1
וַיַּ֤עַן מֹשֶׁה֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר וְהֵן֙ לֹֽא יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לִ֔י וְלֹ֥א יִשְׁמְע֖וּ בְּקֹלִ֑י כִּ֣י יֹֽאמְר֔וּ לֹֽא נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֖יךָ יְהוָֽה
But Moses answered and said, “Behold, they will not believe me, and they will not listen to my voice; for they will say, ‘YHWH has not appeared to you.’”
Moses responds to the commissioning of ch. 3 with an objection anticipating Israel's unbelief; opens the sign-giving unit that runs through v.9.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיַּ֤עַןansweredWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (narrative resumption, paired with וַיֹּאמֶר)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; resumes the dialogue of ch. 3, Moses replying to God's commissioning charge.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַןמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the deliverer's name; folk-derived in Exod 2:10 from מָשָׁה 'to draw out' (from the water).
וַיֹּ֔אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (verb of saying, introduces direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; עָנָה...וַיֹּאמֶר is a stock narrative pairing introducing reported speech, not necessarily an answer to a question.
וְהֵן֙behold,conj וְ + particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative particle (spotlights Moses' anticipated objection)הֵן (H2005) 'behold, if'; a presentative introducing Moses' feared scenario, virtually 'but look—'.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negates יַאֲמִינוּ)לֹא (H3808), the standard verbal negative.
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּthey will believeHiphil impf 3mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb (Moses' feared response)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — anticipated future refusalאָמַן (H539) Hiphil 'to believe, trust, be firm'; ironic that this very root is vindicated in 4:31 ('the people believed').
לִ֔יmeprep לְ + Sp1cs · ל (l)Indirect object of יַאֲמִינוּלְ + 1cs suffix, the person believed (in).
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle (continues negation)וְ links the second clause of Moses' twofold fear: disbelief and disobedience.
יִשְׁמְע֖וּthey will listenQal impf 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (coordinate with יַאֲמִינוּ)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — anticipated refusalשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; idiom שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל 'listen to the voice of' = obey.
בְּקֹלִ֑יto my voiceprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp1cs · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional object of יִשְׁמְעוּקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound.'
כִּ֣יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds Moses' fear)כִּי (H3588), here causal 'for, because,' introducing the imagined Israelite objection.
יֹֽאמְר֔וּthey will sayQal impf 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (subordinate causal clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — anticipated speechאָמַר (H559); introduces the specific words Moses expects the people to say against him.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negates נִרְאָה)לֹא (H3808), negating the claim of the theophany's genuineness.
נִרְאָ֥הhas appearedNiphal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (content of the imagined denial)→ Perfective: a completed event now deniedרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen'; the standard verb for theophany (cf. Gen 12:7).
אֵלֶ֖יךָto youprep אֶל + Sp2ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal of נִרְאָה)אֶל + 2ms suffix, marking Moses as the recipient of the (denied) appearance.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נִרְאָהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name revealed at the bush (3:14-15); subject of the disputed theophany.
2
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלָ֛יו יְהוָ֖ה מזה מַה זֶּ֣ה בְיָדֶ֑ךָ וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מַטֶּֽה
And YHWH said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A staff.”
God does not argue but poses a diagnostic question, redirecting Moses from abstract fear to a concrete object at hand.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (God resumes speaking)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); YHWH answers Moses' objection with a pedagogical question rather than a direct rebuke.
אֵלָ֛יוto himprep אֶל + Sp3ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל + 3ms suffix, referring to Moses.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name.
מזהwhat is thisinterrog + demonstr (fused) · מַה־זֶּה (H2088)Interrogative-demonstrative phrase (source-import duplicate token of מַה־זֶּה)מַה־זֶּה 'what (is) this'; the OSHB scaffold import here duplicates the maqaf-joined pair as one fused token (מזה) and then again as its two components (the next two words) — an import artifact, not three separate Hebrew words; see chapter text_note.
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun (predicate of the nominal question, first half of מַה־זֶּה)מָה/מַה (H4100) 'what?'; paired with זֶה in the standard idiom for pointing at an object.
זֶּ֣הis thisdemonstrative pronoun · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative pronoun (subject of the question, second half of מַה־זֶּה)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; completes the fixed idiom מַה־זֶּה 'what is this?'
בְיָדֶ֑ךָin your handprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp2ms · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (locative predicate complement)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; the ordinary shepherd's staff Moses already carries becomes the vehicle of the first sign.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (Moses answers)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Moses' terse reply names the ordinary object God will transform.
מַטֶּֽהa staffN m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Predicate nominative (answer to מַה־זֶּה)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod, tribe'; the same word later denotes Israel's tribes — a shepherd's tool destined to become an instrument of national deliverance.
3
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַשְׁלִיכֵ֣הוּ אַ֔רְצָה וַיַּשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ אַ֖רְצָה וַיְהִ֣י לְנָחָ֑שׁ וַיָּ֥נָס מֹשֶׁ֖ה מִפָּנָֽיו
And He said, “Throw it to the ground.” So he threw it to the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses fled from it.
A tight command/execution/result chain (imperative, wayyiqtol compliance, wayyiqtol result) enacts the first sign in three beats.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (divine command)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
הַשְׁלִיכֵ֣הוּthrow it!Hiphil impv 2ms/Sp3ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb, imperative (main command)→ Volitional: imperative commandשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast'; the 3ms suffix ('it') refers back to the staff.
אַ֔רְצָהto the groundN f sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial accusative of direction (locative he)אֶרֶץ (H776) + directional ה, 'to/toward the ground.'
וַיַּשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּand he threw itWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms/Sp3ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (obedient execution)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil; Moses' prompt compliance mirrors the command verbatim.
אַ֖רְצָהto the groundN f sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial accusative of direction
וַיְהִ֣יand it becameWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (result)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to become'; marks the miraculous transformation.
לְנָחָ֑שׁa serpentprep לְ + N m sg abs · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Predicate complement (result of וַיְהִי)נָחָשׁ (H5175) 'serpent'; the same word for the deceiver of Gen 3, evoking Egypt's cobra-imagery (the uraeus on Pharaoh's crown) that this sign will one day best.
וַיָּ֥נָסand he fledWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · נוּס (H5127)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (Moses' reaction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; a very human, unheroic reaction that authenticates the account.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיָּנָסמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
מִפָּנָֽיוfrom before itprep מִן + N f/m pl constr/Sp3ms · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (source of flight)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom מִפְּנֵי 'from before/away from.'
4
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה שְׁלַח֙ יָֽדְךָ֔ וֶאֱחֹ֖ז בִּזְנָב֑וֹ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ וַיַּ֣חֲזֶק בּ֔וֹ וַיְהִ֥י לְמַטֶּ֖ה בְּכַפּֽוֹ
Then YHWH said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and seize it by the tail” — so he stretched out his hand and grasped it, and it became a staff in his palm —
Mirrors v.3's structure exactly, reversing the transformation and confirming Moses' safety in obeying a dangerous command.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward.'
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶל
שְׁלַח֙stretch out!Qal impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: imperative commandשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, stretch out'; here 'reach out (your hand).'
יָֽדְךָ֔your handN f sg constr/Sp2ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of שְׁלַח
וֶאֱחֹ֖זand grasp!conj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · אָחַז (H270)Predicate verb, imperative (coordinate command)→ Volitional: imperative commandאָחַז (H270) 'to grasp, seize firmly'; a command requiring real courage — seizing a serpent by the tail is the opposite of safe handling.
בִּזְנָב֑וֹby its tailprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · זָנָב (H2180)Prepositional object of וֶאֱחֹזזָנָב (H2180) 'tail'; grasping a snake by the tail (rather than behind the head) leaves it free to strike — the test of obedient faith.
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤חand he stretched outWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (obedient act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971).
יָדוֹ֙his handN f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַח
וַיַּ֣חֲזֶקand he graspedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · חָזַק (H2388)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (obedient act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזַק (H2388) Hiphil 'to seize firmly, take hold of'; a stronger verb than אָחַז — Moses' grip is emphatic.
בּ֔וֹitprep בְּ + Sp3ms · ב (b)Prepositional object of וַיַּחֲזֶק
וַיְהִ֥יand it becameWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (result)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לְמַטֶּ֖הa staffprep לְ + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Predicate complement (result)the serpent reverts to being called מַטֶּה — full narrative closure of the sign.
בְּכַפּֽוֹin his palmprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp3ms · כַּף (H3709)Locative prepositional phraseכַּף (H3709) 'palm, hollow of the hand.'
5
לְמַ֣עַן יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ כִּֽי נִרְאָ֥ה אֵלֶ֛יךָ יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֹתָ֑ם אֱלֹהֵ֧י אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִצְחָ֖ק וֵאלֹהֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב
“…so that they may believe that YHWH, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
States the theological purpose of the whole first sign, anchoring it in the patriarchal-God formula already used at the burning bush (3:6, 15-16).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
לְמַ֣עַןso thatpreposition (purpose) · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction (introduces the sign's rationale, subordinate to vv.3-4)לְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, for the purpose of'; states God's aim for the whole first sign.
יַאֲמִ֔ינוּthey may believeHiphil impf 3mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb (purpose clause, subordinate)→ Yiqtol: modal — purpose/result nuance ('so that they may believe')אָמַן (H539) Hiphil; echoes and directly answers Moses' fear in v.1 that 'they will not believe.'
כִּֽיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (introduces content of belief)כִּי (H3588) here epexegetical, 'that.'
נִרְאָ֥הhas appearedNiphal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (content clause)→ Perfective: a completed, now-attested actרָאָה (H7200) Niphal; same verb Moses feared would be denied (v.1) — the sign supplies the proof.
אֵלֶ֛יךָto youprep אֶל + Sp2ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֱלֹהֵ֣יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct noun (apposition to יְהוָה, head of chain)אֱלֹהִים (H430) construct; opens the patriarchal-God formula that anchors the mission in the ancestral covenant (cf. 3:6, 15-16).
אֲבֹתָ֑םtheir fathersN m pl constr/Sp3mp · אָב (H1)Genitive (construct chain with אֱלֹהֵי)אָב (H1) 'father'; plural 'fathers/ancestors,' summarized then unpacked by the three names that follow.
אֱלֹהֵ֧יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct noun (apposition, repeats the formula)
אַבְרָהָ֛םAbrahamN proper · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Genitive (first patriarch named)אַבְרָהָם (H85), first patriarch of the covenant (Gen 17:5).
אֱלֹהֵ֥יGod ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct noun (apposition)
יִצְחָ֖קIsaacN proper · יִצְחָק (H3327)Genitive (second patriarch)יִצְחָק (H3327) 'he laughs,' Abraham's son of promise.
וֵאלֹהֵ֥יand God ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Conjunction + construct noun (third member of the triad)
יַעֲקֹֽבJacobN proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive (third patriarch, renamed Israel)יַעֲקֹב (H3290), the twelve tribes' eponymous ancestor; the Abraham-Isaac-Jacob triad is the chapter's first anticipation of 'Israel is my son' (v.22).
6
וַיֹּאמֶר֩ יְהוָ֨ה ל֜וֹ ע֗וֹד הָֽבֵא נָ֤א יָֽדְךָ֙ בְּחֵיקֶ֔ךָ וַיָּבֵ֥א יָד֖וֹ בְּחֵיק֑וֹ וַיּ֣וֹצִאָ֔הּ וְהִנֵּ֥ה יָד֖וֹ מְצֹרַ֥עַת כַּשָּֽׁלֶג
YHWH said to him further, “Put your hand now into your bosom.” So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow.
A second, escalating sign (עוֹד) follows the same three-beat pattern, this time inflicting and displaying a bodily affliction.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩and saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָ֨הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
ל֜וֹto himprep לְ + Sp3ms · ל (l)Prepositional phrase (addressee)
ע֗וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb (marks a second, escalating sign)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, further'; signals the sequence continues beyond the serpent sign.
הָֽבֵאput!Hiphil impv 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: imperative commandבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to enter'; here 'put/insert (your hand).'
נָ֤אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softens the imperative)נָא (H4994), a mild politeness/urgency particle attached to commands and requests.
יָֽדְךָ֙your handN f sg constr/Sp2ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of הָבֵא
בְּחֵיקֶ֔ךָinto your bosomprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp2ms · חֵיק (H2436)Locative prepositional phrase (goal)חֵיק (H2436) 'bosom, fold of a garment'; the pocket-like fold against the chest where a hand could be tucked.
וַיָּבֵ֥אand he putWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יָד֖וֹhis handN f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיָּבֵא
בְּחֵיק֑וֹinto his bosomprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · חֵיק (H2436)Locative prepositional phrase (goal)
וַיּ֣וֹצִאָ֔הּand he took it outWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms/Sp3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (climactic action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; 3fs suffix refers to יָד 'hand' (grammatically feminine).
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (vivid discovery, shifts to Moses' viewpoint)הִנֵּה (H2009), marks the startling visual discovery — free indirect narration of what Moses sees.
יָד֖וֹhis handN f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Subject of the verbless clause (מְצֹרַעַת predicate)
מְצֹרַ֥עַתleprousPual/passive ptc f sg abs · צָרַע (H6879)Predicate (passive participle, verbless clause with יָדוֹ)→ Stative/passive participle: a resulting condition, not an actionצָרַע (H6879) passive ptc. 'to be leprous/diseased'; a skin affliction (not modern Hansen's disease) rendering the hand ritually unclean — a sign touching the very holiness system Moses will later administer.
כַּשָּֽׁלֶגlike snowprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · שֶׁלֶג (H7950)Prepositional phrase of comparison (simile modifying מְצֹרַעַת)שֶׁלֶג (H7950) 'snow'; the stock biblical image for the white scale of skin disease (cf. Num 12:10, 2 Kgs 5:27).
7
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הָשֵׁ֤ב יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל חֵיקֶ֔ךָ וַיָּ֥שֶׁב יָד֖וֹ אֶל חֵיק֑וֹ וַיּֽוֹצִאָהּ֙ מֵֽחֵיק֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה שָׁ֖בָה כִּבְשָׂרֽוֹ
And He said, “Put your hand back into your bosom.” So he put his hand back into his bosom, and when he took it out from his bosom, behold, it had turned back like his flesh.
Completes the leprosy sign's inclusio by reversing it, demonstrating both the affliction and the cure are under God's control.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
הָשֵׁ֤בput back!Hiphil impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: imperative commandשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to bring back, restore'; the reversal command.
יָֽדְךָ֙your handN f sg constr/Sp2ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object of הָשֵׁב
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
חֵיקֶ֔ךָyour bosomN m sg constr/Sp2ms · חֵיק (H2436)Prepositional object of אֶל
וַיָּ֥שֶׁבand he put backWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יָד֖וֹhis handN f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
חֵיק֑וֹhis bosomN m sg constr/Sp3ms · חֵיק (H2436)Prepositional object of אֶל
וַיּֽוֹצִאָהּ֙and he took it outWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms/Sp3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil; repeats v.6's verb, structuring the sign as a symmetrical pair.
מֵֽחֵיק֔וֹfrom his bosomprep מִן + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · חֵיק (H2436)Prepositional phrase (source)
וְהִנֵּהand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (vivid discovery)
שָׁ֖בָהit had turned backQal perf 3fs · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (discovery, perfect of result)→ Perfective: a completed reversal, discovered as factשׁוּב (H7725) Qal perf 3fs; note the wordplay — Hiphil הָשֵׁב 'put back' issues the command, Qal שָׁבָה 'it turned back' reports the healing, same root twice.
כִּבְשָׂרֽוֹlike his fleshprep כְּ + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Prepositional phrase of comparison (predicate complement)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the hand is restored to match the rest of Moses' body — full healing, mirroring the affliction's onset.
8
וְהָיָה֙ אִם לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לָ֔ךְ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֣ת הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֥ת הָאַחֲרֽוֹן
“And if they will not believe you and will not listen to the voice of the first sign, they will believe the voice of the latter sign.”
A conditional clause anticipating partial unbelief, explaining why two signs rather than one are given.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהָיָה֙and it will beWeqatal (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate verb (opens the conditional structure spanning vv.8-9)→ Weqatal: consecutive future, continuing the preceding instructionהָיָה (H1961); the idiom וְהָיָה אִם introduces a conditional scenario, 'and it shall be, if…'
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (introduces protasis)אִם (H518) 'if.'
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּthey will believeHiphil impf 3mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb (protasis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — anticipated refusal
לָ֔ךְyouprep לְ + Sp2fs · ל (l)Prepositional object of יַאֲמִינוּ (note archaic 2fs pointing for a 2ms addressee)לְ + 2fs-pointed suffix referring to Moses (a recognized Masoretic anomaly; several such forms occur with 2ms referents).
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle
יִשְׁמְע֔וּthey will listenQal impf 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (coordinate protasis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal
לְקֹ֖לto the voice ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional object (construct head of the following genitive)
הָאֹ֣תthe signart + N c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Genitive (construct chain with לְקֹל)אוֹת (H226) 'sign'; the technical term for the whole triad of demonstrations (cf. v.17, 28, 30).
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹןthe firstart + N m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective (modifies הָאֹת)רִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first'; identifies the rod-to-serpent sign of vv.2-4.
וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּthen they will believeWeqatal (Hiphil) 3cp · אָמַן (H539)Weqatal predicate verb (apodosis, consecutive result)→ Weqatal: consequential future — the expected outcome if the first sign failsאָמַן (H539) Hiphil; God provides a fail-safe second sign in case the first proves insufficient.
לְקֹ֖לto the voice ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional object
הָאֹ֥תthe signart + N c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Genitive (construct chain)
הָאַחֲרֽוֹןthe latterart + N m sg abs · אַחֲרוֹן (H314)Attributive adjective (modifies הָאֹת)אַחֲרוֹן (H314) 'last, latter'; the leprous-hand sign of vv.6-7.
9
וְהָיָ֡ה אִם לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֡ינוּ גַּם֩ לִשְׁנֵ֨י הָאֹת֜וֹת הָאֵ֗לֶּה וְלֹ֤א יִשְׁמְעוּן֙ לְקֹלֶ֔ךָ וְלָקַחְתָּ֙ מִמֵּימֵ֣י הַיְאֹ֔ר וְשָׁפַכְתָּ֖ הַיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה וְהָי֤וּ הַמַּ֨יִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּקַּ֣ח מִן הַיְאֹ֔ר וְהָי֥וּ לְדָ֖ם בַּיַּבָּֽשֶׁת
“And if they will not believe even these two signs, and will not listen to your voice, you shall take water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”
Extends the contingency logic of v.8 to a worst-case scenario, introducing the water-to-blood sign that anticipates the first plague.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וְהָיָ֡הand it will beWeqatal (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate verb→ Weqatal: consecutive future, continuing v.8
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
יַאֲמִ֡ינוּthey will believeHiphil impf 3mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb (protasis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal
גַּם֩evenadverbial particle · גַּם (H1571)Adverbial particle (emphasizes escalation to a third sign)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; marks the worst-case scenario — rejection of both prior signs.
