1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
Opens a new divine legislative unit with the standard messenger formula; introduces the instructions on lamp and bread that follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokewayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the recurring speech-formula opening a new divine instructionדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standing formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר introduces divine legislation throughout Leviticus. [source id 03Uf2]
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; subject of the recurring revelation formula. [source id 032yh]
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the recipient of divine speech. [source id 03b44]
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's mediator, the addressee of nearly every legal unit in Leviticus. [source id 03T19]
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: marks the onset of reported speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the infinitive לֵאמֹר conventionally opens the quoted divine words that follow. [source id 03h46]
2
צַ֞ו אֶת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְיִקְח֨וּ אֵלֶ֜יךָ שֶׁ֣מֶן זַ֥יִת זָ֛ךְ כָּתִ֖ית לַמָּא֑וֹר לְהַעֲלֹ֥ת נֵ֖ר תָּמִֽיד
Command the sons of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, to make a lamp burn continually.
The imperative צַו launches YHWH's instruction on the lampstand's oil; direct discourse from YHWH to Moses continues from v.1's frame.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
צַ֞וcommandPiel impv 2ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (main clause), volitional→ Volitional: an imperative launching the instructionצִוָּה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; standard verb opening priestly legislation addressed through Moses. [source id 03SrF]
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as the definite direct object of צַו. [source id 03qdx]
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'sons/children of Israel', the covenant people. [source id 03Wbq]
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the nation addressed through Moses. [source id 031Ku]
וְיִקְח֨וּthat they bringconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Purpose/result clause (jussive-nuance yiqtol continuing the command)→ Yiqtol: volitional continuation of the imperative — 'let them take/bring'לָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; here 'bring, fetch' the oil for the lamp, continuing the command's force. [source id 03g1S]
אֵלֶ֜יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, indirect objectאֶל (H413) + 2ms suffix; the oil is to be brought to Moses as the people's representative offering. [source id 037SA]
שֶׁ֣מֶןoil ofN m sg constr · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Direct object (construct head of oil-description chain)שֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil, fat'; here the olive oil for the lampstand, construct with זַיִת. [source id 032Q5]
זַ֥יִתoliveN m sg abs · זַיִת (H2132)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)זַיִת (H2132) 'olive, olive tree'; specifies the source of the oil. [source id 03rRg]
זָ֛ךְpureadj m sg abs · זַךְ (H2134)Attributive adjective modifying שֶׁמֶןזַךְ (H2134) 'clear, pure'; describes oil free of sediment, suitable for the sanctuary lamp. [source id 03rGq]
כָּתִ֖יתbeatenadj m sg abs · כָּתִית (H3795)Attributive adjective modifying שֶׁמֶןכָּתִית (H3795) 'beaten, crushed'; oil produced by pounding rather than pressing, considered purer. [source id 03JHg]
לַמָּא֑וֹרfor the lightprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מָאוֹר (H3974)Purpose prepositional phraseמָאוֹר (H3974) 'light, luminary'; here the lampstand's light-giving function, the purpose of the oil. [source id 03Qew]
לְהַעֲלֹ֥תto kindleprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · עָלָה (H5927)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: expresses the purpose of bringing the oilעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to cause to go up'; idiomatically 'to kindle, light' a lamp (lit. make the flame go up). [source id 03anf]
נֵ֖רa lampN m sg abs · נֵר (H5216)Direct object of לְהַעֲלֹתנֵר (H5216) 'lamp'; here collective/distributive for the lamps of the מְנוֹרָה. [source id 03J27]
תָּמִֽידcontinuallyN m sg abs (adverbial) · תָּמִיד (H8548)Adverbial accusative of durationתָּמִיד (H8548) 'continuity, perpetuity'; used adverbially 'continually, regularly' — the lamp's unceasing tending. [source id 03NmU]
3
מִחוּץ֩ לְפָרֹ֨כֶת הָעֵדֻ֜ת בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד יַעֲרֹךְ֩ אֹת֨וֹ אַהֲרֹ֜ן מֵעֶ֧רֶב עַד בֹּ֛קֶר לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה תָּמִ֑יד חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֖ם לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽם
Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall arrange it from evening until morning before YHWH continually — a perpetual statute for your generations.
Specifies where (outside the veil, in the tent), who (Aaron), and how long (evening to morning, perpetually) the lamp is tended; closes with the perpetuity formula typical of tabernacle legislation.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
מִחוּץ֩outsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phrase (fronted)חוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street'; with מִן 'outside of' — locates the lamp's tending relative to the veil. [source id 03h9C]
לְפָרֹ֨כֶתthe veil ofprep לְ + N f sg constr · פָּרֹכֶת (H6532)Genitive (construct chain, nomen regens)פָּרֹכֶת (H6532) 'veil, curtain'; the inner curtain screening the ark, here marking the boundary of the holy place. [source id 03GDr]
הָעֵדֻ֜תthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)עֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; the tablets/ark of the covenant behind the veil, giving the curtain its name. [source id 03vF8]
בְּאֹ֣הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Locative prepositional phraseאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד, the sanctuary's portable shrine. [source id 03DVe]
מוֹעֵ֗דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד 'tent of meeting', where YHWH meets Israel. [source id 03E3T]
יַעֲרֹךְ֩he shall arrangeQal impf 3ms · עָרַךְ (H6186)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of durative obligation→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — an ongoing, repeated priestly dutyעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; the technical verb for tending the lamp's rows and wicks. [source id 037v8]
אֹת֨וֹit [obj]obj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, referring to the lamp/light of v.2)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resuming נֵר/מָאוֹר of v.2 as the object of Aaron's tending. [source id 03HxH]
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of יַעֲרֹךְאַהֲרֹן (H175), the high priest, charged with the daily tending of the lamp. [source id 03F8P]
מֵעֶ֧רֶבfrom eveningprep מִן + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Temporal prepositional phraseעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; marks the start of the lamp's nightly tending span. [source id 033Ed]
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase (correlative with מִן)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; pairs with מֵעֶרֶב to bound the tending period. [source id 03km3]
בֹּ֛קֶרmorningN m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Object of preposition עַדבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; the lamp burns through the night, from evening to morning. [source id 03xjC]
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in the presence of' YHWH. [source id 03qun]
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the lamp burns in the divine presence within the tent. [source id 035kJ]
תָּמִ֑ידcontinuallyN m sg abs (adverbial) · תָּמִיד (H8548)Adverbial accusative of durationתָּמִיד (H8548); adverbial 'continually' — daily, unbroken observance. [source id 03ezp]
חֻקַּ֥תa statute ofN c sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate nominative (construct chain, nomen regens)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed rule'; construct with עוֹלָם, a formula sealing perpetual cultic obligations. [source id 03sfU]
עוֹלָ֖םperpetualN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity'; חֻקַּת עוֹלָם 'a perpetual statute' — binding for all generations. [source id 03RQw]
לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽםfor your generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · דּוֹר (H1755)Prepositional phrase of extent (temporal)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם 'throughout your generations', the standard perpetuity formula. [source id 03FDq]
4
עַ֚ל הַמְּנֹרָ֣ה הַטְּהֹרָ֔ה יַעֲרֹ֖ךְ אֶת הַנֵּר֑וֹת לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד
On the pure lampstand he shall arrange the lamps before YHWH continually.
