1
אַחַ֣ר הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה הָיָ֤ה דְבַר יְהוָה֙ אֶל אַבְרָ֔ם בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אַל תִּירָ֣א אַבְרָ֗ם אָנֹכִי֙ מָגֵ֣ן לָ֔ךְ שְׂכָרְךָ֖ הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹֽד
After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, 'Do not fear, Abram. I am a shield for you; your reward shall be very great.'
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
אַחַ֣רafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal preposition (fronted clause frame)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; adverbial/prepositional, marking temporal sequence from ch. 14.
הַדְּבָרִ֣יםthe thingsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Object of temporal preposition אַחַרדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; pl 'these things/events,' referring to the ch. 14 war narrative.
הָאֵ֗לֶּהtheseart + dem pron pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) near demonstrative pl 'these'; marks the events of ch. 14 as the immediate antecedent.
הָיָ֤הcameQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the temporal superscription→ Perfective: a singular completed historical occurrenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen, come'; here 'came to pass,' the standard formula for prophetic-narrative onset.
דְבַרword ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of הָיָה (construct head)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; in construct with יְהוָה — the divine speech-event as subject of the clause.
יְהוָה֙Yahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitival complement of דְּבַר (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name of Israel's God; its promissory associations are central to the entire chapter.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition marking the recipientאֶל (H413) directional prep 'to, toward'; governs the addressee of the divine word.
אַבְרָ֔םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Object of preposition אֶלאַבְרָם (H87) 'Abram,' the patriarch; his name is changed to Abraham at Gen 17:5.
בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖הin a visionprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מַחֲזֶה (H4236)Modal prepositional phrase (revelatory mode)מַחֲזֶה (H4236) 'vision, sight'; from חָזָה 'to see/behold'; marks the divine encounter as visionary perception rather than ordinary speech.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: attendant verbal circumstanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר marks the transition into divine direct address.
אַלdo notneg particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negative particle with jussiveאַל (H408) volitional negative used with jussive/cohortative; forbids the action with emotional urgency, stronger than לֹא + impf.
תִּירָ֣אfearQal jussive 2ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Negated jussive (prohibition: do not fear)→ Volitional: jussive of prohibitionיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, be afraid'; the divine אַל-תִּירָא formula counters specific vulnerability; here likely post-battle anxiety after ch. 14.
אַבְרָ֗םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Vocative addressאַבְרָם (H87) addressed directly as vocative; the personal naming singles him out as the covenant recipient of this word.
אָנֹכִי֙Ipersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of divine self-predication (nominal clause)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 1cs pronoun 'I'; fronted to establish YHWH's identity as the theological basis of the assurance.
מָגֵ֣ןa shieldN m sg abs · מָגֵן (H4043)Predicate noun of nominal clause 'I am a shield'מָגֵן (H4043) 'shield,' from גָּנַן 'to cover/protect'; military metaphor applied to YHWH; counters Abram's post-battle exposure.
לָ֔ךְfor youprep לְ + 2fs suffix · לְBenefactive prepositional phraseלְ (benefactive) + pronominal suffix; the 2fs form לָךְ is morphologically noted in OSHB, though context addresses Abram (male).
שְׂכָרְךָ֖your rewardN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שָׂכָר (H7939)Subject of verbless clause or appositive to divine promiseשָׂכָר (H7939) 'reward, wages, hire'; may allude to Abram's refusal of the king of Sodom's spoils in ch. 14 — YHWH himself is the recompense.
הַרְבֵּ֥הexceedinglyHiphil inf abs · רָבָה (H7235)Adverbial infinitive absolute intensifying the predicate→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensificationרָבָה (H7235) 'to be/become many, multiply'; Hiphil inf abs used adverbially 'exceedingly, very much.'
מְאֹֽדveryadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Intensifying adverb stacking with הַרְבֵּהמְאֹד (H3966) 'exceedingly, very much'; combined with הַרְבֵּה for maximal intensification of the divine reward.
2
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָ֗ם אֲדֹנָ֤י יֱהוִה֙ מַה תִּתֶּן לִ֔י וְאָנֹכִ֖י הוֹלֵ֣ךְ עֲרִירִ֑י וּבֶן מֶ֣שֶׁק בֵּיתִ֔י ה֖וּא דַּמֶּ֥שֶׂק אֱלִיעֶֽזֶר
But Abram said, 'Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I am going on childless, and the heir of my household is Eliezer of Damascus?'
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (Abram's response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; wayyiqtol marks the narrative response as part of the main storyline.
אַבְרָ֗םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראַבְרָם (H87) shifts here from recipient of the divine word to respondent; his protest frames vv. 2-3.
אֲדֹנָ֤יmy LordN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Vocative address (respectful title)אֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'; plural of majesty with 1cs suffix; respectful address to YHWH in Abram's direct speech.
יֱהוִה֙Yahwehproper noun · יְהוִה (H3069)Apposition to אֲדֹנָייְהוִה (H3069) alternate Masoretic pointing of the tetragrammaton when following אֲדֹנָי, to avoid repeated vowel patterns.
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun (predicate/subject of question)מָה (H4100) interrogative 'what'; introduces Abram's rhetorical protest regarding the value of promise without an heir.
תִּתֶּןwill you giveQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the interrogative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — prospective or ongoing actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; Abram's question implies the divine giving has not yet materialized in any meaningful way.
לִ֔יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffixIndirect object of תִּתֶּןלְ + 1cs pronominal suffix; dative of advantage/recipient.
וְאָנֹכִ֖יand Iconj וְ + personal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of circumstantial clause (contrastive)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 1cs; the conjunction introduces a contrastive circumstance: while YHWH promises, Abram goes on childless.
הוֹלֵ֣ךְam going onQal ptc m sg abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate ptc of circumstantial clause→ Participle: ongoing durative stateהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk, go, proceed'; ptc describes Abram's continuing life-progress: he is still going, still childless.
עֲרִירִ֑יchildlessadj m sg abs · עֲרִירִי (H6185)Predicate adjective (condition of Abram)עֲרִירִי (H6185) 'childless, stripped of progeny'; a rare term expressing the condition of having no heir — the pathos of Abram's complaint.
וּבֶןand son ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of coordinated nominal clauseבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; in construct, pointing to the heir-designate defined by his household relation, not biological sonship.
מֶ֣שֶׁקacquisition ofN m sg constr · מֶשֶׁק (H4943)Construct genitive specifying בֶּןמֶשֶׁק (H4943) hapax; likely 'estate, stewardship, acquisition'; בֶּן מֶשֶׁק = 'heir of my estate' — the precise nuance is debated.
בֵּיתִ֔יmy householdN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitival complement of מֶשֶׁקבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; with 1cs suffix = 'my house'; the heir is a member of Abram's domestic establishment.
ה֖וּאhepersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive copular pronoun of nominal predicationהוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun; functions as copula in the nominal clause: 'he is Eliezer of Damascus.'
דַּמֶּ֥שֶׂקDamascusproper noun · דַּמֶּשֶׂק (H1834)Attributive apposition (place of origin)דַּמֶּשֶׂק (H1834) 'Damascus,' the Aramean capital; identifies Eliezer's homeland, underscoring his foreignness as prospective heir.