לִשְׁנֵ֨יthe two ofprep לְ + numeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Prepositional object (construct numeral, head of chain)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two', dual construct; quantifies הָאֹתוֹת.
הָאֹת֜וֹתthe signsart + N c pl abs · אוֹת (H226)Genitive (construct chain with לִשְׁנֵי)
הָאֵ֗לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative adjective (modifies הָאֹתוֹת)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back to the rod and hand signs just performed.
וְלֹ֤אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle
יִשְׁמְעוּן֙they will listenQal impf 3mp + paragogic nun · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (paragogic nun, emphatic imperfect)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal, with paragogic nun lending emphasisשָׁמַע (H8085); the ן-ending (paragogic nun) is a stylistic emphatic form of the plain יִשְׁמְעוּ.
לְקֹלֶ֔ךָto your voiceprep לְ + N m sg constr/Sp2ms · קוֹל (H6963)Prepositional object of יִשְׁמְעוּןnote the shift — now it is Moses' voice (not the signs') they must heed.
וְלָקַחְתָּ֙then you shall takeWeqatal (Qal) 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Weqatal predicate verb (apodosis: contingency instruction)→ Weqatal: consecutive command, continuing the imperatival chainלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; introduces the third sign's procedure.
מִמֵּימֵ֣יfrom the waters ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Prepositional phrase (construct head, source)מַיִם (H4325) 'water', plural construct.
הַיְאֹ֔רthe Nileart + N proper · יְאֹר (H2975)Genitive (construct chain with מֵימֵי)יְאֹר (H2975), Egyptian loanword 'the Nile,' Egypt's life-source and, soon, the site of Israel's oppression (1:22) and the first plague (7:20).
וְשָׁפַכְתָּ֖and you shall pour itWeqatal (Qal) 2ms · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Weqatal predicate verb (continues the instruction chain)→ Weqatal: consecutive commandשָׁפַךְ (H8210) 'to pour out'; object (the water) implied from context.
הַיַּבָּשָׁ֑הon the dry groundart + N f sg abs · יַבָּשָׁה (H3004)Adverbial accusative of placeיַבָּשָׁה (H3004) 'dry land'; contrasts with the Nile's water — the miracle is visible the instant it leaves the river.
וְהָי֤וּand it will becomeWeqatal (Qal) 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate verb (result clause)→ Weqatal: consecutive future resultהָיָה (H1961) 3cp, agreeing with הַמַּיִם.
הַמַּ֨יִם֙the waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וְהָיוּ
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introduces relative clause modifying הַמַּיִם)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative marker.
תִּקַּ֣חyou takeQal impf 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: habitual/generic — whatever water is takenלָקַח (H3947); repeats v.9's earlier verb, tying instruction to fulfillment.
מִןfrompreposition · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase marker (source)מִן (H4480) 'from.'
הַיְאֹ֔רthe Nileart + N proper · יְאֹר (H2975)Object of מִן
וְהָי֥וּand it will becomeWeqatal (Qal) 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate verb→ Weqatal: consecutive future result
לְדָ֖םbloodprep לְ + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Predicate complement (result of וְהָיוּ)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; anticipates the first plague of ch. 7, where this private sign becomes public judgment on all Egypt's waters.
בַּיַּבָּֽשֶׁתon the dry groundprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · יַבֶּשֶׁת (H3006)Adverbial accusative of place (closes the inclusio with the earlier הַיַּבָּשָׁה)יַבֶּשֶׁת (H3006), synonym of יַבָּשָׁה; the doubled dry-ground language frames the whole sign.
10
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל יְהוָה֮ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָי֒ לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִתְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּ֛ם מֵאָ֥ז דַּבֶּרְךָ אֶל עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֧י כְבַד פֶּ֛ה וּכְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן אָנֹֽכִי
But Moses said to YHWH, “Please, my Lord, I am not a man of words, neither yesterday nor the day before, nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of mouth and slow of tongue.”
Moses raises a second, more personal objection — not unbelief of the people, but his own inadequacy as a speaker — despite the signs just given.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרbut saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (Moses raises a further objection)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
יְהוָה֮YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of אֶל
בִּ֣יpleaseentreaty particle · בִּי (H994)Particle of entreaty (opens a deferential address, regularly followed by אֲדֹנָי)בִּי (H994), a fixed interjection of humble petition, 'please, my lord' — distinct from the preposition בְּ + 1cs.
אֲדֹנָי֒my LordN m pl constr/Sp1cs · אָדוֹן (H136)Vocative (address to God)אָדוֹן (H136) 'lord, master'; plural-of-majesty form used exclusively of God as אֲדֹנָי; Moses addresses YHWH with the deference of a servant.
לֹא֩notnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
אִ֨ישׁa man ofN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Predicate nominative (construct head, negated by לֹא)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; construct with דְּבָרִים forms the idiom 'a man of words' = an eloquent speaker.
דְּבָרִ֜יםwordsN m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive (construct chain with אִישׁ)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; here concretely 'words/speech,' i.e. eloquence.
אָנֹ֗כִיIindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject/predicate of the verbless clause (emphatic independent pronoun)אָנֹכִי (H595), the emphatic 1cs pronoun; its fronted-then-delayed position underscores Moses' self-deprecation.
גַּ֤םeitheradverbial particle · גַּם (H1571)Adverbial particle (first of a triple גַּם…גַּם…גַּם series)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; the threefold repetition stresses a lifelong pattern, not a passing nervousness.
מִתְּמוֹל֙yesterdayprep מִן + adverb · תְּמוֹל (H8543)Temporal adverbial phraseתְּמוֹל (H8543) 'yesterday'; idiom תְּמוֹל שִׁלְשׁוֹם 'yesterday and the day before' = habitually, in the past.
גַּ֣םnoradverbial particle · גַּם (H1571)Adverbial particle
מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔םthe day beforeprep מִן + adverb · שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032)Temporal adverbial phrase (second member of the idiom)שִׁלְשׁוֹם (H8032) 'three days ago, formerly'; paired with תְּמוֹל for 'in times past.'
גַּ֛םnoradverbial particle · גַּם (H1571)Adverbial particle
מֵאָ֥זsinceprep מִן + adverb · אָז (H227)Temporal adverbial phrase (third member, extends to the present)אָז (H227) 'then'; מֵאָז 'from then, since,' extending the disclaimer up through God's own recent speaking.
דַּבֶּרְךָyour speakingPiel inf constr/Sp2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb, infinitive construct with subject suffix (temporal clause, 'since you have spoken')→ Infinitive: a verbal noun naming the event of God's speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel infinitive construct + 2ms subject suffix; even the theophany of ch. 3 has not cured Moses' self-assessed inarticulacy.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָyour servantN m sg constr/Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Prepositional object (Moses refers to himself in the third person, a deferential idiom)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; self-reference in the third person is a stock idiom of humble address to a superior.
כִּ֧יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
כְבַדheavy/slowadj m sg constr · כָּבֵד (H3515)Predicate adjective (construct, causal clause explaining Moses' claim)כָּבֵד (H3515) 'heavy, slow, dull'; construct with פֶּה, 'slow/heavy of mouth' — a speech impediment or self-deprecating rhetoric; the literal sense is a physical difficulty in speaking.
פֶּ֛הmouthN m sg abs · פֶּה (H6310)Genitive (construct chain with כְבַד)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; recurs as Aaron's role-title ('a mouth for you,' v.16).
וּכְבַ֥דand slowconj וְ + adj m sg constr · כָּבֵד (H3515)Predicate adjective (construct, parallel to כְבַד פֶּה)
לָשׁ֖וֹןtongueN c sg abs · לָשׁוֹן (H3956)Genitive (construct chain with וּכְבַד)לָשׁוֹן (H3956) 'tongue, language'; forms a poetic pair with פֶּה, doubling Moses' claim of inarticulacy.
אָנֹֽכִיI (am)independent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of the verbless clause (resumes and closes the emphatic אָנֹכִי…אָנֹכִי inclusio)
11
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלָ֗יו מִ֣י שָׂ֣ם פֶּה֮ לָֽאָדָם֒ א֚וֹ מִֽי יָשׂ֣וּם אִלֵּ֔ם א֣וֹ חֵרֵ֔שׁ א֥וֹ פִקֵּ֖חַ א֣וֹ עִוֵּ֑ר הֲלֹ֥א אָנֹכִ֖י יְהוָֽה
And YHWH said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, YHWH?”
God answers Moses' claim of inarticulacy by asserting his own sovereignty over all human faculties, from the position of Creator.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + Sp3ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)
מִ֣יwhointerrogative pronoun · מִי (H4310)Interrogative pronoun (subject of rhetorical question)מִי (H4310) 'who?'; opens a series of rhetorical questions asserting divine sovereignty over human capacity.
שָׂ֣םmadeQal perf 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (rhetorical question)→ Perfective: a settled, timeless fact (the creator's ongoing prerogative)שׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, place, appoint'; here 'to give/endow (a mouth).'
