Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 16ישעיהו 16

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

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

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

Theme

Tribute from Sela, displaced daughters of Moab at the Arnon, an appeal for shelter, a throne established in steadfast love in the tent of David, proud boasting exposed, ruined vineyards, prophetic lament, and a final three-year deadline make Isaiah 16 both a continuation and an interpretation of the Moab burden. It opens with movement toward Zion. Moab is told to send the lamb of tribute from Sela through the wilderness to the mountain of daughter Zion, and the image that follows is one of vulnerability rather than strength: the daughters of Moab hover at the Arnon crossings like a bird driven from its nest. What comes next is one of the oracle's most arresting turns. Counsel is sought, judgment is requested, shade is needed at noonday, and the outcast is not to be exposed. The plea presses toward refuge from the destroyer and then unexpectedly grounds that refuge in a royal future where a throne is established in steadfast love, the Davidic tent is occupied in faithfulness, and judgment and righteousness are pursued without delay. Against that possible ordered refuge stands Moab's actual character. Its pride is notorious, its swelling arrogance has long been heard of, and its boasts do not match reality. The result is not triumph but wailing. Moab wails over Moab, Kir-hareseth is mourned, the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah, once spreading richly outward, is broken down by the lords of nations. The voice of the oracle is not cold toward that ruin. Tears are shed for Jazer, Heshbon, and Elealeh; harvest joy and the vintage cry cease; and the prophet's inward parts sound like a lyre in lament for Moab. Yet pity does not become rescue. When Moab exhausts itself at the high place and comes to its sanctuary to pray, it cannot prevail. The closing word therefore fixes the burden in time: what had been spoken before is now set within three years, after which Moab's glory and multitude will be brought low and only a scant remnant will remain. Taken together, the oracle joins tribute, asylum, Davidic justice, exposed pride, agricultural devastation, grieving prophecy, failed cult, and imminent humiliation into a portrait of Moab brought to the edge of Zion yet left without deliverance because pride and false refuge cannot stand before YHWH's rule.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. Five linked movements shape the oracle: tribute and displacement (vv. 1-2), the asylum appeal and Davidic-throne horizon (vv. 3-5), the indictment of Moabite pride and the resulting lament (vv. 6-8), prophetic weeping over ruined harvest and futile cultic recourse (vv. 9-12), and the dated reaffirmation of the judgment word (vv. 13-14). Verse 1 is famously compact and should keep both its political and geographical force. The command to send a lamb to the ruler of the land is usually heard as tribute language, and Sela with the wilderness route should remain concrete because the oracle imagines motion from Moab's southern reaches toward Zion. Verse 2 then turns that diplomatic note into refugee imagery: the daughters of Moab are like a bird wandering from its nest at the fords of the Arnon. Verses 3-4 are among the chapter's most debated lines and should be translated with their urgency preserved. Counsel is requested, a decision is sought, shade at midday is demanded, and the hiding rather than exposure of fugitives is made central. The addressee is debated in interpretation, but the translation should keep the imperatival pressure and the asylum logic clear. Verse 4's expression about outcasts is likewise delicate; the wording should preserve the personal force of the Hebrew without flattening the possibility that the voice has shifted. The reason-clause about the oppressor's end should remain plain, because it leads directly into verse 5. That verse is crucial and should not be detached from what precedes it. The throne established in steadfast love, occupied in faithfulness in the tent of David by one who judges, seeks justice, and is swift to righteousness, gives the whole appeal a Zion-centered royal horizon. Verses 6-8 then expose why the orbit of Zion does not become Moab's salvation. Moab's pride, haughtiness, arrogance, fury, and empty boasts should accumulate without softening. The raisin-cakes of Kir-hareseth in verse 7 should remain concrete, even if the exact nuance of the term has been debated, because the line is tied to lament over what once sustained or marked celebration. Verse 8's vine imagery should preserve the former reach of Sibmah's branches toward Jazer, the wilderness, and even across the sea, because the oracle contrasts past abundance with present collapse. Verses 9-11 intensify the lament in the prophet's own voice. The falling battle-cry over summer fruit and harvest in verse 9 should not be confused with festive shouting; the point is that invasion-noise has displaced vintage joy. Verse 10 makes that explicit by removing gladness, song, and wine-treading, and the final first-person verb should remain strong: YHWH himself has made the shouting cease. Verse 11 then internalizes the lament so that the speaker's inward parts sound like a lyre for Moab and for Kir-heres. Verse 12 closes the main oracle with cultic futility. Moab may weary itself on the high place and come to its sanctuary to pray, but it cannot prevail. Verses 13-14 then distinguish between an earlier word and a present dating of that word. The hireling-year formula in verse 14 should retain its exactness, stressing a fixed and unsentimental term. Moab's glory, multitude, and remnant are all assessed under that deadline, and the remnant left is not strong but very small. Taken together, the passage should therefore be translated as a Moab oracle in which tribute and asylum gesture toward Zion's just kingship, yet Moab's pride, shattered abundance, and helpless cultic appeal end in a timed humiliation before YHWH's word. Versification follows the MT. **Cruxes.** | Verse | Issue | | --- | --- | | none | none of note |