אֱלִיעֶֽזֶרEliezerproper noun · אֱלִיעֶזֶר (H461)Predicate/appositive to הוּאאֱלִיעֶזֶר (H461) 'my God is help'; named as the household servant presumed to inherit in the absence of a biological son.
3
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָ֔ם הֵ֣ן לִ֔י לֹ֥א נָתַ֖תָּה זָ֑רַע וְהִנֵּ֥ה בֶן בֵּיתִ֖י יוֹרֵ֥שׁ אֹתִֽי
And Abram said, 'Look, you have given me no offspring, and behold, a son of my house is my heir.'
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) repeated wayyiqtol of speech; Abram's complaint continues and intensifies in v. 3.
אַבְרָ֔םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראַבְרָם (H87) restates the speaker; the repeated naming in consecutive verses emphasizes his persistence.
הֵ֣ןbeholdpresentative particle · הֵן (H2005)Exclamatory presentative particleהֵן (H2005) presentative 'behold, lo'; introduces an emphatic statement of observed fact; parallel to הִנֵּה.
לִ֔יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffixDative of interest (disadvantage)לְ + 1cs suffix; dative marking the adverse personal situation for Abram.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating נָתַתָּהלֹא (H3808) standard negative 'not'; with perf asserts the fact of non-giving as established reality.
נָתַ֖תָּהyou have givenQal perf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of complaint clause→ Perfective: completed (or notably absent) actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the perf asserts a fact Abram takes as settled: God has given no offspring, making the promise hollow.
זָ֑רַעoffspringN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of נָתַתָּהזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring, descendants'; the central covenant term; its absence is the crisis the chapter must resolve.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing contrasting observationהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; draws vivid attention to the contrasting situation — if no seed, a household member inherits.
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of nominal clauseבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; in construct anticipating the genitive; here 'a member/son of my house' — household dependent.
בֵּיתִ֖יmy householdN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitival complement of בֶןבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; 'son of my house' = a domestic dependent who would inherit by default.
יוֹרֵ֥שׁwill inheritQal ptc m sg abs · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate ptc of nominal clause (imminent prospect)→ Participle: imminent or ongoing prospectיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess, dispossess'; the ptc frames the situation as the current and continuing trajectory if nothing changes.
אֹתִֽיmeobj marker + 1cs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object pronoun (Abram as object of inheritance)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi + 1cs suffix 'me'; the irony: Abram himself becomes the 'object' of another's inheritance.
4
וְהִנֵּ֨ה דְבַר יְהוָ֤ה אֵלָיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לֹ֥א יִֽירָשְׁךָ֖ זֶ֑ה כִּי אִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵצֵ֣א מִמֵּעֶ֔יךָ ה֖וּא יִֽירָשֶֽׁךָ
And behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, 'This man shall not inherit you; rather, the one who comes forth from your own body, he shall inherit you.'
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהִנֵּ֨הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing divine corrective wordהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; marks the sudden, emphatic intrusion of the divine word answering Abram's protest.
דְבַרword ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of nominal clause (construct head)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; in construct with יְהוָה — the divine speech-event is the subject, echoing v. 1's formula.
יְהוָ֤הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitival complement of דְּבַר (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name; its recurrence here anchors the heir-clarification in the same divine authority as the initial promise.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (recipient)אֶל (H413) + 3ms suffix; the divine word is directed personally to Abram in response to his specific complaint.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: attendant verbal circumstanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the inf constr לֵאמֹר opens the direct divine address that overturns Abram's assumed heir.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negates יִירָשְׁךָ)לֹא (H3808) categorical negative; the divine word begins with blunt denial of Eliezer's presumed inheritance.
יִֽירָשְׁךָ֖will inherit youQal impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Negated predicate verb→ Yiqtol: future negated — definitive divine prohibitionיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess'; the 2ms obj suffix makes Abram the object of the inheritance — the very scenario he feared.
זֶ֑הthis onedem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject of the negated clauseזֶה (H2088) near demonstrative 'this one'; dismisses Eliezer categorically — this person is not the heir.
כִּיbut ratherconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Adversative/exceptive conjunction (כִּי אִם = 'but rather')כִּי (H3588) here in combination with אִם forming the idiom כִּי אִם 'but rather, on the contrary'; introduces the corrective promise.
אִם֙[rather]conjunction · אִם (H518)Second member of adversative כִּי אִםאִם (H518) in כִּי אִם = 'but only, rather'; the pair functions as a strong adversative, sharply contrasting the true heir.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthe one whorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (heads the relative clause defining the true heir)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle 'who, which'; here nominalizes the relative clause as the subject of the promise.
יֵצֵ֣אwill come forthQal impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future — biological birth as yet unrealizedיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; the imagery of coming from Abram's own body underscores biological descent as the criterion.
מִמֵּעֶ֔יךָfrom your bodyprep מִן + N m pl constr + 2ms suffix · מֵעֶה (H4578)Source prepositional phrase (specifying biological origin)מֵעֶה (H4578) 'bowels, belly, inward parts'; used for the seat of birth/generation; 'from your own body' is deliberately physical.
ה֖וּאhepersonal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive pronoun (subject of apodosis)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun; resumes the subject after the relative clause, giving emphatic focus: 'he — that one — will inherit you.'
יִֽירָשֶֽׁךָwill inherit youQal impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb of promise (main clause apodosis)→ Yiqtol: future — assured divine promiseיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess'; the same verb used for Eliezer's feared inheritance is now applied to the true heir — a deliberate reversal.
5
וַיּוֹצֵ֨א אֹת֜וֹ הַח֗וּצָה וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַבֶּט נָ֣א הַשָּׁמַ֗יְמָה וּסְפֹר֙ הַכּ֣וֹכָבִ֔ים אִם תּוּכַ֖ל לִסְפֹּ֣ר אֹתָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ כֹּ֥ה יִהְיֶ֖ה זַרְעֶֽךָ
And he brought him outside and said, 'Please look toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them.' And he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיּוֹצֵ֨אand he brought outconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (sign-act begins)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; YHWH takes the initiative to move Abram outside — the star-comparison requires the open sky.
אֹת֜וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיּוֹצֵאאֵת (H853) nota accusativi + 3ms suffix 'him'; marks Abram as the direct object of YHWH's action.
הַח֗וּצָהoutsideart + N m sg abs + directional ה · חוּץ (H2351)Directional accusativeחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street, the open'; the directional ה indicates motion toward the outside — necessary for the star-count sign.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (divine speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the wayyiqtol marks immediate sequential action — brought him out, then spoke.
הַבֶּטlook!Hiphil impv 2ms · נָבַט (H5027)Imperative of divine command→ Volitional: imperative commandנָבַט (H5027) Hiphil 'to look, gaze'; used for intentional, searching sight; YHWH directs Abram to gaze upward at the stars.
נָ֣אpleaseenclitic particle · נָא (H4994)Softening particle with imperativeנָא (H4994) enclitic/deictic particle softening the imperative; conveys invitation rather than bare command.
הַשָּׁמַ֗יְמָהtoward the heavensart + N m pl abs + directional ה · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Directional accusative of הַבֵּטשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens, sky'; the directional ה marks the object of Abram's gaze; the star-canopy becomes the visual pledge.
