1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
Then YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
Opens the second divine speech of the tabernacle-instruction block with the identical formula used at 25:1, signaling continuity of authority even as the topic shifts to the artisans who will execute the plan.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the next major divine speech-actדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standard verb introducing formal divine speech to Moses, here launching the second half of the tabernacle instructions (cf. 25:1).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the entire tabernacle-construction discourse (chs. 25-31) is framed as His direct speech to Moses.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the recipient of divine speech.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator of the Sinai covenant and sole recipient of the tabernacle blueprint.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival marker introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces the verbatim content of YHWH's speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר regularly opens reported divine discourse.
2
רְאֵ֖ה קָרָ֣אתִֽי בְשֵׁ֑ם בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל בֶּן אוּרִ֥י בֶן ח֖וּר לְמַטֵּ֥ה יְהוּדָֽה
“See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,
The speech opens with an attention-getting imperative followed by a perfect of announcement — YHWH presents the choice of Bezalel as an already-settled fact for Moses to receive.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
רְאֵ֖הseeQal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Attention-getting imperative opening the speech→ Volitional: an imperative summoning Moses' attention to what followsרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here rhetorical, 'take note' — introduces the naming of the chief craftsman.
קָרָ֣אתִֽיI have calledQal perf 1cs · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of naming/appointment, announced as already decidedקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; קָרָא בְשֵׁם (call by name) denotes a specific, personal, sovereign selection (cf. Isa 45:3-4).
בְשֵׁ֑םby nameprep בְּ + N m sg abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; קָרָא בְשֵׁם marks a specific, personal designation, not a generic appointment.
בְּצַלְאֵ֛לBezalelNp · בְּצַלְאֵל (H1212)Direct object (person named)בְּצַלְאֵל (H1212) 'in the shadow/protection of God (אֵל)'; the chief craftsman of the tabernacle, first man in Scripture said to be filled with the Spirit of God (v. 3).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genealogical identification)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here in construct introducing patrilineal identification, standard for establishing tribal identity.
אוּרִ֥יUriNp · אוּרִי (H221)Genitive (father's name) in construct chainאוּרִי (H221) 'my light' or 'fiery'; Bezalel's father, otherwise unknown apart from genealogical notices (1 Chr 2:20).
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (second link)בֵּן (H1121); links Uri to his father Hur, tracing Bezalel's line three generations back.
ח֖וּרHurNp · חוּר (H2354)Genitive (grandfather's name)חוּר (H2354) 'white/noble'; traditionally associated with the Hur who held up Moses' hands at Rephidim (17:10-12) and co-judged with Aaron (24:14).
לְמַטֵּ֥הof the tribe ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Prepositional phrase of tribal affiliationמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod' > 'tribe' (a rod as emblem of tribal authority); situates Bezalel within Judah, the tribe of later royal and messianic promise.
יְהוּדָֽהJudahNp · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Genitive completing the construct chainיְהוּדָה (H3063) 'praise'; Bezalel's tribe — noteworthy that the tabernacle's master craftsman, like its future king, comes from Judah.
3
וָאֲמַלֵּ֥א אֹת֖וֹ ר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֑ים בְּחָכְמָ֛ה וּבִתְבוּנָ֥ה וּבְדַ֖עַת וּבְכָל מְלָאכָֽה
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all craftsmanship,
The first explicit statement in Scripture of a person 'filled with the Spirit of God'; the fourfold list of wisdom/understanding/knowledge/craftsmanship treats skilled labor as a charismatic, God-given endowment rather than a merely human talent.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וָאֲמַלֵּ֥אand I have filledPiel wayyiqtol 1cs · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (main clause, continuing YHWH's declaration)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative-sequential — the direct consequence of having 'called' Bezalelמָלֵא (H4390) Piel 'to fill'; here of endowment with the divine רוּחַ — the first explicit statement in Scripture of a person 'filled with the Spirit of God.'
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object (resumptive pronoun for Bezalel)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, resuming בְּצַלְאֵל as the one filled.
ר֣וּחַthe Spirit ofN c sg constr · רוּחַ (H7307)Construct chain (subject-complement of מלא, genitival)רוּחַ (H7307) 'spirit, wind, breath'; in construct with אֱלֹהִים, the divine Spirit as the endowing agency behind Bezalel's skill — craftsmanship here is charismatic, not merely technical.
אֱלֹהִ֑יםGodN m pl abs (sg sense) · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive completing construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430); רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים echoes Gen 1:2 — the same Spirit that hovered at creation now equips for the building of God's dwelling.
בְּחָכְמָ֛הin wisdomprep בְּ + N f sg abs · חָכְמָה (H2451)Adverbial prepositional phrase (sphere of endowment, 1st of 4)חָכְמָה (H2451) 'wisdom, skill'; the same term used of Solomon's wisdom and of the wisdom by which God founded the earth (Prov 3:19) — craftsmanship is a form of wisdom.
וּבִתְבוּנָ֥הand in understandingconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f sg abs · תְּבוּנָה (H8394)Adverbial prepositional phrase (2nd of 4, coordinate)תְּבוּנָה (H8394) 'understanding, insight'; paired with חָכְמָה as in Prov 3:19-20, denoting discernment in applying skill.
וּבְדַ֖עַתand in knowledgeconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f sg abs · דַּעַת (H1847)Adverbial prepositional phrase (3rd of 4, coordinate)דַּעַת (H1847) 'knowledge'; completes the triad חָכְמָה/תְּבוּנָה/דַּעַת also found in the description of the temple's craftsman Huram-abi (2 Chr 2:12-13) and of creation itself (Prov 3:19-20).
וּבְכָלand in allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (4th, summarizing)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; broadens the triad to cover every practical skill needed.
מְלָאכָֽהcraftsmanshipN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Genitive completing construct chainמְלָאכָה (H4399) 'work, craftsmanship'; the term unifies chs. 25-31 and recurs as the forbidden 'work' of Sabbath (vv. 14-15) — the very activity now sanctified in tabernacle-building is restricted on the seventh day.
