Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 11בראשית 11

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Primeval history closes here by joining humanity's proud concentration at Babel to the narrowing genealogy that leads toward Abram. The opening scene presents a world still gathered in one language and common speech, and the people use that unity to seek a self-secured future through city and tower, through name-making, and through resistance to being scattered over the earth. The problem is therefore not building as such, but collective human exaltation that refuses creaturely dispersion under God. YHWH's descent to see the city exposes the smallness of the project even within its ambition, and the confusion of language turns human coordination into mutual incomprehension. The scattering that follows is both judgment and reordering. What the builders feared becomes the enacted outcome, and Babel stands as the memorial that human unity severed from obedience cannot secure itself against divine rule. Yet the narrative does not end with the nations in view. It turns immediately from scattered humanity to the line of Shem, and that transition is one of its most important theological moves. The long horizon of primeval world-history contracts into a genealogy of diminished lifespans and increasingly focused succession until Terah's family comes into view. Sarai's barrenness is then named before the promise has even been spoken, so the narrative closes with a chosen line that is already marked by incapacity. It therefore binds unified human pride, divine descent, confused speech, worldwide scattering, genealogical narrowing, and the emergence of a barren family into the great hinge between the universal story of the nations and the particular story through which blessing will later be addressed to them.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. A hinge chapter of unusual importance follows here, closing the primeval history and preparing directly for the Abraham cycle. Verses 1-9 must be read in close relation to Genesis 10: the table of nations has already described humanity as distributed by lands, clans, and languages, while the Babel narrative presents the unified human project whose disruption explains that condition. The arrangement is therefore not carelessly contradictory, but thematically shaped, moving from the distributed result back to the concentrated crisis. Several expressions in the Babel scene deserve careful handling. Verse 1's שָׂפָה אֶחָת and דְּבָרִים אֲחָדִים are compact and slightly different in nuance, the first pointing to a single lip or language, the second to common speech, words, or perhaps a unified mode of expression. In vv.3-4 the repeated הָבָה and the use of kiln-fired brick and bitumen stress deliberate human technical coordination, while the desire to 'make a name' and avoid being scattered reveals that the builders are resisting the creaturely vocation to fill the earth under God by attempting self-secured unity. Verse 5's statement that YHWH 'came down' to see the city and tower is an intentionally anthropomorphic and ironic formulation: the tower that imagines reaching the heavens must still be inspected from above by divine descent. Verse 6's לֹא יִבָּצֵר מֵהֶם and v.7's נָבְלָה שָׁם שְׂפָתָם are also important interpretive lines, since the former concerns unrestrained human capacity under united rebellion and the latter introduces the confusion of language that gives the city its name. Verse 9's etymological explanation of בָּבֶל through בָּלַל is a deliberate Hebrew wordplay rather than a historical philology of the Akkadian name. In vv.10-26 the narrative returns to genealogy, but unlike Genesis 5 the lifespans are reduced and the line is increasingly narrowed toward Terah. The final family notice in vv.27-32 introduces Abram, Sarai, Lot, Haran, and Nahor while also naming Sarai's barrenness, a detail of major theological significance for what follows. The movement from the confusion of the nations to the emergence of a childless chosen family is one of the narrative's most important literary and theological effects. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַֽיְהִ֥י כָל הָאָ֖רֶץ שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.

settingnow
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַֽיְהִ֥יand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol narrative introduction→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; wayyiqtol opens the scene; sets the condition of the whole earth.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct head of noun phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, the whole'; construct before הָאָרֶץ making 'the whole earth'.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival complement of כֹּל (subject)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; with כֹּל the entire inhabited world is in view before Babel.
שָׂפָ֣הlanguageN f sg abs · שָׂפָה (H8193)Predicate nominative (state of the earth)שָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, language, speech'; metonymy for language; key term in the Babel scene (vv.1,6,7,9).
אֶחָ֑תoneadj f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive adjective modifying שָׂפָהאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; fem form agrees with שָׂפָה; stresses pre-Babel uniformity of human speech.
וּדְבָרִ֖יםand wordsconj וּ + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Coordinated predicate nominativeדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, speech, matter'; paired with שָׂפָה as near-synonym stressing shared vocabulary and expression.
אֲחָדִֽיםthe sameadj m pl abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive adjective modifying דְּבָרִיםאֶחָד (H259) pl אֲחָדִים 'same, unified'; the plural connotes unified common speech rather than a mere count of one.
2

וַֽיְהִ֖י בְּנָסְעָ֣ם מִקֶּ֑דֶם וַֽיִּמְצְא֥וּ בִקְעָ֛ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ שִׁנְעָ֖ר וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם

And as they migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.

mainline developmentand as they migrated
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַֽיְהִ֖יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing temporal circumstance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, come to pass'; with בְּ + inf constr sets a temporal subordinate clause.
בְּנָסְעָ֣םas they journeyedprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · נָסַע (H5265)Temporal infinitival clause (temporal setting)→ Infinitive: concurrent circumstantial actionנָסַע (H5265) 'to set out, travel, pull up stakes'; nomadic travel term; prep + inf = 'as/when they traveled'.
מִקֶּ֑דֶםfrom the eastprep מִן + N m sg abs · קֶדֶם (H6924)Directional prepositional phrase (source)קֶדֶם (H6924) 'east, front, antiquity'; with מִן indicates origin from the east — Mesopotamia toward Shinar.
וַֽיִּמְצְא֥וּthey foundQal wayyiqtol 3mp · מָצָא (H4672)Wayyiqtol main clause predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמָצָא (H4672) 'to find, encounter'; the discovery of the plain is the decisive event leading to settlement.
בִקְעָ֛הa plainN f sg abs · בִּקְעָה (H1237)Direct object of וַיִּמְצְאוּבִּקְעָה (H1237) 'valley, broad plain'; from בָּקַע 'to split'; wide alluvial plain, fitting for Mesopotamia.
בְּאֶ֥רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, territory'; in construct with the place-name Shinar.
שִׁנְעָ֖רShinarproper noun · שִׁנְעָר (H8152)Genitival complement (place name)שִׁנְעָר (H8152) name for southern Mesopotamia/Babylonia; also Gen 10:10; the region of Babylon.
וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּand they settledQal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol narrative sequel→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; the settlement in Shinar is the precondition for the building project.
שָֽׁםthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; points back to the Shinar plain; the word שָׁם recurs emphatically in vv.7,8,9.
3

וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵ֗הוּ הָ֚בָה נִלְבְּנָ֣ה לְבֵנִ֔ים וְנִשְׂרְפָ֖ה לִשְׂרֵפָ֑ה וַתְּהִ֨י לָהֶ֤ם הַלְּבֵנָה֙ לְאָ֔בֶן וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ר הָיָ֥ה לָהֶ֖ם לַחֹֽמֶר

And they said, each to his fellow, 'Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.' And the brick served them for stone, and bitumen served them for mortar.

human planningand they said
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּאמְר֞וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the indefinite collective subject is humanity from v.1.
אִ֣ישׁeach oneN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (each to his fellow)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; in reciprocal idiom אִישׁ אֶל רֵעֵהוּ = 'each to his fellow', expressing collective coordination.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (recipient of speech)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee in the reciprocal speech formula.
רֵעֵ֗הוּhis fellowN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Object of preposition (reciprocal partner)רֵעַ (H7453) 'fellow, companion, neighbor'; with distributive אִישׁ creates a mutual-address formula.
הָ֚בָהcome!Qal impv 2ms + paragogic ה · יָהַב (H3051)Volitional hortatory call→ Volitional: summons to coordinated actionיָהַב (H3051) frozen imperative used as exclamation 'come!'; introduces cohortatives (cf. vv.4,7).
נִלְבְּנָ֣הlet us make bricksQal cohortative 1cp · לָבַן (H3835)Cohortative expressing collective proposal→ Volitional: cohortative of proposed joint actionלָבַן (H3835) 'to make bricks'; denominative from לְבֵנָה 'brick'; appears only here in BH.
לְבֵנִ֔יםbricksN f pl abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Cognate accusative / direct objectלְבֵנָה (H3843) 'brick'; Mesopotamian kiln-fired brick; unlike Canaanite fieldstone construction; marks the Babylonian setting.
וְנִשְׂרְפָ֖הand let us fire themconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · שָׂרַף (H8313)Coordinated cohortative→ Volitional: cohortative extending the joint proposalשָׂרַף (H8313) 'to burn, fire'; kiln-firing to hardness was a Babylonian technique not common in Canaan.
לִשְׂרֵפָ֑הthoroughlyprep לְ + N f sg abs · שְׂרֵפָה (H8316)Adverbial phrase (thoroughness of firing)שְׂרֵפָה (H8316) 'burning'; cognate to שָׂרַף; לִשְׂרֵפָה = 'to a burning' = 'thoroughly/completely'.
וַתְּהִ֨יand it servedQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol noting material substitution→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, serve as'; the לְ + noun predicate pattern expresses the role something plays.
לָהֶ֤םfor themprep לְ + 3mp suffixDative prepositional phrase (beneficiary)prep לְ with 3mp suffix; marks the builders as beneficiaries of the material substitution.
הַלְּבֵנָה֙the brickart + N f sg abs · לְבֵנָה (H3843)Subject of material-comparison clauseלְבֵנָה (H3843) 'brick'; now with article referring to brick-material generally; replaces stone in this Mesopotamian context.
לְאָ֔בֶןas stoneprep לְ + N f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Predicate prepositional phrase (functional equivalent)אֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; native Canaanite building material; the substitution signals the Mesopotamian cultural setting.
וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔רand the bitumenconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · חֵמָר (H2564)Subject of second comparison clauseחֵמָר (H2564) 'bitumen, asphalt'; natural petroleum abundant in Mesopotamia; used as waterproofing and mortar.
הָיָ֥הservedQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate (circumstantial complement to wayyiqtol)→ Perfective: completed background stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, serve as'; qatal shifts to a past-circumstantial note parallel to the wayyiqtol clause above.
לָהֶ֖םfor themprep לְ + 3mp suffixDative prepositional phrase (beneficiary)prep לְ with 3mp suffix; parallel to word 10, marking the same builders as beneficiaries.
לַחֹֽמֶרas mortarprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹמֶר (H2563)Predicate prepositional phrase (functional equivalent)חֹמֶר (H2563) 'mortar, clay'; distinct from חֵמָר (bitumen) — the binding filler material; completes the brick-and-mortar inventory.
4

וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ הָ֣בָה נִבְנֶה לָּ֣נוּ עִ֗יר וּמִגְדָּל֙ וְרֹאשׁ֣וֹ בַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְנַֽעֲשֶׂה לָּ֖נוּ שֵׁ֑ם פֶּן נָפ֖וּץ עַל פְּנֵ֥י כָל הָאָֽרֶץ

And they said, 'Come, let us build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'

human purposeand they said
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּאמְר֞וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; now the builders voice their full ambition: city, tower, name.
הָ֣בָהcome!Qal impv 2ms + paragogic ה · יָהַב (H3051)Volitional hortatory call→ Volitional: summons to collective actionיָהַב (H3051) frozen imperative 'come!'; second occurrence (cf. v.3); introduces cohortatives for building project.
נִבְנֶהlet us buildQal cohortative 1cp · בָּנָה (H1129)Cohortative expressing collective proposal→ Volitional: cohortative of proposed joint actionבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build, construct'; the central verb of the Babel project; the builders aspire to a city and a heaven-reaching tower.
לָּ֣נוּfor ourselvesprep לְ + 1cp suffixDative prepositional phrase (reflexive beneficiary)prep לְ + 1cp suffix; the reflexive 'for ourselves' exposes the self-centered ambition of the project.
עִ֗ירa cityN f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object (first of two goals)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; first object of the building proposal; paired with מִגְדָּל as the human project of concentrated settlement.
וּמִגְדָּל֙and a towerconj וּ + N m sg abs · מִגְדָּל (H4026)Coordinated direct objectמִגְדָּל (H4026) 'tower, fortress'; from גָּדַל 'to be great'; the monument whose top aspires to the heavens.
וְרֹאשׁ֣וֹand its topconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Subject of appositive clause (tower's apex)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top'; the top of the tower; the irony is that YHWH must come down even to see this heavenward structure.
בַשָּׁמַ֔יִםin the heavensprep בְּ + art + N m dual abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Locative predicate (apex reaching heaven)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the builders imagine their tower reaching the divine realm; irony: YHWH must descend to see it (v.5).
וְנַֽעֲשֶׂהand let us makeconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Coordinated cohortative (second goal)→ Volitional: cohortative of self-glorifying intentעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; the second cohortative reveals the deeper motive: name-making.
לָּ֖נוּfor ourselvesprep לְ + 1cp suffixDative prepositional phrase (reflexive beneficiary)prep לְ with 1cp suffix; second reflexive 'for ourselves' underlines the self-exalting nature of name-making.
שֵׁ֑םa nameN m sg abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וְנַעֲשֶׂהשֵׁם (H8034) 'name, reputation'; making a name = self-glorification; cf. the contrast with YHWH's name-making of Abram in Gen 12:2.
פֶּןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Negative purpose conjunctionפֶּן (H6435) 'lest, for fear that'; introduces the fear motivating the project: dispersal across the earth.
נָפ֖וּץwe be scatteredQal impf 1cp · פּוּץ (H6327)Negated volitional clause (feared outcome)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — feared potential actionפּוּץ (H6327) 'to scatter, disperse'; the very outcome YHWH executes in v.8; the builders fear what God intends.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Spatial preposition (direction of scattering)עַל (H5921) 'over, upon, across'; with פְּנֵי כָל הָאָרֶץ = 'over the face of the whole earth'.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct-chain head (surface idiom)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; פְּנֵי הָאָרֶץ = 'the face/surface of the earth'; repeated in vv.8,9.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifier of הָאָרֶץכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; in construct specifying the whole earth as the feared domain of dispersal.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival complement of כָּל (extent of scattering)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; 'the whole earth' — irony: YHWH does exactly what the builders feared.
5

וַיֵּ֣רֶד יְהוָ֔ה לִרְאֹ֥ת אֶת הָעִ֖יר וְאֶת הַמִּגְדָּ֑ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּנ֖וּ בְּנֵ֥י הָאָדָֽם

And Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower that the sons of man had built.

divine inspectionand Yahweh came down
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֵּ֣רֶדcame downQal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָרַד (H3381)Wayyiqtol main clause predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; YHWH descends to inspect the tower that aspired to reach the heavens — supreme irony.
יְהוָ֔הYahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of wayyiqtolיהוה (H3068) the divine name; first appearance in this narrative; the sovereign who descends to assess human presumption.
לִרְאֹ֥תto seeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive: purpose of the descentרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; anthropomorphic: YHWH must come down to see even the most ambitious human project.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite direct object; untranslated.
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object (first of two inspected objects)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city named in v.4; YHWH comes to assess what the builders have built.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins the second object; אֵת marks הַמִּגְדָּל as the second definite direct object.
הַמִּגְדָּ֑לthe towerart + N m sg abs · מִגְדָּל (H4026)Direct object (second inspected object)מִגְדָּל (H4026) 'tower'; the heaven-aspiring tower of v.4 is what draws YHWH's downward inspection.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative pronoun; introduces the clause identifying who built the city and tower.
בָּנ֖וּhad builtQal perf 3cp · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed act of buildingבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; qatal in the relative clause marks their building as the prior completed action prompting divine inspection.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of relative clause (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct head of בְּנֵי הָאָדָם 'sons of man/humanity' — collective humanity.
הָאָדָֽםhumanityart + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitival complement (construct chain)אָדָם (H120) 'man, humanity'; with art = humanity collectively; בְּנֵי הָאָדָם = 'the human race'.
6

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֗ה הֵ֣ן עַ֤ם אֶחָד֙ וְשָׂפָ֤ה אַחַת֙ לְכֻלָּ֔ם וְזֶ֖ה הַחִלָּ֣ם לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת וְעַתָּה֙ לֹֽא יִבָּצֵ֣ר מֵהֶ֔ם כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָזְמ֖וּ לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת

And Yahweh said, 'Behold, they are one people, and they all have one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and now nothing that they purpose to do will be withheld from them.'

