1
וַיְהִ֣י אַבְרָ֔ם בֶּן תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְתֵ֣שַׁע שָׁנִ֑ים וַיֵּרָ֨א יְהוָ֜ה אֶל אַבְרָ֗ם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ אֲנִי אֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֔י הִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ לְפָנַ֖י וֶהְיֵ֥ה תָמִֽים
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, 'I am El Shaddai. Walk before me and be blameless.'
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it wasQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Temporal circumstantial frame→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative sequenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be/become'; wayyiqtol frames the temporal setting: 'when Abram was ninety-nine.'
אַבְרָ֔םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of circumstantial clauseאַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; the patriarch's pre-covenant name, last used here before v.5 renaming.
בֶּןson of / agedN m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (age idiom)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בֶּן + numeral = 'X years old' — standard Hebrew age formula.
תִּשְׁעִ֥יםninetycardinal num abs · תִּשְׁעִים (H8673)Age numeral in construct chainתִּשְׁעִים (H8673) 'ninety'; plural form of תֵּשַׁע 'nine'.
שָׁנָ֖הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal unit (age expression)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; singular after round numbers is standard Hebrew idiom.
וְתֵ֣שַׁעand nineconj וְ + cardinal f sg abs · תֵּשַׁע (H8672)Coordinated numeral (99 total)תֵּשַׁע (H8672) 'nine'; joined by וְ to give the total of ninety-nine years.
שָׁנִ֑יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal unit (second numeral)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; plural form accompanying the second coordinated numeral.
וַיֵּרָ֨אand appearedNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Niphal 'to appear, be seen' — the theophanic self-disclosure verb.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֵּרָאיְהוָה (H3068), Israel's covenant God; note shift to אֱלֹהִים from v.3 onward.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the recipient of the divine appearance.
אַבְרָ֗םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Object of prep אֶלאַבְרָם (H87); second occurrence in verse, specifying the recipient of the theophany.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (speech intro)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say, speak'; standard verb introducing divine address in narrative.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of speechאֶל (H413) with 3ms suffix; marks Abram as the addressee of the divine speech.
אֲנִיI1cs pronoun · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic divine self-ID)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; fronted independent pronoun for emphatic divine self-presentation.
אֵ֣לElproper noun · אֵל (H410)Predicate (divine name)אֵל (H410) 'God, the Mighty One'; ancient Semitic divine name; first element of אֵל שַׁדַּי.
שַׁדַּ֔יShaddaiproper noun · שַׁדַּי (H7706)Predicate (divine epithet)שַׁדַּי (H7706), divine epithet; in patriarchal contexts linked to covenant power over reproduction and promise.
הִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְwalk!Hitpael impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (covenantal command)→ Volitional: covenantal summons to continual conductהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk'; Hitpael 'to conduct oneself'; לְפָנַי = live in God's presence-awareness.
לְפָנַ֖יbefore meprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative relational prep phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in the presence of' — life lived under divine gaze.
וֶהְיֵ֥הand be!conj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Coordinated command→ Volitional: paired imperative defining covenant characterהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the paired imperative names the covenantal character: 'be blameless.'
תָמִֽיםblamelessadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Predicate adjectiveתָּמִים (H8549) 'whole, blameless'; from תָּמַם 'to be complete'; covenant integrity, not abstract moral perfection.
2
וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה בְרִיתִ֖י בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ וְאַרְבֶּ֥ה אוֹתְךָ֖ בִּמְאֹ֥ד מְאֹֽד
And I will establish my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly, exceedingly.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאֶתְּנָ֥הand I will giveconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (covenant promise)→ Cohortative: emphatic divine pledge of givingנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, set, place'; cohortative form stresses intentionality of God's covenantal act.
בְרִיתִ֖יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of וְאֶתְּנָהבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant, binding agreement'; God gives his covenant — entirely his initiative.
בֵּינִ֣יbetween meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Relational phrase (covenant party 1)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; marks the bilateral relational space of the covenant.
וּבֵינֶ֑ךָand between youconj וְ + prep בֵּין + 2ms suffix · בֵּין (H996)Coordinated relational phrase (party 2)בֵּין (H996); the covenant is strictly bilateral: God and Abram personally.
וְאַרְבֶּ֥הand I will multiplyconj וְ + Hiphil cohortative 1cs · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (multiplication promise)→ Cohortative: emphatic divine pledge of proliferationרָבָה (H7235) 'to be many'; Hiphil 'to make numerous'; echoes Gen 1:28 creation blessing.
אוֹתְךָ֖you [obj]obj marker אֵת + 2ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְאַרְבֶּהאֵת (H853) nota accusativi with 2ms suffix; Abram is the direct recipient of God's multiplication.
בִּמְאֹ֥דexceedinglyprep בְּ + adv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; doubled in this verse for superlative force.
מְאֹֽדexceedinglyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Doubled adverb (superlative)מְאֹד (H3966) 'very'; repetition בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד signals magnitude beyond ordinary measure.
3
וַיִּפֹּ֥ל אַבְרָ֖ם עַל פָּנָ֑יו וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתּ֛וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֵאמֹֽר
Then Abram fell on his face, and God spoke with him, saying,
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּפֹּ֥לand fellQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; עַל פָּנָיו = prostration — the standard posture of reverence before a theophany.
אַבְרָ֖םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Subject of וַיִּפֹּלאַבְרָם (H87); named here for the final time before the covenant renaming in v.5.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prep (body posture)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; with פָּנִים marks the prostrate posture of reverence.
פָּנָ֑יוhis faceN m pl cstr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of prep עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; נָפַל עַל פָּנִים = to prostrate oneself before the divine.
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel is the standard stem for formal authoritative speech.
אִתּ֛וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep phraseאֵת (H854) 'with' (distinct from H853 object marker); marks the speech partner.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; plural in form, singular in reference; dominant divine name from v.3 onward.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · אָמַר (H559)Inf cstr (speech-intro formula)→ Inf cstr: telic — introducing direct speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the formulaic inf cstr introducing direct divine speech.
4
אֲנִ֕י הִנֵּ֥ה בְרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ךְ וְהָיִ֕יתָ לְאַ֖ב הֲמ֥וֹן גּוֹיִֽם
'As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall become the father of a multitude of nations.'
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
אֲנִ֕יas for me1cs pronoun · אֲנִי (H589)Casus pendens (emphatic subject)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; fronted pronoun as casus pendens: 'as for me' — marks God as sole covenant initiator.
הִנֵּ֥הbeholdattention particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particleהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; directs attention to the covenant declaration that immediately follows.
בְרִיתִ֖יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Subject of verbless clauseבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; with 1cs suffix — it belongs to God; Abram is recipient, not originator.
אִתָּ֑ךְwith youprep אֵת + 2ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (covenant bond)אֵת (H854) 'with'; marks personal covenant relationship — God's covenant is 'with' Abram.
וְהָיִ֕יתָand you shall becomeconj וְ + Qal perf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (covenant result)→ Weqatal: consecutive perfect — resultant covenantal identityהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; the weqatal states the covenantal outcome: Abram will become father of nations.
לְאַ֖בfather ofprep לְ + N m sg cstr · אָב (H1)Predicate (covenant identity)אָב (H1) 'father'; prep לְ marks the predicate role; fatherhood here transcends biology to encompass nations.
הֲמ֥וֹןmultitude ofN m sg cstr · הָמוֹן (H1995)Construct chain genitiveהָמוֹן (H1995) 'multitude, throng'; provides the folk-etymology for the new name אַבְרָהָם in v.5.
גּוֹיִֽםnationsN m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Genitive of הֲמוֹןגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; primarily of ethnic/political groups; promise bursts beyond a single lineage.
5
וְלֹא יִקָּרֵ֥א ע֛וֹד אֶת שִׁמְךָ֖ אַבְרָ֑ם וְהָיָ֤ה שִׁמְךָ֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם כִּ֛י אַב הֲמ֥וֹן גּוֹיִ֖ם נְתַתִּֽיךָ
And your name shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְלֹאand no longerconj וְ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Negation (covenant renaming)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; absolute negation; the old name is definitively set aside forever.
