Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 21ישעיהו 21

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

Tempest from the Negeb, a hard vision of treachery and plunder, the prophet doubled over in labor-pains, the watchman's cry over fallen Babylon, Duma's question about the night, and Arabia's fugitives receiving only brief refuge before Kedar's glory collapses make Isaiah 21 a chain of burden-oracles bound together by night-watch, alarm, and the failure of human security. It opens with the burden of the wilderness of the sea, a title as strange and unsettling as the storm-image that follows. Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south, the vision comes out of the wilderness from a dreadful land. What is shown is harsh: the treacherous deal treacherously, the destroyer destroys, Elam rises, Media lays siege, and the prophet's own body is seized by anguish like the pangs of childbirth. Desired twilight turns into terror. Yet the command to set the table, keep watch, eat, drink, and suddenly rise to anoint the shield shows that complacent feasting is already being overtaken by invasion. The central movement then becomes one of surveillance. A watchman is posted to report what he sees, and after attentive waiting the report comes: fallen, fallen is Babylon, and all the carved images of her gods are shattered to the ground. The oracle moves from private convulsion to public announcement and then turns tenderly toward the addressed people as threshed grain receiving only what YHWH of hosts has truly spoken. The second burden compresses itself into a haunting exchange. From Seir comes the repeated question, Watchman, what of the night? and the answer gives only partial relief: morning comes, and also night. Inquiry is allowed, but no easy daylight is granted. The final burden turns to Arabia. Caravan-groups lodge in scrub, Tema brings water to the thirsty and bread to the fugitive, and the travelers are plainly refugees from sword, drawn bow, and the weight of war. Even that hospitality is set under a measured deadline. Within a hireling's year all the glory of Kedar will fail, and the remaining number of its mighty archers will be few. Taken together, the chapter joins Babylon's collapse, night-watch uncertainty, and Arabian diminution into one prophetic complex where nations strain to see what is coming, but only YHWH's word makes the night legible.

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. Three closely related burdens shape the chapter: the wilderness-of-the-sea vision culminating in Babylon's fall (vv. 1-10), the brief dialogue concerning Duma/Seir and the night (vv. 11-12), and the Arabian oracle concerning Dedan, Tema, and Kedar (vv. 13-17). Verse 1 should preserve both the enigmatic superscription and the violent motion of the comparison. The wilderness of the sea is deliberately unsettling, and the Negeb storm image gives the whole opening a force of sudden, sweeping threat from a dreadful region. Verse 2 identifies the vision as hard and should keep the stark parallelism of treacherous dealing and destructive plundering. Elam and Media should remain named, because the oracle's international frame matters to the recognition-scene that follows. Verses 3-4 then register the prophet's bodily and emotional response. The birth-pang comparison should remain strong, and the line about twilight turning into terror should preserve the reversal from desired evening to dread. Verse 5 is famously cinematic and should retain that abruptness: prepare the table, watch the watch, eat, drink, rise, anoint the shield. The point is that banqueting and vigilance collide just as danger breaks in. Verses 6-9 form the watchman sequence and should be translated with patient attention. The watchman is stationed to report exactly what he sees; the paired riders and animal-mounted traffic in verse 7 should remain concrete; and verse 8's cry, whether rendered as lion or as a shouted call, should preserve the intensity of long, continual watch. Verse 9 is the center of the first burden and must keep the doubled fall: fallen, fallen is Babylon. The breaking of her idols to the ground links the city's downfall to anti-idolatrous judgment and should remain explicit. Verse 10 then turns to the addressed people in language of threshing and grain-floor imagery; the tenderness and authority of that conclusion should both remain audible. Verses 11-12 are brief but difficult. The burden of Duma likely plays on Edom/Seir associations, and the repeated question to the watchman about the night should remain compressed and insistent. The answer should preserve its tension: morning comes, and also night. Even the invitation to ask and return does not dissolve the ambiguity. Verses 13-17 then turn to Arabia and should keep the concrete tribal and travel references. Dedanite caravan-groups lodge in the thicket, Tema brings water and bread to fugitives, and verses 15-16 explain that these are people fleeing swords, drawn bow, and the heaviness of war. Verse 16's hireling-year formula should remain exact, because it fixes the reduction of Kedar's glory within a measured and unsentimental term. Verse 17 then narrows the judgment to the remnant of Kedar's mighty bowmen, whose number becomes small because YHWH, the God of Israel, has spoken. Taken together, the passage should therefore be translated as a triad of night-burdens in which Babylon falls under watch, Duma receives only a guarded answer, and Arabian strength diminishes under a timed word, all under the sovereignty of YHWH's revealed speech. Versification follows the MT. **Cruxes.** | Verse | Issue | | --- | --- | | none | none of note |