Closes the lampstand unit (vv.1-4) by restating the core duty in compact form before the text turns to the bread of the presence.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
עַ֚לonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (fronted)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; locates the lamps on the lampstand. [source id 03vbV]
הַמְּנֹרָ֣הthe lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Object of preposition עַלמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand'; the golden seven-branched stand of Exod 25:31-40, holding the perpetual lamps. [source id 03dtZ]
הַטְּהֹרָ֔הthe pureart + adj f sg abs · טָהוֹר (H2889)Attributive adjective modifying הַמְּנֹרָהטָהוֹר (H2889) 'pure, clean'; the lampstand is of pure gold, matching the sanctuary's holiness gradient. [source id 03oGC]
יַעֲרֹ֖ךְhe shall arrangeQal impf 3ms · עָרַךְ (H6186)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — durative priestly obligationעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; repeats the tending verb of v.3, now specifying location on the lampstand. [source id 03zVE]
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַנֵּרוֹת as the definite object of יַעֲרֹךְ. [source id 0363D]
הַנֵּר֑וֹתthe lampsart + N m pl abs · נֵר (H5216)Direct objectנֵר (H5216) 'lamp'; plural, the individual lamps set on the lampstand's branches. [source id 03aVU]
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440); לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of'. [source id 03RiQ]
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the lamps burn continually in the divine presence. [source id 03A4d]
תָּמִֽידcontinuallyN m sg abs (adverbial) · תָּמִיד (H8548)Adverbial accusative of durationתָּמִיד (H8548); adverbial 'continually', echoing vv.2-3's refrain. [source id 039G4]
5
וְלָקַחְתָּ֣ סֹ֔לֶת וְאָפִיתָ֣ אֹתָ֔הּ שְׁתֵּ֥ים עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה חַלּ֑וֹת שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים יִהְיֶ֖ה הַֽחַלָּ֥ה הָאֶחָֽת
And you shall take fine flour and bake it into twelve loaves; two tenths [of an ephah] shall be in each loaf.
Shifts from lamp to bread with a fresh weqatal chain; the number twelve signals correspondence to the twelve tribes, as with the high priest's breastpiece stones.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְלָקַחְתָּ֣and you shall takeconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal of instructional sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction continuing the imperative chainלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; opens the bread instruction, addressed to Moses/the priest as in v.2. [source id 03vJQ]
סֹ֔לֶתfine flourN f sg abs · סֹלֶת (H5560)Direct object of וְלָקַחְתָּסֹלֶת (H5560) 'fine flour, semolina'; the choice grain offering ingredient, here for the showbread. [source id 03Svx]
וְאָפִיתָ֣and you shall bakeconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · אָפָה (H644)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing the sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — the next step after taking the flourאָפָה (H644) 'to bake'; produces the loaves from the fine flour. [source id 03fdR]
אֹתָ֔הּit [obj]obj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, referring to סֹלֶת)אֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix, resuming סֹלֶת (fem.) as the object of בָּאפָה. [source id 03QnD]
שְׁתֵּ֥יםtwelvecardinal num f du · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying חַלּוֹתשְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; with עֶשְׂרֵה forms 'twelve', the number of loaves matching the twelve tribes. [source id 03Np6]
עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה-teen (twelve)cardinal num f sg · עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240)Numeral, second element of שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה 'twelve'עֶשְׂרֵה (H6240) fem. form of 'ten' used in teen numerals; with שְׁתַּיִם forms 'twelve'.
חַלּ֑וֹתloavesN f pl abs · חַלָּה (H2471)Accusative of result (loaves resulting from the baking), quantified by שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵהחַלָּה (H2471) 'loaf, cake' of bread; here the twelve showbread loaves.
שְׁנֵי֙two ofcardinal num m/f du constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct with עֶשְׂרֹנִיםשְׁנַיִם/שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; construct שְׁנֵי governs עֶשְׂרֹנִים, 'two tenths [of an ephah]' per loaf.
עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔יםtenthsN m pl abs · עִשָּׂרוֹן (H6241)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum) — measure nounעִשָּׂרוֹן (H6241) 'a tenth [of an ephah]', the standard grain-offering measure (~2 liters); two-tenths per loaf.
יִהְיֶ֖הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of durative regulation→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the fixed standing measure for each loafהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; states the fixed weight standard for each loaf.
הַֽחַלָּ֥הthe loafart + N f sg abs · חַלָּה (H2471)Subject of יִהְיֶהחַלָּה (H2471) 'loaf'; singular here, distributive — 'each loaf'.
הָאֶחָֽתsingleart + adj (numeral) f sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying הַחַלָּה ('each single loaf')אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; with the article, 'the single [loaf]' — distributive 'each one loaf'.
6
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אוֹתָ֛ם שְׁתַּ֥יִם מַֽעֲרָכ֖וֹת שֵׁ֣שׁ הַֽמַּעֲרָ֑כֶת עַ֛ל הַשֻּׁלְחָ֥ן הַטָּהֹ֖ר לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה
And you shall set them in two rows, six to a row, on the pure table before YHWH.
The weqatal chain continues, specifying the physical layout of the twelve loaves into two rows of six on the golden table.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥and you shall setconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · שׂוּם (H7760)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing instruction sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — the next placement actionשׂוּם/שִׂים (H7760) 'to put, set, place'; arranging the loaves on the table.
אוֹתָ֛םthem [obj]obj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, referring to the loaves)אֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, resuming חַלּוֹת as the object of וְשַׂמְתָּ.
שְׁתַּ֥יִםtwocardinal num f du abs · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral modifying מַעֲרָכוֹת (accusative of specification)שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; specifies two rows of loaves.
מַֽעֲרָכ֖וֹתrowsN f pl abs · מַעֲרָכָה (H4634)Adverbial accusative (result) — the rows into which the loaves are setמַעֲרָכָה (H4634) 'row, arrangement'; from עָרַךְ, the ordered rows of showbread.
שֵׁ֣שׁsixcardinal num f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Numeral modifying הַמַּעֲרָכֶת (distributive: six per row)שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; distributive — six loaves per row (12÷2).
הַֽמַּעֲרָ֑כֶתthe rowart + N f sg abs · מַעֲרֶכֶת (H4635)Distributive apposition ('six to the row')מַעֲרֶכֶת (H4635) variant of מַעֲרָכָה 'row, arrangement'; here singular distributive, 'per row'.
עַ֛לonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; locates the rows on the table.
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֥ןthe tableart + N m sg abs · שֻׁלְחָן (H7979)Object of preposition עַלשֻׁלְחָן (H7979) 'table'; the golden table of Exod 25:23-30 holding the showbread.
הַטָּהֹ֖רthe pureart + adj m sg abs · טָהוֹר (H2889)Attributive adjective modifying הַשֻּׁלְחָןטָהוֹר (H2889) 'pure, clean'; the table is of pure gold, matching v.4's lampstand.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in the presence of' YHWH.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the showbread is set in the divine presence.
7
וְנָתַתָּ֥ עַל הַֽמַּעֲרֶ֖כֶת לְבֹנָ֣ה זַכָּ֑ה וְהָיְתָ֤ה לַלֶּ֨חֶם֙ לְאַזְכָּרָ֔ה אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽיהוָֽה
And you shall put pure frankincense on the row, so that it may be for the bread as a memorial portion, a fire offering to YHWH.