יִקָּרֵ֥אshall be calledNiphal impf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (renaming decree)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — permanent prohibitionקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; Niphal passive 'be called'; naming is identity-conferring in Hebrew thought.
ע֛וֹדanymoreadv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of continuation (negated)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, again'; with לֹא = 'no longer'; the old identity is permanently superseded.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks שִׁמְךָ as the definite direct object of יִקָּרֵא.
שִׁמְךָ֖your nameN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (name being abolished)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name, reputation'; in Hebrew thought the name encodes identity and destiny.
אַבְרָ֑םAbramproper noun · אַבְרָם (H87)Predicate complement (old name)אַבְרָם (H87) 'exalted father'; last occurrence of this form; superseded by אַבְרָהָם.
וְהָיָ֤הbut shall beconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (new name declaration)→ Weqatal: contrasting future — new identity replaces oldהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; contrasts with the negation: the new name will be his permanent identity.
שִׁמְךָ֙your nameN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of וְהָיָהשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; repeated — the same referent (your name) now receives a new content.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Predicate (new covenant name)אַבְרָהָם (H85) 'father of a multitude'; the new name encodes the covenant promise of international fatherhood.
כִּ֛יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; explanatory — the renaming is grounded in the covenant content following.
אַבfather ofN m sg cstr · אָב (H1)Predicate (implicit verbless clause)אָב (H1) 'father'; construct before הֲמוֹן — decodes the name אַבְרָהָם as 'father of a multitude.'
הֲמ֥וֹןmultitude ofN m sg cstr · הָמוֹן (H1995)Construct chain genitiveהָמוֹן (H1995) 'multitude'; its sound-link to אַבְרָהָם makes the name a perpetual proclamation of promise.
גּוֹיִ֖םnationsN m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Genitive of הֲמוֹןגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; plural — Abraham's fatherhood is international in scope.
נְתַתִּֽיךָI have made youQal perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (performative)→ Perfective: completed, enacted appointmentנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, appoint'; perfect here is performative — God's word enacts the reality it declares.
6
וְהִפְרֵתִ֤י אֹֽתְךָ֙ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֔ד וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ לְגוֹיִ֑ם וּמְלָכִ֖ים מִמְּךָ֥ יֵצֵֽאוּ
And I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come forth from you.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְהִפְרֵתִ֤יI will make fruitfulconj וְ + Hiphil perf 1cs · פָּרָה (H6509)Predicate verb (fruitfulness pledge)→ Weqatal: chain of divine promisesפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful'; Hiphil causative; echoes Gen 1:28 creation blessing now applied to Abraham.
אֹֽתְךָ֙you [obj]obj marker אֵת + 2ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהִפְרֵתִיאֵת (H853) with 2ms suffix; Abraham is the direct recipient of divine fruitfulness.
בִּמְאֹ֣דexceedinglyprep בְּ + adv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; doubled again as in v.2 for maximal emphasis.
מְאֹ֔דexceedinglyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Doubled adverb (superlative)מְאֹד (H3966); the repetition intensifies: fruitfulness of an order beyond ordinary reckoning.
וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָand I will make youconj וְ + Qal perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal promise)→ Weqatal: continued chain of divine pledgesנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, make'; promise moves from personal fruitfulness to becoming nations.
לְגוֹיִ֑םinto nationsprep לְ + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Predicate prep phraseגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; prep לְ marks resultant identity — Abraham will become a corporate entity of nations.
וּמְלָכִ֖יםand kingsconj וְ + N m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject of יֵצֵאוּ (fronted)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; royal lineage is part of the covenant promise for Abraham's line.
מִמְּךָ֥from youprep מִן + 2ms suffix · מִן (H4480)Source prep phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; marks Abraham as the biological-covenantal source of kings.
יֵצֵֽאוּshall come forthQal impf 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — ongoing emergenceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; the royal line proceeds from Abraham's body.
7
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨י אֶת בְּרִיתִ֜י בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ וּבֵ֨ין זַרְעֲךָ֧ אַחֲרֶ֛יךָ לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם לִבְרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֑ם לִהְי֤וֹת לְךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶֽיךָ
And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨יI will establishconj וְ + Hiphil perf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (covenant formalization)→ Weqatal: divine pledge of covenant establishmentקוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; Hiphil 'to raise up, establish, confirm'; the covenant is formally erected, not merely announced.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּרִיתִי as the definite direct object.
בְּרִיתִ֜יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of וַהֲקִמֹתִיבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; God's own covenant, not negotiated; now it extends to Abraham's descendants.
בֵּינִ֣יbetween meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Relational phrase (covenant party 1)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; the covenant is relational, defining space between persons.
וּבֵינֶ֗ךָand between youconj וְ + prep בֵּין + 2ms suffix · בֵּין (H996)Relational phrase (covenant party 2)בֵּין (H996); the second party is Abraham personally before extension to offspring.
וּבֵ֨יןand betweenconj וְ + prep בֵּין · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating prep (third party)בֵּין (H996); the covenant scope extends to a third relational field: Abraham's descendants.
זַרְעֲךָ֧your offspringN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Object of prep וּבֵיןזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; a collective singular encompassing the entire line of descendants.
אַחֲרֶ֛יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Temporal relational phrase (generational)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; marks the temporal-genealogical extension to future generations.
לְדֹרֹתָ֖םfor their generationsprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 3mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Temporal extent phraseדּוֹר (H1755) 'generation, age'; with לְ: 'throughout their generations' = all succeeding ages.
לִבְרִ֣יתas a covenantprep לְ + N f sg cstr · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate prep (covenant characterization)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; prep לְ introduces the predicate — what the relationship amounts to.
עוֹלָ֑םeverlastingN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (duration of covenant)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity, perpetuity'; in covenant formulas marks the permanent, irrevocable divine commitment.
לִהְי֤וֹתto beprep לְ + Qal inf cstr · הָיָה (H1961)Purpose infinitive→ Inf cstr: telic — expressing the covenant's relational goalהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the inf cstr with לְ states the covenant's purpose: God will be their God.
לְךָ֙to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixDative (first covenant beneficiary)Prep לְ with 2ms suffix; marks Abraham as first beneficiary of the relational formula.
לֵֽאלֹהִ֔יםas Godprep לְ + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate complement (relational formula)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; 'to be God to you' is the heart of the covenant relationship.
וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֖and to your offspringconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Coordinated dative (second beneficiary)זֶרַע (H2233) 'offspring'; the relational formula extends equally to all of Abraham's descendants.
אַחֲרֶֽיךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Relational phrase (generational extension)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; repeated — the covenant formula applies to all Abraham's line after him.
8
וְנָתַתִּ֣י לְ֠ךָ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֨ אַחֲרֶ֜יךָ אֵ֣ת אֶ֣רֶץ מְגֻרֶ֗יךָ אֵ֚ת כָּל אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן לַאֲחֻזַּ֖ת עוֹלָ֑ם וְהָיִ֥יתִי לָהֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִֽים
And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְנָתַתִּ֣יand I will giveconj וְ + Qal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (land grant)→ Weqatal: continuing divine promiseנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the land is an outright divine gift flowing from the covenant relationship.
לְ֠ךָto youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object (first beneficiary)Prep לְ with 2ms suffix; Abraham named first before his offspring as recipient.
וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֨and to your offspringconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Coordinated indirect objectזֶרַע (H2233) 'offspring'; the land grant extends to all descendants, amplifying the covenant's scope.
אַחֲרֶ֜יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Temporal relational phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; the generational formula: the land promise covers all future generations.
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks אֶרֶץ מְגֻרֶיךָ as the definite object of the land grant.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg cstr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (construct)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land, territory'; in construct before מְגֻרֶיךָ — the land of Abraham's sojourn.
מְגֻרֶ֗יךָyour sojourningsN m pl cstr + 2ms suffix · מָגוּר (H4033)Genitive (specifying the land)מָגוּר (H4033) 'sojourning, temporary dwelling'; from גּוּר 'to sojourn'; Abraham's alien-dwelling will become permanent inheritance.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Object marker (resumptive apposition)אֵת (H853); marks the appositional specification: 'all the land of Canaan.'