פֶּה֮a mouthN m sg abs · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object of שָׂם
לָֽאָדָם֒to manprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Prepositional phrase (indirect object/beneficiary)אָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind'; generic, echoing creation language (Gen 2:7) — the Creator who formed man's mouth can surely overcome Moses' impediment.
א֚וֹorconjunction · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction (introduces alternative rhetorical questions)אוֹ (H176) 'or.'
מִֽיwhointerrogative pronoun · מִי (H4310)Subject
יָשׂ֣וּםmakesQal impf 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (rhetorical question, generic present)→ Yiqtol: gnomic/habitual — a general, ongoing divine prerogativeשׂוּם (H7760); shift from perfect שָׂם (a settled fact) to imperfect יָשׂוּם (an ongoing capacity) broadens the claim from origin to present control.
אִלֵּ֔םmuteadj m sg abs · אִלֵּם (H483)Direct object (predicate complement of יָשׂוּם)אִלֵּם (H483) 'mute, dumb'; first of four paired disabilities covering the full spectrum of speech and sight.
א֣וֹorconjunction · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
חֵרֵ֔שׁdeafadj m sg abs · חֵרֵשׁ (H2795)Direct object (coordinate with אִלֵּם)חֵרֵשׁ (H2795) 'deaf.'
א֥וֹorconjunction · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
פִקֵּ֖חַseeingadj m sg abs · פִּקֵּחַ (H6493)Direct object (coordinate)פִּקֵּחַ (H6493) 'seeing, open-eyed'; paired with עִוֵּר to complete the merism sighted/blind, i.e. every human condition.
א֣וֹorconjunction · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction
עִוֵּ֑רblindadj m sg abs · עִוֵּר (H5787)Direct object (coordinate, final term)עִוֵּר (H5787) 'blind.'
הֲלֹ֥אis it notinterrog הֲ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative-negative particle (rhetorical, expects 'yes')הֲ־ interrogative + לֹא; the rhetorical question format demands the answer 'yes, it is I.'
אָנֹכִ֖יIindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject/predicate of the verbless clause (self-identification)
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (in apposition to אָנֹכִי)the divine name closes the argument: the maker of mouths and eyes is precisely the LORD now commissioning Moses.
12
וְעַתָּ֖ה לֵ֑ךְ וְאָנֹכִי֙ אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִם פִּ֔יךָ וְהוֹרֵיתִ֖יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּדַבֵּֽר
“Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”
וְעַתָּה marks a return from argument to imperative, restating the original command of 3:10 with an added promise of assisted speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְעַתָּ֖הand nowconj וְ + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb (marks transition from argument to renewed command)עַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; a discourse marker resuming the imperative after the rhetorical-question digression.
לֵ֑ךְgo!Qal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative (renewed commission)→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; repeats the original commissioning imperative of 3:10.
וְאָנֹכִי֙and Iconj וְ + independent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (emphatic, fronted for contrast with Moses)אָנֹכִי (H595); emphatic first person, promising divine presence to offset Moses' inadequacy.
אֶֽהְיֶ֣הI will beQal impf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (promise clause)→ Yiqtol: durative future — an ongoing accompanying presenceהָיָה (H1961); the same root as the divine name-formula of 3:14 ('I AM'/'I will be'), now specifically pledged to Moses' mouth.
עִםwithpreposition · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase marker (accompaniment)עִם (H5973) 'with.'
פִּ֔יךָyour mouthN m sg constr/Sp2ms · פֶּה (H6310)Prepositional object of עִם
וְהוֹרֵיתִ֖יךָand I will teach youWeqatal (Hiphil) 1cs/Sp2ms · יָרָה (H3384)Weqatal predicate verb (continuing promise)→ Weqatal: consecutive futureיָרָה (H3384) Hiphil 'to teach, instruct' (the root behind תּוֹרָה); God will supply not just presence but content.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introduces object clause)
תְּדַבֵּֽרyou shall speakPiel impf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative/object clause)→ Yiqtol: modal — the content yet to be revealedדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak.'
13
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָ֑י שְֽׁלַֽח נָ֖א בְּיַד תִּשְׁלָֽח
But he said, “Please, my Lord, send, I pray, by the hand of whomever You will send.”
Moses' bluntest and least justified request — simply to be replaced — provokes the only anger God shows in this dialogue.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרbut he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בִּ֣יpleaseentreaty particle · בִּי (H994)Particle of entreaty (opens renewed deferential address)
אֲדֹנָ֑יmy LordN m pl constr/Sp1cs · אָדוֹן (H136)Vocative (renewed address)
שְֽׁלַֽחsend!Qal impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, imperative (Moses' final plea)→ Volitional: imperative — a direct request to be excusedשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Moses asks God simply to delegate the mission to someone else.
נָ֖אpleaseentreaty particle · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softens the request)
בְּיַדby the hand ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (agent/instrument, construct head)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom בְּיַד 'by means of, through.'
תִּשְׁלָֽחyou will sendQal impf 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (relative clause without אֲשֶׁר, object of בְּיַד)→ Yiqtol: modal — an unspecified future agent, 'whomever you will send'שָׁלַח (H7971); Moses deliberately leaves the substitute unnamed — anyone but me.
14
וַיִּֽחַר אַ֨ף יְהוָ֜ה בְּמֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הֲלֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֨יךָ֙ הַלֵּוִ֔י יָדַ֕עְתִּי כִּֽי דַבֵּ֥ר יְדַבֵּ֖ר ה֑וּא וְגַ֤ם הִנֵּה הוּא֙ יֹצֵ֣א לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָ וְרָאֲךָ֖ וְשָׂמַ֥ח בְּלִבּֽוֹ
Then the anger of YHWH burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you he will be glad in his heart.”
God's anger is real but does not cancel the commission; instead it yields the concession of Aaron as spokesman, already providentially en route.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (narrative pivot — divine anger)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled'; idiom חָרָה אַף 'anger burned' — the only place in this dialogue where God's patience visibly runs out.
אַ֨ףthe anger ofN m sg abs · אַף (H639)Subject of וַיִּחַר (construct head of the following genitive)אַף (H639) 'nose, nostril' → 'anger' (the flaring nostril as anger's somatic seat); grammatical subject of 'burned' — distinct from the adverb גַּם though the OSHB import mistags this token's part of speech as an adverb.
יְהוָ֜הof YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain with אַף)
בְּמֹשֶׁ֗הagainst Mosesprep בְּ + N proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Prepositional phrase (object of anger)בְּ here marks the target of anger, 'against.'
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
הֲלֹ֨אis there notinterrog הֲ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative-negative particle (rhetorical, softens the rebuke into a concession)even in anger, God does not withdraw the call but supplies a solution.
אַהֲרֹ֤ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of the verbless clauseאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' elder brother (2:1, 7:7), first named here as the answer to Moses' objection.
אָחִ֨יךָ֙your brotherN m sg constr/Sp2ms · אָח (H251)Apposition to אַהֲרֹןאָח (H251) 'brother.'
הַלֵּוִ֔יthe Leviteart + gentilic N m sg abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Apposition (identifies tribal affiliation)לֵוִי (H3881), the tribal name, here as gentilic adjective; foreshadows the priestly line descending from Aaron.
יָדַ֕עְתִּיI knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a settled state of knowledgeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; God's own certainty answers Moses' uncertainty.
כִּֽיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer
דַבֵּ֥רindeed speakPiel inf abs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb, infinitive absolute (intensifies the following finite verb)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic — 'he can surely/fluently speak'דָּבַר (H1696) Piel infinitive absolute + finite verb, the classic Hebrew emphatic construction.
יְדַבֵּ֖רhe speaksPiel impf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (finite verb intensified by preceding infinitive absolute)→ Yiqtol: habitual/characteristic abilityדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; the verb of eloquent, fluent speech — the very thing Moses denied having.
ה֑וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive/emphatic subject pronounהוּא (H1931), emphasizing Aaron specifically.
וְגַ֤םand alsoconj וְ + adverbial particle · גַּם (H1571)Adverbial particle (adds a further reassurance)
הִנֵּהbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle
הוּא֙heindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of יֹצֵא
יֹצֵ֣אis coming outQal ptc m sg abs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb, participle (progressive/imminent action)→ Participle: vivid present/imminent progressive — already in motionיָצָא (H3318) Qal participle 'going out'; portrays Aaron as already en route, a providential detail confirmed in v.27.
לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָto meet youprep לְ + Qal inf constr/Sp2ms · קָרָא (H7125)Predicate complement, infinitive construct (idiomatic compound preposition, goal of יֹצֵא)→ Infinitive construct functioning adverbially: purpose/goalקָרָא (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; לִקְרַאת has fossilized into a virtual preposition 'toward, to meet,' though morphologically an infinitive construct.
וְרָאֲךָ֖and he will see youWeqatal (Qal) 3ms/Sp2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Weqatal predicate verb (sequential future)→ Weqatal: consecutive futureרָאָה (H7200); the coming reunion scene realized at v.27.
וְשָׂמַ֥חand he will rejoiceWeqatal (Qal) 3ms · שָׂמַח (H8055)Weqatal predicate verb (sequential future)→ Weqatal: consecutive futureשָׂמַח (H8055) 'to rejoice'; God assures Moses that Aaron's welcome will be joyful, not resentful, despite decades apart.