וּסְפֹר֙and countconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · סָפַר (H5608)Conjoined imperative (second command)→ Volitional: imperative commandסָפַר (H5608) 'to count, number'; the counting exercise is set up to fail, making the innumerability of the stars the point of the comparison.
הַכּ֣וֹכָבִ֔יםthe starsart + N m pl abs · כּוֹכָב (H3556)Direct object of וּסְפֹרכּוֹכָב (H3556) 'star'; pl with article; the stars are both quantitatively innumerable and symbolically glorious — the visual analogy for Abram's descendants.
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (rhetorical)אִם (H518) conditional 'if'; the conditional is rhetorical — the impossibility of counting is the point, not a genuine condition.
תּוּכַ֖לyou are ableQal impf 2ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb of conditional clause→ Yiqtol: potential/modal — 'if you can'יָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, can'; the implied answer is 'no' — the uncountable stars illustrate the boundless scope of the promise.
לִסְפֹּ֣רto countprep לְ + Qal inf constr · סָפַר (H5608)Complementary infinitive of יָכֹל→ Infinitive: verbal complementסָפַר (H5608) 'to count'; inf constr as complement to יָכֹל; the rhetorical impossibility reinforces the immensity of the promise.
אֹתָ֑םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of לִסְפֹּראֵת (H853) nota accusativi + 3mp suffix 'them'; refers back to הַכּוֹכָבִים — the stars as the uncountable referent.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (resumptive speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the second use in this verse marks YHWH's direct word after the sign-act.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffixIndirect object of וַיֹּאמֶרלְ + 3ms suffix; dative of address — the promise is spoken directly to Abram.
כֹּ֥הsoadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Demonstrative adverb introducing the comparisonכֹּה (H3541) 'so, thus'; a deictic pointing to the immediately preceding visual — 'like what you just saw, so shall your offspring be.'
יִהְיֶ֖הwill beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the promise clause→ Yiqtol: future — divine assuranceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the yiqtol expresses future certainty: 'your offspring shall be' — the star comparison is now the scale of the promise.
זַרְעֶֽךָyour offspringN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject of יִהְיֶהזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the same word Abram used in his complaint (v. 3); YHWH answers the exact term with a visual pledge of boundless multiplication.
6
וְהֶאֱמִ֖ן בַּֽיהוָ֑ה וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָ לּ֖וֹ צְדָקָֽה
And he believed Yahweh, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וְהֶאֱמִ֖ןand he believedconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3ms · אָמַן (H539)Weqatal of narrative continuation (Abram's response)→ Weqatal/Hiphil perf: the decisive act of trustאָמַן (H539) Hiphil 'to believe, trust, be firm'; the H-stem expresses reliance on the reliability of YHWH's word — one of the most theologically freighted verbs in the Hebrew Bible.
בַּֽיהוָ֑הin Yahwehprep בְּ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of הֶאֱמִין (trust directed toward)יְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name; the prep בְּ with אָמַן Hiphil = 'to believe in, trust in' — the direction and object of Abram's faith.
וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָand he reckoned itconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suffix · חָשַׁב (H2803)Wayyiqtol of divine action (theological reckoning)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָשַׁב (H2803) 'to think, reckon, count, impute'; the 3fs suffix refers to אֱמוּנָה/faith; YHWH is the subject — the reckoning is a divine forensic act.
לּ֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffixDative of benefit (credited to Abram's account)לְ + 3ms suffix; the reckoning is made to Abram's account — the forensic/crediting sense that Paul and James later interpret.
צְדָקָֽהrighteousnessN f sg abs · צְדָקָה (H6666)Predicate/standard of reckoning ('as righteousness')צְדָקָה (H6666) 'righteousness, right conduct, justice'; from צָדַק 'to be righteous'; YHWH's crediting of Abram's faith as this status is the interpretive hinge of the chapter and of later Pauline theology (Rom 4).
7
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר הוֹצֵאתִ֨יךָ֙ מֵא֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים לָ֧תֶת לְךָ֛ אֶת הָאָ֥רֶץ הַזֹּ֖את לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ
And he said to him, 'I am Yahweh, who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess it.'
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (second divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the narrative shifts from the seed promise (vv. 1-6) to the land promise (vv. 7-21).
אֵלָ֑יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) + 3ms suffix; the divine word is again directed personally to Abram.
אֲנִ֣יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of divine self-identification (nominal clause)אֲנִי (H589) 1cs pronoun 'I'; fronted for emphasis in the divine self-predication 'I am YHWH.'
יְהוָ֗הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate of nominal clause (divine identity)יְהוָה (H3068) the divine name as predicate; the formula 'I am YHWH' grounds the land promise in covenantal identity established at the Exodus (cf. Ex 6:2-8).
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the basis clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative 'who'; introduces the historical credential establishing YHWH's identity — the exodus from Ur.
הוֹצֵאתִ֨יךָ֙brought you outHiphil perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate of relative clause (historical saving act)→ Perfective: completed historical act of deliveranceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; YHWH's prior act of bringing Abram from Ur is the precedent and guarantee of the land promise.
מֵא֣וּרfrom Urprep מִן + proper noun · אוּר (H218)Source prepositional phrase (place of origin)אוּר (H218) 'Ur'; the Mesopotamian city of Abram's origin; its identification with Ur of the Chaldeans places Abram's call in a specific geo-historical context.
כַּשְׂדִּ֔יםof the Chaldeansproper noun · כַּשְׂדִּים (H3778)Genitival apposition to אוּרכַּשְׂדִּים (H3778) 'Chaldeans'; the ethnic/regional designation of Ur; locates Abram's origin in southern Mesopotamia.
לָ֧תֶתto giveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Purpose infinitive (divine intent in bringing Abram out)→ Infinitive: purpose/resultנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; the purpose of the exodus from Ur was the land grant — the giving is the telos of the call.
לְךָ֛to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixDative of benefitלְ + 2ms suffix; the land is given to Abram personally and to his descendants — the repeated dative underscores the personal address.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite direct object of נָתַן.
הָאָ֥רֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לָתֶתאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; with article = 'the land' of Canaan; the object of the promise whose boundaries are specified in vv. 18-21.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063) near demonstrative f sg 'this'; the deictic makes the land grant concrete and specific, not abstract.
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּto possess itprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Purpose infinitive with object suffix (telos of the grant)→ Infinitive: purposeיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess, dispossess'; the 3fs suffix refers to הָאָרֶץ; possession/inheritance is the end-goal of both the promise and the covenant rite.
8
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אֲדֹנָ֣י יֱהוִ֔ה בַּמָּ֥ה אֵדַ֖ע כִּ֥י אִֽירָשֶֽׁנָּה
And he said, 'Lord Yahweh, by what shall I know that I will possess it?'
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (Abram's response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Abram responds to the land promise with a request for confirmatory knowledge, not disbelief.
אֲדֹנָ֣יmy LordN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Vocative addressאֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'; the title of respectful address to YHWH, identical to v. 2 — Abram maintains his posture of reverence even in requesting a sign.
