1
וַתָּ֣שַׁר דְּבוֹרָ֔ה וּבָרָ֖ק בֶּן אֲבִינֹ֑עַם בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹֽר
And Deborah sang, and Barak son of Abinoam, on that day, saying:
A short prose heading in the book's narrative register (feminine wayyiqtol) dates the song to the day of the Kishon victory and names both singers before the poetry begins.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַתָּ֣שַׁרand she sangconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · שִׁיר (H7891)Predicate verb (narrative superscription, f. wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the song is performedשִׁיר (H7891) 'to sing'; the feminine wayyiqtol makes Deborah the grammatical subject, with Barak joined by waw.
דְּבוֹרָ֔הDeborahN proper · דְּבוֹרָה (H1683)Subject of וַתָּשַׁרדְּבוֹרָה (H1683), 'bee'; the prophetess-judge of ch. 4, first singer of the victory hymn.
וּבָרָ֖קand Barakconj וְ + N proper · בָּרָק (H1301)Coordinated subject (second singer)בָּרָק (H1301) 'lightning'; Deborah's military counterpart (4:6–16), named as co-singer.
בֶּןson ofN com m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct linking Barak to Abinoam, as throughout ch. 4.
אֲבִינֹ֑עַםAbinoamN proper · אֲבִינֹעַם (H42)Genitive of the patronymic chainאֲבִינֹעַם (H42), Barak's father; the name is carried through the song (v.12) as his standing epithet.
בַּיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep + art + N com m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (prep + art + noun)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with the following demonstrative, 'on that day' dates the song to the Kishon victory.
הַה֖וּאthatart + pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative agreeing with יוֹםהוּא (H1931) as far-deixis demonstrative after the article: 'that (day).'
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of quotation (introduces the poem)→ Infinitive construct: speech-frame, not an independent predicationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לְ + inf. constr. is the standard marker that quoted speech (here, the song) follows.
2
בִּפְרֹ֤עַ פְּרָעוֹת֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּהִתְנַדֵּ֖ב עָ֑ם בָּרֲכ֖וּ יְהוָֽה
When leaders led in Israel, when the people volunteered, bless YHWH!
The song proper opens without a conjunction, on two temporal infinitives: leadership and volunteering are the ground for the imperative 'bless YHWH.'
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
בִּפְרֹ֤עַwhen leaders ledprep + Qal inf constr · פָּרַע (H6544)Temporal infinitive construct (fronted setting)→ Infinitive construct: temporal circumstance of the praiseפָּרַע (H6544) 'to let loose / to lead.' Here taken as 'lead' in light of the following פְּרָעוֹת and the volunteer-parallel; the 'unbound hair' reading (Num 5:18) is the live alternative.
פְּרָעוֹת֙leadersN com m pl abs · פְּרָעָה (H6546)Cognate internal object / subject of the infinitiveפְּרָעָה (H6546), only here in the plural: 'leaders' (so most modern versions) or 'locks of hair.' The cognate infinitive + noun is deliberately dense.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לin Israelprep + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant people among whom the leading and volunteering take place.
בְּהִתְנַדֵּ֖בwhen volunteeringprep + Hithpael inf constr · נָדַב (H5068)Second temporal infinitive (Hitpael), parallel to בִּפְרֹעַ→ Hitpael inf. constr.: reciprocal/reflexive volunteering, temporal circumstanceנָדַב (H5068) 'to incite, volunteer'; Hitpael of free-will offering (cf. Exod 25:2) — the people offer themselves.
עָ֑םa peopleN com m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of the Hitpael infinitiveעַם (H5971) 'people'; unmarked, 'a people volunteered' — Israel as a volunteer corps rather than a conscript army.
בָּרֲכ֖וּblessPiel impv 2mp · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Main-clause imperative (the song's first charge)→ Volitional: 2mp imperative of praiseבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless, kneel'; Piel imperative, the refrain that returns at v.9.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct object of בָּרְכוּ (the one blessed)יְהוָה (H3068), the tetragrammaton; the addressee of the song's praise and the actor of the theophany.
3
שִׁמְע֣וּ מְלָכִ֔ים הַאֲזִ֖ינוּ רֹֽזְנִ֑ים אָֽנֹכִ֗י לַֽיהוָה֙ אָנֹכִ֣י אָשִׁ֔ירָה אֲזַמֵּ֕ר לַֽיהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers. I — to YHWH I will sing; I will make music to YHWH, the God of Israel.
Kings and rulers are summoned as audience; doubled אָנֹכִי marks the singer's voice. The testimony is directed to YHWH, God of Israel — not to Canaan's gods.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
שִׁמְע֣וּhearQal impv 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (2mp imperative)→ Volitional: summons to the royal audienceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the first of a paired hearing-imperative addressing foreign kings.
מְלָכִ֔יםO kingsN com m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Vocative / addressee of שִׁמְעוּמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the nations' rulers are summoned as witnesses of YHWH's victory.
הַאֲזִ֖ינוּgive earHiphil impv 2mp · אָזַן (H238)Parallel imperative (Hiphil of אזן)→ Volitional: Hiphil imperative, paired with שִׁמְעוּאָזַן (H238) 'to give ear'; Hiphil, the stock poetic pair with שמע (cf. Deut 32:1).
רֹֽזְנִ֑יםO rulersQal ptc mp · רָזַן (H7336)Vocative, parallel to מְלָכִים (substantival ptc.)→ Participle used substantivally: 'those who rule'רָזַן (H7336) 'to be weighty, rule'; Qal ptc. m pl, 'potentates' — a rare poetic synonym of מלך (cf. Ps 2:2).
אָֽנֹכִ֗יIpron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Fronted independent subject (first אָנֹכִי)אָנֹכִי (H595), the long-form 'I'; doubled in this verse to mark the singer's voice over against the royal audience.
לַֽיהוָה֙to YHWHprep + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Dative / directional prepositional phrase (goal of the song)יְהוָה (H3068); לְ marks the one to whom the song is directed.
אָנֹכִ֣יIpron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Resumptive independent subject (second אָנֹכִי)אָנֹכִי (H595) repeated: the syntax is 'I, to YHWH, I will sing' — heavy, ceremonial self-naming.
אָשִׁ֔ירָהI will singQal cohortative 1cs · שִׁיר (H7891)Predicate verb (cohortative)→ Cohortative: resolve to praiseשִׁיר (H7891) 'to sing'; Qal cohortative 1cs with paragogic he, matching the narrative וַתָּשַׁר of v.1 now in the singer's own mouth.
אֲזַמֵּ֕רI will make musicPiel impf 1cs · זָמַר (H2167)Parallel 1cs imperfect (Piel of זמר)→ Yiqtol/cohortative force: parallel resolve to make musicזָמַר (H2167) 'to make music, sing praise'; Piel, the paired verb with שיר in hymnic openings (cf. Ps 101:1).
לַֽיהוָ֖הto YHWHprep + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Dative prepositional phrase (second, chiastic with the first)יְהוָה (H3068); the chiasm לַיהוָה … אָשִׁירָה // אֲזַמֵּר לַיהוָה binds the two verbs to one addressee.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יGod ofN com m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to YHWH (construct chain)אֱלֹהִים (H430) in construct: 'God of Israel,' the covenant title that closes the opening movement.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); YHWH is identified as Israel's God before the theophany of vv.4–5.
4
יְהוָ֗ה בְּצֵאתְךָ֤ מִשֵּׂעִיר֙ בְּצַעְדְּךָ֙ מִשְּׂדֵ֣ה אֱד֔וֹם אֶ֣רֶץ רָעָ֔שָׁה גַּם שָׁמַ֖יִם נָטָ֑פוּ גַּם עָבִ֖ים נָ֥טְפוּ מָֽיִם
YHWH, when you went out from Seir, when you stepped forth from the field of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens also dripped, the clouds also dripped water.
YHWH is addressed directly. The Seir–Edom itinerary is the Sinai theophany recast as a war-march; earth, heavens, and clouds answer in synonymous sequence.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
יְהוָ֗הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Vocative (theophanic address)יְהוָה (H3068); the song turns from talking about YHWH to addressing him as the marching warrior.
בְּצֵאתְךָ֤when you went outprep + Qal inf constr + sfx 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal infinitive + 2ms suffix→ Infinitive construct: temporal circumstance of the theophanyיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; 'when you went forth' — the divine war-march from the southern hill country.
מִשֵּׂעִיר֙from Seirprep + N proper · שֵׂעִיר (H8165)Ablative prepositional phrase (origin of the march)שֵׂעִיר (H8165), Edom's mountain country; YHWH's march from Seir is a poetic memory of the southern theophany (cf. Deut 33:2; Hab 3:3).
בְּצַעְדְּךָ֙when you stepped forthprep + Qal inf constr + sfx 2ms · צָעַד (H6805)Parallel temporal infinitive + 2ms suffix→ Infinitive construct: synonymous parallel to בְּצֵאתְךָצָעַד (H6805) 'to step, march'; a rarer, more physical verb than יצא — YHWH's stride.
מִשְּׂדֵ֣הfrom the field ofprep + N com m sg constr · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Ablative construct chain after מִןשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; construct, 'from the countryside of Edom.'
אֱד֔וֹםEdomN proper · אֱדוֹם (H123)Genitive of the construct chainאֱדוֹם (H123); paired with Seir, the southern land of Esau as the staging-ground of YHWH's appearance.
אֶ֣רֶץearthN com c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of רָעָשָׁהאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; first of the three cosmic respondents (earth, heavens, clouds).
רָעָ֔שָׁהshookQal perf 3fs · רָעַשׁ (H7493)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed theophanic convulsionרָעַשׁ (H7493) 'to quake, shake'; the stock theophanic verb (cf. Judg 5:4 // Ps 68:9).
גַּםalsoparticle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (escalation)גַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; piles heavens onto earth in the theophanic response.
שָׁמַ֖יִםheavensN com m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Subject of נָטְפוּ (first)שָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; the second cosmic respondent.
נָטָ֑פוּdrippedQal perf 3cp · נָטַף (H5197)Predicate verb (heavens)→ Perfective: theophanic precipitationנָטַף (H5197) 'to drip, drop'; heavens 'dripped' — rain as theophany, preparing the Kishon flood of v.21.
גַּםalsoparticle · גַּם (H1571)Additive particle (further escalation)גַּם (H1571); a second גם introduces the clouds as a third dripping subject.
עָבִ֖יםcloudsN com c pl abs · עָב (H5645)Subject of נָטְפוּ (second)עָב (H5645) 'cloud, mass of clouds'; the immediate rain-bearers.
נָ֥טְפוּdrippedQal perf 3cp · נָטַף (H5197)Predicate verb (clouds), repeating נָטְפוּ→ Perfective: same theophanic precipitation, now from the cloudsנָטַף (H5197) repeated: the poem insists on dripping, then names the water.
מָֽיִםwaterN com m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Cognate/internal complement of נָטְפוּ (what dripped)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the content of the theophanic storm that will become the Kishon.
5
הָרִ֥ים נָזְל֖וּ מִפְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה זֶ֣ה סִינַ֔י מִפְּנֵ֕י יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
The mountains streamed from before YHWH — this is Sinai — from before YHWH, the God of Israel.