4
לַחְשֹׁ֖ב מַחֲשָׁבֹ֑ת לַעֲשׂ֛וֹת בַּזָּהָ֥ב וּבַכֶּ֖סֶף וּבַנְּחֹֽשֶׁת
to devise skillful designs, to work in gold, in silver, and in bronze,
Two paired infinitives of purpose (devise / work) unpack what the Spirit-given wisdom is for: conceptual design and hands-on execution in the three tabernacle metals, arranged from most to least precious.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
לַחְשֹׁ֖בto deviseprep לְ + Qal inf constr · חָשַׁב (H2803)Infinitive of purpose (result of the Spirit-endowment)→ Infinitive construct: purpose/result — what the Spirit-given skill is forחָשַׁב (H2803) 'to think, plan, devise'; used elsewhere of the 'skillful designer' (חֹשֵׁב) who weaves the tabernacle's cherubim (26:1) — creative design, not mere execution.
מַחֲשָׁבֹ֑תdesignsN f pl abs · מַחֲשָׁבָה (H4284)Direct object of לַחְשֹׁבמַחֲשָׁבָה (H4284) 'thought, plan, device'; cognate with the preceding verb — 'to devise devisings,' an intensifying figura etymologica.
לַעֲשׂ֛וֹתto workprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive of purpose (coordinate with לַחְשֹׁב)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the practical execution of the designsעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the chapter's dominant verb, spanning both the artisans' work (vv. 4-11) and the forbidden 'work' of the Sabbath (vv. 14-15).
בַּזָּהָ֥בin goldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Adverbial prepositional phrase (material, 1st of 3)זָהָב (H2091) 'gold'; the costliest tabernacle material, used for the ark, mercy seat, lampstand, and overlays.
וּבַכֶּ֖סֶףand in silverconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Adverbial prepositional phrase (material, 2nd of 3)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; used for sockets, hooks, and the sanctuary's atonement-tax (30:11-16).
וּבַנְּחֹֽשֶׁתand in bronzeconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Adverbial prepositional phrase (material, 3rd of 3)נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178) 'bronze, copper'; the metal of the altar, laver, and courtyard fittings — the three metals move from most to least precious, matching graduated holiness of the furnishings.
5
וּבַחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת אֶ֛בֶן לְמַלֹּ֖את וּבַחֲרֹ֣שֶׁת עֵ֑ץ לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּכָל מְלָאכָֽה
and in cutting stones for setting and in carving wood, to work in every kind of craftsmanship.
The catalogue of skills closes with gem-cutting and wood-carving, then a summarizing infinitive that forms an inclusio with v.3's 'all craftsmanship,' framing vv.3-5 as one unified description of Bezalel's competence.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וּבַחֲרֹ֥שֶׁתand in cutting/engraving ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f sg constr · חֲרֹשֶׁת (H2799)Adverbial prepositional phrase (skill, construct chain, 1st)חֲרֹשֶׁת (H2799) 'craftsmanship, engraving, cutting'; a specific technical term for skilled cutting/setting work, here of gemstones.
אֶ֛בֶןof stoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Genitive completing construct chainאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; refers to the precious/onyx stones set in the ephod and breastpiece (cf. 25:7; 28:9-21).
לְמַלֹּ֖אתfor settingprep לְ + Piel inf constr · מָלֵא (H4390)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the specific technique of stone-settingמָלֵא (H4390) Piel 'to fill'; idiomatic for setting a gem 'to fill' a mounting — the same root as v. 3's 'filled … with the Spirit,' linking Spirit-endowment and technical mastery by wordplay.
וּבַחֲרֹ֣שֶׁתand in carving ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f sg constr · חֲרֹשֶׁת (H2799)Adverbial prepositional phrase (skill, construct chain, 2nd)חֲרֹשֶׁת (H2799); repeated for a second craft, wood-carving, forming a merism with stonework for 'every kind of fine craft.'
עֵ֑ץof woodN m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Genitive completing construct chainעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; the material of the ark, table, altars, and frames, all overlaid with metal.
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹתto workprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive of purpose (summarizing)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — summarizing all the preceding skillsעָשָׂה (H6213); resumes and closes the catalogue of skills begun in v. 4.
בְּכָלin every kind ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (scope)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; universalizes the craftsmanship beyond the specific media just listed.
מְלָאכָֽהcraftsmanshipN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Genitive completing construct chainמְלָאכָה (H4399); closes the inclusio with v. 3, framing vv. 3-5 as one description of Bezalel's Spirit-given competence.
6
וַאֲנִ֞י הִנֵּ֧ה נָתַ֣תִּי אִתּ֗וֹ אֵ֣ת אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב בֶּן אֲחִֽיסָמָךְ֙ לְמַטֵּה דָ֔ן וּבְלֵ֥ב כָּל חֲכַם לֵ֖ב נָתַ֣תִּי חָכְמָ֑ה וְעָשׂ֕וּ אֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתִֽךָ
And behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of everyone who is wise of heart I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
The emphatic fronted 'I' plus 'behold' heightens the disclosure of a second artisan and the further gift of wisdom to a whole guild of craftsmen; the verse pivots from endowment (given) to task (make), setting up the itemized charge of vv.7-11.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַאֲנִ֞יand Iconj וְ + indep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic resumptive subject (fronted for emphasis)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; the independent pronoun is unnecessary grammatically (the verb already marks person) — its presence throws emphasis onto YHWH as the one personally acting.
הִנֵּ֧הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle heightening immediacyהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; vivifies the announcement, presenting the appointment of Oholiab as an immediate, on-the-spot disclosure.
נָתַ֣תִּיI have given/appointedQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of appointmentנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here 'to appoint/assign' a helper — the same verb used just below for the giving of wisdom, binding the two gifts (a colleague, and skill) together.
אִתּ֗וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Adverbial prepositional phrase (association)אֵת (H854) 'with'; marks Oholiab as Bezalel's associate, not a rival — the pair models division of skilled labor under one Spirit.
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking אָהֳלִיאָב as the definite direct object of נָתַתִּי.
אָהֳלִיאָ֞בOholiabNp · אָהֳלִיאָב (H171)Direct object (person appointed)אָהֳלִיאָב (H171) 'tent of the father' (or 'father's tent'); Bezalel's associate craftsman, especially skilled in textile and engraving work (38:23).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genealogical identification)בֵּן (H1121); introduces Oholiab's patronymic, paralleling Bezalel's fuller genealogy in v. 2.
אֲחִֽיסָמָךְ֙AhisamachNp · אֲחִיסָמָךְ (H294)Genitive (father's name)אֲחִיסָמָךְ (H294) 'my brother has supported'; Oholiab's father, otherwise unattested.
