1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
The standard wayyiqtol speech-formula opens the chapter exactly as it opens the preceding priestly instructions (cf. 1:1; 4:1; 6:1), marking the whole unit as divine speech transmitted through Moses rather than narrative report.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the divine speech-act that launches the chapterדָּבַר (H1696), Piel 'to speak'; the Piel stem is the ordinary form for verbal communication, distinct from the rarer Qal. Source id 03w6p.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (the Tetragrammaton); traditionally read אֲדֹנָי in observance. Source id 03zvK.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; here marks Moses as the human recipient of the divine speech. Source id 03WN3.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, mediator of the Sinai revelation; addressee of the whole priestly law-corpus. Source id 03pAG.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: opens the quoted speech that followsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the fixed idiom לֵאמֹר ('saying') is the standard hinge introducing reported divine speech throughout the Pentateuch. Source id 03EQq.
2
דַּבֵּ֨ר אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְאֶל בָּנָ֗יו וְאֶל֙ כָּל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר
Speak to Aaron and to his sons and to all the sons of Israel, and say to them: This is the word that YHWH has commanded, saying,
The addressee list is unusually broad — priests and laity together — signaling that this instruction, unlike much of the preceding manual, binds the whole community. זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה is a solemn citation formula (cf. Exod 35:1) that frames vv. 3-16 as YHWH's direct words.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
דַּבֵּ֨רspeakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandדָּבַר (H1696) Piel impv 'speak'; opens Moses' commission to relay the law to priests and people. Source id 03sau.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee: Aaron)אֶל (H413) 'to'. Source id 031Ky.
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition אֶל (first addressee)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the high priest. Source id 03biF.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (second addressee)וְ + אֶל introduces the second addressee, Aaron's sons. Source id 03ZBP.
בָּנָ֗יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition (second addressee)בֵּן (H1121) 'son', plural construct with 3ms suffix, 'his sons' — Aaron's sons, the priesthood. Source id 03eMk.
וְאֶל֙and toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (third addressee)Introduces the third addressee group, 'all the sons of Israel' — extending the audience beyond the priesthood. Source id 03PGV.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every', construct form; 'all the sons of Israel' — the whole lay community. Source id 03g5K.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival): 'sons of Israel'בֵּן (H1121) construct plural; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard designation for the nation. Source id 034mW.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the nation named for the patriarch Jacob/Israel. Source id 03ubw.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖and you shall sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal, continuing the command)→ Weqatal: continuation of the imperatival/volitional sequenceאָמַר (H559) Qal weqatal 2ms 'you shall say'; the weqatal chains onto the preceding imperative to continue the command sequence. Source id 039CS.
אֲלֵיהֶ֑םto themprep + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (indirect object)אֶל (H413) + 3mp suffix, 'to them', resuming the whole addressee list of v. 2a. Source id 03ozE.
זֶ֣הthisdem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject of the verbless clause (cataphoric)זֶה (H2088), masc. demonstrative 'this', pointing forward to the citation that follows. Source id 03UZ9.
הַדָּבָ֔רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Predicate nominativeדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; here the specific instruction about to be cited. Source id 03mVu.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the citation clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle. Source id 03yA5.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, authoritative act of commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; regularly used of divine legislative authority. Source id 03ReA.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068), the divine name; subject of the command being cited. Source id 03uFV.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Complementary infinitive introducing the citation→ Infinitive construct: opens the quoted legal material of vv. 3-16אָמַר (H559) + לְ, the same citation-opening idiom as v. 1, here marking the start of the actual law. Source id 035Ba.
3
אִ֥ישׁ אִישׁ֙ מִבֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁחַ֜ט שׁ֥וֹר אוֹ כֶ֛שֶׂב אוֹ עֵ֖ז בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה א֚וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִשְׁחַ֔ט מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה
Any man of the house of Israel who slaughters an ox or a lamb or a goat in the camp, or who slaughters it outside the camp,
אִישׁ אִישׁ, the doubled distributive idiom ('any man whatsoever'), opens a casuistic law whose protasis runs through v. 4 and whose apodosis (the bloodguilt verdict) follows. The two disjunctive clauses — slaughtered in camp or outside it — cover every possible location, closing off any exception.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אִ֥ישׁany manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, first element)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; doubled אִישׁ אִישׁ is a distributive idiom, 'any man whatsoever'. Source id 03c29.
אִישׁ֙manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, second element)Repetition of אִישׁ intensifies the distributive sense: every individual without exception. Source id 03wMd.
מִבֵּ֣יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase, construct (source/origin)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house', construct with מִן 'from'; מִבֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל = 'of the house of Israel', i.e. any Israelite. Source id 03YwG.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03eQh.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the casuistic protasisאֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 03k7y.
יִשְׁחַ֜טslaughtersQal impf 3ms · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hypothetical, repeatable caseשָׁחַט (H7819) Qal 'to slaughter'; the technical term for ritual/domestic killing of an animal. Source id 034Sa.
שׁ֥וֹרan oxN m sg abs · שׁוֹר (H7794)Direct object of יִשְׁחַטשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; first of the sacrificial/domestic animal triad named here. Source id 03p3t.
אוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'. Source id 03rzT.
כֶ֛שֶׂבa lambN m sg abs · כֶּשֶׂב (H3775)Direct object (second disjunct)כֶּשֶׂב (H3775) 'young sheep, lamb'. Source id 03y5y.
אוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176). Source id 03BAD.
עֵ֖זa goatN f sg abs · עֵז (H5795)Direct object (third disjunct)עֵז (H5795) 'goat'; completes the triad of sacrificially valid domestic animals. Source id 03MMc.
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הin the campprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Locative prepositional phraseמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the wilderness encampment, defining the first location-case. Source id 03MJT.
א֚וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction introducing the second locative caseאוֹ (H176), here setting up the alternative 'outside the camp' clause. Source id 03w2K.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (second protasis clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 03NL7.
יִשְׁחַ֔טslaughtersQal impf 3ms · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb of the second relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal, parallel to the first caseשָׁחַט (H7819), repeated verb for the outside-camp case. Source id 03d52.
מִח֖וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street', with מִן 'from outside'. Source id 03JUY.
לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽהthe campprep לְ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of the locative preposition (goal/reference point)מַחֲנֶה (H4264) with לְ, 'of the camp' — completing 'outside the camp'. Source id 03Be7.
4
וְאֶל פֶּ֜תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵד֮ לֹ֣א הֱבִיאוֹ֒ לְהַקְרִ֤יב קָרְבָּן֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהוָ֑ה דָּ֣ם יֵחָשֵׁ֞ב לָאִ֤ישׁ הַהוּא֙ דָּ֣ם שָׁפָ֔ךְ וְנִכְרַ֛ת הָאִ֥ישׁ הַה֖וּא מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמּֽוֹ
and has not brought it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to present it as an offering to YHWH before the tabernacle of YHWH, bloodguilt shall be reckoned to that man — he has shed blood — and that man shall be cut off from among his people.