1

מַשָּׂ֖א מִדְבַּר יָ֑ם כְּסוּפ֤וֹת בַּנֶּ֨גֶב֙ לַֽחֲלֹ֔ף מִמִּדְבָּ֣ר בָּ֔א מֵאֶ֖רֶץ נוֹרָאָֽה

The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.

Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complementasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complement. Lead predicate is 'and changed'. Opens the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
מַשָּׂ֖אburden ofN c · מַשָּׂא (H4853)Construct chain (genitival)מַשָּׂא (H4853) 'burden of'.
מִדְבַּרthe wilderness ofN c · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Construct chain (genitival)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'the wilderness of'.
יָ֑םsea ofN c · יָם (H3220)Construct chain (genitival)יָם (H3220) 'sea of'.
כְּסוּפ֤וֹתin Suphahprep + N com f pl abs · סוּפָה (H5492)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)סוּפָה (H5492) 'in Suphah'.
בַּנֶּ֨גֶב֙into the Negevprep + art + N com m sg abs · נֶגֶב (H5045)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נֶגֶב (H5045) 'into the Negev'.
לַֽחֲלֹ֔ףand changedprep + Qal inf constr · חָלַף (H2498)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementחָלַף (H2498) 'and changed'.
מִמִּדְבָּ֣רfrom the wilderness ofprep + N com m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'from the wilderness of'.
בָּ֔אcameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actבּוֹא (H935) 'came'.
מֵאֶ֖רֶץfrom the land ofprep + N com c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'from the land of'.
נוֹרָאָֽהfearN · יָרֵא (H3372)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יָרֵא (H3372) 'fear'.
2

חָז֥וּת קָשָׁ֖ה הֻגַּד לִ֑י הַבּוֹגֵ֤ד בּוֹגֵד֙ וְהַשּׁוֹדֵ֣ד שׁוֹדֵ֔ד עֲלִ֤י עֵילָם֙ צוּרִ֣י מָדַ֔י כָּל אַנְחָתָ֖ה הִשְׁבַּֽתִּי

A grievous vision is declared to me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'it was surely'.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
חָז֥וּתagreementN c · חָזוּת (H2380)Construct chain (genitival)חָזוּת (H2380) 'agreement'.
קָשָׁ֖הhardAdj · קָשֶׁה (H7186)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קָשֶׁה (H7186) 'hard'.
הֻגַּדit was surelyHophal perf 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָגַד (H5046) 'it was surely'.
לִ֑יto meprep + sfx 1csParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'to me'.
הַבּוֹגֵ֤דin his dealing treacherouslyart + Qal ptc ms · בָּגַד (H898)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorבָּגַד (H898) 'in his dealing treacherously'.
בּוֹגֵד֙in his dealing treacherouslyQal ptc ms · בָּגַד (H898)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorבָּגַד (H898) 'in his dealing treacherously'.
וְהַשּׁוֹדֵ֣דruinedconj וְ + art + Qal ptc ms · שָׁדַד (H7703)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁדַד (H7703) 'ruined'.
שׁוֹדֵ֔דruinedQal ptc ms · שָׁדַד (H7703)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁדַד (H7703) 'ruined'.
עֲלִ֤יspring upQal impv 2fs · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeעָלָה (H5927) 'spring up'.
עֵילָם֙ElamN · עֵילָם (H5867)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עֵילָם (H5867) 'Elam'.
צוּרִ֣יharassQal impv 2fs · צָרַר (H6696)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeצָרַר (H6696) 'harass'.
מָדַ֔יand MadaiN · מָדַי (H4074)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)מָדַי (H4074) 'and Madai'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
אַנְחָתָ֖הgroaningN c · אֲנָחָה (H585)Construct chain (genitival)אֲנָחָה (H585) 'groaning'.
הִשְׁבַּֽתִּיyou shall restHiphil perf 1cs · שָׁבַת (H7673)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actשָׁבַת (H7673) 'you shall rest'.
3

עַל כֵּ֗ן מָלְא֤וּ מָתְנַי֙ חַלְחָלָ֔ה צִירִ֣ים אֲחָז֔וּנִי כְּצִירֵ֖י יֽוֹלֵדָ֑ה נַעֲוֵ֣יתִי מִשְּׁמֹ֔עַ נִבְהַ֖לְתִּי מֵרְאֽוֹת

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing ; I was dismayed at the seeing .

