of God's presence.
יְהוָה֙YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921).
הַ֣רMountN m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Construct noun, object of preposition עַלהַר (H2022); construct with the proper name סִינַי.
סִינַ֔יSinaiNp · סִינַי (H5514)Genitive completing the construct chainסִינַי (H5514), the mountain of revelation, named here explicitly for the first time in this pericope.
וַיְכַסֵּ֥הוּand it covered itwayyiqtol Piel 3ms + 3ms suffix · כָּסָה (H3680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּסָה (H3680); repeats v.15's covering, now specifying its duration (six days) before Moses is called.
הֶעָנָ֖ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of וַיְכַסֵּהוּעָנָן (H6051).
שֵׁ֣שֶׁתsixcardinal number m constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Construct numeral modifying יָמִים (adverbial accusative of duration)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; the waiting period before Moses is summoned into the cloud on the seventh day, echoing the six-plus-seventh pattern of creation (Gen 1-2).
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive completing the construct chain (accusative of duration)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; marks the sacred waiting period before direct divine address.
וַיִּקְרָ֧אand he calledwayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call'; YHWH himself summons Moses from within the cloud, echoing the burning-bush call (Exod 3:4).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117); marks the precise timing of the call — the seventh day of waiting.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖יseventhart + ordinal number m sg · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive modifier of בַּיּוֹםשְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh', from שֶׁבַע 'seven'; the sacred number, echoing Sabbath completion and marking the moment of full readiness for revelation.
מִתּ֥וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phrase (source)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; YHWH's voice comes from within, not merely near, the cloud.
הֶעָנָֽןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Genitive completing the construct chainעָנָן (H6051); the cloud that has enveloped the mountain now discloses the voice from within it.
17
וּמַרְאֵה֙ כְּב֣וֹד יְהוָ֔ה כְּאֵ֥שׁ אֹכֶ֖לֶת בְּרֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר לְעֵינֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And the appearance of the glory of YHWH was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain, in the sight of the sons of Israel.
A parenthetical description from the perspective of the Israelites below: what looked like a devouring fire at the summit was, in fact, YHWH's glory — bridging the private theophany of v.16 with public visibility.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וּמַרְאֵה֙and the appearance ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · מַרְאֶה (H4758)Construct noun, subject of the nominal clauseמַרְאֶה (H4758) 'appearance, sight, visible form', from רָאָה 'to see'; describes how the glory looked from outside the cloud, for the people below.
כְּב֣וֹדthe glory ofN m sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Construct noun continuing the chainכָּבוֹד (H3519); the same glory described as dwelling on Sinai in v.16, now described visually from the people's vantage.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
כְּאֵ֥שׁlike fireprep כְּ + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Comparative predicate of the nominal clauseאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the standard visual form of theophany in the Pentateuch (cf. the burning bush, Exod 3:2).
אֹכֶ֖לֶתdevouringQal ptc f sg abs · אָכַל (H398)Attributive participle modifying אֵשׁ→ Participial: an ongoing, characteristic quality — fire in the very act of consumingאָכַל (H398) here of fire 'consuming, devouring'; the same root as v.11's eating, now describing fire that 'eats' — combining awe and danger in the visible glory.
בְּרֹ֣אשׁon the top ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative prepositional phraseרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; locates the fiery glory at the mountain's peak, visible from below.
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Genitive completing the construct chainהַר (H2022).
לְעֵינֵ֖יin the sight/eyes ofprep לְ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Idiomatic prepositional phrase (dative of witness)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiom לְעֵינֵי, 'in the sight of, visible to,' stressing that the fiery glory was a public, witnessed spectacle.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct noun continuing the chainבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation witnesses the fiery glory from the camp below, while Moses alone will enter it (v.18).
18
וַיָּבֹ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה בְּת֥וֹךְ הֶעָנָ֖ן וַיַּ֣עַל אֶל הָהָ֑ר וַיְהִ֤י מֹשֶׁה֙ בָּהָ֔ר אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים לָֽיְלָה
And Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
The chapter closes with Moses' entry into the cloud itself and a durational summary — forty days and nights — setting up the giving of the law (chs. 25-31) and, narratively, the long absence that precipitates the golden calf (ch. 32).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיָּבֹ֥אand he enteredwayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Moses now goes where the people could only watch — into the very cloud of fiery glory.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
בְּת֥וֹךְinto the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phrase (goal, with verb of motion)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; same term as v.16's מִתּוֹךְ, now marking Moses' entry rather than the voice's emergence.
הֶעָנָ֖ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Genitive completing the construct chainעָנָן (H6051).
וַיַּ֣עַלand he went upwayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927); the chapter's final ascent notice, completing the pattern begun in v.1.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Object of preposition אֶלהַר (H2022).
וַיְהִ֤יand he waswayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (introducing a durative state)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, here marking a sustained state rather than a single eventהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces Moses' extended stay, moving from event-sequence to a summarizing durational notice.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיְהִימֹשֶׁה (H4872).
בָּהָ֔רon the mountainprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phrase (predicate of the nominal/existential clause)הַר (H2022); the location of Moses' extended sojourn, culminating in the reception of the tablets (cf. 31:18).
אַרְבָּעִ֣יםfortycardinal number c pl · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral, adverbial accusative of duration (with יוֹם)אַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; a recurrent biblical number of testing/preparation (the flood, Israel's wilderness years, Elijah's journey, Jesus' fast) — here the period of Moses' communion with God before receiving the law.
י֔וֹםdaysN m sg abs (distributive) · יוֹם (H3117)Accusative of duration, head noun of the numeral phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; singular used distributively with the numeral, 'forty days.'
וְאַרְבָּעִ֖יםand fortyconj וְ + cardinal number c pl · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Coordinate numeral, adverbial accusative of duration (with לָיְלָה)אַרְבָּעִים (H705); repeated to specify the nights as well as the days of the total period.
לָֽיְלָהnightsN m sg abs (distributive) · לַיְלָה (H3915)Accusative of duration, head noun of the numeral phraseלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; completes the forty-day-forty-night formula, the same span later applied to the flood (Gen 7:12) and Elijah's journey (1 Kgs 19:8).