1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה רְאֵ֛ה נְתַתִּ֥יךָ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְפַרְעֹ֑ה וְאַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִ֖יךָ יִהְיֶ֥ה נְבִיאֶֽךָ
And YHWH said to Moses, “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother will be your prophet.”
Opens the divine commissioning speech that structures the whole chapter: Moses is appointed as 'God' to Pharaoh and Aaron as his 'prophet,' establishing the Moses-Aaron speaking relationship used in every subsequent confrontation.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb opening the divine speech (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard verb introducing direct divine speech throughout the plague narratives.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name revealed at the burning bush (Exod 3:14-15); the narrator's proper name for God.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of the speechאֶל (H413) 'to, toward', directional preposition introducing the recipient of divine speech.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator-prophet; here the primary addressee even though Aaron will be the spokesman.
רְאֵ֛הseeQal impv 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Imperative, introducing the following declaration (attention-getting)→ Volitional: imperative summoning attention to what followsרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive, realize'; here rhetorical - 'take note' - directing Moses' attention to his new commissioned status.
נְתַתִּ֥יךָI have made youQal perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (perfective/performative, double-accusative construction with אֱלֹהִים)→ Perfective (performative): the appointment is constituted in the very speaking of itנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, set, appoint, make'; with a double accusative ('you' + 'God') it means 'appoint/constitute as.'
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate complement (second accusative: 'you [as] God')אֱלֹהִים (H430); Moses does not become divine but is invested with God's authority and word before Pharaoh (cf. Exod 4:16).
לְפַרְעֹ֑הto Pharaohprep לְ + proper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase specifying in relation to whom Moses is 'God'פַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title ('great house'), used as the king's name throughout Exodus.
וְאַהֲרֹ֥ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of the second clause (יִהְיֶה)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' elder brother, appointed spokesman/'prophet' precisely because Moses is 'slow of speech' (Exod 4:10-16).
אָחִ֖יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · אָח (H251)Apposition to וְאַהֲרֹןאָח (H251) 'brother'; identifies Aaron's familial relation, underscoring that the human intermediary is kin, not stranger.
יִהְיֶ֥הwill beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective - describes Aaron's ongoing future roleהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; establishes Aaron's standing office, paralleling Moses' role as 'God.'
נְבִיאֶֽךָyour prophetN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · נָבִיא (H5030)Predicate complement (subject complement of יִהְיֶה)נָבִיא (H5030) 'prophet, spokesman'; one who speaks on behalf of another - here Aaron speaks Moses' (and so God's) words to Pharaoh, exactly the classic prophetic function.
2
אַתָּ֣ה תְדַבֵּ֔ר אֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲצַוֶּ֑ךָּ וְאַהֲרֹ֤ן אָחִ֨יךָ֙ יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְשִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאַרְצֽוֹ
You shall speak all that I command you, and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he send the sons of Israel out of his land.
Spells out the Moses/Aaron division of labor introduced in v.1: Moses receives the word, Aaron delivers it — with the goal (שִֻלַּח, 'let go') stated as the intended effect of Aaron's speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
אַתָּ֣הyouindep pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (independent pronoun, fronted for emphasis/contrast with Aaron)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; fronted to contrast Moses' role (receiving/relaying the word) with Aaron's (speaking it to Pharaoh).
תְדַבֵּ֔רyou shall speakPiel impf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal - an ongoing charge, near-imperative forceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Moses' task is to receive and relay the divine words, not to confront Pharaoh directly.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object, the relative clause כָּל אֲשֶׁר...)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated, marks the following כָּל אֲשֶׁר clause as the object of תְדַבֵּר.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Head noun of the object (construct with the relative clause)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with אֲשֶׁר, 'all that.'
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the object clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle 'who/which/that.'
אֲצַוֶּ֑ךָּI command youPiel impf 1cs + 2ms suffix · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/habitual - ongoing, repeated divine instructionצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; the content of Moses' speech is entirely derivative - he speaks only what he is commanded.
וְאַהֲרֹ֤ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of the second main clause (יְדַבֵּר)אַהֲרֹן (H175).
אָחִ֨יךָ֙your brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · אָח (H251)Apposition to אַהֲרֹןאָח (H251).
יְדַבֵּ֣רshall speakPiel impf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, parallel to תְדַבֵּר)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal - the assigned ongoing taskדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; Aaron does what Moses cannot - speak directly and publicly to Pharaoh.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addressee
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition אֶל
וְשִׁלַּ֥חthat he let goconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Weqatal continuing the purpose/result of Aaron's speaking→ Weqatal: purpose/result continuing the preceding imperfect - 'so that he will send away'שָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release'; the verb of the book's central demand, 'let my people go.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head noun, object of וְשִׁלַּחבֵּן (H1121) construct plural 'sons of'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard designation for the Israelite nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain with בְּנֵי)
מֵאַרְצֽוֹfrom his landprep מִן + N c sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial (source) prepositional phrase modifying וְשִׁלַּחאֶרֶץ (H776) with מִן 'from'; 'his land' = Pharaoh's Egypt, ironic since Israel is enslaved in a land not their own.
3
וַאֲנִ֥י אַקְשֶׁ֖ה אֶת לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֧י אֶת אֹתֹתַ֛י וְאֶת מוֹפְתַ֖י בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and I will multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
Introduces the chapter's theological center: Pharaoh's resistance and God's escalating signs are both authored by YHWH, not incidental to the confrontation. אַקְשֶּה (Hiphil of קשה) is the first of three hardening verbs used across the cycle.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַאֲנִ֥יbut Iconj וְ + indep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (independent pronoun, fronted for contrast with the human speaking of vv.1-2)אֲנִי (H589) 1cs independent pronoun; fronted and disjunctive - contrasts God's sovereign hardening action with the human speech just assigned.
אַקְשֶׁ֖הI will hardenHiphil impf 1cs · קָשָׁה (H7185)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future - a divine action announced in advanceקָשָׁה (H7185) Hiphil 'to make hard/stubborn'; the first of the chapter's three hardening verbs (קשה, חזק, כבד) - root sense 'hard, difficult, obstinate.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
לֵ֣בthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Direct object (construct head, 'heart of Pharaoh')לֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind, will' - in Hebrew anthropology the seat of decision and volition, not merely emotion; Pharaoh's לֵב is the site of his repeated refusal.
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive (construct chain with לֵב)
וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֧יand I will multiplyconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the divine first-person announcement)→ Weqatal: future/sequential - continues the announced divine actionרָבָה (H7235) Hiphil 'to make many, increase'; God will multiply the very signs Pharaoh's hardened heart makes necessary.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֹתֹתַ֛יmy signsN c pl constr + 1cs suffix · אוֹת (H226)Direct objectאוֹת (H226) 'sign'; a perceptible act pointing beyond itself to God's identity and power - paired here with מוֹפֵת.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)
מוֹפְתַ֖יmy wondersN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · מוֹפֵת (H4159)Direct object (second in pair with אֹתֹתַי)מוֹפֵת (H4159) 'wonder, portent'; often paired with אוֹת as a hendiadys for the plagues as attesting acts (cf. Deut 4:34; 6:22).
בְּאֶ֥רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776).
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive (construct chain with בְּאֶרֶץ)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt' (dual form referring to Upper and Lower Egypt).
4
וְלֹֽא יִשְׁמַ֤ע אֲלֵכֶם֙ פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְנָתַתִּ֥י אֶת יָדִ֖י בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וְהוֹצֵאתִ֨י אֶת צִבְאֹתַ֜י אֶת עַמִּ֤י בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בִּשְׁפָטִ֖ים גְּדֹלִֽים
Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring out my hosts, my people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment.
