1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:
The wayyiqtol speech-formula introduces the Holiness Code's ethical summit. Unlike the priest-directed torah of chs. 1-7, this address is aimed (v. 2) at the whole congregation — the widest audience in Leviticus.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokewayyiqtol Piel 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main narrative line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the recurring speech-formula of the priestly legislationדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel is the ordinary stem for 'speak, declare' (Qal is rare), regularly used of divine speech to Moses.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), Israel's covenant name for God, the Tetragrammaton; traditionally read אֲדֹנָי.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the recipient of the divine speech-act.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator of the Sinai legislation; every unit of Leviticus is relayed through him.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + inf constr Qal · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct discourse→ Quotative infinitive construct (לֵאמֹר): introduces the divine direct speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the infinitive לֵאמֹר is the standard quotation-marker opening reported speech, left untranslated as a colon in idiomatic English.
2
דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל כָּל עֲדַ֧ת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֥ אֲלֵהֶ֖ם קְדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּהְי֑וּ כִּ֣י קָד֔וֹשׁ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and say to them: You shall be holy, for I YHWH your God am holy.
The imperative דַּבֵּר commissions Moses to the כָּל עֲדַת — the entire assembly, not just priests. The thesis קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ grounds Israel's holiness in God's own (כִּי קָדוֹשׁ אֲנִי), the imitatio Dei that governs the whole chapter and recurs at 20:26.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
דַּבֵּ֞רspeakPiel impv 2ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command to Mosesדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; the imperative opens the speech-commission, echoing v. 1's wayyiqtol with the human addressee now in view.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Head of the construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; here heads a long construct chain, 'all the congregation of the sons of Israel'.
עֲדַ֧תcongregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly', from יָעַד 'to appoint/meet'; the formal designation for Israel as a legislative body, addressed here as a whole rather than through elders alone.
בְּנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל is the standard collective designation, 'the Israelites'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people's name; the addressee of the whole speech is the entire nation, not a priestly subset.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֥and you shall sayconj וְ + weqatal Qal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the imperative)→ Weqatal: consequential/sequential instruction continuing the command force of דַּבֵּראָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the weqatal form carries on the imperative's force, introducing the direct-speech content that follows.
אֲלֵהֶ֖םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (indirect object)אֶל (H413) 'to' with pronominal suffix; the addressee pronoun, 'to them' = to the congregation just named.
קְדֹשִׁ֣יםholyAdj m pl abs · קָדוֹשׁ (H6918)Predicate adjective (fronted for emphasis)קָדוֹשׁ (H6918) 'holy, set apart', root קדשׁ; plural to agree with the addressed congregation — the chapter's programmatic charge.
תִּהְי֑וּyou shall beQal impf 2mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, with fronted predicate adjective)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/injunctive — a standing obligation, not a single actהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here the copula-verb of the command 'you shall be holy'.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the command in God's own character — holiness is imitatio Dei, not arbitrary rule.
קָד֔וֹשׁholyAdj m sg abs · קָדוֹשׁ (H6918)Predicate adjective of the verbless clauseקָדוֹשׁ (H6918); singular, predicated of YHWH — the ground and pattern of Israel's own holiness.
אֲנִ֖יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; opens the self-identification formula that will recur through the chapter.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Appositive to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068); the covenant name in apposition to the pronoun, naming precisely who is holy.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Second appositive to אֲנִיאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', plural of majesty with singular sense; 'your God' grounds the command relationally, not merely ontologically.
3
אִ֣ישׁ אִמּ֤וֹ וְאָבִיו֙ תִּירָ֔אוּ וְאֶת שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
Each of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my sabbaths; I am YHWH your God.
The two commands recast the Decalogue's fifth and fourth words (parents, sabbath) as the first concrete content of holiness, with fear (יִרְאָה) of parents balancing love of God; the recognition formula אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם closes the verse, the first of the chapter's many refrains.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אִ֣ישׁeachN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject ("each man, everyone")אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; here distributive, 'each one/everyone', governing both verbs of the verse.
אִמּ֤וֹhis motherN f sg constr/3ms suffix · אֵם (H517)Direct object of תִּירָאוּ (fronted)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; notably named before the father here — reversing the Decalogue's order (Exod 20:12), perhaps to stress the mother's equal claim to reverence.
וְאָבִיו֙and his fatherconj וְ + N m sg constr/3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Direct object of תִּירָאוּ (coordinate, fronted)אָב (H1) 'father'; paired with the mother as joint object of reverence.
תִּירָ֔אוּyou shall revereQal impf 2mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — a standing obligation of reverenceיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'; the same verb used of fearing God (v. 14, 32), here elevating reverence for parents to the register of religious awe.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (definite object)וְ joins the second command; אֵת marks שַׁבְּתֹתַי as its definite direct object.
שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖יmy sabbathsN c pl constr/1cs suffix · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Direct object of תִּשְׁמֹרוּשַׁבָּת (H7676) 'sabbath', from שׁבת 'to cease'; 'my sabbaths' — YHWH's own, recasting the Decalogue's fourth word as the second content of holiness.
תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּyou shall keepQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — a standing obligationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; the standard verb for covenant-keeping, recurring in vv. 19, 30, 37.
אֲנִ֖יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless clauseאֲנִי (H589); opens the recognition formula closing the verse — the first full occurrence of the chapter's אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם refrain.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Appositive to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name in apposition.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Second appositive to אֲנִיאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', with 2mp suffix; grounds the twin commands in covenant relation.
4
אַל תִּפְנוּ֙ אֶל הָ֣אֱלִילִ֔ים וֵֽאלֹהֵי֙ מַסֵּכָ֔ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּ לָכֶ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
Do not turn to idols, and molten gods you shall not make for yourselves; I am YHWH your God.
The Decalogue's second word (no images) is restated with two verbs of prohibition — turning toward idols and casting molten images — before the recognition formula closes the unit.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle (jussive prohibition)אַל (H408), the negative used with the jussive/short imperfect for immediate prohibitions, distinct from לֹא + indicative.
תִּפְנוּ֙you shall turnQal jussive 2mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Jussive: immediate prohibition — do not so much as turn towardפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn, face'; with אֶל, 'to turn toward' in the sense of seeking out or resorting to.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (object of תִּפְנוּ)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הָ֣אֱלִילִ֔יםthe idolsart + N m pl abs · אֱלִיל (H457)Object of the preposition אֶלאֱלִיל (H457) 'worthless thing, nothing, idol' — a contemptuous pun-word (cf. אֵל 'god' vs. אֱלִיל 'non-entity'), mocking the objects of false worship.
וֵֽאלֹהֵי֙and gods ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain, second object of the sentenceאֱלֹהִים (H430) here in the construct 'gods of casting' = molten images; a construct chain rather than a separate deity-noun.
מַסֵּכָ֔הmolten, castN f sg abs · מַסֵּכָה (H4541)Genitive completing the construct chainמַסֵּכָה (H4541) 'molten/cast image', from נָסַךְ 'to pour out, cast metal'; the golden calf is called by this same term (Exod 32:4).
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating the indicative verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative with the indicative imperfect, expressing a durative prohibition.
תַעֲשׂ֖וּyou shall makeQal impf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — durative prohibition against manufacturing imagesעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; the generic verb of manufacture, here forbidding fabrication of any cast image.
לָכֶ֑םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of interestלְ 'for, to' with pronominal suffix, marking the beneficiary of the forbidden manufacture.
אֲנִ֖יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless clauseאֲנִי (H589); opens the recognition formula closing the verse.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Appositive to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name, in apposition.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Second appositive to אֲנִיאֱלֹהִים (H430), 'your God'; the refrain grounds the prohibition in covenant relation.
5
וְכִ֧י תִזְבְּח֛וּ זֶ֥בַח שְׁלָמִ֖ים לַיהוָ֑ה לִֽרְצֹנְכֶ֖ם תִּזְבָּחֻֽהוּ
And when you sacrifice a peace offering to YHWH, you shall sacrifice it for your acceptance.
The chapter briefly shifts from unconditional commands to a casuistic ('when you sacrifice...') ritual rule, tying proper sacrificial timing (vv. 5-8) to the ethical material as another facet of holiness.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְכִ֧יand whenconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/temporal conjunction opening a casuistic clauseכִּי (H3588) 'when, if'; opens a casuistic ('if/when') protasis, shifting from apodictic command to case law.
תִזְבְּח֛וּyou sacrificeQal impf 2mp · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (protasis of the casuistic clause)→ Yiqtol: conditional/future — the hypothetical case being legislatedזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; the verb proper to the שְׁלָמִים ritual.
זֶ֥בַחa sacrifice ofN m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Direct object (construct chain)זֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice', cognate with זָבַח; here heading the construct 'sacrifice of peace offerings'.
שְׁלָמִ֖יםpeace offeringsN m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive completing the construct chainשֶׁלֶם (H8002) 'peace/well-being offering', root שׁלם 'wholeness'; the only sacrifice whose meat the offerer himself eats, hence the timing rule of vv. 6-8.
לַיהוָ֑הto YHWHprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (indirect object)יְהוָה (H3068) with לְ; the offering is directed to YHWH alone, ruling out any confusion with pagan sacrifice.
לִֽרְצֹנְכֶ֖םfor your acceptanceprep לְ + N m sg constr/2mp suffix · רָצוֹן (H7522)Adverbial prepositional phrase of purposeרָצוֹן (H7522) 'favor, acceptance', root רצה; the offering must be performed so as to secure divine acceptance — proper procedure is not optional.
תִּזְבָּחֻֽהוּyou shall sacrifice itQal impf 2mp + 3ms suffix · זָבַח (H2076)Predicate verb (apodosis, resuming the protasis's verb)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — proper manner of performanceזָבַח (H2076) with object suffix 'it'; the apodosis restates the verb, underscoring that the OFFERER's intent must match acceptable procedure.
6
בְּי֧וֹם זִבְחֲכֶ֛ם יֵאָכֵ֖ל וּמִֽמָּחֳרָ֑ת וְהַנּוֹתָר֙ עַד י֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י בָּאֵ֖שׁ יִשָּׂרֵֽף
It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it and on the next day; but what remains until the third day shall be burned in the fire.
The two-day limit on the שְׁלָמִים flesh (cf. 7:16-18); flesh left to the third day becomes פִּגּוּל (v. 7). The passive יֵאָכֵל / יִשָּׂרֵף frames the rule impersonally as binding cultic law.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
בְּי֧וֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; fronted for emphasis, setting the strict time-limit for eating the offering.
זִבְחֲכֶ֛םyour sacrificeN m sg constr/2mp suffix · זֶבַח (H2077)Genitive completing the construct chainזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice', with 2mp suffix.
יֵאָכֵ֖לit shall be eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive passive — permitted timeframe for eatingאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; Niphal passive shifts focus from the eater to the meat's own permitted window of use.
וּמִֽמָּחֳרָ֑תand on the next dayconj וְ + prep מִן + N f sg abs · מָחֳרָת (H4283)Temporal prepositional phrase, coordinate with בְּיוֹםמָחֳרָת (H4283) 'the next day'; extends the eating-window to two days, distinguishing thanksgiving-offering timing from the stricter one-day rule of 7:15.
וְהַנּוֹתָר֙and that which remainsconj וְ + art + Niphal ptc m sg abs · יָתַר (H3498)Subject (substantival participle) of the following clause→ Substantival Niphal participle: the remaining portion of the fleshיָתַר (H3498) 'to remain, be left over'; the Niphal participle substantivized, 'that which is left', now the subject of יִשָּׂרֵף.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until, up to'; marks the outer time limit.
י֣וֹםdayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Construct head (day + ordinal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; heads 'the third day' marking the deadline.
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔יthe thirdart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992)Attributive adjective modifying יוֹםשְׁלִישִׁי (H7992) 'third'; sets the absolute deadline — meat surviving to day three is disqualified.
בָּאֵ֖שׁin the fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Adverbial prepositional phrase (instrument/means)אֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; complete destruction, not mere disposal, is required for disqualified sacrificial meat.
יִשָּׂרֵֽףshall be burnedNiphal impf 3ms · שָׂרַף (H8313)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive passive — mandatory disposalשָׂרַף (H8313) 'to burn'; Niphal passive, the required means of eliminating meat that has passed its permitted window.
7
וְאִ֛ם הֵאָכֹ֥ל יֵאָכֵ֖ל בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י פִּגּ֥וּל ה֖וּא לֹ֥א יֵרָצֶֽה
But if it is indeed eaten on the third day, it is foul meat; it will not be accepted.
The infinitive absolute + finite verb (הֵאָכֹל יֵאָכֵל) intensifies the hypothetical: 'if it is really/actually eaten' past the deadline. פִּגּוּל, a rare, forceful term, declares the meat cultically abhorrent and the offering retroactively void.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאִ֛םbut ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction opening a contrastive protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the negative case contrasting with vv. 5-6's permitted timing.
הֵאָכֹ֥לindeed eatenNiphal inf abs · אָכַל (H398)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute + finite verb: emphatic certainty — 'if it is actually eaten'אָכַל (H398); the paired infinitive absolute + finite verb construction underscores the conditional's realization, not mere possibility.