בְּלִבּֽוֹin his heartprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · לֵב (H3820)Locative prepositional phrase (seat of emotion)לֵב (H3820) 'heart,' the seat of emotion and will in Hebrew anthropology.
15
וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו וְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אֶת הַדְּבָרִ֖ים בְּפִ֑יו וְאָנֹכִ֗י אֶֽהְיֶ֤ה עִם פִּ֨יךָ֙ וְעִם פִּ֔יהוּ וְהוֹרֵיתִ֣י אֶתְכֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֽׂוּן
“You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.”
Details the working relationship: Moses receives and relays, Aaron speaks, both are equally accompanied by God.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְדִבַּרְתָּ֣and you shall speakWeqatal (Piel) 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Weqatal predicate verb (renewed instruction, now with Aaron in view)→ Weqatal: consecutive commandדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; Moses is still the one who speaks first, receiving and relaying.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + Sp3ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥and you shall putWeqatal (Qal) 2ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Weqatal predicate verb (continues instruction)→ Weqatal: consecutive commandשׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, place'; picks up the same verb God used of endowing man's mouth (v.11).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks הַדְּבָרִים)אֵת/אֶת (H853), untranslated marker of the definite direct object.
הַדְּבָרִ֖יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וְשַׂמְתָּדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; the content of revelation, physically 'placed' in Aaron's mouth as if handed over.
בְּפִ֑יוin his mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase (goal)
וְאָנֹכִ֗יand Iconj וְ + independent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (emphatic, resumes v.12's promise)
אֶֽהְיֶ֤הI will beQal impf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (promise clause)→ Yiqtol: durative future
עִםwithpreposition · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase marker
פִּ֨יךָ֙your mouthN m sg constr/Sp2ms · פֶּה (H6310)Prepositional object of עִם
וְעִםand withconj וְ + preposition · עִם (H5973)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (extends the promise to Aaron)
פִּ֔יהוּhis mouthN m sg constr/Sp3ms · פֶּה (H6310)Prepositional object of וְעִםthe divine promise of presence now covers both mouths — the prophet-pair structure of the mission.
וְהוֹרֵיתִ֣יand I will teachWeqatal (Hiphil) 1cs · יָרָה (H3384)Weqatal predicate verb (renewed promise)→ Weqatal: consecutive futureיָרָה (H3384) Hiphil; repeats v.12's promise, now extended to both brothers together.
אֶתְכֶ֔םyou (both)obj marker/Sp2mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהוֹרֵיתִי (pronominal, 'you' plural)אֵת + 2mp suffix functioning as a direct-object pronoun, 'you both' — Moses and Aaron together.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks the relative clause אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשׂוּן)
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introduces object clause)
תַּעֲשֽׂוּןyou shall doQal impf 2mp + paragogic nun · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (relative clause, paragogic nun)→ Yiqtol: modal — the yet-unspecified actions/signs to comeעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here specifically performing the signs before Pharaoh.
16
וְדִבֶּר ה֥וּא לְךָ֖ אֶל הָעָ֑ם וְהָ֤יָה הוּא֙ יִֽהְיֶה לְּךָ֣ לְפֶ֔ה וְאַתָּ֖ה תִּֽהְיֶה לּ֥וֹ לֵֽאלֹהִֽים
“And he will speak for you to the people, and he will be a mouth for you, and you will be as God to him.”
Summarizes the Moses-Aaron division of labor with the memorable formula 'he will be a mouth for you… you will be as God to him,' later literalized in 7:1.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְדִבֶּרand he shall speakWeqatal (Piel) 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Weqatal predicate verb (Aaron's designated function)→ Weqatal: consecutive futureדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; Aaron is formally installed as the mission's spokesman.
ה֥וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Emphatic resumptive subject (identifies Aaron specifically)
לְךָ֖for youprep לְ + Sp2ms · ל (l)Prepositional phrase (beneficiary, 'on your behalf')
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional object (audience)עַם (H5971) 'people'; here Israel, the immediate audience, though the same signs/words will later reach Pharaoh.
וְהָ֤יָהand it will beWeqatal (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal predicate verb (introduces the role-description clause)→ Weqatal: consecutive future
הוּא֙heindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of יִהְיֶה
יִֽהְיֶהhe will beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: durative future — an ongoing office
לְּךָ֣for youprep לְ + Sp2ms · ל (l)Prepositional phrase
לְפֶ֔הa mouthprep לְ + N m sg abs · פֶּה (H6310)Predicate complement (result/role, 'as a mouth')פֶּה (H6310); Aaron becomes literally 'a mouth' — the origin of his title 'prophet' in 7:1 ('your brother Aaron shall be your prophet').
וְאַתָּ֖הand youconj וְ + independent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (emphatic, contrastive with הוּא)אַתָּה (H859), fronted for contrast: Aaron speaks, but Moses stands in God's place.
תִּֽהְיֶהyou will beQal impf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: durative future
לּ֥וֹto himprep לְ + Sp3ms · ל (l)Prepositional phrase (Aaron as referent)
לֵֽאלֹהִֽיםas Godprep לְ + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate complement (role, 'as God/a god')אֱלֹהִים (H430); functional, not ontological — Moses will be to Aaron what a prophetic source/authority is to its spokesman, as later literalized toward Pharaoh in 7:1.
17
וְאֶת הַמַּטֶּ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה תִּקַּ֣ח בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֶׂה בּ֖וֹ אֶת הָאֹתֹֽת
“And you shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”
Closes the commissioning speech by returning to the staff first introduced in v.2, now formally the instrument of all the signs.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (marks הַמַּטֶּה)
הַמַּטֶּ֥הthe staffart + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of תִּקַּחמַטֶּה (H4294); the ordinary shepherd's staff of v.2, now formally designated 'the staff of God' (v.20; 17:9).
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective (modifies הַמַּטֶּה)
תִּקַּ֣חyou shall takeQal impf 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (closing command of the commissioning speech)→ Yiqtol: imperatival future — a firm instructionלָקַח (H3947).
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָin your handprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp2ms · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phrase
אֲשֶׁ֥רwith whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (introduces relative clause modifying הַמַּטֶּה)
תַּעֲשֶׂהyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: modal — future capability/purposeעָשָׂה (H6213).
בּ֖וֹwith itprep בְּ + Sp3ms · ב (b)Prepositional phrase (instrument, resumptive of הַמַּטֶּה)
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks הָאֹתֹת)
הָאֹתֹֽתthe signsart + N c pl abs · אוֹת (H226)Direct object of תַּעֲשֶׂהאוֹת (H226); closes the commissioning speech by naming, collectively, the three demonstrations just taught.
18
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ מֹשֶׁ֜ה וַיָּ֣שָׁב אֶל יֶ֣תֶר חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ אֵ֣לֲכָה נָּ֗א וְאָשׁ֨וּבָה֙ אֶל אַחַ֣י אֲשֶׁר בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וְאֶרְאֶ֖ה הַעוֹדָ֣ם חַיִּ֑ים וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יִתְר֛וֹ לְמֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵ֥ךְ לְשָׁלֽוֹם
So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
A quiet domestic scene — securing Jethro's blessing — bridges the mountain commissioning and the journey to Egypt, deliberately withholding the mission's full content from Jethro.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֵּ֨לֶךְand he wentWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (narrative resumes after the divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212).
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
וַיָּ֣שָׁבand returnedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
יֶ֣תֶרJethroN proper · יֶתֶר (H3500)Object of אֶליֶתֶר (H3500), a variant/fuller name of Moses' father-in-law, elsewhere רְעוּאֵל (2:18) or יִתְרוֹ (below, 3:1).
חֹֽתְנ֗וֹhis father-in-lawQal ptc constr/Sp3ms · חָתַן (H2859)Apposition to יֶתֶר (participle used as a kinship title)→ Participle: a lexicalized nominal use, 'one who is father-in-law'חָתַן (H2859) Qal participle construct, 'father-in-law'; the verbal root underlies חֲתַן, used ominously of Moses himself in vv.25-26 ('bridegroom of blood').
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לוֹ֙to himprep לְ + Sp3ms · ל (l)Prepositional phrase (addressee)
אֵ֣לֲכָהlet me goQal cohortative 1cs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, cohortative (self-exhortation/request)→ Volitional: cohortative — a polite first-person requestהָלַךְ (H3212) cohortative; Moses seeks Jethro's leave before departing, proper household protocol.
נָּ֗אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softens the request)
וְאָשׁ֨וּבָה֙and let me returnWeqatal-cohortative (Qal) 1cs · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb, cohortative (coordinate request)→ Volitional: cohortativeשׁוּב (H7725) cohortative.
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
אַחַ֣יmy brothersN m pl constr/Sp1cs · אָח (H251)Object of אֶלאָח (H251); Moses' kinsmen still in Egypt, not a euphemism — the term frames the journey as a family return, softening the true, world-historical mission.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (modifies אַחַי)
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִםare in Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Predicate locative (relative clause)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt', dual/plural form (Upper and Lower Egypt).
וְאֶרְאֶ֖הand let me seeWeqatal-cohortative (Qal) 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb, cohortative-equivalent imperfect (purpose)→ Yiqtol/cohortative sense: volitional purposeרָאָה (H7200); Moses gives Jethro only a partial, low-key reason for leaving — nothing of the burning bush or the mission.
הַעוֹדָ֣םwhether they are stillinterrog הֲ + adverb/Sp3mp · עוֹד (H5750)Interrogative adverbial clause (content of וְאֶרְאֶה, with 3mp pronominal subject)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet' + interrogative הֲ + 3mp suffix functioning as subject of an implied 'to be'; 'are they still (alive)?'