The chain of weqatal verbs (וְנֱָתַתִי, וְהוֵאצֵאתִי) marks these as the certain future outworking of the hardening just announced; 'my hosts, my people' recasts the enslaved Israelites as God's own marshaled army.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יִשְׁמַע
יִשְׁמַ֤עhe will listenQal impf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future - predicted, certain refusalשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; hearing/heeding vocabulary that structures the whole cycle (cf. vv.13,16,22).
אֲלֵכֶם֙to you (pl)prep אֶל + 2mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of יִשְׁמַעאֶל (H413) + 2mp suffix; plural 'you' addresses Moses and Aaron together.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of יִשְׁמַע
וְנָתַתִּ֥יand I will layconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing divine first-person announcement)→ Weqatal: future/sequential - the next divine act after the refusalנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, lay'; here 'lay a hand on' = act forcefully against.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יָדִ֖יmy handN c sg constr + 1cs suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct objectיָד (H3027) 'hand'; a common idiom for God's direct, powerful intervention (cf. 'strong hand' throughout Exodus).
בְּמִצְרָ֑יִםon Egyptprep בְּ + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phrase (object of God's hand)
וְהוֹצֵאתִ֨יand I will bring outconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing)→ Weqatal: future/sequential - the culminating deliverance actיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring/lead out'; the exodus verb par excellence.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
צִבְאֹתַ֜יmy hostsN c pl constr + 1cs suffix · צָבָא (H6635)Direct objectצָבָא (H6635) 'army, host'; strikingly martial language for Israel - God's marshaled people, not a rabble of slaves.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (introducing appositional restatement)
עַמִּ֤יmy peopleN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · עַם (H5971)Direct object, in apposition to צִבְאֹתַיעַם (H5971) 'people'; the possessive 'my people' asserts God's ownership over against Pharaoh's claim on their labor.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition, further specifying עַמִּיבֵּן (H1121) construct.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive
מֵאֶ֣רֶץfrom the land ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial (source) prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive
בִּשְׁפָטִ֖יםby acts of judgmentprep בְּ + N m pl abs · שֶׁפֶט (H8201)Adverbial (instrumental/manner) prepositional phraseשֶׁפֶט (H8201) 'judgment, act of judgment/punishment'; plural, denoting the series of plagues as juridical acts against Egypt and its gods.
גְּדֹלִֽיםgreatAdj m pl abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying בִּשְׁפָטִיםגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; intensifies שְׁפָטִים - these are no minor judgments.
5
וְיָדְע֤וּ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ כִּֽי אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה בִּנְטֹתִ֥י אֶת יָדִ֖י עַל מִצְרָ֑יִם וְהוֹצֵאתִ֥י אֶת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִתּוֹכָֽם
And the Egyptians shall know that I am YHWH, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the sons of Israel out from among them.
The chapter's theological climax-in-miniature: the plagues exist so that Egypt 'will know that I am YHWH' — the recognition formula that recurs after almost every subsequent plague.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְיָדְע֤וּand they will knowconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the divine speech, result clause)→ Weqatal: result/purpose - the intended outcome of the preceding actsיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the 'recognition formula' recurring across the plague cycle (cf. 8:6,18; 9:14,29) - Egypt will come to know YHWH through his acts.
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙Egyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Subject of וְיָדְעוּ (collective, 'the Egyptians')מִצְרַיִם (H4714), here functioning collectively for 'the Egyptians.'
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the object clause of יָדְעוּכִּי (H3588), subordinating conjunction 'that/because.'
אֲנִ֣יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (independent pronoun in the self-identification formula)
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative ('I am YHWH')יְהוָה (H3068); the self-identification formula אֲנִי יְהוָה recurs as the theological refrain of the plague narrative.
בִּנְטֹתִ֥יwhen I stretch outprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 1cs suffix · נָטָה (H5186)Temporal infinitival clause (prep בְּ + infinitive construct, 'when/by my stretching out')→ Infinitive construct: temporal/circumstantial - the action by which recognition comesנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, extend'; the gesture (by hand or rod) that triggers each plague.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יָדִ֖יmy handN c sg constr + 1cs suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of בִּנְטֹתִי
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the object of the stretched hand
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Object of preposition עַל
וְהוֹצֵאתִ֥יand I bring outconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (weqatal, coordinate with בִּנְטֹתִי as the second half of the temporal clause)→ Weqatal continuing the infinitival temporal clause: 'and my bringing out'יָצָא (H3318) Hiphil.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive
מִתּוֹכָֽםfrom their midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Adverbial (source) prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, among'; the exodus is an extraction 'out from among' the Egyptians, not a mere relocation.
6
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְאַהֲרֹ֑ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֹתָ֖ם כֵּ֥ן עָשֽׂוּ
And Moses and Aaron did so; just as YHWH commanded them, so they did.
A stereotyped obedience formula (כַאֲשֶׁר צִלָּה...כֵּן עָשׂוּ) that will recur at each stage of the sign-and-plague sequence, marking Moses' and Aaron's unwavering fidelity in contrast to Pharaoh's coming resistance.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂand he did/actedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, resuming narration after direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; singular verb with a compound subject (Hebrew agreement: first-named subject controls verb number).
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject (first of compound subject)
וְאַהֲרֹ֑ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject (second of compound subject)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the subordinate clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834 + כ) 'just as, according as'; the recurring formula of exact obedience to the divine command.
צִוָּ֧הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the subordinate clause→ Perfective: a completed prior act of commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command.'
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּה
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker + pronominal suffix (object of צִוָּה)
כֵּ֥ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb resuming/restating the manner clause, fronted for emphasisכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; the emphatic doubling כַּאֲשֶׁר...כֵּן ('just as...so') stresses precise compliance.
עָשֽׂוּthey didQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, restating וַיַּעַשׂ with plural agreement)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of obedienceעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal perfect 3cp; the plural verb here (vs. singular וַיַּעַשׂ) closes the summary emphasizing both men's compliance.
7
וּמֹשֶׁה֙ בֶּן שְׁמֹנִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן שָׁלֹ֥שׁ וּשְׁמֹנִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה בְּדַבְּרָ֖ם אֶל פַּרְעֹֽה
Now Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh.
A rare narratorial pause noting the brothers' advanced age at the start of the confrontation — underscoring that the exodus is accomplished by God's power working through aged, ordinary men, not youthful vigor.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וּמֹשֶׁה֙now Mosesconj וְ + proper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of the age clause (disjunctive vav introducing a parenthetical note)
בֶּןa son of/agedN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct noun in the age idiom (בֶּן + numeral + שָׁנָה, 'X years old')בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; used idiomatically with a number of years to state age.
שְׁמֹנִ֣יםeightynumeral c pl abs · שְׁמֹנִים (H8084)Numeral, genitive in the construct chainשְׁמֹנִים (H8084) 'eighty.'
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive noun completing the age idiomשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year.'
וְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of the parallel age clause
בֶּןagedN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct noun (age idiom, second instance)
שָׁלֹ֥שׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral (part of '83')שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three.'
וּשְׁמֹנִ֖יםand eightyconj וְ + numeral c pl abs · שְׁמֹנִים (H8084)Numeral, coordinate with שָׁלֹשׁ ('three-and-eighty' = 83)שְׁמֹנִים (H8084).
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive noun completing the age idiom
בְּדַבְּרָ֖םwhen they spokeprep בְּ + Piel inf constr + 3mp suffix · דָּבַר (H1696)Temporal infinitival clause (prep בְּ + infinitive construct + 3mp suffix)→ Infinitive construct: temporal - dates the confrontation to this point in their livesדָּבַר (H1696) Piel infinitive construct, 'their speaking.'