יֵאָכֵ֖לit is eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (protasis, finite verb after inf. absolute)→ Yiqtol: conditional/hypotheticalאָכַל (H398), completing the emphatic construction with הֵאָכֹל.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑יthe thirdart + ordinal m sg abs · שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992)Attributive adjective modifying יוֹםשְׁלִישִׁי (H7992) 'third'.
פִּגּ֥וּלfoul, refuse meatN m sg abs · פִּגּוּל (H6292)Predicate nominative of the verbless clauseפִּגּוּל (H6292), a rare, forceful term for cultically abhorrent meat, elsewhere only Isa 65:4 and Ezek 4:14; sacrificial flesh eaten past its window does not merely spoil but becomes ritually repulsive.
ה֖וּאit (is)indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), functioning as quasi-copula in the nominal clause.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808), negating the passive verb of the apodosis.
יֵרָצֶֽהit will be acceptedNiphal impf 3ms · רָצָה (H7521)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive negative — the offering is retroactively disqualifiedרָצָה (H7521) 'to accept favorably', root of רָצוֹן (v. 5); the offering that was meant to secure acceptance instead forfeits it.
8
וְאֹֽכְלָיו֙ עֲוֺנ֣וֹ יִשָּׂ֔א כִּֽי אֶת קֹ֥דֶשׁ יְהוָ֖ה חִלֵּ֑ל וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּֽיהָ
And he who eats it shall bear his iniquity, for he has profaned the holy thing of YHWH; and that person shall be cut off from his kin.
The כָּרֵת ('cut off') formula וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ closes the unit with the sharpest sanction in the Torah's repertoire — excommunication, premature death, or extirpation of the line have all been proposed, and the phrase's indeterminacy may be deliberate.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאֹֽכְלָיו֙and he who eats itconj וְ + Qal ptc m pl constr/3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Subject (substantival participle, distributive)→ Substantival participle: the one who eats it — the offender in viewאָכַל (H398); the plural participle with singular sense, 'its eaters' = 'whoever eats it', now the subject of the sentence.
עֲוֺנ֣וֹhis iniquityN c sg constr/3ms suffix · עָוֺן (H5771)Direct object of יִשָּׂאעָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt'; 'to bear one's iniquity' is a standing idiom for incurring personal culpability.
יִשָּׂ֔אhe shall bearQal impf 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the certain consequence of the violationנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; idiomatic for bearing the weight of one's own guilt.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the guilt in the act of profanation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
קֹ֥דֶשׁthe holy thing ofN m sg constr · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Direct object (construct chain)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holy thing, sanctity'; the sacrificial meat's own sanctified status belongs to YHWH until its window closes.
יְהוָ֖הof YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the holiness violated is God's own.
חִלֵּ֑לhe has profanedPiel perf 3ms · חִלֵּל (H2490)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: a completed violation grounding the sanctionחָלַל (H2490) II 'to profane, defile'; Piel treats the holy as common — the precise opposite of the chapter's opening charge to be קָדוֹשׁ.
וְנִכְרְתָ֛הand shall be cut offconj וְ + Niphal perf(weqatal) 3fs · כָּרַת (H3772)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal apodosis)→ Weqatal: certain future consequence — the standing כָּרֵת penaltyכָּרַת (H3772) 'to cut'; the fixed sanction formula וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ מֵעַמֶּיהָ recurs across the Holiness Code for the gravest violations.
הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁthe personart + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of וְנִכְרְתָהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, self, person'; the standard subject-noun of the כָּרֵת formula.
הַהִ֖ואthatart + pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Demonstrative modifier of הַנֶּפֶשׁהוּא/הִיא with article forms the demonstrative 'that (person)', a fixed idiom of the כָּרֵת formula.
מֵעַמֶּֽיהָfrom her/his peopleprep מִן + N m pl constr/3fs suffix · עַם (H5971)Adverbial prepositional phrase (source of separation)עַם (H5971) 'people, kin'; despite the feminine נֶפֶשׁ agreement, the sense is generic ('that person from among his kin').
9
וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶם֙ אֶת קְצִ֣יר אַרְצְכֶ֔ם לֹ֧א תְכַלֶּ֛ה פְּאַ֥ת שָׂדְךָ֖ לִקְצֹ֑ר וְלֶ֥קֶט קְצִֽירְךָ֖ לֹ֥א תְלַקֵּֽט
And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not finish off the edge of your field in reaping, and the gleaning of your harvest you shall not gather.
The chapter turns from cultic timing to social ethics: the corner of the field (פֵּאָה) and the gleanings (לֶקֶט) are structurally set aside, not given as charity after the fact — the poor have a standing claim on the harvest itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וּֽבְקֻצְרְכֶם֙and when you reapconj וְ + prep בְּ + Qal inf constr/2mp suffix · קָצַר (H7114)Temporal clause (infinitive construct)→ Temporal infinitive construct with suffix: when you reapקָצַר (H7114) 'to reap, harvest'; the infinitive construct with בְּ gives a temporal clause, 'when you reap'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
קְצִ֣ירthe harvest ofN m sg constr · קָצִיר (H7105)Direct object (construct chain)קָצִיר (H7105) 'harvest', cognate with קָצַר; the crop being reaped.
אַרְצְכֶ֔םyour landN c sg constr/2mp suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive completing the construct chainאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the land is Israel's collectively, hence 'your' plural.
לֹ֧אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808), negating the indicative imperfect.
תְכַלֶּ֛הyou shall finish offPiel impf 2ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibition — a standing agricultural practiceכָּלָה (H3615) 'to complete, finish'; Piel 'to finish off completely' — the edge must be deliberately left unharvested.
פְּאַ֥תthe edge ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object (construct chain)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'corner, edge'; a fixed technical term in later Jewish law (tractate Pe'ah) for the mandated unharvested margin.
שָׂדְךָ֖your fieldN m sg constr/2ms suffix · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Genitive completing the construct chainשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'.
לִקְצֹ֑רin reapingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָצַר (H7114)Adverbial infinitive of manner/purpose→ Gerundial infinitive construct: in the reaping / as you harvestקָצַר (H7114); the infinitive restates the verb of reaping, specifying that the edge-rule applies to the act itself, not merely its outcome.
וְלֶ֥קֶטand the gleaning ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · לֶקֶט (H3951)Direct object (fronted; construct chain)לֶקֶט (H3951) 'gleaning', root לקט 'to gather, glean'; the stalks dropped during reaping, left for the poor rather than collected by the harvester.
קְצִֽירְךָ֖your harvestN m sg constr/2ms suffix · קָצִיר (H7105)Genitive completing the construct chainקָצִיר (H7105) 'harvest'.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808).
תְלַקֵּֽטyou shall gatherPiel impf 2ms · לָקַט (H3950)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibitionלָקַט (H3950) 'to gather, glean'; Piel intensive, 'to gather up thoroughly' — precisely what the owner must refrain from doing.
10
וְכַרְמְךָ֙ לֹ֣א תְעוֹלֵ֔ל וּפֶ֥רֶט כַּרְמְךָ֖ לֹ֣א תְלַקֵּ֑ט לֶֽעָנִ֤י וְלַגֵּר֙ תַּעֲזֹ֣ב אֹתָ֔ם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
And your vineyard you shall not glean bare, and the fallen grapes of your vineyard you shall not gather; you shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner; I am YHWH your God.
The provision now names its beneficiaries explicitly — עָנִי (the poor) and גֵּר (the resident sojourner) — the first appearance of the גֵּר in the chapter, anticipating the climactic vv. 33-34.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְכַרְמְךָ֙and your vineyardconj וְ + N c sg constr/2ms suffix · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Direct object (fronted)כֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'; the gleaning law extended from grain to grapes.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808).
תְעוֹלֵ֔לyou shall glean barePoel impf 2ms · עָלַל (H5953)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibitionעָלַל (H5953) II 'to glean thoroughly, strip'; the intensive Poel stem for stripping a vineyard of every last grape.
וּפֶ֥רֶטand the fallen fruit ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · פֶּרֶט (H6528)Direct object (fronted; construct chain)פֶּרֶט (H6528), a hapax legomenon, 'fallen/loose grapes'; the vineyard's counterpart to לֶקֶט in the grainfield.
כַּרְמְךָ֖your vineyardN c sg constr/2ms suffix · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Genitive completing the construct chainכֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808).
תְלַקֵּ֑טyou shall gatherPiel impf 2ms · לָקַט (H3950)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibitionלָקַט (H3950) 'to gather, glean'.
לֶֽעָנִ֤יfor the poorprep לְ + art + Adj m sg abs · עָנִי (H6041)Dative of interest (fronted for emphasis)עָנִי (H6041) 'poor, afflicted'; substantivized, the first named beneficiary of the gleaning law.
וְלַגֵּר֙and for the sojournerconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Dative of interest, coordinate with לֶעָנִיגֵּר (H1616) 'resident alien, sojourner'; a non-Israelite living among Israel without land or clan security — the paired beneficiary here and through the chapter's closing (vv. 33-34).
תַּעֲזֹ֣בyou shall leaveQal impf 2ms · עָזַב (H5800)Predicate verb (main clause, positive command)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the positive counterpart to the preceding prohibitionsעָזַב (H5800) 'to leave, abandon'; here positively, 'leave (them) behind' for others' use rather than gathering for oneself.
אֹתָ֔םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal)אֵת (H853) with suffix functioning as the direct-object pronoun 'them', referring to the gleanings just named.
אֲנִ֖יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless clauseאֲנִי (H589).
יְהוָ֥הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Appositive to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Second appositive to אֲנִיאֱלֹהִים (H430).
11
לֹ֖א תִּגְנֹ֑בוּ וְלֹא תְכַחֲשׁ֥וּ וְלֹֽא תְשַׁקְּר֖וּ אִ֥ישׁ בַּעֲמִיתֽוֹ
You shall not steal, nor shall you deal falsely, nor shall you lie to one another.
Three near-synonymous verbs of dishonesty (steal, deceive, lie) pile up asyndetically, escalating the Decalogue's eighth and ninth words into a dense triad against defrauding one's own community (עֲמִית, 'fellow, associate').
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
לֹ֖אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808), the indicative negative opening a triad of social prohibitions.
תִּגְנֹ֑בוּyou shall stealQal impf 2mp · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibitionגָּנַב (H1589) 'to steal'; the Decalogue's eighth word repeated verbatim.
וְלֹאnorconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particleוְלֹא coordinates the second prohibition.
תְכַחֲשׁ֥וּyou shall deal falselyPiel impf 2mp · כִּחֵשׁ (H3584)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibitionכָּחַשׁ (H3584) 'to deceive, deny, act deceptively'; Piel, covering fraud in dealing (e.g., false denial of a deposit, cf. 5:21-22).
וְלֹֽאnorconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particleוְלֹא coordinates the third prohibition.
תְשַׁקְּר֖וּyou shall liePiel impf 2mp · שִׁקֵּר (H8266)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive prohibitionשָׁקַר (H8266) 'to deal falsely, lie'; Piel, denominative from שֶׁקֶר 'falsehood' — the ninth word's false witness broadened to everyday speech.
אִ֥ישׁeachN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subjectאִישׁ (H376), distributive, 'each man', pairing with בַּעֲמִיתוֹ for the reciprocal idiom 'to one another'.
בַּעֲמִיתֽוֹto his fellowprep בְּ + N m sg constr/3ms suffix · עָמִית (H5997)Prepositional phrase completing the reciprocal idiomעָמִית (H5997) 'associate, fellow, neighbor', a Levitical-code term for a member of the covenant community (cf. vv. 15, 17).
12
וְלֹֽא תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ בִשְׁמִ֖י לַשָּׁ֑קֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛ אֶת שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה
You shall not swear falsely by my name, so profaning the name of your God; I am YHWH.
The false oath is singled out because it directly implicates God's own name (בִשְׁמִי): unlike the surrounding social prohibitions, this one moves from horizontal ethics to the vertical offense of profaning (חִלַּלְתָּ) the sacred name — the same verb used for desecrating holy things and the sabbath elsewhere in the Holiness Code. The אֲנִי יְהוָה signature closes the unit, grounding the prohibition in YHWH's own authority as the name that must not be misused.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808) the standard negative; with the yiqtol it forms a durative prohibition (a standing rule, not a single-instance אַל).
תִשָּׁבְע֥וּyou shall swearNiphal impf 2mp · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibition — a standing rule against false oathsשָׁבַע (H7650) 'to swear'; the Niphal is the ordinary stem for the reflexive/reciprocal act of oath-taking (cf. the related שֶׁבַע 'seven', the oath-number).
בִשְׁמִ֖יby my nameprep בְּ + N m sg constr/1cs suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Instrumental prepositional phrase (the oath-formula's invoked name)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; swearing בְּשֵׁם invokes the deity's name as guarantor of the oath — hence the gravity of doing so falsely.
לַשָּׁ֑קֶרfalselyprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · שֶׁקֶר (H8267)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)שֶׁקֶר (H8267) 'falsehood, deception'; לַשָּׁקֶר 'for/in falsehood' specifies an oath sworn with no intent to keep it, or invoking God's name over a lie.
וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛and so you would profaneconj וְ + Piel perf (weqatal) 2ms · חָלַל (H2490)Weqatal continuing the prohibition (consequential result clause)→ Weqatal: the necessary consequence of the false oath — swearing falsely IS profaning the nameחָלַל II (H2490) Piel 'to profane, defile, treat as common'; the opposite of קדשׁ — false use of God's name strips it of its sanctity.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
שֵׁ֥םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (head of construct chain)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; here in construct with אֱלֹהֶיךָ — the object profaned by the false oath.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour GodN m pl constr/2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive of the construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; plural of majesty with singular referent, 2ms suffix binding Israel covenantally to 'your God'.
אֲנִ֥יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless self-identification clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; אֲנִי יְהוָה is the recurring covenant-signature closing individual laws in this chapter, grounding each command in YHWH's own authority.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (self-identification formula)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the refrain אֲנִי יְהוָה seals each command with divine self-disclosure, especially fitting here since it is God's own name that is profaned by a false oath.
13
לֹֽא תַעֲשֹׁ֥ק אֶת רֵֽעֲךָ֖ וְלֹ֣א תִגְזֹ֑ל לֹֽא תָלִ֞ין פְּעֻלַּ֥ת שָׂכִ֛יר אִתְּךָ֖ עַד בֹּֽקֶר
You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him; the wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you until morning.
Two paired economic wrongs — עשׁק 'oppress' and גזל 'rob' — frame overt exploitation, then a third, more specific casuistic rule (the hired worker's overnight wages) narrows to a concrete case. The move from general to specific is typical of Holiness Code style: broad ethical principle followed by its sharpest practical instance.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative; opens this verse's series of durative prohibitions.
תַעֲשֹׁ֥קyou shall oppressQal impf 2ms · עָשַׁק (H6231)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibition — an ongoing standing ruleעָשַׁק (H6231) 'to oppress, extort, exploit'; economic wrongdoing against a social inferior — withholding what is due, elsewhere paired with robbery (Deut 24:14; Mic 2:2).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
רֵֽעֲךָ֖your neighborN m sg constr/2ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Direct objectרֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, companion, fellow'; the covenant-community 'other' whose protection this whole ethical block legislates.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinates a second prohibited verbלֹא (H3808) joined by וְ to pair robbery with the preceding oppression.
תִגְזֹ֑לyou shall robQal impf 2ms · גָּזַל (H1497)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition, coordinate with תַעֲשֹׁק)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionגָּזַל (H1497) 'to seize, tear away, rob'; typically forceful/violent taking, distinct from stealthy theft (גָּנַב).
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verb (fronted before its subject)לֹא (H3808), opening a third, distinct prohibition about withheld wages.
תָלִ֞יןshall remainQal impf 3fs · לוּן (H3885)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition; subject פְּעֻלַּת שָׂכִיר)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibition — wages must never linger overnightלוּן/לִין (H3885) 'to lodge, spend the night, remain'; here the worker's pay must not 'stay the night' unpaid — same-day settlement (cf. Deut 24:15).
פְּעֻלַּ֥תthe wages ofN f sg constr · פְּעֻלָּה (H6468)Subject (head of construct chain)פְּעֻלָּה (H6468) 'work, wages, recompense', from פָּעַל 'to do, work'; the pay owed for labor rendered.
שָׂכִ֛ירa hired workeradj m sg abs (substantival) · שָׂכִיר (H7916)Genitive of the construct chainשָׂכִיר (H7916) 'hired laborer', from שָׂכַר 'to hire'; a day-laborer dependent on prompt payment, singled out for protection alongside the poor (Deut 24:14-15).
אִתְּךָ֖with youprep אֵת/אִתְּ + 2ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Locative prepositional phraseאֵת/אִתְּ (H854) 'with, in the possession of' (distinct from the object-marker אֵת H853); the wages must not remain in the employer's own hand overnight.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (terminus)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; here setting the temporal limit — payment is due before morning.
בֹּֽקֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Object of the preposition עַדבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning, dawn'; the deadline — wages earned by day's end must be paid before sunrise, cf. the parallel law in Deut 24:15.
14
לֹא תְקַלֵּ֣ל חֵרֵ֔שׁ וְלִפְנֵ֣י עִוֵּ֔ר לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן מִכְשֹׁ֑ל וְיָרֵ֥אתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה
You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God — I am YHWH.
Two parallel prohibitions protect those who cannot detect the wrong done to them — the deaf cannot hear a curse, the blind cannot see an obstacle. Precisely because human victims lack recourse, the positive weqatal וְיָרֵאתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶיךָ supplies the missing enforcement: God sees what the victim cannot, making 'fear of God' the functional deterrent. The אֲנִי יְהוָה signature reinforces this.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), opening the prohibition against cursing the deaf.
תְקַלֵּ֣לyou shall cursePiel impf 2ms · קָלַל (H7043)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionקָלַל (H7043) Qal 'to be light/slight'; Piel 'to curse, treat with contempt' — the deaf cannot hear the curse or defend himself, making the act pure cruelty exploiting his vulnerability.
חֵרֵ֔שׁthe deaf (one)adj m sg abs (substantival) · חֵרֵשׁ (H2795)Direct objectחֵרֵשׁ (H2795) 'deaf, deaf-mute'; paired with עִוֵּר 'blind' as the paradigm disabled and defenseless persons under YHWH's special protection.
וְלִפְנֵ֣יand beforeconj וְ + prep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (fronted)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of' is idiomatic — placing an obstacle directly in the blind man's path where he cannot see it coming.
עִוֵּ֔רthe blind (one)adj m sg abs (substantival) · עִוֵּר (H5787)Genitive of the prepositional phrase (object of לִפְנֵי)עִוֵּר (H5787) 'blind'; the classic image of exploiting disability, echoed in Deut 27:18's curse on the one who misleads a blind traveler.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), pairing the stumbling-block prohibition with the curse prohibition.
תִתֵּ֖ןyou shall putQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place, put'; here 'set/place' an obstacle — the verb's ordinary sense of giving inverted into an act of malicious placement.
מִכְשֹׁ֑לa stumbling blockN m sg abs · מִכְשׁוֹל (H4383)Direct objectמִכְשׁוֹל (H4383) 'stumbling block, obstacle', from כָּשַׁל 'to stumble, totter'; both literal (a physical hazard) and, in later prophetic/wisdom usage, a figure for moral entrapment.
וְיָרֵ֥אתָbut you shall fearconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Weqatal — positive counterpart closing the two prohibitions→ Weqatal: the standing positive obligation that grounds the preceding negativesיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'; reverence for God is invoked precisely where human victims (deaf, blind) cannot see or hear the wrong done to them — God does, and must be feared instead.
מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour Godprep מִן + N m pl constr/2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of יָרֵא (idiom 'fear from' = fear)אֱלֹהִים (H430) with מִן after יָרֵא is the standard idiom 'fear God'; the phrase recurs at the close of several laws in this chapter protecting the vulnerable (vv. 14, 32).
אֲנִ֥יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless self-identification clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; the אֲנִי יְהוָה refrain closes this unit as it does vv. 12, 16, 18.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (self-identification formula)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; fittingly closes a law about fearing God on behalf of those who cannot see or hear the wrong done them.
15
לֹא תַעֲשׂ֥וּ עָ֨וֶל֙ בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט לֹא תִשָּׂ֣א פְנֵי דָ֔ל וְלֹ֥א תֶהְדַּ֖ר פְּנֵ֣י גָד֑וֹל בְּצֶ֖דֶק תִּשְׁפֹּ֥ט עֲמִיתֶֽךָ
You shall not do injustice in judgment; you shall not show partiality to the poor, nor defer to the great; in righteousness you shall judge your fellow.
The chiastic-feeling pair (favor to poor / deference to great) forbids partiality in both directions before the positive summary בְּצֶדֶק תִּשְׁפֹּט caps the verse — righteousness, not social status, is the sole criterion. Unlike the surrounding 2ms laws, תַעֲשׂוּ is 2mp, likely addressing Israel's judges as a body.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), opening the judicial-impartiality prohibition.
תַעֲשׂ֥וּyou shall doQal impf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition; 2mp — addressed to judges/community broadly)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the plural address (unlike the 2ms of the surrounding verses) suggests this targets Israel's judges collectively.
עָ֨וֶל֙injusticeN c sg abs · עָוֶל (H5766)Direct objectעָוֶל (H5766) 'injustice, unrighteousness, wrong'; the general term for perversion of right, here specified in the judicial sphere.
בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֔טin judgmentprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Locative/sphere prepositional phraseמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, justice, legal decision', from שָׁפַט 'to judge'; the arena of legal process where impartiality is demanded.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), specifying the first form of injustice: favoring the poor.
תִשָּׂ֣אyou shall lift upQal impf 2ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition, idiom נָשָׂא פָנִים)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; נָשָׂא פְנֵי X 'to lift the face of X' is the idiom for showing partiality/favoritism toward someone.
פְנֵיthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object (idiomatic, head of construct chain)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct with דָּל in the idiom נָשָׂא פְנֵי 'show partiality to'.
דָ֔לthe pooradj m sg abs (substantival) · דַּל (H1800)Genitive of the construct chainדַּל (H1800) 'poor, weak, thin'; the socially vulnerable party a judge might be tempted to favor out of misplaced compassion.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinates the balancing second prohibition (favoring the great)לֹא (H3808) balances the previous clause — impartiality cuts both ways, toward poor and powerful alike.
תֶהְדַּ֖רyou shall defer toQal impf 2ms · הָדַר (H1921)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition, coordinate with תִשָּׂא)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionהָדַר (H1921) 'to honor, adorn, show deference to'; here the reverse temptation from v.15a — currying favor with the powerful rather than pity for the poor.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object (idiomatic, head of construct chain)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face', construct with גָּדוֹל, mirroring the parallel idiom of the prior clause.
גָד֑וֹלthe great (one)adj m sg abs (substantival) · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Genitive of the construct chainגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, powerful, important'; the wealthy or socially prominent party whose status must not sway a verdict.
בְּצֶ֖דֶקin righteousnessprep בְּ + N m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner, fronted for emphasis)צֶדֶק (H6664) 'righteousness, rightness, what is just'; fronted before the verb for emphasis — the positive standard replacing both forms of partiality just forbidden.
תִּשְׁפֹּ֥טyou shall judgeQal impf 2ms · שָׁפַט (H8199)Predicate verb (main clause, positive command capping the verse)→ Yiqtol: standing positive obligation replacing the preceding prohibitionsשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge, govern, vindicate'; the positive counterpart summarizing the entire verse's demand for impartial justice.
עֲמִיתֶֽךָyour fellowN m sg constr/2ms suffix · עָמִית (H5997)Direct objectעָמִית (H5997) 'associate, fellow, companion', a term nearly synonymous with רֵעַ, used elsewhere in this chapter (vv. 11, 17) for a member of the covenant community.
16
לֹא תֵלֵ֤ךְ רָכִיל֙ בְּעַמֶּ֔יךָ לֹ֥א תַעֲמֹ֖ד עַל דַּ֣ם רֵעֶ֑ךָ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה
You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; you shall not stand against the blood of your neighbor: I am YHWH.
Slander (רָכִיל) and endangering a neighbor's life (עָמַד עַל דַּם רֵעֶךָ, a famously debated idiom) are joined as twin failures of communal solidarity — one destroys reputation through speech, the other destroys life through silence or exploitation. The אֲנִי יְהוָה refrain again closes the pair.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), opening the prohibition against slander.
תֵלֵ֤ךְyou shall go aboutQal impf 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition; רָכִיל as adverbial accusative)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionהָלַךְ/יָלַךְ (H3212/H1980) 'to go, walk'; here with רָכִיל 'as a talebearer' — the idiom for going about spreading gossip or slander within the community.
רָכִיל֙as a talebearerN m sg abs (adverbial accusative) · רָכִיל (H7400)Adverbial accusative (manner)רָכִיל (H7400) 'slander, talebearing, gossip'; possibly related to רֹכֵל 'trader/peddler' — one who peddles others' private affairs through the community.
בְּעַמֶּ֔יךָamong your peopleprep בְּ + N m pl constr/2ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Locative prepositional phraseעַם (H5971) 'people, kinsfolk'; the covenant community within which such gossip does its damage.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the second prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), opening a second, related prohibition about a neighbor's blood/life.
תַעֲמֹ֖דyou shall standQal impf 2ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; here idiomatic — 'stand against/upon the blood of' is usually read as either 'profit by' a neighbor's danger or 'stand idly by' while his life is threatened; both readings forbid complicity through inaction or exploitation.
עַלagainst/overprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase governing the object of the idiomעַל (H5921) 'upon, against, concerning'; here in the disputed idiom עָמַד עַל דָּם, of uncertain precise nuance (see verb note).
דַּ֣םthe blood ofN m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Object of the preposition עַל (head of construct chain)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; a metonym for life itself, especially life imperiled or unjustly taken (cf. Gen 4:10, 9:6).
רֵעֶ֑ךָyour neighborN m sg constr/2ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Genitive of the construct chainרֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, fellow'; the same term as v. 13 — the covenant-community other whose life must not be endangered by silence or exploitation.
אֲנִ֖יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless self-identification clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; closes the pair of interpersonal prohibitions (slander, endangering a neighbor's life) with the covenant signature.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (self-identification formula)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the אֲנִי יְהוָה refrain again grounds the command — a neighbor's life and reputation are matters of divine concern.
