1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
Opens the chapter with the standing formula that introduced each major instruction unit since Exod 25:1 (cf. 25:1; 30:11,17,22,34; 31:1); this ninth and final speech turns from raw materials and skilled labor (chs. 35-39) to the assembly and consecration of the whole structure.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the formulaic onset of a divine speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; the standing formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵאמֹר introduces the ninth and final divine speech of the Sinai instructions in Exodus.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, from הָיָה 'to be'; the tetragrammaton, traditionally read אֲדֹנָי.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the recipient of the divine word.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses'; the mediator who alone receives and transmits YHWH's instructions for the tabernacle.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: marks the onset of quoted divine speech, non-finiteאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the infinitive לֵאמֹר conventionally opens direct discourse, here YHWH's final set of instructions.
2
בְּיוֹם הַחֹ֥דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ תָּקִ֕ים אֶת מִשְׁכַּ֖ן אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.
The date notice — New Year's Day — fronts the entire chapter and is later matched by the fulfillment notice of v.17; the tabernacle rises exactly on the anniversary of the exodus month, aligning cultic inauguration with Israel's calendrical new beginning.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
בְּיוֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted, opening the date formula)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with הַחֹדֶשׁ pins the exact date of erection.
הַחֹ֥דֶשׁthe monthart + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Genitive complement of יוֹם (construct chain)חֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'new moon, month', from חָדָשׁ 'new'.
הָרִאשׁ֖וֹןthe firstart + Adj ordinal m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective modifying הַחֹדֶשׁרִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first', from רֹאשׁ 'head'; the month Abib/Nisan, month of the exodus (Exod 12:2).
בְּאֶחָ֣דon the first (day)prep בְּ + numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Temporal prepositional phrase in apposition, specifying the dayאֶחָד (H259) 'one', used ordinally for dating: 'the first (of the month).'
לַחֹ֑דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Prepositional phrase completing the date formulaחֹדֶשׁ (H2320); repeated to complete 'the first of the month' — 1 Nisan/Abib.
תָּקִ֕יםyou shall raise upHiphil impf 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, directive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a commanded future actionקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to raise up, erect'; the technical verb for erecting the tabernacle (cf. vv.17-18).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִשְׁכַּ֖ןthe tabernacle ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Direct object (head of construct chain)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908) 'dwelling place', from שָׁכַן 'to dwell'; the portable sanctuary of YHWH's presence.
אֹ֥הֶלtent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival, second link)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; with מוֹעֵד forms the fixed designation 'tent of meeting.'
מוֹעֵֽדmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place', from יָעַד 'to appoint'; completes אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the site of divine-human encounter.
3
וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ שָׁ֔ם אֵ֖ת אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת וְסַכֹּתָ֥ עַל הָאָרֹ֖ן אֶת הַפָּרֹֽכֶת
And you shall place there the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.
Weqatal chain begins the itemized instructions, working from the innermost, most sacred object (the ark) outward — the same order followed in the execution narrative of vv.20-21.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְשַׂמְתָּ֣and you shall placeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal continuing the command chain)→ Weqatal: continuing directive force, sequential to תָּקִיםשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the routine verb for positioning tabernacle furniture, recurring through the chapter.
שָׁ֔םthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (locative)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; anticipates the interior of the tabernacle as the ark's resting place.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN m sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct object (head of construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; here the ark of the covenant containing the tablets of the testimony.
הָעֵד֑וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony', from עוּד 'to witness'; the stone tablets of the covenant stipulations housed in the ark.
וְסַכֹּתָ֥and you shall screenconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · סָכַךְ (H5526)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceסָכַךְ (H5526) 'to cover, screen'; here shielding the ark from view behind the veil.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marks the ark as the object being screened.
הָאָרֹ֖ןthe arkart + N m sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition עַלאָרוֹן (H727); repeated reference to the ark just named.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (instrument/means — introduces the veil)אֵת (H854) 'with, together with' (distinct from the object-marker אֵת H853); introduces the veil as the means of screening.
הַפָּרֹֽכֶתthe veilart + N f sg abs · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Object of preposition אֵת (H854)פָּרֹכֶת (H6532) 'veil, curtain'; the woven partition separating the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place.
4
וְהֵבֵאתָ֙ אֶת הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן וְעָרַכְתָּ֖ אֶת עֶרְכּ֑וֹ וְהֵבֵאתָ֙ אֶת הַמְּנֹרָ֔ה וְהַעֲלֵיתָ֖ אֶת נֵרֹתֶֽיהָ
And you shall bring in the table and arrange its arrangement, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps.
The weqatal chain continues outward from the ark to the furnishings of the Holy Place; table and lampstand are paired as they were designed and built together (Exod 25:23-40).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהֵבֵאתָ֙and you shall bring inconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring in'; causative of the common verb 'to come, go in.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ןthe tableart + N m sg abs · שֻׁלְחָן (H7979)Direct objectשֻׁלְחָן (H7979) 'table'; the table for the bread of the Presence (Exod 25:23-30).
וְעָרַכְתָּ֖and you shall arrangeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · עָרַךְ (H6186)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; used of laying out the bread in rows.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עֶרְכּ֑וֹits arrangementN m sg constr/Sp3ms · עֵרֶךְ (H6187)Direct object (cognate accusative with עָרַךְ)עֵרֶךְ (H6187) 'arrangement, row', cognate with עָרַךְ; the set rows of showbread.
וְהֵבֵאתָ֙and you shall bring inconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal, resuming the series)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring in'; repeated for the lampstand.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמְּנֹרָ֔הthe lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Direct objectמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand'; the golden seven-branched lampstand of Exod 25:31-40.
וְהַעֲלֵיתָ֖and you shall set up/lightconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to cause to go up, kindle'; of setting/lighting the lamps of the menorah.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
נֵרֹתֶֽיהָits lampsN f pl constr/Sp3fs · נֵר (H5216)Direct objectנֵר (H5216) 'lamp'; the seven lamps set atop the lampstand's branches.
5
וְנָתַתָּ֞ה אֶת מִזְבַּ֤ח הַזָּהָב֙ לִקְטֹ֔רֶת לִפְנֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵדֻ֑ת וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ אֶת מָסַ֥ךְ הַפֶּ֖תַח לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן
And you shall put the golden altar of incense before the ark of the testimony, and you shall set up the screen of the entrance to the tabernacle.
The incense altar's placement 'before the ark of the testimony' (though separated by the veil) reflects its close association with the ark despite standing in the outer chamber; the sequence then moves to the tent's own entrance.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְנָתַתָּ֞הand you shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, place'; the standard verb for positioning tabernacle furnishings.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִזְבַּ֤חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (head of construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'.
הַזָּהָב֙the goldart + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Construct chain (genitival, material)זָהָב (H2091) 'gold'; identifies the incense altar as the golden altar (Exod 30:1-10), distinct from the bronze altar of burnt offering.
לִקְטֹ֔רֶתfor incenseprep לְ + N f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Prepositional phrase (purpose)קְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense', from קָטַר 'to burn (incense)'; the golden altar's designated purpose.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in front of'.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN m sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival, object of לִפְנֵי)אָרוֹן (H727); positions the incense altar just outside the veil, near the ark.
הָעֵדֻ֑תthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדוּת (H5715); the testimony-tablets in the ark, before which the incense altar stands (cf. 30:6).
וְשַׂמְתָּ֛and you shall set upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); repeated for the entrance screen.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מָסַ֥ךְthe screen ofN m sg constr · מָסָךְ (H4539)Direct object (head of construct chain)מָסָךְ (H4539) 'screen, covering', from סָכַךְ 'to cover'; the woven hanging closing an entrance.
הַפֶּ֖תַחthe entranceart + N m sg abs · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance', from פָּתַח 'to open'.
לַמִּשְׁכָּֽןof the tabernacleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Prepositional phrase (genitival, specifying whose entrance)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the entrance of the tabernacle's inner tent.