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Appositional quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct — 'all of X'; stresses the totality of the land grant.
אֶ֣רֶץland ofN (c) sg cstr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object (second specification)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; repeated to introduce the specific territorial name Canaan.
כְּנַ֔עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive (land name)כְּנַעַן (H3667), the territory promised to Abraham's descendants as a permanent grant.
לַאֲחֻזַּ֖תas a possessionprep לְ + N f sg cstr · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Purpose predicate prep phraseאֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'holding, possession'; from אָחַז 'to grasp'; a firmly-held permanent estate.
עוֹלָ֑םeverlastingN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (permanence of possession)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity'; the land grant bears the same permanence-marker as the covenant itself.
וְהָיִ֥יתִיand I will beconj וְ + Qal perf 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (covenant formula)→ Weqatal: divine pledge of relational identityהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 'I will be their God' — the relational goal surpasses the land grant itself.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffixDative (covenant beneficiaries)Prep לְ with 3mp suffix; shift to 3mp — now referring to the offspring collectively.
לֵאלֹהִֽיםas Godprep לְ + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate complementאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the covenant goal: God commits to being their God — full relational commitment.
9
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֔ם וְאַתָּ֖ה אֶת בְּרִיתִ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֑ר אַתָּ֛ה וְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ לְדֹרֹתָֽם
And God said to Abraham, 'As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.'
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the divine speech resumes with the covenant obligation directed at Abraham.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; dominant divine name from v.3 onward in this chapter.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the divine command.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Object of prep אֶלאַבְרָהָם (H85); the new name is used here for the first time in divine direct address — confirming the renaming.
וְאַתָּ֖הand as for youconj וְ + 2ms pronoun · אַתָּה (H859)Casus pendens (emphatic obligation)אַתָּה (H859) 'you'; fronted pronoun creates casus pendens — counterbalances divine promise with human obligation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (fronted)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּרִיתִי as the object of the fronted verb structure.
בְּרִיתִ֣יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object (fronted for emphasis)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; fronted: 'my covenant you shall keep' — obligation is the stipulation side.
תִשְׁמֹ֑רyou shall keepQal impf 2ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (covenant obligation)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing obligatory commitmentשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; covenant is not merely received but actively maintained.
אַתָּ֛הyou2ms pronoun · אַתָּה (H859)Nominative absolute (clarifying subject)אַתָּה (H859) 'you'; repeated after the verb for emphasis before expanding to include offspring.
וְזַרְעֲךָ֥and your offspringconj וְ + N m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Coordinated subjectזֶרַע (H2233) 'offspring, seed'; the covenant obligation extends beyond Abraham to all his descendants.
אַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Relational temporal phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; the covenant obligation is inherited by each successive generation.
לְדֹרֹתָֽםfor their generationsprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 3mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Temporal extent phraseדּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; לְדֹרֹתָם — 'throughout their generations'; the observance is perpetual.
10
זֹ֣את בְּרִיתִ֞י אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֗וּ בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֥ין זַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ הִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֖ם כָּל זָכָֽר
This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: every male among you shall be circumcised.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
זֹ֣אתthisdemonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject (covenant specification)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; feminine agreeing with בְּרִית; introduces the specific content of the covenant obligation.
בְּרִיתִ֞יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate nominativeבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; 'this is my covenant' formally defines what the covenant entails — its sign.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying בְּרִיתִי)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that, who'; introduces the relative clause defining the covenant's stipulation.
תִּשְׁמְר֗וּyou shall keepQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — ongoing communal obligationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, observe'; plural — now addresses the whole community.
בֵּינִי֙between meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Relational prep phrase (party 1)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; the covenant sign maintained in the relational space between God and community.
וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔םand between youconj וְ + prep בֵּין + 2mp suffix · בֵּין (H996)Coordinated relational phrase (party 2)בֵּין (H996); the plural suffix embraces Abraham and all his males as the second party.
וּבֵ֥יןand betweenconj וְ + prep בֵּין · בֵּין (H996)Coordinating prep (third party)בֵּין (H996); the relational scope extends to Abraham's offspring as well.
זַרְעֲךָ֖your offspringN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Object of prep וּבֵיןזֶרַע (H2233) 'offspring'; the covenant sign is not for this generation alone but for all descendants.
אַחֲרֶ֑יךָafter youprep אַחַר + 2ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Temporal relational phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; future generations are included in the covenant's sign obligation.
הִמּ֥וֹלbe circumcisedNiphal inf abs · מוּל (H4135)Inf abs (emphatic command force)→ Inf abs: emphatic — underscoring the absolute obligationמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf abs used for emphatic obligation — the command admits no exception.
לָכֶ֖םamong youprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative reflexive prep phrasePrep לְ with 2mp suffix; reflexive-benefactive sense — each male within the community receives the sign.
כָּלeveryN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with זָכָר = 'every male' — no exception within the covenant household.
זָכָֽרmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Object of הִמּוֹלזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the sign is inscribed on the male, the organ of procreation bearing the covenant mark.
11
וּנְמַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלַתְכֶ֑ם וְהָיָה֙ לְא֣וֹת בְּרִ֔ית בֵּינִ֖י וּבֵינֵיכֶֽם
And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּנְמַלְתֶּ֕םyou shall circumciseconj וְ + Niphal perf 2mp · נָמַל (H5243)Predicate verb (circumcision command)→ Weqatal: consecutive future — covenant obligation enactedנָמַל (H5243) 'to circumcise'; Niphal with active sense here — 'circumcise one another'; communally administered.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּשַׂר עָרְלַתְכֶם as the definite direct object.
בְּשַׂ֣רflesh ofN m sg cstr · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object (construct)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body, skin'; the covenant sign is inscribed on the body — covenant identity becomes somatic.
עָרְלַתְכֶ֑םyour foreskinN f sg cstr + 2mp suffix · עָרְלָה (H6190)Genitive of בְּשַׂרעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin, uncircumcision'; from עָרַל 'to be uncircumcised'; the specific body part to bear the covenant mark.
וְהָיָה֙and it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (sign declaration)→ Weqatal: resultant state — circumcision becomes the signהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the declaration of meaning: circumcision shall be the covenant sign.
לְא֣וֹתas a signprep לְ + N (c) sg cstr · אוֹת (H226)Predicate complement (sign designation)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; used for covenant signs (rainbow, circumcision, Sabbath); a visible relational marker.
בְּרִ֔יתcovenantN f sg abs · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive of אוֹתבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the sign belongs to the covenant — it marks but does not create it.
בֵּינִ֖יbetween meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Relational phrase (covenant party 1)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; God is ever the first party in the covenant sign's relational field.
וּבֵינֵיכֶֽםand between youconj וְ + prep בֵּין + 2mp suffix · בֵּין (H996)Coordinated relational phrase (party 2)בֵּין (H996); the plural suffix identifies the whole covenant community as the second party.
12
וּבֶן שְׁמֹנַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֛ם כָּל זָכָ֖ר לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת כֶּ֨סֶף֙ מִכֹּ֣ל בֶּן נֵכָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹ֥א מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא
And a son of eight days shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations: one born in the house, or one bought with money from any son of a foreigner who is not of your offspring.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וּבֶןand a son ofconj וְ + N m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (age specification)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בֶּן + numeral + יָמִים = 'infant of X days old'; age formula for newborn circumcision.
שְׁמֹנַ֣תeightcardinal m sg cstr · שְׁמֹנֶה (H8083)Numeral in age constructשְׁמֹנֶה (H8083) 'eight'; the eighth day is the appointed time — after a week of life.
יָמִ֗יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of age numeralיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural יָמִים; 'son of eight days' = eight days old — the specific timing of circumcision.
יִמּ֥וֹלshall be circumcisedNiphal impf 3ms · מוּל (H4135)Predicate verb (universal rule)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — universal obligatory ruleמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal passive 'be circumcised'; applied to every newborn male on the eighth day.
לָכֶ֛םamong youprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative distributive prep phrasePrep לְ with 2mp suffix; the law applies across the whole community without exception.