לְמַטֵּהof the tribe ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Prepositional phrase of tribal affiliationמַטֶּה (H4294); situates Oholiab in Dan — notably a lesser, non-royal tribe, showing the Spirit's gifting is not confined to Judah's prominence.
דָ֔ןDanNp · דָּן (H1835)Genitive completing construct chainדָּן (H1835) 'he judged'; son of Bilhah, Rachel's maid — pairing Judah (leading tribe) and Dan (a maidservant's son) shows the Spirit's craftsmanship gift crosses every tribal rank.
וּבְלֵ֥בand in the heart ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locus of the gift)לֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind'; in Hebrew anthropology the seat of skill and intention alike — wisdom is planted in the 'heart,' not merely the hands.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the following relative-like phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; universalizes the gift beyond the two named chiefs to a whole guild of skilled assistants (cf. 35:10, 34-35).
חֲכַםwise ofadj m sg constr · חָכָם (H2450)Construct adjective modifying לֵבחָכָם (H2450) 'wise, skillful'; חֲכַם־לֵב 'wise of heart' is the chapter's technical term for a gifted craftsman (cf. 35:10; 36:1-2).
לֵ֖בheartN m sg abs · לֵב (H3820)Genitive completing the constructלֵב (H3820); completes the idiom 'wise of heart,' i.e., every skilled artisan among the people.
נָתַ֣תִּיI have putQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, resumed)→ Perfective: a completed, prior divine endowment, now disclosedנָתַן (H5414); repeated from earlier in the verse — the same verb of 'giving' now takes 'wisdom' as object, confirming skill as gift, not achievement.
חָכְמָ֑הwisdomN f sg abs · חָכְמָה (H2451)Direct object of נָתַתִּיחָכְמָה (H2451); echoes v. 3 — the same Spirit-wisdom given to Bezalel is distributed more broadly to 'every wise-hearted' worker.
וְעָשׂ֕וּso that they may makeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Weqatal expressing purpose/result of the preceding gift→ Weqatal: purpose-result — the intended outcome of the wisdom just givenעָשָׂה (H6213); the purpose clause pivots from gift (wisdom given) to task (tabernacle made), introducing the catalogue of furnishings in vv. 7-11.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking the following relative clause 'all that I commanded you' as the object of וְעָשׂוּ.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head governing the relative clauseכֹּל (H3605); introduces the totality of YHWH's prior instructions (chs. 25-30) as a single object.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), the all-purpose Hebrew relative; here linking back to everything YHWH has 'commanded' in the preceding six chapters.
צִוִּיתִֽךָI commanded youPiel perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: the completed prior act of command, now to be executedצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; retrospectively summarizes chs. 25-30 as a unified divine charge to Moses, now to be realized through Bezalel and Oholiab.
7
אֵ֣ת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד וְאֶת הָֽאָרֹן֙ לָֽעֵדֻ֔ת וְאֶת הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶת אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֑יו וְאֵ֖ת כָּל כְּלֵ֥י הָאֹֽהֶל
the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent,
An asyndetic itemized list resumes the object of v.6's 'they shall make,' beginning with the sanctuary's most sacred items (tent, ark, mercy seat) before broadening to its remaining furnishings.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resuming the catalogue from v. 6)אֵת (H853); opens the itemized list of what Bezalel and Oholiab are to make, in the order the furnishings were introduced in chs. 25-30.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct object (construct chain, 1st item)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; in construct with מוֹעֵד, the sanctuary's proper name.
מוֹעֵ֗דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד 'tent of meeting' names the tabernacle by its function — the place of appointed encounter between YHWH and Israel.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (2nd item)וְ joins the second item; אֵת marks הָאָרֹן as definite object.
הָֽאָרֹן֙the arkart + N c sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (2nd item)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; the most holy object, housing the tablets (v. 18), topped by the mercy seat.
לָֽעֵדֻ֔תof the testimonyprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Adjectival prepositional phrase modifying הָאָרֹןעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת names the ark for its contents — the stone tablets of covenant testimony (v. 18).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (3rd item)אֵת marks הַכַּפֹּרֶת as the next definite object in the series.
הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Direct object (3rd item)כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), from כפר 'to atone/cover'; the golden atonement-cover over the ark, the site of the high priest's annual blood rite (Lev 16:14-15).
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the locative clause specifying the mercy seat's position atop the ark.
עָלָ֑יוwas upon itprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Predicate of the relative clause (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; with 3ms suffix referring back to הָאָרֹן, locating the mercy seat directly atop the ark.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (4th item)אֵת marks the summarizing phrase 'all the furnishings of the tent' as final object of the tent-related items.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head governing כְּלֵיכֹּל (H3605); summarizes and closes the tent-of-meeting sub-list with its remaining furnishings.
כְּלֵ֥יthe furnishings ofN m pl constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Genitive/construct completing כָּלכְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, implement'; a general term covering all remaining tabernacle equipment not individually named.
הָאֹֽהֶלthe tentart + N m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive completing construct chainאֹהֶל (H168); closes the ring with the chapter's opening term, framing v.7 as devoted wholly to the tent of meeting and its contents.
8
וְאֶת הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ וְאֶת כֵּלָ֔יו וְאֶת הַמְּנֹרָ֥ה הַטְּהֹרָ֖ה וְאֶת כָּל כֵּלֶ֑יהָ וְאֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֥ח הַקְּטֹֽרֶת
and the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand and all its utensils, and the altar of incense,
The list moves from the Most Holy Place to the Holy Place: table, lampstand, and incense altar, each followed by its accessory vessels.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks הַשֻּׁלְחָן as the next item in the furnishings catalogue.
הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙the tableart + N m sg abs · שֻׁלְחָן (H7979)Direct objectשֻׁלְחָן (H7979) 'table'; the table for the bread of the Presence (25:23-30).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks כֵּלָיו, the table's own utensils, as a further object.
כֵּלָ֔יוits utensilsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · כְּלִי (H3627)Direct object (possessive, referring to the table)כְּלִי (H3627); the dishes, pans, bowls, and jars for the table (25:29).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks הַמְּנֹרָה as the next definite object.
הַמְּנֹרָ֥הthe lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Direct objectמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand'; the golden seven-branched lampstand of 25:31-40.