Continues the weqatal chain, adding pure frankincense to the rows; the אַזְכָּרָה links the showbread rite to the vocabulary of grain-offering law (Lev 2).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְנָתַתָּ֥and you shall putconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — the next placement actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put, place'; adding frankincense to the row of loaves.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; locates the frankincense atop the row.
הַֽמַּעֲרֶ֖כֶתthe rowart + N f sg abs · מַעֲרֶכֶת (H4635)Object of preposition עַלמַעֲרֶכֶת (H4635) 'row, arrangement'; the row of showbread loaves.
לְבֹנָ֣הfrankincenseN f sg abs · לְבֹנָה (H3828)Direct object of וְנָתַתָּלְבֹנָה (H3828) 'frankincense', an aromatic resin burned as the memorial portion of grain offerings.
זַכָּ֑הpureadj f sg abs · זַךְ (H2134)Attributive adjective modifying לְבֹנָהזַךְ (H2134) 'clear, pure', echoing the pure oil of v.2.
וְהָיְתָ֤הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — states the frankincense's functionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the purpose/status clause for the frankincense.
לַלֶּ֨חֶם֙for the breadprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Prepositional phrase of reference ('with regard to the bread')לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread'; the showbread loaves, for which the frankincense serves as memorial portion.
לְאַזְכָּרָ֔הas a memorial portionprep לְ + N f sg abs · אַזְכָּרָה (H234)Prepositional phrase of function (predicate complement)אַזְכָּרָה (H234) 'memorial portion', the token part of a grain offering burned on the altar, from זָכַר 'remember'.
אִשֶּׁ֖הa fire offeringN m sg abs · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Apposition (predicate nominative)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'offering made by fire' (traditionally linked to אֵשׁ 'fire'); a general term for offerings burned on the altar.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, indirect object/recipientיְהוָה (H3068); the fire offering's recipient.
8
בְּי֨וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֜ת בְּי֣וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֗ת יַֽעַרְכֶ֛נּוּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה תָּמִ֑יד מֵאֵ֥ת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם
Every sabbath day he shall arrange it before YHWH continually, from the sons of Israel — a perpetual covenant.
Fixes the loaves' renewal to the sabbath rhythm and seals the rite with covenant language, matching v.3's חֻקַּת עוֹלָם and anticipating v.9's חָק עוֹלָם.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
בְּי֨וֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (distributive, doubled for emphasis)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with שַׁבָּת. The phrase בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת is repeated for distributive emphasis, 'every single sabbath'.
הַשַּׁבָּ֜תthe sabbathart + N c sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)שַׁבָּת (H7676) 'sabbath', the seventh-day rest; the loaves are renewed weekly.
בְּי֣וֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (second occurrence, distributive repetition)יוֹם (H3117); repeated for emphasis — see previous note.
הַשַּׁבָּ֗תthe sabbathart + N c sg abs · שַׁבָּת (H7676)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)שַׁבָּת (H7676); second occurrence completing the distributive doubling.
יַֽעַרְכֶ֛נּוּhe shall arrange itQal impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · עָרַךְ (H6186)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of durative obligation→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — the recurring weekly dutyעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange'; +3ms suffix referring to the bread/row, renewed each sabbath by the priest.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440); לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the bread renewed continually in the divine presence.
תָּמִ֑ידcontinuallyN m sg abs (adverbial) · תָּמִיד (H8548)Adverbial accusative of durationתָּמִיד (H8548); adverbial 'continually', echoing the lamp refrain of vv.2-4.
מֵאֵ֥תfromprep מִן + prep אֵת · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase marking source ('on behalf of')אֵת (H854) 'with, from'; מֵאֵת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'from the sons of Israel' — the bread is Israel's offering, tended perpetually on their behalf.
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum) — object of מֵאֵתבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the nation on whose behalf the rite is perpetually kept.
בְּרִ֥יתa covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate nominative in apposition (construct chain, nomen regens)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; construct with עוֹלָם, 'an everlasting covenant' — the bread arrangement as a perpetual covenantal obligation.
עוֹלָֽםperpetualN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity'; בְּרִית עוֹלָם 'an everlasting covenant'.
9
וְהָֽיְתָה֙ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן וּלְבָנָ֔יו וַאֲכָלֻ֖הוּ בְּמָק֣וֹם קָדֹ֑שׁ כִּ֡י קֹדֶשׁ֩ קָֽדָשִׁ֨ים ה֥וּא ל֛וֹ מֵאִשֵּׁ֥י יְהוָ֖ה חָק עוֹלָֽם
And it shall belong to Aaron and his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place, for it is most holy to him from the fire offerings of YHWH — a perpetual due.
Closes the bread-of-the-Presence unit by assigning the loaves to the priesthood as most-holy food, restricted to a holy place, and sealing it with the same perpetuity formula (חָק עוֹלָם) used of the lamp (v.3) and covenant (v.8).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהָֽיְתָה֙and it shall belongconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — statement of entitlementהָיָה (H1961); here idiomatic 'belong to' with לְ.
לְאַהֲרֹ֣ןto Aaronprep לְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Prepositional phrase, indirect object (possession)אַהֲרֹן (H175); the bread belongs to the priesthood.
וּלְבָנָ֔יוand to his sonsconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, indirect object (possession), coordinate with לְאַהֲרֹןבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Aaron's sons, the priestly line.
וַאֲכָלֻ֖הוּand they shall eat itconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3cp + 3ms suffix · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing sequence→ Weqatal: sequential instruction — the priestly consumption of the breadאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; +3ms suffix referring to the bread, eaten as priestly food.
בְּמָק֣וֹםin a placeprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; construct sense with קָדֹשׁ, 'a holy place' — restricting where the most-holy bread may be eaten.
קָדֹ֑שׁholyadj m sg abs · קָדוֹשׁ (H6918)Attributive adjective modifying בְּמָקוֹםקָדוֹשׁ (H6918) 'holy'; the sanctuary precinct, appropriate to the bread's most-holy status.
כִּ֡יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason for the eating restriction.
קֹדֶשׁ֩holy ofN m sg constr · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Predicate nominative (construct chain, nomen regens — superlative construction)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness, holy thing'; construct with קָדָשִׁים forms the superlative 'most holy'.
קָֽדָשִׁ֨יםholiesN m pl abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum — plural of intensity)קֹדֶשׁ (H6944) plural of amplification; קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים 'holy of holies, most holy' — the highest grade of sanctity.
ה֥וּאit (is)3ms independent pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Subject of nominal clause (copula-less predication)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun; resumes the bread as subject of the nominal clause 'it is most holy'.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of possession (referring to the priest)לְ + 3ms suffix; 'his', i.e. the priest's most-holy portion.
מֵאִשֵּׁ֥יfrom the fire offerings ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Prepositional phrase of source (partitive)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire offering'; plural construct, the category of offerings from which the priest's most-holy portion derives.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יְהוָה (H3068); source of the fire offerings.
חָקa due ofN m sg constr · חֹק (H2706)Predicate nominative in apposition (construct chain, nomen regens)חֹק (H2706) 'statute, prescribed due'; construct with עוֹלָם, closing formula matching vv.3, 8.