The mountains 'stream' before YHWH; the parenthetical 'this is Sinai' identifies the theophany with the covenant mountain, then restates the refrain 'from before YHWH, God of Israel.'
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
הָרִ֥יםmountainsN com m pl abs · הַר (H2022)Subject of נָזְלוּהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; the hills stream/flow in the theophany (cf. Isa 64:1–2).
נָזְל֖וּstreamedQal perf 3cp · נָזַל (H5140)Predicate verb→ Perfective: mountains flow before the approaching Godנָזַל (H5140) 'to flow, trickle'; sometimes emended to נָזֹלּוּ from זלל 'to quake,' but the MT 'streamed' fits the rain-theophany of v.4.
מִפְּנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal/ablative prepositional phrase (prep + construct)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי 'from before / because of the presence of' — the mountains' response is to YHWH's face.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of מִפְּנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the presence before which the mountains flow.
זֶ֣הthisdem. pron xms · זֶה (H2088)Deictic identifying Sinai (parenthetical)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; the parenthetical זֶה סִינַי identifies the theophany with Sinai.
סִינַ֔יis SinaiN proper · סִינַי (H5514)Predicate nominative of the parenthetical identificationסִינַי (H5514), the covenant mountain; the song claims the Kishon march as a Sinai event.
מִפְּנֵ֕יfrom beforeprep + N com c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Repeated מִפְּנֵי (resumptive after the parenthesis)פָּנִים (H6440); the phrase resumes after 'this is Sinai,' returning to the refrain.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the second מִפְּנֵייְהוָה (H3068); restated as the one whose face makes mountains stream.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יGod ofN com m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition (construct)אֱלֹהִים (H430) in construct, as in v.3: the theophanic YHWH is Israel's God.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the theophany stanza with the covenant title.
6
בִּימֵ֞י שַׁמְגַּ֤ר בֶּן עֲנָת֙ בִּימֵ֣י יָעֵ֔ל חָדְל֖וּ אֳרָח֑וֹת וְהֹלְכֵ֣י נְתִיב֔וֹת יֵלְכ֕וּ אֳרָח֖וֹת עֲקַלְקַלּֽוֹת
In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the caravan-routes ceased, and those who walked the paths went by crooked roads.
The days of Shamgar and Jael become a time-stamp for abandoned roads: caravans cease and travelers take crooked byways — the human cost of the iron-chariot oppression of ch. 4.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
בִּימֵ֞יin the days ofprep + N com m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (construct)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; בִּימֵי 'in the days of' timestamps the social collapse.
שַׁמְגַּ֤רShamgarN proper · שַׁמְגַּר (H8044)Genitive of the temporal construct (first judge named)שַׁמְגַּר (H8044), the one-verse judge of 3:31; here a chronological marker for the dark days.
בֶּןson ofN com m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Patronymic constructבֵּן (H1121); Shamgar son of Anath, as at 3:31.
עֲנָת֙AnathN proper · עֲנָת (H6067)Genitive of the patronymicעֲנָת (H6067); possibly the Canaanite war-goddess as a theophoric, or a place/clan name — left open.
בִּימֵ֣יin the days ofprep + N com m pl constr · יוֹם (H3117)Second temporal construct, parallel to the firstיוֹם (H3117); a second בִּימֵי pairs Jael with Shamgar as co-markers of the era.
יָעֵ֔לJaelN proper · יָעֵל (H3278)Genitive of the second temporal constructיָעֵל (H3278) 'mountain goat'; the Kenite woman of 4:17–22, here treated as an era-name before her deed is sung.
חָדְל֖וּceasedQal perf 3cp · חָדַל (H2308)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a state of cessation that characterizes the eraחָדַל (H2308) 'to cease, desist'; caravan-life stopped under the oppression.
אֳרָח֑וֹתcaravan-routesN com c pl abs · אֹרַח (H734)Subject of חָדְלוּאֹרַח (H734) 'path, caravan-route'; the highways of trade and travel that oppression made impassable.
וְהֹלְכֵ֣יand walkers ofconj וְ + Qal ptc mp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Coordinated substantival ptc. (construct)→ Participle: those who customarily walked, now forced off the pathsהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to walk'; Qal ptc. construct, 'walkers of paths' — ordinary travelers.
נְתִיב֔וֹתpathsN com c pl abs · נְתִיבָה (H5410)Genitive of the participle-construct chainנְתִיבָה (H5410) 'path, byway'; what the walkers used to take, now abandoned.
יֵלְכ֕וּthey wentQal impf 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb of the result clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/habitual — they would go (by crooked ways)הָלַךְ (H3212/H1980) 'to go'; the yiqtol of habitual detour.
אֳרָח֖וֹתroadsN com c pl abs · אֹרַח (H734)Adverbial accusative / object of mannerאֹרַח (H734) again; they went 'roads' that were twisted — an internal accusative.
עֲקַלְקַלּֽוֹתcrookedAdj · עֲקַלְקַל (H6128)Attributive adjective to אֳרָחוֹתעֲקַלְקַל (H6128) 'twisted, winding'; a reduplicated adjective, hapax in this form — roundabout tracks instead of the highway.
7
חָדְל֧וּ פְרָז֛וֹן בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל חָדֵ֑לּוּ עַ֤ד שַׁקַּ֨מְתִּי֙ דְּבוֹרָ֔ה שַׁקַּ֥מְתִּי אֵ֖ם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Village life ceased in Israel; it ceased, until I arose, Deborah, until I arose, a mother in Israel.
פְּרָזוֹן (open-country/village life) ceased; the doubled שַׁקַּמְתִּי ('until I arose') and the title 'mother in Israel' make Deborah the turning point of the dark days.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
חָדְל֧וּceasedQal perf 3cp · חָדַל (H2308)Predicate verb (first חָדְלוּ)→ Perfective: village-life has stoppedחָדַל (H2308); the same verb as v.6, now with פְּרָזוֹן as subject.
פְרָז֛וֹןvillage lifeN com m sg abs · פְּרָזוֹן (H6520)Subject of חָדְלוּפְּרָזוֹן (H6520), a Judges-song word (again v.11): open-country/unwalled village life, 'peasantry.' When it ceases, rural Israel has collapsed.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לin Israelprep + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the cessation is nationwide, not local.
חָדֵ֑לּוּthey ceasedQal perf 3cp · חָדַל (H2308)Resumptive predicate (second חָדְלוּ)→ Perfective: the cessation is insisted upon by repetitionחָדַל (H2308) repeated without an expressed subject — a poetic halt before 'until I arose.'
עַ֤דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal preposition governing the relative clauseעַד (H5704) 'until'; the dark days run up to Deborah's arising.
שַׁקַּ֨מְתִּי֙I aroserel. שֶׁ + Qal perf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)שֶׁ + Qal perf 1cs (MT שַׁקַּמְתִּי)→ Perfective: a completed turning-point actקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; MT is relative שֶׁ + קַמְתִּי. The emendation שַׂרְתִּי 'I led as prince' is widely proposed but is not the received text.
דְּבוֹרָ֔הDeborahN proper · דְּבוֹרָה (H1683)Apposition to the 1cs subjectדְּבוֹרָה (H1683); the singer names herself as the one who arose.
שַׁקַּ֥מְתִּיI aroserel. שֶׁ + Qal perf 1cs · קוּם (H6965)Repeated שַׁקַּמְתִּי (poetic insistence)→ Perfective: the arising restatedקוּם (H6965) again; the doubled 'I arose' is the song's claim to a turning of the age.
אֵ֖םa motherN com f sg abs · אֵם (H517)Predicate complement / title in appositionאֵם (H517) 'mother'; 'a mother in Israel' is Deborah's unique title (cf. 2 Sam 20:19) — not merely judge or prophetess.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽלin Israelprep + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phrase with אֵםיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the motherhood is national, matching 'mother in Israel.'
8
יִבְחַר֙ אֱלֹהִ֣ים חֲדָשִׁ֔ים אָ֖ז לָחֶ֣ם שְׁעָרִ֑ים מָגֵ֤ן אִם יֵֽרָאֶה֙ וָרֹ֔מַח בְּאַרְבָּעִ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
They chose new gods; then there was war at the gates. Shield was not seen, nor spear, among forty thousand in Israel.
New gods are chosen; then war is at the gates, and no shield or spear is seen among forty thousand — a military vacuum that makes the coming volunteer-army the more striking.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
יִבְחַר֙they choseQal impf 3ms · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb (unmarked subject: Israel)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/narrative past of apostasyבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose'; they chose new gods — the theological cause beneath the military vacuum.
אֱלֹהִ֣יםgodsN com m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of יִבְחַראֱלֹהִים (H430) here of foreign gods, qualified by חֲדָשִׁים.
חֲדָשִׁ֔יםnewAdj · חָדָשׁ (H2319)Attributive adjective to אֱלֹהִיםחָדָשׁ (H2319) 'new'; 'new gods' is the apostasy formula (cf. Deut 32:17).
אָ֖זthenart · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb pivoting to the consequenceאָז (H227) 'then'; the temporal hinge from apostasy to war-at-the-gates.
לָחֶ֣םwarN com m sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3901)Subject of the verbless clause (or of an implied 'was')לֶחֶם (H3901) 'war, battle,' not לֶחֶם H3899 'bread.' A song-hapax: 'then war (was at) the gates.'
שְׁעָרִ֑יםgatesN com m pl abs · שַׁעַר (H8179)Locative / construct partner of לָחֶםשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; war 'of/at the gates' — the city under siege, or fighting in the approaches.
מָגֵ֤ןshieldN com c sg abs · מָגֵן (H4043)Subject of the negative existential clauseמָגֵן (H4043) 'shield'; first of the two missing weapons.
אִםor / ifconj וְ · אִם (H518)Disjunctive/conditional particle in the 'neither…nor' constructionאִם (H518) here 'or even': 'shield was not seen, or spear' — a poetic אַם of alternative.
יֵֽרָאֶה֙was seenNiphal impf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (Niphal)→ Niphal imperfective: no weapon appearedרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Niphal 'be seen, appear.' Forty thousand men and no visible arms.
וָרֹ֔מַחand a spearconj וְ + N com m sg abs · רֹמַח (H7420)Coordinated subject with מָגֵןרֹמַח (H7420) 'spear, lance'; the offensive counterpart to the shield.
בְּאַרְבָּעִ֥יםamong fortyprep + Adj c · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral in the prepositional phrase of scopeאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; with אֶלֶף, 'forty thousand.'
אֶ֖לֶףthousandAdj c · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral completing אַרְבָּעִיםאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; the round figure for Israel's unarmed host.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽלin Israelprep + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the disarmament is Israel's, under the oppression of 4:3.
9
לִבִּי֙ לְחוֹקְקֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַמִּֽתְנַדְּבִ֖ים בָּעָ֑ם בָּרֲכ֖וּ יְהוָֽה
My heart is with Israel's commanders, with those who volunteer among the people. Bless YHWH!
Deborah's לִבִּי binds her to Israel's commanders and the Hitpael volunteers of v.2; the blessing-refrain of v.2 returns.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
לִבִּי֙my heartN com m sg constr + sfx 1cs · לֵב (H3820)Subject (noun + 1cs suffix)לֵב (H3820) 'heart'; Deborah's inner allegiance is with the commanders and volunteers.