The protasis completes with the crucial negative condition (לֹא הֱבִיאוֹ, 'has not brought it'); the apodosis pronounces ordinary domestic slaughter done apart from the sanctuary equivalent to murder — דָּם יֵחָשֵׁב, 'bloodguilt shall be reckoned' — and invokes the karet formula, וְנִכְרַת הָאִישׁ הַהוּא מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֹ.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (locative goal)וְ + אֶל, continuing the protasis with the locative goal of the required act. Source id 03shA.
פֶּ֜תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival): 'entrance of the tent of meeting'פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance'; construct with אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the fixed formula for the sanctuary's threshold. Source id 03Hye.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent', construct with מוֹעֵד; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד 'tent of meeting' is the wilderness sanctuary. Source id 03r3P.
מוֹעֵד֮meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place of meeting'; here the fixed sanctuary designation. Source id 03va1.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating הֱבִיאוֹלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle. Source id 03oPC.
הֱבִיאוֹ֒he has brought itHiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (negated protasis) with pronominal object→ Perfective: the decisive, completed failure to bring the offeringבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come', here with 3ms suffix 'brought it'; the negated perfect closes the protasis begun in v. 3. Source id 03Psb.
לְהַקְרִ֤יבto presentprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · קָרַב (H7126)Purpose infinitive (goal of bringing)→ Infinitive construct: expresses purpose, 'in order to present'קָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present (an offering)'; the technical verb for presenting a sacrifice. Source id 03wFt.
קָרְבָּן֙an offeringN m sg abs · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Direct object of לְהַקְרִיבקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering, that which is brought near', from the same root as לְהַקְרִיב — the generic term for any sacrificial gift. Source id 03PpB.
לַֽיהוָ֔הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object (recipient of the offering)יְהוָה (H3068) with לְ, 'to YHWH' — the offering's sole legitimate recipient. Source id 03qNE.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase ('before')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face', with לְ in the fixed compound preposition לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of'. Source id 03Y2L.
מִשְׁכַּ֣ןthe tabernacle ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Construct chain (genitival)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908) 'dwelling place, tabernacle', from שָׁכַן 'to dwell'; construct with יְהוָה. Source id 03yLU.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068). Source id 038gt.
דָּ֣םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of יֵחָשֵׁב (fronted for emphasis)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; fronted to emphasize the verdict — bloodguilt, not merely 'an offense', is what results. Source id 03JUV.
יֵחָשֵׁ֞בshall be reckonedNiphal impf 3ms · חָשַׁב (H2803)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause)→ Niphal imperfect: passive, the verdict that will be renderedחָשַׁב (H2803) Niphal 'to be reckoned, accounted'; the passive frames the verdict as YHWH's own assessment. Source id 03ygy.
לָאִ֤ישׁto the manprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Indirect object ('to that man')אִישׁ (H376) with לְ and article, 'to the man' — resumes the subject of vv. 3-4a. Source id 039Tr.
הַהוּא֙thatart + pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifying הָאִישׁ ('that man')הוּא (H1931) with article functioning as a demonstrative, 'that'; identifies the guilty party of v. 3. Source id 03HZA.
דָּ֣םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of שָׁפָךְ (fronted)דָּם (H1818) 'blood', repeated and fronted: 'blood he has shed' — restating the charge in blunt terms. Source id 03N8P.
שָׁפָ֔ךְhe has shedQal perf 3ms · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb (explanatory clause)→ Perfective: a completed act named as the ground of the verdictשָׁפַךְ (H8210) Qal 'to pour out, shed'; שָׁפַךְ דָּם is the standard idiom for shedding blood. Source id 03XGD.
וְנִכְרַ֛תand shall be cut offconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (final apodosis: penalty)→ Niphal weqatal: the passive punitive sentence, 'shall be cut off'כָּרַת (H3772) Niphal 'to be cut off'; the כָּרֵת formula, the Torah's severest non-judicial penalty for cultic offenses. Source id 03mBS.
הָאִ֥ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וְנִכְרַתאִישׁ (H376) with article, resuming 'the man' as subject of the penalty clause. Source id 03LeT.
הַה֖וּאthatart + pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifying הָאִישׁהוּא (H1931) with article, 'that (man)'. Source id 03TvU.
מִקֶּ֥רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phrase ('from the midst of')קֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part', with מִן; מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֹ, 'from among his people', the standard karet-formula phrase. Source id 03xHn.
עַמּֽוֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chain (with 3ms suffix)עַם (H5971) 'people' + 3ms suffix, 'his people' — his kin-group, from which he is excised. Source id 03B3s.
5
לְמַעַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָבִ֜יאוּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֶֽת זִבְחֵיהֶם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֵ֣ם זֹבְחִים֮ עַל פְּנֵ֣י הַשָּׂדֶה֒ וֶֽהֱבִיאֻ֣ם לַֽיהוָ֗ה אֶל פֶּ֛תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד אֶל הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וְזָ֨בְח֜וּ זִבְחֵ֧י שְׁלָמִ֛ים לַֽיהוָ֖ה אוֹתָֽם
This is so that the sons of Israel may bring their sacrifices that they now sacrifice in the open field — they shall bring them to YHWH, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, to the priest, and shall sacrifice them as peace offerings to YHWH.
לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר states the legislative purpose explicitly: to redirect sacrifices currently offered עַל פְּנֵי הַשָּׂדֶה, 'in the open field' — the very setting of the goat-demon worship condemned in v. 7 — to the one legitimate altar, transforming uncontrolled field-slaughter into properly priest-mediated שְׁלָמִים.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
לְמַעַן֩so thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Subordinating conjunction (purpose)לְמַעַן (H4616) 'for the sake of, in order that'; introduces the purpose clause governing vv. 5-7. Source id 03CNE.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Complementizer completing לְמַעַן ('so that')אֲשֶׁר (H834) here completing the compound purpose conjunction לְמַעַן אֲשֶׁר. Source id 03gKa.
יָבִ֜יאוּthey may bringHiphil impf 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: modal/purposive — the intended, not-yet-realized resultבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; the purpose-clause verb naming the desired outcome of the legislation. Source id 03whP.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain, subjectבֵּן (H1121) construct plural. Source id 03xd8.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03TR3.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite object זִבְחֵיהֶם. Source id 03mba.
זִבְחֵיהֶם֮their sacrificesN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object of יָבִיאוּזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice', plural construct + 3mp suffix, 'their sacrifices' — referring to the field-slaughter of v. 5b. Source id 03X9z.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the descriptive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 03fix.
הֵ֣םtheyindep pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (resumptive independent pronoun with participle)הֵם (H1992), 3mp independent pronoun, resumes 'the sons of Israel' as subject of the participial clause. Source id 03zu5.
זֹבְחִים֮are sacrificingQal ptc m pl abs · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate participle (durative/customary)→ Participle: an ongoing, habitual practice being describedזָבַח (H2076) Qal participle 'sacrificing'; describes the current, unregulated practice the law seeks to redirect. Source id 03jSS.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; here in the idiom עַל פְּנֵי, 'upon the face of, in the open'. Source id 03B98.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain completing the compound prepositionפָּנִים (H6440) 'face', construct; עַל פְּנֵי הַשָּׂדֶה, 'in the open field'. Source id 03tji.
הַשָּׂדֶה֒the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Genitive of the construct chainשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the uncontrolled, non-sanctuary setting condemned throughout this unit. Source id 03Jsw.
