1
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה אַחֲרֵ֣י מ֔וֹת שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן בְּקָרְבָתָ֥ם לִפְנֵי יְהוָ֖ה וַיָּמֻֽתוּ
And YHWH spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron's two sons, when they drew near before YHWH and died.
Opens the chapter with the standard prophetic-narrative formula, but the temporal clause 'after the death of Aaron's two sons' anchors the entire Day of Atonement legislation to the disaster of ch. 10 — unauthorized approach to YHWH's presence killed Nadab and Abihu; ch. 16 answers with the one authorized mode of entry.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤רand he spokePiel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol of narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; the Piel is the normal stem for formal divine speech-acts.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶל (indirect object)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's mediator and lawgiver.
אַחֲרֵ֣יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)אַחַר/אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'.
מ֔וֹתthe death ofN m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of אַחֲרֵי (construct head)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; here the death of Nadab and Abihu (10:1-2).
שְׁנֵ֖יtwo ofnumeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct (quantifies בְּנֵי)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two', dual construct שְׁנֵי.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of construct chain (defines שְׁנֵי)בֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct בְּנֵי.
אַהֲרֹ֑ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive completing the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, first high priest.
בְּקָרְבָתָ֥םwhen they drew nearprep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp3mp · קָרַב (H7126)Temporal infinitival clause (subordinate, pronominal subject)→ Infinitive construct: circumstantial/temporal background to the main narrativeקָרַב (H7126) Qal 'to draw near, approach'; the unauthorized offering of 10:1.
לִפְנֵיbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (compound preposition)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
וַיָּמֻֽתוּand they diedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, resumes main narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the fatal outcomeמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'.
2
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה דַּבֵּר֮ אֶל אַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִיךָ֒ וְאַל יָבֹ֤א בְכָל עֵת֙ אֶל הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ מִבֵּ֖ית לַפָּרֹ֑כֶת אֶל פְּנֵ֨י הַכַּפֹּ֜רֶת אֲשֶׁ֤ר עַל הָאָרֹן֙ וְלֹ֣א יָמ֔וּת כִּ֚י בֶּֽעָנָ֔ן אֵרָאֶ֖ה עַל הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת
And YHWH said to Moses, 'Speak to Aaron your brother, that he not come at just any time into the holy place inside the veil, in front of the mercy seat that is on the ark, or he will die — for I appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.'
YHWH's own voice supplies the positive counterpart to the narrative frame of v.1: unrestricted access killed; this verse legislates the restriction. The causal clause כִּי בֶעָנָן אֵרָאֶה עַל הַכַּפֹּרֶת explains the danger theologically — the deity is truly present at the כַּפֹּרֶת, veiled in cloud, and unauthorized approach is what proved fatal to Nadab and Abihu.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; introduces direct discourse.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addressee
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's mediator and lawgiver.
דַּבֵּר֮speak!Piel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause of the quoted speech)→ Volitional: direct imperative commandדָּבַר (H1696) Piel imperative 'speak'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addressee
אַהֲרֹ֣ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition (addressee)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, addressed here directly as the one who must obey this warning.
אָחִיךָ֒your brotherN m sg constr/Sp2ms · אָח (H251)Apposition to אַהֲרֹןאָח (H251) 'brother'; Moses addressed as Aaron's sibling, underscoring the personal stakes of the warning.
וְאַלand not / lestconj וְ + neg particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle introducing a prohibition (jussive negation)אַל (H408), negative particle used with the jussive, forbidding a specific act (distinct from indicative לֹא).
יָבֹ֤אhe come/enterQal jussive 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (jussive, prohibition)→ Jussive: volitional — a specific act forbiddenבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, enter'.
בְכָלat anyprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial/temporal modifier (quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; בְכָל עֵת idiomatic 'at just any time, whenever he pleases'.
עֵת֙timeN c sg abs · עֵת (H6256)Object of preposition (completing the idiom)עֵת (H6256) 'time, occasion'; contrast the appointed time of this very chapter (v.29).
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁthe holy placeart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Object of preposition (destination)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) here technical for the innermost sanctum, the Holy of Holies (cf. v.3).
מִבֵּ֖יתfrom insideprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase further specifying locationבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; מִבֵּית לְ is a compound preposition 'inside, within'.
לַפָּרֹ֑כֶתthe veilprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Object of preposition (completing מִבֵּית ל)פָּרֹכֶת (H6532), the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Exod 26:31-33).
אֶלin front ofprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (locative)
פְּנֵ֨יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of preposition (construct head)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; אֶל פְּנֵי = 'in front of, facing'.
הַכַּפֹּ֜רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Genitive completing construct chainכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the gold slab atop the ark, from כפר 'to cover/atone'; traditionally 'mercy seat', the locus of YHWH's enthroned presence and of the chapter's central atoning act (vv.14-15) — see text_note.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause modifying הַכַּפֹּרֶתאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
עַלis onprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate of the relative clause (locative)
הָאָרֹן֙the arkart + N c sg abs · אָרוֹן (H727)Object of preposition (relative clause)אָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; the ark of the covenant/testimony (cf. v.13's הָעֵדוּת).
וְלֹ֣אor notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (indicative), coordinated result clauseלֹא (H3808), standard indicative negative, marking the fatal consequence.
יָמ֔וּתhe will dieQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/consequential — the certain outcome of transgressingמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clauseכִּי (H3588) causal 'for, because', explaining the danger just stated.
בֶּֽעָנָ֔ןin the cloudprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/means)עָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; YHWH's self-veiling glory-cloud (cf. Exod 40:34-38).
אֵרָאֶ֖הI appearNiphal impf 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, YHWH speaking)→ Niphal yiqtol: passive/reflexive, durative divine self-manifestationרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen'; frames YHWH's presence as self-disclosure, not human perception.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
הַכַּפֹּֽרֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Locative complement of אֵרָאֶהכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the atonement-cover/mercy seat, from כִּפֶּר 'to cover, atone' — the site of YHWH's cloud-veiled presence (see text_note).
3
בְּזֹ֛את יָבֹ֥א אַהֲרֹ֖ן אֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ בְּפַ֧ר בֶּן בָּקָ֛ר לְחַטָּ֖את וְאַ֥יִל לְעֹלָֽה
With this Aaron shall come into the holy place: with a bull, a son of the herd, for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
Having forbidden unrestricted access, the text pivots immediately to the one procedure that does grant it. בְּזֹאת ('with this/by these means') is emphatic and cataphoric, signalling that a detailed ritual will follow through v.28.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
בְּזֹ֛אתwith thisprep בְּ + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Adverbial prepositional phrase, fronted (cataphoric)זֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative 'this'; cataphoric — points forward to the ritual detailed in what follows.
יָבֹ֥אshall comeQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — legal requirementבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, enter'; the sole authorized mode of entry answering v.2's prohibition.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁthe holy placeart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Locative complementקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; here the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctum.
בְּפַ֧רwith a bullprep בְּ + N m sg abs · פַּר (H6499)Adverbial prepositional phrase (instrument/accompaniment)פַּר (H6499) 'bull, young ox'; Aaron's own sin offering (cf. v.6).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head modifying פַּר (age expression)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בֶּן־בָּקָר idiomatically specifies the animal's kind, 'of the herd'.
בָּקָ֛רthe herdN c sg abs · בָּקָר (H1241)Genitive completing construct (kind classifier)בָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'.
לְחַטָּ֖אתfor a sin offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Purpose prepositional phraseחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering' (also 'sin'), from חטא 'to miss the mark'; the noun and its purificatory sacrifice share one form.
וְאַ֥יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Coordinate adverbial (instrument), second animalאַיִל (H352) 'ram'.
לְעֹלָֽהfor a burnt offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Purpose prepositional phraseעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', wholly consumed on the altar (cf. ch. 1).
4
כְּתֹֽנֶת בַּ֨ד קֹ֜דֶשׁ יִלְבָּ֗שׁ וּמִֽכְנְסֵי בַד֮ יִהְי֣וּ עַל בְּשָׂרוֹ֒ וּבְאַבְנֵ֥ט בַּד֙ יַחְגֹּ֔ר וּבְמִצְנֶ֥פֶת בַּ֖ד יִצְנֹ֑ף בִּגְדֵי קֹ֣דֶשׁ הֵ֔ם וְרָחַ֥ץ בַּמַּ֛יִם אֶת בְּשָׂר֖וֹ וּלְבֵשָֽׁם
He shall put on a holy linen tunic, and linen breeches shall be on his body, and he shall gird himself with a linen sash, and wrap himself with a linen turban — these are holy garments — and he shall bathe his body in water and put them on.
The high priest's ordinary golden vestments (Exod 28) are set aside; on this one day he wears only plain linen, the garb of a servant rather than of glory — a deliberate humbling that matches the day's demand for self-affliction (v.29).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
כְּתֹֽנֶתtunic ofN f sg constr · כֻּתֹּנֶת (H3801)Direct object (construct head)כֻּתֹּנֶת (H3801) 'tunic, coat'; the base priestly garment (cf. Exod 28:39-40).
בַּ֨דlinenN m sg constr · בַּד (H906)Genitive completing construct (material)בַּד (H906) 'linen'; the plain undyed material of the high priest's Day-of-Atonement dress, deliberately unlike his usual gold-and-color vestments.
קֹ֜דֶשׁholyN m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Attributive genitive (second modifier in chain)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; used attributively, 'a holy linen tunic' — sanctity marked by simplicity on this day.
יִלְבָּ֗שׁhe shall wearQal impf 3ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveלָבַשׁ (H3847) Qal 'to wear, clothe oneself'.
וּמִֽכְנְסֵיand breeches ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · מִכְנָסַיִם (H4370)Coordinate subject (construct head)מִכְנָסַיִם (H4370) 'breeches, trousers', dual noun; worn beneath the tunic (cf. Exod 28:42).
בַד֮linenN m sg abs · בַּד (H906)Genitive (material)בַּד (H906) 'linen'; the plain, undyed material of the Day-of-Atonement vestments.
יִהְי֣וּshall beQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
בְּשָׂרוֹ֒his bodyN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Locative complementבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'.
וּבְאַבְנֵ֥טand with a sash ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · אַבְנֵט (H73)Coordinate adverbial (instrument)אַבְנֵט (H73) 'sash, girdle'.