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'they have fully followed'.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
כֵּ֗ןsoadv. · כֵּן (H3651)Particle or relational elementכֵּן (H3651) 'so'.
מָלְא֤וּthey have fully followedQal perf 3cp · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actמָלֵא (H4390) 'they have fully followed'.
מָתְנַי֙the loins ofN c · מֹתֶן (H4975)Construct chain (genitival)מֹתֶן (H4975) 'the loins of'.
חַלְחָלָ֔ה(greatN c · חַלְחָלָה (H2479)Construct chain (genitival)חַלְחָלָה (H2479) '(great'.
צִירִ֣יםambassadorN c · צִיר (H6735)Construct chain (genitival)צִיר (H6735) 'ambassador'.
אֲחָז֔וּנִיand they took holdQal perf 3cp + sfx 1cs · אָחַז (H270)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָחַז (H270) 'and they took hold'.
כְּצִירֵ֖יambassadorprep + N com m pl constr · צִיר (H6735)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צִיר (H6735) 'ambassador'.
יֽוֹלֵדָ֑הand he fatheredQal ptc fs · יָלַד (H3205)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorיָלַד (H3205) 'and he fathered'.
נַעֲוֵ֣יתִיdo amissN · עָוָה (H5753)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עָוָה (H5753) 'do amiss'.
מִשְּׁמֹ֔עַand he heardprep + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementשָׁמַע (H8085) 'and he heard'.
נִבְהַ֖לְתִּיwere dismayedN · בָּהַל (H926)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בָּהַל (H926) 'were dismayed'.
מֵרְאֽוֹתand he sawprep + Qal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementרָאָה (H7200) 'and he saw'.
4

תָּעָ֣ה לְבָבִ֔י פַּלָּצ֖וּת בִּֽעֲתָ֑תְנִי אֵ֚ת נֶ֣שֶׁף חִשְׁקִ֔י שָׂ֥ם לִ֖י לַחֲרָדָֽה

My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure has he turned into fear to me.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'wandering'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
תָּעָ֣הwanderingQal perf 3ms · תָּעָה (H8582)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actתָּעָה (H8582) 'wandering'.
לְבָבִ֔יmy heartN c · לֵבָב (H3824)Construct chain (genitival)לֵבָב (H3824) 'my heart'.
פַּלָּצ֖וּתfearfulnessN c · פַּלָּצוּת (H6427)Construct chain (genitival)פַּלָּצוּת (H6427) 'fearfulness'.
בִּֽעֲתָ֑תְנִיandPiel perf 3fs + sfx 1cs · בָּעַת (H1204)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actבָּעַת (H1204) 'and'.
אֵ֚ת(obj)obj marker · אֵת (H853)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H853) '(obj)'.
נֶ֣שֶׁףfromN c · נֶשֶׁף (H5399)Construct chain (genitival)נֶשֶׁף (H5399) 'from'.
חִשְׁקִ֔יdesireN c · חֵשֶׁק (H2837)Construct chain (genitival)חֵשֶׁק (H2837) 'desire'.
שָׂ֥םsetQal perf 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actשִׂים (H7760) 'set'.
לִ֖יto meprep + sfx 1csParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'to me'.
לַחֲרָדָֽהtremblingprep + N com f sg abs · חֲרָדָה (H2731)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)חֲרָדָה (H2731) 'trembling'.
5

עָרֹ֧ךְ הַשֻּׁלְחָ֛ן צָפֹ֥ה הַצָּפִ֖ית אָכ֣וֹל שָׁתֹ֑ה ק֥וּמוּ הַשָּׂרִ֖ים מִשְׁח֥וּ מָגֵֽן

Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, you princes, anoint the shield.