1

שִׁלְחוּ כַ֥ר מֹשֵֽׁל אֶ֖רֶץ מִסֶּ֣לַע מִדְבָּ֑רָה אֶל הַ֖ר בַּת צִיּֽוֹן

Send you the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, to the mount of the daughter of Zion.

Imperative — volitional addressasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'sent him'. Opens the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
שִׁלְחוּsent himQal impv 2mp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשָׁלַח (H7971) 'sent him'.
כַ֥רlambsN c · כַּר (H3733)Construct chain (genitival)כַּר (H3733) 'lambs'.
מֹשֵֽׁלrulingQal ptc ms · מָשַׁל (H4910)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorמָשַׁל (H4910) 'ruling'.
אֶ֖רֶץthe land ofN c · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land of'.
מִסֶּ֣לַעrockprep + N proper · סֶלַע (H5554)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)סֶלַע (H5554) 'rock'.
מִדְבָּ֑רָהat/to the wilderness ofN c · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Construct chain (genitival)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'at/to the wilderness of'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
הַ֖רMountN c · הַר (H2022)Construct chain (genitival)הַר (H2022) 'Mount'.
בַּתdaughter ofN c · בַּת (H1323)Construct chain (genitival)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter of'.
צִיּֽוֹןZionN · צִיּוֹן (H6726)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צִיּוֹן (H6726) 'Zion'.
2

וְהָיָ֥ה כְעוֹף נוֹדֵ֖ד קֵ֣ן מְשֻׁלָּ֑ח תִּֽהְיֶ֨ינָה֙ בְּנ֣וֹת מוֹאָ֔ב מַעְבָּרֹ֖ת לְאַרְנֽוֹן

For it shall be, , as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'and fled'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְהָיָ֥הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal q 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Particle or relational elementהָיָה (H1961) 'and it shall be'.
כְעוֹףbird ofprep + N com m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עוֹף (H5775) 'bird of'.
נוֹדֵ֖דand fledQal ptc ms · נָדַד (H5074)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorנָדַד (H5074) 'and fled'.
קֵ֣ןa nest ofN c · קֵן (H7064)Construct chain (genitival)קֵן (H7064) 'a nest of'.
מְשֻׁלָּ֑חsendingPual ptc ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁלַח (H7971) 'sending'.
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ינָה֙they shall beQal impf 3fp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָיָה (H1961) 'they shall be'.
בְּנ֣וֹתdaughtersN c · בַּת (H1323)Construct chain (genitival)בַּת (H1323) 'daughters'.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
מַעְבָּרֹ֖תthe fords ofN c · מַעֲבָר (H4569)Construct chain (genitival)מַעֲבָר (H4569) 'the fords of'.
לְאַרְנֽוֹןArnonprep + N proper · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אַרְנוֹן (H769) 'Arnon'.
3