בַּד֙linenN m sg abs · בַּד (H906)Genitive (material)בַּד (H906) 'linen'; the plain, undyed material of the Day-of-Atonement vestments.
יַחְגֹּ֔רhe shall girdQal impf 3ms · חָגַר (H2296)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveחָגַר (H2296) Qal 'to gird, bind on'.
וּבְמִצְנֶ֥פֶתand with a turban ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N f sg constr · מִצְנֶפֶת (H4701)Coordinate adverbial (instrument)מִצְנֶפֶת (H4701) 'turban', from צנף 'to wind, wrap'.
בַּ֖דlinenN m sg abs · בַּד (H906)Genitive (material)בַּד (H906) 'linen'; the plain, undyed material of the Day-of-Atonement vestments.
יִצְנֹ֑ףhe shall wrapQal impf 3ms · צָנַף (H6801)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveצָנַף (H6801) Qal 'to wind, wrap around' (denominative of מִצְנֶפֶת).
בִּגְדֵיgarments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Predicate nominative (construct head, summary clause)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'.
קֹ֣דֶשׁholinessN m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive completing construct ('holy garments')קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; used attributively — these garments belong to the holy sphere alone.
הֵ֔םthey (are)pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject/quasi-copula of the verbless summary clauseהֵם (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun, resumptive subject closing the vestment list.
וְרָחַ֥ץand he shall batheconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (weqatal, resumes prescriptive sequence)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuation of the ritual sequenceרָחַץ (H7364) Qal 'to wash, bathe'.
בַּמַּ֛יִםin the waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Locative/instrumental complementמַיִם (H4325) 'water'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּשָׂר֖וֹhis bodyN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'.
וּלְבֵשָֽׁםand he shall put them onconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms/Sp3mp · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (weqatal, with pronominal object)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָבַשׁ (H3847) Qal 'to wear'; 3mp suffix 'them' refers back to the linen garments.
5
וּמֵאֵ֗ת עֲדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יִקַּ֛ח שְׁנֵֽי שְׂעִירֵ֥י עִזִּ֖ים לְחַטָּ֑את וְאַ֥יִל אֶחָ֖ד לְעֹלָֽה
And from the congregation of the sons of Israel he shall take two goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
The people's contribution is now specified alongside Aaron's own (v.3): two goats for the community's sin offering (whose disposition, by lot, occupies vv. 8-10) and a ram for their burnt offering (v.24).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וּמֵאֵ֗תand fromconj וְ + compound prep · מֵאֵת (H853)Prepositional phrase (source of the offering), frontedמֵאֵת, compound of מִן ('from') + אֵת (here not the accusative particle but a preposition 'with'); the idiom marks source: 'from with' = simply 'from'.
עֲדַת֙the congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive, object of preposition (construct head)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive continuing construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct בְּנֵי 'sons of'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here the corporate source of the people's atonement offerings.
יִקַּ֛חhe shall takeQal impf 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'.
שְׁנֵֽיtwo ofnumeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in constructשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two', dual construct שְׁנֵי.
שְׂעִירֵ֥יgoats ofN m pl constr · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Genitive completing numeral constructשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; the two animals central to the chapter's ritual (vv. 7-10, 15, 20-22).
עִזִּ֖יםgoats (kind)N f pl abs · עֵז (H5795)Genitive classifier (species)עֵז (H5795) 'goat' (the species); שְׂעִירֵי עִזִּים = 'male goats of the goat-kind'.
לְחַטָּ֑אתfor a sin offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Purpose prepositional phraseחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering'; purpose-marked with לְ.
וְאַ֥יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Coordinate direct objectאַיִל (H352) 'ram'.
אֶחָ֖דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral (modifies אַיִל)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'.
לְעֹלָֽהfor a burnt offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Purpose prepositional phraseעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', wholly consumed on the altar.
6
וְהִקְרִ֧יב אַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת פַּ֥ר הַחַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר ל֑וֹ וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֥ד בֵּיתֽוֹ
And Aaron shall present the bull of the sin offering that is his, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house.
כִּפֶּר here governs a person (Aaron himself and his household) — the verb's range will expand across the chapter to cover the priesthood, the people, and finally the sanctuary and its furniture (vv. 16, 18, 33), showing that 'atonement' in this chapter is not narrowly personal.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְהִקְרִ֧יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, main sequence)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present (an offering)'; the technical verb for presenting a sacrifice.
אַהֲרֹ֛ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
פַּ֥רthe bull ofN m sg constr · פַּר (H6499)Direct object (construct head)פַּר (H6499) 'bull, young ox'; Aaron's own sin-offering animal (v.3, 6).
הַחַטָּ֖אתthe sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing relative clause
ל֑וֹis hisprep לְ + Sp3msPredicate of relative clause (possessive prepositional phrase)לְ + 3ms suffix, possessive 'belonging to him'; specifies this bull as Aaron's own, distinct from the people's animals.
וְכִפֶּ֥רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal, main sequence)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuation — the chapter's key verbכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, make atonement, purge'; the chapter's leading verb (16x), whose object-range spans persons, priesthood, and sanctuary furniture alike (see text_note).
בַּעֲד֖וֹfor himselfprep בְּעַד + Sp3ms · בְּעַד (H1157)Prepositional phrase (benefactive, direct object of atonement)בְּעַד (H1157) 'on behalf of, for'; here reflexive — Aaron atones first for himself before he can mediate for others.
וּבְעַ֥דand forconj וְ + prep · בְּעַד (H1157)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (benefactive)
בֵּיתֽוֹhis houseN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of preposition וּבְעַדבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; here 'household, family' — Aaron's atonement covers his own kin before the nation's.
7
וְלָקַ֖ח אֶת שְׁנֵ֣י הַשְּׂעִירִ֑ם וְהֶעֱמִ֤יד אֹתָם֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
And he shall take the two goats and set them before YHWH at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Both goats are first presented together at the entrance before the lot decides their separate fates in v.8 — the community sees a single undifferentiated pair become two utterly different destinies by divine assignment, not human choice.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְלָקַ֖חand he shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
שְׁנֵ֣יthe two ofnumeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct (direct object head)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two', dual construct שְׁנֵי.
הַשְּׂעִירִ֑םthe goatsart + N m pl abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Genitive completing constructשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; one of the chapter's two ritually paired goats (see v.5, 7-10).
וְהֶעֱמִ֤ידand he shall setconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationעָמַד (H5975) Hiphil 'to cause to stand, set, station'.
אֹתָם֙themobj marker/Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object (resumptive pronoun)
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Locative apposition (construct head)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'entrance, opening, doorway'.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive completing constructאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'.
מוֹעֵֽדmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing construct chain ('tent of meeting')מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
8
וְנָתַ֧ן אַהֲרֹ֛ן עַל שְׁנֵ֥י הַשְּׂעִירִ֖ם גּוֹרָל֑וֹת גּוֹרָ֤ל אֶחָד֙ לַיהוָ֔ה וְגוֹרָ֥ל אֶחָ֖ד לַעֲזָאזֵֽל
And Aaron shall cast lots over the two goats, one lot for YHWH and one lot for Azazel.
The two identical goats receive opposite destinies by lot: one 'for YHWH' becomes the people's sin offering (v.9), the other 'for Azazel' bears their iniquities into the wilderness (vv. 10, 20-22). The parallelism לַיהוָה // לַעֲזָאזֵל is the chapter's most theologically loaded juxtaposition and its most debated term.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְנָתַ֧ןand he shall castconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give, put, place'; idiomatic with גּוֹרָלוֹת, 'cast lots'.
אַהֲרֹ֛ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase
שְׁנֵ֥יthe two ofnumeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct (object of preposition)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two', dual construct שְׁנֵי.
הַשְּׂעִירִ֖םthe goatsart + N m pl abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Genitive completing constructשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; one of the chapter's two ritually paired goats (see v.5, 7-10).
גּוֹרָל֑וֹתlotsN m pl abs · גּוֹרָל (H1486)Direct objectגּוֹרָל (H1486) 'lot'; casting lots removes the choice of which goat dies and which is released from human hands entirely.
גּוֹרָ֤לone lotN m sg abs · גּוֹרָל (H1486)Appositional subject (resumptive, specifies the first lot)גּוֹרָל (H1486) 'lot'; here specifying the first of the two lots cast.
אֶחָד֙onenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral (modifies גּוֹרָל)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'.
לַיהוָ֔הfor YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate/purpose complement (dative of destination)יְהוָה (H3068) with ל, marking destination/assignment: this lot designates the goat that becomes YHWH's own sacrifice (v.9).
וְגוֹרָ֥לand one lotconj וְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹרָל (H1486)Coordinate appositional subjectגּוֹרָל (H1486) 'lot'; the second, paired lot.
אֶחָ֖דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeralאֶחָד (H259) 'one'.
לַעֲזָאזֵֽלfor Azazelprep לְ + N proper · עֲזָאזֵל (H5799)Predicate/purpose complement (dative of destination)עֲזָאזֵל (H5799) — a genuine crux: a proper name for a wilderness demon/power, a place-name ('rocky precipice'), or an abstract 'goat that departs' (עֵז + אָזַל, source of 'scapegoat'). The text never explains the term; see text_note.
9
וְהִקְרִ֤יב אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת הַשָּׂעִ֔יר אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָלָ֥ה עָלָ֛יו הַגּוֹרָ֖ל לַיהוָ֑ה וְעָשָׂ֖הוּ חַטָּֽאת
And Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot for YHWH fell, and shall offer it as a sin offering.
This verse settles the fate of the first goat, whose blood-rite is detailed in vv. 15-19; its counterpart, the Azazel-goat, is addressed immediately in v.10 before the narrative returns to complete the first goat's procedure.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְהִקְרִ֤יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to present (an offering)'.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַשָּׂעִ֔ירthe goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Direct objectשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; the goat under discussion in this verse's rite.
אֲשֶׁ֨רon whichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing relative clause
עָלָ֥הfellQal perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive determinationעָלָה (H5927) Qal 'to go up'; idiomatic with גּוֹרָל, 'the lot fell/came up' — i.e., was assigned.