divine assessmentand Yahweh said
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing divine speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; YHWH's direct speech to the divine council or as soliloquy — his assessment and decree.
יְהוָ֗הYahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of wayyiqtolיהוה (H3068) the divine name; subject of the divine speech that follows.
הֵ֣ןbeholdpresentative particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative particle (discourse opener)הֵן (H2005) 'behold, look'; presentative particle drawing attention to the situation being assessed.
עַ֤םpeopleN m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Predicate nominative (assessed condition)עַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; here the unified human community whose solidarity is the object of divine concern.
אֶחָד֙oneadj m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive adjective modifying עַםאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; divine assessment of pre-Babel humanity as a unified people — the unity YHWH will break.
וְשָׂפָ֤הand a languageconj וְ + N f sg abs · שָׂפָה (H8193)Coordinated predicate nominativeשָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, language'; recurring key term; YHWH's own assessment confirms the condition stated in v.1.
אַחַת֙oneadj f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive adjective modifying שָׂפָהאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; fem form agreeing with שָׂפָה; God sees the unity as the source of unchecked potential.
לְכֻלָּ֔םfor all of themprep לְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (universal extent)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with suffix 'for all of them' — the one language belongs to the entire human community.
וְזֶ֖הand thisconj וְ + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject of appositive clause (beginning of what they do)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; demonstrative pointing to the building project as only the beginning of human ambition.
הַחִלָּ֣םtheir beginningHiphil inf constr + 3mp suffix · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate (appositive clause subject)→ Infinitive: this is what they have begun to doחָלַל (H2490) Hiphil 'to begin'; inf constr + 3mp suffix = 'their beginning'; this is only the start of potential human overreach.
לַעֲשׂ֑וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive: scope of what they beganעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the inf constr completes חָלַל — this is only the beginning of what they would make.
וְעַתָּה֙and nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb marking logical consequenceעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; marks a shift from diagnosis to implication — the urgency of divine intervention.
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808) negative particle; with יִבָּצֵר negates the possibility that anything will be withheld from them.
יִבָּצֵ֣רwill be withheldNiphal impf 3ms · בָּצַר (H1219)Predicate (negated future potential)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing unchecked potentialבָּצַר (H1219) 'to cut off, be inaccessible, be withheld'; Niphal 'to be restrained from them'; nothing will be beyond them.
מֵהֶ֔םfrom themprep מִן + 3mp suffixPrepositional phrase (source of restraint removed)prep מִן + 3mp suffix; indicates that no restraint will operate on them — complete human autonomy under united effort.
כֹּ֛לeverythingN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of יִבָּצֵרכֹּל (H3605) 'everything, all'; subject of the passive — nothing at all will be impossible for them.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing restrictive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative pronoun; introduces the relative clause specifying what they purpose to do.
יָזְמ֖וּthey purposeQal impf 3mp · זָמַם (H2161)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing scheming purposeזָמַם (H2161) 'to plan, purpose, devise'; often with negative connotation of scheming; only here in Qal impf describing human planning.
לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive (object of purposing)→ Infinitive: what they intend to accomplishעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; completes זָמַם — everything they purpose to do will be achievable if not checked.
7

הָ֚בָה נֵֽרְדָ֔ה וְנָבְלָ֥ה שָׁ֖ם שְׂפָתָ֑ם אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפַ֥ת רֵעֵֽהוּ

Come, let us go down there and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech.

divine decreecome
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
הָ֚בָהcome!Qal impv 2ms + paragogic ה · יָהַב (H3051)Volitional hortatory call (divine decree)→ Volitional: divine summons to actionיָהַב (H3051) frozen imperative 'come!'; now on YHWH's lips (cf. vv.3,4), mirroring the human hortatory call with divine authority.
נֵֽרְדָ֔הlet us go downQal cohortative 1cp · יָרַד (H3381)Cohortative expressing divine proposal→ Volitional: cohortative — divine deliberative descentיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; the 1cp 'let us go down' implies the divine council; echoes the anthropomorphic descent of v.5.
וְנָבְלָ֥הand let us confuseconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · בָּלַל (H1101)Coordinated cohortative (stated divine purpose)→ Volitional: cohortative expressing divine judgmentבָּלַל (H1101) 'to mix, confuse'; key verb of the narrative; cognate to בָּבֶל 'Babel'; divine action that answers human unity.
שָׁ֖םthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; emphatic placement — at the place of human ambition the confusion will occur (cf. שָׁם in v.9).
שְׂפָתָ֑םtheir languageN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · שָׂפָה (H8193)Direct object of וְנָבְלָהשָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, language'; object of divine confusion — the very language that was 'one' (v.1) becomes multiple.
אֲשֶׁר֙so thatrelative/result particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Result/purpose clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) here introduces a result clause: the purpose of the confusion is mutual incomprehension.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of hearing/understandingלֹא (H3808) negative particle; negates יִשְׁמְעוּ — they will not understand one another's speech.
יִשְׁמְע֔וּthey understandQal impf 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Negated predicate of result clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future ongoing inability to understandשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, understand'; here 'understand' — mutual incomprehension is the mechanism by which coordination collapses.
אִ֖ישׁeach oneN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (each man)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive — each man will fail to understand his fellow's speech; reversal of the reciprocal speech in v.3.
שְׂפַ֥תthe language ofN f sg constr · שָׂפָה (H8193)Direct object of יִשְׁמְעוּ (construct head)שָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, language'; in construct — the language/speech of the other person; third use of שָׂפָה in this passage.
רֵעֵֽהוּhis fellowN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitival complement of שְׂפַתרֵעַ (H7453) 'fellow, companion'; same word as v.3 — the reciprocal partner is now the one whose speech cannot be understood.
8

וַיָּ֨פֶץ יְהוָ֥ה אֹתָ֛ם מִשָּׁ֖ם עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַֽיַּחְדְּל֖וּ לִבְנֹ֥ת הָעִֽיר

So Yahweh scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city.

resultso Yahweh scattered
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּ֨פֶץand he scatteredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · פּוּץ (H6327)Wayyiqtol main clause predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפּוּץ (H6327) Hiphil 'to scatter, disperse'; causative — YHWH is the agent of dispersal; the very fate the builders feared (v.4) is enacted.
יְהוָ֥הYahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of Hiphil wayyiqtolיהוה (H3068) the divine name; YHWH himself executes the scattering by confusion of language.
אֹתָ֛םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיָּפֶץאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with 3mp suffix 'them'; marks humanity as the direct object of divine scattering.
מִשָּׁ֖םfrom thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Directional prepositional phrase (source)שָׁם (H8033) with מִן 'from there'; the place of attempted concentration becomes the starting point of dispersal.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Spatial preposition (extent of dispersal)עַל (H5921) 'over, upon'; with פְּנֵי כָל הָאָרֶץ describes the full scope of the scattering.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct-chain head (surface idiom)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; פְּנֵי כָל הָאָרֶץ = 'the surface of the whole earth'; echoes v.4 and anticipates v.9.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifier of הָאָרֶץכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; with הָאָרֶץ = 'the whole earth'; the full scope of the feared and now realized dispersal.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival complement of כָּלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; what humanity sought to avoid by concentration is brought about by divine action.
וַֽיַּחְדְּל֖וּand they stoppedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָדַל (H2308)Wayyiqtol narrative sequel→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָדַל (H2308) 'to stop, cease, desist'; the project ends abruptly; they cease to build because communication has collapsed.
לִבְנֹ֥תto buildprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בָּנָה (H1129)Complementary infinitive (object of cessation)→ Infinitive: the activity that ceasesבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the inf completes חָדַל — the building project that began in vv.3-4 is now abandoned.
הָעִֽירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of לִבְנֹת (within the inf clause)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; only the city is mentioned here (not the tower); the partial abandonment leaves the city unnamed until v.9.
9

עַל כֵּ֞ן קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ בָּבֶ֔ל כִּי שָׁ֛ם בָּלַ֥ל יְהוָ֖ה שְׂפַ֣ת כָּל הָאָ֑רֶץ וּמִשָּׁם֙ הֱפִיצָ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה עַל פְּנֵ֖י כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ

Therefore its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused the language of the whole earth, and from there Yahweh scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