וֶֽהֱבִיאֻ֣םand they shall bring themconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3cp + 3mp suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal, apodosis) with pronominal object→ Weqatal: the required, obligatory action following from the purpose clauseבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil weqatal 3cp + 3mp suffix, 'and they shall bring them' — the concrete requirement replacing field-sacrifice. Source id 031GA.
לַֽיהוָ֗הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect objectיְהוָה (H3068) with לְ. Source id 03p7f.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (locative goal)אֶל (H413) 'to'. Source id 03E93.
פֶּ֛תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival)פֶּתַח (H6607), repeating the fixed sanctuary-threshold formula. Source id 03kqX.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168). Source id 031je.
מוֹעֵ֖דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150). Source id 03zEj.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (second goal: the priest)אֶל (H413), introducing the priest as the mediating recipient. Source id 03w3L.
הַכֹּהֵ֑ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Object of preposition אֶלכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the sacrifice must pass through priestly mediation, not remain a lay act in the field. Source id 03FBV.
וְזָ֨בְח֜וּand they shall sacrificeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (weqatal, final apodosis)→ Weqatal: continuing the obligatory sequence — the proper ritual outcomeזָבַח (H2076) Qal weqatal 3cp 'and they shall sacrifice'; the same verb as v. 5's field-practice, now rightly channeled. Source id 03tZu.
זִבְחֵ֧יsacrifices ofN m pl constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Construct chain (genitival): 'sacrifices of peace offerings'זֶבַח (H2077) construct plural. Source id 03ANB.
שְׁלָמִ֛יםpeace offeringsN m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive of the construct chainשֶׁלֶם (H8002) 'peace/well-being offering', plural; the animal is reclassified from unregulated field-kill to a proper שְׁלָמִים sacrifice. Source id 03m5d.
לַֽיהוָ֖הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect objectיְהוָה (H3068) with לְ. Source id 03wc3.
אוֹתָֽםthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object marker with pronominal suffix (resumptive)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, 'them', resuming זִבְחֵיהֶם as the direct object of וְזָבְחוּ. Source id 03dLM.
6
וְזָרַ֨ק הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֶת הַדָּם֙ עַל מִזְבַּ֣ח יְהוָ֔ה פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְהִקְטִ֣יר הַחֵ֔לֶב לְרֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהוָֽה
And the priest shall dash the blood against the altar of YHWH at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and shall burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to YHWH.
Once brought to the priest, the offering follows the standard peace-offering rite of chs. 1-3: blood dashed (זָרַק) around the altar and fat burned as a רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ. The verse quietly makes the point of the whole unit — the blood belongs at the altar, not spilled or drained in the field.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְזָרַ֨קand he shall dashconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · זָרַק (H2236)Predicate verb (main clause, prescribed procedure)→ Weqatal: obligatory ritual actionזָרַק (H2236) Qal 'to dash, sprinkle (blood)'; the technical verb for applying sacrificial blood to the altar. Source id 03Sk6.
הַכֹּהֵ֤ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְזָרַקכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'. Source id 03H1q.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַדָּם as definite object. Source id 03RMp.
הַדָּם֙the bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of וְזָרַקדָּם (H1818) 'blood', the substance at the center of the chapter. Source id 03DE1.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'. Source id 03JXW.
מִזְבַּ֣חthe altar ofN m sg constr · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Construct chain (genitival)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'. Source id 03PJn.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068). Source id 03dXu.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Locative apposition, construct chainפֶּתַח (H6607), repeating the sanctuary-threshold formula, in loose apposition specifying the altar's location. Source id 038oD.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168). Source id 03YAs.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150). Source id 03W4q.
וְהִקְטִ֣ירand he shall burnconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָטַר (H6999)Predicate verb (second main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory ritual sequenceקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'to burn (as an offering), turn into smoke'; the technical verb for the altar-burning of fat/incense. Source id 03N6D.
הַחֵ֔לֶבthe fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object of וְהִקְטִירחֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat, suet'; along with blood, the portion reserved exclusively for YHWH (cf. ch. 7). Source id 03r3j.
לְרֵ֥יחַas an aroma ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · רֵיחַ (H7381)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/result)רֵיחַ (H7381) 'scent, aroma', construct with נִיחֹחַ; the fixed sacrificial idiom רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ. Source id 03RbR.
נִיחֹ֖חַpleasingN m sg abs · נִיחֹחַ (H5207)Genitive completing the idiom ('pleasing aroma')נִיחֹחַ (H5207) 'soothing, pleasing', from נוּחַ 'to rest'; describes the offering as bringing divine satisfaction, not appeasement of hunger. Source id 03mrh.
לַיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object (beneficiary of the offering)יְהוָה (H3068) with לְ. Source id 03KDc.
7
וְלֹא יִזְבְּח֥וּ עוֹד֙ אֶת זִבְחֵיהֶ֔ם לַשְּׂעִירִ֕ם אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֛ם תִּֽהְיֶה זֹּ֥את לָהֶ֖ם לְדֹרֹתָֽם
And they shall no longer sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat-demons after whom they whore. This shall be a perpetual statute for them throughout their generations.
שְׂעִירִים, 'goat-demons/satyrs', names the object of the forbidden field-cult (cf. 2 Chr 11:15); זֹנִים אַחֲרֵיהֶם, 'whoring after them', is the Torah's standard idiom for cultic infidelity. חֻקַּת עוֹלָם, 'perpetual statute', closes the first sub-unit (vv. 1-7) with a formula that will recur through the chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle + conjunction, negating יִזְבְּחוּלֹא (H3808) negated by וְ, forbidding continuation of the practice. Source id 03dmB.
יִזְבְּח֥וּthey shall sacrificeQal impf 3mp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (negated main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol used modally as a prohibition: 'they shall no longer sacrifice'זָבַח (H2076) Qal impf, here forming a durative prohibition with the negative. Source id 03Fg5.
עוֹד֙againadv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of continuation ('any longer')עוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, yet'; with the negative, 'no longer'. Source id 03D4Y.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking זִבְחֵיהֶם as definite object. Source id 031yC.
זִבְחֵיהֶ֔םtheir sacrificesN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object of יִזְבְּחוּזֶבַח (H2077) plural construct + 3mp suffix. Source id 03rrj.
לַשְּׂעִירִ֕םto the goat-demonsprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · שָׂעִיר (H8163)Indirect object (recipient of the forbidden sacrifice)שָׂעִיר (H8163) 'he-goat'; plural שְׂעִירִים denotes goat-shaped demonic beings worshiped in the open field (cf. 2 Chr 11:15; Isa 13:21; 34:14) — the very cult v. 5 seeks to eliminate. Source id 03Rn4.
אֲשֶׁ֛רafter whomrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle heading the description of the idolatryאֲשֶׁר (H834), here resumed by the pronominal suffix on אַחֲרֵיהֶם ('after whom … after them'). Source id 03nrC.
הֵ֥םtheyindep pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (resumptive independent pronoun)הֵם (H1992), emphatic resumption of the worshipers as subject of זֹנִים. Source id 03USe.