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of בְּדַבְּרָם
פַּרְעֹֽהPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition אֶל
8
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹֽר
And YHWH said to Moses and to Aaron, saying,
Both Moses and Aaron are now addressed together (contrast v.1's Moses-only address), preparing for Aaron's active role in performing the staff sign before Pharaoh.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, introducing new divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (first addressee)
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition
וְאֶֽלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinated prepositional phrase (second addressee)
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition (both are now addressed, unlike v.1 where only Moses was addressed)
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: quotative frameאָמַר (H559) Qal infinitive construct with לְ; the standard formula introducing direct speech.
9
כִּי֩ יְדַבֵּ֨ר אֲלֵכֶ֤ם פַּרְעֹה֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תְּנ֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם מוֹפֵ֑ת וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֧ח אֶֽת מַטְּךָ֛ וְהַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ לִפְנֵֽי פַרְעֹ֖ה יְהִ֥י לְתַנִּֽין
When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a wonder for yourselves,' you shall say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, so that it becomes a serpent.'
God scripts both sides of the coming exchange in advance: Pharaoh's demand for a מוֹפֵת and Aaron's answering sign, so that what follows in vv.10-12 is shown to unfold exactly as foretold.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
כִּי֩whenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/conditional conjunction introducing the protasisכִּי (H3588) 'when, if, that, because'; here temporal, 'when.'
יְדַבֵּ֨רhe speaksPiel impf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future - the anticipated challengeדָּבַר (H1696) Piel.
אֲלֵכֶ֤םto you (pl)prep אֶל + 2mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of יְדַבֵּר
פַּרְעֹה֙Pharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject of יְדַבֵּר
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing Pharaoh's anticipated quoted demand→ Infinitive construct: quotative frameאָמַר (H559).
תְּנ֥וּgive/showQal impv 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (Pharaoh's anticipated demand, plural addressing Moses and Aaron)→ Volitional: imperative demandנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here idiomatic, 'produce/perform (a wonder).'
לָכֶ֖םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (dative of interest/benefaction) modifying תְּנוּלְ + 2mp suffix, 'for yourselves' - Pharaoh challenges them to authenticate their claim.
מוֹפֵ֑תa wonderN m sg abs · מוֹפֵת (H4159)Direct object of תְּנוּמוֹפֵת (H4159) 'wonder, portent'; Pharaoh's own demand for proof, ironically fulfilled by God's sign.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause resuming the apodosis addressed to Moses)→ Weqatal: instruction continuing the imperative sequence - 'then you are to say'אָמַר (H559) Qal weqatal 2ms.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addressee
אַהֲרֹ֗ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition
קַ֧חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative (quoted instruction to Aaron)→ Volitional: imperative commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take.'
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מַטְּךָ֛your staffN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of קַחמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod'; the shepherd's staff Moses carried, now the vehicle of the first sign.
וְהַשְׁלֵ֥ךְand cast (it) downconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinate with קַח)→ Volitional: imperative commandשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast down.'
לִפְנֵֽיbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase modifying וְהַשְׁלֵךְפָּנִים (H6440) construct 'face(s) of' → 'before, in the presence of.'
פַרְעֹ֖הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition לִפְנֵי
יְהִ֥יlet it becomeQal jussive 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Jussive, expressing the anticipated result of the casting-down→ Jussive: volitional/result - the intended outcome of the sign-actהָיָה (H1961) Qal jussive 3ms.
לְתַנִּֽיןa serpentprep לְ + N m sg abs · תַּנִּין (H8577)Predicate complement (prepositional, 'into a serpent') of יְהִיתַּנִּין (H8577) 'serpent, sea-monster, dragon'; a larger, more menacing term than נָחָשׁ used of the same event in v.15 - possibly evoking Nile-monster imagery associated with royal/divine power, here subverted.
10
וַיָּבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֤ה וְאַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה וַיַּ֣עַשׂוּ כֵ֔ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהוָ֑ה וַיַּשְׁלֵ֨ךְ אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת מַטֵּ֗הוּ לִפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֛ה וְלִפְנֵ֥י עֲבָדָ֖יו וַיְהִ֥י לְתַנִּֽין
So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and did just as YHWH had commanded: Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
The obedience formula (כַאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה) recurs, and the sign itself unfolds exactly as scripted — setting up the magicians' counter-imitation in v.11.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיָּבֹ֨אand he came/went inQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go in'; singular verb governing the compound subject.
מֹשֶׁ֤הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
וְאַהֲרֹן֙and Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject (compound with Moses)
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition
וַיַּ֣עַשׂוּand they didQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (plural, compliance notice)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal wayyiqtol 3mp.
כֵ֔ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb, object-complement of וַיַּעֲשׂוּ ('did thus')
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction
צִוָּ֣הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of subordinate clause→ Perfective: completed prior actצָוָה (H6680).
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּה
וַיַּשְׁלֵ֨ךְand he cast downHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, the sign-act itself)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil.
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject (Aaron alone now performs the sign, as instructed)
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מַטֵּ֗הוּhis staffN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct objectמַטֶּה (H4294) + 3ms suffix.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase
פַרְעֹ֛הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition
וְלִפְנֵ֥יand beforeconj וְ + prep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Coordinated locative prepositional phrase
עֲבָדָ֖יוhis servantsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Object of preposition (Pharaoh's courtiers/officials)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; here Pharaoh's court officials, witnesses to the sign.
וַיְהִ֥יand it becameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, the sign's fulfillment)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961).
לְתַנִּֽיןa serpentprep לְ + N m sg abs · תַּנִּין (H8577)Predicate complementתַּנִּין (H8577).
11
וַיִּקְרָא֙ גַּם פַּרְעֹ֔ה לַֽחֲכָמִ֖ים וְלַֽמְכַשְּׁפִ֑ים וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֨וּ גַם הֵ֜ם חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י מִצְרַ֛יִם בְּלַהֲטֵיהֶ֖ם כֵּֽן
Then Pharaoh, for his part, summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they too, the magicians of Egypt, did the same by their secret arts.
The double גַּם ('also...too') frames this as Egypt's calculated countermove; the narrator's phrase בְּלַהֲטֵיהֶם ('by their secret arts') quietly marks a categorical difference from Aaron's God-given sign, even as the outward feat is matched.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּקְרָא֙and he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon.'
גַּםalsofocus particle · גַּם (H1571)Focus particle modifying פַּרְעֹה ('Pharaoh, for his part, also...')גַּם (H1571) 'also, even, too'; marks Pharaoh's countermove as matching the preceding divine sign.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject
לַֽחֲכָמִ֖יםthe wise menprep לְ + art + Adj m pl abs · חָכָם (H2450)Direct object of וַיִּקְרָא (marked with לְ, 'summoned [to] the wise men')חָכָם (H2450) 'wise (man), sage'; Egypt's professional class of learned ritual/scholarly experts.
וְלַֽמְכַשְּׁפִ֑יםand the sorcerersconj וְ + prep לְ + art + Piel ptc mp abs · כָּשַׁף (H3784)Coordinated object (substantival participle)→ Participle: substantival — names an ongoing profession/practice rather than a single actכָּשַׁף (H3784) Piel participle 'sorcerer, one who practices magic'; paired with חֲכָמִים as Egypt's occult specialists, distinct from but overlapping with the חַרְטֻמִּים named below.
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֨וּand they didQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213).
גַםalso/tooadverb · גַּם (H1571)Focus particle modifying הֵם ('they too')
הֵ֜םtheyindep pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (independent pronoun, resumptive/emphatic before its apposition)הֵם (H1992) 3mp independent pronoun.
