1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל מֹשֶׁה֒ אֱמֹ֣ר אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֗ן נְטֵ֤ה אֶת יָדְךָ֙ בְּמַטֶּ֔ךָ עַל הַ֨נְּהָרֹ֔ת עַל הַיְאֹרִ֖ים וְעַל הָאֲגַמִּ֑ים וְהַ֥עַל אֶת הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron: Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, over the canals, and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.”
A fresh wayyiqtol-chain begins the sign: YHWH instructs Moses to instruct Aaron, a double-relay of command that will recur through the staff-plagues.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) the basic verb of speech; opens a fresh divine-command cycle.
יְהוָה֮YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
מֹשֶׁה֒MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
אֱמֹ֣רsayQal impv 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Imperative (embedded command to Moses)→ Volitional: directive speech-actאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Moses is to relay the command verbatim to Aaron.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
אַהֲרֹ֗ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition (addressee)אַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
נְטֵ֤הstretch outQal impv 2ms · נָטָה (H5186)Imperative (main command, quoted speech)→ Volitional: directive speech-actנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, extend'; the gesture that channels YHWH's power through the staff.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
יָדְךָ֙your handN f/c sg constr + suffix 2ms · יָד (H3027)Direct objectיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the instrument of the sign, extended together with the staff.
בְּמַטֶּ֔ךָwith your staffprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suffix 2ms · מַטֶּה (H4294)Instrumental prepositional phraseמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod, tribe'; Aaron's staff, the recurring plague-instrument.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
הַ֨נְּהָרֹ֔תthe riversart + N m pl abs · נָהָר (H5104)Object of preposition (first of a triad)נָהָר (H5104) 'river, stream'; here of the Nile's branches/tributaries.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
הַיְאֹרִ֖יםthe canalsart + N m pl abs · יְאֹר (H2975)Object of preposition (second of a triad)יְאֹר (H2975), an Egyptian loanword for the Nile/its irrigation canals.
וְעַלand overconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phrase (third of a triad)וְ links the third member; עַל governs 'the pools'.
הָאֲגַמִּ֑יםthe poolsart + N m pl abs · אֲגַם (H98)Object of preposition (third of a triad)אֲגַם (H98) 'pool, marsh, reed-pool'; the standing waters of the Delta.
וְהַ֥עַלand cause to come upconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Imperative (second command, causative)→ Volitional/causative: bring about a new stateעָלָה (H5927) Qal 'go up'; Hiphil 'cause to go up, bring up' -- Aaron causes the frogs to swarm onto land.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Direct objectצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative goal)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
2
וַיֵּ֤ט אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת יָד֔וֹ עַ֖ל מֵימֵ֣י מִצְרָ֑יִם וַתַּ֨עַל֙ הַצְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַ וַתְּכַ֖ס אֶת אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.
Compliance is reported without delay or comment; the piled-up wayyiqtols (stretched / came up / covered) mimic the plague's rapid, total spread.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֵּ֤טand he stretched outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186); Aaron's compliance immediately follows the command of v.1.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
יָד֔וֹhis handN f/c sg constr + suffix 3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct objectיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the visible agent of the miracle.
עַ֖לoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
מֵימֵ֣יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (genitival), head nounמַיִם (H4325) 'water(s)'; construct with Egypt names the Nile system generally.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
וַתַּ֨עַל֙and it came upQal wayyiqtol 3fs · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'go up'; the collective noun 'frog' takes a 3fs verb.
הַצְּפַרְדֵּ֔עַthe frog(s)art + N f sg abs (collective) · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Subjectצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
וַתְּכַ֖סand it coveredconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3fs · כָּסָה (H3680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol; Piel intensive: thorough, blanketing coverageכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover completely'; underscores the plague's totality.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
3
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ כֵ֥ן הַֽחֲרְטֻמִּ֖ים בְּלָטֵיהֶ֑ם וַיַּעֲל֥וּ אֶת הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים עַל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
But the magicians did the same with their secret arts, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.
Formally parallel to v.2 (same verbs, same object), this notice sets up the coming asymmetry: Egypt's magicians can multiply the plague but never remove it.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּand they didQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the magicians replicate rather than counter the sign.
כֵ֥ןthusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial modifier (manner, anaphoric)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; anaphoric adverb confirming that an action matches what was just commanded.
הַֽחֲרְטֻמִּ֖יםthe magiciansart + N m pl abs · חַרְטֹם (H2748)Subjectחַרְטֹם (H2748), an Egyptian loanword for ritual/sacred scribes skilled in secret arts; Pharaoh's court magicians.
בְּלָטֵיהֶ֑םwith their secret artsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + suffix 3mp · לַט (H3909)Instrumental prepositional phraseלַט (H3909) 'secret art, incantation'; occurs only of the magicians' occult techniques in this narrative.
וַיַּעֲל֥וּand they brought upconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol; Hiphil causative: producing a matching resultעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil, matching Aaron's action in v.1 -- a real but limited counter-sign.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Direct objectצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
4
וַיִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֜ה לְמֹשֶׁ֣ה וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַעְתִּ֣ירוּ אֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְיָסֵר֙ הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמֶּ֖נִּי וּמֵֽעַמִּ֑י וַאֲשַׁלְּחָה֙ אֶת הָעָ֔ם וְיִזְבְּח֖וּ לַיהוָֽה
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Plead with the LORD to remove the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.”
Pharaoh, not YHWH, initiates this exchange for the first time in the cycle; his promise ('I will let the people go') is explicitly conditioned on relief, foreshadowing its later reversal.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּקְרָ֨אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; Pharaoh initiates contact for the first time in this cycle.
פַרְעֹ֜הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
לְמֹשֶׁ֣הfor Mosesprep לְ + N proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Indirect object (summoned party)מֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֗ןand for Aaronconj וְ + prep לְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinated indirect objectאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Pharaoh's first direct speech in the chapter.
הַעְתִּ֣ירוּentreatHiphil impv 2mp · עָתַר (H6279)Imperative (main request, quoted speech)→ Volitional: urgent petitionary requestעָתַר (H6279) Hiphil 'to plead, intercede'; Pharaoh asks Moses to pray to remove the plague.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee of prayer)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
וְיָסֵר֙that he may removeconj וְ + Hiphil jussive 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Jussive of purpose/result (subordinate to imperative)→ Volitional/jussive: desired consequence of the entreatyסוּר (H5493) Qal 'turn aside, depart'; Hiphil 'cause to depart, remove'.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֔יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Direct objectצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
מִמֶּ֖נִּיfrom meprep מִן + suffix 1cs · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks Pharaoh personally as the plague's target.
וּמֵֽעַמִּ֑יand from my peopleconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr + suffix 1cs · עַם (H5971)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
וַאֲשַׁלְּחָה֙and I will let goconj וְ + Piel cohortative 1cs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Cohortative apodosis (Pharaoh's promised response)→ Cohortative/volitional: a self-obligating promise, conditioned on reliefשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'send away, release'; the first, still-conditional, offer to let Israel go.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
וְיִזְבְּח֖וּthat they may sacrificeconj וְ + Qal jussive 3mp · זָבַח (H2076)Jussive of purpose (subordinate)→ Volitional/jussive: stated purpose of the releaseזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; the stated goal of the whole exodus request.
לַיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
5
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה לְפַרְעֹה֮ הִתְפָּאֵ֣ר עָלַי֒ לְמָתַ֣י אַעְתִּ֣יר לְךָ֗ וְלַעֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙ וּֽלְעַמְּךָ֔ לְהַכְרִית֙ הַֽצֲפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִמְּךָ֖ וּמִבָּתֶּ֑יךָ רַ֥ק בַּיְאֹ֖ר תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה
Moses said to Pharaoh, “Have the honor of setting the time for me: for when shall I entreat for you, your servants, and your people, that the frogs be cut off from you and your houses and remain only in the Nile?”
Moses lets Pharaoh himself fix the timing, so that the sign's fulfillment cannot be attributed to coincidence -- an evidentiary strategy that recurs across the plagues.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Moses answers Pharaoh's request.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
לְפַרְעֹה֮to Pharaohprep לְ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase (addressee)פַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
הִתְפָּאֵ֣רhave the honor [of setting the time]Hitpael impv 2ms · פָּאַר (H6286)Imperative (ironic honorific, quoted speech)→ Volitional: courteous but pointed challengeפָּאַר (H6286) Hitpael 'glorify oneself, have the honor'; Moses grants Pharaoh the dignity of naming the moment of proof.