6
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה אֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה לִפְנֵ֕י פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֥ן אֹֽהֶל מוֹעֵֽד
And you shall put the altar of burnt offering before the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.
The instruction moves outside the tent proper to the courtyard, positioning the sacrificial altar at the very entrance — the first station encountering the worshiper.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔הand you shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceנָתַן (H5414); positions the bronze altar.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִזְבַּ֣חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (head of construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); here the outer bronze altar of burnt offering (Exod 27:1-8).
הָעֹלָ֑הthe burnt offeringart + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Construct chain (genitival)עֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', from עָלָה 'to go up' (in smoke); the wholly-consumed sacrifice.
לִפְנֵ֕יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440); positions the altar at the courtyard entrance.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival, object of לִפְנֵי)פֶּתַח (H6607); the entrance of the tent, before which the altar of burnt offering stands.
מִשְׁכַּ֥ןthe tabernacle ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908).
אֹֽהֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168); with מוֹעֵד forms 'tent of meeting.'
מוֹעֵֽדmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150); completes the fourfold chain 'entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.'
7
וְנָֽתַתָּ֙ אֶת הַכִּיֹּ֔ר בֵּֽין אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּבֵ֣ין הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְנָתַתָּ֥ שָׁ֖ם מָֽיִם
And you shall put the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water there.
The laver is placed functionally between tent and altar, matching its role mediating between sacrifice and access to the sanctuary.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֙and you shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceנָתַן (H5414); positions the bronze laver.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַכִּיֹּ֔רthe basinart + N m sg abs · כִּיּוֹר (H3595)Direct objectכִּיּוֹר (H3595) 'basin, laver'; the bronze washing-basin for priestly ablutions (Exod 30:17-21).
בֵּֽיןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (locative, first term of pair)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; paired with וּבֵין to locate the laver.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival, object of בֵּין)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֖דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival)מוֹעֵד (H4150); completes 'tent of meeting,' the first reference point.
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (locative, second term of pair)בֵּין (H996); second reference point of the paired location formula.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition וּבֵיןמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the bronze altar of burnt offering, positioning the laver between it and the tent.
וְנָתַתָּ֥and you shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal, resumed)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceנָתַן (H5414); repeated for the water.
שָׁ֖םthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (locative)שָׁם (H8033) 'there', referring back to the just-positioned basin.
מָֽיִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct objectמַיִם (H4325) 'water', plural-form noun; fills the laver for washing.
8
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אֶת הֶחָצֵ֖ר סָבִ֑יב וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ אֶת מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֥עַר הֶחָצֵֽר
And you shall set up the court all around, and you shall put up the screen of the gate of the court.
The instruction sequence for physical assembly closes with the outermost boundary, the court and its gate screen, completing the concentric structure from ark to perimeter.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥and you shall set upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); of erecting the court enclosure.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הֶחָצֵ֖רthe courtart + N c sg abs · חָצֵר (H2691)Direct objectחָצֵר (H2691) 'court, enclosure'; the fenced courtyard surrounding the tabernacle.
סָבִ֑יבaroundN c sg abs (adverbial) · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative (manner — encircling)סָבִיב (H5439) 'surrounding, around'; noun used adverbially for the perimeter hangings.
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔and you shall put upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceנָתַן (H5414); of hanging the gate screen.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מָסַ֖ךְthe screen ofN m sg constr · מָסָךְ (H4539)Direct object (head of construct chain)מָסָךְ (H4539); the woven screen closing the court's single gate.
שַׁ֥עַרthe gate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Construct chain (genitival)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the courtyard's entrance.
הֶחָצֵֽרthe courtart + N c sg abs · חָצֵר (H2691)Construct chain (genitival, final link)חָצֵר (H2691); repeated reference to the courtyard just named.
9
וְלָקַחְתָּ֙ אֶת שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֶת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר בּ֑וֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ אֹת֛וֹ וְאֶת כָּל כֵּלָ֖יו וְהָ֥יָה קֹֽדֶשׁ
And you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and you shall consecrate it and all its vessels, and it shall be holy.
A new stage begins: having positioned every object, Moses must now consecrate the whole by anointing, moving again from the whole structure to its individual vessels.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְלָקַחְתָּ֙and you shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal, opens consecration section)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; introduces the anointing-oil rite.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שֶׁ֣מֶןthe oil ofN m sg constr · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Direct object (head of construct chain)שֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil'; the specially compounded anointing oil of Exod 30:22-33.
הַמִּשְׁחָ֔הthe anointingart + N f sg abs · מִשְׁחָה (H4888)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁחָה (H4888) 'anointing', from מָשַׁח 'to anoint'; the consecrating unguent.
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֥and you shall anointconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceמָשַׁח (H4886) 'to anoint' with oil; the consecrating rite for objects and priests, root of מָשִׁיחַ 'anointed one.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Direct objectמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the whole dwelling-structure receives the anointing oil.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks כָּל אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ as definite.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (head of construct chain, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with the relative clause אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ.
אֲשֶׁרthat (is)relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause (modifying כָּל)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle 'who, which, that'; introduces 'all that is in it.'
בּ֑וֹin itprep בְּ + Sp3ms · בְּPredicate of the relative clause (locative)prep בְּ + 3ms suffix, 'in it', referring to the tabernacle; completes the relative clause.
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥and you shall consecrateconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceקָדַשׁ (H6942) Piel 'to consecrate, make holy'; transfers the tabernacle from common to sacred use.
אֹת֛וֹitobj marker + Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, referring to the tabernacle)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resumptive pronoun for הַמִּשְׁכָּן.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks כָּל כֵּלָיו as definite.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (head of construct chain, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605); quantifies כֵּלָיו, 'all its vessels.'
כֵּלָ֖יוits vesselsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · כְּלִי (H3627)Construct chain (genitival)כְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, utensil, implement'; the full complement of tabernacle furnishings and tools.
וְהָ֥יָהand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Weqatal: stating the resultant state — consecrated statusהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; marks the outcome of the consecration: holiness.
קֹֽדֶשׁholyN m sg abs (predicate) · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominative (complement of וְהָיָה)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness, sacredness', from קָדַשׁ; the resultant consecrated status of the tabernacle.
10
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֛ אֶת מִזְבַּ֥ח הָעֹלָ֖ה וְאֶת כָּל כֵּלָ֑יו וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֙ אֶת הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְהָיָ֥ה הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ קֹ֥דֶשׁ קָֽדָשִֽׁים
And you shall anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its vessels, and you shall consecrate the altar, and the altar shall be most holy.
The altar receives its own explicit consecration and is singled out as 'most holy' (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים), the strongest degree of sanctity language applied to any furnishing in this chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֛and you shall anointconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceמָשַׁח (H4886); now applied to the altar of burnt offering.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִזְבַּ֥חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (head of construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the bronze altar in the courtyard.
הָעֹלָ֖הthe burnt offeringart + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Construct chain (genitival)עֹלָה (H5930); identifies the altar's sacrificial function.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins כָּל כֵּלָיו as a second definite object of the anointing.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (head of construct chain, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605); quantifies the altar's vessels.
כֵּלָ֑יוits vesselsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · כְּלִי (H3627)Construct chain (genitival)כְּלִי (H3627); the altar's implements — pans, shovels, basins, forks, firepans (Exod 27:3).
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֙and you shall consecrateconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceקָדַשׁ (H6942); consecrates the altar itself, distinct from anointing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct objectמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); repeated as the object of consecration.
וְהָיָ֥הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Weqatal: stating the resultant stateהָיָה (H1961); marks the outcome of the altar's consecration.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Subject of וְהָיָהמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the subject now of its own holiness-status clause.