לְחוֹקְקֵ֣יis toward the commanders ofprep + Qal ptc mp · חָקַק (H2710)Prepositional predicate (prep + ptc. construct)→ Participle used substantivally: those who decree/commandחָקַק (H2710) 'to inscribe, decree'; Qal ptc. construct, 'lawgivers/commanders of Israel' (cf. v.14 מְחֹקְקִים).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the participle-construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the commanders belong to Israel.
הַמִּֽתְנַדְּבִ֖יםwho volunteerart + Hithpael ptc mp · נָדַב (H5068)Attributive Hitpael ptc. with article→ Hitpael ptc.: those who offer themselves, matching v.2נָדַב (H5068) Hitpael ptc. with article: the same volunteer-corps as v.2, now named as the people her heart is with.
בָּעָ֑םamong the peopleprep + art + N com m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Locative prepositional phrase (prep + art + noun)עַם (H5971); the volunteers are 'in/among the people.'
בָּרֲכ֖וּblessPiel impv 2mp · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Refrain imperative (as v.2)→ Volitional: 2mp Piel imperative of praiseבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel impv.; the blessing-refrain of v.2 returns after the dark-days stanza.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Direct object of בָּרְכוּיְהוָה (H3068); the one to be blessed for the volunteering just named.
10
רֹכְבֵי֩ אֲתֹנ֨וֹת צְחֹר֜וֹת יֹשְׁבֵ֧י עַל מִדִּ֛ין וְהֹלְכֵ֥י עַל דֶּ֖רֶךְ שִֽׂיחוּ
You who ride on tawny donkeys, who sit on saddle-cloths, and who walk on the road — recount it!
Three participles map Israelite society — donkey-riders (the well-off), those seated on rugs (officials), and wayfarers — all commanded to rehearse the tale.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
רֹכְבֵי֩riders ofQal ptc mp · רָכַב (H7392)Vocative substantival ptc. (construct)→ Participle: those who ride, addressedרָכַב (H7392) 'to ride'; Qal ptc. construct, first of three social ranks summoned to recount.
אֲתֹנ֨וֹתdonkeysN com f pl abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Genitive of רֹכְבֵיאָתוֹן (H860) 'she-donkey'; riding donkeys marks the well-off (cf. Judg 10:4; 12:14).
צְחֹר֜וֹתtawnyAdj · צָחֹר (H6715)Attributive adjective to אֲתֹנוֹתצָחֹר (H6715) 'tawny, reddish-white'; a rare color-word, only here of donkeys.
יֹשְׁבֵ֧יwho sitQal ptc mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Second vocative ptc. (construct)→ Participle: those who sit (in judgment / on rugs)יָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; Qal ptc. construct, 'sitters upon midin' — officials or the comfortably seated.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition governing מִדִּיןעַל (H5921) 'upon'; the seat of those who sit.
מִדִּ֛יןsaddle-clothsN com m pl abs · מַד (H4055)Object of עַלמַד (H4055) 'measure, garment, rug'; here 'saddle-cloths' or 'judgments' — either the well-padded seat or those who sit on the judgment-seat. Both are live.
וְהֹלְכֵ֥יand walkersconj וְ + Qal ptc mp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Third vocative ptc., coordinated→ Participle: ordinary wayfarersהָלַךְ (H1980) Qal ptc. construct; the third rank, those who travel on foot.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition governing דֶּרֶךְעַל (H5921) 'upon, along'.
דֶּ֖רֶךְthe roadN com c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Object of עַלדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; the ordinary traveler of v.6, now invited to tell the story.
שִֽׂיחוּrecountQal impv 2mp · שִׂיחַ (H7878)Main-clause imperative to all three groups→ Volitional: 2mp imperative of recitationשִׂיחַ (H7878) 'to muse, rehearse, talk of'; the three ranks are to talk the victory through.
11
מִקּ֣וֹל מְחַֽצְצִ֗ים בֵּ֚ין מַשְׁאַבִּ֔ים שָׁ֤ם יְתַנּוּ֙ צִדְק֣וֹת יְהוָ֔ה צִדְקֹ֥ת פִּרְזֹנ֖וֹ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אָ֛ז יָרְד֥וּ לַשְּׁעָרִ֖ים עַם יְהוָֽה
Louder than the sound of those who divide water between the watering-places, there they recount the righteous acts of YHWH, the righteous acts of his peasantry in Israel. Then the people of YHWH went down to the gates.
The righteous acts (צִדְקוֹת) of YHWH and of his peasantry are recited at the wells; אָז יָרְדוּ turns recital into mobilization — the people of YHWH go down to the gates.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
מִקּ֣וֹלfrom the sound ofprep + N com m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Comparative/ablative prepositional phrase (prep + construct)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; מִקּוֹל 'from/at/louder than the sound of' — the recital is heard over the noise of the watering-place.
מְחַֽצְצִ֗יםthose who dividePiel ptc mp · חָצַץ (H2686)Genitive substantival ptc.→ Piel ptc.: those who divide (water), or 'archers'חָצַץ (H2686) 'to divide, shoot'; Piel ptc. m pl. Contextual pair with מַשְׁאֲבִים favors 'those who divide (water)'; 'archers' is the older alternative.
בֵּ֚יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition governing מַשְׁאֲבִיםבֵּין (H996) 'between, among'; the place of the water-drawers.
מַשְׁאַבִּ֔יםwatering-placesN com m pl abs · מַשְׁאָב (H4857)Object of בֵּיןמַשְׁאָב (H4857) 'watering-place, well-draw'; only here. The wells are the village forum where the tale is told.
שָׁ֤םthereart · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (the wells as stage)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; the recital happens at those watering-places.
יְתַנּוּ֙they recountPiel impf 3mp · תָּנָה (H8567)Predicate verb (Piel of תנה)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/habitual recitationתָּנָה (H8567) 'to recount, rehearse'; Piel, a rare verb of liturgical telling (cf. Judg 11:40), not נָתַן.
צִדְק֣וֹתrighteous acts ofN com f pl constr · צְדָקָה (H6666)Object (construct chain)צְדָקָה (H6666) 'righteousness, righteous act'; construct plural, YHWH's saving deeds.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of צִדְקוֹתיְהוָה (H3068); the righteous acts are his.
צִדְקֹ֥תrighteous acts ofN com f pl constr · צְדָקָה (H6666)Second construct, appositive/parallel objectצְדָקָה (H6666) again; now the righteous acts of his peasantry — human courage as YHWH's צדקה.
פִּרְזֹנ֖וֹhis peasantryN com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · פְּרָזוֹן (H6520)Genitive + 3ms suffix (YHWH's villagers)פְּרָזוֹן (H6520) as in v.7; 'his village-folk' — the unarmed rural people of v.8 now praised.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לin Israelprep + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); locates the peasantry.
אָ֛זthenart · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb (pivot to mobilization)אָז (H227) 'then'; recital becomes descent to the gates.
יָרְד֥וּthey went downQal perf 3cp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed descent to the battle-gatesיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; the people go down to the city gates to fight.
לַשְּׁעָרִ֖יםto the gatesprep + art + N com m pl abs · שַׁעַר (H8179)Directional prepositional phrase (prep + art + noun)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the mustering-place, reversing v.8's 'war at the gates.'
עַםthe people ofN com m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Subject of יָרְדוּ (construct)עַם (H5971) construct: 'people of YHWH' — the volunteer corps now named as his.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of עַםיְהוָה (H3068); the people belong to him.
12
עוּרִ֤י עוּרִי֙ דְּבוֹרָ֔ה ע֥וּרִי ע֖וּרִי דַּבְּרִי שִׁ֑יר ק֥וּם בָּרָ֛ק וּֽשֲׁבֵ֥ה שֶׁבְיְךָ֖ בֶּן אֲבִינֹֽעַם
Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, speak a song! Arise, Barak, and take captive your captives, son of Abinoam.
Fourfold עוּרִי to Deborah (speak a song) and קוּם / וּשְׁבֵה to Barak (take your captives) split the two roles of ch. 4: prophet-singer and warrior.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
עוּרִ֤יawakeQal impv 2fs · עוּר (H5782)First of four 2fs imperatives to Deborah→ Volitional: summons to the singerעוּר (H5782) 'to awake, rouse'; fourfold repetition is liturgical intensity, not mere padding.
עוּרִי֙awakeQal impv 2fs · עוּר (H5782)Second 2fs imperative→ Volitional: repetition of the summonsעוּר (H5782); the doubled pair (עורי עורי / עורי עורי) is the song's most insistent vocative.
דְּבוֹרָ֔הDeborahN proper · דְּבוֹרָה (H1683)Vocative addresseeדְּבוֹרָה (H1683); the prophetess is commanded to her own song.
ע֥וּרִיawakeQal impv 2fs · עוּר (H5782)Third 2fs imperative→ Volitionalעוּר (H5782); the second pair begins.
ע֖וּרִיawakeQal impv 2fs · עוּר (H5782)Fourth 2fs imperative→ Volitionalעוּר (H5782); four awakens before the charge to speak.
דַּבְּרִיspeakPiel impv 2fs · דָּבַר (H1696)2fs Piel imperative (the content of awakening)→ Volitional: Deborah's task is utteranceדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel 2fs, 'utter a song' — her weapon is the hymn.
שִׁ֑ירa songN com c sg abs · שִׁיר (H7892)Direct object of דַּבְּרִישִׁיר (H7892) 'song'; the very song now in the hearer's ears.
ק֥וּםariseQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)2ms imperative to Barak→ Volitional: Barak's corresponding summonsקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; Barak's charge is action, as Deborah's is song.
בָּרָ֛קBarakN proper · בָּרָק (H1301)Vocative addressee of קוּםבָּרָק (H1301); named without patronymic here, then with it.
וּֽשֲׁבֵ֥הand take captiveconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · שָׁבָה (H7617)Coordinated 2ms imperative→ Volitional: the warrior's taskשָׁבָה (H7617) 'to take captive'; Barak is to lead captivity captive, echoing the victory of 4:16.
שֶׁבְיְךָ֖your captivesN com c sg constr + sfx 2ms · שְׁבִי (H7628)Direct object + 2ms suffix (cognate accusative)שְׁבִי (H7628) 'captivity, captives'; the cognate object of וּשְׁבֵה, 'captive your captives.'
בֶּןson ofN com m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Patronymic construct (epithet of Barak)בֵּן (H1121); the standing epithet resumes.
אֲבִינֹֽעַםAbinoamN proper · אֲבִינֹעַם (H42)Genitive of the patronymicאֲבִינֹעַם (H42); closes the double summons.
13
אָ֚ז יְרַ֣ד שָׂרִ֔יד לְאַדִּירִ֖ים עָ֑ם יְהוָ֕ה יְרַד לִ֖י בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽים
Then a remnant went down to the nobles; the people of YHWH went down to me among the warriors.
The remnant (שָׂרִיד) and YHWH's people go down to the nobles/warriors; the verse is the hinge from summons to the tribal catalogue. OSHB tags ירד as רָדָה; the descent sense is preferred here.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
אָ֚זthenart · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb opening the remnant-lineאָז (H227) 'then'; the battle-roll begins.
יְרַ֣דwent down / ruledQal perf 3ms · רָדָה (H7287)Predicate verb (OSHB: רָדָה; consonants also יָרַד)→ Perfective: the remnant's movement (or rule) toward the noblesרָדָה (H7287) 'to rule' is OSHB's tag; the consonants ירד are identical with יָרַד (H3381) 'to go down,' favored by v.11 יָרְדוּ and v.14. Translated 'went down'; Strong's kept.