זֹנִ֖יםare whoringQal ptc m pl abs · זָנָה (H2181)Predicate participle (durative/customary)→ Participle: an ongoing pattern of cultic infidelityזָנָה (H2181) Qal 'to be a harlot, whore'; the Torah's standard metaphor for worship diverted from YHWH to other powers. Source id 03jJP.
אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑םafter themprep + 3mp suffix · אַחַר (H310)Locative/directional prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind' + 3mp suffix; זֹנִים אַחֲרֵיהֶם, 'whoring after them' (the goat-demons). Source id 03Ds4.
חֻקַּ֥תa statute ofN c sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate nominative, construct chainחֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed due', construct with עוֹלָם; the closing legal formula for this sub-unit. Source id 03YfC.
עוֹלָ֛םperpetuityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive of the construct chainעוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity'; חֻקַּת עוֹלָם, 'a perpetual statute', a fixed formula closing legal units in Leviticus. Source id 03jFh.
תִּֽהְיֶהit shall beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb ('it shall be', agreeing with the subject זֹאת)→ Yiqtol: durative — the ongoing, standing validity of the statuteהָיָה (H1961) Qal impf 3fs 'it shall be', agreeing with the feminine זֹאת/חֻקָּה. Source id 03h2q.
זֹּ֥אתthisdem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of תִּהְיֶהזֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative, referring back to the preceding prohibition as 'this' statute. Source id 03VfW.
לָהֶ֖םfor themprep + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase (beneficiary/scope)לְ + 3mp suffix, 'for them' — Israel, bound by this statute. Source id 03ESV.
לְדֹרֹתָֽםthroughout their generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal scope)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation', plural construct + 3mp suffix with לְ; the standard formula extending a law's force across all future generations. Source id 038Fj.
8
וַאֲלֵהֶ֣ם תֹּאמַ֔ר אִ֥ישׁ אִישׁ֙ מִבֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וּמִן הַגֵּ֖ר אֲשֶׁר יָג֣וּר בְּתוֹכָ֑ם אֲשֶׁר יַעֲלֶ֥ה עֹלָ֖ה אוֹ זָֽבַח
And you shall say to them: Any man of the house of Israel, or of the sojourner who sojourns among them, who offers up a burnt offering or a sacrifice,
A fresh casuistic protasis opens the chapter's second sub-unit. The explicit inclusion of the גֵּר, 'sojourner', alongside the native-born — repeated in vv. 10, 12, 13 — marks the Holiness Code's characteristic extension of Israel's cultic and moral obligations to resident non-Israelites.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַאֲלֵהֶ֣םand to themconj וְ + prep + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + indirect object (resuming addressees)אֶל (H413) + 3mp suffix with וְ; resumes the addressee list of v. 2 for a new case. Source id 03zrr.
תֹּאמַ֔רyou shall sayQal impf 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (continuing the commission)→ Yiqtol: volitional/command continuing Moses' instructionאָמַר (H559) Qal impf 2ms, functioning as a continued command 'you shall say', opening the second case (vv. 8-9). Source id 03qEt.
אִ֥ישׁany manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, first element)אִישׁ (H376), first of the doubled distributive. Source id 035gq.
אִישׁ֙manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, second element)אִישׁ (H376) repeated for emphasis. Source id 03hDV.
מִבֵּ֣יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase, construct (source/origin)בַּיִת (H1004) construct with מִן. Source id 03HYt.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03FAv.
וּמִןor fromconj וְ + prep · מִן (H4480)Disjunctive conjunction + preposition (alternative subject: the sojourner)מִן (H4480) with וְ, 'or from'; introduces the second class of persons bound by the law. Source id 03TWN.
הַגֵּ֖רthe sojournerart + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Object of preposition מִן (second subject class)גֵּר (H1616) 'resident alien, sojourner'; a non-Israelite living among Israel, bound by the same cultic law as the native. Source id 03BfY.
אֲשֶׁרwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the description of the sojournerאֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 03Rad.
יָג֣וּרsojournsQal impf 3ms · גּוּר (H1481)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/characteristic — an ongoing state of residenceגּוּר (H1481) Qal 'to sojourn, reside as an alien'; wordplay with גֵּר from the same root. Source id 03Gcy.
בְּתוֹכָ֑םamong themprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst', construct with בְּ + 3mp suffix, 'among them' (Israel). Source id 03BLC.
אֲשֶׁרwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the casuistic protasis properאֲשֶׁר (H834), heading the actual legal case (offering a sacrifice). Source id 03uvq.
יַעֲלֶ֥הoffers upHiphil impf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hypothetical, repeatable caseעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, offer up'; the standard verb for presenting a burnt offering. Source id 03fwV.
עֹלָ֖הa burnt offeringN f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Direct object of יַעֲלֶה (first disjunct)עֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', from עָלָה 'to go up' — wholly consumed on the altar. Source id 03vpD.
אוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176). Source id 032F5.
זָֽבַחa sacrificeN m sg abs · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object of יַעֲלֶה (second disjunct)זֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice' (general term, here paired with עֹלָה to cover both major offering types). Source id 03dHB.
9
וְאֶל פֶּ֜תַח אֹ֤הֶל מוֹעֵד֙ לֹ֣א יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּ לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת אֹת֖וֹ לַיהוָ֑ה וְנִכְרַ֛ת הָאִ֥ישׁ הַה֖וּא מֵעַמָּֽיו
and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to YHWH, that man shall be cut off from his people.
The apodosis for the burnt-offering/sacrifice case parallels v. 4 but omits the intermediate 'bloodguilt' verdict, moving directly to the karet formula — offering an animal to any power other than YHWH, or apart from the sanctioned altar, is itself the capital offense.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + preposition (locative goal)וְ + אֶל, continuing the protasis. Source id 03A8D.
פֶּ֜תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Construct chain (genitival)פֶּתַח (H6607). Source id 03hrv.
אֹ֤הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain (genitival)אֹהֶל (H168). Source id 03vzq.
מוֹעֵד֙meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150). Source id 03RTB.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יְבִיאֶנּוּלֹא (H3808). Source id 03rDJ.
יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּhe brings itHiphil impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (negated protasis) with pronominal object→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the hypothetical failure to bring the offeringבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil impf 3ms + 3ms suffix, 'he brings it'; parallel to v. 4's הֱבִיאוֹ but imperfect, matching this unit's casuistic form. Source id 03ZbD.
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹתto offerprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive construct: expresses purpose, 'in order to offer/do it'עָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make, offer (a sacrifice)'; here specifically 'to sacrifice it'. Source id 03pe5.
אֹת֖וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object marker with pronominal suffixאֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resuming the burnt offering/sacrifice of v. 8 as object of לַעֲשׂוֹת. Source id 03Gfh.
לַיהוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect objectיְהוָה (H3068) with לְ. Source id 03sZ7.
וְנִכְרַ֛תand shall be cut offconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (apodosis: penalty)→ Niphal weqatal: passive punitive sentenceכָּרַת (H3772) Niphal, the karet formula, repeated from v. 4. Source id 03xT5.
הָאִ֥ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וְנִכְרַתאִישׁ (H376) with article. Source id 03PfR.
הַה֖וּאthatart + pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifying הָאִישׁהוּא (H1931) with article, 'that (man)'. Source id 03oeK.