קֹ֥דֶשׁmost (holy)N m sg constr (predicate) · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominative, construct head of superlative phraseקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) construct before קָדָשִׁים forms the superlative 'holy of holies, most holy.'
קָֽדָשִֽׁיםholyN m pl abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive completing the superlative construct (Hebrew superlative idiom)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) plural; קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, lit. 'holiness of holinesses' — the highest degree of sanctity, elsewhere reserved for the Most Holy Place itself.
11
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֶת הַכִּיֹּ֖ר וְאֶת כַּנּ֑וֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֖ אֹתֽוֹ
And you shall anoint the basin and its stand, and you shall consecrate it.
The consecration-of-objects sequence closes with the laver, completing the anointing of every named furnishing before attention turns to the priests themselves.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֥and you shall anointconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceמָשַׁח (H4886); now the laver and its base.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַכִּיֹּ֖רthe basinart + N m sg abs · כִּיּוֹר (H3595)Direct objectכִּיּוֹר (H3595); the bronze washing-basin, last item consecrated by anointing.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins כַּנּוֹ as the second object of anointing.
כַּנּ֑וֹits standN m sg constr/Sp3ms · כֵּן (H3653)Construct chain (genitival)כֵּן (H3653) 'base, stand, pedestal'; the bronze foot supporting the laver (Exod 30:18).
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֖and you shall consecrateconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceקָדַשׁ (H6942); completes the consecration of every furnishing before the priesthood is consecrated.
אֹתֽוֹitobj marker + Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, referring to the basin)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resuming הַכִּיֹּר (and, by implication, its stand).
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וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤ אֶֽת אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶת בָּנָ֔יו אֶל פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְרָחַצְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּמָּֽיִם
And you shall bring Aaron and his sons near to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water.
The command now pivots from consecrating things to consecrating persons; washing at the tent's entrance is the first of the ordination acts detailed further in Leviticus 8.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤and you shall bring nearconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal — shift to priestly consecration)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present'; the formal presentation of the priests for ordination.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אַהֲרֹן֙Aaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct objectאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses's brother, appointed high priest (Exod 28:1).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins בָּנָיו, Aaron's sons, as co-recipients of the ordination rite.
בָּנָ֔יוhis sonsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Aaron's sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar, ordained alongside him.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the destination of the presentation.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival, object of אֶל)פֶּתַח (H6607); the tent's entrance, the site of ordination rites (cf. Lev 8).
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150); completes 'tent of meeting.'
וְרָחַצְתָּ֥and you shall washconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceרָחַץ (H7364) 'to wash, bathe'; the purificatory washing preceding vesting.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, referring to Aaron and his sons)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, resuming אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו.
בַּמָּֽיִםwith the waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Prepositional phrase (instrument/means)מַיִם (H4325); the water of the newly consecrated laver (v.7).
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וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֙ אֶֽת אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֖ת בִּגְדֵ֣י הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֥ אֹת֛וֹ וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ אֹת֖וֹ וְכִהֵ֥ן לִֽי
And you shall clothe Aaron with the holy garments, and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest.
Aaron alone receives the distinctive high-priestly garments and personal anointing; the purpose clause 'that he may serve me as priest' states the goal of the entire consecration program.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֙and you shall clotheconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceלָבַשׁ (H3847) Hiphil 'to clothe, dress'; investiture with priestly garments.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct objectאַהֲרֹן (H175); first singled out for full high-priestly vesting.
אֵ֖תwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (instrument — introduces the garments)אֵת (H854) 'with' (distinct from the object-marker); introduces the holy garments as the clothing.
בִּגְדֵ֣יthe garments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Object of preposition אֵת (head of construct chain)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; the high-priestly vestments detailed in Exod 28.
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁholinessart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Construct chain (genitival, attributive)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944); 'garments of holiness' — vestments set apart exclusively for sacred service.
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֥and you shall anointconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceמָשַׁח (H4886); the anointing of the person of Aaron himself, distinct from objects.
אֹת֛וֹhimobj marker + Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, Aaron)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resuming אַהֲרֹן.
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥and you shall consecrateconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceקָדַשׁ (H6942); formally sets Aaron apart for priestly office.
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, Aaron)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resuming אַהֲרֹן.
וְכִהֵ֥ןthat he may serve as priestconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּהַן (H3547)Predicate verb (purpose/result clause)→ Weqatal: purpose/result — the intended outcome of the consecrationכָּהַן (H3547) Piel 'to act as priest, minister'; denominative from כֹּהֵן 'priest.'
לִֽיto meprep לְ + Sp1cs · לְPrepositional phrase (dative — beneficiary, God)prep לְ + 1cs suffix, 'to/for me' (YHWH speaking); marks the priesthood as service directed to God.
14
וְאֶת בָּנָ֖יו תַּקְרִ֑יב וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם כֻּתֳּנֹֽת
And you shall bring his sons near and clothe them with tunics.
The sons are addressed separately and more briefly — brought near and clothed with the simpler tunic, without the elaborate vestments reserved for the high priest.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerJoins בָּנָיו as the fronted object of the following verb תַּקְרִיב.
בָּנָ֖יוhis sonsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (fronted for emphasis)בֵּן (H1121); Aaron's sons, now individually addressed for vesting.
תַּקְרִ֑יבyou shall bring nearHiphil impf 2ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a directive parallel to וְהִקְרַבְתָּ in v.12קָרַב (H7126) Hiphil; repeats the presentation formula, now for the sons alone.
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֥and you shall clotheconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceלָבַשׁ (H3847); vesting of the ordinary priestly garments (tunics), simpler than Aaron's.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, Aaron's sons)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, resuming בָּנָיו.
כֻּתֳּנֹֽתwith tunicsN f pl abs · כֻּתֹּנֶת (H3801)Direct object (accusative of the garment — 'clothe X with Y')כֻּתֹּנֶת (H3801) 'tunic'; the standard priestly undergarment worn by all priests, unlike Aaron's additional vestments.
15
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֗ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר מָשַׁ֨חְתָּ֙ אֶת אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וְכִהֲנ֖וּ לִ֑י וְ֠הָיְתָה לִהְיֹ֨ת לָהֶ֧ם מָשְׁחָתָ֛ם לִכְהֻנַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹרֹתָֽם
And you shall anoint them just as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests; and their anointing shall be for a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.
A subordinate purpose-and-result clause (level 1) closes the command section: the anointing of Aaron's sons is explicitly grounded in and modeled on Aaron's own, and its effect is declared to extend as a perpetual, hereditary priesthood — the theological climax of the ordination instructions.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וּמָשַׁחְתָּ֣and you shall anointconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing directive forceמָשַׁח (H4886); extends anointing to Aaron's sons as well.
אֹתָ֗םthemobj marker + Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, Aaron's sons)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, resuming בָּנָיו of v.14.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the comparison with Aaron's own anointing.
מָשַׁ֨חְתָּ֙you anointedQal perf 2ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (subordinate comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act (Aaron's prior anointing) serving as the modelמָשַׁח (H4886); the pattern-setting anointing of Aaron in vv.13-14 now extended equally to his sons.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲבִיהֶ֔םtheir fatherN m sg constr/Sp3mp · אָב (H1)Direct objectאָב (H1) 'father'; refers to Aaron as father of the priestly sons.
וְכִהֲנ֖וּthat they may serve as priestsconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3cp · כָּהַן (H3547)Predicate verb (purpose/result clause)→ Weqatal: purpose/result — intended outcome of the anointingכָּהַן (H3547) Piel 'to serve as priest'; the sons now share Aaron's priestly office.
לִ֑יto meprep לְ + Sp1cs · לְPrepositional phrase (dative — beneficiary, God)prep לְ + 1cs suffix, 'to/for me,' echoing v.13; priesthood is service rendered to YHWH.
וְ֠הָיְתָהand it shall be/becomeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Weqatal: stating a durative future resultהָיָה (H1961); introduces the perpetuity clause for the anointing/priesthood.