עָלָ֛יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement of עָלָה (relative clause)
הַגּוֹרָ֖לthe lotart + N m sg abs · גּוֹרָל (H1486)Subject of עָלָה (relative clause)גּוֹרָל (H1486) 'lot'; the lot itself, personified as 'falling' though cast by human hand.
לַיהוָ֑הfor YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Attributive complement specifying which lotיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the lot 'for YHWH' designates this goat as his own sacrifice.
וְעָשָׂ֖הוּand he shall offer itconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms/Sp3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (weqatal, with pronominal object)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make'; here 'offer, sacrifice' with the goat as object.
חַטָּֽאתas a sin offeringN f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Predicate accusative (complement of עָשָׂה, result)חַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering'; the accusative of result names what the goat becomes through the rite.
10
וְהַשָּׂעִ֗יר אֲשֶׁר֩ עָלָ֨ה עָלָ֤יו הַגּוֹרָל֙ לַעֲזָאזֵ֔ל יָֽעֳמַד חַ֛י לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לְכַפֵּ֣ר עָלָ֑יו לְשַׁלַּ֥ח אֹת֛וֹ לַעֲזָאזֵ֖ל הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה
But the goat on which the lot for Azazel fell shall be stood alive before YHWH, to make atonement upon it, to send it away to Azazel into the wilderness.
This verse only announces the second goat's role; the actual confession and dispatch is deferred to vv. 20-22, after Aaron completes the blood rites for himself, the people, and the sanctuary. The delay is structurally significant — atonement by blood must precede the transfer and removal of sin.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְהַשָּׂעִ֗ירbut the goatconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Fronted subject (casus pendens, contrastive with v.9)The article marks the goat already introduced; the fronting sets up a deliberate contrast with the first goat's fate.
אֲשֶׁר֩on whichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
עָלָ֨הfellQal perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive determinationעָלָה (H5927) Qal 'to go up'; idiomatic with גּוֹרָל, 'the lot fell/came up' — i.e., was assigned.
עָלָ֤יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement
הַגּוֹרָל֙the lotart + N m sg abs · גּוֹרָל (H1486)Subject of relative clauseגּוֹרָל (H1486) 'lot'.
לַעֲזָאזֵ֔לfor Azazelprep לְ + N proper · עֲזָאזֵל (H5799)Attributive complement specifying which lotעֲזָאזֵל (H5799); see the crux discussion at v.8.
יָֽעֳמַדshall be stoodHophal impf 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Hophal yiqtol: passive prescriptive — the goat is the undergoer, not agentעָמַד (H5975) Hophal 'to be made to stand, be presented'; passive counterpart to הֶעֱמִיד in v.7.
חַ֛יaliveadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective (describes the goat's state)חַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; this goat is dispatched living, unlike its counterpart.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
לְכַפֵּ֣רto make atonementprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the goal of presenting it aliveכָּפַר (H3722) Piel infinitive construct; here the live goat itself, not blood, becomes the atoning instrument.
עָלָ֑יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Complement of לְכַפֵּר
לְשַׁלַּ֥חto send awayprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Purpose infinitival clause (coordinate purpose)→ Infinitive construct: purposeשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel infinitive construct 'to send away, release'; the technical verb of the scapegoat's dispatch.
אֹת֛וֹitobj marker/Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of לְשַׁלַּח
לַעֲזָאזֵ֖לto Azazelprep לְ + N proper · עֲזָאזֵל (H5799)Destination complementעֲזָאזֵל (H5799); see the crux discussion at v.8 (demon-name, place-name, or 'goat that departs').
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָהinto the wildernessart + N m sg abs + directional ה · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative complement (directional he)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness', with directional suffix; the uninhabited realm outside ordered space, the fitting destination for exiled iniquity.
11
וְהִקְרִ֨יב אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת פַּ֤ר הַֽחַטָּאת֙ אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּֽעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֣ד בֵּית֑וֹ וְשָׁחַ֛ט אֶת פַּ֥ר הַֽחַטָּ֖את אֲשֶׁר לֽוֹ
And Aaron shall present the bull of the sin offering that is his, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house, and shall slaughter the bull of the sin offering that is his.
The chapter's technique of resumptive repetition (Wiederaufnahme) picks the bull-rite back up after the goat-lot digression (vv. 7-10), restating v.6 verbatim before advancing with the actual slaughter — v.6 announced the intention, v.11 executes it.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְהִקְרִ֨יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, main sequence)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to present (an offering)'.
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
פַּ֤רthe bull ofN m sg constr · פַּר (H6499)Direct object (construct head)פַּר (H6499) 'bull, young ox'; Aaron's own sin-offering animal (v.3, 6).
הַֽחַטָּאת֙the sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing relative clause
ל֔וֹis hisprep לְ + Sp3msPredicate of relative clause (possessive)
וְכִפֶּ֥רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal, main sequence)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'.
בַּֽעֲד֖וֹfor himselfprep בְּעַד + Sp3ms · בְּעַד (H1157)Prepositional phrase (benefactive)
וּבְעַ֣דand forconj וְ + prep · בְּעַד (H1157)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (benefactive)
בֵּית֑וֹhis houseN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; here 'household, family'.
וְשָׁחַ֛טand he shall slaughterconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb (weqatal, main sequence)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationשָׁחַט (H7819) Qal 'to slaughter (ritually)'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
פַּ֥רthe bull ofN m sg constr · פַּר (H6499)Direct object (construct head)פַּר (H6499) 'bull, young ox'; Aaron's own sin-offering animal (v.3, 6).
הַֽחַטָּ֖אתthe sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
לֽוֹis hisprep לְ + Sp3msPredicate of relative clause (possessive)
12
וְלָקַ֣ח מְלֹֽא הַ֠מַּחְתָּה גַּֽחֲלֵי אֵ֞שׁ מֵעַ֤ל הַמִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וּמְלֹ֣א חָפְנָ֔יו קְטֹ֥רֶת סַמִּ֖ים דַּקָּ֑ה וְהֵבִ֖יא מִבֵּ֥ית לַפָּרֹֽכֶת
And he shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before YHWH, and his two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring it inside the veil.
The censer and incense are prepared before Aaron ever crosses the veil — the smoke screen of v.13 must already be forming as he enters, so that he does not see the כַּפֹּרֶת unveiled and die (v.13b).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְלָקַ֣חand he shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'.
מְלֹֽאa fill ofN m sg constr · מְלֹא (H4393)Direct object (construct head, quantifier)מְלֹא (H4393) 'fullness, that which fills'.
הַ֠מַּחְתָּהthe censerart + N f sg abs · מַחְתָּה (H4289)Genitive completing constructמַחְתָּה (H4289) 'firepan, censer'; the very implement whose misuse killed Nadab and Abihu (10:1) — its proper use here is deliberate and pointed.
גַּֽחֲלֵיcoals ofN c pl constr · גַּחֶלֶת (H1513)Apposition/second genitive specifying contentsגַּחֶלֶת (H1513) 'coal, ember'.
אֵ֞שׁfireN c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Genitive completing constructאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'.
מֵעַ֤לfrom uponcompound prep · מֵעַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (source)Compound מִן + עַל, 'from off, from upon'.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙the altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition (source)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; here the outer bronze altar of burnt offering.
מִלִּפְנֵ֣יfrom beforecompound prep + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase further specifying locationCompound מִן + לִפְנֵי, 'from before'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
וּמְלֹ֣אand a fill ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · מְלֹא (H4393)Coordinate direct object (construct head)מְלֹא (H4393) 'fullness, that which fills'; here 'a double handful of'.
חָפְנָ֔יוhis two handsN m dual constr/Sp3ms · חֹפֶן (H2651)Genitive completing constructחֹפֶן (H2651) 'hollow of the hand, handful', dual + 3ms suffix — both cupped hands.
קְטֹ֥רֶתincense ofN f sg constr · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Apposition specifying contentsקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense', from קטר 'to burn, send up smoke'.
סַמִּ֖יםspicesN m pl abs · סַם (H5561)Genitive (material composition)סַם (H5561) 'spice, aromatic'; the specially compounded sacred incense of Exod 30:34-38, restricted to this use.
דַּקָּ֑הfinely groundadj f sg abs · דַּק (H1851)Attributive adjective (modifies קְטֹרֶת)דַּק (H1851) 'fine, thin'; the incense is pulverized so it will smoke instantly and heavily (v.13).
וְהֵבִ֖יאand he shall bringconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come'.
מִבֵּ֥יתinsideprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; מִבֵּית לְ compound preposition 'inside, within'.
לַפָּרֹֽכֶתthe veilprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Object of prepositionפָּרֹכֶת (H6532), the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Exod 26:31-33).
13
וְנָתַ֧ן אֶֽת הַקְּטֹ֛רֶת עַל הָאֵ֖שׁ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְכִסָּ֣ה עֲנַ֣ן הַקְּטֹ֗רֶת אֶת הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הָעֵד֖וּת וְלֹ֥א יָמֽוּת
And he shall put the incense on the fire before YHWH, so that the cloud of incense covers the mercy seat that is on the testimony, lest he die.
This verse makes explicit what v.2 only threatened: the smoke's practical function is protective, veiling the כַּפֹּרֶת from Aaron's direct sight so that the danger of unmediated vision (cf. Exod 33:20) is averted.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְנָתַ֧ןand he shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give, put'.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַקְּטֹ֛רֶתthe incenseart + N f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Direct objectקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense', from קטר 'to burn, send up smoke'; the specially compounded sacred incense of Exod 30:34-38.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
הָאֵ֖שׁthe fireart + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Locative complementאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the coals taken from the outer altar (v.12).
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
וְכִסָּ֣הso that it coversconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb (weqatal expressing purpose/result)→ Weqatal: purpose/result — the smoke's function is to screen the כַּפֹּרֶתכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover'.
עֲנַ֣ןthe cloud ofN m sg constr · עָנָן (H6051)Subject (construct head)עָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; here of incense smoke, deliberately echoing YHWH's own theophanic cloud (v.2).