הביאו הָבִ֤יאִי עֵצָה֙ עֲשׂ֣וּ פְלִילָ֔ה שִׁ֧יתִי כַלַּ֛יִל צִלֵּ֖ךְ בְּת֣וֹךְ צָהֳרָ֑יִם סַתְּרִי֙ נִדָּחִ֔ים נֹדֵ֖ד אַל תְּגַלִּֽי

Take counsel, execute judgment; make your shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

Imperative — volitional addressasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Imperative — volitional address. Lead predicate is 'brought'.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
הביאוbroughtHiphil impv 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeבּוֹא (H935) 'brought'.
הָבִ֤יאִיand they cameHiphil impv 2fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeבּוֹא (H935) 'and they came'.
עֵצָה֙counselN c · עֵצָה (H6098)Construct chain (genitival)עֵצָה (H6098) 'counsel'.
עֲשׂ֣וּthey didQal impv 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeעָשָׂה (H6213) 'they did'.
פְלִילָ֔הjudgmentN c · פְּלִילָה (H6415)Construct chain (genitival)פְּלִילָה (H6415) 'judgment'.
שִׁ֧יתִיis imposedQal impv 2fs · שִׁית (H7896)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשִׁית (H7896) 'is imposed'.
כַלַּ֛יִלthe nightprep + art + N com m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'the night'.
צִלֵּ֖ךְin the shadow ofN c · צֵל (H6738)Construct chain (genitival)צֵל (H6738) 'in the shadow of'.
בְּת֣וֹךְin the midst ofprep + N com m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'in the midst of'.
צָהֳרָ֑יִםat noonN c · צָהֳרַיִם (H6672)Construct chain (genitival)צָהֳרַיִם (H6672) 'at noon'.
סַתְּרִי֙I will hidePiel impv 2fs · סָתַר (H5641)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeסָתַר (H5641) 'I will hide'.
נִדָּחִ֔יםstrayingN · נָדַח (H5080)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָדַח (H5080) 'straying'.
נֹדֵ֖דand fledQal ptc ms · נָדַד (H5074)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorנָדַד (H5074) 'and fled'.
אַלdo notneg. · אַל (H408)Particle or relational elementאַל (H408) 'do not'.
תְּגַלִּֽיshall you uncoverPiel jussive 2fs · גָּלָה (H1540)Predicate verb (jussive)→ Jussive: volitionalגָּלָה (H1540) 'shall you uncover'.
4

יָג֤וּרוּ בָךְ֙ נִדָּחַ֔י מוֹאָ֛ב הֱוִי סֵ֥תֶר לָ֖מוֹ מִפְּנֵ֣י שׁוֹדֵ֑ד כִּֽי אָפֵ֤ס הַמֵּץ֙ כָּ֣לָה שֹׁ֔ד תַּ֥מּוּ רֹמֵ֖ס מִן הָאָֽרֶץ

Let mine outcasts dwell with you, Moab; be you a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'who sojourns'.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
יָג֤וּרוּwho sojournsQal impf 3mp · גּוּר (H1481)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalגּוּר (H1481) 'who sojourns'.
בָךְ֙among youprep + sfx 2fsParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'among you'.
נִדָּחַ֔יto thrust you awayN · נָדַח (H5080)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָדַח (H5080) 'to thrust you away'.
מוֹאָ֛בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
הֱוִיbeQal impv 2fs · הָיָה (H1933)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeהָיָה (H1933) 'be'.
סֵ֥תֶרsecrecyN c · סֵתֶר (H5643)Construct chain (genitival)סֵתֶר (H5643) 'secrecy'.
לָ֖מוֹfor themprep + sfx 3mpParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'for them'.
מִפְּנֵ֣יbecause ofprep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)פָּנִים (H6440) 'because of'.
שׁוֹדֵ֑דruinedQal ptc ms · שָׁדַד (H7703)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁדַד (H7703) 'ruined'.
כִּֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
אָפֵ֤סis goneQal perf 3ms · אָפֵס (H656)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָפֵס (H656) 'is gone'.
הַמֵּץ֙extortionerart + N com m sg abs · מוּץ (H4160)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוּץ (H4160) 'extortioner'.
כָּ֣לָהhe finishedQal perf 3ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actכָּלָה (H3615) 'he finished'.
שֹׁ֔דdesolationN c · שֹׁד (H7701)Construct chain (genitival)שֹׁד (H7701) 'desolation'.
תַּ֥מּוּhad finishedQal perf 3cp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actתָּמַם (H8552) 'had finished'.
רֹמֵ֖סandQal ptc ms · רָמַס (H7429)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorרָמַס (H7429) 'and'.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N com c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land'.
5