מֵעַמָּֽיוfrom his peopleprep מִן + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Locative/source prepositional phraseעַם (H5971) plural construct + 3ms suffix with מִן; מֵעַמָּיו, a variant of the fuller מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֹ formula, 'from his people'. Source id 03poP.
10
וְאִ֨ישׁ אִ֜ישׁ מִבֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וּמִן הַגֵּר֙ הַגָּ֣ר בְּתוֹכָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאכַ֖ל כָּל דָּ֑ם וְנָתַתִּ֣י פָנַ֗י בַּנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙ הָאֹכֶ֣לֶת אֶת הַדָּ֔ם וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽהּ
And any man of the house of Israel, or of the sojourner who sojourns among them, who eats any blood — I will set my face against the person who eats the blood, and I will cut him off from among his people.
The chapter's second major topic opens. וְנָתַתִּי פָנַי, 'I will set my face against', is an intensified divine-opposition formula used elsewhere for the gravest offenses (20:3, 5, 6); uniquely here YHWH himself, not a human court, executes the karet, underscoring the gravity of consuming the life-substance.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְאִ֨ישׁand any manconj וְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, first element)אִישׁ (H376), with וְ introducing the third casuistic sub-unit (blood prohibition). Source id 03ZRV.
אִ֜ישׁmanN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, second element)אִישׁ (H376) repeated. Source id 0385A.
מִבֵּ֣יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase, constructבַּיִת (H1004) with מִן. Source id 03NbA.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03XRR.
וּמִןor fromconj וְ + prep · מִן (H4480)Disjunctive conjunction + prepositionמִן (H4480) with וְ. Source id 03cYP.
הַגֵּר֙the sojournerart + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Object of preposition מִןגֵּר (H1616). Source id 03gVU.
הַגָּ֣רwho sojournsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · גּוּר (H1481)Attributive participle modifying הַגֵּר→ Participle: characteristic state of residingגּוּר (H1481) Qal participle with article, 'who sojourns/resides'. Source id 03r2X.
בְּתוֹכָ֔םamong themprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) + בְּ + 3mp suffix. Source id 03Zzp.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the protasisאֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 03qoq.
יֹאכַ֖לeatsQal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hypothetical, repeatable actאָכַל (H398) Qal 'to eat'; the chapter's second major forbidden act. Source id 03w9K.
כָּלanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing דָּםכֹּל (H3605) construct, 'any/all blood'. Source id 03dir.
דָּ֑םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of יֹאכַלדָּם (H1818), the object of the sweeping prohibition — no exceptions. Source id 03E6H.
וְנָתַתִּ֣יand I will setconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (apodosis, divine first-person)→ Weqatal: the certain, decreed divine responseנָתַן (H5414) Qal weqatal 1cs 'and I will give/set'; here idiomatic with פָּנַי, 'I will set my face'. Source id 039ov.
פָנַ֗יmy faceN c pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object of וְנָתַתִּיפָּנִים (H6440) 'face' + 1cs suffix; נָתַן פָּנִים בְּ, 'to set one's face against', a formula of resolute divine opposition (cf. 20:3, 5, 6; 26:17). Source id 03BYz.
בַּנֶּ֨פֶשׁ֙against the personprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Locative/adversative prepositional phrase (object of divine opposition)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) with בְּ and article; here the individual person as a living, accountable self. Source id 03HXB.
הָאֹכֶ֣לֶתwho eatsart + Qal ptc f sg abs · אָכַל (H398)Attributive participle modifying הַנֶּפֶשׁ→ Participle: identifies the offender by the ongoing/habitual actאָכַל (H398) Qal fem. participle with article, 'the (person) who eats'. Source id 03TmX.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַדָּם. Source id 03LiC.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of הָאֹכֶלֶתדָּם (H1818). Source id 038kj.
וְהִכְרַתִּ֥יand I will cut offconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (final apodosis: penalty, divine first-person)→ Weqatal: the certain divine execution of the penaltyכָּרַת (H3772) Hiphil weqatal 1cs, 'and I will cut off' — YHWH himself, not the passive Niphal, is the direct agent here. Source id 03mCW.
אֹתָ֖הּherobj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object marker with pronominal suffix (resumptive)אֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix, referring back to הַנֶּפֶשׁ ('the person', grammatically feminine). Source id 03gqX.
מִקֶּ֥רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phraseקֶרֶב (H7130) with מִן. Source id 03Df6.
עַמָּֽהּher peopleN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chain (with 3fs suffix)עַם (H5971) + 3fs suffix, agreeing with the feminine נֶפֶשׁ; the karet-formula phrase adapted to נֶפֶשׁ's grammatical gender. Source id 03oMA.
11
כִּ֣י נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַבָּשָׂר֮ בַּדָּ֣ם הִוא֒ וַאֲנִ֞י נְתַתִּ֤יו לָכֶם֙ עַל הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑ם כִּֽי הַדָּ֥ם ה֖וּא בַּנֶּ֥פֶשׁ יְכַפֵּֽר
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your lives, for it is the blood that makes atonement by means of the life.
The chapter's — and arguably the book's — pivotal theological statement. כִּי introduces the reason for vv. 10-14's blood ban: blood is not incidental to life but its very locus (נֶפֶשׁ), so its ritual use on the altar is uniquely YHWH's own gift, 'given' (נְתַתִּיו) for atonement. Scholars debate the exact mechanism the verse claims — whether the blood atones by substituting the animal's life for the offerer's, by purging impurity from the altar/sanctuary, or simply by virtue of belonging to God alone as the price of life — and the syntax of the final clause (blood/life as instrument, בַּנֶּפֶשׁ) is itself contested. Whatever the precise mechanics, the verse grounds the absolute prohibition of eating blood in blood's sacral, life-bearing status.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (causal, grounding clause)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; opens the chapter's central theological ground clause. Source id 03Mcf.
נֶ֣פֶשׁthe life ofN c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate nominative (construct), subject complementנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, living being'; here the animating life-force, not an immortal 'soul' in the later philosophical sense — construct with הַבָּשָׂר. Source id 03uXp.
הַבָּשָׂר֮the fleshart + N m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Genitive of the construct chainבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh'; bodily, living tissue in general — the physical substrate that the נֶפֶשׁ animates. Source id 038qn.
בַּדָּ֣םin the bloodprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Predicate locative (verbless clause: 'the life ... is in the blood')דָּם (H1818) 'blood' with בְּ; the verse's central assertion locates נֶפֶשׁ in the blood itself, not merely accompanying it. Source id 03DX6.
הִוא֒it (is)indep pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless clauseהִיא (H1931), fem. 3fs pronoun agreeing with נֶפֶשׁ, serving as subject and copula: 'it is'. Source id 03A18.
וַאֲנִ֞יand Iconj וְ + indep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic independent pronoun, fronted)אֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; fronted for emphasis — YHWH himself, not the offerer, is the one who gives the blood its atoning role. Source id 03iSv.
נְתַתִּ֤יוhave given itQal perf 1cs + 3ms suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause) with pronominal object→ Perfective (rhetorical/performative): a settled, authoritative divine act — YHWH's own giftנָתַן (H5414) Qal perf 1cs + 3ms suffix, 'I have given it'; the blood's ritual efficacy is framed as YHWH's own grant, not a human achievement. Source id 03qx9.