עוֹלָֽםperpetualN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)עוֹלָם (H5769); חָק עוֹלָם 'a perpetual due', sealing the bread unit as it began (v.3's חֻקַּת עוֹלָם).
10
וַיֵּצֵא֙ בֶּן אִשָּׁ֣ה יִשְׂרְאֵלִ֔ית וְהוּא֙ בֶּן אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיִּנָּצוּ֙ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה בֶּ֚ן הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֔ית וְאִ֖ישׁ הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִֽי
Now the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the sons of Israel; and the son of the Israelite woman and a man of Israel struggled together in the camp.
Wayyiqtol opens the Holiness Code's only narrative unit. The man's mixed Israelite-Egyptian parentage is foregrounded before any offense occurs, setting up the case's test of the law's universality (cf. vv.16, 22).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֵּצֵא֙and he went outwayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — opens the incidentיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; narrates the mixed-parentage man's appearance among the Israelites.
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיֵּצֵא (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct opening the subject phrase identifying the man by parentage.
אִשָּׁ֣הa womanN f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; his mother, later named Shelomith (v.11).
יִשְׂרְאֵלִ֔יתIsraelitegentilic N f sg abs · יִשְׂרְאֵלִית (H3482)Attributive adjective modifying אִשָּׁהיִשְׂרְאֵלִית (H3482) 'Israelite woman'; a rare gentilic, marking her Israelite identity as central to the case.
וְהוּא֙and heconj וְ + 3ms independent pronoun · הוּא (H1931)Subject of nominal clause (circumstantial, resuming the son)הוּא (H1931); resumes 'the son' as subject of the following circumstantial clause about his father.
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nominative (construct chain, nomen regens) in the circumstantial clauseבֵּן (H1121); second occurrence, now identifying the man's father.
אִ֣ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; his father, an Egyptian — the mixed parentage driving the narrative.
מִצְרִ֔יEgyptiangentilic adj m sg abs · מִצְרִי (H4713)Attributive adjective modifying אִישׁמִצְרִי (H4713) 'Egyptian'; identifies the father's foreign origin, setting up the case's test of law's universality.
בְּת֖וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; the man lived among the Israelites despite mixed parentage.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)בֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the community he lived among.
וַיִּנָּצוּ֙and they struggledwayyiqtol (Niphal) 3mp · נָצָה (H5327)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the precipitating altercationנָצָה (H5327) Niphal 'to struggle, quarrel, fight'; reciprocal sense, a physical altercation between the two men.
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הin the campprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Locative prepositional phraseמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the Israelite wilderness encampment, the setting of the fight.
בֶּ֚ןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיִּנָּצוּ (construct head, resumptive identification)בֵּן (H1121); third occurrence, resuming the identification for the main clause's subject.
הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֔יתthe Israelite womanart + gentilic N f sg abs · יִשְׂרְאֵלִית (H3482)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum), definite resumption of v.10aיִשְׂרְאֵלִית (H3482); now with the article, resuming the woman introduced above.
וְאִ֖ישׁand a man ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (coordinate), construct headאִישׁ (H376); the second party to the fight, defined by nationality.
הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִֽיthe Israeliteart + gentilic adj m sg abs · יִשְׂרְאֵלִי (H3481)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יִשְׂרְאֵלִי (H3481) 'Israelite (man)'; masculine gentilic, the full Israelite antagonist — contrasted with the mixed-parentage man.
11
וַ֠יִּקֹּב בֶּן הָֽאִשָּׁ֨ה הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֤ית אֶת הַשֵּׁם֙ וַיְקַלֵּ֔ל וַיָּבִ֥יאוּ אֹת֖וֹ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֑ה וְשֵׁ֥ם אִמּ֛וֹ שְׁלֹמִ֥ית בַּת דִּבְרִ֖י לְמַטֵּה דָֽן
And the son of the Israelite woman blasphemed the Name and cursed, and they brought him to Moses. His mother's name was Shelomith, daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.
The crux verb נָקַב, paired with וַיְקַלֵּל, names the offense; the narrative then pauses for a genealogical note (the only named individual besides Moses/Aaron in the chapter), anchoring the otherwise anonymous offender's Israelite lineage through his mother.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַ֠יִּקֹּבand he pierced/blasphemedwayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · נָקַב (H5344)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the crux verb of the incidentנָקַב (H5344) 'to pierce, bore through'; here of the Name — either 'pronounced' (euphemistic) or 'blasphemed/cursed' outright; the chapter's central textual/interpretive crux (see text_note).
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיִּקֹּב (construct head)בֵּן (H1121); resumes the offender as subject.
הָֽאִשָּׁ֨הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)אִשָּׁה (H802); now definite, resuming v.10's woman.
הַיִּשְׂרְאֵלִ֤יתthe Israeliteart + gentilic N f sg abs · יִשְׂרְאֵלִית (H3482)Attributive adjective modifying הָאִשָּׁהיִשְׂרְאֵלִית (H3482); repeats the identification.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַשֵּׁם as the definite object of וַיִּקֹּב.
הַשֵּׁם֙the Nameart + N m sg abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַיִּקֹּבשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; absolute usage 'the Name' is a reverent circumlocution for the Tetragrammaton, avoiding its direct utterance even in narration.
וַיְקַלֵּ֔לand he cursedwayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · קָלַל (H7043)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — specifies/intensifies the preceding verbקָלַל (H7043) Piel 'to curse, treat with contempt'; paired with נָקַב, likely epexegetical — 'pierced [i.e. blasphemed] the Name, that is, cursed [it]'.
וַיָּבִ֥יאוּand they broughtwayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the bystanders' responseבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come'; the offender is brought before Moses for judgment.
אֹת֖וֹhim [obj]obj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (referring to the offender)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, the offender as object of וַיָּבִיאוּ.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking directionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the offender is held before Israel's mediator.
וְשֵׁ֥םand the name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of nominal clause (construct head)שֵׁם (H8034); introduces the identifying genealogical note, a narrative aside.
אִמּ֛וֹhis motherN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֵם (H517)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)אֵם (H517) 'mother'; +3ms suffix, 'his mother' — the offender's maternal line, since he takes Israelite status through her (cf. v.10).
שְׁלֹמִ֥יתShelomithproper noun · שְׁלֹמִית (H8019)Predicate nominative (name)שְׁלֹמִית (H8019) 'Shelomith', from שָׁלוֹם 'peace'; the only named individual in this narrative besides Moses and Aaron.
בַּתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Apposition to שְׁלֹמִית (construct head)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; identifies Shelomith's father.
דִּבְרִ֖יDibriproper noun · דִּבְרִי (H1704)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)דִּבְרִי (H1704) 'Dibri', otherwise unknown; Shelomith's father.
לְמַטֵּהof the tribe ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Prepositional phrase of reference/belongingמַטֶּה (H4294) 'tribe, staff'; identifies Shelomith's tribal affiliation.
דָֽןDanproper noun · דָּן (H1835)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)דָּן (H1835); the tribe of Dan, Shelomith's tribe — the only genealogical anchor for the otherwise anonymous offender.
12
וַיַּנִּיחֻ֖הוּ בַּמִּשְׁמָ֑ר לִפְרֹ֥שׁ לָהֶ֖ם עַל פִּ֥י יְהוָֽה
And they placed him in custody until the decision should be made clear to them by the mouth of YHWH.