כָּלeveryN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with זָכָר = no exception: all males must receive the sign.
זָכָ֖רmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Object of universal quantifierזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the sign belongs specifically to the male members of the covenant household.
לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑םthroughout your generationsprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 2mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Temporal extent phraseדּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; the eighth-day rule is perpetual across all generations of the covenant community.
יְלִ֣ידone born inN m sg cstr · יְלִיד (H3211)Subject (first household category)יְלִיד (H3211) 'one born, offspring'; from יָלַד 'to bear'; designates those born within the household.
בָּ֔יִתhouseN m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of יְלִידבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; יְלִיד בַּיִת = 'born in the house' — a member of the domestic unit by birth.
וּמִקְנַתand a purchase ofconj וְ + N f sg cstr · מִקְנָה (H4736)Coordinated subject (second category)מִקְנָה (H4736) 'acquisition, purchased property'; from קָנָה 'to buy'; designates slaves purchased with money.
כֶּ֨סֶף֙silver / moneyN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive of מִקְנַתכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; מִקְנַת כֶּסֶף = 'purchase of money' — acquired by financial transaction.
מִכֹּ֣לfrom anyprep מִן + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prep phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, any'; with מִן = 'from any' — the source of purchase is entirely unrestricted.
בֶּןson ofN m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct (identifying the foreigner)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בֶּן נֵכָר = 'son of a foreigner' — a common phrase for a non-Israelite.
נֵכָ֔רforeignerN m sg abs · נֵכָר (H5236)Genitive of בֶּןנֵכָר (H5236) 'foreign, alien'; from נָכַר 'to recognize as other'; foreigners purchased as slaves receive the sign.
אֲשֶׁ֛רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (restrictive)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces a relative clause limiting who qualifies as 'son of a foreigner.'
לֹ֥אnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negation in relative clauseלֹא (H3808) 'not'; distinguishes the purchased foreigner (eligible for circumcision) from Abraham's own descendants.
מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֖from your offspringprep מִן + N m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Partitive phrase (relative clause predicate)זֶרַע (H2233) 'offspring'; the purchased foreigner is 'not from your offspring' but still included in the covenant sign.
הֽוּאhe3ms pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Predicate pronoun (verbless clause)הוּא (H1931) 'he, it'; resumes the relative clause subject, completing the predicate: 'who is not of your offspring.'
13
הִמּ֧וֹל יִמּ֛וֹל יְלִ֥יד בֵּֽיתְךָ֖ וּמִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפֶּ֑ךָ וְהָיְתָ֧ה בְרִיתִ֛י בִּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖ם לִבְרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם
Surely circumcised shall be one born in your house and one bought with your money; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
הִמּ֧וֹלsurely circumcisedNiphal inf abs · מוּל (H4135)Inf abs (emphatic reinforcement)→ Inf abs: emphatic — absolute requirement without exceptionמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf abs + finite verb = emphatic doubling: 'shall surely be circumcised.'
יִמּ֛וֹלshall be circumcisedNiphal impf 3ms · מוּל (H4135)Predicate verb (emphatic pair)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — emphatically obligatoryמוּל (H4135); the finite verb partnered with the inf abs for intensification — the rule is absolute.
יְלִ֥ידone born inN m sg cstr · יְלִיד (H3211)Subject (first category)יְלִיד (H3211) 'one born'; from יָלַד 'to bear'; those born within the household — natural members.
בֵּֽיתְךָ֖your houseN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of יְלִידבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; יְלִיד בֵּיתְךָ = born within Abraham's own domestic circle.
וּמִקְנַ֣תand purchase ofconj וְ + N f sg cstr · מִקְנָה (H4736)Coordinated subject (second category)מִקְנָה (H4736) 'acquisition, purchased property'; purchased males equally bear the covenant sign.
כַּסְפֶּ֑ךָyour silverN m sg cstr + 2ms suffix · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive of מִקְנַתכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; מִקְנַת כַּסְפֶּךָ = 'your money-purchase' — slaves bought with silver.
וְהָיְתָ֧הand shall beconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (covenant consequence)→ Weqatal: resultant state — covenant sign in fleshהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; 3fs agreeing with בְּרִית; the covenant will be embodied in the flesh.
בְרִיתִ֛יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Subject of וְהָיְתָהבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; God's covenant literally inhabits the body — made flesh through the sign.
בִּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖םin your fleshprep בְּ + N m sg cstr + 2mp suffix · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Locative prep phrase (covenant location)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the covenant sign is not in the mind or heart alone but inscribed bodily.
לִבְרִ֥יתas a covenantprep לְ + N f sg cstr · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate prep (covenant characterization)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the bodily sign serves as the everlasting covenant marker — its purpose stated.
עוֹלָֽםeverlastingN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (permanence)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity, perpetuity'; the covenant-in-flesh has the same permanent character as the covenant itself.
14
וְעָרֵ֣ל זָכָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא יִמּוֹל֙ אֶת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָת֔וֹ וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּ֑יהָ אֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י הֵפַֽר
And an uncircumcised male, who does not circumcise the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his kin; he has broken my covenant.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְעָרֵ֣לand an uncircumcisedconj וְ + adj m sg abs · עָרֵל (H6189)Subject (penalty clause)עָרֵל (H6189) 'uncircumcised'; from עָרַל 'to be uncircumcised'; now the term names the covenant breaker.
זָכָ֗רmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Appositive to subjectזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the penalty is directed specifically at the uncircumcised male.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (defining case)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'who, which'; introduces the defining condition of the penalty clause.
לֹֽאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negation in relative clauseלֹא (H3808) 'not'; the penalty applies to the one who fails to receive circumcision.
יִמּוֹל֙is circumcisedNiphal impf 3ms · מוּל (H4135)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — defining condition of non-complianceמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal passive — the male who does not receive the sign is the subject of the penalty.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּשַׂר עָרְלָתוֹ as the definite object.
בְּשַׂ֣רflesh ofN m sg cstr · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object (construct)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the same physical locus that bore the covenant sign in v.13 is referenced here.
עָרְלָת֔וֹhis foreskinN f sg cstr + 3ms suffix · עָרְלָה (H6190)Genitive of בְּשַׂרעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin'; the uncircumcised foreskin is the bodily evidence of covenant neglect.
וְנִכְרְתָ֛הshall be cut offconj וְ + Niphal perf 3fs · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (covenant penalty)→ Weqatal: resultant consequence — covenant sanctionכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut, cut off'; Niphal 'be cut off'; the karet penalty — exclusion from the covenant community.
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁthe personart + N (c) sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of וְנִכְרְתָהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person, life'; with article: 'that person/soul' — the individual bears the consequence.
הַהִ֖ואthat oneart + 3ms pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifier of הַנֶּפֶשׁהוּא (H1931) 'that'; with article as demonstrative adj: 'that person' — singling out the violator.
מֵעַמֶּ֑יהָfrom her peoplesprep מִן + N m pl cstr + 3fs suffix · עַם (H5971)Source phrase (penalty)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin'; the karet penalty is excision from one's own kin community — social and covenantal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (fronted)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּרִיתִי as the fronted direct object for emphasis.
בְּרִיתִ֖יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object (fronted)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the fronted object — 'my covenant he has broken' — frames this as covenantal, not merely ceremonial, offense.
הֵפַֽרhe has brokenHiphil perf 3ms · פָּרַר (H6565)Predicate verb (covenant violation)→ Perfective: completed act of covenant ruptureפָּרַר (H6565) 'to break, annul, violate'; Hiphil 'to break, frustrate'; הֵפַר בְּרִית = the technical phrase for covenant rupture.
15
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֔ם שָׂרַ֣י אִשְׁתְּךָ֔ לֹא תִקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמָ֖הּ שָׂרָ֑י כִּ֥י שָׂרָ֖ה שְׁמָֽהּ
And God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, for Sarah shall be her name."
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the divine speech now turns from circumcision to Sarai's renaming.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the dominant divine name in this chapter from v.3 onward.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the recipient of the divine speech.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Object of prep אֶלאַבְרָהָם (H85); addressed now by his new name, which was given in v.5.
