1
וְאִם זֶ֥בַח שְׁלָמִ֖ים קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ אִ֤ם מִן הַבָּקָר֙ ה֣וּא מַקְרִ֔יב אִם זָכָר֙ אִם נְקֵבָ֔ה תָּמִ֥ים יַקְרִיבֶ֖נּוּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה
And if his offering is a sacrifice of well-being — if he is presenting one from the herd, whether male or female — he shall present it without blemish before the LORD.
The chapter opens with the casuistic formula וְאִם ('and if'), binding this instruction to the burnt- and grain-offering torot of chs. 1–2 while marking a new class of sacrifice. Two variables are left to the worshipper (herd or flock; male or female), and one requirement is fixed: תָּמִים, unblemished.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + cond particle · אִם (H518)Conjunction + conditional particle (protasis marker)אִם (H518), the conditional particle of casuistic law; with וְ it links this torah to the preceding sacrificial instructions (Lev 1–2) as the next case in the series.
זֶ֥בַחa sacrifice ofN m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)זֶבַח (H2077) 'slaughtered sacrifice', from זָבַח 'to slaughter for sacrifice'; unlike the עֹלָה it is eaten — the animal dies so that a meal may be shared.
שְׁלָמִ֖יםwell-beingN m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive of kind/purpose (nomen rectum of זֶבַח)שְׁלָמִים (H8002), from the root שׁלם 'be whole, complete, at peace'; the plural functions abstractly — 'wholeness, well-being'. Rendered 'peace offering', 'fellowship offering', 'offering of well-being'; the only sacrifice whose flesh God, priest, and worshipper all share.
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Subject of the verbless conditional clauseקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering, that which is brought near', from קָרַב 'draw near'; the priestly term for any gift presented to God — the emphasis falls on approach, not destruction.
אִ֤םifcond particle · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (subordinate protasis)אִם (H518) introducing the first sub-case: the animal's provenance, herd (here) as against flock (v. 6).
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Preposition of source (partitive)מִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; partitive here — one beast drawn out of the herd.
הַבָּקָר֙the herdart + N (c) sg abs · בָּקָר (H1241)Object of preposition מִןבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'; a collective for large livestock — the costliest sacrificial class, and so the first case treated.
ה֣וּאhepron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the participial clauseהוּא (H1931), the independent 3ms pronoun; it supplies the explicit subject that the participle מַקְרִיב cannot carry on its own.
מַקְרִ֔יבis presentingHiphil ptc m sg abs · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate participle (durative present)→ Participial: ongoing, characterizing action — 'is (in the act of) offering'קָרַב (H7126) 'draw near'; the Hiphil 'bring near, present' is the technical verb of sacrificial presentation, punning on the noun קָרְבָּן in the same clause.
אִםwhethercond particle · אִם (H518)Disjunctive particle (first alternative)Repeated אִם … אִם forms the idiom 'whether … or', listing alternatives that are equally acceptable.
זָכָר֙maleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Predicate alternative (in apposition to the animal)זָכָר (H2145) 'male'; unlike the burnt offering, which demands a male (Lev 1:3), the שְׁלָמִים admits either sex — a notably permissive rule for a shared meal.
אִםorcond particle · אִם (H518)Disjunctive particle (second alternative)The second member of the אִם … אִם 'whether … or' pair; sex is a matter of indifference for this sacrifice.
נְקֵבָ֔הfemaleN f sg abs · נְקֵבָה (H5347)Predicate alternative (in apposition to the animal)נְקֵבָה (H5347) 'female', from נָקַב 'pierce'; paired with זָכָר as in Gen 1:27, the standard merism for sex.
תָּמִ֥יםunblemishedadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Fronted predicate adjective (accusative of state)תָּמִים (H8549) 'whole, sound, without defect', from תָּמַם 'be complete'; note the assonance with שְׁלָמִים — wholeness in the victim answers the wholeness the offering celebrates.
יַקְרִיבֶ֖נּוּhe shall present itHiphil impf 3ms + 3ms suff · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: legal-instructional obligation — 'he shall/must present'קָרַב (H7126) in the Hiphil with a resumptive object suffix; the imperfect here carries the binding force of ritual law rather than simple futurity.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of'. The sanctuary is where the LORD's face is turned toward Israel — the offering is not merely delivered but presented.
יְהוָֽהthe LORDproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (object of לִפְנֵי)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; its use here marks the sacrifice as an act within covenant relationship, not generic piety.
2
וְסָמַ֤ךְ יָדוֹ֙ עַל רֹ֣אשׁ קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ וּשְׁחָט֕וֹ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְזָרְק֡וּ בְּנֵי֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים אֶת הַדָּ֛ם עַל הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב
And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance of the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons, the priests, shall dash the blood against the altar on every side.
Three weqatal verbs carry the ritual forward: hand-laying, slaughter, blood-manipulation. The first two are the offerer's acts; with וְזָרְקוּ the subject shifts to בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֲנִים — the moment the victim passes out of lay hands into priestly ones.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְסָמַ֤ךְand he shall layconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: instructional sequence — the next prescribed actסָמַךְ (H5564) 'lean, press, support'; the technical סְמִיכָה, a firm pressing of the hand on the victim's head — identifying the offerer with the animal and designating it as his.