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥יthe magicians ofN m pl constr · חַרְטֹם (H2748)Apposition to הֵם, specifying who 'they' areחַרְטֹם (H2748) 'magician, sacred scribe'; Egyptian ritual specialists (cf. Genesis 41's dream-interpreters), the term used throughout the plague narrative for Pharaoh's counter-workers.
מִצְרַ֛יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive (construct chain)
בְּלַהֲטֵיהֶ֖םby their secret artsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · לַהַט (H3858)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying וַיַּעֲשׂוּלַהַט (H3858) 'flame; secret art, occult trick'; the narrator's careful qualification - the magicians' feat is achieved by לַהַט (trickery/enchantment), not the same divine power behind Aaron's sign.
כֵּֽןthe same/thusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb, object-complement of וַיַּעֲשׂוּ ('did thus/likewise')
12
וַיַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ֙ אִ֣ישׁ מַטֵּ֔הוּ וַיִּהְי֖וּ לְתַנִּינִ֑ם וַיִּבְלַ֥ע מַטֵּֽה אַהֲרֹ֖ן אֶת מַטֹּתָֽם
For every man cast down his staff, and they became serpents; but Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs.
Despite matching the outward form of the sign, the magicians' serpents are consumed by Aaron's — a compact narrative verdict on the limits of Egyptian counter-magic before YHWH's power, and a foreshadowing image of Egypt's coming subjugation.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּשְׁלִ֨יכוּ֙and they cast downHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive apposition, 'each one' of the magicians)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used distributively, 'each one (of them).'
מַטֵּ֔הוּhis staffN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct objectמַטֶּה (H4294) + 3ms suffix.
וַיִּהְי֖וּand they becameQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961).
לְתַנִּינִ֑םserpentsprep לְ + N m pl abs · תַּנִּין (H8577)Predicate complementתַּנִּין (H8577), plural - the magicians' staffs matched the visible form of Aaron's sign.
וַיִּבְלַ֥עand it swallowedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּלַע (H1104)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, the decisive turn)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּלַע (H1104) 'to swallow, engulf'; the verb of total consumption, demonstrating the categorical superiority of the God-given sign.
מַטֵּֽהthe staff ofN m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Subject (construct head, 'the staff of Aaron')
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (construct chain with מַטֵּה)
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מַטֹּתָֽםtheir staffsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of וַיִּבְלַעמַטֶּה (H4294) plural + 3mp suffix.
13
וַיֶּחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה
Yet Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as YHWH had said.
The first occurrence of the recurring refrain that will close nearly every plague episode; note the root shift from קשה (v.3) to חזק here, both glossed 'harden' but with slightly different nuances of stubborn strength.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֶּחֱזַק֙and it was/became hardenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָזַק (H2388)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזַק (H2388) Qal 'to be/become strong, hard, obstinate'; the second of the chapter's three hardening roots (חזק, alongside קשה v.3 and כבד v.14) - root sense 'strong/firm,' here negatively 'stubborn, unyielding.'
לֵ֣בthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Subject (construct head)לֵב (H3820).
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
שָׁמַ֖עhe listenedQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, coordinate)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive refusalשָׁמַע (H8085).
אֲלֵהֶ֑םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of שָׁמַע
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction
דִּבֶּ֥רhe had saidPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of subordinate clause→ Perfective: completed prior act (fulfillment of the prediction in v.4)דָּבַר (H1696) Piel.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּר
14
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה כָּבֵ֖ד לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֑ה מֵאֵ֖ן לְשַׁלַּ֥ח הָעָֽם
And YHWH said to Moses, 'Pharaoh's heart is unresponsive; he refuses to let the people go.'
כָּבֵד ('heavy, dull') supplies the third hardening root of the chapter; the diagnosis (Pharaoh's fixed refusal) directly motivates the escalation to an actual plague rather than a mere sign.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, new divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition
כָּבֵ֖דheavy/unresponsiveAdj m sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3515)Predicate adjective (nominal clause, 'Pharaoh's heart is heavy')כָּבֵד (H3515) 'heavy, dull, unresponsive'; the third hardening term in the chapter (with קשה v.3, חזק v.13) - root sense 'weight, heaviness,' figuring the heart as sluggish, unmoved, deaf to appeal.
לֵ֣בthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Subject of the nominal clause (construct head)לֵב (H3820).
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive
מֵאֵ֖ןhe refusesPiel perf 3ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Predicate verb (main clause, describing Pharaoh's fixed disposition)→ Perfective: a settled, decisive refusal with ongoing present relevanceמָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse'; a durative-stative use of the perfect characterizing Pharaoh's fixed disposition.
לְשַׁלַּ֥חto let goprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Infinitive construct (complement of מֵאֵן)→ Infinitive construct: complementary - completes the sense of 'refuses'שָׁלַח (H7971) Piel infinitive construct.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of לְשַׁלַּחעַם (H5971) with article, 'the people' = Israel.
15
לֵ֣ךְ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֞ה בַּבֹּ֗קֶר הִנֵּה֙ יֹצֵ֣א הַמַּ֔יְמָה וְנִצַּבְתָּ֥ לִקְרָאת֖וֹ עַל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְאֹ֑ר וְהַמַּטֶּ֛ה אֲשֶׁר נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ לְנָחָ֖שׁ תִּקַּ֥ח בְּיָדֶֽךָ
Go to Pharaoh in the morning — behold, he is going out to the water — and station yourself to meet him on the bank of the Nile; and the staff that was turned into a serpent you shall take in your hand.
The scene is set with vivid, almost stage-direction detail (הִנֵּה יֹצֵא, 'behold, he is going out') — Pharaoh's own ritual devotion to the Nile becomes the very setting for its judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
לֵ֣ךְgoQal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Imperative, main clause opening the instruction→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk.'
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase
פַּרְעֹ֞הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition
בַּבֹּ֗קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phrase modifying לֵךְבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; specifies the timing to catch Pharaoh at his customary riverside routine.
הִנֵּה֙beholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the circumstantial descriptionהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws vivid attention to the scene Moses will encounter.
יֹצֵ֣אgoing outQal ptc ms abs · יָצָא (H3318)Participle, predicate of the circumstantial clause (describing Pharaoh's action)→ Participle: durative/vivid present - describing the scene as ongoing at the moment Moses arrivesיָצָא (H3318) Qal participle 'going out.'
הַמַּ֔יְמָהto the waterart + N m pl abs + directional ה · מַיִם (H4325)Adverbial (directional, ה-locale) modifying יֹצֵאמַיִם (H4325) with directional ה; likely a ritual/ceremonial morning visit to the Nile, which Egyptians worshiped as divine (Hapi).
וְנִצַּבְתָּ֥and you shall station yourselfconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 2ms · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the imperative sequence)→ Weqatal: instruction continuing the command - 'then you are to position yourself'נָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to station oneself, stand ready.'
לִקְרָאת֖וֹto meet himprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix (compound prep) · קְרַאת (H7125)Purpose prepositional phrase (infinitive construct idiom) modifying וְנִצַּבְתָּ→ Infinitive construct: purpose - the aim of the stationingקרא (H7125) 'meeting'; לִקְרַאת functions as a compound preposition 'to meet, toward,' grammaticalized from the infinitive construct of קרא II.
עַלon/atprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
שְׂפַ֣תthe bank ofN f sg constr · שָׂפָה (H8193)Genitive noun (construct head)שָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, edge, bank.'
הַיְאֹ֑רthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Genitive (construct chain)יְאֹר (H2975) 'the Nile, river-channel'; Egypt's life-source, about to become the target and site of the first plague.