לָכֶם֙to youprep + 2mp suffix · לְIndirect object (beneficiary)לְ + 2mp suffix, 'to you' — addressed to the worshiping community. Source id 03qBT.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'. Source id 03jYZ.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of the preposition עַלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the sole legitimate locus for the blood's atoning use, reinforcing vv. 1-9. Source id 03Az7.
לְכַפֵּ֖רto make atonementprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitive (goal of the gift)→ Infinitive construct: states the purpose of the blood's ritual useכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, cover, purge'; the verb's precise mechanics (ransom, purgation, or covering) are debated, but here it names the blood's God-given ritual function. Source id 03d3f.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the beneficiary of atonementעַל (H5921), here 'for, on behalf of' — the object of atonement is the worshipers' own נַפְשֹׁת (lives). Source id 03byp.
נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶ֑םyour livesN c pl constr + 2mp suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Object of the preposition עַל (goal of atonement)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) plural + 2mp suffix, 'your lives/selves' — echoing נֶפֶשׁ of v. 11a: the life given in blood atones for the life of the offerer. Source id 03pWc.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (causal, restating the ground)כִּי (H3588), reinforcing/restating the rationale in the verse's final clause. Source id 03GcR.
הַדָּ֥םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of the verbless/predicate clauseדָּם (H1818), resumed as subject — the summary restatement of the verse's claim. Source id 03NKo.
ה֖וּאit (is)indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula (resumptive pronoun)הוּא (H1931), masc. 3ms pronoun agreeing with הַדָּם, 'it is'. Source id 03qzH.
בַּנֶּ֥פֶשׁby means of the lifeprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Adverbial/instrumental prepositional phrase modifying יְכַפֵּרנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) with בְּ; read either instrumentally ('by virtue of the life within it') or as a further locative restatement — the ambiguity is itself debated in the history of interpretation. Source id 03ADc.
יְכַפֵּֽרmakes atonementPiel impf 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (final clause, summary)→ Yiqtol: a general, standing truth — the blood's abiding atoning functionכָּפַר (H3722) Piel impf 3ms, 'it atones'; the chapter's climactic verb, restating in different syntax exactly what v. 11a already claimed. Source id 03p3z.
12
עַל כֵּ֤ן אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל כָּל נֶ֥פֶשׁ מִכֶּ֖ם לֹא תֹ֣אכַל דָּ֑ם וְהַגֵּ֛ר הַגָּ֥ר בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖ם לֹא יֹ֥אכַל דָּֽם
Therefore I have said to the sons of Israel: No person among you shall eat blood, nor shall the sojourner who sojourns among you eat blood.
עַל כֵּן, 'therefore', draws the practical command directly out of the theological ground just stated: because the blood IS the life given for atonement, no one — Israelite or resident sojourner alike — may treat it as ordinary food. The prohibition is restated in plain, unconditional form.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)First element of the compound conjunction עַל כֵּןעַל (H5921), with כֵּן forming the fixed inferential idiom עַל כֵּן, 'therefore'. Source id 038BY.
כֵּ֤ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Second element completing עַל כֵּן ('therefore')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; עַל כֵּן, 'therefore', draws a logical inference from v. 11. Source id 03g6B.
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙I have saidQal perf 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, divine first-person)→ Perfective: a completed, authoritative act of speech, now being restated/appliedאָמַר (H559) Qal perf 1cs 'I have said'; frames the following prohibition as YHWH's own settled word. Source id 034LX.
לִבְנֵ֣יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object, construct chainבֵּן (H1121) construct plural with לְ. Source id 03kze.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03CJA.
כָּלanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing נֶפֶשׁ (distributive: 'any person')כֹּל (H3605) construct, universalizing the prohibition. Source id 03FmZ.
נֶ֥פֶשׁpersonN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of תֹאכַלנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), here 'person, individual' — the same word whose 'life' is at stake in v. 11, now the subject forbidden to eat blood. Source id 03nZ5.
מִכֶּ֖םamong youprep מִן + 2mp suffixPartitive prepositional phrase modifying נֶפֶשׁמִן (H4480) + 2mp suffix, 'from/among you', restricting the scope to the addressed community while individualizing it. Source id 03q5L.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תֹאכַללֹא (H3808). Source id 03htW.
תֹ֣אכַלshall eatQal impf 3fs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (negated main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol used as a durative prohibition: 'shall not eat'אָכַל (H398) Qal impf 3fs (agreeing with נֶפֶשׁ, grammatically feminine). Source id 03YCR.
דָּ֑םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of תֹאכַלדָּם (H1818). Source id 03Tng.
וְהַגֵּ֛רand the sojournerconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Subject (coordinated with the preceding prohibition, restated for the גֵּר)גֵּר (H1616) with וְ and article, resuming the sojourner as a second, parallel subject. Source id 03AG9.
הַגָּ֥רwho sojournsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · גּוּר (H1481)Attributive participle modifying הַגֵּר→ Participle: characteristic state of residenceגּוּר (H1481) Qal participle with article. Source id 03veU.
בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖םamong youprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) + בְּ + 2mp suffix, 'among you'. Source id 03CoA.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יֹאכַללֹא (H3808). Source id 03rKD.
יֹ֥אכַלshall eatQal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (negated main clause, prohibition, restated for the sojourner)→ Yiqtol used as a durative prohibitionאָכַל (H398) Qal impf 3ms, restating the prohibition with masculine agreement for הַגֵּר. Source id 037RJ.
דָּֽםbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of יֹאכַלדָּם (H1818), repeated to close the verse with the prohibition stated for both native and sojourner alike. Source id 0357Q.
13
וְאִ֨ישׁ אִ֜ישׁ מִבְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וּמִן הַגֵּר֙ הַגָּ֣ר בְּתוֹכָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצ֜וּד צֵ֥יד חַיָּ֛ה אוֹ ע֖וֹף אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵאָכֵ֑ל וְשָׁפַךְ֙ אֶת דָּמ֔וֹ וְכִסָּ֖הוּ בֶּעָפָֽר
And any man of the sons of Israel, or of the sojourner who sojourns among them, who hunts down a wild animal or a bird that may be eaten shall pour out its blood and cover it with earth.
Wild game, killed away from the altar by necessity of the hunt (צוּד), cannot be brought for sacrificial blood-manipulation; instead its blood must be poured out and covered with earth — a rite that still honors the blood's sanctity by returning it to the ground rather than consuming it, without requiring an altar it could never reach.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְאִ֨ישׁand any manconj וְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, first element)אִישׁ (H376), introducing a new casuistic sub-unit (hunted game). Source id 03SqN.
אִ֜ישׁmanN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (distributive idiom, second element)אִישׁ (H376) repeated. Source id 03AMy.
מִבְּנֵ֣יfrom the sons ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, constructבֵּן (H1121) construct plural with מִן (note: מִבְּנֵי rather than מִבֵּית as in vv. 3, 8, 10 — a minor variation in phrasing). Source id 03U3z.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03SGK.
וּמִןor fromconj וְ + prep · מִן (H4480)Disjunctive conjunction + prepositionמִן (H4480) with וְ. Source id 03Qtc.
הַגֵּר֙the sojournerart + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Object of preposition מִןגֵּר (H1616). Source id 03MiW.