הַטְּהֹרָ֖הthe pureart + adj f sg abs · טָהוֹר (H2889)Attributive adjective modifying הַמְּנֹרָהטָהוֹר (H2889) 'pure, clean'; describes the lampstand's pure gold (25:31), the same term used of ritual purity — cultic and material purity converge.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks the following summarizing phrase as object.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head governing כֵּלֶיהָכֹּל (H3605); summarizes the lampstand's own implements (tongs, trays, 25:38).
כֵּלֶ֑יהָits utensilsN m pl constr + 3fs suffix · כְּלִי (H3627)Genitive completing כָּל (referring to the lampstand)כְּלִי (H3627); 3fs suffix agrees with feminine מְנוֹרָה.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת as the final item of this verse's set.
מִזְבַּ֥חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זבח 'to sacrifice'; in construct here with incense rather than sacrifice, i.e. the small golden altar of 30:1-10.
הַקְּטֹֽרֶתincenseart + N f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Genitive completing construct chainקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense'; the golden altar stood before the veil, its smoke a symbol of prayer ascending (Ps 141:2).
9
וְאֶת מִזְבַּ֥ח הָעֹלָ֖ה וְאֶת כָּל כֵּלָ֑יו וְאֶת הַכִּיּ֖וֹר וְאֶת כַּנּֽוֹ
and the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin and its stand,
The catalogue moves outward into the courtyard: the great bronze altar and the bronze basin, the sanctuary's outermost sanctified furnishings.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה as the next object, moving from the courtyard's outer furnishings inward.
מִזְבַּ֥חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); here the large bronze altar of burnt offering in the courtyard (27:1-8), distinct from the golden incense altar of v. 8.
הָעֹלָ֖הburnt offeringart + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Genitive completing construct chainעֹלָה (H5930), from עלה 'to go up'; the whole burnt offering, wholly consumed and 'ascending' in smoke to God.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks the following summarizing phrase as object.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head governing כֵּלָיוכֹּל (H3605); summarizes the bronze altar's implements — pots, shovels, basins, forks, firepans (27:3).
כֵּלָ֑יוits utensilsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · כְּלִי (H3627)Genitive completing כָּלכְּלִי (H3627); the altar's own tool-set for handling sacrificial ash and fire.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks הַכִּיּוֹר as the next object.
הַכִּיּ֖וֹרthe basinart + N m sg abs · כִּיּוֹר (H3595)Direct objectכִּיּוֹר (H3595) 'basin, laver'; the bronze washbasin for priestly ablutions (30:17-21), positioned between the tent and the altar.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks כַּנּוֹ, the basin's stand, as the final object of the verse.
כַּנּֽוֹits standN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · כֵּן (H3653)Genitive/direct object completing the pairכֵּן (H3653) 'base, stand'; the pedestal supporting the bronze basin.
10
וְאֵ֖ת בִּגְדֵ֣י הַשְּׂרָ֑ד וְאֶת בִּגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְאֶת בִּגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו לְכַהֵֽן
and the finely worked garments — the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to serve as priests —
The list shifts from furniture to woven goods, naming Aaron's holy vestments and his sons' priestly garments, each keyed to their function in ministry (לְכַהֵן).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת shifts the catalogue from furniture to the priestly garments of ch. 28.
בִּגְדֵ֣יthe garments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object (construct chain)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; introduces the priestly vestments described in detail in ch. 28.
הַשְּׂרָ֑דfinely worked serviceart + N m sg abs · שְׂרָד (H8278)Genitive completing construct chainשְׂרָד (H8278), a rare technical term (also 39:1, 41) for the specially woven service-garments; possibly 'plaited/finely woven work' used in the sanctuary's ministry.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ as a further object.
בִּגְדֵ֤יthe garments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object (construct chain)בֶּגֶד (H899); repeated in construct with קֹדֶשׁ, specifying the holy vestments proper (ephod, breastpiece, robe, turban).
הַקֹּ֨דֶשׁ֙holinessart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive completing construct chainקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ 'holy garments' as in 28:2, 4 — vestments set apart exclusively for sanctuary service.
לְאַהֲרֹ֣ןfor Aaronprep לְ + Np · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Prepositional phrase (beneficiary)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother and Israel's first high priest, whose ordination and vestments occupy chs. 28-29.
הַכֹּהֵ֔ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition to לְאַהֲרֹןכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; in apposition, specifying Aaron's office as the reason for the special garments.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks the garments of Aaron's sons as a final object.
בִּגְדֵ֥יthe garments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object (construct chain)בֶּגֶד (H899); the simpler priestly tunics prescribed for Aaron's sons (28:40-41).
בָנָ֖יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing construct chainבֵּן (H1121); Aaron's sons who serve as ordinary priests under the high priest.
לְכַהֵֽןto serve as priestsprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּהַן (H3547)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the function the garments are made forכָּהַן (H3547) Piel 'to act as priest, minister'; denominative from כֹּהֵן, naming the priestly service the garments equip Aaron and his sons to perform.
11
וְאֵ֨ת שֶׁ֧מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֛ה וְאֶת קְטֹ֥רֶת הַסַּמִּ֖ים לַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִ֖ךָ יַעֲשֽׂוּ
and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the holy place; according to all that I have commanded you they shall do.”
The list ends with the oil and incense of ch.30, then closes the entire vv.7-11 catalogue with a formula matching v.6, forming an inclusio and returning the discourse to the main-line command.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְאֵ֨תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת introduces the final pair of items — the anointing oil and incense of ch. 30.
שֶׁ֧מֶןthe oil ofN m sg constr · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Direct object (construct chain)שֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil'; in construct with מִשְׁחָה, the special anointing oil compounded in 30:22-33.
הַמִּשְׁחָ֛הanointingart + N f sg abs · מִשְׁחָה (H4888)Genitive completing construct chainמִשְׁחָה (H4888), from משח 'to anoint'; consecrates the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests (30:26-30).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת marks קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים as the final catalogued object.
קְטֹ֥רֶתthe incense ofN f sg constr · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Direct object (construct chain)קְטֹרֶת (H7004); in construct with סַמִּים, the fragrant incense compounded in 30:34-38.
הַסַּמִּ֖יםspicesart + N m pl abs · סַם (H5561)Genitive completing construct chainסַם (H5561) 'spice, perfume ingredient'; the aromatic gum-resins (stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense) that make up the sacred incense.