שָׂרַ֣יSaraiproper noun · שָׂרַי (H8297)Casus pendens (topic)שָׂרַי (H8297), the pre-covenant name of Abraham's wife; about to be replaced with שָׂרָה.
אִשְׁתְּךָ֔your wifeN f sg cstr + 2ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Appositive to שָׂרַיאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; her relational identity as wife is noted before her covenantal renaming.
לֹאnotneg · לֹא (H3808)Negationלֹא (H3808) 'not'; absolute prohibition against continuing to use the old name.
תִקְרָ֥אshall you callQal impf 2ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (renaming prohibition)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — permanent prohibitionקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; naming is identity-conferring; the old name is definitively withdrawn.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks שְׁמָהּ as the definite direct object.
שְׁמָ֖הּher nameN m sg cstr + 3fs suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (name being abolished)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; her identity-name is to be changed; Sarai's renaming parallels Abraham's.
שָׂרָ֑יSaraiproper noun · שָׂרַי (H8297)Predicate complement (old name)שָׂרַי (H8297) 'my princess'; possessive ending (-ay) that will drop; her identity broadens beyond 'my princess.'
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Explanatory conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the explanation and the new name.
שָׂרָ֖הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Predicate (new covenant name)שָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess, noblewoman'; the new name drops the possessive suffix — she is 'princess' universally, not just Abraham's.
שְׁמָֽהּher nameN m sg cstr + 3fs suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of verbless clauseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; verbless clause: 'Sarah is her name' — the declaration instates the new identity.
16
וּבֵרַכְתִּ֣י אֹתָ֔הּ וְגַ֨ם נָתַ֧תִּי מִמֶּ֛נָּה לְךָ֖ בֵּ֑ן וּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֨יהָ֙ וְהָֽיְתָ֣ה לְגוֹיִ֔ם מַלְכֵ֥י עַמִּ֖ים מִמֶּ֥נָּה יִהְיֽוּ
And I will bless her, and indeed I will also give you a son from her; and I will bless her, and she will become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּבֵרַכְתִּ֣יand I will bless herconj וְ + Piel perf 1cs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (blessing pledge)→ Weqatal: chain of divine blessingsבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel intensive; God's blessing upon Sarah is a direct covenantal act.
אֹתָ֔הּher [obj]obj marker אֵת + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וּבֵרַכְתִּיאֵת (H853) with 3fs suffix; identifies Sarah as the explicit object of the divine blessing.
וְגַ֨םand alsoconj וְ + additive particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (emphatic addition)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even, indeed'; the additive force emphasizes a further unexpected element: also a son.
נָתַ֧תִּיI will giveQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (son promise)→ Perfective: proleptic/performative — God's word enacts the giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; perf used proleptically — the son is declared given before birth.
מִמֶּ֛נָּהfrom herprep מִן + 3fs suffix · מִן (H4480)Source phrase (biological origin)מִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; stresses Sarah as the biological mother of the covenant son — not a surrogate.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object (beneficiary)Prep לְ with 2ms suffix; Abraham is the recipient — 'to you a son from her.'
בֵּ֑ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of נָתַתִּיבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the promised covenant son, not yet named here but named in v.19 as Isaac.
וּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֨יהָ֙and I will bless herconj וְ + Piel perf 1cs + 3fs suffix · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (repeated blessing)→ Weqatal: emphatic renewed pledgeבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; the blessing is repeated for emphasis — Sarah's blessing is not incidental.
וְהָֽיְתָ֣הand she shall becomeconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (covenant result)→ Weqatal: consecutive — resultant transformationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; Sarah becomes nations — she is a covenant mother, not merely Abraham's wife.
לְגוֹיִ֔םinto nationsprep לְ + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Predicate prep phraseגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; Sarah's identity encompasses nations — her covenant role is as broad as Abraham's.
מַלְכֵ֥יkings ofN m pl cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject of יִהְיוּ (fronted)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; kings emerge from Sarah specifically — royal destiny is traced through the matriarchal line.
עַמִּ֖יםpeoplesN m pl abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive of מַלְכֵיעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; 'kings of peoples' — the royalty is international, not narrow.
מִמֶּ֥נָּהfrom herprep מִן + 3fs suffix · מִן (H4480)Source phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; repeated for emphasis — Sarah is specifically the source from whom kings proceed.
יִהְיֽוּshall beQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — ongoing royal emergenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; kings will emerge from Sarah's line — an open-ended future fulfillment.
17
וַיִּפֹּ֧ל אַבְרָהָ֛ם עַל פָּנָ֖יו וַיִּצְחָ֑ק וַיֹּ֣אמֶר בְּלִבּ֗וֹ הַלְּבֶ֤ן מֵאָֽה שָׁנָה֙ יִוָּלֵ֔ד וְאִ֨ם שָׂרָ֔ה הֲבַת תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תֵּלֵֽד
Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and he said in his heart, "Will a child be born to one a hundred years old? And will Sarah, a woman ninety years old, bear?"
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּפֹּ֧לand fellQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; Abraham falls on his face as in v.3 — prostration mixed with astonishment.
אַבְרָהָ֛םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיִּפֹּלאַבְרָהָם (H85); now consistently called by his new covenant name throughout the remainder.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prep (body posture)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; the prostration posture before the divine presence.
פָּנָ֖יוhis faceN m pl cstr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of prep עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; prostration on the face — the posture of reverence mixed here with incredulous laughter.
וַיִּצְחָ֑קand laughedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · צָחַק (H6711)Predicate verb (inward response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָחַק (H6711) 'to laugh'; the root of the name יִצְחָק (Isaac); Abraham's response is delight, wonder, and incredulity.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (inner speech intro)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces inward monologue — what he 'said in his heart.'
בְּלִבּ֗וֹin his heartprep בְּ + N m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · לֵב (H3820)Locative phrase (inner speech)לֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind'; in his heart = internal reflection, not voiced aloud; the laughter is private astonishment.
הַלְּבֶ֤ןwill a soninterrog ה + prep לְ + N m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Interrogative subject (rhetorical question)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; ה interrogative: 'Will a son be born to one who is a hundred years old?'
מֵאָֽהhundredcardinal num (c) sg abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Age numeralמֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; Abraham's biological impossibility: a hundred-year-old man fathering a child.
שָׁנָה֙years oldN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal unit (age expression)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the age formula underscores the biological implausibility of the promise.
יִוָּלֵ֔דbe bornNiphal impf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (rhetorical question)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — rhetorical disbeliefיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, beget'; Niphal passive 'be born'; Abraham's incredulity expressed as rhetorical question.
וְאִ֨םand willconj וְ + conditional conj · אִם (H518)Coordinating conditional (second question)אִם (H518) 'if, whether'; with וְ introduces the second rhetorical question — will Sarah, at ninety, bear?
שָׂרָ֔הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of second questionשָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess'; now referred to by her new covenant name in Abraham's very thought.
הֲבַתa daughter of / agedinterrog ה + N f sg cstr · בַּת (H1323)Interrogative age constructבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; בַּת + numeral = female age idiom; 'a woman who is ninety years old.'
תִּשְׁעִ֥יםninetycardinal num abs · תִּשְׁעִים (H8673)Age numeralתִּשְׁעִים (H8673) 'ninety'; Sarah's age stresses the biological impossibility on both sides.
שָׁנָ֖הyears oldN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal unit (age expression)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; singular with the round number as in v.1.
תֵּלֵֽדbearQal impf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (rhetorical question)→ Yiqtol: modal — rhetorical incredulityיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; the question is rhetorical: a ninety-year-old woman bearing?
18
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶל הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים ל֥וּ יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל יִחְיֶ֥ה לְפָנֶֽיךָ
And Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Abraham now speaks aloud to God — his petition about Ishmael.
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראַבְרָהָם (H85); consistently the new covenant name; his plea shows genuine love for the already-born son.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks God as the addressee of Abraham's petition.
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑יםGodart + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of prep אֶלאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; with the article — 'the God' — emphatic; Abraham addresses his petition directly to God.