The narrative pauses the case, paralleling the wood-gatherer episode of Num 15:32-36: an unprecedented offense is held for direct divine ruling rather than settled by existing law.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיַּנִּיחֻ֖הוּand they placed himwayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3mp + 3ms suffix · יָנַח (H3240)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — custody pending the rulingיָנַח (H3240) Hiphil 'to set down, deposit, leave'; here 'confine, place in custody'.
בַּמִּשְׁמָ֑רin custodyprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁמָר (H4929)Locative prepositional phraseמִשְׁמָר (H4929) 'guard, custody, prison'; from שָׁמַר 'to keep, watch' — held pending divine ruling, as with the wood-gatherer of Num 15:34.
לִפְרֹ֥שׁto make clearprep לְ + Qal inf constr · פָּרַשׁ (H6567)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: expresses the purpose of the custodyפָּרַשׁ (H6567) Qal 'to make distinct, specify, declare clearly'; the case awaits an explicit divine ruling.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect objectלְ + 3mp suffix; 'to/for them', the people needing the ruling made clear.
עַלbyprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking means/source of authorityעַל (H5921) 'upon, by'; idiomatic עַל פִּי 'according to/by the mouth of', marking the source of authoritative decision.
פִּ֥יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Genitive (construct chain, nomen regens)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; עַל פִּי יְהוָה 'according to the word/command of YHWH', anticipating the oracle of vv.13ff.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יְהוָה (H3068); source of the awaited ruling.
13
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
Repeats the standard messenger formula of v.1, now introducing YHWH's oracular answer to the case held in custody (v.12).
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokewayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the recurring speech-formula opening the oracleדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standing formula introduces YHWH's answer to the case of vv.10-12.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; subject of the revelation formula.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the recipient of divine speech.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator who will relay the ruling to Israel (v.23).
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: marks the onset of reported speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the infinitive לֵאמֹר conventionally opens the quoted divine words that follow.
14
הוֹצֵ֣א אֶת הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗ל אֶל מִחוּץ֙ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְסָמְכ֧וּ כָֽל הַשֹּׁמְעִ֛ים אֶת יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל רֹאשׁ֑וֹ וְרָגְמ֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ כָּל הָעֵדָֽה
Bring the curser outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
The oracle answers with a full execution procedure: removal outside the camp, hand-laying by the witnesses (transferring responsibility), and stoning by the whole congregation — communal, not delegated, justice.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
הוֹצֵ֣אbring outHiphil impv 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause), volitional→ Volitional: an imperative opening YHWH's rulingיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the offender must be taken outside the sacred camp for execution.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking הַמְקַלֵּל as the definite object of הוֹצֵא.
הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗לthe curserart + Piel ptc m sg abs · קָלַל (H7043)Direct object (substantival participle)→ Substantival participle: the one who cursed/blasphemed — the condemned manקָלַל (H7043) Piel participle 'the one cursing/reviling'; substantival label for the offender, echoing v.11's וַיְקַלֵּל.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking directionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
מִחוּץ֙outsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside'; echoes v.3's מִחוּץ, but now marking exclusion from the camp for execution.
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הthe campprep לְ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of the compound preposition אֶל מִחוּץ לְמַחֲנֶה (H4264); the boundary of the sacred community, outside of which capital execution occurs (cf. Lev 4, Num 15).
וְסָמְכ֧וּand they shall layconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3cp · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing the imperative chain→ Weqatal: volitional continuation — jussive force, 'let them lay'סָמַךְ (H5564) 'to lean, lay (hands)'; the hand-laying rite transfers responsibility for the death onto the offender before execution.
כָֽלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier, construct headכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הַשֹּׁמְעִים.
הַשֹּׁמְעִ֛יםthe hearersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · שָׁמַע (H8085)Subject of וְסָמְכוּ (substantival participle, genitive after כָל)→ Substantival participle: those who heard — the witnesses whose hand-laying transfers testimonyשָׁמַע (H8085) Qal participle 'those who heard'; the witnesses to the blasphemy, formally implicating them in the execution.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), marking יְדֵיהֶם as the object of וְסָמְכוּ.
יְדֵיהֶ֖םtheir handsN c du constr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְסָמְכוּיָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual form, both hands laid on the offender's head.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locativeעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'.
רֹאשׁ֑וֹhis headN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of preposition עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the site of the hand-laying rite.
וְרָגְמ֥וּand they shall stoneconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3cp · רָגַם (H7275)Predicate verb (main clause), weqatal continuing the imperative chain→ Weqatal: volitional continuation — jussive force, 'let them stone'רָגַם (H7275) 'to stone'; the mode of capital execution, carried out by the whole community.
אֹת֖וֹhim [obj]obj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (referring to the offender)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, the offender as object of וְרָגְמוּ.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier, construct headכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הָעֵדָה.
הָעֵדָֽהthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject of וְרָגְמוּ (in apposition to כָּל)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the whole community bears responsibility for the execution, not a select group.
15
וְאֶל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל תְּדַבֵּ֣ר לֵאמֹ֑ר אִ֥ישׁ אִ֛ישׁ כִּֽי יְקַלֵּ֥ל אֱלֹהָ֖יו וְנָשָׂ֥א חֶטְאֽוֹ
And to the sons of Israel you shall speak, saying: Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin.
The oracle moves from the specific case to general casuistic law: cursing 'God' (elohim, a lesser offense) incurs personal liability but not automatically death, setting up the sharper distinction of v.16.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (fronted), marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)בֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of preposition אֶליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation now addressed with the general law.
תְּדַבֵּ֣רyou shall speakPiel impf 2ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of instructional command→ Yiqtol: volitional/directive — instructing Moses to relay the general lawדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Moses is to generalize the ruling from the specific case to universal law.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: marks the onset of reported speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the quoted legal formula.
אִ֥ישׁany manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (first of doubled indefinite construction 'אִישׁ אִישׁ')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; doubled for distributive-indefinite sense, 'whoever, any man'.
אִ֛ישׁwhoeverN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive repetition intensifying אִישׁ ('each and every man')אִישׁ (H376); repeated for distributive emphasis, a common Priestly idiom (cf. Lev 15:2, 17:3).
כִּֽיif/whenconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the protasisכִּי (H3588) 'if, when'; casuistic-law conditional marker typical of legal formulations.
יְקַלֵּ֥לcursesPiel impf 3ms · קָלַל (H7043)Predicate verb (protasis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — hypothetical/generic caseקָלַל (H7043) Piel 'to curse, revile'; the general offense of cursing 'his God' (elohim), distinguished from blaspheming YHWH's Name in v.16.
אֱלֹהָ֖יוhis GodN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Direct object of יְקַלֵּלאֱלֹהִים (H430); here generic 'his God/god' — the lesser (non-capital) offense of the general case, per v.16's distinction.
וְנָשָׂ֥אand he shall bearconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause/apodosis), weqatal marking result→ Weqatal: apodosis of the casuistic conditional — the resulting liabilityנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; idiom נָשָׂא חֵטְא 'to bear one's sin/guilt', i.e. be held liable.
חֶטְאֽוֹhis sinN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · חֵטְא (H2399)Direct object of וְנָשָׂאחֵטְא (H2399) 'sin, guilt'; +3ms suffix, the personal liability incurred.