לַקֹּ֑דֶשׁfor the holy placeprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Adverbial prepositional phrase (destination/use)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944); designates the oil and incense as reserved exclusively for sanctuary use, never for common purposes (30:32-33, 37-38).
כְּכֹ֥לaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (standard of conformity)כֹּל (H3605); introduces the closing formula of conformity, echoing v. 6b and framing the whole list (vv. 7-11) as executed exactly per command.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the content of the command being conformed to.
צִוִּיתִ֖ךָI commanded youPiel perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: the completed prior act of command being fulfilledצָוָה (H6680); repeats v. 6's formula verbatim, forming an inclusio that brackets the entire catalogue of tabernacle furnishings (vv. 7-11).
יַעֲשֽׂוּthey shall makeQal impf 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, closing the unit)→ Yiqtol: modal/injunctive — the mandated future execution of the whole chargeעָשָׂה (H6213); the chapter's key verb in its final, climactic instance for this unit — closing the command with the artisans' obligation to perform it.
12
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH said to Moses, saying,
A fresh wayyiqtol formula, identical in shape to v.1, opens a second, topically distinct oracle — the Sabbath as covenant sign — while YHWH and Moses remain the same speaker and addressee.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, new speech unit)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — introduces a second, distinct divine speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; marks a fresh oracular unit, shifting the topic from the artisans (vv. 1-11) to the Sabbath (vv. 12-17).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); the same speaker as v. 1, underscoring that the Sabbath command and the tabernacle instructions belong to a single divine charge.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; introduces Moses as recipient once again.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); receives this second oracle exactly as the first, reinforcing its equal authority.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival marker introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces the verbatim content of the second oracleאָמַר (H559); the same formulaic introduction as v. 1, framing vv. 12-17 as a discrete, complete unit.
13
וְאַתָּ֞ה דַּבֵּ֨ר אֶל בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר אַ֥ךְ אֶת שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ כִּי֩ א֨וֹת הִ֜וא בֵּינִ֤י וּבֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם לָדַ֕עַת כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם
“You, speak to the sons of Israel, saying: Surely you shall keep My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, YHWH, sanctify you.
The emphatic 'you' commissions Moses to relay the command; the core imperative ('you shall keep My Sabbaths') is immediately grounded in a כי-clause naming the Sabbath a covenant sign whose purpose is Israel's experiential knowledge of YHWH as sanctifier.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְאַתָּ֞הand youconj וְ + indep pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Emphatic fronted subject of דַּבֵּראַתָּה (H859) 'you'; the fronted, emphatic pronoun singles out Moses personally as the one charged to relay this command, distinct from the artisans just addressed.
דַּבֵּ֨רspeakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: a direct command to relay the following words to Israelדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the imperative here launches Moses' commission to transmit YHWH's Sabbath command.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of דַּבֵּראֶל (H413) 'to'; introduces the Israelites as the ultimate recipients, with Moses as mediator.
בְּנֵ֤יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard collective designation of the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation, unlike the preceding oracle addressed only to Bezalel and Oholiab — the Sabbath binds every Israelite.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival marker introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces the verbatim content of what Moses is to sayאָמַר (H559); introduces the quoted command Moses must deliver verbatim to the people.
אַ֥ךְsurelyrestrictive/emphatic particle · אַךְ (H389)Emphatic particle fronting the commandאַךְ (H389) 'surely, only, nevertheless'; here emphatic, underscoring the non-negotiable priority of Sabbath-keeping even amid the urgent tabernacle work just commanded.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object, fronted for emphasis)אֵת (H853); marks שַׁבְּתֹתַי as the fronted, emphasized direct object of תִּשְׁמֹרוּ.
שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖יMy SabbathsN f pl constr + 1cs suffix · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Direct object (fronted for emphasis)שַׁבָּת (H7676), from שבת 'to cease/rest'; plural 'My Sabbaths' likely denotes the recurring weekly observance, marked as YHWH's own possession.
תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּyou shall keepQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, injunctive)→ Yiqtol: modal/injunctive — an enduring obligation, not a one-time actשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; the verb of covenant fidelity, here specifically of Sabbath observance (cf. v. 14, 16).
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground for the commandכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the rationale — the Sabbath's role as covenant sign.
א֨וֹתa signN c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate nominativeאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; as with the rainbow (Gen 9:12-13) and circumcision (Gen 17:11), the Sabbath is a perpetual, visible token of covenant relationship.
הִ֜ואit (is)indep pron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject (copular pronoun linking שַׁבָּת to אוֹת)הוּא/הִיא (H1931); functions as the copula 'is,' agreeing in gender with feminine שַׁבָּת understood.
בֵּינִ֤יbetween Meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Adverbial prepositional phrase (1st term of the relation)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; the Sabbath-sign marks a bilateral relationship, paralleling 'a sign between Me and you' language used elsewhere of covenant markers.
וּבֵֽינֵיכֶם֙and between youconj וְ + prep בֵּין + 2mp suffix · בֵּין (H996)Adverbial prepositional phrase (2nd term of the relation)בֵּין (H996); completes the bilateral formula, YHWH and Israel as the two covenant parties bound by the sign.
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םthroughout your generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal extent)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; marks the Sabbath-sign as perpetual, binding all future generations, not just the wilderness generation.
לָדַ֕עַתso that you may knowprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָדַע (H3045)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the epistemic aim of the signיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the Sabbath functions didactically, teaching Israel experientially who sanctifies them.
כִּ֛יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the content of knowingכִּי (H3588); introduces the object clause of לָדַעַת — what Israel is to know.
אֲנִ֥יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic, self-identification formula)אֲנִי (H589); part of the recognition formula 'I, YHWH,' Israel's own confessional acknowledgment of its God (cf. Ezek's frequent 'and you/they shall know that I am YHWH').
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Apposition to אֲנִי (self-identification)יְהוָה (H3068); the covenant name, in apposition to 'I,' the standard self-identification formula.
מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽםwho sanctifies youPiel ptc m sg constr + 2mp suffix · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate participle (main clause, characterizing action)→ Participle: durative/characterizing — an ongoing divine activity, not a one-time actקָדַשׁ (H6942) Piel 'to sanctify, set apart'; the Sabbath itself functions as the experiential proof that YHWH — not Israel's labor — is the one who makes Israel holy.