עָלַי֒over meprep עַל + suffix 1cs · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (advantage/deference)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
לְמָתַ֣יfor whenprep לְ + interrogative · מָתַי (H4970)Interrogative adverbial (temporal)מָתַי (H4970) 'when?'; an interrogative Moses lets Pharaoh answer.
אַעְתִּ֣ירshall I entreatHiphil impf 1cs · עָתַר (H6279)Predicate verb (embedded question)→ Imperfect: future/deliberative -- awaiting Pharaoh's chosen timeעָתַר (H6279) Hiphil 'plead, intercede', echoing Pharaoh's own request in v.4.
לְךָ֗for youprep לְ + suffix 2ms · לְ (no separate Strong's, suffixed prep)Prepositional phrase (beneficiary)לְ 'for, to'; beneficiary preposition, first of a triad (you / your servants / your people).
וְלַעֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙and for your servantsconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr + suffix 2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated prepositional phrase (beneficiary)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; here of Pharaoh's court officials/subjects, distinct from Israelite slaves.
וּֽלְעַמְּךָ֔and for your peopleconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + suffix 2ms · עַם (H5971)Coordinated prepositional phrase (beneficiary)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
לְהַכְרִית֙to cut offprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · כָּרַת (H3772)Purpose infinitive clause→ Infinitive: purpose/result of the entreatyכָּרַת (H3772) Hiphil 'cut off, destroy, exterminate'; the goal of the prayer -- total removal of frogs.
הַֽצֲפַרְדְּעִ֔יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Direct object of infinitiveצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
מִמְּךָ֖from youprep מִן + suffix 2ms · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source)מִן (H4480) 'from'.
וּמִבָּתֶּ֑יךָand from your housesconj וְ + prep מִן + N m pl constr + suffix 2ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; extends from literal dwellings to royal 'house of Pharaoh'.
רַ֥קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Adverbial restrictive particleרַק (H7535) restrictive particle 'only, surely'; narrows a preceding statement.
בַּיְאֹ֖רin the Nileprep בְּ + N proper · יְאֹר (H2975)Locative prepositional phrase (residual location)יְאֹר (H2975) here as a proper name, 'the Nile', the frogs' point of origin (7:28) and their sole remaining refuge.
תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָהthey shall remainNiphal impf 3fp · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Imperfect: future state resulting from the requested removalשָׁאַר (H7604) Niphal 'be left, remain'; the frogs will survive only in their native habitat.
6
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לְמָחָ֑ר וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ כִּדְבָ֣רְךָ֔ לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּי אֵ֖ין כַּיהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ
And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “It will be as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.”
The purpose clause ('so that you may know') makes explicit what every sign is ultimately for: comparative incomparability, not mere relief.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Pharaoh answers Moses' question.
לְמָחָ֑רtomorrowprep לְ + N m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Predicate adverbial (Pharaoh's answer)מָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; the timing motif that lets Pharaoh himself fix the moment of proof.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Moses accepts the term Pharaoh named.
כִּדְבָ֣רְךָ֔according to your wordprep כְּ + N m sg constr + suffix 2ms · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase of conformityדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; Moses binds the sign to Pharaoh's own chosen timetable.
לְמַ֣עַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunctionלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that, for the sake of'; introduces the theological purpose of the sign.
תֵּדַ֔עyou may knowQal impf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (purpose clause)→ Imperfect: intended, resultant knowledgeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the recognition-formula that runs through the plague narratives.
כִּיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (object clause)כִּי (H3588) multivalent conjunction 'that, for, because, when'; sense determined by context.
אֵ֖יןthere is no onenegative existential · אַיִן (H369)Predicate negator (existential clause)אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; negates existence/comparison, forming 'there is none like...'.
כַּיהוָ֥הlike YHWHprep כְּ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (comparison)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּour GodN m pl constr + suffix 1cp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to YHWHאֱלֹהִים (H430) plural of majesty with 1cp suffix; the confession's climax -- YHWH's incomparability.
7
וְסָר֣וּ הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֗ים מִמְּךָ֙ וּמִבָּ֣תֶּ֔יךָ וּמֵעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ וּמֵעַמֶּ֑ךָ רַ֥ק בַּיְאֹ֖ר תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָה
The frogs shall depart from you and your houses, from your servants and your people; they shall remain only in the Nile.
A weqatal chain restates v.5's petition as settled fact, moving from request to assured prophetic promise.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְסָר֣וּand they shall departconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · סוּר (H5493)Weqatal continuing the result clause (quoted speech)→ Weqatal: assured future consequenceסוּר (H5493) 'turn aside, depart'; the promised effect of tomorrow's prayer.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֗יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Subjectצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
מִמְּךָ֙from youprep מִן + suffix 2ms · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source)מִן (H4480) 'from'.
וּמִבָּ֣תֶּ֔יךָand from your housesconj וְ + prep מִן + N m pl constr + suffix 2ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; extends from literal dwellings to royal 'house of Pharaoh'.
וּמֵעֲבָדֶ֖יךָand from your servantsconj וְ + prep מִן + N m pl constr + suffix 2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; here of Pharaoh's court officials/subjects, distinct from Israelite slaves.
וּמֵעַמֶּ֑ךָand from your peopleconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr + suffix 2ms · עַם (H5971)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
רַ֥קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Adverbial restrictive particleרַק (H7535) restrictive particle 'only, surely'; narrows a preceding statement.
בַּיְאֹ֖רin the Nileprep בְּ + N proper · יְאֹר (H2975)Locative prepositional phrase (residual location)יְאֹר (H2975) 'the Nile'; frogs return to their native river.
תִּשָּׁאַֽרְנָהthey shall remainNiphal impf 3fp · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb→ Imperfect: assured future stateשָׁאַר (H7604) Niphal 'be left, remain', repeating v.5's promise verbatim as Moses' own words.
8
וַיֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן מֵעִ֣ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה וַיִּצְעַ֤ק מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל יְהוָ֔ה עַל דְּבַ֥ר הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים אֲשֶׁר שָׂ֥ם לְפַרְעֹֽה
Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried out to the LORD concerning the frogs he had brought upon Pharaoh.
צָעַק ('cried out') is stronger than the עתר of vv.4-6, and the relative clause ('which he had placed') quietly credits YHWH, not Pharaoh's magicians, as the plague's true author.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֵּצֵ֥אand he went outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'go out, exit'; Moses and Aaron leave the royal audience.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
וְאַהֲרֹ֖ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinated subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
מֵעִ֣םfrom withprep מִן + prep עִם · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (source, compound)עִם (H5973) 'with'; compounded with מִן, 'away from the presence of'.
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
וַיִּצְעַ֤קand he cried outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · צָעַק (H6817)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; urgent, vocal appealצָעַק (H6817) 'cry out, plead urgently'; stronger than עתר, marking Moses' earnestness on Pharaoh's behalf.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (topic)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
דְּבַ֥רthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Construct chain (genitival), head nounדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, affair'; here the frog affliction as a topic of prayer.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (introduces relative clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) invariant relativizer 'which, that, who'.
שָׂ֥םhe had placedQal perf 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed prior act (pluperfect nuance)שִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, impose'; YHWH himself is the ultimate agent behind the plague.
לְפַרְעֹֽהupon Pharaohprep לְ + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase (goal/target)פַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
9
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ יְהוָ֖ה כִּדְבַ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיָּמֻ֨תוּ֙ הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֔ים מִן הַבָּתִּ֥ים מִן הַחֲצֵרֹ֖ת וּמִן הַשָּׂדֹֽת
And the LORD did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields.
'According to the word of Moses' (not 'of YHWH') stresses that the removal answers the prophet's own petition precisely.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂand he didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; YHWH answers Moses' cry exactly as requested.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
כִּדְבַ֣רaccording to the word ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase of conformityדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; underscores that the removal precisely matches Moses' prayer, not an independent divine whim.