17
לֹֽא תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת אָחִ֖יךָ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֨יחַ֙ אֶת עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ וְלֹא תִשָּׂ֥א עָלָ֖יו חֵֽטְא
You shall not hate your brother in your heart; you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, so that you do not bear sin because of him.
The verse pairs a prohibition of inward disposition (הַלֵּב, silent hatred) with a positive, emphatic command (the infinitive-absolute intensified הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ) to confront the wrongdoer openly instead. The final clause states the rationale: unrebuked wrong makes the silent bystander a bearer of sin — this verse is the immediate seedbed for v.18's climactic command to love.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), opening the prohibition against inward hatred.
תִשְׂנָ֥אyou shall hateQal impf 2ms · שָׂנֵא (H8130)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibition — governs an inward, ongoing disposition, not merely a single actשָׂנֵא (H8130) 'to hate'; paired with בִּלְבָבֶךָ 'in your heart' this targets the inner attitude, not just outward action — hatred harbored is itself the wrong, since it breeds silent grudges rather than honest confrontation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
אָחִ֖יךָyour brotherN m sg constr/2ms suffix · אָח (H251)Direct objectאָח (H251) 'brother'; here in the extended sense of a fellow Israelite, tightening the circle of concern from 'neighbor' to kinship language.
בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָin your heartprep בְּ + N m sg constr/2ms suffix · לֵבָב (H3824)Adverbial prepositional phrase (locus of the forbidden attitude)לֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind, inner self'; specifies that even unexpressed, silent hatred is prohibited — the concern is internal, not just behavioral.
הוֹכֵ֤חַsurelyHiphil inf abs · יָכַח (H3198)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Emphatic/intensive: reinforces the finite verb — 'you shall surely rebuke'יָכַח (H3198) Hiphil 'to reprove, rebuke, decide, argue a case'; the infinitive-absolute-plus-finite construction (הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ) marks emphatic obligation — confrontation, not silence, is the alternative to hidden hatred.
תּוֹכִ֨יחַ֙you shall rebukeHiphil impf 2ms · יָכַח (H3198)Predicate verb (main clause, positive command intensified by preceding inf. abs.)→ Yiqtol reinforced by inf. abs.: an emphatic, standing obligation to confront rather than nurse resentmentיָכַח (H3198) Hiphil 'to reprove, correct, admonish'; direct, honest confrontation is commanded as the antidote to the silent hatred just forbidden.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָyour fellowN m sg constr/2ms suffix · עָמִית (H5997)Direct objectעָמִית (H5997) 'associate, fellow, companion'; the same term as v. 15, here designating the object of the commanded rebuke.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the final prohibitive clause (result/purpose)לֹא (H3808), introducing the result clause: rebuking the neighbor is what prevents bearing sin because of him.
תִשָּׂ֥אyou shall bearQal impf 2ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (result/purpose clause, negative)→ Yiqtol: negated result — the consequence to be avoided by faithful rebukeנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; here 'bear sin/guilt' (נָשָׂא חֵטְא) — failing to rebuke a wrongdoer makes the silent bystander complicit in the guilt.
עָלָ֖יוon account of himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase (cause)עַל (H5921) 'upon, because of, on account of'; specifies whose fault becomes yours — the neighbor's unaddressed sin, if left unrebuked.
חֵֽטְאsinN m sg abs · חֵטְא (H2399)Direct objectחֵטְא (H2399) 'sin, guilt, offense', from חָטָא 'to miss the mark, sin'; the guilt one incurs by silent complicity in another's wrongdoing rather than honest correction.
18
לֹֽא תִקֹּ֤ם וְלֹֽא תִטֹּר֙ אֶת בְּנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am YHWH.
The chapter's single most influential line. Two prohibitions (vengeance, grudge-bearing — the outward act and the inward attitude, echoing v.17's hate/rebuke pair) are answered by the weqatal וְאָהַבְתָּ, which caps not just this verse but the whole run of interpersonal laws from v.11 onward: every prior prohibition (theft, false witness, oppression, wage-withholding, cursing the vulnerable, partiality, slander, endangering life, hatred) is summed up positively as love of the רֵעַ 'as yourself'. The אֲנִי יְהוָה refrain grounds the command in YHWH's own character, and later becomes the interpretive key Jesus and Paul use to summarize the whole law (Matt 22:39; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verbלֹא (H3808), opening the prohibition against vengeance.
תִקֹּ֤םyou shall take vengeanceQal impf 2ms · נָקַם (H5358)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionנָקַם (H5358) 'to avenge, take revenge'; forbids private retaliation for a wrong suffered — justice belongs to due process (v. 15), not personal reprisal.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinates a second prohibited verbלֹא (H3808) pairs bearing a grudge with taking vengeance — the inner attitude alongside the outward act.
תִטֹּר֙you shall bear a grudgeQal impf 2ms · נָטַר (H5201)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition, coordinate with תִקֹּם)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionנָטַר (H5201) 'to keep, maintain, guard' — here 'keep' anger, i.e. bear a grudge; the cognate of Piel נִטֵּר and the noun נֶטֶר suggests holding something in reserve, nursing resentment even without acting on it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (head of construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי עַמְּךָ 'sons of your people' — a slightly broader phrase than 'your neighbor' or 'your brother', encompassing all fellow Israelites.
עַמֶּ֔ךָyour peopleN m sg constr/2ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971) 'people, kinsfolk'; the same term as v. 16, defining the scope of the prohibition as the covenant community.
וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥but you shall loveconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · אָהַב (H157)Weqatal — climactic positive command capping the whole ethical unit (vv. 11-18)→ Weqatal: the standing positive obligation that overturns vengeance and grudge-bearing — the chapter's ethical summitאָהַב (H157) 'to love'; not mere sentiment but covenantal loyalty and active good will, demanded toward the רֵעַ exactly as one desires it for oneself — the single verse most quoted in later Jewish and Christian ethics (cf. Matt 22:39; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14).
לְרֵעֲךָ֖your neighborprep לְ + N m sg constr/2ms suffix · רֵעַ (H7453)Dative object of אָהַב (idiomatic 'love to/for')רֵעַ (H7453) 'neighbor, fellow'; same term as vv. 13, 16 — the object of love is precisely the person whose wages, blood, and reputation the preceding verses protect.
כָּמ֑וֹךָas yourselfprep כְּמוֹ + 2ms suffix · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Adverbial prepositional phrase (comparison)כְּמוֹ (H3644) 'like, as'; the standard of comparison — the self's own instinctive self-regard becomes the measure of love owed the neighbor, the clause's most radical demand.
אֲנִ֖יIindep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless self-identification clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; the אֲנִי יְהוָה refrain seals the chapter's most famous command with the same divine signature as vv. 12, 14, 16.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (self-identification formula)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; love of neighbor is grounded not in sentiment but in the character and authority of Israel's God.
19
אֶֽת חֻקֹּתַי֮ תִּשְׁמֹרוּ֒ בְּהֶמְתְּךָ֙ לֹא תַרְבִּ֣יעַ כִּלְאַ֔יִם שָׂדְךָ֖ לֹא תִזְרַ֣ע כִּלְאָ֑יִם וּבֶ֤גֶד כִּלְאַ֨יִם֙ שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז לֹ֥א יַעֲלֶ֖ה עָלֶֽיךָ
You shall keep my statutes: you shall not let your cattle breed with a different kind; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; and a garment of two kinds of material, mixed fabric, shall not come upon you.
אֶת חֻקֹּתַי תִּשְׁמֹרוּ is a heading verb (2mp, like v.15's judicial law) that pivots the chapter from interpersonal ethics to ritual/creation-order statutes, of which three parallel cases follow in tight succession — animal, seed, fabric — each a form of illicit mixture. The move from 'love your neighbor' to 'do not crossbreed cattle' is jarring to modern readers but coherent within the Holiness Code's logic: both moral and cosmic order alike belong to YHWH's חֻקִּים, and blurring either the human or the created boundaries profanes the order he established.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object, fronted for emphasis)
חֻקֹּתַי֮my statutesN c pl constr/1cs suffix · חֻקָּה (H2708)Direct object (fronted for emphasis)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed rule', from חָקַק 'to inscribe, decree'; marks the pivot from ethical prohibitions (vv. 11-18) to ritual/purity statutes (v. 19ff.) — both alike fall under 'my statutes'.
תִּשְׁמֹרוּ֒you shall keepQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, positive command; heading the new section)→ Yiqtol: standing positive obligation — a general heading before the specific mixed-kinds rulesשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; the 2mp verb functions as a general heading, introducing the following three concrete instances of forbidden mixture.
בְּהֶמְתְּךָ֙your cattleN f sg constr/2ms suffix · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Subject (fronted before its verb)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, cattle, livestock'; the first of three mixed-kinds cases — animals, then seed, then fabric.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verb (fronted subject precedes)לֹא (H3808), the first of three mixed-kinds prohibitions (animals).
תַרְבִּ֣יעַyou shall let breedHiphil impf 2ms · רָבַע (H7250)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionרָבַע (H7250) Hiphil 'to cause to lie down/mate'; causative — forbids the owner from crossbreeding two different kinds of animal (cf. mules, later imported but not bred domestically by Israel).
כִּלְאַ֔יִםtwo kindsN m dual abs · כִּלְאַיִם (H3610)Adverbial accusative (with what kind)כִּלְאַיִם (H3610) 'two kinds, diverse things', dual form implying pairing, from כָּלָא 'to restrain/confine'; the technical term heading this chapter's whole mixed-kinds law, later expanded at length in Deut 22:9-11.
שָׂדְךָ֖your fieldN m sg constr/2ms suffix · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Subject (fronted before its verb)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, land'; the second mixed-kinds case, now agricultural rather than zoological.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verb (fronted subject precedes)לֹא (H3808), the second of three mixed-kinds prohibitions.
תִזְרַ֣עyou shall sowQal impf 2ms · זָרַע (H2232)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionזָרַע (H2232) 'to sow, plant seed'; forbids sowing a field with two different kinds of seed, preserving the created order's distinct kinds (cf. Gen 1's מִין categories).
כִּלְאָ֑יִםwith two kindsN m dual abs · כִּלְאַיִם (H3610)Adverbial accusative (with what kind)כִּלְאַיִם (H3610), repeated from the previous clause — here mixed seed sown together in one field.
וּבֶ֤גֶדand a garment ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · בֶּגֶד (H899)Subject (fronted before its verb, third mixed-kinds case)בֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment, clothing'; the third mixed-kinds case, moving from animal to seed to fabric.
כִּלְאַ֨יִם֙of two kindsN m dual abs · כִּלְאַיִם (H3610)Genitive of the construct chain (defining the garment)כִּלְאַיִם (H3610), the third occurrence in this verse; here defining בֶּגֶד as a mixed-material garment, glossed by the following שַׁעַטְנֵז.
שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔זmixed fabricN m sg abs (in apposition) · שַׁעַטְנֵז (H8162)Noun in apposition to בֶּגֶד כִּלְאַיִם (specifying the mixture)שַׁעַטְנֵז (H8162), a rare technical term (elsewhere only Deut 22:11) of uncertain etymology, possibly a loanword; identified by Deut 22:11 as wool-and-linen woven together — reserved exclusively for priestly and tabernacle textiles, hence forbidden to the laity.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the prohibitive verb (fronted subject precedes)לֹא (H3808), the third of the three mixed-kinds prohibitions.
יַעֲלֶ֖הshall comeQal impf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, prohibition; subject בֶּגֶד כִּלְאַיִם)→ Yiqtol: durative prohibitionעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend, come upon'; idiomatic for a garment 'coming upon' the body — i.e. being worn.
עָלֶֽיךָupon youprep עַל + 2ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; completes the idiom 'come up upon you' = 'be worn by you' — the wearer, not merely the fabric, is what the law regulates.
20
וְ֠אִישׁ כִּֽי יִשְׁכַּ֨ב אֶת אִשָּׁ֜ה שִׁכְבַת זֶ֗רַע וְהִ֤וא שִׁפְחָה֙ נֶחֱרֶ֣פֶת לְאִ֔ישׁ וְהָפְדֵּה֙ לֹ֣א נִפְדָּ֔תָה א֥וֹ חֻפְשָׁ֖ה לֹ֣א נִתַּן לָ֑הּ בִּקֹּ֧רֶת תִּהְיֶ֛ה לֹ֥א יוּמְת֖וּ כִּי לֹ֥א חֻפָּֽשָׁה
And if a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave-girl betrothed to a man, but she has not been redeemed nor given her freedom, there shall be an inquiry; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
The כִּי-clause opens a fresh casuistic ruling on a slave-woman betrothed but unredeemed; the crux is her exceptional legal status — a בִּקֹּרֶת ('inquiry', a rare legal term) substitutes for capital punishment because she remains, technically, unfree property rather than a wife, and commentators dispute whether that softens or merely redirects the guilt onto the man.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וְ֠אִישׁand a manconj וְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the conditional protasis (casuistic 'and-a-man-if')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; opens a new casuistic case with the formulaic וְאִישׁ כִּי, 'and if a man...' (cf. v. 3, 20:2, etc.).
כִּֽיifconj/particle · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/casuistic particle introducing the protasisכִּי (H3588), multivalent particle; here conditional 'if', pairing with אִישׁ to introduce a new case law.