הַקְּטֹ֗רֶתthe incenseart + N f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Genitive completing constructקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Direct objectכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the atonement-cover/mercy seat, from כִּפֶּר 'to cover, atone'; here the object screened from view by the incense cloud.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
עַלis onprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate of relative clause (locative)
הָעֵד֖וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Object of preposition (relative clause)עֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; the tablets/ark so named because they testify to the covenant (Exod 25:16, 21) — identifying הָאָרֹן of v.2 with this same chest.
וְלֹ֥אlest notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle introducing a negative purpose clause
יָמֽוּתhe dieQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (negative purpose clause)→ Yiqtol: modal — purpose/result, averting the danger of v.2מוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'.
14
וְלָקַח֙ מִדַּ֣ם הַפָּ֔ר וְהִזָּ֧ה בְאֶצְבָּע֛וֹ עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶת קֵ֑דְמָה וְלִפְנֵ֣י הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת יַזֶּ֧ה שֶֽׁבַע פְּעָמִ֛ים מִן הַדָּ֖ם בְּאֶצְבָּעֽוֹ
And he shall take some of the bull's blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle the blood with his finger seven times.
Two distinct applications: once directly on the כַּפֹּרֶת's front (the single most sacred point of contact with YHWH's presence), then seven times in the space before it — a graduated movement from the point of contact outward, the ritual heart of Aaron's own atonement.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְלָקַח֙and he shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'.
מִדַּ֣םsome of the blood ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Partitive prepositional phrase (direct object)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; מִן here partitive, 'some of'.
הַפָּ֔רthe bullart + N m sg abs · פַּר (H6499)Genitive completing constructפַּר (H6499) 'bull'; the animal whose blood is applied at the mercy seat and altar (vv.14-15, 18).
וְהִזָּ֧הand he shall sprinkleconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נָזָה (H5137)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָזָה (H5137) Hiphil 'to sprinkle, spatter'; the technical verb of blood application by flicking with the finger, distinct from זָרַק ('dash', ch. 1,7) and נָתַן ('daub', ch. 4).
בְאֶצְבָּע֛וֹwith his fingerprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp3ms · אֶצְבַּע (H676)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֶצְבַּע (H676) 'finger'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
פְּנֵ֥יthe front ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative complement (construct head)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; here 'the front (surface)' of the mercy seat.
הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Genitive completing constructכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the atonement-cover/mercy seat, from כִּפֶּר 'to cover, atone'.
קֵ֑דְמָהeastwardN m sg abs + directional ה · קֶדֶם (H6924)Directional adverbial (locative)קֶדֶם (H6924) 'east, front', with directional suffix — the side facing the entrance.
וְלִפְנֵ֣יand beforeconj וְ + prep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (fronted, second application)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before' — the second, sevenfold application in the space before the mercy seat.
הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Object of prepositionכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the atonement-cover/mercy seat, from כִּפֶּר 'to cover, atone'.
יַזֶּ֧הhe shall sprinkleHiphil impf 3ms · נָזָה (H5137)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the second, repeated applicationנָזָה (H5137) Hiphil imperfect.
שֶֽׁבַעsevennumeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (adverbial accusative of frequency)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the complete, sacred number of repetitions.
פְּעָמִ֛יםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Genitive/accusative completing the numeral (frequency)פַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (partitive source)
הַדָּ֖םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Object of prepositionדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
בְּאֶצְבָּעֽוֹwith his fingerprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp3ms · אֶצְבַּע (H676)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֶצְבַּע (H676) 'finger'.
15
וְשָׁחַ֞ט אֶת שְׂעִ֤יר הַֽחַטָּאת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לָעָ֔ם וְהֵבִיא֙ אֶת דָּמ֔וֹ אֶל מִבֵּ֖ית לַפָּרֹ֑כֶת וְעָשָׂ֣ה אֶת דָּמ֗וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ לְדַ֣ם הַפָּ֔ר וְהִזָּ֥ה אֹת֛וֹ עַל הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶת וְלִפְנֵ֥י הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת
And he shall slaughter the goat of the sin offering that is for the people, and bring its blood inside the veil, and do with its blood as he did with the bull's blood, sprinkling it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat.
The second goat's blood receives an identical rite to the bull's (v.14) — the text simply cross-references 'as he did with the bull's blood' rather than repeating the sevenfold description, economizing the prose while stressing procedural identity: priest and people are atoned for by the same pattern.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וְשָׁחַ֞טand he shall slaughterconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationשָׁחַט (H7819) Qal 'to slaughter (ritually)'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
שְׂעִ֤ירthe goat ofN m sg constr · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Direct object (construct head)שָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat', construct 'goat of' — here specifying the people's sin-offering animal.
הַֽחַטָּאת֙the sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat isrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing relative clause
לָעָ֔םfor the peopleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Predicate of relative clause (dative)עַם (H5971) 'people'; distinguishes this goat as the people's, not Aaron's own (contrast v.11).
וְהֵבִיא֙and he shall bringconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
דָּמ֔וֹits bloodN m sg constr/Sp3ms · דָּם (H1818)Direct objectדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the people's goat's blood, about to be applied exactly as the bull's was.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
מִבֵּ֖יתinsideprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Directional prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; מִבֵּית לְ compound preposition 'inside, within'.
לַפָּרֹ֑כֶתthe veilprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Object of prepositionפָּרֹכֶת (H6532), the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Exod 26:31-33).
וְעָשָׂ֣הand he shall doconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דָּמ֗וֹits bloodN m sg constr/Sp3ms · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of עָשָׂה (accusative of the thing manipulated)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; object of עָשָׂה 'do, deal with' — the blood as the substance ritually manipulated.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing a comparative clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (with כְּ), 'just as, according to which'.
עָשָׂה֙he didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act serving as precedentעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal perfect.
לְדַ֣םwith the blood ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Prepositional complement of עָשָׂה (comparative clause)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the standard of comparison for the goat's rite.
הַפָּ֔רthe bullart + N m sg abs · פַּר (H6499)Genitive completing constructפַּר (H6499) 'bull'; the animal whose blood is applied at the mercy seat and altar (vv.14-15, 18).
וְהִזָּ֥הsprinklingconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נָזָה (H5137)Predicate verb (weqatal, explicating the comparison)→ Weqatal: prescriptive, specifying the 'as he did' of the previous clauseנָזָה (H5137) Hiphil 'to sprinkle'.
אֹת֛וֹitobj marker/Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
הַכַּפֹּ֖רֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Locative complementכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the atonement-cover/mercy seat, from כִּפֶּר 'to cover, atone'.
וְלִפְנֵ֥יand beforeconj וְ + prep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
הַכַּפֹּֽרֶתthe mercy seatart + N f sg abs · כַּפֹּרֶת (H3727)Object of prepositionכַּפֹּרֶת (H3727), the atonement-cover/mercy seat, from כִּפֶּר 'to cover, atone'.
16
וְכִפֶּ֣ר עַל הַקֹּ֗דֶשׁ מִטֻּמְאֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וּמִפִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֖ם לְכָל חַטֹּאתָ֑ם וְכֵ֤ן יַעֲשֶׂה֙ לְאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד הַשֹּׁכֵ֣ן אִתָּ֔ם בְּת֖וֹךְ טֻמְאֹתָֽם
And he shall make atonement for the holy place because of the uncleannesses of the sons of Israel and their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
This is the chapter's clearest statement that atonement is not merely about guilty consciences but about the physical desecration of sacred space: Israel's sin, even unintentional or unconfessed, accumulates on the sanctuary like a contaminant, and the tent that 'dwells with them' amid that impurity would render YHWH's presence untenable without this yearly purgation.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְכִפֶּ֣רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722) Piel; here the object is not a person but the sanctuary itself — atonement's range extends beyond persons to sacred space (see text_note).
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (recipient of atonement)
הַקֹּ֗דֶשׁthe holy placeart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Object of prepositionקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) here technical for the innermost sanctum, the Holy of Holies.
מִטֻּמְאֹת֙from the uncleannesses ofprep מִן + N f pl constr · טֻמְאָה (H2932)Causal prepositional phrase (source of defilement)טֻמְאָה (H2932) 'uncleanness, impurity'.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing constructבֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct בְּנֵי 'sons of' — idiomatic for members of a group.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing constructיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here the corporate subject of the day's atonement.
וּמִפִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֖םand from their transgressionsconj וְ + prep מִן + N m pl constr/Sp3mp · פֶּשַׁע (H6588)Coordinate causal prepositional phraseפֶּשַׁע (H6588) 'transgression, rebellion' — the most severe term in the triad עָוֹן/פֶּשַׁע/חַטָּאת (cf. v.21), deliberate, willful revolt.
לְכָלfor all ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (extent, summing the categories)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; summing the preceding categories of wrong.
חַטֹּאתָ֑םtheir sinsN f pl constr/Sp3mp · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
וְכֵ֤ןand soconj וְ + adv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb of manner introducing a comparative continuationכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'.
יַעֲשֶׂה֙he shall doQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do'.
לְאֹ֣הֶלfor the tent ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase (recipient)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle proper, now named as recipient of the same atoning act.
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing constructמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
הַשֹּׁכֵ֣ןwhich dwellsart + Qal ptc ms abs · שָׁכַן (H7931)Attributive participle (relative, modifies אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד)→ Participle: durative/characterizing — an ongoing state, not a single actשָׁכַן (H7931) Qal participle 'to dwell, tabernacle'; describes YHWH's tent as continually present with Israel — hence continually exposed to their accumulated impurity.
אִתָּ֔םwith themprep אֵת + Sp3mp · אֵת (H854)Locative complement of הַשֹּׁכֵןאֵת/אִתָּם (H854), preposition 'with' + 3mp suffix.
בְּת֖וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'.
טֻמְאֹתָֽםtheir uncleannessesN f pl constr/Sp3mp · טֻמְאָה (H2932)Genitive completing constructטֻמְאָה (H2932) 'uncleanness, impurity'.
17
וְכָל אָדָ֞ם לֹא יִהְיֶ֣ה בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד בְּבֹא֛וֹ לְכַפֵּ֥ר בַּקֹּ֖דֶשׁ עַד צֵאת֑וֹ וְכִפֶּ֤ר בַּעֲדוֹ֙ וּבְעַ֣ד בֵּית֔וֹ וּבְעַ֖ד כָּל קְהַ֥ל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And no one shall be in the tent of meeting when he enters to make atonement in the holy place until he comes out, and he shall make atonement for himself and for his house and for all the assembly of Israel.