שָׂרִ֔ידa remnantN com m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Subject of יָרַדשָׂרִיד (H8300) 'survivor, remnant'; those left after the dark days, now mustering.
לְאַדִּירִ֖יםto the noblesprep + Adj · אַדִּיר (H117)Directional prepositional phraseאַדִּיר (H117) 'majestic, noble'; the remnant goes down 'to/for the nobles' — Israel's chiefs, or (ironically) against Canaan's.
עָ֑םthe people ofN com m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Second subject (construct)עַם (H5971) construct; YHWH's people as the remnant's parallel.
יְהוָ֕הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of עַםיְהוָה (H3068).
יְרַדwent downQal perf 3ms · רָדָה (H7287)Second predicate (same verb, same crux)→ Perfective: the people's descent among the warriorsרָדָה (H7287) / יָרַד: the second יָרַד, now 'to me among the warriors.'
לִ֖יto meprep + sfx 1csDative prepositional phrase (prep + 1cs)לְ + 1cs suffix: 'to/for me' — Deborah as the rallying point of the descent.
בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽיםamong the warriorsprep + art + Adj · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Locative prepositional phrase (prep + art + adj.)גִּבּוֹר (H1368) 'mighty, warrior'; the people come down among the fighting men.
14
מִנִּ֣י אֶפְרַ֗יִם שָׁרְשָׁם֙ בַּעֲמָלֵ֔ק אַחֲרֶ֥יךָ בִנְיָמִ֖ין בַּֽעֲמָמֶ֑יךָ מִנִּ֣י מָכִ֗יר יָֽרְדוּ֙ מְחֹ֣קְקִ֔ים וּמִ֨זְּבוּלֻ֔ן מֹשְׁכִ֖ים בְּשֵׁ֥בֶט סֹפֵֽר
From Ephraim, their root in Amalek; after you, Benjamin, among your peoples. From Machir commanders came down, and from Zebulun those who draw the scribe's staff.
The first half of the tribal roll: Ephraim (root toward Amalek), Benjamin following, Machir sending commanders, Zebulun drawing the scribe's staff — those who came.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
מִנִּ֣יfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative preposition (origin of the contingent)מִן (H4480) 'from'; מְנִי is the poetic form, opening the tribal roll.
אֶפְרַ֗יִםEphraimN proper · אֶפְרַיִם (H669)Object of מִן (first tribe)אֶפְרַיִם (H669); first named among those who came.
שָׁרְשָׁם֙their rootN com m sg constr + sfx 3mp · שֹׁרֶשׁ (H8328)Appositional noun + 3mp suffixשֹׁרֶשׁ (H8328) 'root'; 'their root in Amalek' — Ephraimite territory toward Amalek (cf. 12:15), or an Ephraimite stock once planted there. A real crux.
בַּעֲמָלֵ֔קin Amalekprep + N proper · עֲמָלֵק (H6002)Locative prepositional phraseעֲמָלֵק (H6002); the old enemy of Exod 17, here a territorial marker for Ephraim's origin.
אַחֲרֶ֥יךָafter youprep + sfx 2ms · אַחַר (H310)Preposition + 2ms suffix (addressing Benjamin, or Ephraim)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; 'after you, Benjamin' — Benjamin follows Ephraim into the field.
בִנְיָמִ֖יןBenjaminN proper · בִּנְיָמִן (H1144)Vocative / named tribeבִּנְיָמִן (H1144); the small tribe of 1:21 now present in the roll of honor.
בַּֽעֲמָמֶ֑יךָamong your peoplesprep + N com m pl constr + sfx 2ms · עַם (H5971)Locative prepositional phrase + 2ms suffixעַם (H5971) pl. + 2ms: 'among your kinsfolk/peoples' — Benjamin's clans around him.
מִנִּ֣יfromprep · מִן (H4480)Second מְנִי (Machir's origin)מִן (H4480) poetic form again.
מָכִ֗ירMachirN proper · מָכִיר (H4353)Object of מִן (Manasseh's firstborn, standing for Gilead/Manasseh west?)מָכִיר (H4353), Manasseh's son; here a fighting contingent of commanders, distinct from the Gilead that stays in v.17.
יָֽרְדוּ֙came downQal perf 3cp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb of Machir's contingent→ Perfective: commanders descended to the fightיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down'; unambiguous here, supporting the descent-reading of v.13.
מְחֹ֣קְקִ֔יםcommandersPoel ptc mp · חָקַק (H2710)Subject of יָרְדוּ (Poel/Qal ptc.)→ Participle: those who decree, commanders/lawgiversחָקַק (H2710) 'to inscribe, decree'; Poel ptc. m pl, the 'commanders' of v.9 now in motion.
וּמִ֨זְּבוּלֻ֔ןand from Zebulunconj וְ + prep + N proper · זְבוּלֻן (H2074)Coordinated ablative (conj + prep + proper name)זְבוּלֻן (H2074); Zebulun, who will be praised again in v.18, already present with a distinctive weapon.
מֹשְׁכִ֖יםthose who drawQal ptc mp · מָשַׁךְ (H4900)Substantival ptc. (subject of the implied descent)→ Participle: those who draw/wieldמָשַׁךְ (H4900) 'to draw, pull'; Qal ptc. 'those who draw the staff' — officers or levies.
בְּשֵׁ֥בֶטwith the staff ofprep + N com m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'staff, tribe, scepter'; here the officer's staff, not the tribal name.
סֹפֵֽרa scribeN com m sg abs · סֵפֶר (H5608)Genitive of שֵׁבֶט (the staff-wielder's office)סֵפֶר (H5608) as noun 'scribe' (OSHB tags the verb-lemma); 'the marshal's / scribe's staff' (cf. 2 Kgs 25:19).
15
וְשָׂרַ֤י בְּיִשָּׂשכָר֙ עִם דְּבֹרָ֔ה וְיִשָּׂשכָר֙ כֵּ֣ן בָּרָ֔ק בָּעֵ֖מֶק שֻׁלַּ֣ח בְּרַגְלָ֑יו בִּפְלַגּ֣וֹת רְאוּבֵ֔ן גְּדֹלִ֖ים חִקְקֵי לֵֽב
And my princes in Issachar were with Deborah; and Issachar likewise was with Barak — into the valley he was sent on foot. Among the divisions of Reuben, great were the resolutions of heart.
Issachar is with Deborah and is 'so' with Barak, sent into the valley on foot. The camera then turns to Reuben: great חִקְקֵי־לֵב — resolutions that, in the next verse, do not become action.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְשָׂרַ֤יand my princesconj וְ + N com m pl constr + sfx 1cs · שַׂר (H8269)Subject (conj + noun + 1cs suffix)שַׂר (H8269) 'prince, commander'; MT וְשָׂרַי 'and my princes' (1cs) — Deborah's officers in Issachar. Some revocalize as construct 'princes of Issachar.'
בְּיִשָּׂשכָר֙in Issacharprep + N proper · יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485)Locative prepositional phraseיִשָּׂשכָר (H3485); Issachar as the princes' base, allied with Deborah.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Preposition of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'; the princes were with Deborah.
דְּבֹרָ֔הDeborahN proper · דְּבוֹרָה (H1683)Object of עִםדְּבוֹרָה (H1683); here דְּבֹרָה, a by-form of her name.
וְיִשָּׂשכָר֙and Issacharconj וְ + N proper · יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485)Coordinated subject (the tribe itself)יִשָּׂשכָר (H3485) again; the tribe 'likewise' matches Barak.
כֵּ֣ןso / likewiseadv. · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of correspondenceכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; Issachar was 'so' with Barak — the same loyalty.
בָּרָ֔קBarakN proper · בָּרָק (H1301)The one Issachar matchesבָּרָק (H1301); Issachar's loyalty is to the field-commander.
בָּעֵ֖מֶקinto the valleyprep + art + N com m sg abs · עֵמֶק (H6010)Directional prepositional phrase (prep + art + noun)עֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley'; the Jezreel/Kishon valley of the battle (4:7, 13–15).
שֻׁלַּ֣חhe was sentPual perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (Pual)→ Pual perfective: Barak (or Issachar) dispatched on footשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Pual 3ms, 'was sent' into the valley.
בְּרַגְלָ֑יוon his feetprep + N com f du constr + sfx 3ms · רֶגֶל (H7272)Manner prepositional phrase + 3ms suffixרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; בְּרַגְלָיו 'on his feet' — infantry, not chariotry, against Sisera's 900.
בִּפְלַגּ֣וֹתamong the divisions ofprep + N com f pl constr · פְּלַגָּה (H6391)Locative prepositional phrase (construct)פְּלַגָּה (H6391) 'division, watercourse, clan-split'; Reuben's 'divisions' — sectional indecision.
רְאוּבֵ֔ןReubenN proper · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive of פְּלַגּוֹתרְאוּבֵן (H7205); the first of the tribes that fail to come, introduced by his inner debate.
גְּדֹלִ֖יםgreatAdj · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjectiveגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; the resolutions were great — and, v.16 will show, sterile.
חִקְקֵיresolutions ofN com m pl constr · חֵקֶק (H2711)Subject (construct)חֵקֶק (H2711) 'decree, resolution'; 'great decrees of heart' — Reuben's much-considering.
לֵֽבheartN com m sg abs · לֵב (H3820)Genitive of חִקְקֵילֵב (H3820) 'heart'; the seat of Reuben's unresolved deliberation.
16
לָ֣מָּה יָשַׁ֗בְתָּ בֵּ֚ין הַֽמִּשְׁפְּתַ֔יִם לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ שְׁרִק֣וֹת עֲדָרִ֑ים לִפְלַגּ֣וֹת רְאוּבֵ֔ן גְּדוֹלִ֖ים חִקְרֵי לֵֽב
Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, to hear the whistling for the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben, great were the searchings of heart.
The taunt: why sit between the sheepfolds listening to piping for flocks? Reuben's 'searchings of heart' (חִקְרֵי לֵב) answer v.15's 'resolutions' with paralysis.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לָ֣מָּהwhyprep + interrog. · מָה (H4100)Interrogative (prep + מָה)מָה (H4100) 'what, why'; לָמָּה opens the taunt.
יָשַׁ֗בְתָּdid you sitQal perf 2ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (2ms, addressing Reuben)→ Perfective: a completed (and continuing) sitting-outיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, remain'; Reuben sat it out.
בֵּ֚יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition governing הַמִּשְׁפְּתַיִםבֵּין (H996) 'between'.
הַֽמִּשְׁפְּתַ֔יִםthe sheepfoldsart + N com m du abs · מִשְׁפְּתַיִם (H4942)Object of בֵּין (dual with article)מִשְׁפְּתַיִם (H4942) 'double sheepfold, fire-pits'; the pastoral seat of inaction (cf. Gen 49:14 of Issachar, here turned on Reuben).
לִשְׁמֹ֖עַto hearprep + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַע (H8085)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose of the sittingשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; he sat in order to listen to flocks, not to the trumpet.
שְׁרִק֣וֹתwhistlings ofN com f pl constr · שְׁרִיקָה (H8292)Object of לִשְׁמֹעַ (construct)שְׁרִיקָה (H8292) 'whistle, piping'; the shepherd's call, a pastoral sound set against war.