הַגָּ֣רwho sojournsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · גּוּר (H1481)Attributive participle modifying הַגֵּר→ Participle: characteristic state of residenceגּוּר (H1481) Qal participle with article. Source id 03LQC.
בְּתוֹכָ֔םamong themprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) + בְּ + 3mp suffix. Source id 033df.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the protasisאֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 0361t.
יָצ֜וּדhunts downQal impf 3ms · צוּד (H6679)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hypothetical, repeatable actצוּד (H6679) Qal 'to hunt'; the only reference in this legal unit to game taken outside the domestic-animal/sacrificial system. Source id 03g9U.
צֵ֥ידgame ofN m sg constr · צַיִד (H6718)Direct object, construct chain (cognate accusative)צַיִד (H6718) 'game, hunted prey', construct; cognate-accusative construction with יָצוּד, 'hunts a hunting of'. Source id 03J78.
חַיָּ֛הa wild animalN f sg abs · חַיָּה (H2416)Genitive of the construct chain (first disjunct)חַיָּה (H2416) 'living thing, wild animal', from חָיָה 'to live' — untamed game as opposed to domestic livestock. Source id 03Mf9.
אוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176). Source id 03ARq.
ע֖וֹףa birdN m sg abs · עוֹף (H5775)Genitive of the construct chain (second disjunct)עוֹף (H5775) 'flying creature, bird'; the second category of legitimately hunted game. Source id 03W24.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a qualifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), restricting the case to game 'that may be eaten' — i.e. clean species. Source id 03Sau.
יֵאָכֵ֑לmay be eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of the relative clause (permission)→ Niphal imperfect: passive, expressing permissibilityאָכַל (H398) Niphal 'to be eaten'; the passive names dietary legality (cf. ch. 11) as the qualifying condition. Source id 03sbY.
וְשָׁפַךְ֙shall pour outconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb (apodosis, first requirement)→ Weqatal: the obligatory ritual action following the huntשָׁפַךְ (H8210) Qal weqatal 'and he shall pour out'; the same verb condemned as bloodshed in v. 4, here required as proper disposal. Source id 03oxz.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking דָּמוֹ. Source id 03ZpB.
דָּמ֔וֹits bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of וְשָׁפַךְדָּם (H1818) + 3ms suffix, 'its blood' — the game animal's blood. Source id 031bx.
וְכִסָּ֖הוּand shall cover itconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms + 3ms suffix · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb (apodosis, second requirement) with pronominal object→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory actionכָּסָה (H3680) Piel weqatal + 3ms suffix, 'and he shall cover it'; the blood is honored by burial rather than consumption or altar-use, since no altar is available for game. Source id 03xRA.
בֶּעָפָֽרwith earthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עָפָר (H6083)Instrumental prepositional phraseעָפָר (H6083) 'dust, earth', with בְּ; the blood returns to the ground rather than being consumed — a symbolic, non-sacrificial act of respect for the life it represents. Source id 03CvE.
14
כִּֽי נֶ֣פֶשׁ כָּל בָּשָׂ֗ר דָּמ֣וֹ בְנַפְשׁוֹ֮ הוּא֒ וָֽאֹמַר֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל דַּ֥ם כָּל בָּשָׂ֖ר לֹ֣א תֹאכֵ֑לוּ כִּ֣י נֶ֤פֶשׁ כָּל בָּשָׂר֙ דָּמ֣וֹ הִ֔וא כָּל אֹכְלָ֖יו יִכָּרֵֽת
For the life of all flesh — its blood is its life — and I said to the sons of Israel: You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood; whoever eats it shall be cut off.
The rationale of v. 11 is restated in a more general form — נֶפֶשׁ כָּל בָּשָׂר, 'the life of all flesh', not only sacrificial animals — and now closes, unlike v. 12, with the explicit karet penalty, matching v. 4's and v. 9's formula and binding the whole blood-prohibition unit (vv. 10-14) together.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (causal, grounding clause)כִּי (H3588), restating the rationale of v. 11 in generalized form. Source id 03Naj.
נֶ֣פֶשׁthe life ofN c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate nominative (construct)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315), construct with כָּל בָּשָׂר — 'the life of all flesh', generalizing beyond sacrificial animals. Source id 03mc7.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בָּשָׂרכֹּל (H3605) construct, universalizing the claim to every living creature. Source id 03HDd.
בָּשָׂ֗רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Genitive completing the construct chainבָּשָׂר (H1320). Source id 036Lu.
דָּמ֣וֹits bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · דָּם (H1818)Subject of the verbless clause (parenthetical restatement)דָּם (H1818) + 3ms suffix; the parenthetical דָּמוֹ בְנַפְשׁוֹ הוּא, 'its blood is in its life', re-expresses v. 11a even more starkly. Source id 03Bre.
בְנַפְשׁוֹ֮is its lifeprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate locative of the parenthetical clauseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) with בְּ + 3ms suffix, 'in its life' — a striking reversal of v. 11's בַּדָּם הִוא (life is in the blood) to דָּמוֹ בְנַפְשׁוֹ (its blood is in its life), underscoring their near-identity. Source id 03wyD.
הוּא֒it (is)indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of the parenthetical clauseהוּא (H1931), masc. pronoun agreeing with דָּמוֹ. Source id 039v5.
וָֽאֹמַר֙and I saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 1cs · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, divine first-person, resuming after the parenthesis)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative-style resumption citing the prior commandאָמַר (H559) Qal wayyiqtol 1cs, 'and I said' — resuming the main clause after the explanatory parenthesis of v. 14a. Source id 03uBa.
לִבְנֵ֣יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object, construct chainבֵּן (H1121) construct plural with לְ. Source id 036e3.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478). Source id 03Gmz.
דַּ֥םthe blood ofN m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Direct object, construct chain (fronted)דָּם (H1818) construct, fronted for emphasis in the prohibition. Source id 034Zj.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בָּשָׂרכֹּל (H3605) construct. Source id 035jS.
בָּשָׂ֖רfleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Genitive completing the construct chainבָּשָׂר (H1320). Source id 032oN.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תֹאכֵלוּלֹא (H3808). Source id 03xTt.
תֹאכֵ֑לוּyou shall eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (negated main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol used as a durative prohibition, 2mpאָכַל (H398) Qal impf 2mp, restating the prohibition to the assembled community directly. Source id 039sn.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (causal, restating the ground a third time)כִּי (H3588), the third occurrence of this causal ground in the chapter (cf. v. 11 twice, here once more). Source id 03Hwe.
נֶ֤פֶשׁthe life ofN c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate nominative (construct)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315), repeating the generalization of v. 14a. Source id 03pQs.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בָּשָׂרכֹּל (H3605) construct. Source id 036DP.
בָּשָׂר֙fleshN m sg abs · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Genitive completing the construct chainבָּשָׂר (H1320). Source id 03t2h.
דָּמ֣וֹits bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · דָּם (H1818)Subject of the verbless clauseדָּם (H1818) + 3ms suffix. Source id 032HK.
הִ֔ואit (is)indep pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless clauseהִיא (H1931), fem. pronoun agreeing with נֶפֶשׁ. Source id 03Ews.
כָּלall/whoeverN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing אֹכְלָיו (distributive: 'whoever eats')כֹּל (H3605) construct, 'all who eat it' — a comprehensive final warning. Source id 03PUW.