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Genitive (possessor in prep. phrase)מֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
וַיָּמֻ֨תוּ֙and they diedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the frogs perish rather than simply vanish -- a visible, verifiable proof.
הַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֔יםthe frogsart + N f pl abs · צְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854)Subjectצְפַרְדֵּעַ (H6854) 'frog'; used here as a collective singular/plural for the frog-plague.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, first of three)מִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַבָּתִּ֥יםthe housesart + N m pl abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; extends from literal dwellings to royal 'house of Pharaoh'.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (source, second of three)מִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַחֲצֵרֹ֖תthe courtyardsart + N (c) pl abs · חָצֵר (H2691)Object of prepositionחָצֵר (H2691) 'court, courtyard, settlement'; the open enclosures around houses.
וּמִןand fromconj וְ + prep · מִן (H4480)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source, third of three)מִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַשָּׂדֹֽתthe fieldsart + N m pl abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Object of prepositionשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; completes a merism -- houses, yards, fields -- 'everywhere'.
10
וַיִּצְבְּר֥וּ אֹתָ֖ם חֳמָרִ֣ם חֳמָרִ֑ם וַתִּבְאַ֖שׁ הָאָֽרֶץ
And they gathered them together in heaps, heap upon heap, and the land stank.
The doubled noun ('heaps, heaps') and the closing sensory verb ('stank') linger on the plague's cost even in its resolution, undercutting any triumphalism.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיִּצְבְּר֥וּand they heaped upconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · צָבַר (H6651)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָבַר (H6651) 'to heap up, pile'; the Egyptians dispose of the carcasses in mounds.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + suffix 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct objectאֵת (H853) with pronominal suffix, resuming 'the frogs' as object.
חֳמָרִ֣םheapsN m pl abs · חֹמֶר (H2563)Adverbial accusative (distributive, first)חֹמֶר (H2563) 'heap, mound' (distinct from the homonym 'clay/homer-measure'); repeated for distributive force.
חֳמָרִ֑םupon heapsN m pl abs · חֹמֶר (H2563)Adverbial accusative (distributive, repeated)חֹמֶר (H2563) repeated immediately -- idiomatic distributive 'heap upon heap', i.e. everywhere.
וַתִּבְאַ֖שׁand it stankconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · בָּאַשׁ (H887)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּאַשׁ (H887) 'to stink, become foul'; the sensory climax of the plague's grim aftermath.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subjectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
11
וַיַּ֣רְא פַּרְעֹ֗ה כִּ֤י הָֽיְתָה֙ הָֽרְוָחָ֔ה וְהַכְבֵּד֙ אֶת לִבּ֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה
But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
The closing formula ('just as YHWH had spoken') recurs at the end of each round, framing Pharaoh's free choice as itself the fulfillment of prior divine word (cf. 7:13; 7:22).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּ֣רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive'; Pharaoh's perception, not conviction, drives his response.
פַּרְעֹ֗הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
כִּ֤יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (object clause)כִּי (H3588) multivalent conjunction 'that, for, because, when'; sense determined by context.
הָֽיְתָה֙there wasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a completed state now obtainingהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; states the fact of relief that triggers the hardening.
הָֽרְוָחָ֔הthe reliefart + N f sg abs · רְוָחָה (H7309)Subject of subordinate clauseרְוָחָה (H7309) 'relief, respite, breathing space'; a hapax-adjacent noun marking the crisis's temporary lifting.
וְהַכְבֵּד֙and he hardenedconj וְ + Hiphil inf abs (narrative use) · כָּבֵד (H3513)Predicate verb continuing narrative (main clause)→ Hiphil causative: a deliberate self-hardening, not mere obstinacy imposed from outsideכָּבֵד (H3513) Qal 'be heavy'; Hiphil 'make heavy/hard' -- Pharaoh's own decisive act, echoed structurally at each plague's end.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
לִבּ֔וֹhis heartN m sg constr + suffix 3ms · לֵב (H3820)Direct objectלֵב (H3820) 'heart', seat of will and decision in Hebrew anthropology; its 'hardening' signals entrenched resistance.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negator · לֹא (H3808)Negated coordinated clauseוְ (H1) conjunctive 'and' + לֹא (H3808) 'not' -- the recurring 'and he did not listen' formula of Pharaoh's hardening.
שָׁמַ֖עhe listenedQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Perfective: a decisive refusalשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; here negated -- Pharaoh refuses to heed Moses/Aaron.
אֲלֵהֶ֑םto themprep אֶל + suffix 3mp · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating phraseכַּאֲשֶׁר (prep כְּ + Tr H834) 'just as, according as'; introduces the recurring notice that events match YHWH's prior word.
דִּבֶּ֥רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֵּר (H1696)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a prior, now-fulfilled utteranceדִּבֶּר (H1696), Piel of דבר 'to speak'; the standing formula 'as YHWH had spoken' closes each hardening notice.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
12
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל מֹשֶׁה֒ אֱמֹר֙ אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֔ן נְטֵ֣ה אֶֽת מַטְּךָ֔ וְהַ֖ךְ אֶת עֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֑רֶץ וְהָיָ֥ה לְכִנִּ֖ם בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron: Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the land/earth, so that it may become gnats throughout all the land of Egypt.”
Unlike the two prior signs, no advance warning is given to Pharaoh at all -- the plague simply falls, marking an escalation in both suddenness and severity.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); a new divine-command cycle opens, unannounced by prior warning to Pharaoh.
יְהוָה֮YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
מֹשֶׁה֒MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
אֱמֹר֙sayQal impv 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Imperative (embedded command)→ Volitional: directive speech-actאָמַר (H559) 'to say'.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of prepositionאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
נְטֵ֣הstretch outQal impv 2ms · נָטָה (H5186)Imperative (main command, quoted speech)→ Volitional: directive speech-actנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out'.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
מַטְּךָ֔your staffN m sg constr + suffix 2ms · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct objectמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff'; unlike v.1, no waters are named -- the target is now the ground itself.
וְהַ֖ךְand strikeconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · נָכָה (H5221)Imperative (second command)→ Volitional: directive speech-actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; more forceful and abrupt than 'stretch out' -- no warning is given Pharaoh.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
עֲפַ֣רthe dust ofN m sg constr · עָפָר (H6083)Construct chain (genitival), head nounעָפָר (H6083) 'dust, dry earth'; the raw material from which the gnats emerge -- creation itself turned against Egypt.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
וְהָיָ֥הand it will becomeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal continuing the command sequence (result)→ Weqatal: assured consequence following the imperativeהָיָה (H1961) 'to become'; the transformation of dust into insects.
לְכִנִּ֖םinto gnatsprep לְ + N m pl abs · כֵּן (H3654)Predicate complement (result)כֵּן/כִּנָּם (H3654) 'gnat, louse, mosquito'; species uncertain, but tiny biting insects arising from the very dust.
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; universal scope of the plague.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
13
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ כֵ֗ן וַיֵּט֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת יָד֤וֹ בְמַטֵּ֨הוּ֙ וַיַּךְ֙ אֶת עֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ וַתְּהִי֙ הַכִּנָּ֔ם בָּאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה כָּל עֲפַ֥ר הָאָ֛רֶץ הָיָ֥ה כִנִּ֖ים בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
And they did so: Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast; all the dust of the earth became gnats throughout all the land of Egypt.
A summary notice ('and they did so') is immediately unpacked in resumptive detail, then restated a third time ('all the dust... became gnats') for emphasis -- a triple repetition matching the plague's totality.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּand they did soQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; Moses and Aaron's compliance is summarized before being detailed.
כֵ֗ןthusadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial modifier (manner, anaphoric)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; anaphoric adverb confirming that an action matches what was just commanded.
וַיֵּט֩and he stretched outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, resumptive detail)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186); the summary is now unpacked in detail.
אַהֲרֹ֨ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
יָד֤וֹhis handN f/c sg constr + suffix 3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct objectיָד (H3027) 'hand'.
בְמַטֵּ֨הוּ֙with his staffprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suffix 3ms · מַטֶּה (H4294)Instrumental prepositional phraseמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff'; Aaron's last act with the rod in this cycle of signs.