naming explanationtherefore
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)Idiomatic causal conjunction (על כן)עַל (H5921) in the idiom עַל כֵּן 'therefore, on account of this'; introduces the etiological explanation.
כֵּ֞ןthusadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb completing the causal conjunctionכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; together with עַל = 'therefore'; standard idiom introducing an etiology.
קָרָ֤אwas calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (passive use of Qal active)→ Perfective: naming as a completed decisive actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; used here as an impersonal passive — 'one called its name' = 'it was called'; formal naming.
שְׁמָהּ֙its nameN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; שְׁמָהּ = 'its name' (3fs suffix referring to the city); the name encodes the divine action.
בָּבֶ֔לBabelproper noun · בָּבֶל (H894)Predicate nominative (the name given)בָּבֶל (H894) 'Babel/Babylon'; the name is explained by the Hebrew wordplay בָּלַל 'confuse'; not the Akkadian etymology (bāb-ilim 'gate of god').
כִּיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (introduces explanation)כִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the reason for the naming — the divine act of confusion.
שָׁ֛םthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (emphatic)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; emphatic placement — at that very place YHWH confused the language; שָׁם appears again in the final clause.
בָּלַ֥לconfusedQal perf 3ms · בָּלַל (H1101)Predicate verb of causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of judgmentבָּלַל (H1101) 'to mix, confuse'; the wordplay on בָּבֶל is deliberate Hebrew folk-etymology, not historical philology of the Akkadian name.
יְהוָ֖הYahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of בָּלַליהוה (H3068) the divine name; YHWH is explicitly named as the one who confused the language — not an impersonal force.
שְׂפַ֣תthe language ofN f sg constr · שָׂפָה (H8193)Direct object of בָּלַל (construct head)שָׂפָה (H8193) 'lip, language'; in construct with כָּל הָאָרֶץ — the entire world's language.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifier of הָאָרֶץכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; the totality of the world's language is the object of the divine confusion.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival complement of כָּלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; 'the whole earth' — the confusion is universal in scope.
וּמִשָּׁם֙and from thereconj וּ + prep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Coordinated directional phrase (source)שָׁם (H8033) third occurrence in v.9; the place of concentration becomes the origin of universal dispersal.
הֱפִיצָ֣םscattered themHiphil perf 3ms + 3mp suffix · פּוּץ (H6327)Predicate verb of second clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of scatteringפּוּץ (H6327) Hiphil 'to scatter'; same root as v.8; now a perfect — the completed outcome is summarized as a named memorial.
יְהוָ֔הYahwehproper noun · יהוה (H3068)Subject of הֱפִיצָםיהוה (H3068) the divine name; YHWH is again named as the agent — the name Babel memorializes divine judgment, not human achievement.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Spatial prepositionעַל (H5921) 'over'; with פְּנֵי כָּל הָאָרֶץ; verbatim echo of v.8 closing the Babel unit with ring composition.
פְּנֵ֖יthe face ofN m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct-chain head (surface idiom)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; repeated from v.8 — ring composition closing the narrative.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifier of הָאָרֶץכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the whole earth as the extent of dispersal — answering the fear of v.4 and the act of v.8.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitival complement of כָּלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; final word of the Babel narrative; 'the whole earth' — from one-language unity to worldwide dispersal.
10

אֵ֚לֶּה תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת שֵׁ֔ם שֵׁ֚ם בֶּן מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד שְׁנָתַ֖יִם אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל

These are the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and he fathered Arpachshad two years after the flood.

Toledot heading introducing the Shem genealogyאֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אֵ֚לֶּהthese aredem pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject of toledot headingאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; demonstrative pronoun opening the toledot formula; sixth such heading in Genesis.
תּוֹלְדֹ֣תthe generations ofN f pl constr · תּוֹלְדוֹת (H8435)Predicate nominative (toledot formula)תּוֹלְדוֹת (H8435) 'generations, descendants, account'; from יָלַד; the structural heading that introduces a new genealogical unit.
שֵׁ֔םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Genitival complement of תּוֹלְדֹתשֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; eldest son of Noah; the line through which the narrative narrows toward Abram.
שֵׁ֚םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Subject of the genealogical clauseשֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; resumptive subject after the toledot heading; the name is repeated as the entry into the formula.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nominative (age at begetting)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; in the idiom בֶּן + numeral + noun = 'X years old'; marks age at begetting of the named heir.
מְאַ֣תone hundrednumeral f sg constr · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral in age expression (construct)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; construct before שָׁנָה; Shem was 100 years old at Arpachshad's birth — 2 yrs after the flood (v.10b).
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun in age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; standard genealogical age notation; this formula recurs throughout vv.10-32.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol main clause predicate (begetting)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father, beget'; standard genealogical verb; the Hiphil marks the named male as agent of begetting.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite named son as direct object.
אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑דArpachshadproper noun · אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775)Direct object (named son)אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775) 'Arpachshad'; son of Shem; appears in Gen 10:22; perhaps associated with the Arrapkha region of Assyria.
שְׁנָתַ֖יִםtwo yearsnumeral f dual abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal accusative (time reference)שָׁנָה (H8141) dual שְׁנָתַיִם 'two years'; temporal accusative specifying how long after the flood Arpachshad was born.
אַחַ֥רafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositionאַחַר (H310) 'after'; marks the temporal relationship to the flood; connects the genealogy to the flood narrative.
הַמַּבּֽוּלthe floodart + N m sg abs · מַבּוּל (H3999)Object of preposition (temporal reference point)מַבּוּל (H3999) 'flood'; from root related to flowing water; the great flood of Genesis 6–9 is the temporal marker for the genealogy.
11

וַֽיְחִי שֵׁ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Shem lived after he fathered Arpachshad five hundred years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

Genealogical continuation stating post-begetting lifespan and further offspringוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַֽיְחִיand Shem livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; the standard post-begetting formula states remaining lifespan; shorter here than Genesis 5 ancestors.
שֵׁ֗םShemproper noun · שֵׁם (H8035)Subject of וַיְחִישֵׁם (H8035) 'Shem'; subject of the lifespan clause following the begetting of Arpachshad.
אַֽחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; introduces the standard phrase 'after he fathered X' that anchors the remaining lifespan.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause (after fathering)→ Infinitive: action prior to lifespan countיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms subj suffix; 'his fathering of' — the inf with suffix makes the subject 'he' = Shem.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Arpachshad as the definite object of the Hiphil infinitive.
אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔דArpachshadproper noun · אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775)Object of infinitive (named son)אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775) 'Arpachshad'; the named son after whose birth Shem's remaining lifespan is calculated.
חֲמֵ֥שׁfivenumeral f sg abs · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Numeral in compound lifespan expressionחָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; combined with מֵאוֹת for '500'; Shem's post-begetting lifespan is 500 years.
מֵא֖וֹתhundredsnumeral f pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component of lifespan)מֵאָה (H3967) pl מֵאוֹת 'hundreds'; חֲמֵשׁ מֵאוֹת = 'five hundred years'; Shem's post-Arpachshad lifespan.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun concluding lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the lifespan number; total lifespan of Shem = 600 years (100 + 500).
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father'; the closing formula attests that more children were born, though they go unnamed.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with בָּנוֹת; unnamed further offspring are standard in the Shem genealogy.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; the standard closing pair of the genealogical formula; unnamed descendants.
12

וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד חַ֔י חָמֵ֥שׁ וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת שָֽׁלַח

And Arpachshad lived thirty-five years, and he fathered Shelah.

Genealogical handoff to the next generationוְאַרְפַּכְשַׁד
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣דand Arpachshadconj וְ + proper noun · אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775)Subject of genealogical clauseאַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775) 'Arpachshad'; begins the next generation; connected by conjunction to continue the genealogical chain.
חַ֔יlivedQal perf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate of age-at-begetting clause→ Perfective: completed lifespan to point of begettingחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; qatal (rather than wayyiqtol) here and in vv.14,16,18,20,22,24 marks the beginning-of-life statement.
חָמֵ֥שׁfivenumeral f sg abs · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Numeral (unit component of age)חָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; combined with שְׁלֹשִׁים for thirty-five; Arpachshad was 35 at Shelah's birth.
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖יםand thirtyconj וּ + numeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (tens component of age)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; Hebrew compound numerals state units first then tens (five and thirty = thirty-five).
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the age-at-begetting statement for Arpachshad.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father'; the generation-advance verb naming the next link in the chain.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the definite named son as direct object.
שָֽׁלַחShelahproper noun · שֶׁלַח (H7974)Direct object (named son)שֶׁלַח (H7974) 'Shelah'; son of Arpachshad; also in Gen 10:24; LXX inserts Cainan between Arpachshad and Shelah (cf. Luke 3:36).
13

וַֽיְחִ֣י אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗ד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת שֶׁ֔לַח שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Arpachshad lived after he fathered Shelah four hundred and three years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

Post-begetting lifespan notice for Arpachshadוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַֽיְחִ֣יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan formula for Arpachshad.
אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗דArpachshadproper noun · אַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775)Subject of וַיְחִיאַרְפַּכְשַׁד (H775) 'Arpachshad'; subject of the post-begetting lifespan clause.
אַֽחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula אַחֲרֵי + Hiphil inf constr = 'after he fathered'.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of' — standard genealogical formula.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks the named son as object of the Hiphil infinitive.
שֶׁ֔לַחShelahproper noun · שֶׁלַח (H7974)Object of infinitive (named son)שֶׁלַח (H7974) 'Shelah'; the son after whose birth Arpachshad's remaining lifespan is counted.
שָׁלֹ֣שׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral (unit component of lifespan)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; combined with אַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת for 403; Arpachshad's post-begetting years.
שָׁנִ֔יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for unit numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) pl שָׁנִים 'years'; accompanies the unit numeral שָׁלֹשׁ in the compound expression.
וְאַרְבַּ֥עand fourconj וְ + numeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral (hundreds component of lifespan)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; combined with מֵאוֹת for four hundred; three + four hundred = 403 years post-Shelah.
מֵא֖וֹתhundredsnumeral f pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component)מֵאָה (H3967) pl מֵאוֹת 'hundreds'; with אַרְבַּע = four hundred.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the compound lifespan total; total lifespan of Arpachshad = 438 years.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father'; closing formula noting unnamed further children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters; unnamed further offspring of Arpachshad.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard closing pair; unnamed further offspring.
14

וְשֶׁ֥לַח חַ֖י שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת עֵֽבֶר

And Shelah lived thirty years, and he fathered Eber.