16
וְנֹקֵ֤ב שֵׁם יְהוָה֙ מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֔ת רָג֥וֹם יִרְגְּמוּ ב֖וֹ כָּל הָעֵדָ֑ה כַּגֵּר֙ כָּֽאֶזְרָ֔ח בְּנָקְבוֹ שֵׁ֖ם יוּמָֽת
And one who blasphemes the name of YHWH shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall surely stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
The crux verb נָקַב recurs a third time, now naming יְהוָה explicitly (unlike v.11's euphemistic absolute 'the Name'), and the ruling is expressly extended to sojourner and native alike — directly resolving the case's mixed-parentage premise.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְנֹקֵ֤בand one who blasphemesconj וְ + Qal ptc m sg abs · נָקַב (H5344)Subject (substantival participle), casus pendens→ Participle: characterizing, generic 'whoever blasphemes'נָקַב (H5344) Qal participle; resumes the crux verb of v.11, now generalized to law — 'the one who pierces/pronounces/blasphemes' the Name.
שֵׁםthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of נֹקֵב (construct head)שֵׁם (H8034); construct with יְהוָה — unlike v.11's absolute 'the Name', here the Tetragrammaton is spelled out.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יְהוָה (H3068); the divine name explicitly named as the object of blasphemy.
מ֣וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying יוּמָת→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic/certain — 'shall surely be put to death'מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; infinitive absolute + finite verb of the same root is the standard emphatic construction for capital sentences.
יוּמָ֔תhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol (passive/Hophal): the mandated penalty, emphatic with preceding infinitive absoluteמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; the capital sentence for blaspheming the Name.
רָג֥וֹםsurelyQal inf abs · רָגַם (H7275)Infinitive absolute intensifying יִרְגְּמוּ→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic — 'shall surely stone'רָגַם (H7275) 'to stone'; infinitive absolute emphasizing the mode of execution.
יִרְגְּמוּthey shall stoneQal impf 3mp · רָגַם (H7275)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: emphatic mandated action, paired with preceding infinitive absoluteרָגַם (H7275) 'to stone'; the community carries out the sentence.
ב֖וֹhimprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, object of stoningבְּ + 3ms suffix; idiom רָגַם בְּ 'stone against/at him'.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier, construct headכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הָעֵדָה.
הָעֵדָ֑הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject of יִרְגְּמוּעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'.
כַּגֵּר֙like the sojournerprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Comparative prepositional phrase (correlative pair)גֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; paired with אֶזְרָח to universalize the law — directly answering the offender's mixed status.
כָּֽאֶזְרָ֔חlike the nativeprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · אֶזְרָח (H249)Comparative prepositional phrase (correlative pair)אֶזְרָח (H249) 'native-born, citizen'; correlative with גֵּר, 'sojourner and native alike' — the chapter's key universalizing formula (cf. v.22).
בְּנָקְבוֹwhen he blasphemesprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · נָקַב (H5344)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: temporal, 'when/in his blaspheming'נָקַב (H5344); infinitive construct resuming the crux verb a third time (vv.11, 16), reinforcing its centrality to the chapter.
שֵׁ֖םthe NameN m sg abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of בְּנָקְבוֹשֵׁם (H8034); again the absolute/reverent form, as in v.11.
יוּמָֽתhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause), restates the sentence→ Yiqtol (passive/Hophal): the mandated penalty, restated to close the universalizing statementמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; restated to close the ruling with the universal formula.
17
וְאִ֕ישׁ כִּ֥י יַכֶּ֖ה כָּל נֶ֣פֶשׁ אָדָ֑ם מ֖וֹת יוּמָֽת
And if a man strikes down any human life, he shall surely be put to death.
Shifts from blasphemy to bodily harm/homicide with the same casuistic אִישׁ כִּי formula, opening the talion unit (vv.17-22) that generalizes the principle of exact, proportionate retribution.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאִ֕ישׁand if a manconj וְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (casuistic topic, fronted)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; opens a new casuistic law, shifting from blasphemy to homicide. [source id 03SxS]
כִּ֥יifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the protasisכִּי (H3588) 'if, when'. [source id 03oRe]
יַכֶּ֖הstrikes downHiphil impf 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — hypothetical, repeatable caseנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; fatal striking, the standard verb for causing death by violence. [source id 03z8R]
כָּלanyN m sg constr (quantifier) · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier modifying נֶפֶשׁ אָדָםכֹּל (H3605) 'any, every'. [source id 03RSo]
נֶ֣פֶשׁthe life ofN c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (construct head)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; here 'life' as the object struck, construct with אָדָם. [source id 03Bvw]
אָדָ֑םa human beingN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)אָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind'; נֶפֶשׁ אָדָם 'a human life', generic — any person, matching the גֵּר/אֶזְרָח equality just declared. [source id 03yx4]
מ֖וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certaintyמוּת (H4191); the same capital-sentence formula as v.16, now for homicide. [source id 032ju]
יוּמָֽתhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol (passive): imperfective/modal legal sentenceמוּת (H4191) Hophal; the mandated penalty for homicide, opening the talion series that follows. [source id 03h8h]
18
וּמַכֵּ֥ה נֶֽפֶשׁ בְּהֵמָ֖ה יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑נָּה נֶ֖פֶשׁ תַּ֥חַת נָֽפֶשׁ
And whoever strikes down an animal's life shall make it good, life for life.
Introduces the phrase 'life for life' in an economic register (compensation), setting up the sharper, non-commutable bodily talion of vv.19-20.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וּמַכֵּ֥הand whoever strikes downconj וְ + Hiphil ptc m sg constr · נָכָה (H5221)Substantival participle, subject of יְשַׁלְּמֶנָּה→ Participle: characterizes the offender by his act, casuistic subjectנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil participle construct 'the one striking'; shifts the talion principle to animal life, a lesser, compensable case. [source id 03BoQ]
נֶֽפֶשׁthe life ofN c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (construct head)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'life'; construct with בְּהֵמָה, object of the striking. [source id 03gZL]
בְּהֵמָ֖הan animalN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, animal'; unlike human life, animal life is compensable rather than requiring the killer's death. [source id 03Vdn]
יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑נָּהhe shall repay itPiel impf 3ms + 3fs suffix · שִׁלֵּם (H7999)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal legal sentence — restitution rather than executionשִׁלֵּם (H7999) Piel 'to repay, make whole'; monetary/in-kind restitution, marking the sharp contrast with human-life talion. [source id 03H9q]
נֶ֖פֶשׁlifeN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Predicate noun in the talion formula (adverbial apposition)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315); first term of the talion formula 'life for life' — here economic equivalence, not literal death. [source id 03ZUX]
תַּ֥חַתforprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase of substitution/equivalenceתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of'; the talion preposition expressing exact equivalence, central to vv.18-20. [source id 03wmf]
נָֽפֶשׁlifeN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Object of preposition תַּחַתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315); second term completing the formula נֶפֶשׁ תַּחַת נָפֶשׁ 'life for life' — compensation in kind. [source id 03Ai6]
19
וְאִ֕ישׁ כִּֽי יִתֵּ֥ן מ֖וּם בַּעֲמִית֑וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה כֵּ֖ן יֵעָ֥שֶׂה לּֽוֹ
And if a man inflicts an injury on his fellow, as he has done it shall be done to him.