לִהְיֹ֨תto beprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָיָה (H1961)Complementary infinitive (purpose, epexegetical to וְהָיְתָה)→ Infinitive construct: expresses ongoing purpose/result — perpetual continuationהָיָה (H1961); infinitival complement expressing the intended perpetuity.
לָהֶ֧םfor themprep לְ + Sp3mp · לְPrepositional phrase (dative — beneficiary, the sons)prep לְ + 3mp suffix, 'for them,' i.e. for Aaron's sons and their line.
מָשְׁחָתָ֛םtheir anointingN f sg constr/Sp3mp · מִשְׁחָה (H4888)Subject of לִהְיֹת/וְהָיְתָהמִשְׁחָה (H4888) 'anointing'; the rite just performed becomes the ground of perpetual priestly right.
לִכְהֻנַּ֥תfor the priesthood ofprep לְ + N f sg constr · כְּהֻנָּה (H3550)Prepositional phrase (predicate complement, purpose)כְּהֻנָּה (H3550) 'priesthood, priestly office', from כֹּהֵן.
עוֹלָ֖םeverlastingN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Construct chain (genitival, attributive)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity, eternity'; 'a perpetual priesthood' — the Aaronic line's abiding right.
לְדֹרֹתָֽםthroughout their generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr/Sp3mp · דּוֹר (H1755)Prepositional phrase (temporal, distributive)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; standard formula for perpetual/hereditary statutes.
16
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֑ה כְּ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה
And Moses did according to all that YHWH commanded him, so he did.
The formulaic notice 'so he did' functions as an inclusio summarizing total compliance before the narrative unpacks the specific acts of erection in vv.17-33; identical wording closes the construction reports of chs. 39-40 (cf. 39:32,42-43).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיַּ֖עַשׂand he didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol — compliance notice)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — summary complianceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the recurring compliance-verb of the tabernacle account, echoing chs. 36-39.
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂמֹשֶׁה (H4872); executes the commands just given in vv.1-15.
כְּ֠כֹלaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (standard/manner)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, everything'; introduces the totalizing comparison of compliance.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing subordinate clause (modifying כֹּל)אֲשֶׁר (H834); 'according to all that YHWH commanded.'
צִוָּ֧הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard of measureצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; anchors the recurring compliance-refrain of chs. 39-40 tying execution to divine instruction.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068); the divine commander whose word Moses fulfills exactly.
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, Moses)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, referring to Moses as the one commanded.
כֵּ֥ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial (manner, resumptive)כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; resumes and closes the comparison — 'so he did,' underscoring exact compliance.
עָשָֽׂהhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, closing summary)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of total complianceעָשָׂה (H6213); the verse's final word seals the entire tabernacle project (chs. 25-40) with total obedience.
17
וַיְהִ֞י בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ הוּקַ֖ם הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן
And it came about in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was set up.
וַיְהִי plus a precise date formula signals a new narrative unit; the passive הוּקַם ('was set up') states the bare fact before vv.18ff. narrate Moses's own actions in detail.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיְהִ֞יand it came aboutQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol — narrative resumption formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — classic scene-opening formulaהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; וַיְהִי is the standard narrative transition formula opening a new scene/date notice.
בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁin the monthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phraseחֹדֶשׁ (H2320); dates the erection precisely.
הָרִאשׁ֛וֹןthe firstart + Adj ordinal m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective modifying חֹדֶשׁרִאשׁוֹן (H7223); the month Nisan/Abib, as commanded in v.2.
בַּשָּׁנָ֥הin the yearprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal prepositional phraseשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'.
הַשֵּׁנִ֖יתthe secondart + Adj ordinal f sg abs · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective modifying שָׁנָהשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; exactly one year after the exodus from Egypt (Exod 12).
בְּאֶחָ֣דon the first (day)prep בְּ + numeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Temporal prepositional phraseאֶחָד (H259); repeats the dating formula of v.2, confirming the command's exact fulfillment.
לַחֹ֑דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Prepositional phrase completing the date formulaחֹדֶשׁ (H2320).
הוּקַ֖םwas set upHophal perf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Perfective (passive): a completed act viewed from the result — the tabernacle now standingקוּם (H6965) Hophal (passive of Hiphil) 'was raised, erected'; matches the command תָּקִים of v.2 with the report of its fulfillment.
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Subject of הוּקַםמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the grammatical subject of the passive verb, YHWH's dwelling now standing complete.
18
וַיָּ֨קֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶת אֲדָנָ֔יו וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת קְרָשָׁ֔יו וַיִּתֵּ֖ן אֶת בְּרִיחָ֑יו וַיָּ֖קֶם אֶת עַמּוּדָֽיו
And Moses set up the tabernacle, and placed its sockets, and set up its frames, and placed its bars, and set up its pillars.
A rapid string of wayyiqtol verbs (four verbs, four objects) mirrors the assembly instructions of Exod 26, now executed rather than commanded; no compliance-refrain appears here since the sequence directly reproduces earlier itemized commands from ch. 26.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיָּ֨קֶםand he set upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol — narrative detail begins)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) Hiphil; now the active narrative detail behind the passive summary of v.17.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיָּקֶםמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the human agent performing the erection, though v.17's passive left this unstated.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Direct objectמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the whole structure, detailed piece-by-piece in the following clauses.
וַיִּתֵּן֙and he placedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); of setting the frame-sockets in place.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲדָנָ֔יוits socketsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · אֶדֶן (H134)Direct objectאֶדֶן (H134) 'socket, base', silver footings into which the wall-frames were set (Exod 26:19).
וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙and he setQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); of erecting the wall-frames upright in their sockets.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
קְרָשָׁ֔יוits framesN m pl constr/Sp3ms · קֶרֶשׁ (H7175)Direct objectקֶרֶשׁ (H7175) 'board, frame'; the acacia-wood wall-panels of the tabernacle structure (Exod 26:15-25).
וַיִּתֵּ֖ןand he placedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); of inserting the cross-bars.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּרִיחָ֑יוits barsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בְּרִיחַ (H1280)Direct objectבְּרִיחַ (H1280) 'bar, crossbar'; the horizontal rods binding the frames together (Exod 26:26-29).
וַיָּ֖קֶםand he set upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) Hiphil; repeated for the final structural element, the pillars.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַמּוּדָֽיוits pillarsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · עַמּוּד (H5982)Direct objectעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'; likely the veil-supporting posts (Exod 26:32), completing the structural framework.
19
וַיִּפְרֹ֤שׂ אֶת הָאֹ֨הֶל֙ עַל הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן וַיָּ֜שֶׂם אֶת מִכְסֵ֥ה הָאֹ֛הֶל עָלָ֖יו מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And he spread the tent over the tabernacle, and set the covering of the tent on top of it, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
The first occurrence of the recurring formula כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת מֹשֶׁה ('just as YHWH commanded Moses') appears here and will punctuate nearly every subsequent act (vv.21,23,25,27,29,32), rhythmically certifying exact obedience to the Sinai instructions of chs. 25-31.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּפְרֹ֤שׂand he spread outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּרַשׂ (H6566)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּרַשׂ (H6566) 'to spread out'; of unfurling the woven tent-fabric over the framework.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאֹ֨הֶל֙the tentart + N m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct objectאֹהֶל (H168); here the goat-hair tent-cloth covering the wooden structure (Exod 26:7-13), distinct from the 'tabernacle' proper.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over'.
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Object of preposition עַלמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the inner curtained structure, now overlaid by the tent-cloth.
וַיָּ֜שֶׂםand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); of laying the outer protective covering.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִכְסֵ֥הthe covering ofN m sg constr · מִכְסֶה (H4372)Direct object (head of construct chain)מִכְסֶה (H4372) 'covering', from כָּסָה 'to cover'; the ram-skin and dolphin/dugong-skin outer layers (Exod 26:14).