ל֥וּO thatoptative particle · לוּ (H3863)Optative particle (wish)לוּ (H3863) 'O that, would that!'; optative particle expressing ardent wish — Abraham pleads for Ishmael.
יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אלIshmaelproper noun · יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458)Subject of יִחְיֶהיִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458) 'God hears'; the name embodies the earlier divine response to Hagar (Gen 16:11).
יִחְיֶ֥הmight liveQal impf 3ms · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (optative wish)→ Yiqtol: modal — volitional wishחָיָה (H2421) 'to live, have life'; with לוּ: 'would that Ishmael might live' — a plea for ongoing covenantal vitality.
לְפָנֶֽיךָbefore youprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 2ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative relational phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in the presence of'; the idiom of covenantal life under divine favour.
19
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים אֲבָל֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֗ יֹלֶ֤דֶת לְךָ֙ בֵּ֔ן וְקָרָ֥אתָ אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ יִצְחָ֑ק וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨י אֶת בְּרִיתִ֥י אִתּ֛וֹ לִבְרִ֥ית עוֹלָ֖ם לְזַרְע֥וֹ אַחֲרָֽיו
And God said, "No, but Sarah your wife is bearing you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him."
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (speech introduction)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; God corrects Abraham's petition by confirming the specific promise through Sarah.
אֱלֹהִ֗יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the divine speaker whose word establishes the covenant line through Sarah.
אֲבָל֙no but / indeedadv · אֲבָל (H61)Adversative particleאֲבָל (H61) 'but, nevertheless, yet'; adversative — God redirects Abraham's plea back to the specific promise through Sarah.
שָׂרָ֣הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject (casus pendens)שָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess'; fronted as casus pendens — 'as for Sarah your wife' — placing her at the center.
אִשְׁתְּךָ֗your wifeN f sg cstr + 2ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Appositive to subjectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; her relational identity as wife underscores that the covenant son comes through the proper line.
יֹלֶ֤דֶתis bearingQal ptc f sg abs · יָלַד (H3205)Participial predicate (imminent)→ Qal ptc: imminent/progressive — a birth already in processיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; ptc used for imminent certainty: 'is going to bear you a son.'
לְךָ֙to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object (beneficiary)Prep לְ with 2ms suffix; the son is explicitly 'to you' — Abraham is the named recipient.
בֵּ֔ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of יֹלֶדֶתבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the promised covenant son; his name follows immediately.
וְקָרָ֥אתָand you shall callconj וְ + Qal perf 2ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (naming command)→ Weqatal: consecutive — the naming follows the birth promiseקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the father is commanded to name the son — the name carries the promise.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks שְׁמוֹ as the definite direct object.
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (name to be given)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the son's name encodes the theological meaning of the moment.
יִצְחָ֑קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Predicate (the name)יִצְחָק (H3327) 'he laughs'; from צָחַק — Abraham's laughter (v.17) is memorialized in the child's name.
וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨יand I will establishconj וְ + Hiphil perf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (covenant specification)→ Weqatal: divine pledge — the covenant is fixed to Isaacקוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; Hiphil 'to establish'; the covenant is not diffused among many sons but established with Isaac.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּרִיתִי as the direct object.
בְּרִיתִ֥יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of וַהֲקִמֹתִיבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the specific narrowing: 'my covenant' is with Isaac, not Ishmael.
אִתּ֛וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; the covenant is specifically 'with him' — Isaac alone, not the other sons.
לִבְרִ֥יתas a covenantprep לְ + N f sg cstr · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate prep (characterization)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; defines the nature of the relationship established with Isaac.
עוֹלָ֖םeverlastingN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (permanence)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'eternity'; the covenant with Isaac carries the same permanent character as the covenant with Abraham.
לְזַרְע֥וֹfor his offspringprep לְ + N m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · זֶרַע (H2233)Beneficiary phrase (generational extension)זֶרַע (H2233) 'offspring'; the covenant runs through Isaac's descendants — the narrow line through whom the promise proceeds.
אַחֲרָֽיוafter himprep אַחַר + 3ms suffix · אַחַר (H310)Temporal relational phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; the generational extension of the covenant through Isaac mirrors the formula used for Abraham in v.7.
20
וּֽלְיִשְׁמָעֵ֘אל שְׁמַעְתִּיךָ֒ הִנֵּ֣ה בֵּרַ֣כְתִּי אֹת֗וֹ וְהִפְרֵיתִ֥י אֹת֛וֹ וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֥י אֹת֖וֹ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד שְׁנֵים עָשָׂ֤ר נְשִׂיאִם֙ יוֹלִ֔יד וּנְתַתִּ֖יו לְג֥וֹי גָּדֽוֹל
And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and I will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly, exceedingly; he shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וּֽלְיִשְׁמָעֵ֘אלand as for Ishmaelconj וְ + prep לְ + proper noun · יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458)Casus pendens (topic: Ishmael)יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458) 'God hears'; fronted as casus pendens — 'as for Ishmael, I have heard you.'
שְׁמַעְתִּיךָ֒I have heard youQal perf 1cs + 2ms suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (divine acknowledgment)→ Perfective: completed act of hearingשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, heed'; God acknowledges Abraham's plea — Ishmael's blessing comes as a response to prayer.
הִנֵּ֣הbeholdattention particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particleהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; introduces the announcement of Ishmael's blessings with emphasis.
בֵּרַ֣כְתִּיI have blessed himPiel perf 1cs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (Ishmael's blessing)→ Perfective: completed, enacted blessingבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Piel; the perf announces a blessing already determined — Ishmael is genuinely blessed.
אֹת֗וֹhim [obj]obj marker אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of בֵּרַכְתִּיאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; Ishmael is the explicit object of the divine blessing.
וְהִפְרֵיתִ֥יI will make fruitfulconj וְ + Hiphil perf 1cs · פָּרָה (H6509)Predicate verb (fruitfulness pledge)→ Weqatal: chain of blessings for Ishmaelפָּרָה (H6509) 'to be fruitful'; Hiphil; the same fruitfulness promised to Abraham (v.6) is given to Ishmael.
אֹת֛וֹhim [obj]obj marker אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהִפְרֵיתִיאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; Ishmael remains the object of each successive pledge.
וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֥יand I will multiplyconj וְ + Hiphil perf 1cs · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (multiplication pledge)→ Weqatal: continued chain of blessingsרָבָה (H7235) 'to be many'; Hiphil; the same term used of Abraham (v.2) applies to Ishmael — a generous parallel.
אֹת֖וֹhim [obj]obj marker אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהִרְבֵּיתִיאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; repetition of the object after each verb emphasizes the personal character of each pledge.
בִּמְאֹ֣דexceedinglyprep בְּ + adv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; doubled for superlative emphasis, same as vv.2,6.
מְאֹ֑דexceedinglyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Doubled adverb (superlative)מְאֹד (H3966); Ishmael's multiplication is described in the same maximally emphatic terms as Abraham's.
שְׁנֵיםtwelvecardinal m dual abs · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral (twelve princes)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; in compound שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר = 'twelve' — a complete, full number of leaders.
עָשָׂ֤רtencardinal m sg abs · עֶשֶׂר (H6240)Numeral (second part of twelve)עֶשֶׂר (H6240) 'ten'; in compound שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר = twelve; Ishmael will father twelve princes, paralleling Israel's twelve tribes.
נְשִׂיאִם֙princesN m pl abs · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Direct object of יוֹלִידנָשִׂיא (H5387) 'prince, leader, chief'; from נָשָׂא 'to lift'; twelve princes = a complete tribal structure among Ishmael's descendants.
יוֹלִ֔ידhe shall fatherHiphil impf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (progeny promise)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — ongoing fatheringיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, beget'; Hiphil 'to father, cause to be born'; the twelve princes are Ishmael's progeny.
וּנְתַתִּ֖יוand I will make himconj וְ + Qal perf 1cs + 3ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (nation promise)→ Weqatal: final climactic pledgeנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, make, appoint'; God will make Ishmael into a great nation — a generous but distinct blessing.