וְהוּכַ֤ן בַּחֶ֨סֶד֙ כִּסֵּ֔א וְיָשַׁ֥ב עָלָ֛יו בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת בְּאֹ֣הֶל דָּוִ֑ד שֹׁפֵ֛ט וְדֹרֵ֥שׁ מִשְׁפָּ֖ט וּמְהִ֥ר צֶֽדֶק

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'and judge'.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהוּכַ֤ןreadyconj וְ + Hophal q 3ms · כּוּן (H3559)Particle or relational elementכּוּן (H3559) 'ready'.
בַּחֶ֨סֶד֙kindnessprep + art + N com m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֶסֶד (H2617) 'kindness'.
כִּסֵּ֔אthe throne ofN c · כִּסֵּא (H3678)Construct chain (genitival)כִּסֵּא (H3678) 'the throne of'.
וְיָשַׁ֥בand he dweltconj וְ + Qal q 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Particle or relational elementיָשַׁב (H3427) 'and he dwelt'.
עָלָ֛יוon itprep + sfx 3ms · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on it'.
בֶּאֱמֶ֖תtrueprep + N com f sg abs · אֱמֶת (H571)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֱמֶת (H571) 'true'.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלin the tent ofprep + N com m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֹהֶל (H168) 'in the tent of'.
דָּוִ֑דDavidN · דָּוִד (H1732)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)דָּוִד (H1732) 'David'.
שֹׁפֵ֛טand judgeQal ptc ms · שָׁפַט (H8199)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁפַט (H8199) 'and judge'.
וְדֹרֵ֥שׁor one who seeks/inquiresconj וְ + Qal ptc ms · דָּרַשׁ (H1875)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorדָּרַשׁ (H1875) 'or one who seeks/inquires'.
מִשְׁפָּ֖טjudgmentN c · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment'.
וּמְהִ֥רandconj וְ + Adj · מָהִיר (H4106)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מָהִיר (H4106) 'and'.
צֶֽדֶקjustN c · צֶדֶק (H6664)Construct chain (genitival)צֶדֶק (H6664) 'just'.
6

שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ גְאוֹן מוֹאָ֖ב גֵּ֣א מְאֹ֑ד גַּאֲוָת֧וֹ וּגְאוֹנ֛וֹ וְעֶבְרָת֖וֹ לֹא כֵ֥ן בַּדָּֽיו

We have heard of the pride of Moab; very proud: of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: his lies not so.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'we have heard'.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
שָׁמַ֥עְנוּwe have heardQal perf 1cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actשָׁמַע (H8085) 'we have heard'.
גְאוֹןthe pride ofN c · גָּאוֹן (H1347)Construct chain (genitival)גָּאוֹן (H1347) 'the pride of'.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
גֵּ֣אproudAdj · גֵּא (H1341)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גֵּא (H1341) 'proud'.
מְאֹ֑דveryart · מְאֹד (H3966)Particle or relational elementמְאֹד (H3966) 'very'.
גַּאֲוָת֧וֹand in his majestyN c · גַּאֲוָה (H1346)Construct chain (genitival)גַּאֲוָה (H1346) 'and in his majesty'.
וּגְאוֹנ֛וֹyour majestyconj וְ + N com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · גָּאוֹן (H1347)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גָּאוֹן (H1347) 'your majesty'.
וְעֶבְרָת֖וֹand their wrathconj וְ + N com f sg constr + sfx 3ms · עֶבְרָה (H5678)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עֶבְרָה (H5678) 'and their wrath'.
לֹאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
כֵ֥ןsoAdj · כֵּן (H3651)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֵּן (H3651) 'so'.
בַּדָּֽיוliarN c · בַּד (H907)Construct chain (genitival)בַּד (H907) 'liar'.
7