חַיִּ֑יםaliveadj m pl abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective (verbless clause with הַעוֹדָם)חַי (H2416) 'living, alive.'
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יִתְר֛וֹJethroN proper · יִתְרוֹ (H3503)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריִתְרוֹ (H3503), the more common form of the father-in-law's name (cf. יֶתֶר above), 'his abundance/excellence.'
לְמֹשֶׁ֖הto Mosesprep לְ + N proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Prepositional phrase (addressee)
לֵ֥ךְgo!Qal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative (blessing/permission)→ Volitional: imperative — a benediction of releaseהָלַךְ (H3212).
לְשָׁלֽוֹםin peaceprep לְ + N m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wellbeing'; Jethro's blessing formula sends Moses off without suspicion, unaware of the mission's true weight.
19
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל מֹשֶׁה֙ בְּמִדְיָ֔ן לֵ֖ךְ שֻׁ֣ב מִצְרָ֑יִם כִּי מֵ֨תוּ֙ כָּל הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים הַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֖ים אֶת נַפְשֶֽׁךָ
And YHWH said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life have died.”
A second divine word, given in Midian itself, removes the last practical obstacle (the death threat of 2:15) to Moses' return.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יְהוָ֤הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶל
בְּמִדְיָ֔ןin Midianprep בְּ + N proper · מִדְיָן (H4080)Locative prepositional phrase (setting)מִדְיָן (H4080), the region east of the Gulf of Aqaba where Moses has lived in exile since ch. 2.
לֵ֖ךְgo!Qal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: imperative command
שֻׁ֣בreturn!Qal impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb, imperative (coordinate command)→ Volitional: imperative commandשׁוּב (H7725).
מִצְרָ֑יִםto EgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial accusative of direction (place name, no preposition needed)
כִּיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction
מֵ֨תוּ֙have diedQal perf 3cp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (causal clause, grounds the command)→ Perfective: a completed state, now safely in the pastמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; removes the danger that sent Moses fleeing in 2:15.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (construct head of the following genitive)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every.'
הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive (construct chain with כָּל)אִישׁ (H376) pl. 'men.'
הַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֖יםwho were seekingart + Piel ptc m pl abs · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Attributive participle (modifies הָאֲנָשִׁים)→ Participle: ongoing past intention, 'who were seeking'בָּקַשׁ (H1245) Piel participle 'to seek'; refers back to Pharaoh's death-threat against Moses in 2:15.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks נַפְשֶׁךָ)
נַפְשֶֽׁךָyour lifeN f sg constr/Sp2ms · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object of הַמְבַקְשִׁיםנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, self'; idiom בִּקֵּשׁ נֶפֶשׁ 'to seek someone's life' = to seek to kill.
20
וַיִּקַּ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ וְאֶת בָּנָ֗יו וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙ עַֽל הַחֲמֹ֔ר וַיָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָה מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת מַטֵּ֥ה הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּיָדֽוֹ
So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on the donkey and returned to the land of Egypt; and Moses took the staff of God in his hand.
The journey begins; the staff, now called 'the staff of God,' is the chapter's visible symbol of the whole preceding commission.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיִּקַּ֨חand he tookWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947).
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks אִשְׁתּוֹ)
אִשְׁתּ֣וֹhis wifeN f sg constr/Sp3ms · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of וַיִּקַּחאִשָּׁה (H802); Zipporah, named in v.25.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (marks בָּנָיו)
בָּנָ֗יוhis sonsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (coordinate with אִשְׁתּוֹ)בֵּן (H1121); at least Gershom and Eliezer (18:3-4), though only one son (v.25 'her son') is prominent in the bridegroom-of-blood scene.
וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙and he mounted themWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms/Sp3mp · רָכַב (H7392)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָכַב (H7392) Hiphil 'to cause to ride, mount'; 3mp suffix, 'them' = wife and sons.
עַֽלonpreposition · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marker (locative)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon.'
הַחֲמֹ֔רthe donkeyart + N c sg abs · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Prepositional object of עַלחֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey'; the ordinary beast of burden of a returning exile — no royal fanfare.
וַיָּ֖שָׁבand he returnedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אַ֣רְצָהto the land ofN f sg constr + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial accusative of direction (construct, directional he)
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive (construct chain with אַרְצָה)
וַיִּקַּ֥חand he tookWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks מַטֵּה הָאֱלֹהִים)
מַטֵּ֥הthe staff ofN m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (construct head of the following genitive)
הָאֱלֹהִ֖יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive (construct chain with מַטֵּה)אֱלֹהִים (H430); the ordinary shepherd's staff of v.2 is now formally 'the staff of God,' its identity permanently transformed by the signs it enacted.
בְּיָדֽוֹin his handprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phrase
21
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל מֹשֶׁה֒ בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֙ לָשׁ֣וּב מִצְרַ֔יְמָה רְאֵ֗ה כָּל הַמֹּֽפְתִים֙ אֲשֶׁר שַׂ֣מְתִּי בְיָדֶ֔ךָ וַעֲשִׂיתָ֖ם לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַאֲנִי֙ אֲחַזֵּ֣ק אֶת לִבּ֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א יְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת הָעָֽם
And YHWH said to Moses, “When you go to return to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put in your hand; but I will harden his heart, and he will not let the people go.”
En route, God adds the chapter's first explicit prediction of Pharaoh's hardened heart, reframing the coming confrontation as a foreordained contest, not a simple negotiation.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יְהוָה֮YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
מֹשֶׁה֒MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶל
בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֙when you goprep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, infinitive construct with subject suffix (temporal clause)→ Infinitive: a verbal noun marking the temporal frame, 'in your going'הָלַךְ (H3212) infinitive construct; introduces the moment of arrival in Egypt as the setting for the coming confrontation with Pharaoh.
לָשׁ֣וּבto returnprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate complement, infinitive construct (epexegetical to בְּלֶכְתְּךָ)→ Infinitive: purpose/epexegetical, clarifying the goal of the goingשׁוּב (H7725).
מִצְרַ֔יְמָהto EgyptN proper + directional ה · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial accusative of direction (directional he)
רְאֵ֗הsee (to it)!Qal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb, imperative (main command)→ Volitional: imperative commandרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here idiomatic 'see to it, make sure.'
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (construct head of the following genitive)
הַמֹּֽפְתִים֙the wondersart + N m pl abs · מוֹפֵת (H4159)Direct object of רְאֵה (construct head of the following genitive)מוֹפֵת (H4159) 'wonder, portent'; broader term than אוֹת, elsewhere paired with it (7:3) — the full range of coming miracles, not just the three signs.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
שַׂ֣מְתִּיI have putQal perf 1cs · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of endowmentשׂוּם (H7760).
בְיָדֶ֔ךָin your handprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp2ms · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phrase
וַעֲשִׂיתָ֖םyou shall do themWeqatal (Qal) 2ms/Sp3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Weqatal predicate verb (continuing command)→ Weqatal: consecutive commandעָשָׂה (H6213); 3mp suffix 'them' resumes הַמֹּפְתִים.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (setting, construct)פָּנִים (H6440); idiom לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of.'
פַרְעֹ֑הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive (construct chain with לִפְנֵי)פַּרְעֹה (H6547), Egyptian loanword pr-ʿ3 'great house,' the royal title used as a personal name; the chapter's first mention of the antagonist to come.
וַאֲנִי֙but Iconj וְ + independent pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic, contrastive with Moses' action)אֲנִי (H589), fronted for contrast: Moses will perform the signs, but God alone controls the outcome.
אֲחַזֵּ֣קI will hardenPiel impf 1cs · חָזַק (H2388)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: durative future — an ongoing, repeated divine actionחָזַק (H2388) Piel 'to strengthen, harden'; the first of the chapter's programmatic statements about Pharaoh's hardened heart, developed at length in chs. 7-14.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks לִבּוֹ)
לִבּ֔וֹhis heartN m sg constr/Sp3ms · לֵב (H3820)Direct object of אֲחַזֵּק
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle
יְשַׁלַּ֖חhe will not let goPiel impf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Yiqtol: durative future — the predicted, hardened refusalשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release'; the technical verb of Pharaoh's refusal/permission throughout the plagues narrative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks הָעָם)
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of יְשַׁלַּח
22
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֑ה כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה בְּנִ֥י בְכֹרִ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
“And you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says YHWH: Israel is My son, My firstborn.”
Introduces the actual words Moses is to speak — a messenger-formula oracle identifying Israel as YHWH's son and firstborn.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖and you shall sayWeqatal (Qal) 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal predicate verb (continuing instruction)→ Weqatal: consecutive commandאָמַר (H559).
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of אֶל
כֹּ֚הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb (introduces direct quotation, messenger formula)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; opens the standard prophetic messenger formula כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה.
אָמַ֣רsaysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (messenger formula)→ Perfective: performative — the 'prophetic perfect,' treating the message as already authoritatively spokenאָמַר (H559); the fixed formula כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה marks the following words as YHWH's own speech, not Moses'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
בְּנִ֥יmy sonN m sg constr/Sp1cs · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nominative (first of the appositional pair)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the chapter's theological climax — Israel's corporate identity as YHWH's son, later echoed of the Davidic king (2 Sam 7:14) and, in the NT, of Jesus (Matt 2:15).