Infinitive absolute — emphasis or attendant actionwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Infinitive absolute — emphasis or attendant action. Lead predicate is 'and he arranged'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
עָרֹ֧ךְand he arrangedQal inf abs · עָרַךְ (H6186)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionעָרַךְ (H6186) 'and he arranged'.
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֛ןthe tableart + N com m sg abs · שֻׁלְחָן (H7979)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שֻׁלְחָן (H7979) 'the table'.
צָפֹ֥הhe overlaidQal inf abs · צָפָה (H6823)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionצָפָה (H6823) 'he overlaid'.
הַצָּפִ֖יתwatchtowerart + N com f sg abs · צָפִית (H6844)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צָפִית (H6844) 'watchtower'.
אָכ֣וֹלconsumingQal inf abs · אָכַל (H398)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionאָכַל (H398) 'consuming'.
שָׁתֹ֑הdrinkQal inf abs · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive absolute→ Infinitive absolute: emphasis or attendant actionשָׁתָה (H8354) 'drink'.
ק֥וּמוּrise up!Qal impv 2mp · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeקוּם (H6965) 'rise up!'.
הַשָּׂרִ֖יםchief ofart + N com m pl abs · שַׂר (H8269)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief of'.
מִשְׁח֥וּhis anointingQal impv 2mp · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeמָשַׁח (H4886) 'his anointing'.
מָגֵֽןthe shield ofN c · מָגֵן (H4043)Construct chain (genitival)מָגֵן (H4043) 'the shield of'.
6

כִּ֣י כֹ֥ה אָמַ֛ר אֵלַ֖י אֲדֹנָ֑י לֵ֚ךְ הַעֲמֵ֣ד הַֽמְצַפֶּ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִרְאֶ֖ה יַגִּֽיד

For thus has YHWH said to me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'he said'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
כִּ֣יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
כֹ֥הthusart · כֹּה (H3541)Particle or relational elementכֹּה (H3541) 'thus'.
אָמַ֛רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַר (H559) 'he said'.
אֵלַ֖יto meprep + sfx 1cs · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to me'.
אֲדֹנָ֑יmy LordN c · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Construct chain (genitival)אֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'.
לֵ֚ךְgoQal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeהָלַךְ (H3212) 'go'.
הַעֲמֵ֣דwho standsHiphil impv 2ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeעָמַד (H5975) 'who stands'.
הַֽמְצַפֶּ֔הmay watchart + Piel ptc ms · צָפָה (H6822)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorצָפָה (H6822) 'may watch'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
יִרְאֶ֖הshall be seenQal impf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalרָאָה (H7200) 'shall be seen'.
יַגִּֽידhe testifiesHiphil impf 3ms · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalנָגַד (H5046) 'he testifies'.
7

וְרָ֣אָה רֶ֗כֶב צֶ֚מֶד פָּֽרָשִׁ֔ים רֶ֥כֶב חֲמ֖וֹר רֶ֣כֶב גָּמָ֑ל וְהִקְשִׁ֥יב קֶ֖שֶׁב רַב קָֽשֶׁב

And he saw a chariot a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:

Linked non-verbal clausewə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Linked non-verbal clause.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְרָ֣אָהshall examineconj וְ + Qal q 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Particle or relational elementרָאָה (H7200) 'shall examine'.
רֶ֗כֶבchariots ofN c · רֶכֶב (H7393)Construct chain (genitival)רֶכֶב (H7393) 'chariots of'.
צֶ֚מֶדyoke ofN c · צֶמֶד (H6776)Construct chain (genitival)צֶמֶד (H6776) 'yoke of'.
פָּֽרָשִׁ֔יםhorsemenN c · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Construct chain (genitival)פָּרָשׁ (H6571) 'horsemen'.
רֶ֥כֶבchariots ofN c · רֶכֶב (H7393)Construct chain (genitival)רֶכֶב (H7393) 'chariots of'.
חֲמ֖וֹרa donkeyN c · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Construct chain (genitival)חֲמוֹר (H2543) 'a donkey'.
רֶ֣כֶבchariots ofN c · רֶכֶב (H7393)Construct chain (genitival)רֶכֶב (H7393) 'chariots of'.
גָּמָ֑לthe camelsN c · גָּמָל (H1581)Construct chain (genitival)גָּמָל (H1581) 'the camels'.
וְהִקְשִׁ֥יבtoconj וְ + Hiphil q 3ms · קָשַׁב (H7181)Particle or relational elementקָשַׁב (H7181) 'to'.
קֶ֖שֶׁבdiligentlyN c · קֶשֶׁב (H7182)Construct chain (genitival)קֶשֶׁב (H7182) 'diligently'.
רַבgreatAdj · רַב (H7227)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)רַב (H7227) 'great'.
קָֽשֶׁבdiligentlyN c · קֶשֶׁב (H7182)Construct chain (genitival)קֶשֶׁב (H7182) 'diligently'.
8