וְהַמַּטֶּ֛הand the staffconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Subject of the final main clause (fronted, resumed by תִּקַּח)מַטֶּה (H4294).
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clause modifying הַמַּטֶּה
נֶהְפַּ֥ךְwas turnedNiphal perf 3ms · הָפַךְ (H2015)Predicate verb of the relative clause (Niphal passive)→ Perfective (Niphal/passive): a completed transformationהָפַךְ (H2015) Niphal 'to be turned, transformed'; recalls the sign of vv.9-10, now repurposed for the plague.
לְנָחָ֖שׁinto a serpentprep לְ + N m sg abs · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Predicate complement (prepositional) of נֶהְפַּךְנָחָשׁ (H5175) 'serpent'; the more common term for the same creature called תַּנִּין in vv.9-10, a stylistic/referential variation.
תִּקַּ֥חyou shall takeQal impf 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, resuming the fronted object הַמַּטֶּה)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal - near-imperative instructionלָקַח (H3947).
בְּיָדֶֽךָin your handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Adverbial (instrumental/locative) prepositional phrase modifying תִּקַּחיָד (H3027).
16
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו יְהוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֤י הָעִבְרִים֙ שְׁלָחַ֤נִי אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר שַׁלַּח֙ אֶת עַמִּ֔י וְיַֽעַבְדֻ֖נִי בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְהִנֵּ֥ה לֹא שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ עַד כֹּֽה
And you shall say to him, 'YHWH, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness — but behold, you have not listened until now.'
Recycles the standard demand formula (שַּלַּח אֶת עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי) already used in 5:1 and 7:2, but now adds the pointed indictment עַד כֹּה לֹא שָׁמַעְתָּ, converting the coming plague into an act of judicial reckoning for demonstrated, sustained disobedience.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the instruction sequence)→ Weqatal: instruction continuing the imperative - 'then say'אָמַר (H559) Qal weqatal 2ms.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of וְאָמַרְתָּ
יְהוָ֞הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject (of the quoted message)
אֱלֹהֵ֤יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate/apposition (construct head, 'God of')אֱלֹהִים (H430) construct.
הָעִבְרִים֙the Hebrewsart + gentilic N m pl abs · עִבְרִי (H5680)Genitive (construct chain)עִבְרִי (H5680) 'Hebrew'; a gentilic, the term typically used by/of Israel in dealings with foreigners like Egypt.
שְׁלָחַ֤נִיhas sent meQal perf 3ms + 1cs suffix · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause of the quoted message)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive commissioning actשָׁלַח (H7971) Qal perfect 3ms + 1cs suffix, 'he has sent me'; echoes Moses' call narrative (3:10-15).
אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙to youprep אֶל + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of שְׁלָחַנִי (addressed to Pharaoh)
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: quotative frameאָמַר (H559).
שַׁלַּח֙let goPiel impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Imperative (the quoted demand itself)→ Volitional: imperative demandשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel imperative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַמִּ֔יmy peopleN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971).
וְיַֽעַבְדֻ֖נִיthat they may serve meconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp + 1cs suffix · עָבַד (H5647)Purpose clause (weyiqtol) following the imperative→ Yiqtol (purpose): the intended goal of the release - worship, not mere freedomעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to serve, worship'; the release is consistently framed as being for worship/service of YHWH, not release as an end in itself.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase modifying וְיַעַבְדֻנִימִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert.'
וְהִנֵּ֥הbut beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the accusation, disjunctive
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
שָׁמַ֖עְתָּyou have listenedQal perf 2ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, accusing Pharaoh directly)→ Perfective: a completed pattern of refusal persisting to the presentשָׁמַע (H8085) Qal perfect 2ms.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (temporal extent)עַד (H5704).
כֹּֽהnow/this pointadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb, object of עַד ('until now')כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so, here'; עַד כֹּה idiomatically 'until now, thus far.'
17
כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה בְּזֹ֣את תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֖י אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י מַכֶּ֣ה בַּמַּטֶּ֣ה אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדִ֗י עַל הַמַּ֛יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּיְאֹ֖ר וְנֶהֶפְכ֥וּ לְדָֽם
Thus says YHWH: By this you shall know that I am YHWH — behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it will be turned into blood.
The recognition formula (תֵּדַע כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה) here addresses Pharaoh directly in second person, sharpening the corporate promise of v.5 into a personal, imminent demonstration aimed at the king himself.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
כֹּ֚הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb modifying אָמַר (introduces the messenger formula)כֹּה (H3541).
אָמַ֣רsaysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (messenger formula)→ Perfective (performative): the utterance itself constitutes the authoritative pronouncementאָמַר (H559); כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, the classic 'messenger formula' of prophetic speech.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
בְּזֹ֣אתby thisprep בְּ + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying תֵּדַע (cataphoric, pointing forward)זֹאת (H2063) demonstrative pronoun fs 'this.'
תֵּדַ֔עyou shall knowQal impf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause, addressed to Pharaoh)→ Yiqtol: future/certain result - the knowledge that will be forced by the coming signיָדַע (H3045); the recognition formula addressed directly to Pharaoh here (contrast the third-person form in v.5 about 'the Egyptians').
כִּ֖יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the object clause of תֵּדַע
אֲנִ֣יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (self-identification formula)
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative
הִנֵּ֨הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the vivid announcement
אָנֹכִ֜יIindep pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (independent pronoun, resuming/emphasizing after הִנֵּה)אָנֹכִי (H595), an alternate 1cs pronoun form to אֲנִי, here emphatic after הִנֵּה.
מַכֶּ֣הstrikingHiphil ptc ms abs · נָכָה (H5221)Participle, predicate of the main clause (vivid, near-future present)→ Participle: imminent/vivid present - the act is as good as underwayנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil participle 'to strike.'
בַּמַּטֶּ֣הwith the staffprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying מַכֶּה
אֲשֶׁרthat (is)rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clause modifying הַמַּטֶּה
בְּיָדִ֗יin my handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 1cs suffix · יָד (H3027)Predicate of the relative clause (locative)
עַלon/againstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the target of the strike
הַמַּ֛יִםthe waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Object of preposition עַל
אֲשֶׁ֥רthat (is)rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clause modifying הַמַּיִם
בַּיְאֹ֖רin the Nileprep בְּ + art + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Predicate of the relative clause (locative)
וְנֶהֶפְכ֥וּand it will be turnedconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3cp · הָפַךְ (H2015)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause result)→ Weqatal: future/result - the certain outcome of the strikingהָפַךְ (H2015) Niphal weqatal 3cp (agreeing with 'the waters' as a plural).
לְדָֽםinto bloodprep לְ + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Predicate complement of וְנֶהֶפְכוּדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the substance the Nile's water will become, striking at Egypt's life-source and object of religious veneration.
18
וְהַדָּגָ֧ה אֲשֶׁר בַּיְאֹ֛ר תָּמ֖וּת וּבָאַ֣שׁ הַיְאֹ֑ר וְנִלְא֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת מַ֖יִם מִן הַיְאֹֽר
And the fish that are in the Nile will die, and the Nile will stink, so that the Egyptians will not be able to drink water from the Nile.
Moves from ecological damage (dead fish) to sensory offense (stench) to the properly human crisis (undrinkable water) — a three-step intensification within a single verse.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהַדָּגָ֧הand the fishconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · דָּגָה (H1710)Subject of the first main clauseדָּגָה (H1710) collective 'fish.'
אֲשֶׁרthat (are)rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clause modifying הַדָּגָה
בַּיְאֹ֛רin the Nileprep בְּ + art + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Predicate of the relative clause (locative)
תָּמ֖וּתwill dieQal impf 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: future - the plague's first stated consequenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die.'