14
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת כִּ֛י קֹ֥דֶשׁ הִ֖וא לָכֶ֑ם מְחַֽלְלֶ֨יהָ֙ מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֔ת כִּ֗י כָּל הָעֹשֶׂ֥ה בָהּ֙ מְלָאכָ֔ה וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמֶּֽיהָ
You shall keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you; everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
A weqatal command resumes v.13's imperative in the third-person legal style, grounds it in the day's inherent holiness, and attaches two escalating sanctions — capital punishment and the כרת penalty of communal excision — to any violation.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙and you shall keepconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal continuing the injunction)→ Weqatal: continuing injunctive force — the ongoing counterpart to v. 13's commandשָׁמַר (H8104); resumes v. 13's verb, now directly naming 'the Sabbath' as object rather than 'My Sabbaths.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַשַּׁבָּת as the definite direct object.
הַשַּׁבָּ֔תthe Sabbathart + N c sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Direct objectשַׁבָּת (H7676); now singular and definite, the specific weekly seventh-day rest.
כִּ֛יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground for the commandכִּי (H3588); introduces the reason — the Sabbath's inherent holiness.
קֹ֥דֶשׁholyN m sg abs (predicate) · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominativeקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; used predicatively, 'it is holiness/a holy thing' — the day itself, not merely its observance, bears intrinsic sanctity.
הִ֖ואit (is)indep pron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject (copular pronoun)הוּא/הִיא (H1931); copula linking הַשַּׁבָּת (fem.) to the predicate קֹדֶשׁ.
לָכֶ֑םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְ (H3807)Adverbial prepositional phrase (dative of respect)לְ 'to, for'; specifies the sphere in which the Sabbath is holy — holy 'to/for' the covenant community's observance, though its holiness derives from YHWH.
מְחַֽלְלֶ֨יהָ֙those who profane itPiel ptc m pl constr + 3fs suffix · חָלַל (H2490)Subject (substantival participle, casus pendens)→ Participle: characterizing — anyone habitually or actually treating it as commonחָלַל (H2490) Piel 'to profane, treat as common'; the antonym of קדשׁ (holy) — to profane the Sabbath is to erase the very boundary the day exists to mark.
מ֣וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies certainty — 'shall surely be put to death'מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the infinitive absolute + finite verb construction (מוֹת יוּמָת) is the strongest form of legal certainty in Hebrew, used elsewhere for the gravest capital offenses.
יוּמָ֔תhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, legal sanction)→ Yiqtol (Hophal): modal/injunctive passive — mandated capital punishmentמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be caused to die, be put to death'; the passive underscores that the death is executed by the community, not merely fated.
כִּ֗יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing an explanatory clauseכִּי (H3588); explains/expands the preceding sanction with a specific case — deliberate labor.
כָּלeveryoneN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head governing the participle הָעֹשֶׂהכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; introduces a general class — anyone at all who performs the forbidden act.
הָעֹשֶׂ֥הwho doesart + Qal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Substantival participle (genitive/attributive, defining כָּל)→ Participle: characterizing — one who performs (the forbidden work)עָשָׂה (H6213); the same verb that describes the artisans' sanctioned work in vv. 4-11 becomes, on the Sabbath, the forbidden act — context alone determines whether מְלָאכָה is holy service or profanation.
בָהּ֙on itprep בְּ + 3fs suffix · בְּ (H9003)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal, referring to the Sabbath)בְּ 'in, on'; with 3fs suffix referring back to הַשַּׁבָּת, specifying 'on it' (the Sabbath day) as the time of the forbidden work.
מְלָאכָ֔הworkN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Direct object of הָעֹשֶׂהמְלָאכָה (H4399); the same term used throughout for the tabernacle's sacred 'craftsmanship' (vv. 3-5) now denotes the ordinary labor forbidden on the seventh day — the ironic reversal is deliberate.
וְנִכְרְתָ֛הshall be cut offconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3fs · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal, consequence)→ Weqatal: consequential — the resulting judicial/divine penaltyכָּרַת (H3772) Niphal 'to be cut off'; the כָּרֵת penalty, exclusion from the covenant community (and traditionally from its future), the gravest sanction short of, or alongside, execution.
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁthe soul/personart + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of וְנִכְרְתָהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person, self'; here simply 'that person,' the individual guilty of the violation.
הַהִ֖ואthatart + demonstrative pron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative adjective modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁהוּא/הִיא (H1931); with article functions demonstratively, 'that (particular) person' just described.
מִקֶּ֥רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Adverbial prepositional phrase (separation)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; the formula 'cut off from the midst of' signals total removal from covenant community life.
עַמֶּֽיהָher peopleN m pl constr + 3fs suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing construct chainעַם (H5971) 'people'; suffix agrees with feminine נֶפֶשׁ ('her people' = the offender's own kin-group), stressing exclusion from one's own community.
15
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִים֮ יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה מְלָאכָה֒ וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗י שַׁבַּ֧ת שַׁבָּת֛וֹן קֹ֖דֶשׁ לַיהוָ֑ה כָּל הָעֹשֶׂ֧ה מְלָאכָ֛ה בְּי֥וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת
Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to YHWH; whoever does work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.
The verse generalizes v.14's specific case into an absolute rule for the whole community, doubling the terms for rest (שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן) to mark the seventh day's total, unqualified cessation and repeating the death sentence verbatim.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
שֵׁ֣שֶׁתsixnumeral f sg constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Construct numeral governing יָמִיםשֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים 'six days' establishes the creation-week pattern (Gen 1) as the template for the human workweek.
יָמִים֮daysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive completing the construct numeralיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural, marking the ordinary work-week in contrast to the seventh, sanctified day.
יֵעָשֶׂ֣הshall be doneNiphal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (Niphal): modal/injunctive passive — permitted, ordinary laborעָשָׂה (H6213) Niphal 'to be done'; passive voice permits work in general terms during the six days, setting up the sharp contrast with the seventh.
מְלָאכָה֒workN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Subject of יֵעָשֶׂהמְלָאכָה (H4399); the general term for labor, permitted six days and forbidden on the seventh.
וּבַיּ֣וֹםbut on the dayconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal, contrastive)יוֹם (H3117); the וְ here is adversative, 'but on the day…', sharply contrasting the seventh with the preceding six.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗יthe seventhart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective modifying הַיּוֹםשְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh'; echoes Gen 2:2-3, where God rested and sanctified the seventh day at creation.