וַיִּקְרָ֖א אַרְיֵ֑ה עַל מִצְפֶּ֣ה אֲדֹנָ֗י אָנֹכִ֞י עֹמֵ֤ד תָּמִיד֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְעַל מִ֨שְׁמַרְתִּ֔י אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב כָּל הַלֵּילֽוֹת

And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:

Narrative wayyiqtol — foregrounded sequential actionwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Narrative wayyiqtol — foregrounded sequential action. Lead predicate is 'and he called'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּקְרָ֖אand he calledconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol of narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'and he called'.
אַרְיֵ֑הa lionN c · אַרְיֵה (H738)Construct chain (genitival)אַרְיֵה (H738) 'a lion'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'on'.
מִצְפֶּ֣הwatch towerN c · מִצְפֶּה (H4707)Construct chain (genitival)מִצְפֶּה (H4707) 'watch tower'.
אֲדֹנָ֗יmy LordN c · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Construct chain (genitival)אֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'.
אָנֹכִ֞יIpron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'.
עֹמֵ֤דstandingQal ptc ms · עָמַד (H5975)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorעָמַד (H5975) 'standing'.
תָּמִיד֙continuallyN c · תָּמִיד (H8548)Construct chain (genitival)תָּמִיד (H8548) 'continually'.
יוֹמָ֔םby dayart · יוֹמָם (H3119)Particle or relational elementיוֹמָם (H3119) 'by day'.
וְעַלand onconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Particle or relational elementעַל (H5921) 'and on'.
מִ֨שְׁמַרְתִּ֔יmy chargeN c · מִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931) 'my charge'.
אָנֹכִ֥יIpron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'.
נִצָּ֖בstandingN · נָצַב (H5324)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)נָצַב (H5324) 'standing'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
הַלֵּילֽוֹתthe nightart + N com m pl abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'the night'.
9

וְהִנֵּה זֶ֥ה בָא֙ רֶ֣כֶב אִ֔ישׁ צֶ֖מֶד פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים וַיַּ֣עַן וַיֹּ֗אמֶר נָפְלָ֤ה נָֽפְלָה֙ בָּבֶ֔ל וְכָל פְּסִילֵ֥י אֱלֹהֶ֖יהָ שִׁבַּ֥ר לָאָֽרֶץ

And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he has broken to the ground.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
Presentative hinneh, putting a new scene or surprise on stage. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'came'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְהִנֵּהand beholdconj וְ + adv. · הִנֵּה (H2009)Particle or relational elementהִנֵּה (H2009) 'and behold'.
זֶ֥הthisdem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
בָא֙cameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actבּוֹא (H935) 'came'.
רֶ֣כֶבchariots ofN c · רֶכֶב (H7393)Construct chain (genitival)רֶכֶב (H7393) 'chariots of'.
אִ֔ישׁa manN c · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival)אִישׁ (H376) 'a man'.
צֶ֖מֶדyoke ofN c · צֶמֶד (H6776)Construct chain (genitival)צֶמֶד (H6776) 'yoke of'.
פָּֽרָשִׁ֑יםhorsemenN c · פָּרָשׁ (H6571)Construct chain (genitival)פָּרָשׁ (H6571) 'horsemen'.
וַיַּ֣עַןand answeredconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol of narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'and answered'.
וַיֹּ֗אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol of narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'and he said'.
נָפְלָ֤הfellQal perf 3fs · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָפַל (H5307) 'fell'.
נָֽפְלָה֙fellQal perf 3fs · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָפַל (H5307) 'fell'.
בָּבֶ֔לBabelN · בָּבֶל (H894)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בָּבֶל (H894) 'Babel'.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N com m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'and all'.
פְּסִילֵ֥יthe carved images ofN c · פֶּסֶל (H6456)Construct chain (genitival)פֶּסֶל (H6456) 'the carved images of'.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יהָGodN c · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'.
שִׁבַּ֥רbrokePiel perf 3ms · שָׁבַר (H7665)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actשָׁבַר (H7665) 'broke'.
לָאָֽרֶץfor the landprep + art + N com c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'for the land'.
10