הָאֹ֛הֶלthe tentart + N m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168); repeated reference to the tent-cloth over which this final covering is spread.
עָלָ֖יוon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, resuming הָאֹהֶל)עַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix, 'upon it,' i.e. upon the tent.
מִלְמָ֑עְלָהfrom above/on topprep מִן + prep לְ + adv/Sd · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial (locative, emphasizing the topmost position)מַעְלָה (H4605) 'upward, above', from עָלָה; the compound מִלְמַעְלָה stresses the covering's position as the outermost, topmost layer.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (opens the compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ; introduces the first compliance-refrain of the erection narrative (repeated 7x through v.32).
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
20
וַיִּקַּ֞ח וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת הָעֵדֻת֙ אֶל הָ֣אָרֹ֔ן וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת הַבַּדִּ֖ים עַל הָאָרֹ֑ן וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת עַל הָאָרֹ֖ן מִלְמָֽעְלָה
And he took the testimony and put it into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.
The execution narrative now turns from the tabernacle's skeleton (vv.18-19) to its innermost furnishing, following the same ark-first order as the command of v.3; no compliance-refrain closes this verse, since one follows in v.21 for the veil.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּקַּ֞חand he tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Moses takes up the tablets to place them in the ark.
וַיִּתֵּ֤ןand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); depositing the testimony inside the ark.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָעֵדֻת֙the testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Direct objectעֵדוּת (H5715); the tablets of the covenant, now placed inside the ark as commanded in v.3 (cf. 25:16,21).
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'; the ark as destination.
הָ֣אָרֹ֔ןthe arkart + N m sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition אֶלאָרוֹן (H727); receives the testimony-tablets, becoming the ark of the covenant/testimony.
וַיָּ֥שֶׂםand he setQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); of inserting the carrying poles.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַבַּדִּ֖יםthe polesart + N m pl abs · בַּד (H905)Direct objectבַּד (H905) 'pole, shaft'; the acacia-wood carrying poles run through rings on the ark (Exod 25:13-15).
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon'.
הָאָרֹ֑ןthe arkart + N m sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition עַלאָרוֹן (H727); repeated as the location for the poles.
וַיִּתֵּ֧ןand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); of setting the mercy seat as the ark's lid.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Direct objectכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727) 'atonement cover, mercy seat', from כָּפַר 'to atone/cover'; the golden lid where YHWH would meet Moses (Exod 25:22).
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon'.
הָאָרֹ֖ןthe arkart + N m sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition עַלאָרוֹן (H727); the mercy seat's resting place atop the ark.
מִלְמָֽעְלָהfrom above/on topprep מִן + prep לְ + adv/Sd · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial (locative, emphasizing the topmost position)מַעְלָה (H4605) 'upward, above'; stresses the mercy seat's position as the ark's crowning cover.
21
וַיָּבֵ֣א אֶת הָאָרֹן֮ אֶל הַמִּשְׁכָּן֒ וַיָּ֗שֶׂם אֵ֚ת פָּרֹ֣כֶת הַמָּסָ֔ךְ וַיָּ֕סֶךְ עַ֖ל אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
The ark's placement inside the tabernacle and its screening by the veil directly executes v.3; the compliance-refrain now closes the verse, the pattern that will recur after nearly every subsequent furnishing act.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיָּבֵ֣אand he broughtHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring in'; the ark's ceremonial installation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָרֹן֮the arkart + N m sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Direct objectאָרוֹן (H727); now fully assembled with testimony, poles, and mercy seat (v.20).
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'.
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֒the tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Object of preposition אֶלמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the ark's permanent resting place within the Most Holy Place.
וַיָּ֗שֶׂםand he set upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); of hanging the veil.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
פָּרֹ֣כֶתthe veil ofN f sg constr · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Direct object (head of construct chain)פָּרֹכֶת (H6532); the dividing curtain now put in its designated place.
הַמָּסָ֔ךְthe screenart + N m sg abs · מָסָךְ (H4539)Construct chain (genitival, appositional)מָסָךְ (H4539) 'screen'; in apposition/construct with פָּרֹכֶת, describing the veil's screening function.
וַיָּ֕סֶךְand he screened offHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · סָכַךְ (H5526)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָכַךְ (H5526) Hiphil 'to screen, shield'; executes the command of v.3, hiding the ark from view.
עַ֖לoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'over, upon'.
אֲר֣וֹןthe ark ofN m sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition עַל (head of construct chain)אָרוֹן (H727).
הָעֵד֑וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדוּת (H5715); the veil now shields the testimony-bearing ark from all eyes but the high priest's (Lev 16).
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רas/just asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the recurring compliance-refrain of the erection narrative.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
22
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן צָפֹ֑נָה מִח֖וּץ לַפָּרֹֽכֶת
And he put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.
No refrain closes this verse; the refrain instead follows the completion of the table's full setup (bread arranged) in v.23, treating vv.22-23 as a single compliance unit.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ןand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); positioning the table of showbread.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙the tableart + N m sg abs · שֻׁלְחָן (H7979)Direct objectשֻׁלְחָן (H7979); cf. v.4.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלinprep · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase (locative, head of construct chain)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; here functioning as a construct-bound locative, 'in the tent of.'
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150); completes 'tent of meeting.'
עַ֛לonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'.
יֶ֥רֶךְthe side ofN f sg constr · יָרֵךְ (H3409)Construct chain (genitival)יָרֵךְ (H3409) 'thigh, side, flank'; used spatially for the side of a structure.
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908).
צָפֹ֑נָהnorthwardN f sg abs/Sd · צָפוֹן (H6828)Adverbial accusative (directional)צָפוֹן (H6828) 'north', with directional ה; the table stood on the north side of the Holy Place.
מִח֖וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Prepositional phrase (locative)חוּץ (H2351) 'outside'; מִחוּץ 'outside of, beyond'.
לַפָּרֹֽכֶתthe veilprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Object of preposition מִחוּץפָּרֹכֶת (H6532); the table stands in the outer chamber, beyond the veil from the ark.
23
וַיַּעֲרֹ֥ךְ עָלָ֛יו עֵ֥רֶךְ לֶ֖חֶם לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And he arranged the arrangement of bread upon it before YHWH, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
Completes the table's installation begun in v.22 and closes the unit with the refrain, matching the command's pairing of table and its 'arrangement' in v.4.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּעֲרֹ֥ךְand he arrangedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָרַךְ (H6186)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; executes v.4's command.
עָלָ֛יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, referring to the table)עַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix, 'upon it,' i.e. upon the table.
עֵ֥רֶךְthe arrangement ofN m sg constr · עֵרֶךְ (H6187)Direct object (head of construct chain, cognate accusative)עֵרֶךְ (H6187); the set rows of showbread, cf. v.4.
לֶ֖חֶםbreadN c sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Construct chain (genitival)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; the twelve loaves of the Presence (Exod 25:30; Lev 24:5-9).
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440); 'before YHWH' — the bread of the Presence, continually displayed before God.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רas/just asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the recurring compliance-refrain of the erection narrative.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
24
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם אֶת הַמְּנֹרָה֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד נֹ֖כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן נֶֽגְבָּה
And he put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle.
No refrain here; it follows the lighting of the lamps in v.25, again treating the two verses as one compliance unit, paralleling vv.22-23.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּ֤שֶׂםand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); positioning the lampstand opposite the table.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמְּנֹרָה֙the lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Direct objectמְנוֹרָה (H4501); cf. v.4.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלinN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional/locative phrase (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168); 'in the tent of meeting.'
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150).
נֹ֖כַחoppositeprep · נֹכַח (H5227)Prepositional phrase (locative)נֹכַח (H5227) 'in front of, opposite'; positions the lampstand facing the table across the Holy Place.
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ןthe tableart + N m sg abs · שֻׁלְחָן (H7979)Object of preposition נֹכַחשֻׁלְחָן (H7979).