לְג֥וֹיinto a nationprep לְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Predicate prep phraseגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; Ishmael becomes a גּוֹי גָּדוֹל — a great nation, but not the covenant line.
גָּדֽוֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjectiveגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large, important'; Ishmael's greatness is real, but his role is distinct from Isaac's covenant.
21
וְאֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י אָקִ֣ים אֶת יִצְחָ֑ק אֲשֶׁר֩ תֵּלֵ֨ד לְךָ֤ שָׂרָה֙ לַמּוֹעֵ֣ד הַזֶּ֔ה בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה הָאַחֶֽרֶת
But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this appointed time in the next year.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאֶתbut [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Contrastive conj + object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; the fronted object signals contrastive emphasis: 'but my covenant…'
בְּרִיתִ֖יmy covenantN f sg cstr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object (fronted for contrast)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; the contrastive emphasis: the covenant goes to Isaac, not to the generally blessed Ishmael.
אָקִ֣יםI will establishHiphil impf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (covenant establishment)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — solemn future commitmentקוּם (H6965) 'to rise'; Hiphil 'to establish, raise up'; the covenant is confirmed with Isaac at a fixed future time.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepאֵת (H854) 'with'; marks Isaac as the specific party with whom the covenant is established.
יִצְחָ֑קIsaacproper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Object of prep אֵתיִצְחָק (H3327) 'he laughs'; the covenant narrows explicitly to Isaac — the child of the promise, not of ordinary generation.
אֲשֶׁר֩whomrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (modifying יִצְחָק)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'whom, which'; introduces the relative clause specifying when and through whom Isaac will come.
תֵּלֵ֨דshall bearQal impf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — fixed divine appointmentיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; 3fs — Sarah is the subject; the covenant son's birth is divinely timed.
לְךָ֤to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object (beneficiary)Prep לְ with 2ms suffix; Isaac will be born 'to you' — Abraham personally receives the covenant son.
שָׂרָה֙Sarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subject of תֵּלֵדשָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess'; the subject of the birth verb — Sarah is specifically named as the mother of the covenant son.
לַמּוֹעֵ֣דat the appointed timeart + prep לְ + N m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Temporal prep phrase (appointed time)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, set season'; from יָעַד 'to appoint'; the birth is not indefinite but tied to a fixed divine schedule.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifier of הַמּוֹעֵדזֶה (H2088) 'this'; 'this appointed time' — the time is near, not distant; urgency is communicated.
בַּשָּׁנָ֖הin the yearart + prep בְּ + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal prep phraseשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the promise is fixed within the next year — a specific horizon, not an open-ended hope.
הָאַחֶֽרֶתthe nextart + adj f sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective (next year)אַחֵר (H312) 'other, another, next'; 'the other/next year' — the promise moves from assurance to fixed expectation within a year.
22
וַיְכַ֖ל לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּ֑וֹ וַיַּ֣עַל אֱלֹהִ֔ים מֵעַ֖ל אַבְרָהָֽם
And when he had finished speaking with him, God went up from Abraham.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיְכַ֖לand he finishedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (narrative closure)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceכָּלָה (H3615) 'to finish, complete, come to an end'; Piel 'to complete'; the divine speech-act is now formally concluded.
לְדַבֵּ֣רspeakingprep לְ + Piel inf cstr · דָּבַר (H1696)Inf cstr (complementary to וַיְכַל)→ Inf cstr: complementary — specifying what was finishedדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel inf cstr complements כָּלָה: 'finished speaking.'
אִתּ֑וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; the dialogical partner — Abraham — is referenced as the speech ends.
וַיַּ֣עַלand went upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (theophany withdrawal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend'; the divine withdrawal upward signals the end of the theophanic encounter.
אֱלֹהִ֔יםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיַּעַלאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the one who appeared now ascends — a physical departure marking the end of the encounter.
מֵעַ֖לfrom aboveprep מִן + prep עַל · מִן + עַל (H5921)Directional prep phrase (departure)עַל (H5921) 'upon, above'; מֵעַל = 'from above, from upon' — God ascends away from Abraham.
אַבְרָהָֽםAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Object of prep מֵעַלאַבְרָהָם (H85); the departure is 'from Abraham' — the theophany was personal, and its end is equally personal.
23
וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֗וֹ וְאֵ֨ת כָּל יְלִידֵ֤י בֵיתוֹ֙ וְאֵת֙ כָּל מִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפּ֔וֹ כָּל זָכָ֕ר בְּאַנְשֵׁ֖י בֵּ֣ית אַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיָּ֜מָל אֶת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָתָ֗ם בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים
And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all those born in his house, and all those purchased with his silver, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskin on that very day, just as God had spoken with him.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וַיִּקַּ֨חand tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (action of obedience)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Abraham acts immediately — the word 'take' implies purposeful gathering for circumcision.
אַבְרָהָ֜םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of וַיִּקַּחאַבְרָהָם (H85); the patriarch whose same-day obedience is the theological climax of the chapter.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks יִשְׁמָעֵאל בְּנוֹ as the first definite object.
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣אלIshmaelproper noun · יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458)Direct object (first person circumcised)יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458) 'God hears'; the first named in the circumcision list — Abraham's existing son.
בְּנ֗וֹhis sonN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive to יִשְׁמָעֵאלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the filial relationship is noted — Ishmael is Abraham's son before the covenant sign is given.
וְאֵ֨תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conj + object marker (second group)אֵת (H853) with וְ; marks the second group of males: all those born in the house.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the circumcision encompasses the entire male household, not just Ishmael.
יְלִידֵ֤יthose born inN m pl cstr · יְלִיד (H3211)Construct (first household category)יְלִיד (H3211) 'one born'; plural construct — all who were born within the household.
בֵיתוֹ֙his houseN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of יְלִידֵיבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; those born within Abraham's domestic circle.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conj + object marker (third group)אֵת (H853) with וְ; marks the third group of males: those purchased with silver.
כָּלallN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with מִקְנַת — every single purchased male without exception.
מִקְנַ֣תpurchase ofN f sg cstr · מִקְנָה (H4736)Construct (second household category)מִקְנָה (H4736) 'acquisition, purchase'; those bought with money — the economic members of the household.
כַּסְפּ֔וֹhis silverN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive of מִקְנַתכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; purchased with Abraham's own money — his financial dependents.
כָּלeveryN m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (specifying)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; specifies the subset: every male among the men of Abraham's house.
זָכָ֕רmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Object of כָּלזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the sign applies to every male member — the law of v.10 is now enacted in full.
בְּאַנְשֵׁ֖יamong the men ofprep בְּ + N m pl cstr · אִישׁ (H376)Partitive prep phraseאִישׁ (H376) 'man, male'; בְּאַנְשֵׁי = 'among the men of' — limiting the group to males specifically.
בֵּ֣יתhouse ofN m sg cstr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct (specifying the household)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; the named household — Abraham's — is the covenant unit.
אַבְרָהָ֑םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Genitive of בֵּיתאַבְרָהָם (H85); the entire covenant household is identified by his name — patriarch as head.
וַיָּ֜מָלand circumcisedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּל (H4135)Predicate verb (enactment)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Abraham himself performs the act — personally enacting the covenant sign.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּשַׂר עָרְלָתָם as the definite direct object.
בְּשַׂ֣רflesh ofN m sg cstr · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object (construct)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the specific body part circumcised — the covenant is inscribed on the flesh.
עָרְלָתָ֗םtheir foreskinN f sg cstr + 3mp suffix · עָרְלָה (H6190)Genitive of בְּשַׂרעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin, uncircumcision'; now removed — the uncircumcised state is permanently changed.
בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙on the bone ofprep בְּ + N f sg cstr · עֶצֶם (H6106)Temporal phrase (very day)עֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone, body, self'; בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה = 'on that very day' — an idiom of exact same-day fulfillment.
הַיּ֣וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of temporal idiomיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the same day as the command — immediacy is the theological point: no delay.
הַזֶּ֔הthe this / thatart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifier of הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; 'that very day' — the demonstrative insists on the specific day of the command.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + relative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ: 'just as, according as'; connects the obedience to the specific divine command.