לָכֵ֗ן יְיֵלִ֥יל מוֹאָ֛ב לְמוֹאָ֖ב כֻּלֹּ֣ה יְיֵלִ֑יל לַאֲשִׁישֵׁ֧י קִיר חֲרֶ֛שֶׂת תֶּהְגּ֖וּ אַךְ נְכָאִֽים

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall you mourn; surely stricken.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is '(make to) howl'.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לָכֵ֗ןthereforeprep + art · כֵּן (H3651)Particle or relational elementכֵּן (H3651) 'therefore'.
יְיֵלִ֥יל(make to) howlHiphil impf 3ms · יָלַל (H3213)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalיָלַל (H3213) '(make to) howl'.
מוֹאָ֛בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
לְמוֹאָ֖בtoward Moabprep + N proper · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'toward Moab'.
כֻּלֹּ֣הall of itN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all of it'.
יְיֵלִ֑יל(make to) howlHiphil impf 3ms · יָלַל (H3213)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalיָלַל (H3213) '(make to) howl'.
לַאֲשִׁישֵׁ֧יtoprep + N com m pl constr · אָשִׁישׁ (H808)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָשִׁישׁ (H808) 'to'.
קִירinN · קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025) 'in'.
חֲרֶ֛שֶׂתKir-harasethN · קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025) 'Kir-haraseth'.
תֶּהְגּ֖וּbut you shall meditateQal impf 2mp · הָגָה (H1897)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָגָה (H1897) 'but you shall meditate'.
אַךְonlyparticle · אַךְ (H389)Particle or relational elementאַךְ (H389) 'only'.
נְכָאִֽיםbrokenAdj · נָכֵא (H5218)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָכֵא (H5218) 'broken'.
8

כִּ֣י שַׁדְמוֹת֩ חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹן אֻמְלָ֜ל גֶּ֣פֶן שִׂבְמָ֗ה בַּעֲלֵ֤י גוֹיִם֙ הָלְמ֣וּ שְׂרוּקֶּ֔יהָ עַד יַעְזֵ֥ר נָגָ֖עוּ תָּ֣עוּ מִדְבָּ֑ר שְׁלֻ֣חוֹתֶ֔יהָ נִטְּשׁ֖וּ עָ֥בְרוּ יָֽם

For the fields of Heshbon languish, the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come to Jazer, they wandered the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'languish'.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
כִּ֣יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
שַׁדְמוֹת֩and from the fields ofN c · שְׁדֵמָה (H7709)Construct chain (genitival)שְׁדֵמָה (H7709) 'and from the fields of'.
חֶשְׁבּ֨וֹןHeshbonN · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809) 'Heshbon'.
אֻמְלָ֜לlanguishPulal perf 3ms · אָמַל (H535)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַל (H535) 'languish'.
גֶּ֣פֶןa vineN c · גֶּפֶן (H1612)Construct chain (genitival)גֶּפֶן (H1612) 'a vine'.
שִׂבְמָ֗הSibmahN · שִׂבְמָה (H7643)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שִׂבְמָה (H7643) 'Sibmah'.
בַּעֲלֵ֤יthe lords ofN c · בַּעַל (H1167)Construct chain (genitival)בַּעַל (H1167) 'the lords of'.
גוֹיִם֙nationsN c · גּוֹי (H1471)Construct chain (genitival)גּוֹי (H1471) 'nations'.
הָלְמ֣וּhammeredQal perf 3cp · הָלַם (H1986)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actהָלַם (H1986) 'hammered'.
שְׂרוּקֶּ֔יהָprincipal plant. SeeAdj · שָׂרוּק (H8291)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׂרוּק (H8291) 'principal plant. See'.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Particle or relational elementעַד (H5704) 'until'.
יַעְזֵ֥רJazerN · יַעְזֵר (H3270)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יַעְזֵר (H3270) 'Jazer'.
נָגָ֖עוּtouchesQal perf 3cp · נָגַע (H5060)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָגַע (H5060) 'touches'.
תָּ֣עוּwanderingQal perf 3cp · תָּעָה (H8582)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actתָּעָה (H8582) 'wandering'.
מִדְבָּ֑רthe wilderness ofN c · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Construct chain (genitival)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'the wilderness of'.
שְׁלֻ֣חוֹתֶ֔יהָbranchN c · שִׁלֻּחָה (H7976)Construct chain (genitival)שִׁלֻּחָה (H7976) 'branch'.
נִטְּשׁ֖וּand he forsookN · נָטַשׁ (H5203)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָטַשׁ (H5203) 'and he forsook'.
עָ֥בְרוּcross overQal perf 3cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actעָבַר (H5674) 'cross over'.
יָֽםsea ofN c · יָם (H3220)Construct chain (genitival)יָם (H3220) 'sea of'.
9