The total exclusion of every other person — even from the outer tent, not merely the inner sanctum — marks Aaron's mediation as radically singular: the atonement for priesthood, household, and nation alike happens through one man alone before YHWH, with no witnesses.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Fronted quantifier (construct head, negated)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with the following negative, 'no ... at all'.
אָדָ֞םpersonN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitive completing construct (subject of יִהְיֶה)אָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind, person' — generic, includes any other priest.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
יִהְיֶ֣הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive negative)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Locative prepositional phraseאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle.
מוֹעֵ֗דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing constructמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
בְּבֹא֛וֹwhen he entersprep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: temporal — marks the duration of the prohibitionבּוֹא (H935) Qal infinitive construct with suffix, 'in his entering'.
לְכַפֵּ֥רto make atonementprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeכָּפַר (H3722) Piel infinitive construct.
בַּקֹּ֖דֶשׁin the holy placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Locative complementקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; here the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctum.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase (temporal boundary)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'.
צֵאת֑וֹhis going outQal inf constr/Sp3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Temporal complement of עַד (infinitive construct)→ Infinitive construct: temporalיָצָא (H3318) Qal infinitive construct with suffix, 'his exiting'.
וְכִפֶּ֤רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'.
בַּעֲדוֹ֙for himselfprep בְּעַד + Sp3ms · בְּעַד (H1157)Prepositional phrase (benefactive)
וּבְעַ֣דand forconj וְ + prep · בְּעַד (H1157)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (benefactive)
בֵּית֔וֹhis houseN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; here 'household, family'.
וּבְעַ֖דand forconj וְ + prep · בְּעַד (H1157)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (benefactive)
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive (construct head, extent)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with the negation, 'no one at all'.
קְהַ֥לthe assembly ofN m sg constr · קָהָל (H6951)Genitive completing constructקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation'.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing constructיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here the corporate subject of the day's atonement.
18
וְיָצָ֗א אֶל הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַ אֲשֶׁ֥ר לִפְנֵֽי יְהוָ֖ה וְכִפֶּ֣ר עָלָ֑יו וְלָקַ֞ח מִדַּ֤ם הַפָּר֙ וּמִדַּ֣ם הַשָּׂעִ֔יר וְנָתַ֛ן עַל קַרְנ֥וֹת הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב
And he shall go out to the altar that is before YHWH and make atonement upon it, and shall take some of the bull's blood and some of the goat's blood and put it on the horns of the altar all around.
The atoning blood now moves outward from the innermost כַּפֹּרֶת to the outer altar, mixing bull's and goat's blood together on its horns — the whole sanctuary complex, not just its innermost point, requires this yearly purgation.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְיָצָ֗אand he shall go outconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationיָצָא (H3318) Qal 'to go out'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition (destination)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196); here the outer bronze altar.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthat isrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
לִפְנֵֽיbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
וְכִפֶּ֣רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'.
עָלָ֑יוupon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement
וְלָקַ֞חand he shall takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'.
מִדַּ֤םsome of the blood ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Partitive prepositional phraseדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; מִן partitive, 'some of'.
הַפָּר֙the bullart + N m sg abs · פַּר (H6499)Genitive completing constructפַּר (H6499) 'bull'; the animal whose blood is applied at the mercy seat and altar (vv.14-15, 18).
וּמִדַּ֣םand some of the blood ofconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Coordinate partitive prepositional phraseדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the goat's blood, now mixed with the bull's on the altar's horns.
הַשָּׂעִ֔ירthe goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Genitive completing constructשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; one of the chapter's two ritually paired goats (see v.5, 7-10).
וְנָתַ֛ןand he shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give, put'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
קַרְנ֥וֹתthe horns ofN c pl constr · קֶרֶן (H7161)Locative complement (construct head)קֶרֶן (H7161) 'horn'; the projections at the altar's four corners (cf. Exod 30:10).
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Genitive completing constructמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; here the outer bronze altar of burnt offering.
סָבִֽיבall aroundadv · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative (manner, distribution)סָבִיב (H5439) 'around, surrounding'.
19
וְהִזָּ֨ה עָלָ֧יו מִן הַדָּ֛ם בְּאֶצְבָּע֖וֹ שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֑ים וְטִהֲר֣וֹ וְקִדְּשׁ֔וֹ מִטֻּמְאֹ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleannesses of the sons of Israel.
טִהֵר and קִדֵּשׁ together summarize the effect of the blood rite in two complementary verbs — the altar is not only made ritually clean (טהר) but actively re-consecrated (קדשׁ), restoring it to fitness for divine use after a year's accumulated defilement.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהִזָּ֨הand he shall sprinkleconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נָזָה (H5137)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָזָה (H5137) Hiphil 'to sprinkle'.
עָלָ֧יוon itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement
מִןsome ofprep · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phrase
הַדָּ֛םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Object of prepositionדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
בְּאֶצְבָּע֖וֹwith his fingerprep בְּ + N f sg constr/Sp3ms · אֶצְבַּע (H676)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֶצְבַּע (H676) 'finger'.
שֶׁ֣בַעsevennumeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral (adverbial accusative of frequency)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the complete, sacred number of repetitions.
פְּעָמִ֑יםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Genitive/accusative completing the numeralפַּעַם (H6471) 'occurrence, time'.
וְטִהֲר֣וֹand cleanse itconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms/Sp3ms · טָהֵר (H2891)Predicate verb (weqatal, with pronominal object)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuation, result of the blood riteטָהֵר (H2891) Piel 'to cleanse, purify' — factitive, 'render clean'.
וְקִדְּשׁ֔וֹand consecrate itconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms/Sp3ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (weqatal, with pronominal object)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationקָדַשׁ (H6942) Piel 'to sanctify, consecrate' — factitive, 'render holy'; paired with טהר as complementary results of the same blood rite.
מִטֻּמְאֹ֖תfrom the uncleannesses ofprep מִן + N f pl constr · טֻמְאָה (H2932)Causal/source prepositional phraseטֻמְאָה (H2932) 'uncleanness, impurity'; the altar's accumulated defilement from Israel's sin.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing constructבֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct בְּנֵי 'sons of' — idiomatic for members of a group.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing constructיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here the corporate subject of the day's atonement.
20
וְכִלָּה֙ מִכַּפֵּ֣ר אֶת הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְאֶת אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וְאֶת הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְהִקְרִ֖יב אֶת הַשָּׂעִ֥יר הֶחָֽי
And when he has finished atoning for the holy place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall present the live goat.
The threefold summary — holy place, tent of meeting, altar — recaps vv. 14-19 and marks the completion of the blood atonement before the narrative turns, at last, to the goat left standing alive since v.10.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְכִלָּה֙and he shall finishconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to finish, complete'.
מִכַּפֵּ֣רatoningprep מִן + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Complementary infinitival clause (object of כִּלָּה)→ Infinitive construct: complementary — completes the sense of 'finish'כָּפַר (H3722) Piel infinitive construct with מִן, idiom of completion.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁthe holy placeart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Direct objectקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; here the Holy of Holies, now named as the first of the three atoned objects recapitulated in this verse.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct object (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
מוֹעֵ֖דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing constructמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct objectמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'.
וְהִקְרִ֖יבhe shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to present'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַשָּׂעִ֥ירthe goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Direct objectשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; the goat under discussion in this verse's rite.
הֶחָֽיthe livingart + adj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjective (modifies הַשָּׂעִיר)חַי (H2416) 'living'; the goat singled out already in v.10, now brought forward.
21
וְסָמַ֨ךְ אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת שְׁתֵּ֣י ידו יָדָ֗יו עַ֨ל רֹ֣אשׁ הַשָּׂעִיר֮ הַחַי֒ וְהִתְוַדָּ֣ה עָלָ֗יו אֶת כָּל עֲוֺנֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶת כָּל פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֖ם לְכָל חַטֹּאתָ֑ם וְנָתַ֤ן אֹתָם֙ עַל רֹ֣אשׁ הַשָּׂעִ֔יר וְשִׁלַּ֛ח בְּיַד אִ֥ישׁ עִתִּ֖י הַמִּדְבָּֽרָה
And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions, all their sins, and put them on the head of the goat, and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man in readiness.
This is the only place in the Pentateuch's sacrificial legislation where hand-laying is paired with verbal confession — elsewhere the gesture's meaning is implicit. Here it is made explicit: Aaron speaks the nation's guilt aloud over the goat's head, and the threefold vocabulary (עָוֹן, פֶּשַׁע, חַטָּאת) leaves no category of wrong uncovered before it is physically borne away.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
וְסָמַ֨ךְand he shall layconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationסָמַךְ (H5564) Qal 'to lean, lay (hands)'; the technical gesture of hand-imposition, transferring identity/culpability onto the animal (cf. 1:4, 4:4).
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
שְׁתֵּ֣יthe two ofnumeral f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct (direct object head)שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) fem. 'two', dual construct.
ידו[his hand — ketiv]N c dual constr/Sp3ms (ketiv) · יָד (H3027)Ketiv: the written consonantal form (defectively spelled)Ketiv יָדוֹ, written as if singular 'his hand'; the Masoretes direct the reader to the Qere יָדָיו, 'his hands', since both hands are required for this rite (cf. Exod 29:10; Lev 1:4). A classic ketiv-qere pair (see text_note).
יָדָ֗יוhis hands [qere]N c dual constr/Sp3ms (qere) · יָד (H3027)Genitive completing construct (the form actually read aloud)Qere יָדָיו 'his (two) hands', dual construct + 3ms suffix — the reading tradition's correction of the ketiv's defective spelling, matching the dual שְׁתֵּי that precedes it.
עַ֨לonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative complement (construct head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'.
הַשָּׂעִיר֮the goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Genitive completing constructשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; one of the chapter's two ritually paired goats (see v.5, 7-10).
הַחַי֒the livingart + adj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Attributive adjectiveחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; the goat is brought forward still alive for the rite that follows.