מְדֻשָׁתִ֖י וּבֶן גָּרְנִ֑י אֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי מֵאֵ֨ת יְהוָ֧ה צְבָא֛וֹת אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל הִגַּ֥דְתִּי לָכֶֽם

O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of YHWH of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared to you.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'I have heard'.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
מְדֻשָׁתִ֖יthreshingN c · מְדֻשָּׁה (H4098)Construct chain (genitival)מְדֻשָּׁה (H4098) 'threshing'.
וּבֶןand the son ofconj וְ + N com m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)בֵּן (H1121) 'and the son of'.
גָּרְנִ֑יthe threshing floorN c · גֹּרֶן (H1637)Construct chain (genitival)גֹּרֶן (H1637) 'the threshing floor'.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Particle or relational elementאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'that'.
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּיI have heardQal perf 1cs · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actשָׁמַע (H8085) 'I have heard'.
מֵאֵ֨תfromprep + prep · אֵת (H854)Particle or relational elementאֵת (H854) 'from'.
יְהוָ֧הYHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
צְבָא֛וֹתof troopsN c · צָבָא (H6635)Construct chain (genitival)צָבָא (H6635) 'of troops'.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יthe God ofN c · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'the God of'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'.
הִגַּ֥דְתִּיI declareHiphil perf 1cs · נָגַד (H5046)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָגַד (H5046) 'I declare'.
לָכֶֽםto youprep + sfx 2mpParticle or relational elementFunction word: 'to you'.
11

מַשָּׂ֖א דּוּמָ֑ה אֵלַי֙ קֹרֵ֣א מִשֵּׂעִ֔יר שֹׁמֵר֙ מַה מִלַּ֔יְלָה שֹׁמֵ֖ר מַה מִלֵּֽיל

The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actorasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Participle — attendant circumstance or substantival actor. Lead predicate is 'he called'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
מַשָּׂ֖אburden ofN c · מַשָּׂא (H4853)Construct chain (genitival)מַשָּׂא (H4853) 'burden of'.
דּוּמָ֑הand DumahN · דּוּמָה (H1746)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)דּוּמָה (H1746) 'and Dumah'.
אֵלַי֙to meprep + sfx 1cs · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to me'.
קֹרֵ֣אhe calledQal ptc ms · קָרָא (H7121)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorקָרָא (H7121) 'he called'.
מִשֵּׂעִ֔ירfrom Seirprep + N proper · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שֵׂעִיר (H8165) 'from Seir'.
שֹׁמֵר֙keepQal ptc ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁמַר (H8104) 'keep'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
מִלַּ֔יְלָהthe nightprep + N com m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'the night'.
שֹׁמֵ֖רkeepQal ptc ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁמַר (H8104) 'keep'.
מַהwhatinterrog. · מָה (H4100)Particle or relational elementמָה (H4100) 'what'.
מִלֵּֽילthe nightprep + N com m sg constr · לַיְלָה (H3915)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'the night'.
12

אָמַ֣ר שֹׁמֵ֔ר אָתָ֥ה בֹ֖קֶר וְגַם לָ֑יְלָה אִם תִּבְעָי֥וּן בְּעָ֖יוּ שֻׁ֥בוּ אֵתָֽיוּ

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if you will enquire, enquire you: return, come.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'he said'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
אָמַ֣רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַר (H559) 'he said'.
שֹׁמֵ֔רkeepQal ptc ms · שָׁמַר (H8104)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorשָׁמַר (H8104) 'keep'.
אָתָ֥הand he cameQal perf 3ms · אָתָה (H857)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָתָה (H857) 'and he came'.
בֹ֖קֶרmorningN c · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Construct chain (genitival)בֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'.
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + particle · גַּם (H1571)Particle or relational elementגַּם (H1571) 'and also'.
לָ֑יְלָהby nightN c · לַיְלָה (H3915)Construct chain (genitival)לַיְלָה (H3915) 'by night'.
אִםifconj וְ · אִם (H518)Particle or relational elementאִם (H518) 'if'.
תִּבְעָי֥וּןcauseQal impf 2mp + Sn · בָּעָה (H1158)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalבָּעָה (H1158) 'cause'.
בְּעָ֖יוּcauseQal impv 2mp · בָּעָה (H1158)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeבָּעָה (H1158) 'cause'.
שֻׁ֥בוּreturn!Qal impv 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeשׁוּב (H7725) 'return!'.
אֵתָֽיוּand he cameQal impv 2mp · אָתָה (H857)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeאָתָה (H857) 'and he came'.
13

מַשָּׂ֖א בַּעְרָ֑ב בַּיַּ֤עַר בַּעְרַב֙ תָּלִ֔ינוּ אֹֽרְח֖וֹת דְּדָנִֽים

The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall you lodge, O you travelling companies of Dedanim.