יִשְׁכַּ֨בlies withQal impf 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: modal/future — a hypothetical case, 'should he lie'שָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; with שִׁכְבַת זֶרַע the idiom for sexual intercourse (cf. 15:16-18, 18:20).
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase marking the object of intercourseאֵת (H854) 'with' (comitative preposition, distinct in function from the object marker אֵת/H853 though spelled identically); governs אִשָּׁה.
אִשָּׁ֜הa womanN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Object of the preposition אֵתאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; here generic, further defined by the appositional clause that follows (שִׁפְחָה נֶחֱרֶפֶת).
שִׁכְבַתa lying ofN f sg constr · שְׁכָבָה (H7902)Construct noun forming an adverbial-accusative idiom with יִשְׁכַּבשְׁכָבָה (H7902) 'a lying down', from שָׁכַב; שִׁכְבַת זֶרַע 'a seminal emission/carnal lying' is the technical idiom for intercourse.
זֶ֗רַעof seedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Genitive completing the construct (idiom for intercourse)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, semen, offspring'; completes the idiom שִׁכְבַת זֶרַע, distinguishing sexual intercourse proper from mere contact (cf. 15:16-18).
וְהִ֤ואand sheconj וְ + indep pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the circumstantial clauseהִיא (H1931), 3fs independent pronoun; the circumstantial clause וְהִיא שִׁפְחָה... specifies the woman's status, the crux of the case.
שִׁפְחָה֙a slave-womanN f sg abs · שִׁפְחָה (H8198)Predicate nominative of the circumstantial clauseשִׁפְחָה (H8198) 'maidservant, slave-girl'; her unfree status — not a full wife, not a free betrothed woman — is precisely what averts the capital penalty of Deut 22:23-24/Lev 20:10.
נֶחֱרֶ֣פֶתbetrothedNiphal ptc f sg · חָרַף (H2778)Niphal participle modifying שִׁפְחָה (attributive)→ Participle: a durative state, 'one who is designated/betrothed'חָרַף (H2778) II 'to betroth, designate' (a rare technical sense, distinct from I 'to reproach'); the participle marks an ongoing legal state of betrothal not yet consummated by redemption.
לְאִ֔ישׁto a manprep לְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Prepositional complement of נֶחֱרֶפֶת (dative of the betrothed party)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the man to whom she is betrothed, distinct from the offender of v. 20a.
וְהָפְדֵּה֙and indeed redeemedconj וְ + Hophal inf abs · פָּדָה (H6299)Hophal infinitive absolute reinforcing the negated finite verb (emphatic negation)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies the negated perfect that follows — 'not at all redeemed'פָּדָה (H6299) 'to redeem, ransom'; the infinitive absolute before the negated finite verb (הָפְדֵּה ... לֹא נִפְדָּתָה) is an emphatic idiom, 'she has surely not been redeemed'.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating נִפְדָּתָהלֹא (H3808), the standard clause negative.
נִפְדָּ֔תָהshe has been redeemedNiphal perf 3fs · פָּדָה (H6299)Predicate verb of the first disjunct→ Perfective: a completed act, here negated — she has not undergone redemptionפָּדָה (H6299) 'to redeem'; passive Niphal — no kinsman or master has purchased her freedom.
א֥וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or', joining the two ways her freedom could have been secured: redemption or manumission.
חֻפְשָׁ֖הfreedomN f sg abs · חֻפְשָׁה (H2668)Subject of the second disjunctחֻפְשָׁה (H2668) 'freedom, liberty' (from the root חפשׁ); the formal grant of manumission, the alternative to redemption by a kinsman.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating נִתַּןלֹא (H3808), clause negative.
נִתַּןgivenNiphal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the second disjunct→ Perfective (negated): no act of manumission has occurredנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Niphal passive, 'was given/granted' — here of formal manumission.
לָ֑הּto herprep לְ + 3fs suffixIndirect object of נִתַּןPrepositional pronoun 'to/for her', referring back to the שִׁפְחָה.
בִּקֹּ֧רֶתan inquiryN f sg abs · בִּקֹּרֶת (H1244)Subject of the apodosis (nominal clause with תִּהְיֶה)בִּקֹּרֶת (H1244), a hapax legomenon from בָּקַר 'to examine, inspect'; a formal investigation replacing the automatic death penalty — the mechanism by which the case's unusual leniency is administered, and a genuine crux of what exactly the inquiry established.
תִּהְיֶ֛הthere shall beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the apodosis→ Yiqtol: modal/prescriptive — the required procedureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; agrees with the feminine בִּקֹּרֶת, 'an inquiry shall take place'.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יוּמְתוּלֹא (H3808), clause negative — the case's central ruling: no death penalty.
יוּמְת֖וּthey shall be put to deathHophal impf 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (negated) — the withheld penalty→ Yiqtol/Hophal: prescriptive passive — what would ordinarily be mandated is here explicitly deniedמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; Hophal 'be put to death', the standard formula for capital punishment (cf. 20:10) — here explicitly withheld.
כִּיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clauseכִּי (H3588), causal here, 'because' — grounding the withheld death penalty.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating חֻפָּשָׁהלֹא (H3808), clause negative.
חֻפָּֽשָׁהshe was set freePual perf 3fs · חָפַשׁ (H2666)Predicate verb of the causal clause — the legal ground for leniency→ Perfective (negated): a state not yet attained — she remains unfreeחָפַשׁ (H2666) 'to set free' (Pual, be freed); the verse's final word states the legal crux baldly — her unfree, still-property status, not moral factors, is what removes the case from the capital-adultery statute.
21
וְהֵבִ֤יא אֶת אֲשָׁמוֹ֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה אֶל פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד אֵ֖יל אָשָֽׁם
then he shall bring his guilt offering to YHWH, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, a ram as a guilt offering.
The case resolves not in execution but in sacrifice: the man himself brings an אָשָׁם, situating the offense within the guilt-offering system of Lev 5, where restitution plus ritual expiation substitutes for a penalty that cannot be applied because no capital crime (adultery proper) has technically occurred.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְהֵבִ֤יאand he shall bringconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the apodosis (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing the case-law sequence with prescriptive/future forceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; Hiphil 'bring'; the offender himself brings his own guilt offering — personal responsibility for the sacrificial remedy.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
אֲשָׁמוֹ֙his guilt offeringN m sg constr/3ms suffix · אָשָׁם (H817)Direct object of וְהֵבִיאאָשָׁם (H817) 'guilt, reparation offering'; root אשׁם 'to incur guilt' — the sacrifice that both expiates and (elsewhere) makes material restitution, prescribed here despite there being no death penalty.
לַֽיהוָ֔הto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, indirect object/recipientיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the guilt offering is brought 'to YHWH' — he alone can adjudicate and forgive the sin at stake.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the location where the offering is presented.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Object of the preposition אֶל, head of construct chainפֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance', from פָּתַח 'to open'; the standard site of guilt- and sin-offering presentation.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive of the construct chainאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tent of meeting, Israel's central sanctuary in the wilderness period.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד = 'tent of meeting', where YHWH meets Israel through Moses/the priesthood.
אֵ֖ילa ram ofN m sg constr · אַיִל (H352)Appositional noun specifying the guilt offering's materialאַיִל (H352) 'ram'; the standard animal for the guilt offering (cf. 5:15, 5:18).
אָשָֽׁםas a guilt offeringN m sg abs · אָשָׁם (H817)Genitive completing the construct, restating the offering's categoryאָשָׁם (H817) 'guilt offering', repeated from earlier in the verse to specify the ram's cultic classification precisely.
22
וְכִפֶּר֩ עָלָ֨יו הַכֹּהֵ֜ן בְּאֵ֤יל הָֽאָשָׁם֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה עַל חַטָּאת֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֑א וְנִסְלַ֣ח ל֔וֹ מֵחַטָּאת֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָטָֽא
And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering before YHWH for his sin that he has committed, and he shall be forgiven for his sin that he has committed.
The repeated חָטָא ... אֲשֶׁר חָטָא underlines that real guilt remains despite the reduced penalty; כִּפֶּר + נִסְלַח is the standard guilt-offering pairing (cf. 5:16, 5:18), closing the unit with forgiveness rather than death — the clearest signal that unredeemed slave status, not moral indifference, is what averts the capital penalty.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְכִפֶּר֩and he shall atoneconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb of the main clause→ Weqatal: continuing prescriptive sequence — the priest's required actionכָּפַר (H3722) 'to atone, cover, appease'; Piel, the priest's ritual action of atonement, standard closing act of the guilt-offering procedure (cf. 5:16, 5:18, 5:26).
עָלָ֨יוfor himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of כִּפֶּר (beneficiary)עַל (H5921) 'upon, for, on behalf of'; with כִּפֶּר the standard idiom for making atonement 'for' a person.
הַכֹּהֵ֜ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְכִפֶּרכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the officiant who performs the atoning rite, distinct from the offerer who merely brings the animal.
בְּאֵ֤ילwith the ram ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אַיִל (H352)Instrumental prepositional phraseאַיִל (H352) 'ram'; the instrument/material of atonement, picking up v. 21's offering.
הָֽאָשָׁם֙the guilt offeringart + N m sg abs · אָשָׁם (H817)Genitive completing the construct (definite by article, anarthrous-construct pattern)אָשָׁם (H817) 'guilt offering'; definite, referring back to the specific animal of v. 21.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in the presence of' — the rite is performed in YHWH's presence, though its site is the entrance of the tent.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the offense atoned forעַל (H5921) 'on account of, for'; introduces the sin the atonement addresses.
חַטָּאת֖וֹhis sinN f sg constr/3ms suffix · חַטָּאת (H2403)Object of the preposition עַלחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin offering', from חָטָא 'to miss, sin'; here 'his sin' — real transgression persists even though capital punishment does not apply.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clause modifying חַטָּאתוֹאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'which/that'.
חָטָ֑אhe committedQal perf 3ms · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act of sin, viewed as accomplished factחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; root of חַטָּאת, naming the offense that the אָשָׁם addresses.
וְנִסְלַ֣חand he shall be forgivenconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3ms · סָלַח (H5545)Predicate verb, second main clause (result)→ Weqatal (Niphal): the resulting state secured by atonement — divine forgivenessסָלַח (H5545) 'to forgive' (used only of God as subject/agent); Niphal passive here, 'he will be forgiven' — the standard closing formula of the guilt- and sin-offering rites (cf. 4:20, 4:26, 4:31, 5:10, 5:13).
ל֔וֹhimprep לְ + 3ms suffixIndirect object (dative of advantage) of נִסְלַחPrepositional pronoun 'to/for him', the offender who receives forgiveness.
מֵחַטָּאת֖וֹfor his sinprep מִן + N f sg constr/3ms suffix · חַטָּאת (H2403)Prepositional phrase specifying the forgiveness's objectחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin'; מִן here has the sense 'from, in respect of' — forgiveness released from the specific sin just named, echoing the verse's opening.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the second relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle, resuming the pattern of the verse's first half for rhetorical closure.
חָטָֽאhe committedQal perf 3ms · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the closing relative clause→ Perfective: the completed sin, restated to frame the verse as a full inclusioחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin'; the verse closes exactly as its middle turned, חַטָּאתוֹ אֲשֶׁר חָטָא repeated verbatim — a deliberate frame underscoring that real guilt, now forgiven, was genuinely incurred.
23
וְכִי תָבֹ֣אוּ אֶל הָאָ֗רֶץ וּנְטַעְתֶּם֙ כָּל עֵ֣ץ מַאֲכָ֔ל וַעֲרַלְתֶּ֥ם עָרְלָת֖וֹ אֶת פִּרְי֑וֹ שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֗ים יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶ֛ם עֲרֵלִ֖ים לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵֽל
And when you come into the land and plant any tree for food, you shall treat its fruit as forbidden, like a foreskin; three years it shall be forbidden to you, it shall not be eaten.
A fresh וְכִי-clause shifts from interpersonal law to the land itself once occupied; the foreskin metaphor (עָרְלָה, עֲרֵלִים) extends the language of circumcision to fruit trees, treating a tree's first produce as ritually unready for three full years.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְכִיand whenconj וְ + conj/particle · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing a new casuistic/temporal protasisכִּי (H3588) here temporal-conditional, 'when/if'; וְכִי opens a fresh topical unit (cf. וְאִישׁ כִּי in v. 20), now addressed to the nation entering the land.
תָבֹ֣אוּyou comeQal impf 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: future/prospective — anticipating the conquest and settlementבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; addressed to the nation collectively, anticipating life in the land not yet possessed.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'.
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the promised land, here the setting for a distinctively agricultural holiness law.
וּנְטַעְתֶּם֙and you plantconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · נָטַע (H5193)Predicate verb, second clause of the protasis (weqatal continuing the conditional)→ Weqatal: sequential/conditional — a further contingency once in the landנָטַע (H5193) 'to plant'; the paradigm case, applied specifically to fruit trees, of Israel's agricultural life once settled.
כָּלanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct noun, quantifier head of construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, any'; distributive here, 'any/every tree'.
עֵ֣ץtree ofN m sg constr · עֵץ (H6086)Genitive completing the construct chainעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'.