יֱהוִ֔הYahwehproper noun · יְהוִה (H3069)Apposition to אֲדֹנָייְהוִה (H3069) alternate Masoretic pointing of the tetragrammaton following אֲדֹנָי; functionally equivalent to יְהוָה.
בַּמָּ֥הby whatprep בְּ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Instrumental interrogative phraseמָה (H4100) interrogative 'what'; with בְּ = 'by what means'; Abram requests a concrete basis for knowing the possession will occur.
אֵדַ֖עshall I knowQal impf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb of the question→ Yiqtol: modal — 'how shall I know'יָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the request is epistemological — Abram wants a confirmatory sign that grounds knowledge, not faith contra evidence.
כִּ֥יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer introducing the content of knowledgeכִּי (H3588) complementizer 'that'; introduces the content of what Abram wants to know — the fact of the possession.
אִֽירָשֶֽׁנָּהI will possess itQal impf 1cs + 3fs suffix · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate of the כִּי complement clause→ Yiqtol: future — land possession as the goalיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess'; the 3fs suffix refers to הָאָרֶץ from v. 7; Abram's question concerns the certainty of actual possession.
9
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו קְחָ֥ה לִי֙ עֶגְלָ֣ה מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת וְעֵ֥ז מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת וְאַ֣יִל מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ וְתֹ֖ר וְגוֹזָֽל
And he said to him, 'Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.'
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (divine instruction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; YHWH answers Abram's request for assurance not with words but with a covenant rite.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) + 3ms suffix; the divine word is addressed directly and personally to Abram.
קְחָ֥הtakeQal impv 2ms + cohortative ה · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative of divine command (initiating the rite)→ Volitional: imperative commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the ה appended to the imperative may be emphatic; YHWH specifies the covenant materials precisely.
לִי֙for meprep לְ + 1cs suffixBenefactive dativeלְ + 1cs suffix; the animals are brought for YHWH's covenant rite — the dative marks divine ownership of the ceremony.
עֶגְלָ֣הa heiferN f sg abs · עֶגְלָה (H5697)Direct object of קְחָה (first covenant animal)עֶגְלָה (H5697) 'heifer, young cow'; the female bovine specified; the three-year age likely signals prime condition for sacrifice.
מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁתthree-year-oldPual passive ptc f sg abs · שָׁלַשׁ (H8027)Attributive ptc modifying עֶגְלָה→ Passive ptc: triple/three-fold condition (three years old)שָׁלַשׁ (H8027) Pual 'to be made threefold, to be three years old'; passive ptc describing the age of the animal — all three quadrupeds share this specification.
וְעֵ֥זand a goatconj וְ + N f sg abs · עֵז (H5795)Coordinated direct object (second covenant animal)עֵז (H5795) 'female goat'; the second animal in the list; together with the heifer and ram forming three split animals and two birds.
מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁתthree-year-oldPual passive ptc f sg abs · שָׁלַשׁ (H8027)Attributive ptc modifying עֵז→ Passive ptc: triple/three-fold conditionשָׁלַשׁ (H8027) same Pual ptc repeated for the second animal; the uniformity of age across all three large animals is deliberate for the rite.
וְאַ֣יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Coordinated direct object (third covenant animal)אַיִל (H352) 'ram, male sheep'; the third large animal; the shift to masculine gender requires the masculine ptc form that follows.
מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁthree-year-oldPual passive ptc m sg abs · שָׁלַשׁ (H8027)Attributive ptc modifying אַיִל→ Passive ptc: triple/three-fold conditionשָׁלַשׁ (H8027) Pual ptc m sg matching the gender of אַיִל; the masculine form distinguishes it from the f sg forms for the heifer and goat.
וְתֹ֖רand a turtledoveconj וְ + N m/f sg abs · תֹּר (H8449)Coordinated direct object (fourth animal, not split)תֹּר (H8449) 'turtledove'; the first of two birds; birds are not split in half (v. 10) — a significant ritual distinction.
וְגוֹזָֽלand a young pigeonconj וְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹזָל (H1469)Coordinated direct object (fifth animal, not split)גּוֹזָל (H1469) 'young pigeon, nestling'; from גָּזַל 'to tear away'; the young pigeon completes the five-animal list; birds in this rite remain whole.
10
וַיִּֽקַּֽח ל֣וֹ אֶת כָּל אֵ֗לֶּה וַיְבַתֵּ֤ר אֹתָם֙ בַּתָּ֔וֶךְ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אִישׁ בִּתְר֖וֹ לִקְרַ֣את רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְאֶת הַצִפֹּ֖ר לֹ֥א בָתָֽר
And he brought him all these, and cut them in two down the middle, and placed each piece opposite its other; but the birds he did not cut.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּֽקַּֽחand he tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (obedient preparation)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Abram's immediate compliance with the divine command; he takes all five specified animals.
ל֣וֹfor himprep לְ + 3ms suffixEthical dative (Abram acting on his own behalf or for YHWH)לְ + 3ms suffix; the ethical dative marks personal involvement in the action.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking כָּל אֵלֶּה as the definite direct object of וַיִּקַּח.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct (all of these)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, the whole'; in construct with the following demonstrative; Abram takes every one of the five specified animals.
אֵ֗לֶּהthesedem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Genitival complement of כֹּלאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; refers back to the five animals of v. 9 — all five, without omission.
וַיְבַתֵּ֤רand he cutconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּתַר (H1334)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (covenant preparation)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּתַר (H1334) Piel 'to cut in two, cleave'; a technical term for the covenant rite; splitting the animals creates the 'passage' for the covenant ritual.
אֹתָם֙themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיְבַתֵּראֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix referring to the three large animals; the birds are explicitly excepted (v. 10b).
בַּתָּ֔וֶךְin the middleprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phrase (manner of cutting)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'middle, midst'; the prep בְּ = 'through the middle' — each animal is bisected, creating two halves placed opposite each other.
וַיִּתֵּ֥ןand he placedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (arrangement of pieces)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to place, set, give'; Abram arranges the pieces to form the corridor through which the covenant party will pass.
אִישׁeachN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject ('each piece')אִישׁ (H376) 'man, each'; used distributively 'each one'; with בִּתְרוֹ = 'each half opposite its counterpart.'
בִּתְר֖וֹits halfN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֶּתֶר (H1335)Direct object of וַיִּתֵּןבֶּתֶר (H1335) 'cut piece, half'; from בָּתַר 'to cut'; each half-animal placed facing its corresponding half.
לִקְרַ֣אתoppositeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָה (H7125)Directional/spatial phrase 'facing, opposite'→ Infinitive: directional expressionקָרָה (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; the inf constr with לְ = 'toward meeting' = 'opposite, facing'; the two halves face each other to form a passage.
רֵעֵ֑הוּits counterpartN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitival complement of לִקְרַאתרֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, companion, counterpart'; here each half-piece's 'counterpart' — the other half, forming the divided-animal aisle.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (contrastive clause)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; the coordinating conj וְ here introduces a contrasting statement about the birds.
הַצִפֹּ֖רthe birdart + N f sg abs · צִפּוֹר (H6833)Direct object of contrast clause (not split)צִפּוֹר (H6833) 'bird'; collective sg with article; refers to both birds of v. 9 — the turtledove and the young pigeon together.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808) standard negative; the birds' non-division is a deliberate ritual distinction noted explicitly.