Genealogical advance to Shelah's named heirוְשֶׁלַח
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְשֶׁ֥לַחand Shelahconj וְ + proper noun · שֶׁלַח (H7974)Subject of genealogical clauseשֶׁלַח (H7974) 'Shelah'; third link in the Shem line; conjunctive וְ advances the genealogy.
חַ֖יlivedQal perf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate of age-at-begetting clause→ Perfective: completed lifespan to begettingחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; qatal marks the period from birth to begetting of the named heir.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםthirtynumeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (age at begetting)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; Shelah was 30 at Eber's birth; compared to Arpachshad's 35, numbers are decreasing.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the age-at-begetting formula for Shelah.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father'; the generation-advance verb naming the next link.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks the named son Eber as the definite object.
עֵֽבֶרEberproper noun · עֵבֶר (H5677)Direct object (named son)עֵבֶר (H5677) 'Eber'; eponymous ancestor of the Hebrews (עִבְרִים); name from עָבַר 'to cross over'; also in Gen 10:24.
15

וַֽיְחִי שֶׁ֗לַח אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת עֵ֔בֶר שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Shelah lived after he fathered Eber four hundred and three years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

Post-begetting lifespan notice for Shelahוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַֽיְחִיand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan clause for Shelah.
שֶׁ֗לַחShelahproper noun · שֶׁלַח (H7974)Subject of וַיְחִישֶׁלַח (H7974) 'Shelah'; subject of the post-begetting lifespan formula.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula opening.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of Eber'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with the named son Eber.
עֵ֔בֶרEberproper noun · עֵבֶר (H5677)Object of infinitive (named son)עֵבֶר (H5677) 'Eber'; the son after whose birth Shelah's remaining lifespan is counted.
שָׁלֹ֣שׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral (unit component of lifespan)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; combined with אַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת = 403 years post-Eber.
שָׁנִ֔יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for unit numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) pl שָׁנִים; accompanies the unit numeral שָׁלֹשׁ in the compound expression.
וְאַרְבַּ֥עand fourconj וְ + numeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral (hundreds component)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; combined with מֵאוֹת for 400; three + four hundred = 403 years.
מֵא֖וֹתhundredsnumeral f pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component)מֵאָה (H3967) pl מֵאוֹת 'hundreds'; with אַרְבַּע = four hundred years.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the compound lifespan; total lifespan of Shelah = 433 years.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father'; closing formula for unnamed further children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters in the closing formula.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard genealogical closing pair.
16

וַֽיְחִי עֵ֕בֶר אַרְבַּ֥ע וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת פָּֽלֶג

And Eber lived thirty-four years, and he fathered Peleg.

Genealogical advance to Eber's named heirוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַֽיְחִיand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (age-at-begetting formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; here used for the age-at-begetting formula (contrast v.17 which uses the post-begetting formula).
עֵ֕בֶרEberproper noun · עֵבֶר (H5677)Subject of וַיְחִיעֵבֶר (H5677) 'Eber'; eponymous ancestor of the Hebrews; his name's connection to עִבְרִי 'Hebrew' makes this a notable generation.
אַרְבַּ֥עfournumeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral (unit component of age)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; combined with שְׁלֹשִׁים for thirty-four; Eber was 34 at Peleg's birth.
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖יםand thirtyconj וּ + numeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (tens component of age)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; units + tens = thirty-four; age of Eber at Peleg's birth.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the age-at-begetting formula.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil 'to father'; the generation-advance verb.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Peleg as the definite object.
פָּֽלֶגPelegproper noun · פֶּלֶג (H6389)Direct object (named son)פֶּלֶג (H6389) 'Peleg'; from פָּלַג 'to divide'; Gen 10:25 explains 'in his days the earth was divided'; the name connects to post-Babel dispersal.
17

וַֽיְחִי עֵ֗בֶר אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת פֶּ֔לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Eber lived after he fathered Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

Post-begetting lifespan notice for Eberוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַֽיְחִיand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan clause for Eber.
עֵ֗בֶרEberproper noun · עֵבֶר (H5677)Subject of וַיְחִיעֵבֶר (H5677) 'Eber'; notable for his exceptionally long lifespan (464 years) compared to subsequent ancestors.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of Peleg'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with the named son Peleg.
פֶּ֔לֶגPelegproper noun · פֶּלֶג (H6389)Object of infinitive (named son)פֶּלֶג (H6389) 'Peleg'; the son after whose birth Eber's remaining lifespan is counted.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםthirtynumeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (tens component of lifespan)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; combined with אַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת for 430 years post-Peleg.
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for tens numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; accompanies the tens numeral שְׁלֹשִׁים.
וְאַרְבַּ֥עand fourconj וְ + numeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral (hundreds component)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; combined with מֵאוֹת for 400; thirty + four hundred = 430 years.
מֵא֖וֹתhundredsnumeral f pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component)מֵאָה (H3967) pl מֵאוֹת 'hundreds'; with אַרְבַּע = four hundred years.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the compound lifespan; total lifespan of Eber = 464 years.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; standard closing formula attesting further unnamed children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters in the closing formula.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard closing pair.
18

וַֽיְחִי פֶ֖לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת רְעֽוּ

And Peleg lived thirty years, and he fathered Reu.

Genealogical advance to Peleg's named heirוַיְחִי
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַֽיְחִיand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (age-at-begetting formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; begins the age-at-begetting formula for Peleg.
פֶ֖לֶגPelegproper noun · פֶּלֶג (H6389)Subject of וַיְחִיפֶּלֶג (H6389) 'Peleg'; subject; his name ('division') connects to the Babel dispersal (Gen 10:25).
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםthirtynumeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (age at begetting)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; Peleg was 30 at Reu's birth; the ages at first begetting begin to stabilize around 30.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes age-at-begetting formula for Peleg.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; the generation-advance verb naming Reu.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Reu as the definite object.
רְעֽוּReuproper noun · רְעוּ (H7466)Direct object (named son)רְעוּ (H7466) 'Reu'; from רָעָה 'to associate with'; also in Gen 10:18 (variant); ancestor of Abraham's line.
19

וַֽיְחִי פֶ֗לֶג אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת רְע֔וּ תֵּ֥שַׁע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Peleg lived, after he fathered Reu, two hundred and nine years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

genealogical continuationand
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַֽיְחִיand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan formula for Peleg.
פֶ֗לֶגPelegproper noun · פֶּלֶג (H6389)Subject of וַיְחִיפֶּלֶג (H6389) 'Peleg'; subject of the post-begetting lifespan clause.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of Reu'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Reu as the object of the Hiphil infinitive.
רְע֔וּReuproper noun · רְעוּ (H7466)Object of infinitive (named son)רְעוּ (H7466) 'Reu'; the son after whose birth Peleg's remaining lifespan is counted.
תֵּ֥שַׁעninenumeral f sg abs · תֵּשַׁע (H8672)Numeral (unit component of lifespan)תֵּשַׁע (H8672) 'nine'; combined with וּמָאתַיִם for 209 years; Peleg's post-Reu lifespan.
שָׁנִ֖יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for unit numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) pl שָׁנִים 'years'; accompanies the unit numeral תֵּשַׁע.
וּמָאתַ֣יִםand two hundredconj וּ + numeral f dual abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component of lifespan)מֵאָה (H3967) dual מָאתַיִם 'two hundred'; nine + two hundred = 209 years post-Reu.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the compound lifespan; Peleg's total lifespan = 239 years — notably shorter than his ancestors.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; closing formula for unnamed further children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters in the closing formula.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard closing pair.
20

וַיְחִ֣י רְע֔וּ שְׁתַּ֥יִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת שְׂרֽוּג

And Reu lived thirty-two years and fathered Serug.

genealogical continuationand
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיְחִ֣יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (age-at-begetting formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; begins the age-at-begetting formula for Reu.
רְע֔וּReuproper noun · רְעוּ (H7466)Subject of וַיְחִירְעוּ (H7466) 'Reu'; subject; the sixth generation from Shem.
שְׁתַּ֥יִםtwonumeral f dual abs · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral (unit component of age)שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; combined with שְׁלֹשִׁים for thirty-two; Reu was 32 at Serug's birth.
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖יםand thirtyconj וּ + numeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (tens component of age)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; units + tens = thirty-two; age of Reu at Serug's birth.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes age-at-begetting formula for Reu.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; the generation-advance verb naming Serug.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Serug as definite object.
שְׂרֽוּגSerugproper noun · שְׂרוּג (H8286)Direct object (named son)שְׂרוּג (H8286) 'Serug'; great-grandfather of Abraham; connected to the Assyrian city Sarugi near Haran.
21