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'you murmur (Qere)'.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
מַשָּׂ֖אburden ofN c · מַשָּׂא (H4853)Construct chain (genitival)מַשָּׂא (H4853) 'burden of'.
בַּעְרָ֑בArabiaprep + N proper · עֲרָב (H6152)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עֲרָב (H6152) 'Arabia'.
בַּיַּ֤עַרinto the forestprep + art + N com m sg abs · יַעַר (H3293)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יַעַר (H3293) 'into the forest'.
בַּעְרַב֙Arabiaprep + N proper · עֲרָב (H6152)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)עֲרָב (H6152) 'Arabia'.
תָּלִ֔ינוּyou murmur (Qere)Qal impf 2mp · לוּן (H3885)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalלוּן (H3885) 'you murmur (Qere)'.
אֹֽרְח֖וֹתa caravan ofN c · אֹרְחָה (H736)Construct chain (genitival)אֹרְחָה (H736) 'a caravan of'.
דְּדָנִֽיםDedanimN · דְּדָנִים (H1720)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)דְּדָנִים (H1720) 'Dedanim'.
14

לִקְרַ֥את צָמֵ֖א הֵתָ֣יוּ מָ֑יִם יֹשְׁבֵי֙ אֶ֣רֶץ תֵּימָ֔א בְּלַחְמ֖וֹ קִדְּמ֥וּ נֹדֵֽד

The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.

Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complementasyndeton
Asyndeton: no clause-level wə. Infinitive construct — purpose, result, or complement. Lead predicate is 'to meet'.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
לִקְרַ֥אתto meetprep + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7125)Infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose, result, or complementקָרָא (H7125) 'to meet'.
צָמֵ֖אthe dry/thirstyAdj · צָמֵא (H6771)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)צָמֵא (H6771) 'the dry/thirsty'.
הֵתָ֣יוּand he cameHiphil impv 2mp · אָתָה (H857)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: imperativeאָתָה (H857) 'and he came'.
מָ֑יִםwaterN c · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain (genitival)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'.
יֹשְׁבֵי֙the inhabitants ofQal ptc mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorיָשַׁב (H3427) 'the inhabitants of'.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN c · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain (genitival)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'the land of'.
תֵּימָ֔אand TemaN · תֵּימָא (H8485)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)תֵּימָא (H8485) 'and Tema'.
בְּלַחְמ֖וֹof his foodprep + N com c sg constr + sfx 3ms · לֶחֶם (H3899)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'of his food'.
קִדְּמ֥וּthey metPiel perf 3cp · קָדַם (H6923)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actקָדַם (H6923) 'they met'.
נֹדֵֽדand fledQal ptc ms · נָדַד (H5074)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorנָדַד (H5074) 'and fled'.
15

כִּֽי מִפְּנֵ֥י חֲרָב֖וֹת נָדָ֑דוּ מִפְּנֵ֣י חֶ֣רֶב נְטוּשָׁ֗ה וּמִפְּנֵי֙ קֶ֣שֶׁת דְּרוּכָ֔ה וּמִפְּנֵ֖י כֹּ֥בֶד מִלְחָמָֽה