וְהִתְוַדָּ֣הand he shall confessconj וְ + Hitpael weqatal 3ms · יָדָה (H3034)Predicate verb (weqatal, Hitpael)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationיָדָה (H3034) Hitpael 'to confess (oneself)'; the reflexive-declarative stem makes confession a self-implicating speech-act, the only explicit verbal confession of sin prescribed anywhere in the Torah's sacrificial law.
עָלָ֗יוover itprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive (construct head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
עֲוֺנֹת֙the iniquities ofN c pl constr · עָוֹן (H5771)Direct object (construct head)עָוֹן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt'; denotes the crookedness of the act together with its liability.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing constructבֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct בְּנֵי 'sons of' — idiomatic for members of a group.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing constructיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here the corporate subject of the day's atonement.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive (construct head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֖םtheir transgressionsN m pl constr/Sp3mp · פֶּשַׁע (H6588)Coordinate direct objectפֶּשַׁע (H6588) 'transgression, rebellion'.
לְכָלfor all ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (summing the categories)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; summing the threefold catalogue of wrong just confessed.
חַטֹּאתָ֑םtheir sinsN f pl constr/Sp3mp · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructThe triad עָוֹן / פֶּשַׁע / חַטָּאת — guilt, rebellion, sin — comprehensively names every category of wrongdoing.
וְנָתַ֤ןand he shall putconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give, put'.
אֹתָם֙themobj marker/Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative complement (construct head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the site where the confessed iniquities are transferred onto the goat.
הַשָּׂעִ֔ירthe goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Genitive completing constructשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; one of the chapter's two ritually paired goats (see v.5, 7-10).
וְשִׁלַּ֛חand he shall send awayconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release'.
בְּיַדby the hand ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct head)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic 'by the agency of'.
אִ֥ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive completing constructאִישׁ (H376) 'man'.
עִתִּ֖יin readinessadj m sg abs · עִתִּי (H6261)Attributive adjective (modifies אִישׁ) — a genuine crux termעִתִּי (H6261), hapax legomenon, from עֵת 'time, appointed moment'; traditionally 'a man in readiness/standing by', though 'timely' or 'designated in advance' are also proposed.
הַמִּדְבָּֽרָהinto the wildernessart + N m sg abs + directional ה · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Directional locative complementמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness', with directional suffix; the uninhabited destination of the iniquity-bearing goat.
22
וְנָשָׂ֨א הַשָּׂעִ֥יר עָלָ֛יו אֶת כָּל עֲוֺנֹתָ֖ם אֶל אֶ֣רֶץ גְּזֵרָ֑ה וְשִׁלַּ֥ח אֶת הַשָּׂעִ֖יר בַּמִּדְבָּֽר
And the goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a cut-off land, and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.
The chapter's most vivid image — sin physically carried away by a living animal to an uninhabited, inaccessible place — has no sacrificial blood-rite counterpart; nothing is killed. The theological logic here is spatial and removal-based, complementing rather than duplicating the bull/goat blood atonement of vv. 11-19.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְנָשָׂ֨אand it shall bearconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנָשָׂא (H5375) Qal 'to lift, carry, bear (guilt)'; elsewhere used of a person 'bearing' guilt (cf. 10:17) — here uniquely by an animal.
הַשָּׂעִ֥ירthe goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Subjectשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; the Azazel-goat, now the grammatical subject of its own iniquity-bearing act.
עָלָ֛יוupon itselfprep עַל + Sp3ms · עַל (H5921)Locative complement
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive (construct head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
עֲוֺנֹתָ֖םtheir iniquitiesN c pl constr/Sp3mp · עָוֹן (H5771)Direct objectעָוֹן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt'; the burden the goat physically carries away.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
אֶ֣רֶץa landN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative complement (construct head)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'.
גְּזֵרָ֑הcut offadj f sg abs · גְּזֵרָה (H1509)Attributive adjective (modifies אֶרֶץ) — crux termגְּזֵרָה (H1509), hapax, from גזר 'to cut, separate'; 'a land cut off' — inaccessible territory, reinforcing that the iniquities are removed beyond any possibility of return.
וְשִׁלַּ֥חand he shall releaseconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send away, release'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַשָּׂעִ֖ירthe goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Direct objectשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; the goat under discussion in this verse's rite.
בַּמִּדְבָּֽרin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative complementמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; the goat's final release-point.
23
וּבָ֤א אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וּפָשַׁט֙ אֶת בִּגְדֵ֣י הַבָּ֔ד אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָבַ֖שׁ בְּבֹא֣וֹ אֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וְהִנִּיחָ֖ם שָֽׁם
And Aaron shall come into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments that he wore when he entered the holy place, and leave them there.
The linen vestments, having done their work in the presence of YHWH, are deliberately left inside rather than carried out into the camp — sacred contact does not travel casually beyond its proper sphere.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וּבָ֤אand he shall comeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come'.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the officiating high priest whose actions this chapter narrates throughout.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle, which Aaron now re-enters.
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing constructמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
וּפָשַׁט֙and he shall take offconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · פָּשַׁט (H6584)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationפָּשַׁט (H6584) Qal 'to strip off, take off (clothing)'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בִּגְדֵ֣יthe garments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object (construct head)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; construct 'garments of'.
הַבָּ֔דthe linenart + N m sg abs · בַּד (H906)Genitive completing constructבַּד (H906) 'linen'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
לָבַ֖שׁhe woreQal perf 3ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act, already accomplished when the main clause occursלָבַשׁ (H3847) Qal perfect.
בְּבֹא֣וֹwhen he enteredprep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: temporalבּוֹא (H935) Qal infinitive construct with suffix.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁthe holy placeart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Object of prepositionקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) here technical for the innermost sanctum, the Holy of Holies.
וְהִנִּיחָ֖םand leave themconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms/Sp3mp · נוּחַ (H3240)Predicate verb (weqatal, with pronominal object)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationנוּחַ (H3240) Hiphil 'to set down, deposit, leave'.
שָֽׁםthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbשָׁם (H8033) 'there'.
24
וְרָחַ֨ץ אֶת בְּשָׂר֤וֹ בַמַּ֨יִם֙ בְּמָק֣וֹם קָד֔וֹשׁ וְלָבַ֖שׁ אֶת בְּגָדָ֑יו וְיָצָ֗א וְעָשָׂ֤ה אֶת עֹֽלָתוֹ֙ וְאֶת עֹלַ֣ת הָעָ֔ם וְכִפֶּ֥ר בַּעֲד֖וֹ וּבְעַ֥ד הָעָֽם
And he shall bathe his body in water in a holy place and put on his garments, and go out and offer his own burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people.
A third act of 'atonement' appears here (בַּעֲדוֹ / הָעָם) — distinct in kind from the sin-offering blood rites already completed, this כִּפֶּר attaches to the burnt offerings, reinforcing that in this chapter the verb names an entire complex of rites, not one isolated technique.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְרָחַ֨ץand he shall batheconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationרָחַץ (H7364) Qal 'to wash, bathe'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּשָׂר֤וֹhis bodyN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'.
בַמַּ֨יִם֙in the waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Locative/instrumental complementמַיִם (H4325) 'water'.
בְּמָק֣וֹםin a placeprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'.
קָד֔וֹשׁholyadj m sg abs · קָדוֹשׁ (H6918)Attributive adjective (modifies מָקוֹם)קָדוֹשׁ (H6918) 'holy'; this second washing takes place within the sanctuary precinct.
וְלָבַ֖שׁand he shall put onconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָבַשׁ (H3847) Qal 'to wear'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּגָדָ֑יוhis garmentsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object — his ordinary high-priestly vestments (contrast the linen of v.4)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; here the golden vestments of Exod 28, resumed once the linen-clad rite is finished.
וְיָצָ֗אand go outconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationיָצָא (H3318) Qal 'to go out'.
וְעָשָׂ֤הand offerconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, offer'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
עֹֽלָתוֹ֙his burnt offeringN f sg constr/Sp3ms · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct objectעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; Aaron's own, distinct from the people's (cf. v.3).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
עֹלַ֣תthe burnt offering ofN f sg constr · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct object (construct head)עֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; here the people's, paired with Aaron's own.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing constructעַם (H5971) 'people'.
וְכִפֶּ֥רand make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'; here attaching to the burnt offerings just named.
בַּעֲד֖וֹfor himselfprep בְּעַד + Sp3ms · בְּעַד (H1157)Prepositional phrase (benefactive)
וּבְעַ֥דand forconj וְ + prep · בְּעַד (H1157)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (benefactive)
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of prepositionעַם (H5971) 'people'.
25
וְאֵ֛ת חֵ֥לֶב הַֽחַטָּ֖את יַקְטִ֥יר הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה
And the fat of the sin offering he shall burn on the altar.
The fat of the people's sin-offering goat, held back from the disposal of vv. 27-28, is burned separately — the one part of the animal that still ascends to the altar as a pleasing aroma, even though the rest of the carcass is taken outside the camp and destroyed.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וְאֵ֛תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
חֵ֥לֶבthe fat ofN m sg constr · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object (construct head), fronted for emphasisחֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; always burned, never eaten (7:23-25) — YHWH's exclusive portion.
הַֽחַטָּ֖אתthe sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
יַקְטִ֥ירhe shall burnHiphil impf 3ms · קָטַר (H6999)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'to turn into smoke, burn as an offering'.
הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָהto the altarart + N m sg abs + directional ה · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Directional locative complementמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', with directional suffix; the outer altar, where the sin offering's fat is burned.
26
וְהַֽמְשַׁלֵּ֤חַ אֶת הַשָּׂעִיר֙ לַֽעֲזָאזֵ֔ל יְכַבֵּ֣ס בְּגָדָ֔יו וְרָחַ֥ץ אֶת בְּשָׂר֖וֹ בַּמָּ֑יִם וְאַחֲרֵי כֵ֖ן יָב֥וֹא אֶל הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה
And he who releases the goat to Azazel shall wash his garments and bathe his body in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
The man who handled the iniquity-laden goat, though not himself impure in the ordinary sense, must still wash before rejoining the community — proximity to concentrated, transferred sin requires purification even for an innocent agent.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהַֽמְשַׁלֵּ֤חַand the one who releasesconj וְ + art + Piel ptc ms abs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Substantival participle (subject, articular)→ Participle: characterizing — names the role by the act performedשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel participle 'sends away, releases'; the man of v.21's 'in readiness' now identified by his function.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַשָּׂעִיר֙the goatart + N m sg abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Direct objectשָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; the goat under discussion in this verse's rite.