דִּבֶּ֥רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (conformity clause)→ Perfective: completed antecedent speechדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel; the perfect tense marks the divine speech as the prior, authoritative standard for Abraham's action.
אִתּ֖וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; God had spoken with Abraham — the obedience corresponds exactly to the command given personally.
אֱלֹהִֽיםGodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of דִּבֶּראֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the closing naming of God anchors the entire act of circumcision as covenant obedience.
24
וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם בֶּן תִּשְׁעִ֥ים וָתֵ֖שַׁע שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִמֹּל֖וֹ בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ
And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when the flesh of his foreskin was circumcised.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔םand Abrahamconj וְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject (circumstantial clause)אַבְרָהָם (H85); the narrative records Abraham's age at circumcision as a chronological witness.
בֶּןson of / agedN m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (age idiom)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the age formula בֶּן + numeral = 'X years old'; Abraham circumcises himself at ninety-nine.
תִּשְׁעִ֥יםninetycardinal num abs · תִּשְׁעִים (H8673)Age numeralתִּשְׁעִים (H8673) 'ninety'; his age at circumcision matches the age at the covenant appearance (v.1).
וָתֵ֖שַׁעand nineconj וְ + cardinal f sg abs · תֵּשַׁע (H8672)Coordinated numeral (99 total)תֵּשַׁע (H8672) 'nine'; together with תִּשְׁעִים gives ninety-nine — the same age as v.1.
שָׁנָ֑הyears oldN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal unit (age expression)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; singular with round number; the same formula as v.1 grounds the age notice.
בְּהִמֹּל֖וֹwhen circumcisedprep בְּ + Niphal inf cstr + 3ms suffix · מוּל (H4135)Temporal inf cstr phrase→ Inf cstr: temporal — 'when he was circumcised'מוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf cstr with בְּ + suffix gives a temporal clause: 'when the flesh of his foreskin was circumcised.'
בְּשַׂ֥רflesh ofN m sg cstr · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Object of inf cstrבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the object that was circumcised — bodily marking that seals covenant membership.
עָרְלָתֽוֹhis foreskinN f sg cstr + 3ms suffix · עָרְלָה (H6190)Genitive of בְּשַׂרעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin'; Abraham himself undergoes the sign first — the patriarch leads his household.
25
וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֔וֹ בֶּן שְׁלֹ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה בְּהִ֨מֹּל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ
And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when the flesh of his foreskin was circumcised.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אלand Ishmaelconj וְ + proper noun · יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458)Subject (parallel notice)יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458) 'God hears'; a parallel notice to v.24 records Ishmael's age alongside his father's.
בְּנ֔וֹhis sonN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive to subjectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the filial relationship noted — Ishmael is explicitly Abraham's son in this circumcision record.
בֶּןaged / son ofN m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (age idiom)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the age formula: 'son of thirteen years' = thirteen years old.
שְׁלֹ֥שׁthreecardinal f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral (thirteen)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; in compound שְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה = thirteen.
עֶשְׂרֵ֖הtencardinal f sg abs · עֶשֶׂר (H6240)Numeral (second component of thirteen)עֶשֶׂר (H6240) 'ten'; with שְׁלֹשׁ = thirteen years old at circumcision.
שָׁנָ֑הyears oldN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal unit (age expression)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; singular with the compound numeral; Ishmael was thirteen — a different life stage than the newborn of v.12.
בְּהִ֨מֹּל֔וֹwhen circumcisedprep בְּ + Niphal inf cstr + 3ms suffix · מוּל (H4135)Temporal inf cstr phrase→ Inf cstr: temporal — 'when he was circumcised'מוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf cstr with בְּ: temporal clause parallel to v.24.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks בְּשַׂר עָרְלָתוֹ as the definite object.
בְּשַׂ֥רflesh ofN m sg cstr · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct object (construct)בָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; the same bodily locus described throughout the chapter — flesh is where the covenant is sealed.
עָרְלָתֽוֹhis foreskinN f sg cstr + 3ms suffix · עָרְלָה (H6190)Genitive of בְּשַׂרעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin'; Ishmael receives the same physical sign as Abraham — both are included in the covenant household.
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בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה נִמּ֖וֹל אַבְרָהָ֑ם וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל בְּנֽוֹ
On that very day Abraham was circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙on the bone ofprep בְּ + N f sg cstr · עֶצֶם (H6106)Temporal idiom phraseעֶצֶם (H6106) 'bone, body, self'; בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם = 'on that very day' — the idiom of exact, same-day fulfillment.
הַיּ֣וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of temporal idiomיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the chapter closes with this same idiom as v.23 — same-day obedience is the theological point.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifierזֶה (H2088) 'this'; 'that very day' — insists on the specific day, reinforcing v.23's identical formula.
נִמּ֖וֹלwas circumcisedNiphal perf 3ms · מוּל (H4135)Predicate verb (summary statement)→ Perfective: completed act of circumcisionמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal passive 'was circumcised'; Abraham's own circumcision is the summarizing act.
אַבְרָהָ֑םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject of נִמּוֹלאַבְרָהָם (H85); named first in the summary — the patriarch's own circumcision is the primary act.
וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֖אלand Ishmaelconj וְ + proper noun · יִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458)Coordinated subjectיִשְׁמָעֵאל (H3458) 'God hears'; father and son circumcised on the same day — a striking familial-covenantal unity.
בְּנֽוֹhis sonN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive to וְיִשְׁמָעֵאלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the filial bond is reaffirmed at the close — Ishmael is Abraham's son, circumcised with him on the same day.
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וְכָל אַנְשֵׁ֤י בֵיתוֹ֙ יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת וּמִקְנַת כֶּ֖סֶף מֵאֵ֣ת בֶּן נֵכָ֑ר נִמֹּ֖לוּ אִתּֽוֹ
And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those purchased with silver from a foreigner's son, were circumcised with him.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (comprehensive closure)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; the chapter closes with a comprehensive statement: the entire male household was circumcised.
אַנְשֵׁ֤יmen ofN m pl cstr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (household)אִישׁ (H376) 'man, male'; all the males of Abraham's house — the full extent of the covenant sign's reach.
בֵיתוֹ֙his houseN m sg cstr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of אַנְשֵׁיבַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; the covenant household is the unit — every male in it receives the sign.
יְלִ֣ידone born inN m sg cstr · יְלִיד (H3211)Appositive (first category)יְלִיד (H3211) 'one born'; from יָלַד; the household-born males — natural members by birth.
בָּ֔יִתhouseN m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of יְלִידבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; יְלִיד בַּיִת = 'born in the house' — the two categories of v.12 are now recapped.
וּמִקְנַתand purchase ofconj וְ + N f sg cstr · מִקְנָה (H4736)Coordinated appositive (second category)מִקְנָה (H4736) 'acquisition, purchase'; the purchased males; the covenant sign transcends birth origin — all males are included.
כֶּ֖סֶףsilverN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive of מִקְנַתכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; מִקְנַת כֶּסֶף = 'purchase of money/silver' — those bought as economic dependents.
מֵאֵ֣תfromprep מִן + prep אֵת · מִן + אֵת (H854)Source prep phraseאֵת (H854) 'with, from'; מֵאֵת = 'from, from among' — marks the source of the purchase: foreigners.
בֶּןson ofN m sg cstr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct (identifying source)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בֶּן נֵכָר = 'son of a foreigner' — those purchased from non-Israelite sources.
נֵכָ֑רforeignerN m sg abs · נֵכָר (H5236)Genitive of בֶּןנֵכָר (H5236) 'foreign, alien'; the covenant household includes foreigners-by-purchase — covenantal identity exceeds ethnicity.
נִמֹּ֖לוּwere circumcisedNiphal perf 3cp · מוּל (H4135)Predicate verb (comprehensive closure)→ Perfective: completed collective actמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal 3cp passive 'were circumcised'; the entire household — with no exceptions — received the covenant sign.
אִתּֽוֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative phrase (with Abraham)אֵת (H854) 'with'; the entire household was circumcised 'with him' — united to Abraham in the covenant sign on that very day.