בָתָֽרhe cutQal perf 3ms · בָּתַר (H1334)Predicate of contrast clause (perf emphasizing completed negative fact)→ Perfective: contrasted negative fact (he did not cut them)בָּתַר (H1334) 'to cut in two'; the perf with לֹא asserts the fact of non-division as settled — the birds remain whole throughout the rite.
11
וַיֵּ֥רֶד הָעַ֖יִט עַל הַפְּגָרִ֑ים וַיַּשֵּׁ֥ב אֹתָ֖ם אַבְרָֽם
And birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּ֥רֶדand came downconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָרַד (H3381)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (intrusion of threat)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) 'to descend, come down'; birds of prey swoop down on the arranged carcasses, threatening the integrity of the covenant rite.
הָעַ֖יִטthe birds of preyart + N m sg abs · עַיִט (H5861)Subject of וַיֵּרֶדעַיִט (H5861) 'bird of prey, ravenous bird'; collective noun with article; eagles, vultures, or hawks descending on the carcasses.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositionעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; marks the target of the birds' descent.
הַפְּגָרִ֑יםthe carcassesart + N m pl abs · פֶּגֶר (H6297)Object of preposition עַלפֶּגֶר (H6297) 'carcass, corpse'; the bisected animals awaiting the covenant ceremony; their vulnerability to scavengers requires Abram's vigilance.
וַיַּשֵּׁ֥בand drove awayconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשַׁב (H5380)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (Abram's guardianship)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשַׁב (H5380) Hiphil 'to blow away, drive away'; Abram actively defends the covenant preparation — his sustained vigilance maintains the rite.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיַּשֵּׁבאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix referring to the birds of prey (הָעַיִט); Abram drives them all away from the carcasses.
אַבְרָֽםAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of וַיַּשֵּׁב (post-verbal)אַבְרָם (H87) the subject placed after the verb for narrative rhythm; his role as guardian of the covenant materials is emphasized.
12
וַיְהִ֤י הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ לָב֔וֹא וְתַרְדֵּמָ֖ה נָפְלָ֣ה עַל אַבְרָ֑ם וְהִנֵּ֥ה אֵימָ֛ה חֲשֵׁכָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה נֹפֶ֥לֶת עָלָֽיו
And as the sun was about to set, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, a great dark dread was falling upon him.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְהִ֤יand it happenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: temporal frame introduction→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the wayyiqtol introduces the temporal circumstance of sunset and the onset of visionary dread.
הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙the sunart + N m/f sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of temporal circumstantial clauseשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; the setting of the sun is the temporal marker for the theophanic darkness that follows.
לָב֔וֹאto setprep לְ + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitival temporal clause (sun about to set)→ Infinitive: temporal circumstanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, set (of the sun)'; the inf constr with לְ and הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ = 'the sun to set' — a temporal clause for twilight.
וְתַרְדֵּמָ֖הand a deep sleepconj וְ + N f sg abs · תַּרְדֵּמָה (H8639)Subject of נָפְלָה (coordinated clause)תַּרְדֵּמָה (H8639) 'deep sleep, stupor'; used for divinely induced unconsciousness (Gen 2:21; 1 Sam 26:12); marks the visionary trance as theophanic.
נָפְלָ֣הfellQal perf 3fs · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (onset of visionary trance)→ Perfective: sudden completed eventנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the idiom תַּרְדֵּמָה + נָפַל = 'a deep sleep fell upon'; describes the involuntary onset of prophetic trance.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositionעַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; marks the recipient of the falling sleep.
אַבְרָ֑םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Object of preposition עַלאַבְרָם (H87) the patriarch upon whom the deep sleep falls; he passes from active vigil to passive recipient of divine revelation.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing visionary contentהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; the presentative marks the shift into visionary perception — what follows is what Abram experiences in the trance.
אֵימָ֛הa dreadN f sg abs · אֵימָה (H367)Subject of nominal clause (visionary experience)אֵימָה (H367) 'dread, terror, awe'; often a theophanic emotion; the experience of the holy as overwhelming and fearful (cf. Ex 23:27).
חֲשֵׁכָ֥הdarknessN f sg abs · חֲשֵׁכָה (H2825)Appositive noun (dark dread — stacked nouns)חֲשֵׁכָה (H2825) 'darkness, gloom'; the noun stacks with אֵימָה and גְדֹלָה to produce an image of overwhelming dark terror.
גְדֹלָ֖הgreatadj f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying אֵימָהגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; the superlative 'great dark dread' — the adjective modifies the primary noun, amplifying the terrifying character of the vision.
נֹפֶ֥לֶתfallingQal ptc f sg abs · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate ptc (durative falling — continuous action)→ Participle: durative ongoing actionנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the ptc is progressive — the dread continues falling upon him, sustaining the visionary intensity.
עָלָֽיוupon himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix; the dread descends on Abram personally — the covenant revelation is accompanied by overwhelming divine presence.
13
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאַבְרָ֗ם יָדֹ֨עַ תֵּדַ֜ע כִּי גֵ֣ר יִהְיֶ֣ה זַרְעֲךָ֗ בְּאֶ֨רֶץ֙ לֹ֣א לָהֶ֔ם וַעֲבָד֖וּם וְעִנּ֣וּ אֹתָ֑ם אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה
And he said to Abram, 'Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land not theirs, and they will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.'
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative advance (divine oracle in the trance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the divine speech occurs within the visionary trance; what follows is a compressed prophetic history.
לְאַבְרָ֗םto Abramprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Indirect object (named addressee of the oracle)אַבְרָם (H87) named explicitly as addressee; the prophecy is a personal word about his specific descendants.
יָדֹ֨עַsurelyQal inf abs · יָדַע (H3045)Inf abs intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensificationיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the inf abs + finite verb construction יָדֹעַ תֵּדַע = 'you shall certainly know' — the strongest Hebrew idiom for assured knowledge.
תֵּדַ֜עknowQal impf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Main verb intensified by preceding inf abs→ Yiqtol: asseverative — 'you shall certainly know'יָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the answer to Abram's request (v. 8) for confirmatory knowledge; YHWH grants knowing, then proceeds to reveal.
כִּיthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Complementizer (content of the certain knowledge)כִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the substance of what will be certainly known — the oracle of oppression and exodus.
גֵ֣רa sojournerN m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Predicate noun of nominal clauseגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; one who lives in a land without native rights; the oracle announces Israel's coming alien status in Egypt.
יִהְיֶ֣הwill beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of prophetic announcement→ Yiqtol: future — prophetic certaintyהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the yiqtol carries prophetic certainty: the descendants will be aliens — a fact fixed in the divine purpose.
זַרְעֲךָ֗your offspringN m sg constr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject of יִהְיֶהזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the central covenant term now introduced into the oracle of suffering — the seed will both suffer and be vindicated.
בְּאֶ֨רֶץ֙in a landprep בְּ + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; without article — 'a land,' not yet identified by name; the indefiniteness heightens the alienation.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (modifying the possessive predication)לֹא (H3808) standard negative; with לָהֶם creates a predicate of non-possession: 'a land not theirs.'