מַאֲכָ֔לfoodN m sg abs · מַאֲכָל (H3978)Genitive specifying the tree's purposeמַאֲכָל (H3978) 'food', from אָכַל 'to eat'; עֵץ מַאֲכָל = 'a food tree', i.e. a fruit tree.
וַעֲרַלְתֶּ֥םand you shall treat as forbiddenconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · עָרַל (H6188)Predicate verb, third clause of the protasis/apodosis boundary→ Weqatal: the required response to planting — a new obligation triggered by the previous actionעָרַל (H6188) 'to regard/treat as uncircumcised, forbidden', denominative from עָרְלָה 'foreskin'; the tree's early fruit is treated with the same off-limits status as an uncircumcised body part.
עָרְלָת֖וֹits foreskinN f sg constr/3ms suffix · עָרְלָה (H6190)Direct object of וַעֲרַלְתֶּםעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin'; used metaphorically of a tree's early, off-limits fruit — the same term that names the flesh removed in circumcision (Gen 17:11).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker in apposition (specifying עָרְלָתוֹ)
פִּרְי֑וֹits fruitN m sg constr/3ms suffix · פְּרִי (H6529)Direct object in apposition to עָרְלָתוֹפְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit'; in apposition, 'its foreskin, [that is,] its fruit' — clarifying the metaphor's referent.
שָׁלֹ֣שׁthreecardinal number f · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral, construct head governing שָׁנִיםשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים fronted as a temporal accusative, 'for three years'.
שָׁנִ֗יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive completing the numeral; adverbial accusative of durationשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the duration of the fruit's prohibited status.
יִהְיֶ֥הit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the apodosis→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/durative — the status holds for the stated periodהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
לָכֶ֛םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixPrepositional complement (dative of reference)Prepositional pronoun 'to/for you (pl.)', addressing Israel collectively.
עֲרֵלִ֖יםforbiddenadj m pl abs · עָרֵל (H6189)Predicate adjective of the apodosisעָרֵל (H6189) 'uncircumcised' (adjective); plural agreeing with the implicit fruits/produce, 'they are forbidden/off-limits', extending the circumcision metaphor of v. 23a.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating יֵאָכֵללֹא (H3808), clause negative.
יֵאָכֵֽלit shall be eatenNiphal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (negated passive), closing the apodosis→ Yiqtol (Niphal, negated): a prescriptive prohibition — categorically not to be eatenאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; Niphal passive, restating עֲרֵלִים in verbal form for emphasis — the fruit is doubly marked off-limits.
24
וּבַשָּׁנָה֙ הָרְבִיעִ֔ת יִהְיֶ֖ה כָּל פִּרְי֑וֹ קֹ֥דֶשׁ הִלּוּלִ֖ים לַיהוָֽה
And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise-offering to YHWH.
קֹדֶשׁ הִלּוּלִים ('holy [thing] of praise-offerings') marks the fourth-year yield not as ordinary produce but as sacred, offered/dedicated to YHWH — a firstfruits-like acknowledgment before ordinary use begins.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וּבַשָּׁנָה֙and in the yearconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; fronted temporal phrase opening the next stage of the sequence begun in v. 23.
הָרְבִיעִ֔תthe fourthart + ordinal adj f sg · רְבִיעִי (H7243)Attributive adjective modifying שָׁנָהרְבִיעִי (H7243) 'fourth', ordinal from אַרְבַּע 'four'; the year the fruit's status changes from forbidden to holy.
יִהְיֶ֖הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the main clause→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the status that obtains in year fourהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct noun, subject headכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
פִּרְי֑וֹits fruitN m sg constr/3ms suffix · פְּרִי (H6529)Genitive completing the construct; subject of יִהְיֶהפְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit'; unlike vv. 23/25's partial address, כָּל פִּרְיוֹ stresses that the totality of the fourth year's yield is consecrated.
קֹ֥דֶשׁa holy thingN m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominativeקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness, sacred thing', root קדשׁ 'to be set apart'; the fourth-year fruit is transferred from the forbidden category (עָרֵל) directly to the sacred, with no ordinary/profane stage.
הִלּוּלִ֖יםof praise-offeringsN m pl abs · הִלּוּלִים (H1974)Genitive completing the construct-like predicate (קֹדֶשׁ הִלּוּלִים)הִלּוּלִים (H1974) 'praise-offerings, jubilation', from הָלַל 'to praise'; a rare term (elsewhere only Judg 9:27) suggesting a festive dedication akin to firstfruits, celebrating and thanking YHWH for the tree's first usable yield.
לַיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, dative of recipientיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the fourth-year fruit belongs to him, whether construed as a formal offering or as produce enjoyed only after a sacred, thanksgiving-marked release.
25
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַחֲמִישִׁ֗ת תֹּֽאכְלוּ֙ אֶת פִּרְי֔וֹ לְהוֹסִ֥יף לָכֶ֖ם תְּבוּאָת֑וֹ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit, so that it may increase its yield for you; I am YHWH your God.
The five-year sequence closes with permission to eat and a purpose clause (לְהוֹסִיף) promising increased yield as the reward of compliance; the chapter's refrain אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם seals the unit, tying agricultural restraint to covenant identity exactly as it sealed vv. 2-4.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּבַשָּׁנָ֣הand in the yearconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; continues the year-by-year sequence, now reaching the point of release.
הַחֲמִישִׁ֗תthe fifthart + ordinal adj f sg · חֲמִישִׁי (H2549)Attributive adjective modifying שָׁנָהחֲמִישִׁי (H2549) 'fifth', ordinal from חָמֵשׁ 'five'; the year ordinary consumption finally begins.
תֹּֽאכְלוּ֙you may eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of the main clause→ Yiqtol: permissive/prescriptive — the restriction is liftedאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the same verb negated in v. 23 (לֹא יֵאָכֵל) now stands affirmed, marking the law's resolution.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
פִּרְי֔וֹits fruitN m sg constr/3ms suffix · פְּרִי (H6529)Direct object of תֹּאכְלוּפְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit', tracking the tree's yield through its fifth year.
לְהוֹסִ֥יףto increaseprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · יָסַף (H3254)Infinitive construct, purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purpose/result — the intended effect of complianceיָסַף (H3254) 'to add, increase'; Hiphil, 'to cause to increase'; the purpose clause frames obedience as productive rather than merely restrictive — withholding early fruit yields greater harvest later.
לָכֶ֖םfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffixPrepositional complement (dative of advantage)Prepositional pronoun 'to/for you (pl.)'.
תְּבוּאָת֑וֹits yieldN f sg constr/3ms suffix · תְּבוּאָה (H8393)Direct object of לְהוֹסִיףתְּבוּאָה (H8393) 'produce, yield, increase', from בּוֹא 'to come in'; the tree's future harvest, promised to grow as a consequence of the earlier restraint.
אֲנִ֖יI (am)indep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the recognition-formula nominal clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun, opening the recognition formula that closes the unit.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (name) in apposition to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name, in apposition to the pronoun.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Second appositive to אֲנִיאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God', plural of majesty; the full formula אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם closes this five-year orlah law exactly as it closed vv. 2-4, tying agricultural patience to covenant identity.
26
לֹ֥א תֹאכְל֖וּ עַל הַדָּ֑ם לֹ֥א תְנַחֲשׁ֖וּ וְלֹ֥א תְעוֹנֵֽנוּ
You shall not eat with/over the blood; you shall not practice divination or soothsaying.
Asyndetic shift to a new triad of prohibitions; עַל הַדָּם is a genuine crux — 'beside/over the blood' (a divinatory or necromantic meal at a blood rite) versus a general ban on eating meat with its blood still in it (cf. 17:10-14) — and its juxtaposition with נִחוּשׁ and עוֹנֵן favors reading it as bound up with pagan divinatory practice rather than ordinary diet.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תֹאכְלוּלֹא (H3808), clause negative, opening a fresh prohibition series.
תֹאכְל֖וּyou shall eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (negated), main clause→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibitionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the first of three unrelated cultic prohibitions opening this new topical unit.
עַלwith/overprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, disputed sense (accompaniment vs. locale of a blood rite)עַל (H5921) 'on, over, with, concerning'; עַל הַדָּם is a genuine crux — most naturally 'over/beside the blood' (suggesting a divinatory or necromantic meal eaten at a blood-rite, cohering with the following נִחוּשׁ/עוֹנֵן), though some read it as a general dietary ban on eating meat with the blood still in it, paralleling 17:10-14.
הַדָּ֑םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Object of the preposition עַלדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; central to Israel's sacrificial theology (17:11) and, on the divinatory reading, to the pagan blood-consultation rite being prohibited here.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תְנַחֲשׁוּלֹא (H3808), clause negative.
תְנַחֲשׁ֖וּyou shall practice divinationPiel impf 2mp · נָחַשׁ (H5172)Predicate verb (negated), second prohibition→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibitionנָחַשׁ (H5172) 'to practice divination, seek/give omens'; the same root as נָחָשׁ 'serpent', possibly linked to serpent-omen divination; grouped with soothsaying as forbidden pagan means of ascertaining the future (cf. Deut 18:10).
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle, third prohibitionלֹא (H3808), clause negative, joined by וְ to close the triad of prohibitions.
תְעוֹנֵֽנוּyou shall practice soothsayingPoel impf 2mp · עָנַן (H6049)Predicate verb (negated), third prohibition→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibitionעָנַן (H6049) II, denominative verb 'to practice soothsaying, observe clouds/times' (etymology disputed, perhaps from עָנָן 'cloud'); paired with נִחוּשׁ as banned divinatory practice, part of the same complex Deut 18:10-14 catalogs at length.
27
לֹ֣א תַקִּ֔פוּ פְּאַ֖ת רֹאשְׁכֶ֑ם וְלֹ֣א תַשְׁחִ֔ית אֵ֖ת פְּאַ֥ת זְקָנֶֽךָ
You shall not round off the side-growth of your head, and you shall not destroy the edge of your beard.
Paired negative commands target the exact edges (פְּאָה) of head-hair and beard, most plausibly outlawing pagan mourning tonsures or priestly/cultic hairstyles attested among Israel's neighbors, distinguishing Israel's appearance as much as its diet.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תַקִּפוּלֹא (H3808), clause negative, opening a new prohibition on cultic/mourning hairstyles.
תַקִּ֔פוּyou shall round offHiphil impf 2mp · נָקַף (H5362)Predicate verb (negated), main clause→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibitionנָקַף (H5362) 'to go around, encircle'; Hiphil 'round off, clip in a circle' — likely a pagan tonsure style (shaving the temples in a circular pattern), attested among Arabian tribes per classical sources.
פְּאַ֖תthe edge ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object of תַקִּפוּ (construct head)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'corner, side, edge'; here of the hair at the temples — later Jewish practice (פֵּאוֹת, 'sidelocks') derives directly from this verse.
רֹאשְׁכֶ֑םyour headN m sg constr/2mp suffix · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Genitive completing the constructרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; פְּאַת רֹאשׁ, the edge/corner of the head-hair, i.e. the hair at the temples.
וְלֹ֣אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle, paired prohibitionלֹא (H3808), clause negative, joining the beard prohibition to the hair prohibition.
תַשְׁחִ֔יתyou shall destroyHiphil impf 2ms · שָׁחַת (H7843)Predicate verb (negated), main clause→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibitionשָׁחַת (H7843) 'to destroy, ruin, corrupt'; Hiphil, of marring or shaving off the beard's edge — the shift to 2ms (from the verse's 2mp) is stylistic variation, not a change of addressee.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
פְּאַ֥תthe edge ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object of תַשְׁחִית (construct head)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'corner, edge'; here of the beard, paired with the hair prohibition just given.
זְקָנֶֽךָyour beardN c sg constr/2ms suffix · זָקָן (H2206)Genitive completing the constructזָקָן (H2206) 'beard'; both hair prohibitions likely target pagan mourning tonsures or cultic hairstyles associated with Canaanite or Arabian religious practice, marking Israelite distinctiveness in appearance.
28
וְשֶׂ֣רֶט לָנֶ֗פֶשׁ לֹ֤א תִתְּנוּ֙ בִּבְשַׂרְכֶ֔ם וּכְתֹ֣בֶת קַֽעֲקַ֔ע לֹ֥א תִתְּנ֖וּ בָּכֶ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה
You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, nor put tattoo marks on yourselves; I am YHWH.
שֶׂרֶט לָנֶפֶשׁ and כְּתֹבֶת קַעֲקַע are the chapter's clearest bans on pagan mourning rites (self-laceration for the dead) and permanent cultic body-marking; the closing אֲנִי יְהוָה, shorn here of 'your God', terminates the unit begun at v. 26 with the bare covenant-name assertion of authority.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְשֶׂ֣רֶטand a gashconj וְ + N m sg abs · שֶׂרֶט (H8296)Direct object, fronted (casus pendens resumed by תִתְּנוּ)שֶׂרֶט (H8296) 'incision, gash, cutting', from שָׂרַט 'to scratch, gash'; self-laceration as a mourning rite, attested widely in the ancient Near East and elsewhere condemned (Deut 14:1, Jer 16:6, 1 Kgs 18:28).
לָנֶ֗פֶשׁfor the deadprep לְ + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Prepositional phrase specifying purpose/occasionנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; idiomatically 'a dead person, a corpse' when governed by לְ in mourning contexts (cf. 21:1, 21:11) — 'gashes for the dead', i.e. self-cutting in mourning.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating תִתְּנוּלֹא (H3808), clause negative.