וַיְחִ֣י רְע֗וּ אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת שְׂר֔וּג שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Reu lived, after he fathered Serug, two hundred and seven years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

genealogical continuationand
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְחִ֣יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan formula for Reu.
רְע֗וּReuproper noun · רְעוּ (H7466)Subject of וַיְחִירְעוּ (H7466) 'Reu'; subject of the post-begetting lifespan clause.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of Serug'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with the named son Serug.
שְׂר֔וּגSerugproper noun · שְׂרוּג (H8286)Object of infinitive (named son)שְׂרוּג (H8286) 'Serug'; the son after whose birth Reu's remaining lifespan is counted.
שֶׁ֥בַעsevennumeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (unit component of lifespan)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; combined with וּמָאתַיִם for 207 years post-Serug.
שָׁנִ֖יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for unit numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) pl שָׁנִים 'years'; accompanies the unit numeral שֶׁבַע.
וּמָאתַ֣יִםand two hundredconj וּ + numeral f dual abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component)מֵאָה (H3967) dual מָאתַיִם 'two hundred'; seven + two hundred = 207 years post-Serug.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the compound lifespan; Reu's total lifespan = 239 years.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; closing formula for unnamed further children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard closing pair.
22

וַיְחִ֥י שְׂר֖וּג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת נָחֽוֹר

And Serug lived thirty years and fathered Nahor.

genealogical continuationand
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיְחִ֥יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (age-at-begetting formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; begins the age-at-begetting formula for Serug.
שְׂר֖וּגSerugproper noun · שְׂרוּג (H8286)Subject of וַיְחִישְׂרוּג (H8286) 'Serug'; grandfather of Terah, great-grandfather of Abraham.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםthirtynumeral m pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Numeral (age at begetting)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; Serug was 30 at Nahor's birth; consistent with recent ancestors.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the age-at-begetting formula.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; the generation-advance verb naming Nahor.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Nahor as the definite object.
נָחֽוֹרNahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Direct object (named son)נָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; grandfather of Abraham; name shared by Terah's father and Abram's brother (Gen 11:26,29).
23

וַיְחִ֣י שְׂר֗וּג אַחֲרֵ֛י הוֹלִיד֥וֹ אֶת נָח֖וֹר מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Serug lived, after he fathered Nahor, two hundred years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

genealogical continuationand
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיְחִ֣יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan formula for Serug.
שְׂר֗וּגSerugproper noun · שְׂרוּג (H8286)Subject of וַיְחִישְׂרוּג (H8286) 'Serug'; subject of the post-begetting lifespan clause.
אַחֲרֵ֛יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula.
הוֹלִיד֥וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of Nahor'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with the named son Nahor.
נָח֖וֹרNahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Object of infinitive (named son)נָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; the son after whose birth Serug's remaining lifespan is counted.
מָאתַ֣יִםtwo hundrednumeral f dual abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (lifespan post-begetting)מֵאָה (H3967) dual מָאתַיִם 'two hundred'; Serug's total post-Nahor lifespan; total = 230 years.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the lifespan; Serug's total = 230 years — declining lifespan trend continues.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; closing formula for unnamed further children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters in the closing formula.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard closing pair.
24

וַיְחִ֣י נָח֔וֹר תֵּ֥שַׁע וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת תָּֽרַח

And Nahor lived twenty-nine years and fathered Terah.

genealogical continuation narrowing toward the Terah cycleand
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיְחִ֣יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (age-at-begetting formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; begins the age-at-begetting formula for Nahor son of Serug.
נָח֔וֹרNahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Subject of וַיְחִינָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; son of Serug; grandfather of Abraham; the penultimate ancestor before Terah.
תֵּ֥שַׁעninenumeral f sg abs · תֵּשַׁע (H8672)Numeral (unit component of age)תֵּשַׁע (H8672) 'nine'; combined with וְעֶשְׂרִים for twenty-nine; Nahor was 29 at Terah's birth.
וְעֶשְׂרִ֖יםand twentyconj וְ + numeral m pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Numeral (tens component of age)עֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; nine + twenty = twenty-nine; youngest age at begetting so far in this genealogy.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the age-at-begetting formula for Nahor.
וַיּ֖וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting the named heir)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; the generation-advance verb naming Terah.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Terah as the definite object.
תָּֽרַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Direct object (named son)תֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; father of Abraham; his toledot opens in v.27; the final named ancestor before the patriarchal narrative.
25

וַיְחִ֣י נָח֗וֹר אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת תֶּ֔רַח תְּשַֽׁע עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת

And Nahor lived, after he fathered Terah, one hundred and nineteen years, and he fathered sons and daughters.

genealogical continuationand
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיְחִ֣יand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (post-begetting lifespan formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; opens the post-begetting lifespan formula for Nahor son of Serug.
נָח֗וֹרNahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Subject of וַיְחִינָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; subject of the post-begetting lifespan clause; the Nahor who is grandfather of Abraham.
אַחֲרֵי֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (after-begetting formula)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; standard formula.
הוֹלִיד֣וֹhis fatheringHiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix · יָלַד (H3205)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive: prior completed actionיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil inf constr + 3ms suffix; 'after his fathering of Terah'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with the named son Terah.
תֶּ֔רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Object of infinitive (named son)תֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; the son after whose birth Nahor's remaining lifespan is counted.
תְּשַֽׁעninenumeral f sg abs · תֵּשַׁע (H8672)Numeral (unit component of lifespan)תֵּשַׁע (H8672) 'nine'; combined with עֶשְׂרֵה וּמְאַת for 119 years post-Terah.
עֶשְׂרֵ֥הteennumeral f sg abs · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Numeral (compound unit: tens component)עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) 'ten'; combined with תֵּשַׁע to make nineteen (nine-teen); then + one hundred = 119 total.
שָׁנָ֖הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for teens numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; accompanies the compound numeral תְּשַׁע עֶשְׂרֵה 'nineteen'.
וּמְאַ֣תand one hundredconj וּ + numeral f sg constr · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component of lifespan)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; constr form מְאַת with conjunction; nineteen + one hundred = 119 years post-Terah.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing lifespan countשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the compound lifespan; Nahor's total = 148 years — shortest in this genealogy so far.
וַיּ֥וֹלֶדand he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol closing formula (further offspring)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; closing formula for unnamed further children.
בָּנִ֖יםsonsN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַיּוֹלֶדבֵּן (H1121) pl 'sons'; paired with daughters.
וּבָנֽוֹתand daughtersconj וּ + N f pl abs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323) pl בָּנוֹת 'daughters'; standard closing pair.
26

וַֽיְחִי תֶ֖רַח שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַיּ֨וֹלֶד֙ אֶת אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת הָרָֽן

And Terah lived seventy years and fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

genealogical hinge into the Terah narrativeand
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַֽיְחִיand he livedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Wayyiqtol (age-at-begetting formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; begins the age-at-begetting formula for Terah — the pivot ancestor before the patriarchal narrative.
תֶ֖רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Subject of וַיְחִיתֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; the final ancestor in the genealogical chain of ch.11.
שִׁבְעִ֣יםseventynumeral m pl abs · שִׁבְעִים (H7657)Numeral (age at begetting)שִׁבְעִים (H7657) 'seventy'; Terah was 70 when he began to father his three sons; the highest age-at-begetting in this genealogy.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the age-at-begetting formula; Terah's 70 contrasts with Nahor's 29 — the trend reverses here.
וַיּ֨וֹלֶד֙and he fatheredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol (begetting three named heirs)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil; uniquely here three named sons follow — no other ancestor in this genealogy has three named sons.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Abram as the first definite direct object.
אַבְרָ֔םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Direct object (first named son)אַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram' = 'exalted father'; the name that will become Abraham (H85) in Gen 17:5; the central figure of the next narrative.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Nahor as the second definite direct object.
נָח֖וֹרNahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Direct object (second named son)נָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; Abram's brother; same name as his grandfather; marries Milcah (v.29).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunctive direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853) with conjunction וְ; marks Haran as the third definite direct object.
הָרָֽןHaranproper noun · הָרָן (H2039)Direct object (third named son)הָרָן (H2039) 'Haran'; youngest of the three (dies before Terah, v.28); father of Lot and Milcah; dies in Ur of the Chaldeans.
27

וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תֶּ֔רַח תֶּ֚רַח הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת הָרָ֑ן וְהָרָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת לֽוֹט

And these are the generations of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran, and Haran begot Lot.

toledot heading with genealogical expansionand
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙and these areconj וְ + dem pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subject of toledot headingאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; waw-connected toledot formula opens the final section of ch.11 and the transition to Abraham.
תּוֹלְדֹ֣תthe generations ofN f pl constr · תּוֹלְדוֹת (H8435)Predicate nominative (toledot formula)תּוֹלְדוֹת (H8435) 'generations, account'; the seventh major toledot heading in Genesis; begins the Terah-Abraham section.
תֶּ֔רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Genitival complement of תּוֹלְדֹתתֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; the toledot is named for Terah but will quickly focus on Abram.
תֶּ֚רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Subject of the genealogical clause (resumptive)תֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; resumptive subject beginning the expanded family notice.
הוֹלִ֣ידfatheredHiphil perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of genealogical clause→ Perfective: completed act of begettingיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil perf 'to father'; the qatal here is the standard perfect of begetting rather than wayyiqtol.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; first of three objects of הוֹלִיד.
אַבְרָ֔םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Direct object (first named son)אַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram'; first-named and narratively primary son of Terah.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; second object of הוֹלִיד.
נָח֖וֹרNahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Direct object (second named son)נָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; second son of Terah; marries Milcah (v.29).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunctive direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853) with conjunction; marks Haran as the third definite direct object.
הָרָ֑ןHaranproper noun · הָרָן (H2039)Direct object (third named son)הָרָן (H2039) 'Haran'; third son of Terah; dies in Ur (v.28); father of Lot and Milcah; his death makes this toledot unusual.
וְהָרָ֖ןand Haranconj וְ + proper noun · הָרָן (H2039)Subject of second genealogical clauseהָרָן (H2039) 'Haran'; reintroduced as subject of a second clause — his own offspring are noted before his death in v.28.
הוֹלִ֥ידfatheredHiphil perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of second genealogical clause→ Perfective: completed act of begettingיָלַד (H3205) Hiphil perf; Haran's begetting of Lot is noted before the death report.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Lot as the definite object.
לֽוֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Direct object (named son of Haran)לוֹט (H3876) 'Lot'; son of Haran; will become a major character in chs.13-14,18-19; nephew of Abram.
28

וַיָּ֣מָת הָרָ֔ן עַל פְּנֵ֖י תֶּ֣רַח אָבִ֑יו בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתּ֖וֹ בְּא֥וּר כַּשְׂדִּֽים

And Haran died in the presence of Terah his father, in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans.

genealogical notice with death reportand
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיָּ֣מָתand he diedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol (death report)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the first death notice in the genealogy; Haran's premature death before his father is narratively striking.
הָרָ֔ןHaranproper noun · הָרָן (H2039)Subject of וַיָּמָתהָרָן (H2039) 'Haran'; his death before Terah is described as 'before the face of his father' — an unusual paternal predeceasing.
עַלbeforeprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (presence/witness of father)עַל (H5921) in idiom עַל פְּנֵי = 'before the face of, in the presence of, before the lifetime of'.
פְּנֵ֖יthe face ofN m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct-chain head (idiom of presence)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; עַל פְּנֵי אָבִיו = 'in the presence of his father' = during his father's lifetime; a noted anomaly.
תֶּ֣רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Genitival complement of פְּנֵי (father)תֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; Haran's father; his survival of his son is the unusual fact the text highlights.
אָבִ֑יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Appositive to תֶּרַח (clarifying relationship)אָב (H1) 'father'; with 3ms suffix 'his father'; appositive clarifying Terah's relationship to Haran.
בְּאֶ֥רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, territory'; construct with מוֹלַדְתּוֹ — in the land of his birth.
מוֹלַדְתּ֖וֹhis birthN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · מוֹלֶדֶת (H4138)Genitival complement (place of origin)מוֹלֶדֶת (H4138) 'birth, kindred, native land'; from יָלַד; 'land of his birth' = his homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans.
בְּא֥וּרin Urprep בְּ + proper noun · אוּר (H218)Locative prepositional phrase (city name)אוּר (H218) 'Ur'; the great Sumerian city of Ur in southern Mesopotamia; the family's place of origin before migration.
כַּשְׂדִּֽיםof the Chaldeansproper noun · כַּשְׂדִּים (H3778)Genitival complement of אוּר (ethnic identifier)כַּשְׂדִּים (H3778) 'Chaldeans'; the ethnic identifier for Ur; an anachronism since Chaldeans rose to power c.9th c. BCE.
29

וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָ֧ם וְנָח֛וֹר לָהֶ֖ם נָשִׁ֑ים שֵׁ֤ם אֵֽשֶׁת אַבְרָם֙ שָׂרָ֔י וְשֵׁ֤ם אֵֽשֶׁת נָחוֹר֙ מִלְכָּ֔ה בַּת הָרָ֥ן אֲבִֽי מִלְכָּ֖ה וַֽאֲבִ֥י יִסְכָּֽה

And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves; the name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah.

family elaboration through marriage noticeand
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּקַּ֨חand tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol main clause predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; standard idiom for taking a wife: לָקַח + אִשָּׁה = 'took a wife for himself'.
אַבְרָ֧םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of וַיִּקַּח (compound subject)אַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram'; first of the compound subject; his marriage to Sarai is the detail that establishes the barrenness notice of v.30.
וְנָח֛וֹרand Nahorconj וְ + proper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Compound subject (second element)נָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; second son of Terah; he marries Milcah his niece (daughter of Haran).
לָהֶ֖םfor themselvesprep לְ + 3mp suffixReflexive dative prepositional phraseprep לְ + 3mp suffix; reflexive 'for themselves'; the idiom לָקַח לוֹ אִשָּׁה = 'he took a wife for himself'.
נָשִׁ֑יםwivesN f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of וַיִּקַּחאִשָּׁה (H802) pl נָשִׁים 'women, wives'; the taking of wives for two brothers is reported together before each wife is named.
שֵׁ֤םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of naming clause (construct head)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; introduces the formal naming of each wife; the construct chain שֵׁם אֵשֶׁת = 'the name of the wife of'.
אֵֽשֶׁתthe wife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Construct chain (wife of Abram)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; in construct with Abram's name identifying Sarai as his wife.
אַבְרָם֙Abramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Genitival complement of אֵשֶׁתאַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram'; the genitival complement identifying whose wife Sarai is.
שָׂרָ֔יSaraiproper noun · שָׂרַי (H8297)Predicate nominative (the wife's name)שָׂרַי (H8297) 'Sarai' = 'my princess'; later renamed שָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess' in Gen 17:15; her barrenness is the crisis of chs.12-21.
וְשֵׁ֤םand the name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of second naming clauseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; introduces the second wife naming: parallel to the first clause.
אֵֽשֶׁתthe wife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Construct chain (wife of Nahor)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; in construct with Nahor's name.
נָחוֹר֙Nahorproper noun · נָחוֹר (H5152)Genitival complement of אֵשֶׁתנָחוֹר (H5152) 'Nahor'; Abram's brother; his wife Milcah is also his niece (daughter of Haran).
מִלְכָּ֔הMilcahproper noun · מִלְכָּה (H4435)Predicate nominative (the wife's name)מִלְכָּה (H4435) 'Milcah' = 'queen'; daughter of Haran (v.29c); grandmother of Rebekah (Gen 22:20-23).
בַּתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Appositive construct (identifies Milcah's parentage)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; in construct with Haran's name; Milcah is Nahor's niece, making the marriage endogamous.
הָרָ֥ןHaranproper noun · הָרָן (H2039)Genitival complement of בַּת (Milcah's father)הָרָן (H2039) 'Haran'; father of Milcah and Iscah; his children survive him since he died before Terah (v.28).
אֲבִֽיfather ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Appositive construct (Haran's relationship to Milcah)אָב (H1) 'father'; in construct — Haran is specified as 'father of Milcah' for clarity about Milcah's lineage.
מִלְכָּ֖הMilcahproper noun · מִלְכָּה (H4435)Genitival complement (Milcah — reidentified)מִלְכָּה (H4435) 'Milcah'; repeated to specify that Haran is father of Milcah specifically (and also of Iscah).
וַֽאֲבִ֥יand the father ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · אָב (H1)Coordinated construct (Haran also father of Iscah)אָב (H1) 'father'; Haran is also named as father of Iscah — coordinated to clarify his dual paternity.
יִסְכָּֽהIscahproper noun · יִסְכָּה (H3252)Genitival complement (second daughter of Haran)יִסְכָּה (H3252) 'Iscah'; mentioned only here in the OT; some ancient tradition identifies her with Sarai, but the text gives no support.
30