עֲדָרִ֑יםflocksN com m pl abs · עֵדֶר (H5739)Genitive of שְׁרִקוֹתעֵדֶר (H5739) 'flock, herd'; what Reuben preferred to hear.
לִפְלַגּ֣וֹתfor the divisions ofprep + N com f pl constr · פְּלַגָּה (H6391)Resumptive prepositional phrase (as v.15)פְּלַגָּה (H6391) again; the same Reubenite splits.
רְאוּבֵ֔ןReubenN proper · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitiveרְאוּבֵן (H7205).
גְּדוֹלִ֖יםgreatAdj · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjective (as v.15)גָּדוֹל (H1419); the parallel line swaps חִקְקֵי for חִקְרֵי.
חִקְרֵיsearchings ofN com m pl constr · חֵקֶר (H2714)Subject (construct) — the variant of v.15's 'resolutions'חֵקֶר (H2714) 'searching, investigation'; 'great searchings of heart' — inquiry that never becomes a march.
לֵֽבheartN com m sg abs · לֵב (H3820)Genitive of חִקְרֵילֵב (H3820); Reuben's heart is searched, not committed.
17
גִּלְעָ֗ד בְּעֵ֤בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן֙ שָׁכֵ֔ן וְדָ֕ן לָ֥מָּה יָג֖וּר אֳנִיּ֑וֹת אָשֵׁ֗ר יָשַׁב֙ לְח֣וֹף יַמִּ֔ים וְעַ֥ל מִפְרָצָ֖יו יִשְׁכּֽוֹן
Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he linger by ships? Asher sat at the shore of the seas, and by his landings he remained.
Transjordan Gilead 'dwells' beyond the Jordan; Dan 'sojourns' with ships; Asher sits on the seashore. Three tribes whose geography becomes an alibi.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
גִּלְעָ֗דGileadN proper · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Subject (staying tribe / region)גִּלְעָד (H1568); Transjordan, here standing in for Gad/eastern Manasseh as a stay-at-home.
בְּעֵ֤בֶרbeyondprep + N com m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Locative prepositional phrase (construct)עֵבֶר (H5676) 'the other side, beyond'; Gilead's geography is its alibi.
הַיַּרְדֵּן֙the Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive of עֵבֶר (with article)יַרְדֵּן (H3383); 'beyond the Jordan' is already home, so they do not cross.
שָׁכֵ֔ןdwelt / stayedQal perf 3ms · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a settled remainingשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, abide'; Gilead stayed put.
וְדָ֕ןand Danconj וְ + N proper · דָּן (H1835)Coordinated subjectדָּן (H1835); the coastal/migratory tribe, next in the stay-at-home list.
לָ֥מָּהwhyprep + interrog. · מָה (H4100)Interrogative, as v.16מָה (H4100); לָמָּה of taunt.
יָג֖וּרdid he sojournQal impf 3ms · גּוּר (H1481)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: why would he linger/sojournגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, linger'; Dan 'sojourns' with ships — a guest of the sea, not a fighter.
אֳנִיּ֑וֹתshipsN com f pl abs · אֳנִיָּה (H591)Adverbial accusative / locative of גּוּראֳנִיָּה (H591) 'ship'; Dan's association with shipping (cf. the Danite move of chs. 17–18) is already a byword.
אָשֵׁ֗רAsherN proper · אָשֵׁר (H836)Subject of יָשַׁבאָשֵׁר (H836); the northern coastal tribe. OSHB tags Np (proper name), not the relative אֲשֶׁר.
יָשַׁב֙sat / dweltQal perf 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb→ Perfective: Asher remained seated on the shoreיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; Asher sat the war out.
לְח֣וֹףat the shore ofprep + N com m sg constr · חוֹף (H2348)Locative prepositional phrase (construct)חוֹף (H2348) 'shore, coast'; Asher's coastline is the reason and the rebuke.
יַמִּ֔יםseasN com m pl abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive of חוֹףיָם (H3220) 'sea'; plural 'seas' of the Phoenician coast.
וְעַ֥לand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositionעַל (H5921) with waw: 'and upon his landings.'
מִפְרָצָ֖יוhis landingsN com m pl constr + sfx 3ms · מִפְרָץ (H4664)Object of עַל + 3ms suffixמִפְרָץ (H4664) 'landing-place, breach, harbor'; only here. Asher stays by his coves.
יִשְׁכּֽוֹןhe remainsQal impf 3ms · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate verb (yiqtol of שכן)→ Yiqtol: imperfective remainingשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell'; the yiqtol of habitual staying, matching Gilead's verb.
18
זְבֻל֗וּן עַ֣ם חֵרֵ֥ף נַפְשׁ֛וֹ לָמ֖וּת וְנַפְתָּלִ֑י עַ֖ל מְרוֹמֵ֥י שָׂדֶֽה
Zebulun is a people that scorned its life to the death, and Naphtali on the heights of the field.
The contrast-line: Zebulun scorned its life to death, Naphtali on the high field — the two tribes of the Kishon battle (4:6, 10) praised without irony.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
זְבֻל֗וּןZebulunN proper · זְבוּלֻן (H2074)Subject (praise-line, against vv.16–17)זְבוּלֻן (H2074); with Naphtali, the Kishon tribes of 4:6, 10.
עַ֣םa peopleN com m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Apposition / predicate nounעַם (H5971) 'people'; Zebulun is 'a people that scorned its life.'
חֵרֵ֥ףthat scornedPiel perf 3ms · חָרַף (H2778)Attributive Piel perf (or relative clause)→ Piel perfective: a completed self-expenditureחָרַף (H2778) 'to reproach, scorn, risk'; Piel, 'scorned its life' — treated life as expendable.
נַפְשׁ֛וֹits lifeN com c sg constr + sfx 3ms · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object + 3ms suffixנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life, throat, self'; what Zebulun held cheap for the battle.
לָמ֖וּתto deathprep + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive of result/purpose→ Infinitive construct: the scorn of life goes 'to dying'מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; לָמוּת 'to the death.'
וְנַפְתָּלִ֑יand Naphtaliconj וְ + N proper · נַפְתָּלִי (H5321)Coordinated subjectנַפְתָּלִי (H5321); Deborah's own tribe (4:6), on the high field.
עַ֖לuponprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of locationעַל (H5921) 'upon, on'.
מְרוֹמֵ֥יthe heights ofN com m pl constr · מָרוֹם (H4791)Object of עַל (construct)מָרוֹם (H4791) 'height, high place'; the elevated field of the fighting.
שָׂדֶֽהthe fieldN com m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Genitive of מְרוֹמֵישָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; Naphtali fought on the open heights, not from ships or folds.
19
בָּ֤אוּ מְלָכִים֙ נִלְחָ֔מוּ אָ֤ז נִלְחֲמוּ֙ מַלְכֵ֣י כְנַ֔עַן בְּתַעְנַ֖ךְ עַל מֵ֣י מְגִדּ֑וֹ בֶּ֥צַע כֶּ֖סֶף לֹ֥א לָקָֽחוּ
Kings came, they fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; spoil of silver they did not take.
The enemy appears as 'kings' and 'kings of Canaan' at Taanach by Megiddo's waters. They take no silver-spoil: the campaign yields them nothing.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
בָּ֤אוּthey cameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (the enemy)→ Perfective: the kings arrived to fightבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the enemy's arrival.
מְלָכִים֙kingsN com m pl abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject of בָּאוּמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; Canaanite coalition, unnamed except as kings.
נִלְחָ֔מוּthey foughtNiphal perf 3cp · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb (Niphal of לחם)→ Niphal perfective: reciprocal battleלָחַם (H3898) 'to fight'; Niphal, the standard battle-verb.
אָ֤זthenart · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb restating the clashאָז (H227) 'then'; a second 'then they fought' names the opponents.
נִלְחֲמוּ֙they foughtNiphal perf 3cp · לָחַם (H3898)Repeated predicate→ Niphal perfective: the same battle, now specifiedלָחַם (H3898) Niphal again.
מַלְכֵ֣יthe kings ofN com m pl constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Subject (construct)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) construct: 'kings of Canaan.'
כְנַ֔עַןCanaanN proper · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive of מַלְכֵיכְּנַעַן (H3667); the land-name as the enemy's identity, matching 4:2, 23–24's 'king of Canaan.'
בְּתַעְנַ֖ךְat Taanachprep + N proper · תַּעְנָךְ (H8590)Locative prepositional phraseתַּעְנָךְ (H8590), a Levitical/Canaanite city on the southern edge of Jezreel (Josh 12:21; 17:11).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition governing מֵי מְגִדּוֹעַל (H5921) 'by, upon'.
מֵ֣יthe waters ofN com m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Construct chain after עַלמַיִם (H4325) 'waters'; the stream-system feeding the Kishon near Megiddo.
מְגִדּ֑וֹMegiddoN proper · מְגִדּוֹ (H4023)Genitive of מֵימְגִדּוֹ (H4023); the fortress-city, paired with Taanach as the battle's geography.
בֶּ֥צַעspoil ofN com m sg constr · בֶּצַע (H1215)Object of לָקְחוּ (construct, fronted)בֶּצַע (H1215) 'gain, cut, illicit spoil'; they came for profit.
כֶּ֖סֶףsilverN com m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Genitive of בֶּצַעכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the expected plunder they did not take.
לֹ֥אnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808); the campaign yields nothing.
לָקָֽחוּthey tookQal perf 3cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb→ Perfective: they did not take (any silver)לָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the kings go home empty — or do not go home.
20
מִן שָׁמַ֖יִם נִלְחָ֑מוּ הַכּֽוֹכָבִים֙ מִמְּסִלּוֹתָ֔ם נִלְחֲמ֖וּ עִם סִיסְרָֽא
From heaven they fought; the stars from their courses fought with Sisera.
Heaven joins the battle: the stars from their courses fight with Sisera. The victory is cosmic, not merely tribal, matching the theophany of vv.4–5.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative preposition (origin of the fighting)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the fight comes from heaven.
שָׁמַ֖יִםheavenN com m pl abs · שָׁמַיִם (H8064)Object of מִןשָׁמַיִם (H8064) 'heavens'; cosmic counterpart to Taanach/Megiddo.
נִלְחָ֑מוּthey foughtNiphal perf 3cp · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb (unmarked subject: the stars, or 'one fought')→ Niphal perfective: battle is joined from heavenלָחַם (H3898) Niphal; the same verb as v.19, now with a heavenly subject.
הַכּֽוֹכָבִים֙the starsart + N com m pl abs · כּוֹכָב (H3556)Subject (with article) of the second נִלְחָמוּכּוֹכָב (H3556) 'star'; the heavenly host as combatants (cf. the sun/moon of Josh 10:12–13).
מִמְּסִלּוֹתָ֔םfrom their coursesprep + N com f pl constr + sfx 3mp · מְסִלָּה (H4546)Ablative prepositional phrase + 3mp suffixמְסִלָּה (H4546) 'highway, course'; the stars fight 'from their tracks' — they do not leave the sky, yet they fight.
נִלְחֲמ֖וּthey foughtNiphal perf 3cp · לָחַם (H3898)Repeated predicate→ Niphal perfective: the stars' battle against Siseraלָחַם (H3898) Niphal; third use, now with the enemy named.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Preposition of opposition/accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with/against'; the stars fight with (i.e., against) Sisera.