עַ֛לonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'.
יֶ֥רֶךְthe side ofN f sg constr · יָרֵךְ (H3409)Construct chain (genitival)יָרֵךְ (H3409); side/flank.
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908).
נֶֽגְבָּהsouthwardN m sg abs/Sd · נֶגֶב (H5045)Adverbial accusative (directional)נֶגֶב (H5045) 'south, Negev', with directional ה; the lampstand stood opposite the table on the south side, facing north.
25
וַיַּ֥עַל הַנֵּרֹ֖ת לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And he lit the lamps before YHWH, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
Completes the lampstand's installation begun in v.24 and closes the unit with the refrain, matching v.4's command to set up its lamps.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיַּ֥עַלand he litHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to cause to go up, kindle'; executes v.4's command to light the lamps.
הַנֵּרֹ֖תthe lampsart + N m pl abs · נֵר (H5216)Direct objectנֵר (H5216); the seven lamps atop the lampstand's branches, now lit.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440); 'before YHWH' — the lamps burn continually in the divine presence (cf. Exod 27:20-21).
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רas/just asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the recurring compliance-refrain of the erection narrative.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
26
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם אֶת מִזְבַּ֥ח הַזָּהָ֖ב בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לִפְנֵ֖י הַפָּרֹֽכֶת
And he put the golden altar in the tent of meeting, before the veil.
No refrain here; it follows the incense-burning in v.27, once more pairing installation and function as a single compliance unit.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיָּ֛שֶׂםand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); positioning the incense altar before the veil.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מִזְבַּ֥חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (head of construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196).
הַזָּהָ֖בthe goldart + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Construct chain (genitival, material)זָהָב (H2091); the golden incense altar, cf. v.5.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלinN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional/locative phrase (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168); 'in the tent of meeting.'
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150).
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440); positions the altar in the Holy Place, just outside the veil.
הַפָּרֹֽכֶתthe veilart + N f sg abs · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Object of preposition לִפְנֵיפָּרֹכֶת (H6532); matching the command of v.5, 'before the ark of the testimony,' now expressed relative to the veil that screens it.
27
וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר עָלָ֖יו קְטֹ֣רֶת סַמִּ֑ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And he burned fragrant incense on it, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
Completes the incense altar's installation begun in v.26 and closes the unit with the refrain, fulfilling the altar's designated purpose named in v.5 ('for incense').
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיַּקְטֵ֥רand he burned (incense)Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קָטַר (H6999)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'to burn incense, make a sacrifice smoke'; the altar's inaugural use.
עָלָ֖יוon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, referring to the altar)עַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix, 'upon it,' the golden altar.
קְטֹ֣רֶתincense ofN f sg constr · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Direct object (head of construct chain)קְטֹרֶת (H7004); the special incense compound of Exod 30:34-38.
סַמִּ֑יםspicesN m pl abs · סַם (H5561)Construct chain (genitival, material)סַם (H5561) 'spice, aromatic'; the fragrant ingredients of the sacred incense.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רas/just asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the recurring compliance-refrain of the erection narrative.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
28
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם אֶת מָסַ֥ךְ הַפֶּ֖תַח לַמִּשְׁכָּֽן
And he put up the screen of the entrance to the tabernacle.
A brief, unrefrained notice; the terse single-clause report contrasts with the fuller altar and lampstand units, perhaps because the screen requires no further completing act.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיָּ֛שֶׂםand he put upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); hanging the entrance screen, cf. v.5.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מָסַ֥ךְthe screen ofN m sg constr · מָסָךְ (H4539)Direct object (head of construct chain)מָסָךְ (H4539).
הַפֶּ֖תַחthe entranceart + N m sg abs · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival)פֶּתַח (H6607).
לַמִּשְׁכָּֽןof the tabernacleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Prepositional phrase (genitival, specifying whose entrance)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the entrance-hanging closing off the Holy Place from the courtyard.
29
וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה שָׂ֕ם פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֣ן אֹֽהֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וַיַּ֣עַל עָלָ֗יו אֶת הָעֹלָה֙ וְאֶת הַמִּנְחָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And the altar of burnt offering he set at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and he offered upon it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
Combines installation and inaugural offering in one verse (unlike the paired-verse pattern of vv.22-27), closing with the refrain; the altar's use of both burnt offering and grain offering enacts the fuller cultic provision anticipated in Leviticus.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (fronted object)אֵת (H853) fronted with its object מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה before the verb שָׂם for emphasis.
מִזְבַּ֣חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object (head of construct chain, fronted)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the bronze altar, now finally installed after the inner furnishings.
הָעֹלָ֔הthe burnt offeringart + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Construct chain (genitival)עֹלָה (H5930); identifies the altar's function, cf. v.6.
שָׂ֕םhe setQal perf 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive placementשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); the altar's positioning, matching the command of v.6.
פֶּ֖תַחat the entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Adverbial accusative (locative, construct head)פֶּתַח (H6607); cf. v.6.
מִשְׁכַּ֣ןthe tabernacle ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908).
אֹֽהֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150); completes the fourfold chain as in v.6.
וַיַּ֣עַלand he offered upconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to offer up' (lit. cause to ascend in smoke); the altar's inaugural sacrifice.
עָלָ֗יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, referring to the altar)עַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix, 'upon it,' the bronze altar.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָעֹלָה֙the burnt offeringart + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct objectעֹלָה (H5930); the whole burnt offering, wholly consumed.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins הַמִּנְחָה as a second sacrificial object.
הַמִּנְחָ֔הthe grain offeringart + N f sg abs · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct objectמִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute, grain offering'; the accompanying cereal offering (cf. Lev 2; Num 28:5).
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the recurring compliance-refrain of the erection narrative.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
30
וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת הַכִּיֹּ֔ר בֵּֽין אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּבֵ֣ין הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן שָׁ֛מָּה מַ֖יִם לְרָחְצָֽה
And he set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water there for washing.
No refrain follows immediately; it is deferred until v.32, after the washing practice itself (v.31) is described, so that command and customary practice are bound together.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙and he setQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760); positioning the laver, matching v.7.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַכִּיֹּ֔רthe basinart + N m sg abs · כִּיּוֹר (H3595)Direct objectכִּיּוֹר (H3595); cf. v.7.
בֵּֽיןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (locative, first term of pair)בֵּין (H996); cf. v.7.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival, object of בֵּין)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֖דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival)מוֹעֵד (H4150).
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (locative, second term of pair)בֵּין (H996); second reference point.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition וּבֵיןמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the bronze altar of burnt offering.
וַיִּתֵּ֥ןand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); filling the laver with water.
שָׁ֛מָּהthereadv/Sd · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (locative, directional)שָׁם (H8033) 'there' with directional ה, 'thither'; referring to the just-positioned laver.
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct objectמַיִם (H4325); cf. v.7.
לְרָחְצָֽהfor washingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · רָחַץ (H7364)Complementary infinitive (purpose)→ Infinitive construct: expresses purpose — the laver's designated useרָחַץ (H7364) 'to wash'; states the laver's function for priestly ablutions.
31
וְרָחֲצ֣וּ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן וּבָנָ֑יו אֶת יְדֵיהֶ֖ם וְאֶת רַגְלֵיהֶֽם
And Moses and Aaron and his sons would wash their hands and their feet from it.
A shift to iterative/customary weqatal describes the ongoing ritual use of the laver rather than a single past act, functioning as a subordinate elaboration (level 1) on the laver's installation before the refrain in v.32.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְרָחֲצ֣וּand washedconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal — customary/durative narrative)→ Weqatal: habitual/customary action — the regular practice now inauguratedרָחַץ (H7364); shifts from the one-time installation narrative to the ongoing ritual practice the laver enables.