לַֽעֲזָאזֵ֔לto Azazelprep לְ + N proper · עֲזָאזֵל (H5799)Destination complementעֲזָאזֵל (H5799); see the crux discussion at v.8 (demon-name, place-name, or 'goat that departs').
יְכַבֵּ֣סhe shall washPiel impf 3ms · כָּבַס (H3526)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveכָּבַס (H3526) Piel 'to wash (clothing)'; contact with the iniquity-bearing goat requires purification before re-entry to the camp.
בְּגָדָ֔יוhis garmentsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct objectבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'.
וְרָחַ֥ץand batheconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationרָחַץ (H7364) Qal 'to wash, bathe'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּשָׂר֖וֹhis bodyN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'.
בַּמָּ֑יִםin the waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Locative/instrumental complementמַיִם (H4325) 'water'.
וְאַחֲרֵיand afterconj וְ + prep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal conjunction phraseאַחַר/אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after'.
כֵ֖ןthusadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb completing the temporal idiom ('afterward')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; אַחֲרֵי כֵן idiomatic 'afterward'.
יָב֥וֹאhe shall comeQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come'.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽהthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Locative complementמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'.
27
וְאֵת֩ פַּ֨ר הַֽחַטָּ֜את וְאֵ֣ת שְׂעִ֣יר הַֽחַטָּ֗את אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוּבָ֤א אֶת דָּמָם֙ לְכַפֵּ֣ר בַּקֹּ֔דֶשׁ יוֹצִ֖יא אֶל מִח֣וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וְשָׂרְפ֣וּ בָאֵ֔שׁ אֶת עֹרֹתָ֥ם וְאֶת בְּשָׂרָ֖ם וְאֶת פִּרְשָֽׁם
And the bull of the sin offering and the goat of the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall be taken outside the camp; and they shall burn their skins and their flesh and their dung in the fire.
This is the day's own חַטָּאת-disposal rule applied to blood that entered the innermost sanctum — Lev 6:23 already generalizes that any sin offering whose blood is brought into the tent to make atonement may not be eaten but must be burned; here that principle covers the two most sacred blood-rites of the entire liturgical year.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וְאֵת֩and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
פַּ֨רthe bull ofN m sg constr · פַּר (H6499)Direct object (construct head)פַּר (H6499) 'bull, young ox'; Aaron's own sin-offering animal (v.3, 6).
הַֽחַטָּ֜אתthe sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
וְאֵ֣תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
שְׂעִ֣ירthe goat ofN m sg constr · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Direct object (construct head)שָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat', construct 'goat of' — here specifying the people's sin-offering animal.
הַֽחַטָּ֗אתthe sin offeringart + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhoserel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
הוּבָ֤אwas broughtHophal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (relative clause, passive)→ Hophal perfect: passive — the blood's prior movement, background to the main clauseבּוֹא (H935) Hophal 'to be brought/caused to enter'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (retained accusative with passive)
דָּמָם֙their bloodN m sg constr/Sp3mp · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of הוּבָאדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the bull's and goat's blood already applied within the sanctuary (vv.14-15, 18-19).
לְכַפֵּ֣רto make atonementprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeכָּפַר (H3722) Piel infinitive construct.
בַּקֹּ֔דֶשׁin the holy placeprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Locative complementקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; here the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctum.
יוֹצִ֖יאshall be taken outHiphil impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive, impersonal/indefinite subject)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring/take out'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
מִח֣וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, exterior'.
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הthe campprep לְ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Genitive/object completing the phraseמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the disposal site lies outside the entire Israelite encampment.
וְשָׂרְפ֣וּand they shall burnconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · שָׂרַף (H8313)Predicate verb (weqatal, plural/indefinite agents)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationשָׂרַף (H8313) Qal 'to burn'.
בָאֵ֔שׁin the fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; total incineration, in contrast to ordinary sin offerings partly eaten by priests (6:19).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
עֹרֹתָ֥םtheir skinsN m pl constr/Sp3mp · עוֹר (H5785)Direct objectעוֹר (H5785) 'skin, hide'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
בְּשָׂרָ֖םtheir fleshN m sg constr/Sp3mp · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Coordinate direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
פִּרְשָֽׁםtheir dungN m sg constr/Sp3mp · פֶּרֶשׁ (H6569)Coordinate direct objectפֶּרֶשׁ (H6569) 'dung, offal'; total, unreserved destruction — nothing of these carcasses is eaten or offered, unlike ordinary sin offerings whose flesh the priests sometimes eat (6:19).
28
וְהַשֹּׂרֵ֣ף אֹתָ֔ם יְכַבֵּ֣ס בְּגָדָ֔יו וְרָחַ֥ץ אֶת בְּשָׂר֖וֹ בַּמָּ֑יִם וְאַחֲרֵי כֵ֖ן יָב֥וֹא אֶל הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה
And he who burns them shall wash his garments and bathe his body in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
The same purification requirement as v.26 falls on the man who burns the carcasses outside the camp — the chapter takes care that everyone who handles the concentrated impurity of this day, even in performing a sanctioned duty, must be washed before returning to ordinary life.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהַשֹּׂרֵ֣ףand the one who burnsconj וְ + art + Qal ptc ms abs · שָׂרַף (H8313)Substantival participle (subject, articular)→ Participle: characterizingשָׂרַף (H8313) Qal participle.
אֹתָ֔םthemobj marker/Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object
יְכַבֵּ֣סhe shall washPiel impf 3ms · כָּבַס (H3526)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveכָּבַס (H3526) Piel 'to wash (clothing)'.
בְּגָדָ֔יוhis garmentsN m pl constr/Sp3ms · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct objectבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'.
וְרָחַ֥ץand batheconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationרָחַץ (H7364) Qal 'to wash, bathe'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּשָׂר֖וֹhis bodyN m sg constr/Sp3ms · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'.
בַּמָּ֑יִםin the waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Locative/instrumental complementמַיִם (H4325) 'water'.
וְאַחֲרֵיand afterconj וְ + prep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal conjunction phrase
כֵ֖ןthusadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb completing the temporal idiom ('afterward')
יָב֥וֹאhe shall comeQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come'.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (destination)
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽהthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Locative complementמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'.
29
וְהָיְתָ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם לְחֻקַּ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִי בֶּֽעָשׂ֨וֹר לַחֹ֜דֶשׁ תְּעַנּ֣וּ אֶת נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֗ם וְכָל מְלָאכָה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ הָֽאֶזְרָ֔ח וְהַגֵּ֖ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶֽם
And it shall be a perpetual statute for you: in the seventh month, on the tenth of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and do no work at all, the native and the sojourner who resides among you.
The chapter shifts register here from third-person ritual instruction for Aaron to second-person address to the whole community — the rite just described becomes an annual, dated, and universally binding observance, extending even to resident foreigners, a scope broader than many other cultic laws.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְהָיְתָ֥הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'.
לָכֶ֖םfor youprep לְ + Sp2mpPrepositional phrase (dative, addressee)
לְחֻקַּ֣תfor a statute ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate complement (construct head)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed limit', from חקק 'to inscribe, decree'.
עוֹלָ֑םperpetuityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive completing construct ('a perpetual statute')עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity, forever'.
בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁin the monthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phraseחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'.
הַ֠שְּׁבִיעִיthe seventhart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁבִיעִי (H7637)Attributive ordinal adjective (modifies חֹדֶשׁ)שְׁבִיעִי (H7637) 'seventh', ordinal of שֶׁבַע; later tradition's Tishri, and the day Yom Kippur.
בֶּֽעָשׂ֨וֹרon the tenthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עָשׂוֹר (H6218)Temporal apposition (further specifying the date)עָשׂוֹר (H6218) 'ten, tenth day'.
לַחֹ֜דֶשׁof the monthprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Genitive completing the date expressionחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon'.
תְּעַנּ֣וּyou shall afflictPiel impf 2mp · עָנָה (H6031)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveעָנָה (H6031) Piel 'to afflict, humble'; עִנָּה נֶפֶשׁ is the chapter's technical idiom for the day's discipline — traditionally fasting, though the phrase itself denotes a broader self-denial whose precise content the text leaves undefined (see text_note).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶ֗םyourselvesN c pl constr/Sp2mp · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (idiom 'your souls/selves')נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, self, life, appetite'; the whole embodied person, object of the self-affliction.
וְכָלand anyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate fronted quantifier (construct head, negated)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with the negation, 'no work at all'.
מְלָאכָה֙workN f sg abs · מְלָאכָה (H4399)Genitive completing construct (subject of the negated verb, fronted)מְלָאכָה (H4399) 'work, occupation, business'; the same term structuring Sabbath and festival rest legislation.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle
תַעֲשׂ֔וּyou shall doQal impf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive negative)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive negativeעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do'.
הָֽאֶזְרָ֔חthe nativeart + N m sg abs · אֶזְרָח (H249)Appositional subject (specifies the addressees)אֶזְרָח (H249) 'native-born, citizen'.
וְהַגֵּ֖רand the sojournerconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Coordinate appositional subjectגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; the statute explicitly includes non-Israelites living among the people.
הַגָּ֥רwho residesart + Qal ptc ms abs · גּוּר (H1481)Attributive participle (modifies הַגֵּר)→ Participle: durative — an ongoing state of residenceגּוּר (H1481) Qal participle 'to sojourn, reside as an alien'.
בְּתוֹכְכֶֽםamong youprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp2mp · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative complement of הַגָּרתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'.
30
כִּֽי בַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֛ה יְכַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם לְטַהֵ֣ר אֶתְכֶ֑ם מִכֹּל֙ חַטֹּ֣אתֵיכֶ֔ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה תִּטְהָֽרוּ
For on this day atonement shall be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins, before YHWH, you shall be clean.
The rationale clause pairs the causative Piel (טהר, 'to cleanse') with the simple Qal (טהר, 'to become/be clean') of the same root — the priest's action and the people's resulting state are named with the identical verb, underscoring that the rite's entire purpose is this cleanness 'before YHWH'.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) causal, grounding the preceding command.