לָהֶ֔םtheirsprep לְ + 3mp suffixPredicative possession ('not their own')לְ + 3mp suffix; the idiomatic לֹא לָהֶם = 'not belonging to them' — alien status defined by lack of territorial right.
וַעֲבָד֖וּםand they served themconj וְ + Qal perf 3cp + 3mp suffix · עָבַד (H5647)Weqatal of sequential prophetic narrative→ Weqatal: sequential prophetic narrative advanceעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, serve, be enslaved'; the Qal with 3mp suffix = 'served them/were enslaved to them'; the subject changes — the Egyptians oppress.
וְעִנּ֣וּand they afflictedconj וְ + Piel perf 3cp · עָנָה (H6031)Weqatal: further sequential prophetic continuation→ Weqatal: sequential prophetic narrative advanceעָנָה (H6031) Piel 'to afflict, oppress, humble'; stronger than mere service — active mistreatment, anticipating the Exodus narrative of Ex 1.
אֹתָ֑םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְעִנּוּאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix; the 3mp suffix refers to Abram's descendants — the seed of promise is the object of the oppression.
אַרְבַּ֥עfourcardinal numeral f · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral modifying מֵאוֹת (four hundred)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; feminine form used before the masc-form hundreds; part of the numeral phrase defining the duration.
מֵא֖וֹתhundredN f pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Head of numeral phrase (four hundred years)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; pl מֵאוֹת 'hundreds'; with אַרְבַּע = four hundred; the duration of the sojourn and oppression.
שָׁנָֽהyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal accusativeשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the temporal accusative specifies the duration: four hundred years of alien sojourn and oppression before the exodus.
14
וְגַ֧ם אֶת הַגּ֛וֹי אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲבֹ֖דוּ דָּ֣ן אָנֹ֑כִי וְאַחֲרֵי כֵ֥ן יֵצְא֖וּ בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ גָּדֽוֹל
But I will also judge the nation whom they serve, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְגַ֧םbut alsoconj וְ + additive particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive/adversative conjunction introducing divine judgmentגַּם (H1571) 'also, even, indeed'; with וְ = 'but also'; YHWH now announces not just suffering but also judgment on the oppressors.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הַגּוֹי as the definite direct object of the divine judgment.
הַגּ֛וֹיthe nationart + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Direct object of דָּן (the nation to be judged)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; with article = 'the nation' — Egypt, identified by the context of service in v. 13; the oppressor will be judged.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (antecedent: הַגּוֹי)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative 'whom/which'; introduces the identifying characteristic of the nation — the nation that enslaves will be judged.
יַעֲבֹ֖דוּthey will serveQal impf 3mp · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: future reference in relative clauseעָבַד (H5647) 'to serve, be enslaved to'; the relative clause identifies the nation by the very act of servitude — the same root as v. 13.
דָּ֣ןjudgingQal ptc m sg abs · דִּין (H1777)Predicate ptc (imminent divine judicial action)→ Participle: imminent or ongoing divine actionדִּין (H1777) 'to judge, plead'; the ptc with emphatic pronoun אָנֹכִי = 'I myself am judging'; the divine judgment is depicted as already in process.
אָנֹ֑כִיIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of ptc clause (fronted emphatic)אָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 1cs pronoun; fronted to emphasize YHWH as the personal agent of judgment — not mere historical fate but divine action.
וְאַחֲרֵיand afterwardconj וְ + prep · אַחֲרֵי (H310)Temporal conjunction introducing the exodus sequenceאַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'; with כֵּן = 'afterward, after that'; marks the temporal sequence from judgment to exodus.
כֵ֥ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Demonstrative adverb completing the temporal phraseכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with אַחֲרֵי = 'afterward, after this'; the adverb closes the temporal sequence clause.
יֵצְא֖וּthey will come outQal impf 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of exodus promise→ Yiqtol: future — the Exodus as certain outcomeיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; the exodus from Egypt is here promised in advance — the seed will leave, and abundantly.
בִּרְכֻ֥שׁwith possessionsprep בְּ + N m sg abs · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Comitative/instrumental prepositional phraseרְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'property, possessions, goods'; the promised exit with great wealth anticipates Ex 12:35-36 (the plundering of Egypt).
גָּדֽוֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying רְכוּשׁגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; the great wealth contrasts with the poverty of servitude — the reversal is total.
15
וְאַתָּ֛ה תָּב֥וֹא אֶל אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם תִּקָּבֵ֖ר בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָֽה
And you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאַתָּ֛הbut youconj וְ + personal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject (contrastive — Abram personally distinguished from his descendants)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms personal pronoun 'you'; the contrast with the preceding oracle about descendants is sharp — Abram's personal fate differs.
תָּב֥וֹאyou will goQal impf 2ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (personal promise to Abram)→ Yiqtol: future — personal assuranceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, enter'; the idiom 'go to your fathers' = die and be gathered to ancestors; a gentle expression for natural death.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) directional prep; with אֲבֹתֶיךָ = 'to your fathers' — a euphemism for death and ancestral reunion.
אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָyour fathersN m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אָב (H1)Object of preposition אֶלאָב (H1) 'father, ancestor'; pl + 2ms suffix = 'your fathers/ancestors'; the euphemism for death in ancestral company implies covenant continuity beyond Abram.
בְּשָׁל֑וֹםin peaceprep בְּ + N m sg abs · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Manner prepositional phraseשָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wholeness, well-being'; dying 'in peace' contrasts with the violence his descendants will experience — Abram is spared the oppression.
תִּקָּבֵ֖רyou will be buriedNiphal impf 2ms · קָבַר (H6912)Predicate verb of second clause (burial with honor)→ Yiqtol Niphal: future passive — death with dignityקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; Niphal passive = 'you will be buried'; a proper burial was essential honor in the ancient Near East; cf. Gen 25:8-9.
בְּשֵׂיבָ֥הin old ageprep בְּ + N f sg abs · שֵׂיבָה (H7872)Manner/circumstantial prepositional phraseשֵׂיבָה (H7872) 'old age, grey hair'; from שָׂיב; the noun connotes the fullness of a long life — a blessing in itself.
טוֹבָֽהgoodadj f sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Attributive adjective modifying שֵׂיבָהטוֹב (H2896) 'good, pleasant, excellent'; 'a good old age' = a full, fulfilled, peaceful life — the personal blessing YHWH promises Abram amid the larger historical oracle.
16
וְד֥וֹר רְבִיעִ֖י יָשׁ֣וּבוּ הֵ֑נָּה כִּ֧י לֹא שָׁלֵ֛ם עֲוֺ֥ן הָאֱמֹרִ֖י עַד הֵֽנָּה
And in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְד֥וֹרand a generationconj וְ + N m sg abs · דּוֹר (H1755)Subject of temporal clause (fronted)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation, period'; with רְבִיעִי = 'in the fourth generation'; the temporal delay before the return to Canaan.
רְבִיעִ֖יfourthordinal adj m sg abs · רְבִיעִי (H7243)Attributive adjective modifying דּוֹררְבִיעִי (H7243) 'fourth'; the ordinal specifies the generational count; 'fourth generation' and 'four hundred years' (v. 13) are complementary temporal markers.