וַיַּךְ֙and he struckconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
עֲפַ֣רthe dust ofN m sg constr · עָפָר (H6083)Construct chain (genitival), head nounעָפָר (H6083) 'dust'.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
וַתְּהִי֙and there wasconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; marks the instantaneous transformation.
הַכִּנָּ֔םthe gnatsart + N m sg abs (collective) · כֵּן (H3654)Subjectכִּנָּם (H3654) collective singular with article; the swarming mass of insects.
בָּאָדָ֖םon manprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Locative prepositional phraseאָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind'; unlike frogs, this plague directly afflicts bodies.
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑הand on beastconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseבְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, animal, livestock'; the plague spares nothing living.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), head noun (casus pendens subject)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; resumed by 'became gnats' -- an emphatic restatement.
עֲפַ֥רthe dust ofN m sg constr · עָפָר (H6083)Construct chain (genitival), continuedעָפָר (H6083) 'dust'.
הָאָ֛רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
הָיָ֥הbecameQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, resumptive)→ Perfective: a completed, universal transformationהָיָה (H1961) 'to become'; perfect here summarizes the totality already narrated.
כִנִּ֖יםgnatsN m pl abs · כֵּן (H3654)Predicate complementכִּנִּים (H3654) plural 'gnats/lice'.
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
14
וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כֵ֨ן הַחַרְטֻמִּ֧ים בְּלָטֵיהֶ֛ם לְהוֹצִ֥יא אֶת הַכִּנִּ֖ים וְלֹ֣א יָכֹ֑לוּ וַתְּהִי֙ הַכִּנָּ֔ם בָּאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָֽה
The magicians tried by their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not; so there were gnats on man and beast.
The very verbs that succeeded in v.3 (עשה כן, בלטיהם) now end in explicit failure ('they were not able'), marking the narrative's first limit on Egyptian counter-magic.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּעֲשׂוּand they didQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the magicians attempt to repeat their earlier success.
כֵ֨ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial modifier (manner, anaphoric)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; anaphoric adverb confirming that an action matches what was just commanded.
הַחַרְטֻמִּ֧יםthe magiciansart + N m pl abs · חַרְטֹם (H2748)Subjectחַרְטֹם (H2748) court magicians/scribes; this time they fail decisively.
בְּלָטֵיהֶ֛םwith their secret artsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + suffix 3mp · לַט (H3909)Instrumental prepositional phraseלַט (H3909) 'secret art'; the very means that succeeded with frogs now proves impotent.
לְהוֹצִ֥יאto bring forthprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · יָצָא (H3318)Purpose infinitive clause→ Infinitive: attempted purpose, ultimately thwartedיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'bring out, produce'; the magicians try to replicate creation of gnats from dust.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַכִּנִּ֖יםthe gnatsart + N m pl abs · כֵּן (H3654)Direct object of infinitiveכִּנִּים (H3654) 'gnats/lice'.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + negator · לֹא (H3808)Negated coordinated clauseוְ (H1) conjunctive 'and' + לֹא (H3808) 'not' -- the recurring 'and he did not listen' formula of Pharaoh's hardening.
יָכֹ֑לוּthey were ableQal perf 3cp · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Perfective: a decisive, admitted failureיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; the narrative's blunt verdict on the magicians' limits.
וַתְּהִי֙and there wasconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the plague simply continues unabated.
הַכִּנָּ֔םthe gnatsart + N m sg abs (collective) · כֵּן (H3654)Subjectכִּנָּם (H3654) collective.
בָּאָדָ֖םon manprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Locative prepositional phraseאָדָם (H120) 'man'.
וּבַבְּהֵמָֽהand on beastconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseבְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast'; repeats v.13's merism to stress the plague's persistence.
15
וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה אֶצְבַּ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים הִ֑וא וַיֶּחֱזַ֤ק לֵב פַּרְעֹה֙ וְלֹֽא שָׁמַ֣ע אֲלֵהֶ֔ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה
Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
The magicians' own concession ('finger of God') is the strongest possible testimony against Pharaoh, yet even this cannot move him -- the heart 'hardens itself' (חזק, intransitive), stressing the resistance's now-internal, self-propelling character.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמְר֤וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); the magicians break their silence to concede defeat.
הַֽחַרְטֻמִּים֙the magiciansart + N m pl abs · חַרְטֹם (H2748)Subjectחַרְטֹם (H2748) court magicians; for the first time they speak, admitting a limit to their arts.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
אֶצְבַּ֥עthe finger ofN f sg constr · אֶצְבַּע (H676)Construct chain (genitival), head noun; predicate nominativeאֶצְבַּע (H676) 'finger'; an anthropomorphic idiom for direct, minimal divine exertion -- contrasted with YHWH's 'hand' or 'arm' elsewhere.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveאֱלֹהִים (H430), the generic word for deity; here of both YHWH ('our God') and pagan gods contextually implied.
הִ֑ואthis (is)independent pronoun 3fs (copula) · הִיא (H1931)Predicate copula (agrees with fem. 'finger')הִיא (H1931), the 3fs pronoun functioning as a copula linking subject and predicate nominative, agreeing with feminine אֶצְבַּע.
וַיֶּחֱזַ֤קand it grew hardconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָזַק (H2388)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָזַק (H2388) Qal 'be/grow strong, hard'; a second hardening-verb alongside כבד, marking the heart's entrenchment even against the magicians' own testimony.
לֵבthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Construct chain (genitival), head noun; subjectלֵב (H3820) 'heart'; here subject of an intransitive verb -- the heart hardens 'on its own', a stronger idiom than Pharaoh actively hardening it.
פַּרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negator · לֹא (H3808)Negated coordinated clauseוְ (H1) conjunctive 'and' + לֹא (H3808) 'not' -- the recurring 'and he did not listen' formula of Pharaoh's hardening.
שָׁמַ֣עhe listenedQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Perfective: a decisive refusal, despite the magicians' own confessionשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; here negated -- Pharaoh refuses to heed Moses/Aaron.
אֲלֵהֶ֔םto themprep אֶל + suffix 3mp · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating phraseכַּאֲשֶׁר (prep כְּ + Tr H834) 'just as, according as'; introduces the recurring notice that events match YHWH's prior word.
דִּבֶּ֥רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֵּר (H1696)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a prior, now-fulfilled utteranceדִּבֶּר (H1696), Piel of דבר 'to speak'; the standing formula 'as YHWH had spoken' closes each hardening notice.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
16
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה הַשְׁכֵּ֤ם בַּבֹּ֨קֶר֙ וְהִתְיַצֵּב֙ לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה הִנֵּ֖ה יוֹצֵ֣א הַמָּ֑יְמָה וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֗יו כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה שַׁלַּ֥ח עַמִּ֖י וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִי
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he goes out to the water, and say to him: Thus says the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
The confrontation now moves outdoors and public, timed to intercept Pharaoh's own morning routine at the river -- possibly a ritual observance the LORD deliberately interrupts.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); a third, unannounced-to-Pharaoh plague cycle begins with public confrontation.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
הַשְׁכֵּ֤םrise earlyHiphil impv 2ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Imperative (main command, quoted speech)→ Volitional: directive, urgent immediacyשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early, do promptly'; often paired with a verb of motion as a fixed idiom of urgency.
בַּבֹּ֨קֶר֙in the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; sets the public, daylight scene of confrontation at the river.
וְהִתְיַצֵּב֙and station yourselfconj וְ + Hitpael impv 2ms · יָצַב (H3320)Imperative (coordinated command)→ Volitional: directive, deliberate positioningיָצַב (H3320) Hitpael 'take one's stand, present oneself'; Moses is to intercept Pharaoh, not summon him.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי + constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; in construct with לְ forms 'before, in the presence of'.
פַרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
הִנֵּ֖הbeholdinterjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse deictic particle (vivid presentation)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws attention to Pharaoh's habitual movement, the setting for the confrontation.
יוֹצֵ֣אhe is going outQal ptc ms abs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate participle (circumstantial, vivid present)→ Participle: ongoing, characteristic actionיָצָא (H3318) 'go out'; participle marks Pharaoh's customary morning routine, perhaps a ritual bathing/Nile-worship visit.