תִתְּנוּ֙you shall putQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (negated), main clause→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibitionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, place'; here 'inflict/make (a gash) in'.
בִּבְשַׂרְכֶ֔םin your fleshprep בְּ + N m sg constr/2mp suffix · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Locative prepositional phraseבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'; the site of the forbidden self-laceration.
וּכְתֹ֣בֶתand a marking ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · כְּתֹבֶת (H3793)Direct object, fronted (casus pendens, second prohibited practice)כְּתֹבֶת (H3793) 'writing, inscription, mark', from כָּתַב 'to write'; construct with קַעֲקַע forming the chapter's term for a tattoo.
קַֽעֲקַ֔עtattooN m sg abs · קַעֲקַע (H7085)Genitive completing the construct כְּתֹבֶת קַעֲקַעקַעֲקַע (H7085), a hapax legomenon of uncertain etymology (perhaps onomatopoeic/reduplicated, 'incision, puncture'); כְּתֹבֶת קַעֲקַע, 'a tattoo mark' — permanent cultic body-marking associated with pagan mourning or devotion to a deity, forbidden alongside self-laceration.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating the second תִתְּנוּלֹא (H3808), clause negative.
תִתְּנ֖וּyou shall putQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (negated), second main clause→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical prohibition, repeating the verb of v. 28a for parallelismנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, place'; repeated verbatim from the verse's first half, binding the two prohibitions into one tightly parallel unit.
בָּכֶ֑םon youprep בְּ + 2mp suffixLocative prepositional phrasePrepositional pronoun 'in/on you (pl.)', the body as the site of the forbidden mark.
אֲנִ֖יI (am)indep pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the closing recognition-formula nominal clauseאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun, opening the closing recognition formula.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative (name) in apposition to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the bare formula אֲנִי יְהוָה (without 'your God') closes the unit begun at v. 26 with unadorned divine authority.
29
אַל תְּחַלֵּ֥ל אֶֽת בִּתְּךָ֖ לְהַזְנוֹתָ֑הּ וְלֹא תִזְנֶ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ וּמָלְאָ֥ה הָאָ֖רֶץ זִמָּֽה
Do not profane your daughter by making her a prostitute, lest the land fall into prostitution and the land be filled with depravity.
A negative apodictic command (אַל + jussive) protecting the daughter from cultic/coerced prostitution, followed by a motive clause explaining the systemic danger: unchecked prostitution corrupts not just individuals but the land itself, echoing the land-defilement theology of ch. 18.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
אַלdo notneg particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (volitive prohibition)אַל (H408), negative particle used with jussive/imperfect for prohibition (vs. לֹא for absolute negation); here forbids profaning one's daughter.
תְּחַלֵּ֥לyou shall profanePiel jussive 2ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Volitive: prohibition — jussive negated by אַלחָלַל (H2490) Piel 'to profane, defile, treat as common'; here causative — 'do not cause your daughter to become profaned'.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בִּתְּךָ֖your daughterN f sg constr/2ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of תְּחַלֵּלבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; construct with 2ms suffix, 'your daughter' — object of the prohibition against enabling prostitution.
לְהַזְנוֹתָ֑הּby making her a prostituteprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr/3fs suffix · זָנָה (H2181)Purpose/result infinitival clause (means of profaning)→ Infinitival: purpose/result — causing her to become a prostituteזָנָה (H2181) 'to be a harlot, act promiscuously'; Hiphil here is causative, 'to cause to play the harlot' — a father selling/prostituting his daughter.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Coordinating conjunction + negative particle (result clause)לֹא (H3808), absolute negative; with conjunction here introduces a consequence clause, 'lest/so that the land not...'.
תִזְנֶ֣הplay the harlotQal impf 3fs · זָנָה (H2181)Predicate verb of the negative result clause→ Yiqtol: modal/potential — the land's prospective fall into prostitutionזָנָה (H2181) Qal 'to play the harlot, be unfaithful'; subject הָאָרֶץ personifies the land as capable of defilement by its inhabitants' acts.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of תִזְנֶהאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the land of Israel, conceived as morally responsive to its inhabitants' conduct (cf. 18:25-28).
וּמָלְאָ֥הand be filledconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3fs · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb, second clause of result (weqatal continuing yiqtol)→ Weqatal: continuation of the result/consequence sequenceמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full, fill'; weqatal continues the result clause — the land filled with depravity as the outcome of unchecked prostitution.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of וּמָלְאָה (resumptive)אֶרֶץ (H776) repeated as subject of the second verb — emphatic resumption, 'the land, [the land] will be filled...'.
זִמָּֽהdepravityN f sg abs · זִמָּה (H2154)Adverbial accusative (content/means: filled with what)זִמָּה (H2154) 'depravity, lewdness, wicked scheme'; often paired with sexual sin (cf. 18:17, 20:14) — the land's moral pollution results from tolerated prostitution.
30
אֶת שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣י תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּ וּמִקְדָּשִׁ֖י תִּירָ֑אוּ אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה
You shall keep my sabbaths and revere my sanctuary; I am YHWH.
This verse repeats the sabbath-and-sanctuary pairing of v. 3 almost verbatim, forming an inclusio that brackets the chapter's central block of ethical and cultic laws; the refrain recurs again at 26:2, marking it as a structural anchor of the Holiness Code.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שַׁבְּתֹתַ֣יmy sabbathsN c pl constr/1cs suffix · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Direct object of תִּשְׁמֹרוּ (fronted for emphasis)שַׁבָּת (H7676) 'sabbath, rest'; plural 'my sabbaths' embraces the weekly sabbath and perhaps festival rests; object fronted before the verb for emphasis, echoing v. 3.
תִּשְׁמֹ֔רוּyou shall keepQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause command)→ Yiqtol: deontic — an abiding obligationשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; the standard verb for covenant obedience, here of sabbath observance.
וּמִקְדָּשִׁ֖יand my sanctuaryconj וְ + N m sg constr/1cs suffix · מִקְדָּשׁ (H4720)Direct object of תִּירָאוּ (fronted, coordinate with first clause)מִקְדָּשׁ (H4720) 'sanctuary, holy place', from קדשׁ 'to be holy'; the tabernacle/temple as sacred space demanding reverence.
תִּירָ֑אוּyou shall revereQal impf 2mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb (second command, paired with first)→ Yiqtol: deontic — an abiding obligationיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'; here reverent awe toward sacred space, not terror — the same verb used of fearing God/parents.
אֲנִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; with יְהוָה forms the recurring self-identification formula anchoring the commands in YHWH's authority.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative of the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the formula אֲנִי יְהוָה seals the command with divine authority, repeating v. 3.
31
אַל תִּפְנ֤וּ אֶל הָאֹבֹת֙ וְאֶל הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים אַל תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּ לְטָמְאָ֣ה בָהֶ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
Do not turn to mediums, and do not seek out spiritists, to be defiled by them; I am YHWH your God.
Necromancy and spiritism are forbidden as covenant-breaking defilement, not merely as ineffective superstition; the chiastic parallel prohibitions (אַל תִּפְנוּ / אַל תְּבַקְשׁוּ) are reinforced by the extended formula 'I am YHWH your God,' anticipating the fuller legislation and capital sanction of 20:6, 27.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אַלdo notneg particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (volitive prohibition)אַל (H408), prohibitive particle with jussive/impf; forbids consulting occult practitioners.
תִּפְנ֤וּyou shall turnQal jussive 2mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Predicate verb (prohibition)→ Volitive: prohibition — jussive negated by אַלפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn, face toward'; idiomatic for seeking out/resorting to, here to necromancers.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal, first object)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward', marking the object sought.
הָאֹבֹת֙the mediumsart + N m pl abs · אוֹב (H178)Object of the preposition אֶלאוֹב (H178) 'medium, necromancer', perhaps orig. 'ancestral spirit'; one who consults the dead for oracles, condemned throughout (20:6, 27; Deut 18:11).
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + prepositional phrase (second object)Coordinates a second class of occult practitioner with the first.
הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔יםthe spiritistsart + N m pl abs · יִדְּעֹנִי (H3049)Object of the preposition וְאֶליִדְּעֹנִי (H3049) 'spiritist, familiar spirit', from יָדַע 'to know' — a 'knowing one' claiming secret knowledge; paired with אוֹב throughout the legal corpus.
אַלdo notneg particle (volitive) · אַל (H408)Negative particle (volitive prohibition, second clause)אַל (H408) repeated to introduce the second, parallel prohibition.
תְּבַקְשׁ֖וּyou shall seekPiel jussive 2mp · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Predicate verb (prohibition, second clause)→ Volitive: prohibition — jussive negated by אַלבָּקַשׁ (H1245) Piel 'to seek, search for'; intensifies תִּפְנוּ — not merely turning but actively seeking such practitioners out.
לְטָמְאָ֣הto be defiledprep לְ + Qal inf constr · טָמֵא (H2930)Purpose/result infinitival clause→ Infinitival: purpose/result — the defilement that results from consulting themטָמֵא (H2930) 'to be/become unclean'; here the intended or resultant outcome of seeking mediums — ritual and moral defilement.
בָהֶ֑םby themprep בְּ + 3mp suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase of means/agency (with לְטָמְאָה)prep בְּ 'by, through' + 3mp suffix, referring back to the mediums/spiritists — the means of defilement.
אֲנִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; with יְהוָה forms the recurring self-identification formula.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative of the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate nominative, apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct with 2mp suffix, 'your God' — the expanded self-identification formula (cf. v. 25, 34) tying the prohibition to the covenant relationship.
32
מִפְּנֵ֤י שֵׂיבָה֙ תָּק֔וּם וְהָדַרְתָּ֖ פְּנֵ֣י זָקֵ֑ן וְיָרֵ֥אתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה
You shall rise before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God; I am YHWH.
מִפְּנֵי שֵׂיבָה (before gray hair) and פְּנֵי זָקֵן (the face of an elder) frame respect for age as an act of the fear of God — the וְיָרֵאתָ מֵאֱלֹהֶיךָ clause, recurring through the chapter, roots social ethics in reverence, sealed by the אֲנִי יְהוָה refrain.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
מִפְּנֵ֤יbeforeprep מִן + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Temporal/spatial prepositional phrase (fronted; idiom 'before')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִפְּנֵי idiomatically 'before, in the presence of' — here of standing up in the presence of gray-headedness.
שֵׂיבָה֙gray hairN f sg abs · שֵׂיבָה (H7872)Object of the preposition מִפְּנֵי (metonymy for the aged)שֵׂיבָה (H7872) 'gray hair, old age'; metonymy for an elderly person — one is to rise in deference to age itself.
תָּק֔וּםyou shall riseQal impf 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause command)→ Yiqtol: deontic — a standing obligationקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; a gesture of respect performed in the presence of the aged.
וְהָדַרְתָּ֖and you shall honorconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · הָדַר (H1921)Predicate verb, second command (weqatal continuing yiqtol)→ Weqatal: continuation of the deontic sequenceהָדַר (H1921) 'to honor, show deference to', related to הָדָר 'splendor, majesty'; to treat the elder's presence with the honor due to dignity.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Direct object of וְהָדַרְתָּ (construct head)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct, 'the face of an elder' — synecdoche for the person, the seat of honor to be respected.
זָקֵ֑ןan elderadj m sg abs (substantival) · זָקֵן (H2205)Genitive of the construct chain (defining)זָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; substantival adjective, one advanced in age — often also implies social/juridical status as elder.
וְיָרֵ֥אתָand you shall fearconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb, third command (weqatal continuing yiqtol)→ Weqatal: continuation of the deontic sequenceיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, revere'; the triad of commands culminates in reverence for God himself, grounding social ethics in piety.
מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָyour Godprep מִן + N m pl constr/2ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of יָרֵאתָ (prepositional object of fearing)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; יָרֵא מִן idiom 'to fear/revere' — the grounding motive for honoring the aged is the fear of God who commands it.
אֲנִ֥יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; with יְהוָה forms the recurring self-identification formula.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative of the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
33
וְכִֽי יָג֧וּר אִתְּךָ֛ גֵּ֖ר בְּאַרְצְכֶ֑ם לֹ֥א תוֹנ֖וּ אֹתֽוֹ
And when a sojourner sojourns with you in your land, you shall not wrong him.
Opens a new case with the sojourner as its subject, introducing the two-verse unit (33-34) that culminates in the love-command of v. 34; the protection here is prohibitive (do not wrong him), preparing for the positive command that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְכִֽיand whenconj וְ + conj · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating/subordinating conjunction introducing a casuistic protasisכִּי (H3588), conjunction 'when, if, that, because'; here introduces a casuistic (case) law protasis, 'when a sojourner sojourns...'.
יָג֧וּרsojournsQal impf 3ms · גּוּר (H1481)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: general/conditional — describing the recurring caseגּוּר (H1481) 'to sojourn, dwell as a resident alien'; root of גֵּר, describing the legally vulnerable status of a non-native resident.
אִתְּךָ֛with youprep + 2ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (association)אֵת (H854) 'with, together with' (distinct from the object-marker אֵת H853); here 'with you', denoting the sojourner's residence among the Israelites.