מִמֶּ֔נּוּfrom itprep מִן + Sp1cp · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, referring to the laver)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the water source for the washing.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וְרָחֲצוּ (compound subject, first member)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); included among those who wash, alongside Aaron and sons.
וְאַהֲרֹ֣ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וְרָחֲצוּ (compound subject, second member)אַהֲרֹן (H175).
וּבָנָ֑יוand his sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וְרָחֲצוּ (compound subject, third member)בֵּן (H1121); Aaron's sons, completing the priestly trio (with Moses) who inaugurate the washing rite.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יְדֵיהֶ֖םtheir handsN c dual constr/Sp3mp · יָד (H3027)Direct objectיָד (H3027) 'hand', dual form; washed before approaching the altar or tent (cf. v.32).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)Joins רַגְלֵיהֶם as the second washed body-part.
רַגְלֵיהֶֽםtheir feetN f dual constr/Sp3mp · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct objectרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot', dual form; completes the pair 'hands and feet,' the customary washing (cf. v.32; 30:19).
32
בְּבֹאָ֞ם אֶל אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד וּבְקָרְבָתָ֛ם אֶל הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יִרְחָ֑צוּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they came near the altar, they would wash, just as YHWH had commanded Moses.
Two paired temporal infinitives (entering the tent, approaching the altar) state the standing law of washing as a subordinate clause (level 1) governing the main verb יִרְחָצוּ; the refrain then closes the whole laver unit (vv.30-32).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
בְּבֹאָ֞םwhen they enteredprep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal subordinate clause (infinitive construct with subject suffix)→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking a recurring circumstance ('whenever they entered')בּוֹא (H935); an infinitive construct (kept as kind v despite the pronominal suffix, since it remains verbal), introducing the customary temporal clause governing the washing.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival, object of אֶל)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֗דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival)מוֹעֵד (H4150).
וּבְקָרְבָתָ֛םand when they drew nearconj וְ + prep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp3mp · קָרַב (H7126)Temporal subordinate clause (infinitive construct with subject suffix)→ Infinitive construct: temporal, parallel to בְּבֹאָםקָרַב (H7126); a second temporal infinitive, paired with בְּבֹאָם — entering the tent and approaching the altar both trigger the washing.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition אֶלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the bronze altar of burnt offering.
יִרְחָ֑צוּthey would washQal impf 3mp · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: iterative/customary — habitual practice at each approachרָחַץ (H7364); states the recurring rule established by the laver's inauguration in vv.30-31.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinate clause marker (compliance refrain)אֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the recurring compliance-refrain of the erection narrative.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act — the standard against which each action is measuredצָוָה (H6680); the refrain-verb recurring after nearly every erection act, binding execution to the instructions of chs. 25-31.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the refrain's fixed object, closing each act of obedience.
33
וַיָּ֣קֶם אֶת הֶחָצֵ֗ר סָבִיב֙ לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ן וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּתֵּ֕ן אֶת מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֣עַר הֶחָצֵ֑ר וַיְכַ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת הַמְּלָאכָֽה
And he set up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and put up the screen of the gate of the court; so Moses finished the work.
The court and its screen (matching v.8) are the final structural item; וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה אֶת הַמְּלָאכָה ('so Moses finished the work') closes the erection narrative with the same completion-verb that closed the construction narrative in 39:32, forming a deliberate inclusio across chs. 35-40.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּ֣קֶםand he set upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) Hiphil; erecting the courtyard enclosure, matching v.8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הֶחָצֵ֗רthe courtart + N c sg abs · חָצֵר (H2691)Direct objectחָצֵר (H2691); cf. v.8.
סָבִיב֙all aroundN c sg abs (adverbial) · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative (manner — encircling)סָבִיב (H5439); the perimeter hangings enclosing both tabernacle and altar.
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ןfor the tabernacleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Prepositional phrase (reference — around what)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the court encloses the tabernacle proper.
וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַand for the altarconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Prepositional phrase (reference, second member)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); the court also encloses the outdoor altar of burnt offering.
וַיִּתֵּ֕ןand he put upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414); hanging the court's gate screen, matching v.8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מָסַ֖ךְthe screen ofN m sg constr · מָסָךְ (H4539)Direct object (head of construct chain)מָסָךְ (H4539).
שַׁ֣עַרthe gate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Construct chain (genitival)שַׁעַר (H8179).
הֶחָצֵ֑רthe courtart + N c sg abs · חָצֵר (H2691)Construct chain (genitival, final link)חָצֵר (H2691).
וַיְכַ֥לand he finishedconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol — closing notice)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — climactic completionכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to complete, finish'; the verb that closes both the construction (39:32) and now the erection of the tabernacle.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיְכַלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); credited with completing the entire task from command to installation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמְּלָאכָֽהthe workart + N f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Direct objectמְלָאכָה (H4399) 'work, labor, task'; the whole enterprise of building and erecting the tabernacle, now complete — echoing מְלָאכָה language from Gen 2:2 (creation) applied to the sanctuary.
34
וַיְכַ֥ס הֶעָנָ֖ן אֶת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וּכְב֣וֹד יְהוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of YHWH filled the tabernacle.
The chapter's and the book's theological climax: the cloud (the same that led Israel from Egypt and rested on Sinai) now covers the tent, and the glory of YHWH fills the tabernacle, fulfilling the promise of Exod 29:43-46 that YHWH would dwell among his people.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיְכַ֥סand coveredconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol — climactic turn)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the pivotal theophanic momentכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover'; the cloud's descent marks divine acceptance and presence, echoing Sinai (Exod 24:15-16).
הֶעָנָ֖ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of וַיְכַסעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the visible sign of YHWH's presence that had led Israel and rested on Sinai.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct object (head of construct chain)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival, final link)מוֹעֵד (H4150).
וּכְב֣וֹדand the glory ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Subject of מָלֵא (head of construct chain)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, weightiness', from כָּבֵד 'to be heavy'; the manifest divine presence, cf. Exod 24:16-17.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Construct chain (genitival)יְהוָה (H3068).
מָלֵ֖אfilledQal perf 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the climax of the whole bookמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill, be full'; the tabernacle now becomes what the ark and mercy seat anticipated — the locus of YHWH's dwelling presence.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Direct objectמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); filled with glory, fulfilling the book's central promise (Exod 29:45-46) — 'I will dwell among the sons of Israel.'
35
וְלֹא יָכֹ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה לָבוֹא֙ אֶל אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד כִּֽי שָׁכַ֥ן עָלָ֖יו הֶעָנָ֑ן וּכְב֣וֹד יְהוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן
And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting, because the cloud dwelt upon it, and the glory of YHWH filled the tabernacle.
The overwhelming nature of the glory is underscored by Moses's own exclusion — the mediator who once entered the cloud on Sinai (Exod 24:18) cannot yet enter the tent; the doubled clause 'cloud dwelt...glory filled' repeats v.34 nearly verbatim for emphasis.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate verb יָכֹללֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates Moses's ability to enter — even the mediator is now barred.
יָכֹ֣לwas ableQal perf 3ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a stated incapacity — the overwhelming character of the gloryיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; the glory's density overwhelms even Moses, who had spoken with YHWH face to face (Exod 33:11).
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of יָכֹלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the mediator himself is excluded, underscoring the awesome weight of the glory.
לָבוֹא֙to enterprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Complementary infinitive (object of יָכֹל)→ Infinitive construct: complement of ability/incapacityבּוֹא (H935); the entering that proves impossible.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413).
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival, object of אֶל)אֹהֶל (H168).
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Construct chain (genitival)מוֹעֵד (H4150).
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (causal)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the causal explanation for Moses's exclusion.
שָׁכַ֥ןdwelt/settledQal perf 3ms · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate verb (subordinate causal clause)→ Perfective: a completed, resultant state — the cloud now resting in placeשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle down'; the root behind מִשְׁכָּן 'tabernacle' itself — the cloud's 'dwelling' names the sanctuary's very purpose.