For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'and fled'.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כִּֽיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
מִפְּנֵ֥יbecause ofprep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)פָּנִים (H6440) 'because of'.
חֲרָב֖וֹתknives ofN c · חֶרֶב (H2719)Construct chain (genitival)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'knives of'.
נָדָ֑דוּand fledQal perf 3cp · נָדַד (H5074)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actנָדַד (H5074) 'and fled'.
מִפְּנֵ֣יbecause ofprep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)פָּנִים (H6440) 'because of'.
חֶ֣רֶבthe swordN c · חֶרֶב (H2719)Construct chain (genitival)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'the sword'.
נְטוּשָׁ֗הand he forsookQal ptc fs · נָטַשׁ (H5203)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorנָטַשׁ (H5203) 'and he forsook'.
וּמִפְּנֵי֙beforeconj וְ + prep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)פָּנִים (H6440) 'before'.
קֶ֣שֶׁתa bowN c · קֶשֶׁת (H7198)Construct chain (genitival)קֶשֶׁת (H7198) 'a bow'.
דְּרוּכָ֔הhe trodQal ptc fs · דָּרַךְ (H1869)Participle→ Participle: attendant circumstance or substantival actorדָּרַךְ (H1869) 'he trod'.
וּמִפְּנֵ֖יbeforeconj וְ + prep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)פָּנִים (H6440) 'before'.
כֹּ֥בֶדgrievousnessN c · כֹּבֶד (H3514)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּבֶד (H3514) 'grievousness'.
מִלְחָמָֽהwarN c · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Construct chain (genitival)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war'.
16

כִּי כֹ֛ה אָמַ֥ר אֲדֹנָ֖י אֵלָ֑י בְּע֤וֹד שָׁנָה֙ כִּשְׁנֵ֣י שָׂכִ֔יר וְכָלָ֖ה כָּל כְּב֥וֹד קֵדָֽר

For thus has YHWH said to me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

Qatal — perfective or stative predicationwə
kî-clause (causal, recitative, or evidential). Qatal — perfective or stative predication. Lead predicate is 'he said'. Speech formula or quoted address.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כִּיforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
כֹ֛הthusart · כֹּה (H3541)Particle or relational elementכֹּה (H3541) 'thus'.
אָמַ֥רhe saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actאָמַר (H559) 'he said'.
אֲדֹנָ֖יmy LordN c · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Construct chain (genitival)אֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord'.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep + sfx 1cs · אֶל (H413)Particle or relational elementאֶל (H413) 'to me'.
בְּע֤וֹדwithin yetprep + art · עוֹד (H5750)Particle or relational elementעוֹד (H5750) 'within yet'.
שָׁנָה֙yearsN 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'.
וְכָלָ֖הand will consumeconj וְ + Qal q 3ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Particle or relational elementכָּלָה (H3615) 'and will consume'.
כָּלallN c · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'.
כְּב֥וֹדthe glory ofN c · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Construct chain (genitival)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'the glory of'.
קֵדָֽרand KedarN · קֵדָר (H6938)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קֵדָר (H6938) 'and Kedar'.
17

וּשְׁאָ֧ר מִסְפַּר קֶ֛שֶׁת גִּבּוֹרֵ֥י בְנֵֽי קֵדָ֖ר יִמְעָ֑טוּ כִּ֛י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל דִּבֵּֽר

And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for YHWH God of Israel has spoken .

Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-orientedwə
wə-chaining from the preceding clause. Yiqtol — imperfective, modal, or future-oriented. Lead predicate is 'and the one who gathered little'. Closes the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וּשְׁאָ֧רandconj וְ + N com m sg constr · שְׁאָר (H7605)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)שְׁאָר (H7605) 'and'.
מִסְפַּרthe number ofN c · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Construct chain (genitival)מִסְפָּר (H4557) 'the number of'.
קֶ֛שֶׁתa bowN c · קֶשֶׁת (H7198)Construct chain (genitival)קֶשֶׁת (H7198) 'a bow'.
גִּבּוֹרֵ֥יthe mighty men ofAdj · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)גִּבּוֹר (H1368) 'the mighty men of'.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN c · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'the sons of'.
קֵדָ֖רand KedarN · קֵדָר (H6938)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)קֵדָר (H6938) 'and Kedar'.
יִמְעָ֑טוּand the one who gathered littleQal impf 3mp · מָעַט (H4591)Predicate verb (yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: imperfective or modalמָעַט (H4591) 'and the one who gathered little'.
כִּ֛יforconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Particle or relational elementכִּי (H3588) 'for'.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN · יְהוָה (H3068)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יְהוָה (H3068) 'YHWH'.
אֱלֹהֵֽיthe God ofN c · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain (genitival)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'the God of'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Nominal (subject, object, or apposition)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478) 'Israel'.
דִּבֵּֽרspeakPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (qatal)→ Perfective: a completed actדִּבֶּר (H1696) 'speak'.