שַׁבַּ֧תa Sabbath ofN c sg constr · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Predicate nominative (construct chain)שַׁבָּת (H7676); in construct with שַׁבָּתוֹן, an intensifying construction, 'a Sabbath of Sabbath-rest.'
שַׁבָּת֛וֹןcomplete restN m sg abs · שַׁבָּתוֹן (H7677)Genitive completing construct chainשַׁבָּתוֹן (H7677), an intensive/abstract form of שַׁבָּת; שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן 'a Sabbath of complete/total rest' is the strongest possible expression of cessation, used elsewhere only of the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:31; 23:32).
קֹ֖דֶשׁholyN m sg abs (predicate) · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominative (second predicate)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944); a second predicate reinforcing שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן — the day is both total rest and consecrated.
לַיהוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Adverbial prepositional phrase (dative of possession/reference)יְהוָה (H3068); the Sabbath's holiness is defined by its belonging to YHWH, not by human designation.
כָּלeveryoneN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head governing the participleכֹּל (H3605); introduces the universal scope of the following sanction — no exceptions.
הָעֹשֶׂ֧הwho doesart + Qal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Substantival participle (defining כָּל)→ Participle: characterizing — anyone who performs the forbidden actעָשָׂה (H6213); repeats v. 14's formula, now generalized to any work whatsoever, not only a specific case.
מְלָאכָ֛הworkN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Direct object of הָעֹשֶׂהמְלָאכָה (H4399); the forbidden category, spanning the same semantic range as the tabernacle 'craftsmanship' of vv. 3-5.
בְּי֥וֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal)יוֹם (H3117); specifies the time of the offense as precisely the Sabbath day.
הַשַּׁבָּ֖תthe Sabbathart + N c sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Genitive completing construct chainשַׁבָּת (H7676); names the day whose violation triggers the sanction.
מ֥וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies certaintyמוּת (H4191); repeats v. 14's emphatic construction verbatim, reinforcing the death penalty's certainty.
יוּמָֽתhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, legal sanction)→ Yiqtol (Hophal): modal/injunctive passive — mandated capital punishmentמוּת (H4191) Hophal; the verse closes with the identical sanction of v. 14, framing vv. 14-15 as a matched pair of warnings (individual case, then general principle).
16
וְשָׁמְר֥וּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת לַעֲשׂ֧וֹת אֶת הַשַּׁבָּ֛ת לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם בְּרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם
And the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, as an everlasting covenant.
The command returns to the corporate subject 'the sons of Israel' (echoing v.13) and, in place of a sanction, names the Sabbath itself an everlasting covenant, joining Noah's and Abraham's covenants in an unending divine commitment.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְשָׁמְר֥וּso shall keepconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal, concluding injunction)→ Weqatal: concluding injunctive — the summary obligation upon all Israelשָׁמַר (H8104); the chapter's third use of this key verb, now formulated as Israel's ongoing corporate duty.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as subject, echoing v. 13's addressees — the command has come full circle to the whole nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant nation as corporate subject of Sabbath-keeping.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַשַּׁבָּת as the direct object of וְשָׁמְרוּ.
הַשַּׁבָּ֑תthe Sabbathart + N c sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Direct objectשַׁבָּת (H7676); object of 'keep,' the specific institution now formally legislated.
לַעֲשׂ֧וֹתto observeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive of purpose/result→ Infinitive construct: purpose/result — the practical enactment of 'keeping'עָשָׂה (H6213); here 'to make/observe' the Sabbath — a positive act of celebration, the same verb elsewhere denoting forbidden labor, showing the verb's range depends entirely on its object and day.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַשַּׁבָּת as object of לַעֲשׂוֹת.
הַשַּׁבָּ֛תthe Sabbathart + N c sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Direct objectשַׁבָּת (H7676); repeated for emphasis — 'to keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath.'
לְדֹרֹתָ֖םthroughout their generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal extent)דּוֹר (H1755); echoes v. 13's לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם, confirming the sign's perpetuity.
בְּרִ֥יתa covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate nominative (apposition to הַשַּׁבָּת)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; in construct with עוֹלָם, names the Sabbath itself as a perpetual covenant, not merely its sign.
עוֹלָֽםeverlastingN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive completing construct chainעוֹלָם (H5769) 'forever, eternity'; בְּרִית עוֹלָם 'everlasting covenant,' the same phrase used of the covenants with Noah (Gen 9:16) and Abraham (Gen 17:7) — the Sabbath joins the roster of God's perpetual covenant commitments.
17
בֵּינִ֗י וּבֵין֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל א֥וֹת הִ֖וא לְעֹלָ֑ם כִּי שֵׁ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים עָשָׂ֤ה יְהוָה֙ אֶת הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י שָׁבַ֖ת וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁ
It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”
The chapter's theological climax: the Sabbath-sign is grounded directly in YHWH's own six days of creative work and seventh-day rest (echoing Gen 1:1 and 2:2-3), so that Israel's weekly rest imitates and testifies to the Creator's own pattern.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
בֵּינִ֗יbetween Meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Adverbial prepositional phrase (1st term of relation)בֵּין (H996); resumes v. 13's bilateral formula, now as the verse's opening, emphatic term.
וּבֵין֙and betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating preposition (2nd term of relation)בֵּין (H996); bare preposition (no suffix) governing בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל directly.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as the second party to the sign-covenant.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); Israel named explicitly, in place of v. 13's second-person suffix, for solemn legal precision at the chapter's climax.
א֥וֹתa signN c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate nominativeאוֹת (H226); repeats v. 13's declaration, now grounding it in the creation account that follows.
הִ֖ואit (is)indep pron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject (copular pronoun)הוּא/הִיא (H1931); copula, as in v. 13-14.
לְעֹלָ֑םforeverprep לְ + N m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal extent)עוֹלָם (H5769); intensifies v. 16's 'everlasting covenant' — the sign's duration is unending.
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the creation warrantכִּי (H3588); introduces the theological ground of the whole Sabbath law — the creation week itself.
שֵׁ֣שֶׁתsixnumeral f sg constr · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Construct numeral governing יָמִיםשֵׁשׁ (H8337); recalls Gen 1's six days of creative work, the pattern grounding the human workweek of v. 15.