עָלָ֖יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, referring to the tent)עַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix, 'upon it.'
הֶעָנָ֑ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of שָׁכַןעָנָן (H6051); repeated from v.34 as the visible agent of the theophany.
וּכְב֣וֹדand the glory ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Subject of מָלֵא (head of construct chain)כָּבוֹד (H3519); repeated from v.34, reinforcing the double witness of cloud and glory.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Construct chain (genitival)יְהוָה (H3068).
מָלֵ֖אfilledQal perf 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive state — the ongoing fullness of divine presenceמָלֵא (H4390); restated to underscore the totality of the glory's occupation of the tabernacle.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Direct objectמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the book of Exodus closes with YHWH's promised dwelling among his people now a visible reality.
36
וּבְהֵעָל֤וֹת הֶֽעָנָן֙ מֵעַ֣ל הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן יִסְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּכֹ֖ל מַסְעֵיהֶֽם
And whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out, throughout all their journeys.
The narrative shifts from the single inaugural moment to the cloud's ongoing governing role for all future travel, formally connecting Exodus's conclusion to the wilderness itinerary that structures the book of Numbers (cf. Num 9:15-23; 10:11-12).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּבְהֵעָל֤וֹתand when was taken upconj וְ + prep בְּ + Niphal inf constr · עָלָה (H5927)Temporal subordinate clause (infinitive construct, passive sense)→ Infinitive construct (Niphal): temporal, marking a recurring circumstance — 'whenever the cloud lifted'עָלָה (H5927) Niphal 'to be taken/lifted up'; the cloud's ascent signals the moment for Israel's departure, governing all subsequent wilderness journeys (cf. Num 9:15-23).
הֶֽעָנָן֙the cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of the infinitive הֵעָלוֹתעָנָן (H6051); the same cloud of vv.34-35, now functioning as the guide for travel.
מֵעַ֣לfrom overprep מִן + prep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (source/locative)עַל (H5921) with מִן, 'from upon, from over'; the cloud lifting clear of the tabernacle.
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ןthe tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Object of preposition מֵעַלמִשְׁכָּן (H4908).
יִסְע֖וּthey would set outQal impf 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: iterative/customary — the regular pattern of the wilderness journeysנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up (tent-pegs), set out, journey'; the technical verb for breaking camp, governing the entire book of Numbers.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יִסְעוּ (head of construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standing designation for the Israelite people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Construct chain (genitival)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant people, now guided by the cloud on their journeys.
בְּכֹ֖לthroughout allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (distributive)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
מַסְעֵיהֶֽםtheir journeysN m pl constr/Sp3mp · מַסָּע (H4550)Construct chain (genitival)מַסָּע (H4550) 'journey, stage of travel', from נָסַע; anticipates the itinerary lists of Numbers 33.
37
וְאִם לֹ֥א יֵעָלֶ֖ה הֶעָנָ֑ן וְלֹ֣א יִסְע֔וּ עַד י֖וֹם הֵעָלֹתֽוֹ
But if the cloud was not taken up, they would not set out, until the day it was taken up.
A conditional clause (level 1, subordinate to the governing principle of v.36) states the negative corollary: no cloud-lifting means no departure, reinforcing that Israel's movements are wholly determined by divine initiative, not human planning.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Subordinating conjunction (conditional)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the negative-conditional counterpart to v.36.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate verb יֵעָלֶהלֹא (H3808); negates the cloud's rising, the condition for Israel remaining encamped.
יֵעָלֶ֖הwas taken upNiphal impf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (protasis of conditional clause)→ Yiqtol (Niphal, passive): conditional/hypothetical — the cloud's non-ascentעָלָה (H5927) Niphal; the negated counterpart to וּבְהֵעָלוֹת of v.36.
הֶעָנָ֑ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of יֵעָלֶהעָנָן (H6051); repeated as the subject governing Israel's movement.
וְלֹ֣אthen notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate verb יִסְעוּ (apodosis)לֹא (H3808); negates Israel's departure — the consequence of the cloud's remaining.
יִסְע֔וּthey would set outQal impf 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (apodosis of conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: conditional/customary — the negated counterpart of v.36's departureנָסַע (H5265); Israel's movements are entirely regulated by the cloud's own motion, not human initiative.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (temporal)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'.
י֖וֹםthe day ofN m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Prepositional phrase (temporal, construct head)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with the infinitive הֵעָלֹתוֹ.
הֵעָלֹתֽוֹits being taken upNiphal inf constr/Sp3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Genitive complement of יוֹם (temporal infinitive clause)→ Infinitive construct (Niphal): temporal, marking the resumptive condition — the cloud's eventual risingעָלָה (H5927) Niphal infinitive + 3ms suffix, 'its being lifted'; resumes יֵעָלֶה, closing the conditional with the cloud's own timing as sole determinant.
38
כִּי֩ עֲנַ֨ן יְהוָ֤ה עַֽל הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְאֵ֕שׁ תִּהְיֶ֥ה לַ֖יְלָה בּ֑וֹ לְעֵינֵ֥י כָל בֵּֽית יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּכָל מַסְעֵיהֶֽם
For the cloud of YHWH was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
The chapter and book close with an explanatory כִּי-clause summarizing the double sign — cloud by day, fire by night — visible to the whole house of Israel throughout all their journeys; this final verse both closes Exodus's redemption-and-covenant narrative and opens directly onto Numbers, where the itinerary the cloud governs is narrated in full.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating/explanatory conjunction (grounds the preceding rule)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds vv.36-37 in the standing, continual sign of cloud-by-day/fire-by-night.
עֲנַ֨ןthe cloud ofN m sg constr · עָנָן (H6051)Subject (head of construct chain)עָנָן (H6051); the final occurrence of the chapter's central theophanic term.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Construct chain (genitival)יְהוָה (H3068); identifies the cloud explicitly as YHWH's own, closing the book with his name.
עַֽלwas onprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative, predicate of a verbless clause)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; the cloud's continual station over the sanctuary.
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙the tabernacleart + N m sg abs · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Object of preposition עַלמִשְׁכָּן (H4908); the book's final direct reference to the sanctuary whose construction and erection it has just narrated.
יוֹמָ֔םby dayadv · יוֹמָם (H3119)Adverbial (temporal)יוֹמָם (H3119) 'by day, daily'; pairs with לַיְלָה to express continual, round-the-clock presence.
וְאֵ֕שׁand fireconj וְ + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Subject of תִּהְיֶהאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the nocturnal counterpart of the cloud, both signifying the same divine presence (cf. Exod 13:21-22).
תִּהְיֶ֥הwasQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: durative/habitual — the settled, ongoing state throughout the wilderness periodהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; states the fire's continual nightly presence as a fixed practice.
לַ֖יְלָהby nightN m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial (temporal)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; paired with יוֹמָם for the day/night merism of continual guidance.
בּ֑וֹin itprep בְּ + Sp3ms · בְּPrepositional phrase (locative, referring to the cloud)prep בְּ + 3ms suffix, 'in it,' i.e. within the cloud-pillar by night the fire was visible.
לְעֵינֵ֥יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (locative/experiential — witnessed by)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye', dual construct; לְעֵינֵי idiomatically 'in the sight of, visible to.'
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase complement (quantifier, head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605); quantifies בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל.
בֵּֽיתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the house of Israel,' the whole covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Construct chain (genitival, final link)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the entire nation, witness to the cloud and fire throughout its history.
בְּכָלthroughout allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (distributive)כֹּל (H3605); echoes v.36's identical phrase, framing the chapter's — and the book's — final words.
מַסְעֵיהֶֽםtheir journeysN m pl constr/Sp3mp · מַסָּע (H4550)Construct chain (genitival)מַסָּע (H4550); the book of Exodus closes exactly as it will resume in Numbers — with the cloud-guided journeys of the redeemed, covenant people.