הַמָּ֑יְמָהto the waterart + N m pl abs + directional he · מַיִם (H4325)Locative adverbial (goal, directional he)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the directional suffix ־ָה marks motion toward the Nile.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֣and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal continuing the command sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction following the imperativesאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the message Moses must deliver.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + suffix 3ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
כֹּ֚הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Quotative adverbial (introduces direct speech formula)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; the standard messenger-formula opener.
אָמַ֣רhas saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (messenger formula)→ Perfective: the prophetic 'messenger perfect' -- treated as already spoken with full authorityאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the classic prophetic messenger formula, 'Thus says YHWH'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
שַׁלַּ֥חlet goPiel impv 2ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Imperative (core demand, quoted speech)→ Volitional: the standing, non-negotiable divine demandשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, send away, let go'; the verb of the entire release-formula ('let my people go').
עַמִּ֖יmy peopleN m sg constr + suffix 1cs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
וְיַֽעַבְדֻֽנִיthat they may serve meconj וְ + Qal impf(jussive) 3mp + suffix 1cs · עָבַד (H5647)Purpose clause (jussive/result)עָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, worship'; the release's ultimate goal -- covenantal service/worship of YHWH, not mere sacrifice.
17
כִּ֣י אִם אֵינְךָ֮ מְשַׁלֵּ֣חַ אֶת עַמִּי֒ הִנְנִי֩ מַשְׁלִ֨יחַ בְּךָ֜ וּבַעֲבָדֶ֧יךָ וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֛ וּבְבָתֶּ֖יךָ אֶת הֶעָרֹ֑ב וּמָ֨לְא֜וּ בָּתֵּ֤י מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ אֶת הֶ֣עָרֹ֔ב וְגַ֥ם הָאֲדָמָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר הֵ֥ם עָלֶֽיהָ
For if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, your people and your houses; the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand.
A tightly built protasis/apodosis pair, punctuated by the ironic wordplay of מְשַׁלֵּחַ / מַשְׁלִיחַ (Pharaoh not 'sending' Israel away, so YHWH will 'send' the swarm upon him).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (introduces conditional protasis)כִּי (H3588) multivalent conjunction 'that, for, because, when'; sense determined by context.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (with כִּי, 'but if')אִם (H518) 'if'; כִּי אִם together mark a strong conditional, 'but if/for if'.
אֵינְךָ֮you are notnegative existential + suffix 2ms · אַיִן (H369)Predicate negator (protasis)אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; with pronominal suffix, negates the participle that follows ('you are not sending').
מְשַׁלֵּ֣חַsending awayPiel ptc ms abs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate participle (protasis, present/future nuance)→ Participle: an ongoing refusal projected into the near futureשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, send away, let go'; the verb of the entire release-formula ('let my people go').
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
עַמִּי֒my peopleN m sg constr + suffix 1cs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
הִנְנִי֩behold, Iinterjection + suffix 1cs · הִנְנִי (H2005)Discourse deictic particle (introduces apodosis)הִנְנִי, from הֵן/הִנֵּה (H2005) + 1cs suffix, 'behold me'; introduces YHWH's imminent, decisive action.
מַשְׁלִ֨יחַsendingHiphil ptc ms abs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate participle (apodosis, imminent future)→ Participle: about to occur, vivid immediacyשָׁלַח (H7971) Hiphil 'send, let loose'; ironic wordplay -- if Pharaoh will not 'send away' Israel, YHWH will 'send' swarms.
בְּךָ֜against youprep בְּ + suffix 2ms · בְּ (no separate Strong's, suffixed prep)Prepositional phrase (target, first of four)בְּ 'against, upon'; hostile sense with a verb of sending.
וּבַעֲבָדֶ֧יךָand against your servantsconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m pl constr + suffix 2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated prepositional phrase (target)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; here of Pharaoh's court officials/subjects, distinct from Israelite slaves.
וּֽבְעַמְּךָ֛and against your peopleconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr + suffix 2ms · עַם (H5971)Coordinated prepositional phrase (target)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
וּבְבָתֶּ֖יךָand against your housesconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m pl constr + suffix 2ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinated prepositional phrase (target)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; extends from literal dwellings to royal 'house of Pharaoh'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הֶעָרֹ֑בthe swarm(s)art + N m sg abs · עָרֹב (H6157)Direct objectעָרֹב (H6157), from a root meaning 'mixture/swarm'; traditionally 'swarms of flies', though the precise referent (biting flies, a mixed horde of insects) is debated.
וּמָ֨לְא֜וּand they shall fillconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · מָלֵא (H4390)Weqatal continuing the apodosis (result)→ Weqatal: assured consequenceמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full, fill'; the swarm's totalizing spread through every house.
בָּתֵּ֤יthe houses ofN m pl constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (genitival), head nounבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; extends from literal dwellings to royal 'house of Pharaoh'.
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙EgyptN proper (gentilic) · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4713 gentilic use), 'Egypt/Egyptians', referring to the land's inhabitants collectively.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הֶ֣עָרֹ֔בthe swarm(s)art + N m sg abs · עָרֹב (H6157)Direct objectעָרֹב (H6157) repeated for emphasis.
וְגַ֥םand alsoconj וְ + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbial (extends scope)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; extends the swarm from houses to open ground.
הָאֲדָמָ֖הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Subject (of implied 'shall be full')אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil, arable land'; distinct from אֶרֶץ, emphasizing the tillable earth Egypt depends on.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronounאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, on which'.
הֵ֥םtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (relative clause)הֵם (H1992) 3mp independent pronoun, resuming 'the Egyptians'.
עָלֶֽיהָare upon itprep עַל + suffix 3fs · עַל (H5921)Predicate prepositional phrase (relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; states simply that Egyptians stand/live on that very ground.
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וְהִפְלֵיתִי֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַה֜וּא אֶת אֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֗שֶׁן אֲשֶׁ֤ר עַמִּי֙ עֹמֵ֣ד עָלֶ֔יהָ לְבִלְתִּ֥י הֱיֽוֹת שָׁ֖ם עָרֹ֑ב לְמַ֣עַן תֵּדַ֔ע כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה בְּקֶ֥רֶב הָאָֽרֶץ
But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms shall be there, that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.
This is the first explicit geographic differentiation between Israel and Egypt in the plague narrative, escalating the 'know that I am the LORD' formula to a spatial, verifiable claim of presence 'in the midst of the earth'.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְהִפְלֵיתִי֩and I will set apartconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · פָּלָה (H6395)Weqatal continuing YHWH's speech (main clause)→ Weqatal: a decisive future act of differentiationפָּלָה (H6395) Hiphil 'set apart, distinguish, treat differently'; introduces the theologically pivotal Goshen exemption, unprecedented so far in the cycle.
בַיּ֨וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַה֜וּאthatart + demonstrative 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifier (temporal phrase)הוּא (H1931) with article, 'that (day)'; points to the very day of the swarm's arrival.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
גֹּ֗שֶׁןGoshenN proper · גֹּשֶׁן (H1657)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveגֹּשֶׁן (H1657), the Nile Delta region settled by Jacob's family (Gen 47); named here for the first time as spared territory.
אֲשֶׁ֤רin whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (locative)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'in which, where'.
עַמִּי֙my peopleN m sg constr + suffix 1cs · עַם (H5971)Subject (relative clause)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
עֹמֵ֣דis standing/dwellingQal ptc ms abs · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate participle (relative clause)→ Participle: an ongoing, settled conditionעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; here of settled dwelling/residence, not mere posture.
עָלֶ֔יהָupon itprep עַל + suffix 3fs · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (locative)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon, over, concerning'; a highly polysemous preposition whose sense shifts with context.
לְבִלְתִּ֥יso that notprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose conjunctionבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, so as not to'; negates the following infinitive, expressing purpose.
הֱיֽוֹתthere beingQal inf constr · הָיָה (H1961)Infinitive (negative purpose clause)→ Infinitive: purpose -- the intended non-occurrenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; with בלתי, 'so that there will not be'.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbialשָׁם (H8033) 'there', resuming Goshen.
עָרֹ֑בswarm(s)N m sg abs (indef.) · עָרֹב (H6157)Subject of infinitival clauseעָרֹב (H6157) indefinite here -- 'no swarms at all', total exemption of Goshen.
לְמַ֣עַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunctionלְמַעַן (H4616) 'in order that'.