וַתְּהִ֥י שָׂרַ֖י עֲקָרָ֑ה אֵ֥ין לָ֖הּ וָלָֽד

Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.

backgrounded family circumstancenow
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַתְּהִ֥יand she wasQal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (introducing circumstantial background)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (narrative crisis)הָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the crucial detail of Sarai's barrenness, the central theological problem of the Abraham cycle.
שָׂרַ֖יSaraiproper noun · שָׂרַי (H8297)Subject of וַתְּהִישָׂרַי (H8297) 'Sarai'; the barrenness of the chosen wife is the central tension that drives Genesis 12–21.
עֲקָרָ֑הbarrenadj f sg abs · עֲקָרָה (H6135)Predicate adjective (Sarai's condition)עֲקָרָה (H6135) 'barren'; from עָקַר 'to uproot'; the condition that makes the promise of descendants in Gen 12:2 impossible without divine action.
אֵ֥יןthere is noneg existential · אַיִן (H369)Existential negationאַיִן (H369) 'there is not, there is no'; existential negative; the asyndetic second clause reinforces and specifies the first.
לָ֖הּfor herprep לְ + 3fs suffixDative prepositional phrase (possessive)prep לְ + 3fs suffix; the dative of possession — 'she had no child'.
וָלָֽדchildN m sg abs · וָלָד (H2056)Subject of existential negationוָלָד (H2056) 'child, offspring'; variant of יֶלֶד; from יָלַד; the non-existence of a child is stated explicitly to underscore the crisis.
31

וַיִּקַּ֨ח תֶּ֜רַח אֶת אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֗וֹ וְאֶת ל֤וֹט בֶּן הָרָן֙ בֶּן בְּנ֔וֹ וְאֵת֙ שָׂרַ֣י כַּלָּת֔וֹ אֵ֖שֶׁת אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֑וֹ וַיֵּצְא֨וּ אִתָּ֜ם מֵא֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים לָלֶ֨כֶת֙ אַ֣רְצָה כְּנַ֔עַן וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ עַד חָרָ֖ן וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, the wife of Abram his son, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; but they came as far as Haran and settled there.

migration notice with interrupted destinationand
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וַיִּקַּ֨חand tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol main clause predicate→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Terah takes his family group and initiates migration toward Canaan.
תֶּ֜רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Subject of וַיִּקַּחתֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; Terah is the initiator of the migration, though the narrative will transfer agency to Abram in Gen 12.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Abram as the first definite direct object.
אַבְרָ֣םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Direct object (Terah's son)אַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram'; first named member of the family group taken by Terah.
בְּנ֗וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive identifying Abram's relationshipבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with 3ms suffix 'his son'; identifies Abram as Terah's son.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunctive direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi with conjunction; marks Lot as the second definite direct object.
ל֤וֹטLotproper noun · לוֹט (H3876)Direct object (second family member)לוֹט (H3876) 'Lot'; grandson of Terah through Haran; taken along on the migration; will separate from Abram in Gen 13.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive construct (Lot's parentage)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; in construct — Lot is specified as 'son of Haran' to clarify his genealogical position.
הָרָן֙Haranproper noun · הָרָן (H2039)Genitival complement (Lot's father)הָרָן (H2039) 'Haran'; Lot's father who died in Ur (v.28); the family honors the dead son's child by taking him along.
בֶּןgrandsonN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive construct (Lot's relationship to Terah)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; second בֶּן in a construct chain — Lot as 'son of his son' = his grandson.
בְּנ֔וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Genitival complement (grandson specification)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with 3ms suffix = 'his son'; together בֶּן בְּנוֹ = 'son of his son' = grandson.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunctive direct-object marker (third object)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi with conjunction; marks Sarai as the third definite direct object.
שָׂרַ֣יSaraiproper noun · שָׂרַי (H8297)Direct object (third family member)שָׂרַי (H8297) 'Sarai'; included in the migrating family; her barrenness (v.30) travels with them toward the land of promise.
כַּלָּת֔וֹhis daughter-in-lawN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · כַּלָּה (H3618)Appositive identifying Sarai's relationship to Terahכַּלָּה (H3618) 'daughter-in-law, bride'; with 3ms suffix 'his daughter-in-law'; Sarai is Terah's daughter-in-law (Abram's wife).
אֵ֖שֶׁתwife ofN f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Appositive construct (Sarai's relationship to Abram)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; in construct — a second appositive specifying Sarai as Abram's wife.
אַבְרָ֣םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Genitival complement of אֵשֶׁתאַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram'; genitival complement specifying whose wife Sarai is.
בְּנ֑וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive confirming Abram as Terah's sonבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with 3ms suffix; third use of 'his son' in this verse — careful enumeration of family relationships.
וַיֵּצְא֨וּand they went outQal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol narrative sequel→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, depart'; the departure from Ur is the decisive action; they exit their homeland.
אִתָּ֜םwith themprep אֵת + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; comitative prep + 3mp suffix 'with them'; Terah goes with his family — they travel together.
מֵא֣וּרfrom Urprep מִן + proper noun · אוּר (H218)Directional prepositional phrase (origin)אוּר (H218) 'Ur'; the starting point of the migration; Ur of the Chaldeans (specified, as in v.28).
כַּשְׂדִּ֗יםof the Chaldeansproper noun · כַּשְׂדִּים (H3778)Genitival complement of אוּרכַּשְׂדִּים (H3778) 'Chaldeans'; the ethnic identifier; the origin story of Abraham begins with an exit from Mesopotamian paganism.
לָלֶ֨כֶת֙to goprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H3212)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive: stated goal of the departureהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; the inf of purpose states the destination — Canaan — though the journey stops short at Haran.
אַ֣רְצָהto the land ofN f sg constr + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Directional accusative (destination)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; directional suffix ה marks movement toward; 'to the land of Canaan' — the stated destination.
כְּנַ֔עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitival complement (land name)כְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the promised land that Terah aims for but does not reach; Abram will complete the journey in Gen 12:5.
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּand they cameQal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol narrative sequel→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the arrival at Haran is the key pivot — the journey stops prematurely.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase of extent (limit of travel)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks Haran as the limit of travel — they reach but do not pass this point.
חָרָ֖ןHaranproper noun · חָרָן (H2771)Object of preposition (intermediate stopping point)חָרָן (H2771) 'Haran'; the city in upper Mesopotamia (distinct from Abram's brother הָרָן); the journey stalls here until Terah dies.
וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּand they settledQal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol (settlement replacing intended travel)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; the settling in Haran echoes the settling in Shinar (v.2) — another premature rest before the true destination.
שָֽׁםthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; the journey ends — 'and they settled there'; Gen 12:1 will restart the movement from Haran to Canaan.
32

וַיִּהְי֣וּ יְמֵי תֶ֔רַח חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַיָּ֥מָת תֶּ֖רַח בְּחָרָֽן

And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.

section closure with lifespan noticeand
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּהְי֣וּand they wereQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol (closing lifespan notice)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; standard idiom 'the days of X were Y years' = a total-lifespan summary at the end of life.
יְמֵיthe days ofN m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Subject (construct head of lifespan formula)יוֹם (H3117) pl יְמֵי 'days'; construct before the name — 'the days of Terah' = his lifespan total.
תֶ֔רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Genitival complement of יְמֵיתֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; the closing death notice is attached to the total lifespan summary.
חָמֵ֥שׁfivenumeral f sg abs · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Numeral (unit component of lifespan)חָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; combined with וּמָאתַיִם for 205; Terah's total lifespan.
שָׁנִ֖יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun (years for unit numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) pl שָׁנִים 'years'; accompanies the unit numeral חָמֵשׁ.
וּמָאתַ֣יִםand two hundredconj וּ + numeral f dual abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component of lifespan)מֵאָה (H3967) dual מָאתַיִם 'two hundred'; five + two hundred = 205 total years — Terah's lifespan.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal noun closing total lifespanשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; closes the total lifespan of Terah = 205 years; the primeval history ends with his death in Haran.
וַיָּ֥מָתand he diedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol (death report closing the section)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; Terah's death in Haran closes the primeval genealogy and clears the stage for God's call to Abram in Gen 12.
תֶּ֖רַחTerahproper noun · תֶּרַח (H8646)Subject of וַיָּמָתתֶּרַח (H8646) 'Terah'; subject of the death notice; the last named ancestor of the primeval history dies in Haran, not Canaan.
בְּחָרָֽןin Haranprep בְּ + proper noun · חָרָן (H2771)Locative prepositional phrase (place of death)חָרָן (H2771) 'Haran'; the city where Terah died; the migration halted here; Gen 12:1,4 resumes it under divine command to Abram.