וּבָאַ֣שׁand it will stinkconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · בָּאַשׁ (H887)Predicate verb (weqatal, coordinate main clause)→ Weqatal: future/sequential - the second consequence, following from the firstבָּאַשׁ (H887) 'to stink, become foul,' from the dead fish rotting in the blood-turned water.
הַיְאֹ֑רthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Subject of וּבָאַשׁ
וְנִלְא֣וּand they will be unableconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3cp · לָאָה (H3811)Predicate verb (weqatal, coordinate main clause)→ Weqatal: future/sequential - the third, most human consequenceלָאָה (H3811) Niphal 'to be weary, unable, worn out'; idiomatic with the following infinitive, 'be unable to.'
מִצְרַ֔יִםthe Egyptiansproper noun · מִצְרִי (H4713)Subject of וְנִלְאוּמִצְרִי (H4713), the gentilic form used collectively for the Egyptian people.
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹתto drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive construct (complement of וְנִלְאוּ)→ Infinitive construct: complementaryשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink.'
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of לִשְׁתּוֹת
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source)מִן (H4480).
הַיְאֹֽרthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Object of preposition מִן
19
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֡ן קַ֣ח מַטְּךָ֣ וּנְטֵֽה יָדְךָ֩ עַל מֵימֵ֨י מִצְרַ֜יִם עַֽל נַהֲרֹתָ֣ם עַל יְאֹרֵיהֶ֣ם וְעַל אַגְמֵיהֶ֗ם וְעַ֛ל כָּל מִקְוֵ֥ה מֵימֵיהֶ֖ם וְיִֽהְיוּ דָ֑ם וְהָ֤יָה דָם֙ בְּכָל אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וּבָעֵצִ֖ים וּבָאֲבָנִֽים
And YHWH said to Moses, Say to Aaron, Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt — over their rivers, their canals, their pools, and all their reservoirs of water — that they may become blood; there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, even in vessels of wood and of stone.
The five-fold list of water sources (river, canals, pools, reservoirs, plus stored wood/stone vessels) rhetorically leaves no possible refuge from the plague — even water already drawn into a house will turn to blood.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, new divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition
אֱמֹ֣רsayQal impv 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Imperative, main clause→ Volitional: imperative commandאָמַר (H559) Qal imperative.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addressee of the relayed message
אַהֲרֹ֡ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition
קַ֣חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative (quoted instruction to Aaron)→ Volitional: imperative commandלָקַח (H3947).
מַטְּךָ֣your staffN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of קַחמַטֶּה (H4294).
וּנְטֵֽהand stretch outconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinate with קַח)→ Volitional: imperative commandנָטָה (H5186) Qal imperative.
יָדְךָ֩your handN c sg constr + 2ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וּנְטֵהיָד (H3027).
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (first of a series)
מֵימֵ֨יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Object of preposition עַל (construct head, first item of the list)מַיִם (H4325) construct plural.
מִצְרַ֜יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive (construct chain)
עַֽלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (second item)
נַהֲרֹתָ֣םtheir riversN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · נָהָר (H5104)Object of preposition עַלנָהָר (H5104) 'river, stream' + 3mp suffix.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (third item)
יְאֹרֵיהֶ֣םtheir canalsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · יְאֹר (H2975)Object of preposition עַליְאֹר (H2975), here plural 'canals/channels' (distinct from the singular הַיְאֹר 'the Nile' proper used elsewhere).
וְעַלand overconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (fourth item)
אַגְמֵיהֶ֗םtheir poolsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֲגַם (H98)Object of preposition וְעַלאֲגַם (H98) 'pool, marsh, reed-pool.'
וְעַ֛לand overconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (fifth item)
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head noun ('all of')כֹּל (H3605).
מִקְוֵ֥הthe gathering ofN m sg constr · מִקְוֶה (H4723)Genitive (construct chain with כָּל)מִקְוֶה (H4723) 'gathering, collection (of water), reservoir.'
מֵימֵיהֶ֖םtheir waterN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · מַיִם (H4325)Genitive (construct chain)מַיִם (H4325) + 3mp suffix.
וְיִֽהְיוּthat they may becomeconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weyiqtol, purpose/result of the stretching)→ Yiqtol (purpose/result): the intended outcome of the outstretched handהָיָה (H1961) Qal 3mp.
דָ֑םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Predicate complement of וְיִהְיוּדָּם (H1818).
וְהָ֤יָהand there shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause continuing the announcement)→ Weqatal: future/certain - restates and universalizes the resultהָיָה (H1961) Qal weqatal 3ms.
דָם֙bloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of וְהָיָהדָּם (H1818).
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)כֹּל (H3605).
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct chain)אֶרֶץ (H776).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive
וּבָעֵצִ֖יםand in the wood(en vessels)conj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · עֵץ (H6086)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; here idiomatic for wooden containers holding stored water, paired with 'stone' vessels - blood even in water already drawn and stored.
וּבָאֲבָנִֽיםand in the stone (vessels)conj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; stone water-vessels/troughs, completing the merism 'wood and stone' = every kind of container, however sourced.
20
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ כֵן֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְאַהֲרֹ֜ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהוָ֗ה וַיָּ֤רֶם בַּמַּטֶּה֙ וַיַּ֤ךְ אֶת הַמַּ֨יִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּיְאֹ֔ר לְעֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּלְעֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָ֑יו וַיֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּ כָּל הַמַּ֥יִם אֲשֶׁר בַּיְאֹ֖ר לְדָֽם
So Moses and Aaron did just as YHWH commanded: he lifted up the staff and struck the water that was in the Nile in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the Nile was turned into blood.
The public setting (לְעֵינֵי פַרְעֹה) is stressed twice, ruling out any claim that the sign was staged or unwitnessed; the singular verbs (וַיָּרֶם, וַיַּךְ) likely have Aaron as their immediate subject even though both brothers are named.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּand they didQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, compliance notice)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal wayyiqtol 3mp.
כֵן֩soadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb, object-complement
מֹשֶׁ֨הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject
וְאַהֲרֹ֜ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject (compound)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction
צִוָּ֣הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of subordinate clause→ Perfective: completed prior actצָוָה (H6680).
יְהוָ֗הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
וַיָּ֤רֶםand he lifted upHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּם (H7311)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, singular - Aaron as sign-performer)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרוּם (H7311) Hiphil 'to lift high, raise.'
בַּמַּטֶּה֙the staffprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (marked with בְּ instead of accusative marker, a common variation with verbs of striking/lifting)
וַיַּ֤ךְand he struckHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, the plague-act itself)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַמַּ֨יִם֙the waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat (was)rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
בַּיְאֹ֔רin the Nileprep בְּ + art + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Predicate of the relative clause
לְעֵינֵ֣יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N c du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Locative/witness prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) construct dual, 'in the sight of' - an idiom stressing that the sign is public and undeniable.
פַרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive
וּלְעֵינֵ֖יand before the eyes ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N c du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Coordinated locative/witness prepositional phrase
עֲבָדָ֑יוhis servantsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitiveעֶבֶד (H5650).
וַיֵּהָֽפְכ֛וּand it was turnedNiphal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָפַךְ (H2015)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, the plague's completion; Niphal passive)→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal/passive): foregrounded narrative advance, the transformation now accomplishedהָפַךְ (H2015) Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct head)כֹּל (H3605).
הַמַּ֥יִםthe waterart + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Genitive (construct chain)
אֲשֶׁרthat (was)rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
בַּיְאֹ֖רin the Nileprep בְּ + art + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Predicate of relative clause
לְדָֽםinto bloodprep לְ + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Predicate complement of וַיֵּהָפְכוּדָּם (H1818).