States the talion's abstract principle (כַּאֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה כֵּן יֵעָשֶׂה לּוֹ) before v.20 itemizes it in the famous triad — a debated formulation whose literal-versus-monetary-compensation force is disputed in later halakhah (cf. b. Bava Qamma 83b-84a).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאִ֕ישׁand if a manconj וְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (casuistic topic, fronted)אִישׁ (H376); opens the third case in the series, now bodily injury between persons. [source id 03f3s]
כִּֽיifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional conjunction introducing the protasisכִּי (H3588) 'if'. [source id 03kgg]
יִתֵּ֥ןinflictsQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — hypothetical caseנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, put'; idiomatically 'inflict' when the object is מוּם 'blemish, injury'. [source id 03JkP]
מ֖וּםan injuryN m sg abs · מוּם (H3971)Direct object of יִתֵּןמוּם (H3971) 'blemish, defect, injury'; a permanent bodily disfigurement, elsewhere used of sacrificial defects, here of human harm. [source id 03Quh]
בַּעֲמִית֑וֹon his fellowprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עָמִית (H5997)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of the injuryעָמִית (H5997) 'fellow, companion, kinsman'; a term for a member of one's own community (frequent in Lev 19), stressing the injury is within Israel's social fabric. [source id 03F3o]
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the correlative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; כַּאֲשֶׁר...כֵּן 'as...so', the correlative talion formula. [source id 03QpL]
עָשָׂ֔הhe has doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a completed act — the injury already inflictedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the completed offense that determines the matching penalty. [source id 03k19]
כֵּ֖ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb resuming כַּאֲשֶׁרכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; completes the כַּאֲשֶׁר...כֵּן correlation, mandating exact correspondence. [source id 03smZ]
יֵעָ֥שֶׂהshall it be doneNiphal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis), passive→ Yiqtol (passive): imperfective/modal legal sentence — the reciprocal penaltyעָשָׂה (H6213) Niphal passive 'be done'; the same verb as the offense, now passive, enacting exact reciprocity — the theological logic of talion. [source id 03Ahp]
לּֽוֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object (the offender)לְ + 3ms suffix; the injury returns upon the one who inflicted it. [source id 03oZP]
20
שֶׁ֚בֶר תַּ֣חַת שֶׁ֔בֶר עַ֚יִן תַּ֣חַת עַ֔יִן שֵׁ֖ן תַּ֣חַת שֵׁ֑ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֥ן מוּם֙ בָּֽאָדָ֔ם כֵּ֖ן יִנָּ֥תֶן בּֽוֹ
Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has inflicted an injury on a person, so shall it be inflicted on him.
The most quoted line of the chapter; whether שֶׁבֶר תַּחַת שֶׁבֶר etc. mandates literal physical retribution or functions as a rhetorical ceiling later commuted to monetary damages (as rabbinic tradition holds, reading it alongside v.18's compensable animal case) remains a major crux of biblical and post-biblical law.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
שֶׁ֚בֶרfractureN m sg abs · שֶׁבֶר (H7667)Predicate noun in the talion formulaשֶׁבֶר (H7667) 'fracture, breaking'; from שָׁבַר 'to break', a broken bone or limb, the most severe item in the triad. [source id 03vJZ]
תַּ֣חַתforprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase of substitution/equivalenceתַּחַת (H8478) 'in place of'; the recurring talion preposition. [source id 03N4g]
שֶׁ֔בֶרfractureN m sg abs · שֶׁבֶר (H7667)Object of preposition תַּחַתשֶׁבֶר (H7667); repeats to complete the first pair of the famous triad. [source id 03vAC]
עַ֚יִןeyeN c sg abs · עַיִן (H5869)Predicate noun in the talion formulaעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the classic lex talionis item, paralleled at Exod 21:24 and Deut 19:21. [source id 03HhV]
תַּ֣חַתforprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase of substitution/equivalenceתַּחַת (H8478) 'in place of'. [source id 03Prb]
עַ֔יִןeyeN c sg abs · עַיִן (H5869)Object of preposition תַּחַתעַיִן (H5869); completes the second pair. [source id 03rAT]
שֵׁ֖ןtoothN c sg abs · שֵׁן (H8127)Predicate noun in the talion formulaשֵׁן (H8127) 'tooth'; the third, most concrete item of the classic triad. [source id 03BC4]
תַּ֣חַתforprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase of substitution/equivalenceתַּחַת (H8478) 'in place of'. [source id 03DKf]
שֵׁ֑ןtoothN c sg abs · שֵׁן (H8127)Object of preposition תַּחַתשֵׁן (H8127); completes the third pair, closing the triad שֶׁבֶר...עַיִן...שֵׁן. [source id 03uYL]
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רasprep כְּ + relative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the correlative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); restates v.19's abstract principle after the concrete triad, forming an envelope structure. [source id 03m2P]
יִתֵּ֥ןhe inflictsQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — hypothetical caseנָתַן (H5414); repeats v.19's idiom for inflicting a מוּם. [source id 03wGB]
מוּם֙an injuryN m sg abs · מוּם (H3971)Direct object of יִתֵּןמוּם (H3971); the general term recapitulating the specific triad just given. [source id 031AN]
בָּֽאָדָ֔םon a personprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Prepositional phrase, indirect objectאָדָם (H120) 'person, human'; broader than עֲמִית (v.19) — every human, consistent with the גֵּר/אֶזְרָח equality of v.16, 22. [source id 034iw]
כֵּ֖ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Correlative adverb resuming כַּאֲשֶׁרכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'. [source id 038TL]
יִנָּ֥תֶןshall it be inflictedNiphal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis), passive→ Yiqtol (passive): imperfective/modal legal sentence — reciprocal penaltyנָתַן (H5414) Niphal passive 'be given/inflicted'; closes the unit with the same reciprocity logic as v.19's יֵעָשֶׂה. [source id 03iQ3]
בּֽוֹon himprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּPrepositional phrase, indirect object (the offender)בְּ + 3ms suffix; the injury returns upon the one who inflicted it, closing the talion series. [source id 03qvq]
21
וּמַכֵּ֥ה בְהֵמָ֖ה יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑נָּה וּמַכֵּ֥ה אָדָ֖ם יוּמָֽת
And one who kills an animal shall make restitution for it, but one who kills a man shall be put to death.
The antithesis frames the talion: killing a beast (מַכֵּה בְהֵמָה) is a property matter requiring restitution (שִׁלֵּם), but killing a human (מַכֵּה אָדָם) incurs death — the incommensurable worth of human life, the image-of-God premise of Gen 9:6.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וּמַכֵּ֥הand one who strikesconj וְ + Hiphil ptc m sg constr · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate participle (main clause), substantival use — subject of יְשַׁלְּמֶנָּה→ Participle: characterizing/generic subject — 'whoever strikes' (timeless casuistic form)נָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite, kill'; the substantival participle מַכֵּה 'one who strikes/kills' opens each casuistic clause of the talion series (cf. vv.17-18).
בְהֵמָ֖הan animalN f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Direct object of מַכֵּהבְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, animal, livestock'; the object struck/killed, contrasted with אָדָם below.
יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑נָּהhe shall repay itPiel impf 3ms + 3fs suffix · שָׁלַם (H7999)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of casuistic ruling→ Yiqtol: modal/obligatory — the prescribed legal consequenceשָׁלַם (H7999) Piel 'to make restitution, repay, complete'; +3fs suffix referring to בְּהֵמָה — the killer of an animal owes compensation, not his life (cf. v.18).