תֵּדַ֔עyou may knowQal impf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (purpose clause)→ Imperfect: intended resultant knowledgeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the recognition-formula recurs, now tied to a specific proof -- geographic differentiation.
כִּ֛יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (object clause)כִּי (H3588) multivalent conjunction 'that, for, because, when'; sense determined by context.
אֲנִ֥יIindependent pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic, self-identification formula)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; the emphatic self-declaration formula characteristic of YHWH's self-revelation.
יְהוָ֖הam YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominativeיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
בְּקֶ֥רֶבin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, interior'; claims YHWH's active presence within Egypt itself, not merely over Israel.
הָאָֽרֶץthe land/earthart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
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וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י פְדֻ֔ת בֵּ֥ין עַמִּ֖י וּבֵ֣ין עַמֶּ֑ךָ לְמָחָ֥ר יִהְיֶ֖ה הָאֹ֥ת הַזֶּֽה
And I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.
Unlike the frog-plague, where Pharaoh chose the timing, YHWH now fixes it unilaterally -- the initiative has shifted decisively to the divine side.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְשַׂמְתִּ֣יand I will putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · שִׂים (H7760)Weqatal continuing YHWH's speech (main clause)→ Weqatal: a decisive future actשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; YHWH personally institutes the boundary between the two peoples.
פְדֻ֔תa divisionN f sg abs · פְּדוּת (H6304)Direct objectפְּדוּת (H6304), related to פדה 'redeem'; here 'a distinction, a redemptive separation' marking Israel off from Egypt's judgment.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (relational)בֵּין (H996) 'between'.
עַמִּ֖יmy peopleN m sg constr + suffix 1cs · עַם (H5971)Object of prepositionעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinated prepositional phraseבֵּין (H996) 'and between', repeated per Hebrew idiom for 'between X and Y'.
עַמֶּ֑ךָyour peopleN m sg constr + suffix 2ms · עַם (H5971)Object of prepositionעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
לְמָחָ֥רtomorrowprep לְ + N m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Temporal adverbialמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; the timing motif that lets Pharaoh himself fix the moment of proof.
יִהְיֶ֖הwill be/happenQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Imperfect: a fixed, imminent future eventהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the sign's timing is now fixed by YHWH himself, unlike the frogs where Pharaoh chose the moment.
הָאֹ֥תthe signart + N (c) sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Subjectאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the Goshen-exemption itself becomes evidentiary proof of YHWH's identity and power.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative ms · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierזֶה (H2088) 'this'; points forward to the swarm's imminent, differentiated arrival.
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וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כֵּ֔ן וַיָּבֹא֙ עָרֹ֣ב כָּבֵ֔ד בֵּ֥יתָה פַרְעֹ֖ה וּבֵ֣ית עֲבָדָ֑יו וּבְכָל אֶ֧רֶץ מִצְרַ֛יִם תִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ מִפְּנֵ֥י הֶעָרֹֽב
And the LORD did so: dense swarms came into the house of Pharaoh and his servants' houses, and throughout all the land of Egypt the land was ruined because of the swarms.
שחת ('ruined') is stronger than any verb used of the first two plagues, and מפני הערב ('because of the swarm') closes the verse by naming the cause bluntly.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand he didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; YHWH fulfills his word exactly as spoken.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
כֵּ֔ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial modifier (manner, anaphoric)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; anaphoric adverb confirming that an action matches what was just commanded.
וַיָּבֹא֙and it cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the swarm arrives as promised.
עָרֹ֣בa swarmN m sg abs (indef.) · עָרֹב (H6157)Subjectעָרֹב (H6157), indefinite -- 'a heavy swarm', emphasizing its overwhelming density.
כָּבֵ֔דheavyadj m sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3515)Attributive adjective (modifies 'swarm')כָּבֵד (H3515) 'heavy, severe, grievous'; the same root that names Pharaoh's 'hardened' heart, ironically now describing the plague's weight.
בֵּ֥יתָהinto the house ofN m sg constr + directional he · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative adverbial (goal, directional he), construct headבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; directional suffix marks motion into the palace itself.
פַרְעֹ֖הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
וּבֵ֣יתand the house ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinated construct chain, head nounבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; extends from literal dwellings to royal 'house of Pharaoh'.
עֲבָדָ֑יוhis servantsN m pl constr + suffix 3ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; here of Pharaoh's court officials/subjects, distinct from Israelite slaves.
וּבְכָלand in allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
אֶ֧רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival), head nounאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִצְרַ֛יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4714), 'Egypt', a dual-form toponym (Upper + Lower Egypt); here the object and victim of the plague.
תִּשָּׁחֵ֥תwas ruinedNiphal impf(preterite) 3fs · שָׁחַת (H7843)Predicate verb (main clause, passive/result)→ Niphal: passive devastation, the land as suffering objectשָׁחַת (H7843) Niphal 'be ruined, corrupted, destroyed'; a stronger verb than earlier plagues -- the land itself is despoiled.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subjectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth, territory'; tracks the geographic scope of each plague.
מִפְּנֵ֥יbecause ofprep · מִפְּנֵי (H6440)Causal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face', with מִן forms 'because of, from before'.
הֶעָרֹֽבthe swarmart + N m sg abs · עָרֹב (H6157)Object of prepositionעָרֹב (H6157) 'swarm'.
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וַיִּקְרָ֣א פַרְעֹ֔ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֑ן וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לְכ֛וּ זִבְח֥וּ לֵֽאלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם בָּאָֽרֶץ
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.”
Pharaoh grants the verb Israel wants (זבח, 'sacrifice') while quietly denying the noun-phrase that matters (leaving Egypt), setting up Moses' religious objection.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣אand he calledQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; Pharaoh again initiates negotiation under pressure.
פַרְעֹ֔הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
וּֽלְאַהֲרֹ֑ןand to Aaronconj וְ + prep + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinated object of prepositionאַהֲרֹן (H175) 'Aaron', Moses' brother; his hand and staff perform the first three signs (blood, frogs, gnats).
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Pharaoh's first explicit concession-offer of the chapter.
לְכ֛וּgoQal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Imperative (concessive permission, quoted speech)→ Volitional: grudging permissionהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; Pharaoh grants movement but tries to restrict its scope (see 'within the land').
זִבְח֥וּsacrificeQal impv 2mp · זָבַח (H2076)Imperative (concessive permission)→ Volitional: grudging permissionזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; the cultic act Israel seeks permission to perform.
לֵֽאלֹהֵיכֶ֖םto your Godprep לְ + N m pl constr + suffix 2mp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)אֱלֹהִים (H430), the generic word for deity; here of both YHWH ('our God') and pagan gods contextually implied.
בָּאָֽרֶץwithin the landprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (restrictive)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; Pharaoh's key restriction -- sacrifice permitted, but not departure from Egypt.
22
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה לֹ֤א נָכוֹן֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן כִּ֚י תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת מִצְרַ֔יִם נִזְבַּ֖ח לַיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ הֵ֣ן נִזְבַּ֞ח אֶת תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְלֹ֥א יִסְקְלֻֽנוּ
But Moses said, “It is not right to do so, for we would be sacrificing to the LORD our God what is an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice before their eyes what is an abomination to the Egyptians, will they not stone us?”
Moses reframes Pharaoh's proposal as physically dangerous to Egyptians and Israelites alike, using a rhetorical question whose expected answer ('yes, they will stone us') needs no verbal reply.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Moses rejects the compromise on religious grounds.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
לֹ֤אnotnegator · לֹא (H3808)Negated predicate adjectiveלֹא (H3808) the ordinary clause-negator 'not'.
נָכוֹן֙rightNiphal ptc ms abs (adjectival) · כּוּן (H3559)Predicate participle (impersonal, 'it is not right')→ Participle: a stative evaluation, not an eventכּוּן (H3559) Niphal 'be established, fitting, proper'; here an impersonal predicate, 'it is not fitting/correct'.
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Infinitive (subject of impersonal predicate)→ Infinitive: the (rejected) proposed actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the infinitive functions as the logical subject of 'it is not right'.
כֵּ֔ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial modifier (manner, anaphoric)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; anaphoric adverb confirming that an action matches what was just commanded.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (causal)כִּי (H3588) multivalent conjunction 'that, for, because, when'; sense determined by context.