אֹכְלָ֖יוeats itQal ptc m pl constr + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Attributive participle, subject of יִכָּרֵת→ Participle: names the offender by the act itselfאָכַל (H398) Qal participle m pl constr + 3ms suffix, 'those eating it'. Source id 03zuK.
יִכָּרֵֽתshall be cut offNiphal impf 3ms · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (final apodosis: penalty)→ Niphal imperfect: passive punitive sentenceכָּרַת (H3772) Niphal, the karet formula closing the blood-prohibition unit (vv. 10-14). Source id 03JQu.
15
וְכָל נֶ֗פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאכַ֤ל נְבֵלָה֙ וּטְרֵפָ֔ה בָּאֶזְרָ֖ח וּבַגֵּ֑ר וְכִבֶּ֨ס בְּגָדָ֜יו וְרָחַ֥ץ בַּמַּ֛יִם וְטָמֵ֥א עַד הָעֶ֖רֶב וְטָהֵֽר
And every person, whether native or sojourner, who eats what dies of itself or is torn by beasts shall wash his clothes and bathe in water and be unclean until evening; then he shall be clean.
נְבֵלָה and טְרֵפָה — an animal that died on its own or was mauled — retain undrained blood and so cannot be eaten under normal circumstances (cf. 22:8; Exod 22:30); but eating them incurs only a purification penalty (washing, bathing, evening impurity), a markedly lighter consequence than the karet of deliberate blood-eating, distinguishing accidental/necessity consumption from willful violation.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing נֶפֶשׁ, subjectכֹּל (H3605) with וְ, construct; opens the chapter's fourth casuistic sub-unit. Source id 03ErE.
נֶ֗פֶשׁpersonN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Genitive of the construct chain, subjectנֶפֶשׁ (H5315), 'person'. Source id 03Lcm.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the protasisאֲשֶׁר (H834). Source id 031X7.
תֹּאכַ֤לeatsQal impf 3fs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hypothetical, repeatable actאָכַל (H398) Qal impf 3fs. Source id 0389D.
נְבֵלָה֙carrionN f sg abs · נְבֵלָה (H5038)Direct object of תֹּאכַל (first disjunct)נְבֵלָה (H5038) 'carcass, carrion'; an animal that has died of itself, still containing its blood. Source id 03GQ6.
וּטְרֵפָ֔הor torn fleshconj וְ + N f sg abs · טְרֵפָה (H2966)Direct object (second disjunct, coordinated)טְרֵפָה (H2966) 'torn flesh', an animal killed by other beasts; both terms name meat whose blood was never properly drained. Source id 03qbK.
בָּאֶזְרָ֖חwhether native-bornprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אֶזְרָח (H249)Locative/scope prepositional phrase (first disjunct)אֶזְרָח (H249) 'native, home-born'; specifies that this lighter provision applies to Israelite and sojourner alike. Source id 03iS8.
וּבַגֵּ֑רor sojournerconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Locative/scope prepositional phrase (second disjunct)גֵּר (H1616) with וּבַ, 'or the sojourner' — repeating the chapter's consistent inclusion of the resident alien. Source id 03dHp.
וְכִבֶּ֨סshall washconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּבַס (H3526)Predicate verb (apodosis, first requirement)→ Weqatal: the required purification actionכָּבַס (H3526) Piel weqatal 'and he shall wash (clothing)'; the standard verb for laundering garments after contracting impurity. Source id 03p5f.
בְּגָדָ֜יוhis clothesN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object of וְכִבֶּסבֶּגֶד (H899) plural construct + 3ms suffix, 'his garments'. Source id 03DJ7.
וְרָחַ֥ץand shall batheconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb (apodosis, second requirement)→ Weqatal: continuing the required purificationרָחַץ (H7364) Qal weqatal 'and he shall bathe'; the standard verb for bodily washing after impurity. Source id 03cbQ.
בַּמַּ֛יִםin waterprep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Instrumental prepositional phraseמַיִם (H4325) 'water', with בְּ. Source id 03xRe.
וְטָמֵ֥אand shall be uncleanconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate verb (apodosis, third element: resulting state)→ Weqatal: the resulting, temporary state of impurityטָמֵא (H2930) Qal weqatal 'and he shall be unclean'; the standard verb for ritual impurity. Source id 03ZFs.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until'. Source id 03H6b.
הָעֶ֖רֶבthe eveningart + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Object of the temporal prepositionעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; the standard duration for minor, non-willful impurities (cf. chs. 11; 15). Source id 03JGX.
וְטָהֵֽרthen he shall be cleanconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · טָהֵר (H2891)Predicate verb (apodosis, final element: resolution)→ Weqatal: the concluding state after the impurity period lapsesטָהֵר (H2891) Qal weqatal 'and he shall be clean'; the impurity fully resolves without further penalty, distinguishing this case from the karet of deliberate blood-eating. Source id 03rb5.
16
וְאִם֙ לֹ֣א יְכַבֵּ֔ס וּבְשָׂר֖וֹ לֹ֣א יִרְחָ֑ץ וְנָשָׂ֖א עֲוֺנֽוֹ
But if he does not wash them or bathe his body, he shall bear his iniquity.
The chapter closes with a final conditional: neglecting the prescribed purification does not merely leave the impurity unresolved but converts it into culpable iniquity (נָשָׂא עֲוֹנוֹ, 'he shall bear his guilt') — the same formula used for cultic negligence elsewhere in the priestly law (5:1, 17; 7:18).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאִם֙but ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the final caseאִם (H518) with וְ, 'but if'; introduces the conditional apodosis closing the chapter. Source id 03saF.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יְכַבֵּסלֹא (H3808). Source id 03URH.
יְכַבֵּ֔סhe washesPiel impf 3ms · כָּבַס (H3526)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis→ Yiqtol: hypothetical failure to perform the required actכָּבַס (H3526) Piel impf 3ms, negating the requirement of v. 15. Source id 034Bm.
וּבְשָׂר֖וֹand his bodyconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Subject of יִרְחָץ (second protasis clause)בָּשָׂר (H1320) construct + 3ms suffix, 'his flesh/body' — here the physical body to be bathed, distinct from its use for 'meat' elsewhere in the chapter. Source id 03AEb.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יִרְחָץלֹא (H3808). Source id 03aam.
יִרְחָ֑ץhe bathesQal impf 3ms · רָחַץ (H7364)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis (second clause)→ Yiqtol: hypothetical failure to perform the required actרָחַץ (H7364) Qal impf 3ms, negating the second requirement of v. 15. Source id 03LQ5.
וְנָשָׂ֖אthen he shall bearconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (apodosis: consequence)→ Weqatal: the resulting liability for neglectנָשָׂא (H5375) Qal weqatal 'and he shall bear/carry'; נָשָׂא עָוֹן, 'to bear iniquity', the standard formula for culpable liability (cf. 5:1, 17; 7:18). Source id 03sB6.
עֲוֺנֽוֹhis iniquityN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · עָוֹן (H5771)Direct object of וְנָשָׂאעָוֹן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt' + 3ms suffix; neglecting the purification converts an amoral impurity into moral culpability, closing the chapter on a note of personal accountability. Source id 03AD1.