וּמַכֵּ֥הand one who strikesconj וְ + Hiphil ptc m sg constr · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate participle (main clause), substantival use — subject of יוּמָת→ Participle: characterizing/generic subject — 'whoever strikes/kills a person'נָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, kill'; repeats the construction of the parallel clause, now with אָדָם as object — the antithetical case.
אָדָ֖םa manN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Direct object of מַכֵּהאָדָם (H120) 'man, mankind, person'; here a human victim, set against בְּהֵמָה — killing a person is capital, killing an animal is compensable.
יוּמָֽתhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of casuistic ruling (passive)→ Yiqtol (passive/Hophal): modal/obligatory — capital sentence prescribedמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'be caused to die, be put to death'; passive stem marks judicial execution as the mandated penalty for killing a person, unlike the animal case.
22
מִשְׁפַּ֤ט אֶחָד֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כַּגֵּ֥ר כָּאֶזְרָ֖ח יִהְיֶ֑ה כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם
You shall have one law; it shall be for the sojourner as for the native, for I am YHWH your God.
מִשְׁפָּט אֶחָד — a single legal standard for גֵּר (sojourner) and אֶזְרָח (native) alike, grounded in the אֲנִי יְהוָה formula; the impartiality of divine law over native and alien.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
מִשְׁפַּ֤טa lawN m sg constr · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Subject of יִהְיֶה (with attributive אֶחָד)מִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, ordinance, law'; here 'one law/standard' — the chapter's climactic principle of legal uniformity for native and sojourner.
אֶחָד֙onecardinal num (adj) m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying מִשְׁפַּטאֶחָד (H259) 'one, single'; modifies מִשְׁפָּט, 'a single law' — no legal distinction between sojourner and native.
יִהְיֶ֣הit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of durative regulation→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — states the fixed, standing legal principleהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here 'shall be/apply', asserting the standing validity of the one law.
לָכֶ֔םfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffix · לְPrepositional phrase, dative of reference ('for you, applicable to you')לְ preposition + 2mp suffix, 'to/for you (pl.)'; addresses the congregation collectively.
כַּגֵּ֥רas the sojournerprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Comparative prepositional phrase (correlative with כָּאֶזְרָח)גֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien'; כְּ 'as, like' — paired with אֶזְרָח to assert equal legal standing.
כָּאֶזְרָ֖חas the nativeprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · אֶזְרָח (H249)Comparative prepositional phrase (correlative with כַּגֵּר)אֶזְרָח (H249) 'native, native-born'; the correlative pair גֵּר/אֶזְרָח frames the chapter's closing principle of legal equality.
יִהְיֶ֑הit shall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause), yiqtol of durative regulation (resumptive repetition)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — restates the standing principle for emphasisהָיָה (H1961); repeated for rhetorical emphasis, framing the גֵּר/אֶזְרָח comparison front and back.
כִּ֛יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the self-identification formulaכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the grounding formula אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, the theological warrant for the law.
אֲנִ֥יI1cs independent pronoun · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of nominal clause (copula-less self-identification)אֲנִי (H589) 1cs pronoun; opens the recognition formula אֲנִי יְהוָה, YHWH's self-disclosure grounding the law's authority.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate nominative in apposition to אֲנִייְהוָה (H3068); the covenant name, identifying the speaker as the same God who redeemed Israel.
אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽםyour GodN m pl constr + 2mp suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate nominative in apposition, second element of the formulaאֱלֹהִים (H430) + 2mp suffix, 'your God'; closes the recognition formula אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, common at the seams of Holiness Code units.
23
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וַיּוֹצִ֣יאוּ אֶת הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗ל אֶל מִחוּץ֙ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וַיִּרְגְּמ֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ אָ֑בֶן וּבְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל עָשׂ֔וּ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, and they brought the one who had cursed outside the camp and stoned him with stones; and the sons of Israel did as YHWH had commanded Moses.
The blasphemer narrative closes with the sentence carried out (the wayyiqtol chain הוֹצִיא ... רָגַם) and the כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה obedience formula — the ruling of vv. 13-22 enacted, framing the embedded law with narrative.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣רand he spokewayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — resuming the narrative frame from vv.10-12 after the embedded rulingדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Moses now relays YHWH's ruling (vv.13-22) to the people, echoing the formula of v.1.
מֹשֶׁה֮Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the mediator now speaks the divine ruling to Israel.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the sons of Israel as recipients of Moses' relay of the ruling.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of preposition אֶל (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the covenant community.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the nation as a whole, addressed and later executing the sentence.
וַיּוֹצִ֣יאוּand they brought outwayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the next step in carrying out the sentenceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out, lead out'; the congregation leads the blasphemer outside the camp for execution, per v.14's ruling.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַמְקַלֵּל as the definite direct object of וַיּוֹצִיאוּ.
הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗לthe one who cursedart + Piel ptc m sg abs · קָלַל (H7043)Direct object (substantival participle)→ Participle: substantival, denoting the offender by his act — 'the one who had cursed/blasphemed'קָלַל (H7043) Piel 'to curse, revile, treat with contempt'; the articular participle הַמְקַלֵּל resumes the offender of vv.11-16 by his crime against the Name.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; here with מִחוּץ, 'to outside' the camp.
מִחוּץ֙outsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phrase (with אֶל and לַמַּחֲנֶה)חוּץ (H2351) 'outside, street'; אֶל מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה 'to outside the camp', echoing the execution site of v.14.
לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הthe campprep לְ + art + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of the compound preposition מִחוּץ לְמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the wilderness encampment, whose boundary marks the place of execution as ritually outside the community.
וַיִּרְגְּמ֥וּand they stonedwayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · רָגַם (H7275)Predicate verb (main clause), wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the execution itselfרָגַם (H7275) Qal 'to stone'; the congregation carries out the capital sentence prescribed in v.14.
אֹת֖וֹhim [obj]obj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, referring to הַמְקַלֵּל)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, resuming הַמְקַלֵּל as the object of וַיִּרְגְּמוּ.
אָ֑בֶןwith stonesN f sg abs (adverbial) · אֶבֶן (H68)Adverbial accusative of means/instrumentאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; collective singular used adverbially, 'with stones' — the instrument of execution.
וּבְנֵֽיand the sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct head) of עָשׂוּבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct chain וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the whole community as subject of the closing compliance clause.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain, nomen rectum)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the community that carries out the execution as commanded.
עָשׂ֔וּdidQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act of complianceעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make'; here 'carried out, obeyed' — the standard verb of the command-fulfillment (Wortereignisformel) pattern closing legal narratives.
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛רasprep כְּ + relative pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/manner conjunction introducing the compliance clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle; כְּ + אֲשֶׁר 'just as', introducing the standard obedience formula כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה.
צִוָּ֥הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a completed, prior act of commanding — anterior to the fulfillmentצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; echoes v.2's opening verb, framing the chapter's command-and-fulfillment structure.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068); the divine source of the ruling that Moses relayed and Israel obeyed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking מֹשֶׁה as the definite direct object of צִוָּה.
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the chapter closes as it began (v.1), with YHWH's command to Moses now fulfilled.