בַיּ֥וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַזֶּ֛הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative (modifies יוֹם)זֶה (H2088) 'this'.
יְכַפֵּ֥רatonement shall be madePiel impf 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive; impersonal sense)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveכָּפַר (H3722) Piel; without an expressed human subject, 'atonement will be made' — the entire preceding procedure summarized in a single verb.
עֲלֵיכֶ֖םfor youprep עַל + Sp2mp · עַל (H5921)Benefactive prepositional phrase
לְטַהֵ֣רto cleanseprep לְ + Piel inf constr · טָהֵר (H2891)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeטָהֵר (H2891) Piel infinitive construct 'to cleanse'.
אֶתְכֶ֑םyouobj marker/Sp2mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object
מִכֹּל֙from all ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (source, extent)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
חַטֹּ֣אתֵיכֶ֔םyour sinsN f pl constr/Sp2mp · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי lit. 'to the face of' = 'before'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prepositionיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
תִּטְהָֽרוּyou shall be cleanQal impf 2mp · טָהֵר (H2891)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive result)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/resultativeטָהֵר (H2891) Qal 'to be clean'; the simple Qal states the resulting condition, complementing the causative Piel לְטַהֵר just used.
31
שַׁבַּ֨ת שַׁבָּת֥וֹן הִיא֙ לָכֶ֔ם וְעִנִּיתֶ֖ם אֶת נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑ם חֻקַּ֖ת עוֹלָֽם
It is a sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall afflict yourselves; it is a perpetual statute.
שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן intensifies the rest requirement beyond the ordinary weekly Sabbath's language, and the chapter's two refrains — self-affliction and perpetual statute — are both repeated here in compressed form, framing the day's demands as absolute and permanent.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
שַׁבַּ֨תa sabbath ofN c sg constr · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Predicate nominative (construct head)שַׁבָּת (H7676) 'sabbath, rest'.
שַׁבָּת֥וֹןcomplete restN m sg abs · שַׁבָּתוֹן (H7677)Genitive completing construct (intensive pairing)שַׁבָּתוֹן (H7677), an intensive/abstract form of שַׁבָּת — the same superlative-of-solemnity idiom used for the weekly Sabbath (23:3) and Trumpets (23:24).
הִיא֙it (is)pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject/quasi-copula of the verbless clauseהִיא (H1931), independent 3fs pronoun.
לָכֶ֔םfor youprep לְ + Sp2mpDative prepositional phrase
וְעִנִּיתֶ֖םand you shall afflictconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · עָנָה (H6031)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationעָנָה (H6031) Piel 'to afflict, humble'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑םyourselvesN c pl constr/Sp2mp · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct objectנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, self, life'; the whole embodied person, object of the self-affliction.
חֻקַּ֖תa statute ofN c sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate nominative (construct head, second verbless clause)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed limit', from חקק 'to inscribe, decree'.
עוֹלָֽםperpetuityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive completing constructעוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity, forever'.
32
וְכִפֶּ֨ר הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֲשֶׁר יִמְשַׁ֣ח אֹת֗וֹ וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר יְמַלֵּא֙ אֶת יָד֔וֹ לְכַהֵ֖ן תַּ֣חַת אָבִ֑יו וְלָבַ֛שׁ אֶת בִּגְדֵ֥י הַבָּ֖ד בִּגְדֵ֥י הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ
And the priest who is anointed and who is ordained to serve as priest in his father's place shall make atonement, and shall wear the linen garments, the holy garments.
The instruction pivots from Aaron by name to 'the priest who is anointed... in his father's place' — the rite is thereby detached from any single officiant and secured as an ongoing institution, to be performed by whichever high priest holds office in any given generation.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְכִפֶּ֨רand he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722); the closing instructions widen the rite's subject from 'Aaron' by name to 'the priest who is anointed', providing for succession.
הַכֹּהֵ֜ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subjectכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
אֲשֶׁרwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle
יִמְשַׁ֣חis anointedQal impf 3ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb (relative clause, passive sense)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/generic — describes the office's defining actמָשַׁח (H4886) Qal 'to anoint'; used here with passive force, naming the high priest by his consecration.
אֹת֗וֹhimobj marker/Sp3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object (retained with passive-sense verb)
וַאֲשֶׁ֤רand whoconj וְ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinate relative particle
יְמַלֵּא֙is ordainedPiel impf 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/genericמָלֵא (H4390) Piel 'to fill'; idiomatic מִלֵּא יָד, 'to fill the hand' = to install/ordain to priestly office (cf. 8:33).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
יָד֔וֹhis handN c sg constr/Sp3ms · יָד (H3027)Direct object (idiom)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom מִלֵּא יָד, 'to fill the hand' = to ordain to priestly office.
לְכַהֵ֖ןto serve as priestprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּהַן (H3547)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeכָּהַן (H3547) Piel infinitive construct 'to act as priest, minister'.
תַּ֣חַתin place ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase (succession)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, instead of, in place of'.
אָבִ֑יוhis fatherN m sg constr/Sp3ms · אָב (H1)Object of prepositionאָב (H1) 'father'; envisions hereditary succession to the high priesthood.
וְלָבַ֛שׁand shall wearconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationלָבַשׁ (H3847) Qal 'to wear'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בִּגְדֵ֥יthe garments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object (construct head)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; construct 'garments of'.
הַבָּ֖דthe linenart + N m sg abs · בַּד (H906)Genitive completing constructבַּד (H906) 'linen'.
בִּגְדֵ֥יgarments ofN m pl constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Apposition (restates/glosses the preceding phrase)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment', construct 'garments of' — restated in apposition for emphasis.
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁholinessart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive completing the appositional construct ('the holy garments')קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; used attributively, glossing the linen vestments as 'holy garments'.
33
וְכִפֶּר֙ אֶת מִקְדַּ֣שׁ הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְאֶת אֹ֧הֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד וְאֶת הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יְכַפֵּ֑ר וְעַ֧ל הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים וְעַל כָּל עַ֥ם הַקָּהָ֖ל יְכַפֵּֽר
And he shall make atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tent of meeting and the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.
This verse compresses the entire chapter's object-range of כִּפֶּר into one triple statement — sanctuary furniture, priesthood, and laity all named as objects of the same atoning act, the clearest single summary of how comprehensively the Day of Atonement's effect was understood to reach.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְכִפֶּר֙and he shall make atonementconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
מִקְדַּ֣שׁthe sanctuary ofN m sg constr · מִקְדָּשׁ (H4720)Direct object (construct head)מִקְדָּשׁ (H4720) 'sanctuary, holy place', from קדשׁ 'to be holy'.
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁholinessart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive completing construct ('the holy sanctuary')קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness'; attributive with מִקְדָּשׁ, 'the holy sanctuary' — the innermost shrine.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
אֹ֧הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Direct object (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
מוֹעֵ֛דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing constructמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's proper name.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct objectמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'.
יְכַפֵּ֑רhe shall make atonementPiel impf 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive; resumes after the fronted objects)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'; the object (sanctuary, tent, altar) is fronted before this verb for emphasis.
וְעַ֧לand forconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (benefactive)
הַכֹּהֲנִ֛יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of prepositionכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest', plural — the entire priestly body, not Aaron alone.
וְעַלand forconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (benefactive)
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive (construct head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
עַ֥םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing constructעַם (H5971) 'people'.
הַקָּהָ֖לthe assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Genitive completing constructקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation'.
יְכַפֵּֽרhe shall make atonementPiel impf 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptiveכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone'; here with priests and people as its object, closing the verse's threefold recapitulation.
34
וְהָֽיְתָה זֹּ֨את לָכֶ֜ם לְחֻקַּ֣ת עוֹלָ֗ם לְכַפֵּ֞ר עַל בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מִכָּל חַטֹּאתָ֔ם אַחַ֖ת בַּשָּׁנָ֑ה וַיַּ֕עַשׂ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And this shall be a perpetual statute for you, to make atonement for the sons of Israel because of all their sins, once in the year. And he did just as YHWH commanded Moses.
The chapter ends exactly as Leviticus habitually closes its major legal units — a brief wayyiqtol notice that the instruction was carried out (cf. 8:36, 9:10) — converting the whole of chapter 16 from hypothetical instruction into accomplished, precedent-setting reality before the narrative moves on.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְהָֽיְתָהand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weqatal)→ Weqatal: prescriptive continuationהָיָה (H1961) Qal 'to be'.
זֹּ֨אתthisdem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject (resumptive demonstrative, echoing v.29's opening)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; closes an inclusio with וְהָיְתָה לָכֶם לְחֻקַּת עוֹלָם of v.29.
לָכֶ֜םfor youprep לְ + Sp2mpDative prepositional phrase
לְחֻקַּ֣תfor a statute ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate complement (construct head)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed limit'.
עוֹלָ֗םperpetuityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive completing constructעוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity, forever'.
לְכַפֵּ֞רto make atonementprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeכָּפַר (H3722) Piel infinitive construct.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (benefactive)
בְּנֵ֤יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct בְּנֵי 'sons of'.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing constructיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, here the corporate subject of the day's atonement.
מִכָּלfrom all ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Causal prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
חַטֹּאתָ֔םtheir sinsN f pl constr/Sp3mp · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive completing constructחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering' (the same noun serves both senses), from חטא 'to miss the mark, offend'.
אַחַ֖תoncenumeral f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Adverbial accusative (frequency)אֶחָד/אַחַת (H259) 'one'; here idiomatic 'one time, once'.
בַּשָּׁנָ֑הin the yearprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal prepositional phrase (frequency)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; fixes the rite's annual periodicity.
וַיַּ֕עַשׂand he didconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, narrative closure)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — closes the chapter with fulfillmentעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do'; subject unstated but naturally understood, echoing the fulfillment formula that closes major legislative units (cf. Exod 40:16).
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing a comparative clause
צִוָּ֥הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (comparative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, authoritative actצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; subject of the closing formula of command.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct objectמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's mediator and lawgiver, the recipient of YHWH's command throughout this chapter.