יָמִ֗יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive completing the construct numeralיוֹם (H3117); the days of creation, now cited as historical warrant for the Sabbath command.
עָשָׂ֤הhe madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, once-for-all creative actעָשָׂה (H6213); echoes Gen 1:1, 31 and 2:2-3, directly citing the creation narrative as the Sabbath's theological foundation.
יְהוָה֙YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); identifies the covenant God of Israel with the Creator of Genesis 1 — the same one who commands the Sabbath made heaven and earth.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַשָּׁמַיִם as the first object of the creation merism.
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִםthe heavensart + N m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Direct object (1st member of merism)שָׁמַיִם (H8064); as in Gen 1:1, the first term of the heavens-and-earth merism for the whole created cosmos.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (2nd object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks הָאָרֶץ as the definite second object.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (2nd member of merism)אֶרֶץ (H776); second member of the merism, completing the direct citation of Gen 1:1's cosmic totality.
וּבַיּוֹם֙and on the dayconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal)יוֹם (H3117); shifts to the seventh day, echoing Gen 2:2-3's own structure.
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔יthe seventhart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive adjective modifying הַיּוֹםשְׁבִיעִי (H7637); direct echo of Gen 2:2-3, where God 'rested on the seventh day.'
שָׁבַ֖תhe restedQal perf 3ms · שָׁבַת (H7673)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of cessationשָׁבַת (H7673) 'to cease, rest'; the verbal root of שַׁבָּת itself — the Sabbath's name is literally God's own creation-week action.
וַיִּנָּפַֽשׁand was refreshedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַשׁ (H5314)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol, climactic)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative climax — the vivid, almost anthropomorphic culmination of the creation accountנָפַשׁ (H5314) Niphal 'to be refreshed, take breath' (cognate with נֶפֶשׁ 'soul/breath'); a strikingly anthropomorphic term, elsewhere used only of human/animal refreshment (23:12) — God's own rest becomes the pattern and warrant for Israel's.
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וַיִּתֵּ֣ן אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙ לְדַבֵּ֤ר אִתּוֹ֙ בְּהַ֣ר סִינַ֔י שְׁנֵ֖י לֻחֹ֣ת הָעֵדֻ֑ת לֻחֹ֣ת אֶ֔בֶן כְּתֻבִ֖ים בְּאֶצְבַּ֥ע אֱלֹהִֽים
And when He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave to Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
The narrative frame returns after two long divine speeches, marking the completion of the whole Sinai instruction (כְּכַלֹּתוֹ) and closing the chapter with the tangible handing over of the stone tablets — inscribed, unlike anything just described, by God's own 'finger.'
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּתֵּ֣ןand He gaveQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol, narrative resumption)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative-sequential — resuming the narrative frame after two extended speechesנָתַן (H5414); the chapter's final major verb, returning from direct-speech oracle to third-person narration as YHWH physically hands over the tablets.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the recipientאֶל (H413) 'to'; introduces Moses as the one who receives the tablets.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition (indirect object of וַיִּתֵּן)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); receives the tablets in person, closing the Sinai revelation of chs. 19-31 with a tangible object.
כְּכַלֹּתוֹ֙when he had finishedprep כְּ + Piel inf constr + 3ms suffix · כָּלָה (H3615)Temporal infinitival clause (subordinate)→ Infinitive construct: temporal — marks the completion-point of the preceding speechכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to finish, complete'; marks the close of the entire tabernacle-and-Sabbath discourse (chs. 25-31) as a single, now-completed divine speech-event.
לְדַבֵּ֤רspeakingprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Infinitive complementing כְּכַלֹּתוֹ→ Infinitive construct: complementary — specifies what was 'finished'דָּבַר (H1696); names the activity just completed — 'his speaking,' i.e. all the instructions from 25:1 through 31:17.
אִתּוֹ֙with himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Adverbial prepositional phrase (association)אֵת (H854) 'with'; refers back to Moses, specifying him as the addressee throughout the long discourse.
בְּהַ֣רon the mountain ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Adverbial prepositional phrase (location, construct chain)הַר (H2022) 'mountain'; in construct with סִינַי, situating the entire revelation on Sinai, the locus of covenant-making (19:1-3).
סִינַ֔יSinaiNp · סִינַי (H5514)Genitive completing construct chainסִינַי (H5514); the mountain of theophany and covenant, closing the long block of instruction that began there.
שְׁנֵ֖יthe twonumeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Construct numeral governing לֻחֹתשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the specific number of tablets, later shown to be inscribed on both sides (32:15).
לֻחֹ֣תtablets ofN m pl constr · לוּחַ (H3871)Direct object (construct chain)לוּחַ (H3871) 'tablet, plank'; the stone tablets bearing the covenant stipulations, given here for the first time (destined to be shattered in ch. 32 and remade in ch. 34).
הָעֵדֻ֑תthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Genitive completing construct chainעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; the same term as v. 7's 'ark of the testimony' — these are the very tablets that ark was built to house (cf. 25:16, 21).
לֻחֹ֣תtablets ofN m pl constr · לוּחַ (H3871)Direct object (apposition, restating the previous phrase)לוּחַ (H3871); repeated in apposition, now specifying the material rather than the content.
אֶ֔בֶןstoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Genitive completing construct chainאֶבֶן (H68); stone as the durable, permanent medium fitting for covenant law — contrasted with the perishable materials of the tabernacle itself.
כְּתֻבִ֖יםwrittenQal pass ptc m pl abs · כָּתַב (H3789)Attributive participle modifying לֻחֹת (passive)→ Participle: stative/passive — describing the finished state of the tabletsכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; passive participle describing the tablets as already inscribed when given — the writing is not Moses' but God's own act.
בְּאֶצְבַּ֥עwith the finger ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶצְבַּע (H676)Adverbial prepositional phrase (instrument/agency, construct chain)אֶצְבַּע (H676) 'finger'; a vivid anthropomorphism for direct, unmediated divine action, used elsewhere only of the magicians' concession before Moses (8:15) and the psalmist's 'heavens, the work of Your fingers' (Ps 8:3).
אֱלֹהִֽיםGodN m pl abs (sg sense) · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive completing construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430); closes the chapter as it framed vv. 3 and 18 — the divine Spirit that filled Bezalel (v. 3) and the divine finger that wrote the tablets (v. 18) bracket the chapter's whole account of God's direct involvement in Israel's cult and law.