תּוֹעֲבַ֣תthe abomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Construct chain (genitival), head nounתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination, detestable thing'; Israel's sacrificial animals (bulls, rams) were sacred to Egyptian cults.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper (gentilic) · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4713 gentilic use), 'Egypt/Egyptians', referring to the land's inhabitants collectively.
נִזְבַּ֖חwe would sacrificeQal impf 1cp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Imperfect: hypothetical/habitual future actionזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; the cultic act Israel seeks permission to perform.
לַיהוָ֣הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּour GodN m pl constr + suffix 1cp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to YHWHאֱלֹהִים (H430), the generic word for deity; here of both YHWH ('our God') and pagan gods contextually implied.
הֵ֣ןbeholdinterjection · הֵן (H2005)Discourse particle (introduces rhetorical question)הֵן (H2005) 'behold, if'; here introduces a rhetorical conditional -- 'if we sacrifice...'.
נִזְבַּ֞חwe sacrificeQal impf 1cp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (protasis of rhetorical question)→ Imperfect: hypothetical actionזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; the cultic act Israel seeks permission to perform.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
תּוֹעֲבַ֥תthe abomination ofN f sg constr · תּוֹעֵבָה (H8441)Construct chain (genitival), head nounתּוֹעֵבָה (H8441) 'abomination', repeated for rhetorical emphasis.
מִצְרַ֛יִםEgyptN proper (gentilic) · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Construct chain (genitival), genitiveמִצְרַיִם (H4713 gentilic use), 'Egypt/Egyptians', referring to the land's inhabitants collectively.
לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖םbefore their eyesprep לְ + N (c) dual constr + suffix 3mp · עַיִן (H5869)Locative prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye', dual 'eyes'; 'in full view of' -- heightening the provocation.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negator · לֹא (H3808)Negated coordinated clause (apodosis, rhetorical question)וְ (H1) conjunctive 'and' + לֹא (H3808) 'not' -- the recurring 'and he did not listen' formula of Pharaoh's hardening.
יִסְקְלֻֽנוּwill they stone usQal impf 3mp + suffix 1cp · סָקַל (H5619)Predicate verb (rhetorical question, apodosis)סָקַל (H5619) 'to stone'; Moses' rhetorical question implies the answer is obviously yes -- the compromise is untenable.
23
דֶּ֚רֶךְ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֔ים נֵלֵ֖ךְ בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְזָבַ֨חְנוּ֙ לַֽיהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר יֹאמַ֥ר אֵלֵֽינוּ
We will go a three days' journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he will command us.
Asyndetic continuation of Moses' reply; the appeal to a future, as-yet-unspecified divine command ('as he will say to us') leaves the sacrificial details deliberately open, refusing to be pinned down by Pharaoh.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
דֶּ֚רֶךְa journey ofN (c) sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative (extent), construct headדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, journey, distance'; construct with the numeral specifies duration of travel.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreenumeral m sg constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Construct chain (genitival), genitive (numeral)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; construct form שְׁלֹשֶׁת before 'days'.
יָמִ֔יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive complement of numeralיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'three days' journey' -- a fixed idiom for a substantial, safely remote distance.
נֵלֵ֖ךְwe will goQal impf 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Imperfect: intended/proposed future actionהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; Moses restates the specific demand first voiced in 3:18/5:3.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑רinto the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase (goal)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, uninhabited pastureland'; the destination outside Egyptian territory and cultic sight-lines.
וְזָבַ֨חְנוּ֙and we will sacrificeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cp · זָבַח (H2076)Weqatal continuing the proposal (purpose/result)→ Weqatal: intended consequence of the journeyזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; the cultic act Israel seeks permission to perform.
לַֽיהוָ֣הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּour GodN m pl constr + suffix 1cp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to YHWHאֱלֹהִים (H430), the generic word for deity; here of both YHWH ('our God') and pagan gods contextually implied.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating phraseכַּאֲשֶׁר (prep כְּ + Tr H834) 'just as, according as'; introduces the recurring notice that events match YHWH's prior word.
יֹאמַ֥רhe will sayQal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Imperfect: an anticipated future instructionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; leaves the precise ritual details to further divine instruction, not yet given.
אֵלֵֽינוּto usprep אֶל + suffix 1cp · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
24
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֗ה אָנֹכִ֞י אֲשַׁלַּ֤ח אֶתְכֶם֙ וּזְבַחְתֶּ֞ם לַיהוָ֤ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר רַ֛ק הַרְחֵ֥ק לֹא תַרְחִ֖יקוּ לָלֶ֑כֶת הַעְתִּ֖ירוּ בַּעֲדִֽי
So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.”
Pharaoh concedes the very term (מדבר, 'wilderness') Moses demanded, but adds an anxious restriction (‘not too far’), betraying his real fear of permanent loss.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Pharaoh grants the wilderness journey but adds a proviso.
פַּרְעֹ֗הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
אָנֹכִ֞יIindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (emphatic, resumptive)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 'I'; Pharaoh personally stakes his authority on the concession.
אֲשַׁלַּ֤חwill let goPiel impf 1cs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause, promise)→ Imperfect: a declared future intentionשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, send away, let go'; the verb of the entire release-formula ('let my people go').
אֶתְכֶם֙youobj marker + suffix 2mp · אֵת (H853)Direct objectאֵת (H853) with suffix, 'you' (the people).
וּזְבַחְתֶּ֞םthat you may sacrificeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · זָבַח (H2076)Weqatal of purpose (result of being let go)→ Weqatal: intended consequenceזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; the cultic act Israel seeks permission to perform.
לַיהוָ֤הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙your GodN m pl constr + suffix 2mp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to YHWHאֱלֹהִים (H430), the generic word for deity; here of both YHWH ('our God') and pagan gods contextually implied.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; Pharaoh concedes the very term Moses demanded.
רַ֛קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Adverbial restrictive particle (introduces proviso)רַק (H7535) restrictive particle 'only, surely'; narrows a preceding statement.
הַרְחֵ֥קsurely going farHiphil inf abs · רָחַק (H7368)Infinitive absolute (emphatic, paired with following finite verb)→ Infinitive absolute: rhetorical emphasis on the prohibitionרָחַק (H7368) Hiphil 'go far away'; infinitive absolute intensifies the following finite verb -- 'you must certainly not go far'.
לֹאnotnegator · לֹא (H3808)Negated predicateלֹא (H3808) the ordinary clause-negator 'not'.
תַרְחִ֖יקוּshall you go farHiphil impf 2mp · רָחַק (H7368)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Imperfect (prohibitive force with לֹא): a binding restrictionרָחַק (H7368) Hiphil 'go far'; Pharaoh's real anxiety -- losing Israel's labor permanently.
לָלֶ֑כֶתto goprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H3212)Epexegetical infinitive (clarifies 'go far')→ Infinitive: specifies the restricted actionהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; clarifies what must not be done 'far'.
הַעְתִּ֖ירוּentreatHiphil impv 2mp · עָתַר (H6279)Imperative (final request, quoted speech)→ Volitional: urgent petitionary requestעָתַר (H6279) Hiphil 'plead, intercede'; Pharaoh again asks for prayer, as in v.4.
בַּעֲדִֽיfor meprep בְּעַד + suffix 1cs · בְּעַד (H1157)Prepositional phrase (beneficiary)בְּעַד (H1157) 'on behalf of, for the sake of'.
25
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י יוֹצֵ֤א מֵֽעִמָּךְ֙ וְהַעְתַּרְתִּ֣י אֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְסָ֣ר הֶעָרֹ֗ב מִפַּרְעֹ֛ה מֵעֲבָדָ֥יו וּמֵעַמּ֖וֹ מָחָ֑ר רַ֗ק אַל יֹסֵ֤ף פַּרְעֹה֙ הָתֵ֔ל לְבִלְתִּי֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת הָעָ֔ם לִזְבֹּ֖חַ לַֽיהוָֽה
Then Moses said, “Behold, I am going out from you, and I will plead with the LORD, and the swarm shall depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; only do not let Pharaoh again deal deceitfully by not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.”