עַל כֵּ֡ן אֶבְכֶּ֞ה בִּבְכִ֤י יַעְזֵר֙ גֶּ֣פֶן שִׂבְמָ֔ה אֲרַיָּ֨וֶךְ֙ דִּמְעָתִ֔י חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה כִּ֧י עַל קֵיצֵ֛ךְ וְעַל קְצִירֵ֖ךְ הֵידָ֥ד נָפָֽל

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water you with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for your summer fruits and for your harvest is fallen.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'and they wept'.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
כֵּ֡ןsoadv. · כֵּן (H3651)Particle or relational elementכֵּן (H3651) 'so'.
אֶבְכֶּ֞הand they weptQal impf 1cs · בָּכָה (H1058)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalבָּכָה (H1058) 'and they wept'.
בִּבְכִ֤יin weepingprep + N com m sg constr · בְּכִי (H1065)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בְּכִי (H1065) 'in weeping'.
יַעְזֵר֙JazerN · יַעְזֵר (H3270)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יַעְזֵר (H3270) 'Jazer'.
גֶּ֣פֶןa vineN c · גֶּפֶן (H1612)Construct chain (genitival)גֶּפֶן (H1612) 'a vine'.
שִׂבְמָ֔הSibmahN · שִׂבְמָה (H7643)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שִׂבְמָה (H7643) 'Sibmah'.
אֲרַיָּ֨וֶךְ֙bathePiel impf 1cs + sfx 2fs · רָוָה (H7301)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרָוָה (H7301) 'bathe'.
דִּמְעָתִ֔יtearsN c · דִּמְעָה (H1832)Construct chain (genitival)דִּמְעָה (H1832) 'tears'.
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹןHeshbonN · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809) 'Heshbon'.
וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑הand Elealehconj וְ + N proper · אֶלְעָלֵה (H500)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶלְעָלֵה (H500) 'and Elealeh'.
כִּ֧יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
קֵיצֵ֛ךְand summerN c · קַיִץ (H7019)Construct chain (genitival)קַיִץ (H7019) 'and summer'.
וְעַלand onconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'and on'.
קְצִירֵ֖ךְyour harvestN c · קָצִיר (H7105)Construct chain (genitival)קָצִיר (H7105) 'your harvest'.
הֵידָ֥דshoutN c · הֵידָד (H1959)Construct chain (genitival)הֵידָד (H1959) 'shout'.
נָפָֽלfallenQal perf 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָפַל (H5307) 'fallen'.
10

וְנֶאֱסַ֨ף שִׂמְחָ֤ה וָגִיל֙ מִן הַכַּרְמֶ֔ל וּבַכְּרָמִ֥ים לֹֽא יְרֻנָּ֖ן לֹ֣א יְרֹעָ֑ע יַ֗יִן בַּיְקָבִ֛ים לֹֽא יִדְרֹ֥ךְ הַדֹּרֵ֖ךְ הֵידָ֥ד הִשְׁבַּֽתִּי