בְכֹרִ֖יmy firstbornN m sg constr/Sp1cs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Apposition (intensifies בְּנִי)בְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'; the firstborn held special legal privilege and consecration (13:2) — the title sets up the firstborn-for-firstborn logic governing the tenth plague (11:4-6) and this chapter's bridegroom-of-blood episode.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject (in apposition to the predicate 'my son, my firstborn')יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name given to Jacob (Gen 32:28), now applied to his descendants as a corporate whole.
23
וָאֹמַ֣ר אֵלֶ֗יךָ שַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת בְּנִי֙ וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ הִנֵּה֙ אָנֹכִ֣י הֹרֵ֔ג אֶת בִּנְךָ֖ בְּכֹרֶֽךָ
“And I said to you, Let My son go, that he may serve Me; but you refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.”
Completes the oracle to Pharaoh with a legal parallel: refusal to release God's firstborn will cost Pharaoh his own firstborn, anticipating the tenth plague three chapters in advance.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וָאֹמַ֣רand I saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); YHWH continues the message Moses is to deliver, recounting his prior demand.
אֵלֶ֗יךָto youprep אֶל + Sp2ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee, Pharaoh, quoted within the message to Pharaoh)
שַׁלַּ֤חlet go!Piel impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, imperative (quoted demand)→ Volitional: imperative commandשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks בְּנִי)
בְּנִי֙my sonN m sg constr/Sp1cs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of שַׁלַּח
וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִיthat he may serve meQal jussive 3ms/Sp1cp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb, jussive (purpose clause)→ Jussive: purpose — 'so that he may serve'עָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, worship'; the same root as עֲבֹדָה 'slave labor' just endured — the point is a change of master, from Pharaoh's slavery to YHWH's worship.
וַתְּמָאֵ֖ןbut you refusedWayyiqtol (Piel) 2ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (report of Pharaoh's past refusal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (within the quoted recounting)מָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse'; anticipates the refrain of the plague narrative.
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹto let him goprep לְ + Piel inf constr/Sp3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate complement, infinitive construct (object of וַתְּמָאֵן)→ Infinitive construct: the content of the refusalשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel infinitive construct + 3ms suffix, 'to send him away.'
הִנֵּה֙beholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle
אָנֹכִ֣יIindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (emphatic, of the participial clause)
הֹרֵ֔גam killingQal ptc m sg abs · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb, participle (imminent/announced future action)→ Participle: vivid imminent future — 'I am about to kill'הָרַג (H2026) Qal participle 'to kill, slay'; the ultimatum that drives the tenth plague, here stated in advance as the just consequence of Pharaoh's future refusal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks בִּנְךָ)
בִּנְךָ֖your sonN m sg constr/Sp2ms · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of הֹרֵגnote the precise legal symmetry: Pharaoh will not release God's son/firstborn (Israel), so God will take Pharaoh's own son/firstborn.
בְּכֹרֶֽךָyour firstbornN m sg constr/Sp2ms · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Apposition (intensifies בִּנְךָ)בְּכוֹר (H1060); mirrors v.22's בְּכֹרִי exactly — the firstborn-for-firstborn principle stated three chapters before its execution in ch. 12.
24
וַיְהִ֥י בַדֶּ֖רֶךְ בַּמָּל֑וֹן וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣הוּ יְהוָ֔ה וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ הֲמִיתֽוֹ
Now it happened on the way, at the lodging place, that YHWH met him and sought to put him to death.
The most textually and theologically difficult verse in the chapter: without warning, YHWH himself confronts Moses (or his son) with lethal intent; see chapter text_note.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיְהִ֥יand it happenedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (narrative formula introducing a new scene)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961); the classic וַיְהִי formula abruptly opens one of Scripture's most enigmatic episodes.
בַדֶּ֖רֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phrase (setting)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; Moses is en route back to Egypt, staff and family in hand.
בַּמָּל֑וֹןat the lodging placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מָלוֹן (H4411)Locative prepositional phrase (further specifies setting)מָלוֹן (H4411) 'lodging place, inn' (from לוּן 'to spend the night'); a way-station, not a formal building.
וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֣הוּand he met himWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms/Sp3ms · פָּגַשׁ (H6298)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (unnamed divine attack)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּגַשׁ (H6298) 'to meet, encounter'; here ominously of a hostile confrontation, not a friendly greeting — the same root recurs benignly at v.27 of Aaron's meeting.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁהוּthe notorious crux: the text names YHWH himself, without further explanation, as the assailant seeking Moses' (or his son's) life; see the chapter text_note.
וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁand he soughtWayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (coordinate with וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁהוּ)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּקַשׁ (H1245) Piel 'to seek'; the same verb used in v.19 of Pharaoh's men seeking Moses' life — now, startlingly, of God.
הֲמִיתֽוֹto kill himHiphil inf constr/Sp3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate complement, infinitive construct (object of וַיְבַקֵּשׁ)→ Infinitive construct: the intended action, 'to put him to death'מוּת (H4191) Hiphil infinitive construct 'to kill, put to death'; the 3ms suffix's referent (Moses himself, or his uncircumcised son) is exactly what generations of interpreters have debated.
25
וַתִּקַּ֨ח צִפֹּרָ֜ה צֹ֗ר וַתִּכְרֹת֙ אֶת עָרְלַ֣ת בְּנָ֔הּ וַתַּגַּ֖ע לְרַגְלָ֑יו וַתֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֧י חֲתַן דָּמִ֛ים אַתָּ֖ה לִֽי
Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin, and touched it to his feet, and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.”
Zipporah's decisive circumcision and blood-touching ritual, plus her enigmatic exclamation, resolves the crisis — though the underlying logic remains debated.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַתִּקַּ֨חthen tookWayyiqtol (Qal) 3fs · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (Zipporah's decisive action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 3fs; Zipporah, not Moses, acts to resolve the crisis.
צִפֹּרָ֜הZipporahN proper · צִפֹּרָה (H6855)Subject of וַתִּקַּחצִפֹּרָה (H6855) 'little bird', Moses' Midianite wife (2:21), daughter of Reuel/Jethro.
צֹ֗רa flintN m sg abs · צֹר (H6864)Direct object of וַתִּקַּחצֹר (H6864) 'flint, sharp stone'; a flint knife, the archaic instrument prescribed for circumcision even after metal tools were available (cf. Josh 5:2-3), preserving ritual continuity with patriarchal practice.
וַתִּכְרֹת֙and cut offWayyiqtol (Qal) 3fs · כָּרַת (H3772)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut, cut off'; the ordinary verb of circumcision (cf. the wordplay with כָּרַת בְּרִית 'to cut a covenant').
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks עָרְלַת בְּנָהּ)
עָרְלַ֣תthe foreskin ofN f sg constr · עָרְלָה (H6190)Direct object (construct head of the following genitive)עָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin'; the sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:10-14), apparently neglected for this son.
בְּנָ֔הּher sonN m sg constr/Sp3fs · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain with עָרְלַת)בֵּן (H1121); grammatically 'her son' rather than 'his (Moses') son' — a small but noted detail highlighting Zipporah's agency.
וַתַּגַּ֖עand touched (it)Wayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3fs · נָגַע (H5060)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַע (H5060) Hiphil 'to cause to touch'; object (the severed foreskin) implied; the ritual gesture that follows the cutting.
לְרַגְלָ֑יוto his feetprep לְ + N f dual constr/Sp3ms · רֶגֶל (H7272)Locative prepositional phrase (goal of וַתַּגַּע)רֶגֶל (H7272) dual 'feet'; possibly a euphemism for the genitals (as elsewhere in biblical Hebrew), which would make better sense of a circumcision-blood ritual — another disputed point in this famously obscure passage.
וַתֹּ֕אמֶרand she saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
כִּ֧יsurelyconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Emphatic/asseverative particle (introduces her exclamation)כִּי (H3588) here asseverative, 'surely, indeed.'
חֲתַןbridegroom ofN m sg constr · חָתָן (H2860)Predicate nominative (construct head of the following genitive)חָתָן (H2860) 'bridegroom, son-in-law' (from the same root as חֹתֵן 'father-in-law', v.18); here in the enigmatic construct phrase חֲתַן־דָּמִים.
דָּמִ֛יםbloodN m pl abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive (construct chain with חֲתַן)דָּם (H1818) plural, 'blood(s)'; the plural intensive may denote blood shed in the rite; חֲתַן דָּמִים is the chapter's most debated phrase — see text_note.
אַתָּ֖הyou (are)independent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of the verbless clause
לִֽיto meprep לְ + Sp1cs · ל (l)Prepositional phrase (predicate complement, 'to me')
26
וַיִּ֖רֶף מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אָ֚ז אָֽמְרָ֔ה חֲתַ֥ן דָּמִ֖ים לַמּוּלֹֽת
So He let him alone. Then she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” with reference to the circumcision.
The narrator supplies an explanatory footnote ('with regard to the circumcision') tying Zipporah's strange phrase to the rite just performed, functioning as a folk-etymology-style aside.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּ֖רֶףand he let (him) aloneWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · רָפָה (H7503)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (resolution of the crisis)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָפָה (H7503) 'to slacken, let drop, let alone'; the unnamed subject is presumably YHWH (or the divine agent) of v.24, now relenting.