יָשׁ֣וּבוּthey will returnQal impf 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb of return promise→ Yiqtol: future — prophetic promise of return to Canaanשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, come back'; the descendants will come back to Canaan — the land promised to Abram in vv. 7 and 18.
הֵ֑נָּהhereadverb · הֵנָּה (H2008)Directional adverb (to this place — Canaan)הֵנָּה (H2008) 'here, hither'; deictic adverb pointing to the land where Abram currently stands; the descendants will return to this very place.
כִּ֧יforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (explaining the delay)כִּי (H3588) causal 'for, because'; provides the theological rationale for the four-generation delay: the Amorites' iniquity is not yet full.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (negating שָׁלֵם)לֹא (H3808) standard negative; with שָׁלֵם = 'not complete'; the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its measure.
שָׁלֵ֛םcompleteadj m sg abs · שָׁלֵם (H8003)Predicate adjective (iniquity not yet full)שָׁלֵם (H8003) 'complete, whole, finished'; from שָׁלַם; the iniquity is not yet שָׁלֵם — not yet 'filled up' to the point that merits judgment.
עֲוֺ֥ןiniquity ofN m/f sg constr · עָוֺן (H5771)Subject of nominal clause (in construct)עָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt, punishment'; the moral accumulation of the Amorites; the delay of Israel's inheritance is grounded in divine justice.
הָאֱמֹרִ֖יthe Amoriteart + gentilic noun m sg · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitival complement of עֲוֺןאֱמֹרִי (H567) 'Amorite'; a comprehensive term for the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan; their iniquity must ripen before judgment displaces them.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal preposition (until now)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; with הֵנָּה = 'until now'; marks the current moment as the reference point before which the iniquity remains incomplete.
הֵֽנָּהnowadverb · הֵנָּה (H2008)Temporal adverb ('as yet, until now')הֵנָּה (H2008) 'here, now'; in the temporal idiom עַד הֵנָּה = 'until now/as yet'; marks the present moment as the limit of incomplete iniquity.
17
וַיְהִ֤י הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ בָּ֔אָה וַעֲלָטָ֖ה הָיָ֑ה וְהִנֵּ֨ה תַנּ֤וּר עָשָׁן֙ וְלַפִּ֣יד אֵ֔שׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָבַ֔ר בֵּ֖ין הַגְּזָרִ֥ים הָאֵֽלֶּה
And it happened, when the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire-pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיְהִ֤יand it happenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol: temporal frame for theophanic sign-act→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the narrative formula introducing the moment of divine theophanic passage through the pieces.
הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙the sunart + N m/f sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of temporal circumstantial clauseשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; the sun's complete setting provides the temporal backdrop for the theophanic darkness and fire.
בָּ֔אָהhad gone downQal perf 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate of temporal clause (sun having set)→ Perfective: completed temporal circumstanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, set'; the perfective marks the sun's setting as complete — full darkness has now arrived.
וַעֲלָטָ֖הand darknessconj וְ + N f sg abs · עֲלָטָה (H5939)Subject of coordinated existential clauseעֲלָטָה (H5939) 'thick darkness, deep dusk'; a rare poetic term for the pitch-dark of nightfall; only here and Job 10:22; the utter darkness frames the theophanic light.
הָיָ֑הwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of circumstantial clause (darkness prevailing)→ Perfective: settled condition of darknessהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; describes the settled state — complete darkness has come; the stage is set for the fiery covenant sign.
וְהִנֵּ֨הand beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing theophanic visionהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; the presentative marks the sudden appearance of the divine fire-signs — the climax of the covenant rite.
תַנּ֤וּרa pot ofN m sg constr · תַּנּוּר (H8574)Subject of nominal clause (construct head, fire-sign)תַּנּוּר (H8574) 'furnace, oven, fire-pot'; an enclosed vessel for fire; in construct with עָשָׁן = 'a smoking fire-pot' — a symbol of divine presence (cf. smoke at Sinai).
עָשָׁן֙smokeN m sg abs · עָשָׁן (H6227)Genitival complement of תַּנּוּרעָשָׁן (H6227) 'smoke'; the construct chain תַּנּוּר עָשָׁן = 'a smoking furnace'; smoke as theophanic element appears also at Sinai (Ex 19:18).
וְלַפִּ֣ידand a torch ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · לַפִּיד (H3940)Coordinated subject (second theophanic symbol)לַפִּיד (H3940) 'torch, firebrand'; in construct with אֵשׁ = 'a flaming torch'; the torch of fire complements the smoking pot as two aspects of the divine presence.
אֵ֔שׁfireN f sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Genitival complement of לַפִּידאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the construct לַפִּיד אֵשׁ = 'a torch of fire / flaming torch'; fire is the quintessential theophanic medium in the OT.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (antecedent: the fire-signs)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative 'which'; introduces the clause describing the action of the theophanic symbols — their passing through the pieces.
עָבַ֔רpassedQal perf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate of relative clause (the covenant act itself)→ Perfective: completed singular covenant actעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass through, cross over'; the technical action of the covenant rite — the party passes between the divided animals; YHWH alone traverses.
בֵּ֖יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Locative preposition (corridor between the pieces)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; the spatial preposition marks the passage between the two rows of split animals — the covenant corridor.
הַגְּזָרִ֥יםthe piecesart + N m pl abs · גֵּזֶר (H1506)Object of preposition בֵּיןגֵּזֶר (H1506) 'piece, cut portion'; from גָּזַר 'to cut'; the pieces of the split animals forming the covenant corridor; only here in covenant context.
הָאֵֽלֶּהtheseart + dem pron pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַגְּזָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; deictic reference to the specific pieces prepared in vv. 9-10 — the narrative circle closes.
18
בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא כָּרַ֧ת יְהוָ֛ה אֶת אַבְרָ֖ם בְּרִ֣ית לֵאמֹ֑ר לְזַרְעֲךָ֗ נָתַ֨תִּי֙ אֶת הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את מִנְּהַ֣ר מִצְרַ֔יִם עַד הַנָּהָ֥ר הַגָּדֹ֖ל נְהַר פְּרָֽת
On that day Yahweh cut a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your offspring I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:'
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
בַּיּ֣וֹםon that dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with הַהוּא = 'on that day'; the temporal phrase frames the covenant ratification as a specific historical moment.
הַה֗וּאthatart + dem pron m sg · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםהוּא (H1931) as demonstrative 'that'; with article + יוֹם = 'on that day'; the formula בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא often marks a decisive revelatory event.
כָּרַ֧תcutQal perf 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (covenant ratification — idiomatic)→ Perfective: completed decisive covenant actכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut'; כָּרַת בְּרִית = 'cut a covenant'; the idiom derives from the practice of cutting/slaughtering the covenant animals.
יְהוָ֛הYahwehproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of כָּרַתיְהוָה (H3068) the covenant name; YHWH alone passed through the pieces, so YHWH alone is the subject of the covenant-cutting — a unilateral commitment.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative preposition (covenant partner)אֵת (H854) comitative prep 'with'; not the accusative marker but H854, the preposition of accompaniment; YHWH cuts the covenant with Abram.
אַבְרָ֖םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Object of comitative preposition אֵתאַבְרָם (H87) the covenant partner; the covenant is with Abram personally and, through the seed promise, with his descendants.