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in presses; I have made shouting to cease.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'shout for joy'.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְנֶאֱסַ֨ףand he gatheredconj וְ + Niphal q 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Particle or relational elementאָסַף (H622) 'and he gathered'.
שִׂמְחָ֤הwith joyN c · שִׂמְחָה (H8057)Construct chain (genitival)שִׂמְחָה (H8057) 'with joy'.
וָגִיל֙andconj וְ + N com m sg abs · גִּיל (H1524)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גִּיל (H1524) 'and'.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Particle or relational elementמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַכַּרְמֶ֔לnew produceart + N com m sg abs · כַּרְמֶל (H3759)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כַּרְמֶל (H3759) 'new produce'.
וּבַכְּרָמִ֥יםa vineyardconj וְ + prep + art + N com c pl abs · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֶּרֶם (H3754) 'a vineyard'.
לֹֽאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
יְרֻנָּ֖ןshout for joyPual impf 3ms · רָנַן (H7442)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרָנַן (H7442) 'shout for joy'.
לֹ֣אnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
יְרֹעָ֑עshout!Polal impf 3ms · רוּעַ (H7321)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרוּעַ (H7321) 'shout!'.
יַ֗יִןwineN c · יַיִן (H3196)Construct chain (genitival)יַיִן (H3196) 'wine'.
בַּיְקָבִ֛יםthe winepressprep + art + N com m pl abs · יֶקֶב (H3342)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יֶקֶב (H3342) 'the winepress'.
לֹֽאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
יִדְרֹ֥ךְhe trodQal impf 3ms · דָּרַךְ (H1869)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalדָּרַךְ (H1869) 'he trod'.
הַדֹּרֵ֖ךְhe trodart + Qal ptc ms · דָּרַךְ (H1869)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorדָּרַךְ (H1869) 'he trod'.
הֵידָ֥דshoutN c · הֵידָד (H1959)Construct chain (genitival)הֵידָד (H1959) 'shout'.
הִשְׁבַּֽתִּיyou shall restHiphil perf 1cs · שָׁבַת (H7673)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actשָׁבַת (H7673) 'you shall rest'.
11

עַל כֵּן֙ מֵעַ֣י לְמוֹאָ֔ב כַּכִּנּ֖וֹר יֶֽהֱמ֑וּ וְקִרְבִּ֖י לְקִ֥יר חָֽרֶשׂ

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'clamorous'.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
כֵּן֙soadv. · כֵּן (H3651)Particle or relational elementכֵּן (H3651) 'so'.
מֵעַ֣יfrom your bodyN c · מֵעֶה (H4578)Construct chain (genitival)מֵעֶה (H4578) 'from your body'.
לְמוֹאָ֔בtoward Moabprep + N proper · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'toward Moab'.
כַּכִּנּ֖וֹרand with lyreprep + art + N com m sg abs · כִּנּוֹר (H3658)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כִּנּוֹר (H3658) 'and with lyre'.
יֶֽהֱמ֑וּclamorousQal impf 3mp · הָמָה (H1993)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalהָמָה (H1993) 'clamorous'.
וְקִרְבִּ֖יin your midstconj וְ + N com m sg constr + sfx 1cs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קֶרֶב (H7130) 'in your midst'.
לְקִ֥ירinprep + N proper · קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025) 'in'.
חָֽרֶשׂinN · קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (H7025) 'in'.
12

וְהָיָ֧ה כִֽי נִרְאָ֛ה כִּֽי נִלְאָ֥ה מוֹאָ֖ב עַל הַבָּמָ֑ה וּבָ֧א אֶל מִקְדָּשׁ֛וֹ לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל וְלֹ֥א יוּכָֽל

And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.

Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complementwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complement. Lead predicate is 'and he prayed'.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהָיָ֧הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal q 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Particle or relational elementהָיָה (H1961) 'and it shall be'.
כִֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
נִרְאָ֛הhas appearedN · רָאָה (H7200)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רָאָה (H7200) 'has appeared'.
כִּֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
נִלְאָ֥הand they will be unableN · לָאָה (H3811)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לָאָה (H3811) 'and they will be unable'.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
הַבָּמָ֑הtheir high placesart + N com f sg abs · בָּמָה (H1116)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בָּמָה (H1116) 'their high places'.
וּבָ֧אand he shall comeconj וְ + Qal q 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Particle or relational elementבּוֹא (H935) 'and he shall come'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
מִקְדָּשׁ֛וֹits hallowed partN c · מִקְדָּשׁ (H4720)Construct chain (genitival)מִקְדָּשׁ (H4720) 'its hallowed part'.
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖לand he prayedprep + Hithpael inf constr · פָּלַל (H6419)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementפָּלַל (H6419) 'and he prayed'.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'and not'.
יוּכָֽלhe mayQal impf 3ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalיָכֹל (H3201) 'he may'.
13

זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶל מוֹאָ֖ב מֵאָֽז

This the word that YHWH has spoken concerning Moab since that time.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'speak'.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
זֶ֣הthisdem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
הַדָּבָ֗רthe wordart + N com m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)דָּבָר (H1697) 'the word'.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
דִּבֶּ֧רspeakPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actדִּבֶּר (H1696) 'speak'.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to'.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
מֵאָֽזsinceprep + art · אָז (H227)Particle or relational elementאָז (H227) 'since'.
14

וְעַתָּ֗ה דִּבֶּ֣ר יְהוָה֮ לֵאמֹר֒ בְּשָׁלֹ֤שׁ שָׁנִים֙ כִּשְׁנֵ֣י שָׂכִ֔יר וְנִקְלָה֙ כְּב֣וֹד מוֹאָ֔ב בְּכֹ֖ל הֶהָמ֣וֹן הָרָ֑ב וּשְׁאָ֥ר מְעַ֛ט מִזְעָ֖ר ל֥וֹא כַבִּֽיר

But now YHWH has spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant very small feeble.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'speak'. Closes the chapter. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj וְ + art · עַתָּה (H6258)Particle or relational elementעַתָּה (H6258) 'and now'.
דִּבֶּ֣רspeakPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actדִּבֶּר (H1696) 'speak'.
יְהוָה֮YHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
לֵאמֹר֒sayingprep + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementאָמַר (H559) 'saying'.
בְּשָׁלֹ֤שׁthreeprep + Adj c · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'.
שָׁנִים֙yearsN c · שָׁנָה (H8141)Construct chain (genitival)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'years'.
כִּשְׁנֵ֣יyearsprep + Adj c det · שָׁנָה (H8141)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'years'.
שָׂכִ֔ירa hired workerAdj · שָׂכִיר (H7916)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שָׂכִיר (H7916) 'a hired worker'.
וְנִקְלָה֙and be degradedconj וְ + Niphal q 3ms · קָלָה (H7034)Particle or relational elementקָלָה (H7034) 'and be degraded'.
כְּב֣וֹדthe glory ofN c · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Construct chain (genitival)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'the glory of'.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabN · מוֹאָב (H4124)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מוֹאָב (H4124) 'Moab'.
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep + N com m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'in all'.
הֶהָמ֣וֹןmultitude ofart + N com m sg abs · הָמוֹן (H1995)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)הָמוֹן (H1995) 'multitude of'.
הָרָ֑בthe many (larger tribe)art + Adj · רַב (H7227)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַב (H7227) 'the many (larger tribe)'.
וּשְׁאָ֥רandconj וְ + N com m sg abs · שְׁאָר (H7605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שְׁאָר (H7605) 'and'.
מְעַ֛טa littleN c · מְעַט (H4592)Construct chain (genitival)מְעַט (H4592) 'a little'.
מִזְעָ֖רfewN c · מִזְעָר (H4213)Construct chain (genitival)מִזְעָר (H4213) 'few'.
ל֥וֹאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Particle or relational elementלֹא (H3808) 'not'.
כַבִּֽירfeebleAdj · כַּבִּיר (H3524)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כַּבִּיר (H3524) 'feeble'.