21
וְהַדָּגָ֨ה אֲשֶׁר בַּיְאֹ֥ר מֵ֨תָה֙ וַיִּבְאַ֣שׁ הַיְאֹ֔ר וְלֹא יָכְל֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת מַ֖יִם מִן הַיְאֹ֑ר וַיְהִ֥י הַדָּ֖ם בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
And the fish that were in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, and the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile; the blood was throughout all the land of Egypt.
Each element predicted in v.18 (dead fish, stench, undrinkable water) is confirmed here in the perfective/wayyiqtol, verifying that the sign matched the word exactly — a pattern of prediction-then-fulfillment running through the whole cycle.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְהַדָּגָ֨הand the fishconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · דָּגָה (H1710)Subjectדָּגָה (H1710).
אֲשֶׁרthat (were)rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
בַּיְאֹ֥רin the Nileprep בְּ + art + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Predicate of relative clause
מֵ֨תָה֙diedQal perf 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause; fulfillment of v.18's prediction)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive resultמוּת (H4191) Qal perfect 3fs.
וַיִּבְאַ֣שׁand it stankQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּאַשׁ (H887)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּאַשׁ (H887).
הַיְאֹ֔רthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Subject
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
יָכְל֣וּthey were ableQal perf 3cp · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: a completed, total incapacityיָכֹל (H3201) Qal perfect 3cp.
מִצְרַ֔יִםthe Egyptiansproper noun · מִצְרִי (H4713)Subject
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹתto drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive construct (complement of יָכְלוּ)→ Infinitive construct: complementaryשָׁתָה (H8354).
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase
הַיְאֹ֑רthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Object of preposition
וַיְהִ֥יand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, summarizing statement)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961).
הַדָּ֖םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of וַיְהִידָּם (H1818).
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776).
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive
22
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ כֵ֛ן חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּלָטֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב פַּרְעֹה֙ וְלֹא שָׁמַ֣ע אֲלֵהֶ֔ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה
But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as YHWH had said.
That the magicians can replicate even this destructive plague (unlike the exhausted Egyptians who cannot drink) is telling — their power is real enough to offer Pharaoh false reassurance, but useless to relieve anyone's actual thirst, deepening rather than resolving the crisis.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּand they didQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213).
כֵ֛ןthe sameadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb, object-complement
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥יthe magicians ofN m pl constr · חַרְטֹם (H2748)Subject (construct head)חַרְטֹם (H2748).
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive
בְּלָטֵיהֶ֑םby their secret artsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · לָט (H3909)Instrumental prepositional phraseלָט (H3909), a variant term (cf. לַהַט v.11) for occult skill/trickery.
וַיֶּחֱזַ֤קand it was hardenedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָזַק (H2388)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזַק (H2388); the same verb as v.13, marking the second occurrence of the hardening refrain.
לֵבthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Subject (construct head)לֵב (H3820).
פַּרְעֹה֙Pharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitive
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
שָׁמַ֣עhe listenedQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause, coordinate)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive refusalשָׁמַע (H8085).
אֲלֵהֶ֔םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of שָׁמַע
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction
דִּבֶּ֥רhe had saidPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of subordinate clause→ Perfective: completed prior act (fulfillment)דָּבַר (H1696).
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
23
וַיִּ֣פֶן פַּרְעֹ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖א אֶל בֵּית֑וֹ וְלֹא שָׁ֥ת לִבּ֖וֹ גַּם לָזֹֽאת
Pharaoh turned and went into his house; he did not take even this to heart.
The idiom 'did not set his heart' functions as a fourth variation on the hardening theme, stressing willful inattention rather than an involuntary hardening — Pharaoh simply walks away and carries on.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּ֣פֶןand he turnedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּנָה (H6437)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn (away).'
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subject
וַיָּבֹ֖אand he wentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, coordinate)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase
בֵּית֑וֹhis houseN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the royal palace, to which Pharaoh retreats unmoved.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
שָׁ֥תhe set/paidQal perf 3ms · שִׁית (H7896)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of dismissal/inattentionשִׁית (H7896) 'to set, put'; idiom שָׁת לֵב 'to set (one's) heart/mind (to something), to pay attention.'
לִבּ֖וֹhis heartN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · לֵב (H3820)Direct objectלֵב (H3820).
גַּםevenfocus particle · גַּם (H1571)Focus particle modifying לָזֹאת
לָזֹֽאתto thisprep לְ + demonstrative pron fs · זֹאת (H2063)Prepositional phrase, object of שָׁת (idiomatic complement)זֹאת (H2063) demonstrative fs, 'this' - referring back to the whole staff-and-blood sign just witnessed.
24
וַיַּחְפְּר֧וּ כָל מִצְרַ֛יִם סְבִיבֹ֥ת הַיְאֹ֖ר מַ֣יִם לִשְׁתּ֑וֹת כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽכְלוּ֙ לִשְׁתֹּ֔ת מִמֵּימֵ֖י הַיְאֹֽר
And all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, because they could not drink the water of the Nile.
A small, almost documentary detail — mass digging for potable water — that grounds the plague's cosmic significance in ordinary human suffering, and implicitly indicts Pharaoh's indifference in v.23 as callous given the scale of hardship.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּחְפְּר֧וּand they dugQal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָפַר (H2658)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָפַר (H2658) 'to dig.'
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct head)כֹּל (H3605).
מִצְרַ֛יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרִי (H4713)Genitive (construct chain)מִצְרַיִם/מִצְרִי (H4713).
סְבִיבֹ֥תaroundN c pl constr · סָבִיב (H5439)Locative prepositional phrase modifying וַיַּחְפְּרוּ (construct noun functioning prepositionally)סָבִיב (H5439) 'surrounding area, round about.'
הַיְאֹ֖רthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Genitive (construct chain)
מַ֣יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object (purpose accusative) of וַיַּחְפְּרוּ
לִשְׁתּ֑וֹתto drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Purpose infinitival clause modifying מַיִם/וַיַּחְפְּרוּ→ Infinitive construct: purposeשָׁתָה (H8354).
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the explanatory clauseכִּי (H3588), causal 'for, because.'
לֹ֤אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
יָֽכְלוּ֙they were ableQal perf 3cp · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: a completed, total incapacityיָכֹל (H3201).
לִשְׁתֹּ֔תto drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive construct (complement of יָכְלוּ)→ Infinitive construct: complementaryשָׁתָה (H8354).
מִמֵּימֵ֖יfrom the water ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Prepositional phrase (source), construct headמַיִם (H4325) construct plural.
הַיְאֹֽרthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Genitive (construct chain)
25
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖א שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים אַחֲרֵ֥י הַכּוֹת יְהוָ֖ה אֶת הַיְאֹֽר
And seven days were completed after YHWH had struck the Nile.
The seven-day notice — unique among the plague episodes in giving an explicit duration — likely signals a fixed period before God moves to escalate, and structurally closes the blood-plague unit (vv.14-25).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּמָּלֵ֖אand were completedNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, chronological notice)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמָלֵא (H4390) Niphal 'to be filled, completed'; here of a period of time elapsing in full.
שִׁבְעַ֣תsevennumeral m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Subject (construct head, numeral)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven.'
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive (construct chain)יוֹם (H3117) 'day.'
אַחֲרֵ֥יafterprep · אַחֲרֵי (H310)Temporal conjunction/preposition introducing the subordinate infinitival clauseאַחַר/אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after.'
הַכּוֹתthe striking ofHiphil inf constr · נָכָה (H5221)Infinitive construct (temporal clause, object of אַחֲרֵי)→ Infinitive construct: temporalנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil infinitive construct.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the infinitival clause
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיְאֹֽרthe Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Direct object of הַכּוֹת
26
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה בֹּ֖א אֶל פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי
And YHWH said to Moses, 'Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, Thus says YHWH: Let my people go, that they may serve me.'