סִיסְרָֽאSiseraN proper · סִיסְרָא (H5516)Object of עִםסִיסְרָא (H5516); named here as the heavenly enemy, as in 4:2, 7.
21
נַ֤חַל קִישׁוֹן֙ גְּרָפָ֔ם נַ֥חַל קְדוּמִ֖ים נַ֣חַל קִישׁ֑וֹן תִּדְרְכִ֥י נַפְשִׁ֖י עֹֽז
The torrent Kishon swept them away, the ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, in strength!
The torrent Kishon, called 'ancient,' is the earthly agent of the heavenly fight. The singer then addresses her own soul: תִּדְרְכִי נַפְשִׁי עֹז.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
נַ֤חַלthe torrent ofN com m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Subject (construct)נַחַל (H5158) 'wadi, torrent'; the Kishon in flood is the earthly weapon of the heavenly fight.
קִישׁוֹן֙KishonN proper · קִישׁוֹן (H7028)Genitive of נַחַלקִישׁוֹן (H7028); the river of 4:7, 13, now personified as a fighter.
גְּרָפָ֔םswept them awayQal perf 3ms + sfx 3mp · גָּרַף (H1640)Predicate verb + 3mp suffix→ Perfective: the torrent's completed seizure of the hostגָּרַף (H1640) 'to sweep away'; a rare verb (only here in this sense) — the Kishon as flash-flood.
נַ֥חַלthe torrent ofN com m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Apposition (construct), renaming the Kishonנַחַל (H5158) again; the poem names it three times.
קְדוּמִ֖יםancient onesN com m pl abs · קָדוּם (H6917)Genitive/epithet of the torrentקָדוּם (H6917) 'ancient, east, primordial'; נַחַל קְדוּמִים 'torrent of ancient times' — a mythic, primeval stream.
נַ֣חַלthe torrent ofN com m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Third construct (vocative or refrain)נַחַל (H5158); the third naming, returning to Kishon.
קִישׁ֑וֹןKishonN proper · קִישׁוֹן (H7028)Genitiveקִישׁוֹן (H7028).
תִּדְרְכִ֥יyou shall marchQal impf 2fs · דָּרַךְ (H1869)2fs yiqtol (apostrophe to the soul, or to Deborah)→ Yiqtol/volitional: a charge to the soulדָּרַךְ (H1869) 'to tread, march'; 2fs, addressed to נַפְשִׁי — 'march on, my soul.'
נַפְשִׁ֖יmy soulN com c sg constr + sfx 1cs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Vocative / subject of תִּדְרְכִי + 1cs suffixנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, self'; the singer's own life is commanded to go forward in strength.
עֹֽזstrengthN com m sg abs · עֹז (H5797)Adverbial accusative of mannerעֹז (H5797) 'strength, might'; 'in strength' — the soul's marching-power after the flood.
22
אָ֥ז הָלְמ֖וּ עִקְּבֵי ס֑וּס מִֽדַּהֲר֖וֹת דַּהֲר֥וֹת אַבִּירָֽיו
Then the horses' hoofs hammered — from the galloping, the galloping of his stallions.
Onomatopoetic דַּהֲרוֹת דַּהֲרוֹת: the iron chariots of 4:3 become hammering hoofs in flight. Sisera's 'mighty ones' are heard, not seen, running.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
אָ֥זthenart · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb of the flightאָז (H227) 'then'; the sequel of the Kishon: panicked cavalry.
הָלְמ֖וּhammeredQal perf 3cp · הָלַם (H1986)Predicate verb→ Perfective: hoofs struck (in flight)הָלַם (H1986) 'to hammer, strike'; the same root as Jael's hammer in v.26 — hoofs hammer now, her mallet later.
עִקְּבֵיhoofs ofN com m pl constr · עָקֵב (H6119)Subject (construct)עָקֵב (H6119) 'heel, hoof'; the horses' hoofs as the sounding subject.
ס֑וּסhorseN com m sg abs · סוּס (H5483)Genitive of עִקְּבֵיסוּס (H5483) 'horse'; Sisera's chariotry reduced to a horse's hoofbeat.
מִֽדַּהֲר֖וֹתfrom gallopingsprep + N com f pl abs · דַּהֲרָה (H1726)Causal/ablative prepositional phraseדַּהֲרָה (H1726) 'gallop'; a rare onomatopoetic noun. מִן 'from/because of the galloping.'
דַּהֲר֥וֹתgallopings ofN com f pl constr · דַּהֲרָה (H1726)Cognate construct, intensifying the gallopדַּהֲרָה (H1726) repeated: דַּהֲרוֹת דַּהֲרוֹת, the poem's sound of fleeing cavalry.
אַבִּירָֽיוhis mighty onesAdj + sfx 3ms · אַבִּיר (H47)Genitive + 3ms suffix (Sisera's stallions / champions)אַבִּיר (H47) 'mighty, stallion, bull'; 'his stallions' or 'his champions' — the last we hear of Sisera's host as a fighting force.
23
א֣וֹרוּ מֵר֗וֹז אָמַר֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה אֹ֥רוּ אָר֖וֹר יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ כִּ֤י לֹֽא בָ֨אוּ֙ לְעֶזְרַ֣ת יְהוָ֔ה לְעֶזְרַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽים
'Curse Meroz,' said the messenger of YHWH; 'curse, curse its inhabitants, because they did not come to the help of YHWH, to the help of YHWH among the warriors.'
The messenger of YHWH curses Meroz and its inhabitants for non-participation. Unknown elsewhere, Meroz functions as the named refusal that vv.16–17 left tribal and unnamed.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
א֣וֹרוּcurseQal impv 2mp · אָרַר (H779)2mp imperative (the angel's command)→ Volitional: a curse uttered as commandאָרַר (H779) 'to curse'; the first of three curse-forms in the verse.
מֵר֗וֹזMerozN proper · מֵרוֹז (H4789)Object of אֹרוּ (the cursed place)מֵרוֹז (H4789); otherwise unknown. A town that failed to come; the poem needs a named refusal to match Jael's named blessing.
אָמַר֙saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the quotation frame→ Perfective: the messenger's speech is reported as completedאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the curse is issued in the messenger's voice, not merely the singer's.
מַלְאַ֣ךְthe messenger ofN com m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject (construct)מַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, angel'; מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, as at 2:1 — the same figure who opened the book's indictment now curses non-participants.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of מַלְאַךְיְהוָה (H3068).
אֹ֥רוּcurseQal impv 2mp · אָרַר (H779)Second 2mp imperative (intensifying)→ Volitional: the curse restatedאָרַר (H779) again.
אָר֖וֹרcursedQal inf abs · אָרַר (H779)Infinitive absolute (cognate intensification)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies אֹרוּ, 'curse with a curse'אָרַר (H779) inf. abs.; the Hebrew superlative of cursing.
יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָits inhabitantsQal ptc mp + sfx 3fs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Object of the second curse + 3fs suffix (Meroz as f.)→ Participle: those who dwell in herיָשַׁב (H3427) Qal ptc. construct + 3fs: 'her dwellers.' Meroz is treated as a feminine place-name.
כִּ֤יbecauseconj וְ · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; the ground of the curse.
לֹֽאnotneg. · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808).
בָ֨אוּ֙they cameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the because-clause→ Perfective: they did not come (to help)בּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the volunteers of v.2, 9, 14–18 did; Meroz did not.
לְעֶזְרַ֣תto the help ofprep + N com f sg constr · עֶזְרָה (H5833)Directional prepositional phrase (construct)עֶזְרָה (H5833) 'help'; לְעֶזְרַת יְהוָה 'to YHWH's help' — not helping Israel merely, but YHWH.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of עֶזְרַתיְהוָה (H3068).
לְעֶזְרַ֥תto the help ofprep + N com f sg constr · עֶזְרָה (H5833)Repeated prepositional phrase (insistence)עֶזְרָה (H5833) repeated: the poem will not let the charge be missed.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (second)יְהוָה (H3068).
בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽיםamong the warriorsprep + art + Adj · גִּבּוֹר (H1368)Locative prepositional phrase (as v.13)גִּבּוֹר (H1368) 'warrior'; they did not come to YHWH's help 'among the mighty.'
24
תְּבֹרַךְ֙ מִנָּשִׁ֔ים יָעֵ֕ל אֵ֖שֶׁת חֶ֣בֶר הַקֵּינִ֑י מִנָּשִׁ֥ים בָּאֹ֖הֶל תְּבֹרָֽךְ
Most blessed of women is Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite; of women in the tent she is most blessed.
The curse's counterpart: Jael is most blessed of women, specified as tent-women — the Kenite wife whose hospitality-space will become a killing-ground.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
תְּבֹרַךְ֙let her be blessedPual impf 3fs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (Pual jussive/indicative 3fs)→ Pual yiqtol: jussive-indicative of blessing, counterpart to v.23's curseבָּרַךְ (H1288) 'to bless'; Pual 3fs, 'be blessed' — the curse's opposite, and the refrain of v.2 now applied to one woman.
מִנָּשִׁ֔יםabove womenprep + N com f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Comparative prepositional phraseאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; מִן of comparison, 'more than women / most of women.'
יָעֵ֕לJaelN proper · יָעֵל (H3278)The one blessed (named subject/vocative)יָעֵל (H3278); the Kenite woman of 4:17–22, now hymned.
אֵ֖שֶׁתwife ofN com f sg constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Apposition (construct)אִשָּׁה (H802) construct: 'wife of Heber.'
חֶ֣בֶרHeberN proper · חֶבֶר (H2268)Genitive of אֵשֶׁתחֶבֶר (H2268); her husband, the Kenite who had separated toward Kedesh (4:11).
הַקֵּינִ֑יthe Keniteart + N gentilic m sg abs · קֵינִי (H7017)Gentilic with article, in appositionקֵינִי (H7017); the Kenite identity that made Sisera think her tent was safe (4:17).
מִנָּשִׁ֥יםabove womenprep + N com f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Repeated comparative (as the first מִנָּשִׁים)אִשָּׁה (H802); the comparison is restated and then narrowed to tent-women.
בָּאֹ֖הֶלin the tentprep + art + N com m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Locative prepositional phrase (prep + art + noun)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the domestic space of hospitality that becomes the killing-ground.
תְּבֹרָֽךְlet her be blessedPual impf 3fs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Refrain Pual 3fs, closing the beatitude→ Pual yiqtol: the blessing restatedבָּרַךְ (H1288) Pual 3fs again; inclusio with the verse's first תְּבֹרַךְ.
25
מַ֥יִם שָׁאַ֖ל חָלָ֣ב נָתָ֑נָה בְּסֵ֥פֶל אַדִּירִ֖ים הִקְרִ֥יבָה חֶמְאָֽה
Water he asked; milk she gave. In a lordly bowl she brought near curds.
He asked water; she gave milk, and in a bowl of nobles brought curds. The surplus of hospitality (cf. 4:19) is the bait; the next verse springs the trap.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
מַ֥יִםwaterN com m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Object of שָׁאַל, frontedמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; what Sisera asked (4:19 asked water, received milk — the song agrees).