מִמֶּ֑נּוּfrom himprep מִן + Sp1cp · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, 'from him')מִן (H4480) + suffix; despite the unusual pointing, the referent in context is 3ms (Moses or his son) — one of several small textual oddities in this crux passage.
אָ֚זthenadverb · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb (marks the concluding comment)אָז (H227) 'then.'
אָֽמְרָ֔הshe saidQal perf 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed, explanatory utteranceאָמַר (H559) 3fs, Zipporah again.
חֲתַ֥ןbridegroom ofN m sg constr · חָתָן (H2860)Predicate nominative (construct, repeats v.25's phrase)
דָּמִ֖יםbloodN m pl abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive (construct chain)
לַמּוּלֹֽתwith regard to the circumcisionprep לְ + art + N f pl abs · מוּלָה (H4139)Prepositional phrase (specification, 'because of/on account of the circumcisions')מוּלָה (H4139) 'circumcision', plural; the narrator's closing gloss ties the strange epithet explicitly to the rite just performed, functioning as an etiology for the phrase's origin.
27
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֔ן לֵ֛ךְ לִקְרַ֥את מֹשֶׁ֖ה הַמִּדְבָּ֑רָה וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ וַֽיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֛הוּ בְּהַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים וַיִּשַּׁק לֽוֹ
And YHWH said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God, and he kissed him.
The narrative returns to the main commissioning thread, fulfilling God's promise in v.14 that Aaron would meet Moses joyfully at the mountain of God.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶֽלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of אֶל
לֵ֛ךְgo!Qal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, imperative→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212); parallels the identical command to Moses in v.19, now given directly to Aaron — the narrative finally shows both brothers receiving matching divine directives.
לִקְרַ֥אתto meetprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7125)Predicate complement, infinitive construct (idiomatic compound preposition, goal of לֵךְ)→ Infinitive construct functioning adverbially: purpose/goalקָרָא (H7125); the same fossilized infinitival preposition as v.14's לִקְרָאתֶךָ, now fulfilled.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of לִקְרַאת
הַמִּדְבָּ֑רָהto the wildernessart + N m sg abs + directional ה · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Adverbial accusative of direction (directional he)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the same wilderness terrain of the burning-bush encounter (3:1).
וַיֵּ֗לֶךְand he wentWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
וַֽיִּפְגְּשֵׁ֛הוּand he met himWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms/Sp3ms · פָּגַשׁ (H6298)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (joyful counterpart to v.24's ominous פגש)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּגַשׁ (H6298); the same verb as v.24, now entirely benign — the fulfillment of God's promise in v.14 that Aaron would come out to meet Moses.
בְּהַ֥רat the mountain ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · הַר (H2022)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)הַר (H2022) 'mountain', construct.
הָאֱלֹהִ֖יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive (construct chain with בְּהַר)אֱלֹהִים (H430); 'the mountain of God' = Horeb/Sinai, site of the burning bush (3:1) — the brothers reunite at the very place of Moses' call.
וַיִּשַּׁקand he kissedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · נָשַׁק (H5401)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשַׁק (H5401) 'to kiss'; the customary greeting of long-separated kin (cf. Gen 33:4), confirming God's promise (v.14) that Aaron would come with gladness, not resentment.
לֽוֹhimprep לְ + Sp3ms · ל (l)Prepositional object of וַיִּשַּׁק
28
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד מֹשֶׁה֙ לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֛ת כָּל דִּבְרֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר שְׁלָח֑וֹ וְאֵ֥ת כָּל הָאֹתֹ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּֽהוּ
And Moses told Aaron all the words of YHWH with which He had sent him, and all the signs that He had commanded him.
Moses fully briefs Aaron on both the message and the signs, completing the transfer of the commission to the brother-pair.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּגֵּ֤דand toldWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to tell, declare, report.'
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ןto Aaronprep לְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Prepositional phrase (indirect object)
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks כָּל דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה)
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (construct head)
דִּבְרֵ֥יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object (construct head of the following genitive)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; here the commissioning speech of vv.11-17, 21-23.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)
אֲשֶׁ֣רwith whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (modifies דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה)
שְׁלָח֑וֹhe had sent himQal perf 3ms/Sp3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (relative clause, perfect of anteriority)→ Perfective: an antecedent, already-completed commissioningשָׁלַח (H7971) Qal + 3ms suffix, 'sent him'; refers to God's dispatching of Moses back to the mission field.
וְאֵ֥תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (marks כָּל הָאֹתֹת)
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (construct head)
הָאֹתֹ֖תthe signsart + N c pl abs · אוֹת (H226)Direct object (coordinate with כָּל דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה)
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
צִוָּֽהוּhe had commanded himPiel perf 3ms/Sp3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative clause, perfect of anteriority)→ Perfective: an antecedent, already-completed commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel + 3ms suffix, 'commanded him'; a full briefing — Moses withholds nothing from his new spokesman.
29
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹ֑ן וַיַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ אֶת כָּל זִקְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the sons of Israel.
The brothers act as a unit for the first time, addressing Israel's recognized leadership before the wider people.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְand wentWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212); the brothers now act as a united pair, subject of a single verb.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
וְאַהֲרֹ֑ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject (coordinate with מֹשֶׁה)
וַיַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּand they gatheredWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · אָסַף (H622)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (plural, both brothers acting jointly)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; the first official act of the mission on Egyptian soil, addressing the recognized leadership structure rather than the people at large.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks כָּל זִקְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל)
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (construct head)
זִקְנֵ֖יthe elders ofadj m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Direct object (construct head of the following genitive)זָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; substantival adjective denoting the recognized tribal/clan leadership of Israel (cf. 3:16, 18).
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain with זִקְנֵי)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, final member)
30
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֚ת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיַּ֥עַשׂ הָאֹתֹ֖ת לְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם
And Aaron spoke all the words that YHWH had spoken to Moses, and he did the signs in the sight of the people.
Aaron speaks and the sign(s) are performed exactly as instructed in vv.15-17, 28 — word and wonder together.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣רand spokeWayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; Aaron now exercises the spokesman role assigned in v.16.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks כָּל הַדְּבָרִים)
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier (construct head)
הַדְּבָרִ֔יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וַיְדַבֵּר
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
דִּבֶּ֥רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause, anterior perfect)→ Perfective: antecedent, already-completed speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; same root as the main verb — Aaron's speech is a faithful relay of God's own words to Moses.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּר
אֶלtopreposition · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marker
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶל
וַיַּ֥עַשׂand he didWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (subject Moses, per the commissioning of v.17)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213); performs the promised signs (v.17) before their intended first audience.
הָאֹתֹ֖תthe signsart + N c pl abs · אוֹת (H226)Direct object of וַיַּעַשׂ
לְעֵינֵ֥יin the sight ofprep לְ + N f dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (audience, idiomatic 'before the eyes of')עַיִן (H5869) dual construct 'eyes'; idiom לְעֵינֵי 'in the sight of, before.'
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional object (genitive of לְעֵינֵי)
31
וַֽיַּאֲמֵ֖ן הָעָ֑ם וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֡וּ כִּֽי פָקַ֨ד יְהוָ֜ה אֶת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְכִ֤י רָאָה֙ אֶת עָנְיָ֔ם וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
And the people believed; and when they heard that YHWH had visited the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.
The chapter's dramatic tension — Moses' fear that Israel would not believe or listen (v.1) — is resolved: the people believe, hear, and worship, validating the entire sign-and-commissioning sequence.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַֽיַּאֲמֵ֖ןand believedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · אָמַן (H539)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (climactic fulfillment)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַן (H539) Hiphil; directly answers and reverses Moses' fear in v.1 ('they will not believe me') — the chapter's central tension resolved.
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject
וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֡וּand they heard/heededWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (coordinate with וַיַּאֲמֵן)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085); likewise answers Moses' second fear in v.1 ('they will not listen to my voice').
כִּֽיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer
פָקַ֨דhad visitedQal perf 3ms · פָּקַד (H6485)Predicate verb (content clause, cause of belief)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of divine attentionפָּקַד (H6485) 'to visit, attend to, take note of'; the technical verb of God's gracious intervention in crisis (cf. Gen 50:24-25), here fulfilling Israel's ancestral hope.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of פָקַד
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל)
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (construct head of the following genitive)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, final member)
וְכִ֤יand thatconj וְ + conjunction · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating conjunction + complementizer (second content clause)
רָאָה֙he had seenQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (content clause, coordinate)→ Perfective: a completed act of divine attentionרָאָה (H7200); pairs with פָקַד to form the double basis for belief — echoing 2:25 and 3:7.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (marks עָנְיָם)
עָנְיָ֔םtheir afflictionN m sg constr/Sp3mp · עֳנִי (H6040)Direct object of רָאָהעֳנִי (H6040) 'affliction, misery'; the same term as 3:7 ('I have surely seen the affliction of my people') — the mission's origin now confirmed to the people themselves.
וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּand they bowedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · קָדַד (H6915)Wayyiqtol predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָדַד (H6915) 'to bow down, kneel'; a gesture of homage/worship, physically enacted.
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּand worshipedWayyiqtol (Hishtaphel) 3mp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol predicate verb (coordinate, climactic closing verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) Hishtaphel 'to bow down, prostrate oneself, worship'; the chapter's final act — belief expressed in worship, closing the scene on a note of faith rather than doubt.