בְּרִ֣יתa covenantN f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of כָּרַת (idiomatic object)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant, treaty'; the central term for the binding commitment between parties; here the covenant is one-sided in execution — YHWH passes alone.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary inf introducing covenant content→ Infinitive: attendant verbal circumstanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the לֵאמֹר introduces the explicit verbal content of the covenant — the territorial grant that follows.
לְזַרְעֲךָ֗to your offspringprep לְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Dative beneficiary (fronted for emphasis)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; fronted dative — the land is given not just to Abram but to his descendants; the seed of ch. 15 receives the land of ch. 15.
נָתַ֨תִּי֙I have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (prophetic perfect — land grant)→ Perfective: prophetic perfect — future certain treated as completeנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; the prophetic perfect states the grant as already accomplished in the divine purpose — certainty so absolute it is spoken in past tense.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite direct object.
הָאָ֣רֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of נָתַתִּיאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land whose extent is now specified with geographic boundaries — the culmination of the land promise.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063) 'this'; the deictic makes the land grant concrete — the specific land where Abram now stands.
מִנְּהַ֣רfrom the river ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · נָהָר (H5104)Boundary prepositional phrase (southern limit)נָהָר (H5104) 'river'; in construct with מִצְרַיִם = 'the river of Egypt'; the southern boundary of the promised land (the Wadi el-Arish or Nile delta).
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitival complement of מִנְּהַרמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the dual form of the place name; 'river of Egypt' = the southern frontier of the promised territory.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Boundary preposition (northern limit)עַד (H5704) 'until, to, as far as'; the preposition marks the northern boundary — from the southern river to the great northern river.
הַנָּהָ֥רthe riverart + N m sg abs · נָהָר (H5104)Object of עַד (northern boundary marker)נָהָר (H5104) 'river'; with the article = 'the great river'; the Euphrates, the northern boundary of the Davidic empire at its greatest extent.
הַגָּדֹ֖לthe greatart + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הַנָּהָרגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; 'the great river' identifies the Euphrates by its epithet — the largest river known in the ancient Near East.
נְהַרriverN m sg constr · נָהָר (H5104)Appositional noun (in appositive construct)נָהָר (H5104) 'river'; in construct with פְּרָת as an appositive label 'the river Euphrates,' clarifying the identity of הַנָּהָר הַגָּדֹל.
פְּרָֽתEuphratesproper noun · פְּרָת (H6578)Appositive identification of the great riverפְּרָת (H6578) 'Euphrates'; the major Mesopotamian river; named as the northern boundary of the covenant land grant, realized under David and Solomon.
19
אֶת הַקֵּינִי֙ וְאֶת הַקְּנִזִּ֔י וְאֵ֖ת הַקַּדְמֹנִֽי
the Kenite, and the Kenizzite, and the Kadmonite,
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (opening the ethnographic list)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; the ethnographic list in vv. 19-21 is the direct object of the covenant grant — these ten peoples occupy the land promised to Abram's descendants.
הַקֵּינִי֙the Keniteart + gentilic noun m sg · קֵינִי (H7017)Direct object (first people in the list)קֵינִי (H7017) 'Kenite'; a semi-nomadic people associated with metalworking; related to Jethro/Hobab (Judg 1:16); named first in the list.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the repeated obj-marker construction enumerates each people in the list separately and formally.
הַקְּנִזִּ֔יthe Kenizziteart + gentilic noun m sg · קְנִזִּי (H7074)Direct object (second people)קְנִזִּי (H7074) 'Kenizzite'; likely related to Kenaz (Gen 36:11); appears in the land-lists as a Canaanite people; their territory is part of the covenant grant.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the third obj-marker in the list maintains the formal parallel enumeration.
הַקַּדְמֹנִֽיthe Kadmoniteart + gentilic noun m sg · קַדְמֹנִי (H6935)Direct object (third people)קַדְמֹנִי (H6935) 'Kadmonite'; from קֶדֶם 'east'; 'the Eastern ones'; an otherwise unknown eastern people; their inclusion marks the extent of the territorial claim.
20
וְאֶת הַחִתִּ֥י וְאֶת הַפְּרִזִּ֖י וְאֶת הָרְפָאִֽים
and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Rephaim,
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the enumerative formula continues across the verse boundary.
הַחִתִּ֥יthe Hittiteart + gentilic noun m sg · חִתִּי (H2850)Direct object (fourth people)חִתִּי (H2850) 'Hittite'; descendants of Heth (Gen 10:15); a major pre-Israelite people of Canaan; Uriah the Hittite and Ephron the Hittite are later figures.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the consistent formal pattern of enumeration continues.
הַפְּרִזִּ֖יthe Perizziteart + gentilic noun m sg · פְּרִזִּי (H6522)Direct object (fifth people)פְּרִזִּי (H6522) 'Perizzite'; from פְּרָזוֹת 'unwalled towns'; rural/village-dwelling people of Canaan; frequently paired with Canaanites in conquest lists.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the enumeration continues with the sixth people.
הָרְפָאִֽיםthe Rephaimart + gentilic noun m pl · רְפָאִים (H7497)Direct object (sixth people, in plural form)רְפָאִים (H7497) 'Rephaim'; a people of legendary stature (Deut 2:11); associated with eastern Transjordan; the plural form distinguishes them as a group designation.
21
וְאֶת הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְאֶת הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י וְאֶת הַגִּרְגָּשִׁ֖י וְאֶת הַיְבוּסִֽי
and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Girgashite, and the Jebusite.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the seventh instance of the obj-marker formula; the list maintains strict formal parallelism throughout.
הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙the Amoriteart + gentilic noun m sg · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Direct object (seventh people)אֱמֹרִי (H567) 'Amorite'; the same people whose incomplete iniquity was cited in v. 16 as the reason for the delay of conquest; their inclusion here shows they will ultimately be displaced.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the eighth instance; the relentless enumeration gives the list a solemn, comprehensive character.
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔יthe Canaaniteart + gentilic noun m sg · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Direct object (eighth people)כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669) 'Canaanite'; the most comprehensive ethnic term for the pre-Israelite inhabitants; in some lists 'Canaanite' is used as a broad category, here as one specific people.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (list continuation)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the ninth instance; the formal rigor of the list maintains the comprehensive character of the covenant grant.
הַגִּרְגָּשִׁ֖יthe Girgashiteart + gentilic noun m sg · גִּרְגָּשִׁי (H1622)Direct object (ninth people)גִּרְגָּשִׁי (H1622) 'Girgashite'; a Canaanite people of uncertain location; appears in standard conquest lists (Josh 3:10; 24:11); their inclusion completes the penultimate entry.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (final entry)אֵת (H853) + וְ; the tenth and final obj-marker; the list concludes with the Jebusites, the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Jerusalem.
הַיְבוּסִֽיthe Jebusiteart + gentilic noun m sg · יְבוּסִי (H2983)Direct object (tenth and final people — list closure)יְבוּסִי (H2983) 'Jebusite'; the inhabitants of Jebus/Jerusalem (Josh 15:63); their inclusion as the final entry is perhaps symbolic — Jerusalem, the future capital, is within the covenant grant.