שָׁאַ֖לhe askedQal perf 3ms · שָׁאַל (H7592)Predicate verb→ Perfective: Sisera's requestשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask'; the guest's right.
חָלָ֣בmilkN com m sg abs · חָלָב (H2461)Object of נָתְנָה, fronted (surplus gift)חָלָב (H2461) 'milk'; she gives more than was asked, the hospitality that disarms.
נָתָ֑נָהshe gaveQal perf 3fs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb→ Perfective: Jael's giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; feminine — Jael is now the agent.
בְּסֵ֥פֶלin a bowl ofprep + N com m sg constr · סֵפֶל (H5602)Locative/instrumental prepositional phrase (construct)סֵפֶל (H5602) 'bowl, basin'; a rare word (Judg 6:38), here 'in a bowl of nobles.'
אַדִּירִ֖יםnobles / lordly onesAdj · אַדִּיר (H117)Genitive of סֵפֶל (the bowl's quality)אַדִּיר (H117) 'majestic, noble'; a princely bowl for a princely guest — the last honor before the blow.
הִקְרִ֥יבָהshe brought nearHiphil perf 3fs · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (Hiphil)→ Hiphil perfective: she presented (the curds)קָרַב (H7126) 'to draw near'; Hiphil 'present, bring near' — priestly/hospitality diction.
חֶמְאָֽהcurdsN com f sg abs · חֶמְאָה (H2529)Direct object of הִקְרִיבָהחֶמְאָה (H2529) 'curds, butter'; thicker than milk, a further surplus (4:19's 'milk in a skin' here becomes a noble bowl of curds).
26
יָדָהּ֙ לַיָּתֵ֣ד תִּשְׁלַ֔חְנָה וִֽימִינָ֖הּ לְהַלְמ֣וּת עֲמֵלִ֑ים וְהָלְמָ֤ה סִֽיסְרָא֙ מָחֲקָ֣ה רֹאשׁ֔וֹ וּמָחֲצָ֥ה וְחָלְפָ֖ה רַקָּתֽוֹ
Her hand she stretched to the tent-peg, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer. She hammered Sisera, smashed his head, struck and pierced his temple.
Left hand to the peg, right to the workmen's mallet: a sequence of verbs (hammered, smashed, struck, pierced) slows the death that prose 4:21 narrated in one stroke.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
יָדָהּ֙her handN com c sg constr + sfx 3fs · יָד (H3027)Object, fronted + 3fs suffixיָד (H3027) 'hand'; Jael's (left) hand, stretched to the peg.
לַיָּתֵ֣דto the tent-pegprep + art + N com f sg abs · יָתֵד (H3489)Directional prepositional phrase (prep + art + noun)יָתֵד (H3489) 'tent-peg, stake'; the weapon of 4:21, named first.
תִּשְׁלַ֔חְנָהshe stretchedQal impf 3fp · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (3fp form with f. sg. subject — archaic)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/narrative of the reachingשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send, stretch'; 3fp ending with a f. sg. subject is an archaic/poetic form, not an error.
וִֽימִינָ֖הּand her right handconj וְ + N com f sg constr + sfx 3fs · יָמִין (H3225)Coordinated object + 3fs suffixיָמִין (H3225) 'right hand'; the hand that takes the hammer, parallel to יָדָה.
לְהַלְמ֣וּתto a hammer ofprep + N com f sg constr · הַלְמוּת (H1989)Directional prepositional phrase (construct)הַלְמוּת (H1989) 'hammer, mallet'; from הלם (v.22). Only here: 'a hammer of workmen.'
עֲמֵלִ֑יםworkmenN com m pl abs · עָמֵל (H6001)Genitive of הַלְמוּתעָמֵל (H6001) 'laborer, one who toils'; a workman's mallet, not a soldier's mace — the domestic tool as weapon.
וְהָלְמָ֤הand she hammeredconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · הָלַם (H1986)Predicate verb (the blow)→ Perfective: the decisive striking of Siseraהָלַם (H1986) 'to hammer'; the same root as the hoofs of v.22, now in Jael's hand.
סִֽיסְרָא֙SiseraN proper · סִיסְרָא (H5516)Direct object of הָלְמָהסִיסְרָא (H5516); named at the moment of the blow.
מָחֲקָ֣הshe smashedQal perf 3fs · מָחַק (H4277)Predicate verb (second blow-verb)→ Perfective: she crushed his headמָחַק (H4277) 'to smash, crush'; a rare verb, only here. The head is the target.
רֹאשׁ֔וֹhis headN com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object of מָחֲקָה + 3ms suffixרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; what she smashed.
וּמָחֲצָ֥הand she struck throughconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · מָחַץ (H4272)Coordinated predicate→ Perfective: she smashed/piercedמָחַץ (H4272) 'to smite through, wound severely'; a poetic battle-verb (cf. Num 24:8, 17) used of a woman's blow.
וְחָלְפָ֖הand she piercedconj וְ + Qal perf 3fs · חָלַף (H2498)Coordinated predicate→ Perfective: the peg passed throughחָלַף (H2498) 'to pass through, pierce'; the peg transfixes.
רַקָּתֽוֹhis templeN com f sg constr + sfx 3ms · רַקָּה (H7541)Direct object of חָלְפָה + 3ms suffixרַקָּה (H7541) 'temple (of the head)'; the precise target of 4:21, here the last word of the killing sequence.
27
בֵּ֣ין רַגְלֶ֔יהָ כָּרַ֥ע נָפַ֖ל שָׁכָ֑ב בֵּ֤ין רַגְלֶ֨יהָ֙ כָּרַ֣ע נָפָ֔ל בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר כָּרַ֔ע שָׁ֖ם נָפַ֥ל שָׁדֽוּד
Between her feet he knelt, he fell, he lay; between her feet he knelt, he fell; where he knelt, there he fell, ruined.
Knelt–fell–lay, knelt–fell, where he knelt he fell ruined: the poem's most insistent refrain, placing the fallen general between Jael's feet — the 'woman' of 4:9 now unmistakable.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
בֵּ֣יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Preposition (the place of the fall)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; Sisera falls between Jael's feet — the poem's spatial refrain.
רַגְלֶ֔יהָher feetN com f du constr + sfx 3fs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Object of בֵּין + 3fs suffix (dual construct)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; dual + 3fs, 'her (two) feet.' The defeated general lies in the posture of a fallen suitor or a slain foe.
כָּרַ֥עhe kneltQal perf 3ms · כָּרַע (H3766)First of the falling-verbs→ Perfective: he crumpled to his kneesכָּרַע (H3766) 'to kneel, bow'; the first of three verbs of collapse.
נָפַ֖לhe fellQal perf 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Second falling-verb→ Perfective: he went downנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the central verb of the refrain.
שָׁכָ֑בhe layQal perf 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Third falling-verb→ Perfective: he lay (dead)שָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; here of a corpse, not of sleep.
בֵּ֤יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Repeated בֵּין (second cycle of the refrain)בֵּין (H996).
רַגְלֶ֨יהָ֙her feetN com f du constr + sfx 3fs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Repeated objectרֶגֶל (H7272) dual + 3fs again.
כָּרַ֣עhe kneltQal perf 3ms · כָּרַע (H3766)Refrain: second כָּרַע→ Perfectiveכָּרַע (H3766).
נָפָ֔לhe fellQal perf 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Refrain: second נָפַל→ Perfectiveנָפַל (H5307).
בַּאֲשֶׁ֣רwhereprep + rel. שֶׁ · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative locative (prep + relative)אֲשֶׁר (H834) 'where, which'; בַּאֲשֶׁר 'in the place where.'
כָּרַ֔עhe kneltQal perf 3ms · כָּרַע (H3766)Verb of the relative clause→ Perfectiveכָּרַע (H3766); the third kneeling, now the 'where.'
שָׁ֖םthereart · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb answering בַּאֲשֶׁרשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; where he knelt, there he fell.
נָפַ֥לhe fellQal perf 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Final נָפַל of the refrain→ Perfective: the last fallנָפַל (H5307); three falls, matching the three kneelings.
שָׁדֽוּדruinedQal ptc ms · שָׁדַד (H7703)Qal passive ptc. (state after the fall)→ Passive ptc.: he lies devastated, destroyedשָׁדַד (H7703) 'to devastate, ruin'; Qal passive ptc. 'destroyed' — the last word on Sisera.
28
בְּעַד֩ הַחַלּ֨וֹן נִשְׁקְפָ֧ה וַתְּיַבֵּ֛ב אֵ֥ם סִֽיסְרָ֖א בְּעַ֣ד הָֽאֶשְׁנָ֑ב מַדּ֗וּעַ בֹּשֵׁ֤שׁ רִכְבּוֹ֙ לָב֔וֹא מַדּ֣וּעַ אֶֽחֱר֔וּ פַּעֲמֵ֖י מַרְכְּבוֹתָֽיו
Through the window she looked out and wailed, the mother of Sisera, through the lattice: 'Why is his chariot so late in coming? Why do the hoofbeats of his chariots delay?'
The poem cuts to the enemy's mother at window and lattice, asking why the chariot delays. Dramatic irony: the audience has just watched him fall.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
בְּעַד֩throughprep · בְּעַד (H1157)Preposition of looking-outבְּעַד (H1157) 'through, behind, out of'; the mother's gaze is through the window.
הַחַלּ֨וֹןthe windowart + N com c sg abs · חַלּוֹן (H2474)Object of בְּעַד (with article)חַלּוֹן (H2474) 'window'; the watching-place of the waiting woman (cf. 2 Sam 6:16).
נִשְׁקְפָ֧הshe looked outNiphal perf 3fs · שָׁקַף (H8259)Predicate verb (Niphal of שקף)→ Niphal perfective: she leaned out to lookשָׁקַף (H8259) 'to look down/out'; Niphal, the stock verb of a woman at a window.
וַתְּיַבֵּ֛בand she wailedconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3fs · יָבַב (H2980)Coordinated predicate (Piel wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: her looking turns to a cryיָבַב (H2980) 'to cry shrilly, wail'; Piel, a rare verb (only here). The mother's voice is already grief, though she does not know it.
אֵ֥םthe mother ofN com f sg constr · אֵם (H517)Subject in apposition (construct)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; Sisera's mother, unnamed, the counterpart to Deborah 'mother in Israel' (v.7).
סִֽיסְרָ֖אSiseraN proper · סִיסְרָא (H5516)Genitive of אֵםסִיסְרָא (H5516); identified only as someone's son, as Barak is someone's son — but this mother will have no victory song.
בְּעַ֣דthroughprep · בְּעַד (H1157)Second בְּעַד (parallel looking-place)בְּעַד (H1157).
הָֽאֶשְׁנָ֑בthe latticeart + N com m sg abs · אֶשְׁנָב (H822)Object of the second בְּעַד (with article)אֶשְׁנָב (H822) 'lattice, casement'; only here and Prov 7:6. A finer window-opening than חַלּוֹן.
מַדּ֗וּעַwhyinterrog. · מַדּוּעַ (H4069)Interrogative of her first questionמַדּוּעַ (H4069) 'why'; the mother's first 'why.'
בֹּשֵׁ֤שׁis it ashamed / latePolel perf 3ms · בּוֹשׁ (H954)Predicate verb (Polel of בוש)→ Polel perfective: the chariot 'is delayed / ashamed to come'בּוֹשׁ (H954) 'to be ashamed, delayed'; Polel, 'why does his chariot shame/delay to come?' — lateness as disgrace.