גֵּ֖רa sojournerN m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Subject of יָגוּרגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien', from גּוּר; a non-Israelite living permanently among Israel without ancestral land rights, dependent on the community's protection.
בְּאַרְצְכֶ֑םin your landprep בְּ + N c sg constr/2mp suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; 'your land' underscores Israel's landed status versus the sojourner's landlessness, the very asymmetry the law addresses.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (absolute prohibition, apodosis)לֹא (H3808), absolute negative introducing the apodosis of the casuistic law.
תוֹנ֖וּyou shall wrongHiphil impf 2mp · יָנָה (H3238)Predicate verb of the apodosis (prohibition)→ Yiqtol: deontic — a standing prohibitionיָנָה (H3238) Hiphil 'to oppress, wrong, mistreat'; used elsewhere of exploiting the economically vulnerable (25:14, 17) — here the sojourner is protected from the same abuse.
אֹתֽוֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of תוֹנוּאֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, direct-object marker referring back to הַגֵּר, 'him'.
34
כְּאֶזְרָ֣ח מִכֶּם֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לָכֶ֜ם הַגֵּ֣ר הַגָּ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֗ם וְאָהַבְתָּ֥ לוֹ֙ כָּמ֔וֹךָ כִּֽי גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
The sojourner who sojourns with you shall be to you as a native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt; I am YHWH your God.
Deliberately mirrors v. 18's וְאָהַבְתָּ ... כָּמוֹךָ, now applied to the גֵּר: the resident alien is to be loved as the native Israelite. The motive clause כִּי גֵרִים הֱיִיתֶם grounds the ethic in Israel's own remembered experience of Egypt — the widest reach of the love command in the Torah.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כְּאֶזְרָ֣חas a nativeprep כְּ + N m sg abs · אֶזְרָח (H249)Predicate (comparative prepositional phrase)אֶזְרָח (H249) 'native, native-born'; the sojourner's legal-social status is equated to that of the native-born Israelite.
מִכֶּם֩from/among youprep מִן + 2mp suffix · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phrase (modifying אֶזְרָח)מִן (H4480) 'from, among'; specifies 'a native from among you' — one of your own citizenry.
יִהְיֶ֨הhe shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (copulative, main clause)→ Yiqtol: deontic — a standing legal statusהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; establishes the sojourner's ongoing legal equivalence to the native.
לָכֶ֜םto/for youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative prepositional phrase (experiencer)prep לְ 'to, for' + 2mp suffix; marks Israel as the community for whom the sojourner holds native-equivalent status.
הַגֵּ֣רthe sojournerart + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Subject of יִהְיֶהגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner'; see v. 33 — now the subject of the equal-status declaration.
הַגָּ֣רwho sojournsart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival/attributive) · גּוּר (H1481)Attributive participle modifying הַגֵּר→ Participle: durative — ongoing state of residingגּוּר (H1481) Qal participle 'sojourning, dwelling as a resident alien'; attributive to הַגֵּר, 'the sojourner who sojourns with you'.
אִתְּכֶ֗םwith youprep + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (association, complement of הַגָּר)אֵת (H854) 'with'; completes the participle, 'sojourning with you'.
וְאָהַבְתָּ֥and you shall loveconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · אָהַב (H157)Predicate verb (main command)→ Weqatal: deontic imperative force — a binding commandאָהַב (H157) 'to love'; the same verb and construction (וְאָהַבְתָּ + לְ + כָּמוֹךָ) as v. 18's love of neighbor — deliberately extending the neighbor-love command to the resident alien.
לוֹ֙himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְDative object of וְאָהַבְתָּprep לְ + 3ms suffix, 'to/for him'; the same לְ + object-of-love construction as v. 18 (וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ), here referring back to הַגֵּר.
כָּמ֔וֹךָas yourselfprep כְּמוֹ + 2ms suffix · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Comparative prepositional phrase (standard of comparison)כְּמוֹ (H3644) 'like, as'; + 2ms suffix, 'as yourself' — the exact phrase of v. 18, transferring the self-love standard from neighbor to sojourner.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the motive clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the historical-experiential ground of the command.
גֵרִ֥יםsojournersN m pl abs · גֵּר (H1616)Predicate nominativeגֵּר (H1616), plural; Israel's own former status in Egypt as landless resident aliens grounds the command to love the גֵּר now among them.
הֱיִיתֶ֖םyou wereQal perf 2mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed past state recalled as motiveהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; perfect recalling Israel's own historical condition as sojourners.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with מִצְרַיִם, 'the land of Egypt' — the site of Israel's own sojourner experience.
מִצְרָ֑יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive of the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; Israel's historical memory of oppression as sojourners there is repeatedly invoked as the ground for humane treatment of the גֵּר (Exod 22:20; 23:9; Deut 10:19).
אֲנִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; with יְהוָה forms the recurring self-identification formula.
יְהוָ֥הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative of the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate nominative, apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct with 2mp suffix, 'your God' — closing the extended self-identification formula (cf. v. 25, 31), grounding the love-command in the covenant relationship.
35
לֹא תַעֲשׂ֥וּ עָ֖וֶל בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט בַּמִּדָּ֕ה בַּמִּשְׁקָ֖ל וּבַמְּשׂוּרָֽה
You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement, in weight, or in volume.
Moves from courtroom justice to marketplace justice in a single prohibition — the same root עוֶל can describe a corrupt verdict or a rigged scale, and the law refuses to separate the two: commercial and judicial integrity are one ethical demand, grounded in v. 36's exodus rationale.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (absolute prohibition)לֹא (H3808), absolute negative forbidding injustice in every sphere of exchange listed.
תַעֲשׂ֥וּyou shall doQal impf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (prohibition, main clause)→ Yiqtol: deontic — a standing prohibitionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; general verb of action, here forbidding the commission of injustice.
עָ֖וֶלinjusticeN c sg abs · עָוֶל (H5766)Direct object of תַעֲשׂוּעָוֶל (H5766) 'injustice, unrighteousness, wrongdoing'; a general term for moral crookedness, here specified by the four spheres that follow.
בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑טin judgmentprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Adverbial prepositional phrase (sphere, first of four)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, justice, legal decision'; the first and broadest sphere — fair adjudication in court, echoing v. 15.
בַּמִּדָּ֕הin measurementprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מִדָּה (H4060)Adverbial prepositional phrase (sphere, second of four)מִדָּה (H4060) 'measure, measurement', from מָדַד 'to measure'; linear/length measurement in commercial dealings.
בַּמִּשְׁקָ֖לin weightprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁקָל (H4948)Adverbial prepositional phrase (sphere, third of four)מִשְׁקָל (H4948) 'weight', from שָׁקַל 'to weigh'; honest weights on the balance-scale, a recurring biblical concern (Prov 11:1; 20:23).
וּבַמְּשׂוּרָֽהand in volumeconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מְשׂוּרָה (H4884)Adverbial prepositional phrase (sphere, fourth of four)מְשׂוּרָה (H4884) 'measure of capacity' (rare, hapax-adjacent); liquid/dry volume measurement, completing the fourfold list of commercial honesty.
36
מֹ֧אזְנֵי צֶ֣דֶק אַבְנֵי צֶ֗דֶק אֵ֥יפַת צֶ֛דֶק וְהִ֥ין צֶ֖דֶק יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם אֲנִי֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֶתְכֶ֖ם מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם
Just balances, just weight-stones, a just ephah, and a just hin you shall have; I am YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
The fourfold repetition of צֶדֶק ('just') across every instrument of exchange makes honesty a totalizing standard, not a case-by-case ideal; the closing relative clause grounds fair commerce, like fair judgment (vv. 33-34), in YHWH's own redemptive act — the exodus is invoked as the theological warrant for economic integrity.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
מֹ֧אזְנֵיbalances ofN m dual constr · מֹאזְנַיִם (H3976)Subject of יִהְיֶה (first item, head of construct chain)מֹאזְנַיִם (H3976) 'balance, scales' (dual, the two pans), from אזן/'weigh'; construct with צֶדֶק, 'balances of righteousness/justice' = accurate scales.
צֶ֣דֶקjustN m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Genitive of the construct chain (attributive: 'just')צֶדֶק (H6664) 'righteousness, justice, what is right'; used attributively four times in this verse — a standard of exact conformity to the true measure.
אַבְנֵיstones ofN f pl constr · אֶבֶן (H68)Subject of יִהְיֶה (second item)אֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; here weight-stones used on the balance scale — construct with צֶדֶק, 'just weight-stones'.
צֶ֗דֶקjustN m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Genitive of the construct chain (attributive: 'just')צֶדֶק (H6664), second occurrence, 'just' — completing 'just weight-stones'.
אֵ֥יפַתan ephah ofN f sg constr · אֵיפָה (H374)Subject of יִהְיֶה (third item)אֵיפָה (H374) 'ephah', a dry-measure unit (roughly 22 liters), likely an Egyptian loanword; construct with צֶדֶק, 'a just ephah'.
צֶ֛דֶקjustN m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Genitive of the construct chain (attributive: 'just')צֶדֶק (H6664), third occurrence — 'just' completing 'a just ephah'.
וְהִ֥יןand a hin ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · הִין (H1969)Subject of יִהְיֶה (fourth item)הִין (H1969) 'hin', a liquid-measure unit (roughly 4 liters), an Egyptian loanword; construct with צֶדֶק, 'a just hin'.
צֶ֖דֶקjustN m sg abs · צֶדֶק (H6664)Genitive of the construct chain (attributive: 'just')צֶדֶק (H6664), fourth and final occurrence — 'just' completing 'a just hin', closing the fourfold list matching v. 35's four spheres.
יִהְיֶ֣הshall be/you shall haveQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: deontic — a standing requirementהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; 3ms verb with a compound subject (the four measuring instruments), idiomatically 'you shall have...'.
לָכֶ֑םto/for youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְDative prepositional phrase (possession)prep לְ 'to, for' + 2mp suffix; idiom of possession, 'you shall have'.
אֲנִי֙Iindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; with יְהוָה forms the recurring self-identification formula.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative of the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔םyour GodN m pl constr/2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate nominative, apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; construct with 2mp suffix, 'your God', continuing the self-identification formula.
אֲשֶׁרwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a relative clause (modifying יְהוָה)אֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'who'; introduces the exodus-relative clause grounding the command in redemption history.
הוֹצֵ֥אתִיI brought outHiphil perf 1cs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of deliveranceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out, cause to go out'; the standard exodus verb — the same act invoked throughout the Holiness Code as grounding for ethical demands.
אֶתְכֶ֖םyouobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of הוֹצֵאתִיאֵת (H853) + 2mp suffix, direct-object marker, 'you' — referring to Israel as the object of the exodus deliverance.
מֵאֶ֥רֶץfrom the land ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (source)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with מִצְרַיִם, source of the exodus deliverance.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive of the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; closing the verse (and echoing v. 34) by grounding just weights and measures in YHWH's own act of deliverance.
37
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤ם אֶת כָּל חֻקֹּתַי֙ וְאֶת כָּל מִשְׁפָּטַ֔י וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֽה
You shall keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them; I am YHWH.
The paired חֻקֹּתַי (statutes) and מִשְׁפָּטַי (rules) with the keep-and-do formula (שְׁמַרְתֶּם ... וַעֲשִׂיתֶם) close the Holiness Code's ethical core, sealed a final time by the bare אֲנִי יְהוָה that has punctuated the whole chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֤םand you shall keepconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2mp · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (summary command, main clause)→ Weqatal: summarizing deontic command — closing chargeשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, observe'; the chapter's closing colophon verb, summarizing the whole preceding torah as a single act of observance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (quantifier, head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; construct with חֻקֹּתַי, 'all my statutes' — totalizing the summary.
חֻקֹּתַי֙my statutesN c pl constr/1cs suffix · חֻקָּה (H2708)Genitive of the construct chain (defining כָּל)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed limit', from חָקַק 'to inscribe, decree'; often the more ritual/cultic category of law, paired here with מִשְׁפָּט.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)conj וְ introduces the second object; אֵת marks כָּל מִשְׁפָּטַי as the definite second object.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (quantifier, head of second construct chain)כֹּל (H3605), second occurrence, 'all' — paired with מִשְׁפָּטַי to complete the two-term summary (חֻקָּה + מִשְׁפָּט) standard in Leviticus's closing formulas.
מִשְׁפָּטַ֔יmy judgmentsN m pl constr/1cs suffix · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Genitive of the construct chain (defining the second כָּל)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, ordinance, legal rule'; often the case-law/judicial category, paired with חֻקָּה to summarize the whole legal corpus.
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֖םand doconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (second summary command)→ Weqatal: summarizing deontic command — practice, not mere assentעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, perform'; pairs שָׁמַר with עָשָׂה — hearing/guarding the law is insufficient without doing it, a common biblical pairing (Deut 5:1).
אֹתָ֑םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַעֲשִׂיתֶםאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, direct-object marker, 'them' — referring back to all the statutes and judgments just named.
אֲנִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the self-identification formulaאֲנִי (H589), 1cs independent pronoun; with יְהוָה forms the recurring self-identification formula, here in its simplest bare form.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative of the self-identification formulaיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the chapter closes on this bare formula, without 'your God' or the exodus clause, echoing its own opening.