Moses accepts the terms but appends an explicit prohibitive warning (אַל יֹסֵף, 'let him not again') naming the exact pattern -- promise, relief, betrayal -- that has repeated through the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Moses answers, but with a pointed warning attached.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
הִנֵּ֨הbeholdinterjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse deictic particle (vivid presentation)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; introduces Moses' own imminent departure and intercession.
אָנֹכִ֜יIindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject (emphatic, with participle)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 'I'.
יוֹצֵ֤אam going outQal ptc ms abs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate participle (vivid present)→ Participle: an act about to occur, presented as already underwayיָצָא (H3318) 'go out'; Moses signals his imminent departure to pray.
מֵֽעִמָּךְ֙from with youprep מִן + prep עִם + suffix 2fs (archaic/anomalous) · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (source)עִם (H5973) 'with'; the 2fs-form suffix here is an orthographic archaism/anomaly in the MT, understood as addressing Pharaoh (2ms sense).
וְהַעְתַּרְתִּ֣יand I will entreatconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · עָתַר (H6279)Weqatal continuing the promise (main clause)→ Weqatal: an assured future actעָתַר (H6279) Hiphil 'plead, intercede'; Moses commits to fulfilling Pharaoh's request.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee of prayer)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
וְסָ֣רand it will departconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Weqatal continuing the promise (result)→ Weqatal: assured future consequenceסוּר (H5493) 'depart, turn aside'; the promised effect of the prayer.
הֶעָרֹ֗בthe swarmart + N m sg abs · עָרֹב (H6157)Subjectעָרֹב (H6157) 'swarm'.
מִפַּרְעֹ֛הfrom Pharaohprep מִן + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase (source)פַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
מֵעֲבָדָ֥יוfrom his servantsprep מִן + N m pl constr + suffix 3ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; here of Pharaoh's court officials/subjects, distinct from Israelite slaves.
וּמֵעַמּ֖וֹand from his peopleconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr + suffix 3ms · עַם (H5971)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
מָחָ֑רtomorrowN m sg abs (adverbial) · מָחָר (H4279)Adverbial accusative (temporal)מָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; the timing motif that lets Pharaoh himself fix the moment of proof.
רַ֗קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Adverbial restrictive particle (introduces warning)רַק (H7535) restrictive particle 'only, surely'; narrows a preceding statement.
אַלdo notnegator (prohibitive) · אַל (H408)Prohibitive negatorאַל (H408) prohibitive negative, used with jussive/imperfect for direct commands -- sharper than לֹא.
יֹסֵ֤ףlet him againHiphil jussive 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Jussive (prohibition, quoted speech)→ Jussive: a direct, pointed warning against recurrenceיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'add, continue, do again'; Moses warns against a repeat betrayal.
פַּרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
הָתֵ֔לdeal deceitfullyHiphil inf constr · הָתַל (H2048)Complementary infinitive (completes 'let him not again')→ Infinitive: the specific feared actionתלל/התל (H2048) Hiphil 'mock, deceive, trifle with'; names precisely what Pharaoh has done in prior cycles and might repeat.
לְבִלְתִּי֙so as not toprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose conjunctionבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'so as not to'.
שַׁלַּ֣חlet goPiel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Infinitive (negative purpose clause)→ Infinitive: the feared non-actionשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, send away, let go'; the verb of the entire release-formula ('let my people go').
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
לִזְבֹּ֖חַto sacrificeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · זָבַח (H2076)Purpose infinitive clause→ Infinitive: the goal of the releaseזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; the cultic act Israel seeks permission to perform.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (recipient of sacrifice)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
26
וַיֵּצֵ֥א מֹשֶׁ֖ה מֵעִ֣ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה וַיֶּעְתַּ֖ר אֶל יְהוָֽה
So Moses went out from Pharaoh and pleaded with the LORD.
A terse two-verb notice matching the swiftness of Moses' earlier intercessions; no further negotiation is reported.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּצֵ֥אand he went outQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'go out'; Moses fulfills the promise made in v.25.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
מֵעִ֣םfrom withprep מִן + prep עִם · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (source, compound)עִם (H5973) 'with', compounded with מִן.
פַּרְעֹ֑הPharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prepositionפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
וַיֶּעְתַּ֖רand he entreatedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָתַר (H6279)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָתַר (H6279) Qal 'entreat, plead'; here plain Qal rather than Hiphil, but with the same sense of urgent intercession.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward, unto'; directional preposition governing the addressee or goal.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
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וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יְהוָה֙ כִּדְבַ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיָּ֨סַר֙ הֶעָרֹ֔ב מִפַּרְעֹ֖ה מֵעֲבָדָ֣יו וּמֵעַמּ֑וֹ לֹ֥א נִשְׁאַ֖ר אֶחָֽד
And the LORD did according to the word of Moses, and he removed the swarm from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; not one remained.
'Not one remained' intensifies the earlier frog-plague's more modest 'only in the Nile', stressing this plague's total, residue-free removal.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand he didQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; YHWH again answers precisely as prayed.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (traditionally vocalized 'Adonai' in reading); the personal name at stake in the contest with Pharaoh.
כִּדְבַ֣רaccording to the word ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase of conformityדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; ties the outcome directly to Moses' prayer, not Pharaoh's demand.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Genitive (possessor in prep. phrase)מֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses', Israel's prophetic intermediary who speaks and acts as YHWH's agent before Pharaoh.
וַיָּ֨סַר֙and it departedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסוּר (H5493) Qal intransitive 'turn aside, depart'; the swarm itself is grammatical subject, not object.
הֶעָרֹ֔בthe swarmart + N m sg abs · עָרֹב (H6157)Subjectעָרֹב (H6157) 'swarm'.
מִפַּרְעֹ֖הfrom Pharaohprep מִן + N proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Prepositional phrase (source)פַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
מֵעֲבָדָ֣יוfrom his servantsprep מִן + N m pl constr + suffix 3ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, slave'; here of Pharaoh's court officials/subjects, distinct from Israelite slaves.
וּמֵעַמּ֑וֹand from his peopleconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr + suffix 3ms · עַם (H5971)Coordinated prepositional phrase (source)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').
לֹ֥אnotnegator · לֹא (H3808)Negated predicateלֹא (H3808) the ordinary clause-negator 'not'.
נִשְׁאַ֖רremainedNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, total removalשָׁאַר (H7604) Niphal 'be left, remain'; total removal is stressed -- 'not one remained', unlike the earlier frog-plague's residual river population.
אֶחָֽדonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Subjectאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; emphatic totality of the swarm's removal.
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וַיַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת לִבּ֔וֹ גַּ֖ם בַּפַּ֣עַם הַזֹּ֑את וְלֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת הָעָֽם
But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.
The chapter ends, as it began mid-cycle, on Pharaoh's own hardening (Hiphil, transitive/self-agentive); 'this time also' explicitly marks the pattern as cumulative and sets up the next plague.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּכְבֵּ֤דand he hardenedconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּבֵד (H3513)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol; Hiphil causative: a deliberate, repeated self-hardeningכָּבֵד (H3513) Hiphil 'make heavy/hard'; here explicitly Pharaoh's own agency (contrast v.15's intransitive 'the heart hardened').
פַּרְעֹה֙PharaohN proper · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547), the Egyptian royal title (from Eg. pr-˃ų, 'great house'), used as if a personal name; never softens until forced.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
לִבּ֔וֹhis heartN m sg constr + suffix 3ms · לֵב (H3820)Direct objectלֵב (H3820) 'heart'.
גַּ֖םalsoadverb · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbialגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; signals this is now a repeated pattern, not an isolated lapse.
בַּפַּ֣עַםat this timeprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Temporal prepositional phraseפַּעַם (H6471) 'time, occurrence, instance'; marks the plague-cycle as an iterated, escalating series.
הַזֹּ֑אתthisart + demonstrative fs · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative modifierזֹאת (H2063) fs 'this', agreeing with feminine פַּעַם.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negator · לֹא (H3808)Negated coordinated clauseוְ (H1) conjunctive 'and' + לֹא (H3808) 'not' -- the recurring 'and he did not listen' formula of Pharaoh's hardening.
שִׁלַּ֖חdid he let goPiel perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Perfective: a decisive, final refusal closing the chapterשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, send away, let go'; the verb of the entire release-formula ('let my people go').
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; used both of Israel ('my people') and of Egypt/Pharaoh ('your people').