רִכְבּוֹ֙his chariotN com m sg constr + sfx 3ms · רֶכֶב (H7393)Subject of בֹּשֵׁשׁ + 3ms suffixרֶכֶב (H7393) 'chariot, chariotry'; the iron chariotry of 4:3, now overdue.
לָב֔וֹאto comeprep + Qal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive complement of בֹּשֵׁשׁ→ Infinitive construct: the delayed comingבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; what the chariot has not done.
מַדּ֣וּעַwhyinterrog. · מַדּוּעַ (H4069)Second מַדּוּעַמַדּוּעַ (H4069); the second 'why,' now about hoofbeats.
אֶֽחֱר֔וּhave they delayedPiel perf 3cp · אָחַר (H309)Predicate verb (Piel)→ Piel perfective: the hoofbeats are lateאָחַר (H309) 'to delay, tarry'; Piel, of the chariot-steps that do not arrive.
פַּעֲמֵ֖יthe beats ofN com f pl constr · פַּעַם (H6471)Subject (construct)פַּעַם (H6471) 'beat, occurrence, hoofbeat'; the rhythmic steps of the team.
מַרְכְּבוֹתָֽיוhis chariotsN com f pl constr + sfx 3ms · מֶרְכָּבָה (H4818)Genitive + 3ms suffixמֶרְכָּבָה (H4818) 'chariot' (the individual vehicle, vs. רֶכֶב the corps); his chariot-team's steps delay.
29
חַכְמ֥וֹת שָׂרוֹתֶ֖יהָ תַּעֲנֶ֑ינָּה אַף הִ֕יא תָּשִׁ֥יב אֲמָרֶ֖יהָ לָֽהּ
The wisest of her princesses answer her; she too returns her words to herself:
Wise princesses reply; אַף־הִיא she herself returns the words — the mother consoles herself with the expected explanation before v.30 voices it.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
חַכְמ֥וֹתwise ones ofAdj · חָכָם (H2450)Subject (adj. f. pl. construct, substantival)חָכָם (H2450) 'wise'; f. pl. construct, 'the wisest of her princesses.'
שָׂרוֹתֶ֖יהָher princessesN com f pl constr + sfx 3fs · שָׂרָה (H8282)Genitive + 3fs suffixשָׂרָה (H8282) 'princess, noblewoman'; the court-women who answer the mother.
תַּעֲנֶ֑ינָּהanswer herQal impf 3fp · עָנָה (H6030)Predicate verb (3fp)→ Yiqtol: they reply (vivid present of the scene)עָנָה (H6030) 'to answer'; 3fp, the princesses' reply.
אַףevenparticle · אַף (H637)Additive particleאַף (H637) 'even, also'; she too answers — she does not wait only on them.
הִ֕יאshepron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Independent subject (the mother)הוּא (H1931) 3fs הִיא; the mother herself takes up the consolation.
תָּשִׁ֥יבreturnsHiphil impf 3fs · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (Hiphil of שוב)→ Hiphil yiqtol: she turns her own words back to herselfשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil 'restore, reply' — she answers her own question.
אֲמָרֶ֖יהָher wordsN com m pl constr + sfx 3fs · אֵמֶר (H561)Direct object + 3fs suffixאֵמֶר (H561) 'utterance, word'; the words she gives herself.
לָֽהּto herselfprep + sfx 3fsDative prepositional phrase (prep + 3fs)לְ + 3fs: 'to herself' — the consolation is inward, and false.
30
הֲלֹ֨א יִמְצְא֜וּ יְחַלְּק֣וּ שָׁלָ֗ל רַ֤חַם רַחֲמָתַ֨יִם֙ לְרֹ֣אשׁ גֶּ֔בֶר שְׁלַ֤ל צְבָעִים֙ לְסִ֣יסְרָ֔א שְׁלַ֥ל צְבָעִ֖ים רִקְמָ֑ה צֶ֥בַע רִקְמָתַ֖יִם לְצַוְּארֵ֥י שָׁלָֽל
'Are they not finding, dividing spoil? A womb, two wombs for every man; spoil of dyed cloth for Sisera, spoil of dyed cloth, embroidered — dyed embroidery for the necks of the spoil.'
The harshest line in the song: they must be dividing spoil — a womb, two wombs per man, dyed embroidered cloth for Sisera's neck. The mother's hope is the poem's indictment.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
הֲלֹ֨אis it notinterrog. + neg. · לֹא (H3808)Rhetorical interrogative (interrog. + neg.)לֹא (H3808) with interrogative he: הֲלֹא 'surely they are…' — the answer she wants.
יִמְצְא֜וּthey are findingQal impf 3mp · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: they must be finding (spoil)מָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the imagined delay is success, not death.
יְחַלְּק֣וּthey are dividingPiel impf 3mp · חָלַק (H2505)Parallel predicate (Piel)→ Piel yiqtol: they are sharing out spoilחָלַק (H2505) 'to divide, allot'; Piel of dividing plunder.
שָׁלָ֗לspoilN com m sg abs · שָׁלָל (H7998)Object of יִמְצְאוּ / יְחַלְּקוּשָׁלָל (H7998) 'spoil, plunder'; the first of five uses in the verse — the mother's mind is full of it.
רַ֤חַםa wombN com c sg abs · רֶחֶם (H7356)Appositional specification of spoil (one captive woman)רֶחֶם (H7356) 'womb'; metonymy for a woman taken as spoil. The song's most brutal line, put in a mother's mouth.
רַחֲמָתַ֨יִם֙two wombsN com f du abs · רַחֲמָה (H7361)Dual of the same, 'a woman or two'רַחֲמָה (H7361) 'womb, damsel' (dual); רַחַם רַחֲמָתַיִם 'a womb, two wombs' — one or two women per man.
לְרֹ֣אשׁfor the head ofprep + N com m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Distributive prepositional phrase (construct)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; לְרֹאשׁ גֶּבֶר 'to each man / per head of a warrior.'
גֶּ֔בֶרa manN com m sg abs · גֶּבֶר (H1397)Genitive of רֹאשׁגֶּבֶר (H1397) 'man, warrior'; the fighter as recipient of human spoil.
שְׁלַ֤לspoil ofN com m sg constr · שָׁלָל (H7998)Construct, resuming שָׁלָלשָׁלָל (H7998) again; now the cloth.
צְבָעִים֙dyed stuffsN com m pl abs · צֶבַע (H6648)Genitive of שְׁלַלצֶבַע (H6648) 'dye, dyed fabric'; colored cloth as luxury plunder.
לְסִ֣יסְרָ֔אfor Siseraprep + N proper · סִיסְרָא (H5516)Dative prepositional phraseסִיסְרָא (H5516); the mother assigns the best cloth to her son, who is already dead.
שְׁלַ֥לspoil ofN com m sg constr · שָׁלָל (H7998)Third שְׁלַל (insistence)שָׁלָל (H7998).
צְבָעִ֖יםdyed stuffsN com m pl abs · צֶבַע (H6648)Repeated genitiveצֶבַע (H6648) again.
רִקְמָ֑הembroideryN com f sg abs · רִקְמָה (H7553)Further specification of the clothרִקְמָה (H7553) 'embroidery, varicolored needlework'; luxury on luxury.
צֶ֥בַעdyed stuff ofN com m sg constr · צֶבַע (H6648)Construct, 'a dyed piece of embroidery'צֶבַע (H6648) construct this time: 'dye of embroideries.'
רִקְמָתַ֖יִםtwo embroideriesN com f du abs · רִקְמָה (H7553)Dual of רִקְמָהרִקְמָה (H7553) dual: 'a pair of embroidered pieces,' matching the dual 'two wombs.'
לְצַוְּארֵ֥יfor the necks ofprep + N com m pl constr · צַוָּאר (H6677)Dative prepositional phrase (construct)צַוָּאר (H6677) 'neck'; the cloth is for wearing — 'for the necks of spoil' (the captives, or the spoilers).
שָׁלָֽלspoilN com m sg abs · שָׁלָל (H7998)Genitive of צַוָּארֵי; last of five שָׁלָלשָׁלָל (H7998); the verse ends on 'spoil,' the word the mother cannot see past.
31
כֵּ֠ן יֹאבְד֤וּ כָל אוֹיְבֶ֨יךָ֙ יְהוָ֔ה וְאֹ֣הֲבָ֔יו כְּצֵ֥את הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ בִּגְבֻרָת֑וֹ וַתִּשְׁקֹ֥ט הָאָ֖רֶץ אַרְבָּעִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה
So may all your enemies perish, YHWH; and may those who love him be like the going forth of the sun in its might. And the land was quiet forty years.
The song's last couplet: so perish your enemies, YHWH; those who love him like the sun going forth in might. A narrative coda then closes the cycle: the land was quiet forty years.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כֵּ֠ןsoadv. · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of correspondence (the song's 'amen')כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; as Sisera perished, so may all YHWH's enemies.
יֹאבְד֤וּmay they perishQal impf 3mp · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb (jussive)→ Yiqtol/jussive: imprecation on YHWH's enemiesאָבַד (H6) 'to perish'; 3mp jussive, the song's closing petition.
כָלallN com m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; no enemy excepted.
אוֹיְבֶ֨יךָ֙your enemiesQal ptc mp + sfx 2ms · אֹיֵב (H341)Subject (ptc. construct + 2ms suffix)→ Participle: those who are hostile to youאֹיֵב (H341) 'enemy'; Qal ptc. construct + 2ms, addressed to YHWH.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Vocative (the one addressed)יְהוָה (H3068); the last vocative of the song.
וְאֹ֣הֲבָ֔יוand those who love himconj וְ + Qal ptc mp + sfx 3ms · אָהַב (H157)Coordinated substantival ptc. + 3ms suffix→ Participle: those who love him (YHWH)אָהַב (H157) 'to love'; Qal ptc. construct + 3ms. The contrast-line: enemies perish, lovers shine.
כְּצֵ֥אתlike the going forth ofprep + Qal inf constr · יָצָא (H3318)Comparative prepositional phrase (prep + inf. constr.)→ Infinitive construct: the sun's going-forth as simileיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; כְּצֵאת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ 'like the sun's going forth.'
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁthe sunart + N com c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Subject of the infinitive (with article)שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; the lovers of YHWH are like sunrise in its strength — the theophanic light of vv.4–5 now a simile for the faithful.
בִּגְבֻרָת֑וֹin its mightprep + N com f sg constr + sfx 3ms · גְּבוּרָה (H1369)Adverbial prepositional phrase + 3ms suffixגְּבוּרָה (H1369) 'might, power'; the sun's גבורה, and the warriors' (vv.13, 23) now a figure of covenant love.
וַתִּשְׁקֹ֥טand it was quietconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · שָׁקַט (H8252)Narrative coda: feminine wayyiqtol→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative close of the cycleשָׁקַט (H8252) 'to be quiet, have rest'; the cycle-formula of 3:11, 30, now after the song.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N com c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of וַתִּשְׁקֹט (with article)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land of Israel, quiet after Kishon.
אַרְבָּעִ֥יםfortyAdj c · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral of the rest-periodאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; the conventional full generation of rest (3:11).
שָׁנָֽהyearsN com f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Unit of the numeralשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; forty years close both song and cycle.