Verse numbering in most English Bibles begins Exod 8 here (MT counts vv.26-29 of ch.7 as Exod 8:1-4 in most versions); the chapter thus closes not with resolution but with the identical demand repeated, launching the next escalation.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol, predicate verb (main narrative line, new divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition
בֹּ֖אgo inQal impv 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Imperative, main clause→ Volitional: imperative commandבּוֹא (H935) Qal imperative.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of preposition
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the instruction sequence)→ Weqatal: instruction continuing the imperativeאָמַר (H559) Qal weqatal 2ms.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, object of וְאָמַרְתָּ
כֹּ֚הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb introducing the messenger formulaכֹּה (H3541).
אָמַ֣רsaysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (messenger formula, quoted)→ Perfective (performative): the authoritative pronouncementאָמַר (H559).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject
שַׁלַּ֥חlet goPiel impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Imperative (the quoted demand)→ Volitional: imperative demandשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel imperative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עַמִּ֖יmy peopleN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971).
וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִיthat they may serve meconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp + 1cs suffix · עָבַד (H5647)Purpose clause (weyiqtol) following the imperative→ Yiqtol (purpose): the intended goal of release - worshipעָבַד (H5647).
27
וְאִם מָאֵ֥ן אַתָּ֖ה לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ הִנֵּ֣ה אָנֹכִ֗י נֹגֵ֛ף אֶת כָּל גְּבוּלְךָ֖ בַּֽצְפַרְדְּעִֽים
But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your territory with frogs.
The אִם...הִנֵּה construction (conditional threat with vivid participle) becomes the template for announcing every subsequent plague; נֹגֵף names the act explicitly as a 'striking/plague,' not merely a wonder.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the protasisאִם (H518) 'if.'
מָאֵ֥ןrefusingPiel ptc ms abs · מָאֵן (H3986)Predicate (participle) of the protasis→ Participle: durative/characterizing - continued, settled refusalמָאֵן (H3986), an adjectival/participial form 'refusing' (same root as מֵאֵן v.14) - Pharaoh's ongoing stance now cast as a hypothetical condition.
אַתָּ֖הyouindep pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (independent pronoun)
לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַto let goprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Infinitive construct (complement of מָאֵן)→ Infinitive construct: complementaryשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel infinitive construct.
הִנֵּ֣הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the apodosis
אָנֹכִ֗יIindep pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (independent pronoun)
נֹגֵ֛ףplaguing/strikingQal ptc ms abs · נָגַף (H5062)Predicate (participle) of the apodosis, vivid imminent future→ Participle: imminent/vivid present - the threatened act presented as already underwayנָגַף (H5062) Qal participle 'to strike, smite (with a blow/plague)'; root of the noun 'plague' (נֶגֶף), naming this act explicitly as judicial affliction.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct head)כֹּל (H3605).
גְּבוּלְךָ֖your territoryN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · גְּבוּל (H1366)Genitive (construct chain)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; the entire extent of Egypt is in view, not merely the Nile.
בַּֽצְפַרְדְּעִֽיםwith frogsprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Instrumental prepositional phraseצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; the second plague.
28
וְשָׁרַ֣ץ הַיְאֹר֮ צְפַרְדְּעִים֒ וְעָלוּ֙ וּבָ֣אוּ בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ וּבַחֲדַ֥ר מִשְׁכָּבְךָ֖ וְעַל מִטָּתֶ֑ךָ וּבְבֵ֤ית עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙ וּבְעַמֶּ֔ךָ וּבְתַנּוּרֶ֖יךָ וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ
And the Nile shall swarm with frogs, and they shall come up and go into your house, into your bedroom and on your bed, into the houses of your servants and among your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls.
The list moves outward-then-inward — river, house, bedroom, bed, servants' houses, ovens, kneading bowls — a rhetorical crescendo emphasizing total, inescapable domestic disruption, from the most private (the royal bed) to the most communal (shared bread-making).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְשָׁרַ֣ץand it will swarmconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁרַץ (H8317)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the threat announcement)→ Weqatal: future/certain - the imminent plague actionשָׁרַץ (H8317) Qal 'to swarm, teem.'
הַיְאֹר֮the Nileart + proper noun · יְאֹר (H2975)Subject of וְשָׁרַץ
צְפַרְדְּעִים֒frogsN f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Adverbial accusative (specifying with what the Nile will swarm)צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854).
וְעָלוּ֙and they will come upconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the sequence)→ Weqatal: future/sequentialעָלָה (H5927) Qal 'to go up, ascend.'
וּבָ֣אוּand they will go intoconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the sequence)→ Weqatal: future/sequentialבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, enter.'
בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָyour houseprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phrase (first destination)בַּיִת (H1004) + 2ms suffix.
וּבַחֲדַ֥רand into the chamber ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · חֶדֶר (H2315)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head, second destination)חֶדֶר (H2315) 'chamber, inner room.'
מִשְׁכָּבְךָ֖your bedroomN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · מִשְׁכָּב (H4904)Genitive (construct chain)מִשְׁכָּב (H4904) 'bed, place of lying.'
וְעַלand onconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (third destination)
מִטָּתֶ֑ךָyour bedN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · מִטָּה (H4296)Object of prepositionמִטָּה (H4296) 'bed, couch' - the frog-invasion reaches into the most private, intimate spaces of the palace.
וּבְבֵ֤יתand into the house ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head, fourth destination)בַּיִת (H1004).
עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙your servantsN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive (construct chain)עֶבֶד (H5650).
וּבְעַמֶּ֔ךָand among your peopleconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Locative prepositional phrase (fifth destination)עַם (H5971) + 2ms suffix - the plague spreads from the palace to the whole populace.
וּבְתַנּוּרֶ֖יךָand into your ovensconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · תַּנּוּר (H8574)Locative prepositional phrase (sixth destination)תַּנּוּר (H8574) 'oven'; the invasion reaches domestic food-preparation itself.
וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽיךָand into your kneading bowlsconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f pl constr + 2ms suffix · מִשְׁאֶרֶת (H4863)Locative prepositional phrase (seventh, final destination)מִשְׁאֶרֶת (H4863) 'kneading-trough, kneading bowl'; completes an escalating list from river to riverbank to bedroom to breadmaking - nowhere in Egyptian domestic life is untouched.
29
וּבְכָ֥ה וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֖ וּבְכָל עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ יַעֲל֖וּ הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִֽים
And they will come up on you, and on your people, and on all your servants — the frogs.
The chapter closes on an unresolved threat rather than a fulfillment notice — the frog-plague's actual onset is narrated only at the start of ch.8, so v.29 functions as a cliffhanger bridging directly into the next plague cycle.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וּבְכָ֥הand on youconj וְ + prep בְּ + 2ms suffix · בְּLocative prepositional phrase (final, climactic destination - Pharaoh himself)בְּ + 2ms suffix; the list of v.28 climaxes on Pharaoh's own person.
וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֖and on your peopleconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Locative prepositional phraseעַם (H5971) + 2ms suffix.
וּבְכָלand on allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)כֹּל (H3605).
עֲבָדֶ֑יךָyour servantsN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · עֶבֶד (H5650)Genitive (construct chain)עֶבֶד (H5650).
יַעֲל֖וּthey will come upQal impf 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, subject postponed for emphasis)→ Yiqtol: future/certain - the climactic, inescapable arrival of the plagueעָלָה (H5927) Qal 3mp.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִֽיםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Subject of יַעֲלוּצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854).