יָדוֹ֙his handN (c) sg constr + 3ms suff · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְסָמַךְיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the singular (contrast the two-handed rite of Lev 16:21) marks designation rather than transfer of sin.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of contact/superpositionעַל (H5921) 'upon, over'; the preposition of physical contact — hand pressed down on head.
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of preposition (construct)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the point of contact in every sacrificial hand-laying, the animal's identity concentrated in its head.
קָרְבָּנ֔וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Genitive (nomen rectum of רֹאשׁ)קָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering'; the suffix keeps the animal legally the offerer's own until the moment of slaughter.
וּשְׁחָט֕וֹand he shall slaughter itconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms + 3ms suff · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: the next act in the prescribed chainשָׁחַט (H7819) 'slaughter, butcher'; the sacrificial killing, performed by the lay offerer, not the priest — only the blood and fat require priestly hands.
פֶּ֖תַחat the entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Adverbial accusative of place (construct)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, doorway', from פָּתַח 'open'; the threshold of the tent — the boundary where the profane camp meets holy space, and so where slaughter occurs.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive (nomen rectum of פֶּתַח)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; in construct with מוֹעֵד it names the portable sanctuary, God's dwelling in the midst of a camp of dwellers in tents.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of purpose (nomen rectum of אֹהֶל)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time or place, meeting', from יָעַד 'appoint'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד is the tent of the appointed encounter — the place God has fixed for meeting Israel.
וְזָרְק֡וּand they shall dashconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · זָרַק (H2236)Predicate verb (weqatal; subject shifts to the priests)→ Weqatal: sequential instruction, now with a new (priestly) subjectזָרַק (H2236) 'throw, sprinkle, dash'; a forceful flinging of blood from a basin against the altar's sides — distinct from the finer הִזָּה 'sprinkle' of the purification rites.
בְּנֵי֩the sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וְזָרְקוּ (construct)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן is the standing designation of the priestly line — office is inherited, not chosen.
אַהֲרֹ֨ןAaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְּנֵי)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Aaron, Israel's first high priest; his sons are the only ones licensed to handle blood at the altar.
הַכֹּהֲנִ֧יםthe priestsart + N m pl abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition to בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹןכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the appositional title stresses that they act here by office, not merely by descent.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַדָּ֛םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of וְזָרְקוּדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; in Israel's theology the seat of life (Lev 17:11), which is why it goes to the altar and never to the table — cf. the prohibition in v. 17.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition governing the locative phraseעַל (H5921) here 'against, upon' — the blood strikes the altar's outer walls.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition עַלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', a maqtal-form noun from זָבַח 'slaughter' — literally 'the place of slaughtering', though the slaughter itself happened beside it, not on it.
סָבִֽיבon every sideadv/N (c) sg abs · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative of manner/placeסָבִיב (H5439) 'round about', from סָבַב 'turn, surround'; the blood is thrown so as to encircle the altar — in practice, two throws at opposite corners covering all four sides.
3
וְהִקְרִיב֙ מִזֶּ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִ֔ים אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהוָ֑ה אֶת הַחֵ֨לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כָּל הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַקֶּֽרֶב
And from the sacrifice of well-being he shall present a fire-offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails,
The weqatal chain continues but the topic narrows to what actually goes up in smoke. אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה stands in apposition to the offering, and a long series of definite direct objects (vv. 3–4) itemizes the fat with anatomical precision — nothing of the חֵלֶב is left to the offerer's discretion.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְהִקְרִיב֙and he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: the next prescribed act in the chainקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'bring near, present'; the same verb as in v. 1, but now the object is not the animal but the portion of it that belongs to God.
מִזֶּ֣בַחfrom the sacrifice ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Partitive prepositional phraseזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice'; the מִן is partitive — what follows is taken out of the whole animal, the rest remaining for the shared meal.
הַשְּׁלָמִ֔יםthe well-being offeringart + N m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive of kind (nomen rectum of זֶבַח)שְׁלָמִים (H8002); now definite — the offering already introduced in v. 1, taken up as a known quantity.
אִשֶּׁ֖הa fire-offeringN m sg abs · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Accusative in apposition (the object as offered)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire-offering, offering by fire', traditionally derived from אֵשׁ 'fire'; the term for whatever portion is consumed on the altar and so passes to God.
לַיהוָ֑הto the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of recipient (dative of interest)לַיהוָה, 'for/to the LORD'; the לְ marks the beneficiary — this portion is his and no one else's.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first item of the fat list)
הַחֵ֨לֶב֙the fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object of וְהִקְרִיבחֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat, suet'; the hard fat of the viscera, reckoned the best of the animal — hence figuratively 'the choicest' (Gen 45:18). Because it is the best, it is God's, and Israel may never eat it (v. 17).
הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣הthat coversart (relative) + Piel ptc m sg abs · כָּסָה (H3680)Attributive participle (article as relative)→ Participial: a standing, descriptive state — the fat that lies overכָּסָה (H3680) 'cover, conceal'; the Piel participle with the article functions as a relative clause, identifying the omentum — the fatty membrane spread over the viscera.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of the participle)
הַקֶּ֔רֶבthe entrailsart + N m sg abs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Direct object of the participle הַמְכַסֶּהקֶרֶב (H7130) 'inward part, midst'; anatomically the viscera. The same word elsewhere means 'in the midst of' — the innermost, hidden part, whether of a body or of a people.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (next item in the list)The waw plus אֵת strings the fat inventory together; each item is separately marked as definite and separately claimed for the altar.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct (head of the object phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, the whole of'; the totalizing construct closes any loophole — not some of the fat but every part of it.
הַחֵ֔לֶבthe fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Genitive (nomen rectum of כָּל)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; repeated in a second, wider clause so that fat merely lying on the viscera is claimed as surely as the membrane covering them.
אֲשֶׁ֖רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), the all-purpose relative; here it heads a verbless clause ('which [is] on the entrails'), a construction the anatomical lists use repeatedly.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition in a verbless relative clauseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; with no verb expressed, the preposition alone carries the predication.
הַקֶּֽרֶבthe entrailsart + N m sg abs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Object of preposition עַלקֶרֶב (H7130) 'inward parts, viscera'; the repetition from earlier in the verse is deliberate — covering fat and adhering fat alike belong to God.
4
וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת הַחֵ֨לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת הַיֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל הַכְּלָי֖וֹת יְסִירֶֽנָּה
and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, at the loins, and the lobe on the liver — which he shall remove along with the kidneys.
The catalogue continues by waw plus object-marker rather than by fresh verbs; only at the very end does the single verb יְסִירֶנָּה ('he shall remove it') appear, governing the whole accumulated list retrospectively. The suspended syntax mirrors the deliberateness of the butchering.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (continuing the list)The list of vv. 3–4 runs on across the verse boundary; the object marker still depends on וְהִקְרִיב back in v. 3.
שְׁתֵּ֣יthe two ofnumeral f dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct (head of the object phrase)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the feminine dual construct שְׁתֵּי agrees with כְּלָיֹת. The count is exact — both kidneys, not one.
הַכְּלָיֹ֔תthe kidneysart + N f pl abs · כִּלְיָה (H3629)Genitive (nomen rectum of שְׁתֵּי)כִּלְיָה (H3629) 'kidney'; anatomically the fat-sheathed organs, but in Hebrew idiom also the seat of the innermost self and conscience (Ps 16:7; Jer 11:20) — the hidden core given to God.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (next item)Another link in the chain of objects; the fat adhering to the kidneys is itemized apart from the kidneys themselves.
הַחֵ֨לֶב֙the fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object (item in the list)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; here the perirenal fat, the suet encasing the kidneys — in a healthy beast the densest, whitest fat of all.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (verbless attributive clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) heading a verbless relative: 'which [is] on them'.
עֲלֵהֶ֔ןon themprep + 3fp suff · עַל (H5921)Predicate prepositional phrase (verbless clause)עַל (H5921) with 3fp suffix, referring back to the (feminine) kidneys; the fat that sheathes them, not fat lying loose nearby.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhich isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (second, specifying relative clause)A second אֲשֶׁר nests inside the first, narrowing the location still further: the fat on the kidneys, which are themselves at the loins.
עַלatprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921), here locational 'at, by' rather than 'upon' — position within the carcass.
הַכְּסָלִ֑יםthe loinsart + N m pl abs · כֶּסֶל (H3689)Object of preposition עַלכֶּסֶל (H3689) 'loin, flank'; the plural denotes the sinewy region beside the backbone where the kidneys sit. The same root can mean 'confidence' — the body's strong place.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (final item)The last member of the fat inventory is marked like the rest; the whole series will now be gathered up by the single verb יְסִירֶנָּה.
הַיֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙the lobeart + N f sg abs · יֹתֶרֶת (H3508)Direct object (final item in the list)יֹתֶרֶת (H3508), from יָתַר 'remain over, be in excess' — the 'appendage': the caudate lobe of the liver, a projecting flap. Prized in ancient divination and here deliberately burned, not read.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition (attributive)עַל (H5921) 'on, over'; locates the lobe on the liver.
הַכָּבֵ֔דthe liverart + N f sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3516)Object of preposition עַלכָּבֵד (H3516) 'liver', from כָּבֵד 'be heavy' — the body's heaviest organ. Across the ancient Near East the liver was the divinatory organ par excellence; Israel's torah assigns it to the fire.
עַלwithprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of accompanimentעַל (H5921) here 'together with, along with' — the liver-lobe is detached in one motion with the kidneys.
הַכְּלָי֖וֹתthe kidneysart + N f pl abs · כִּלְיָה (H3629)Object of preposition עַלכִּלְיָה (H3629) 'kidneys'; the phrase 'with the kidneys' fixes the manner of removal — one operation, not several.
יְסִירֶֽנָּהhe shall remove itHiphil impf 3ms + 3fs suff · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb governing the whole preceding object list→ Yiqtol: legal-instructional obligation — 'he shall remove'סוּר (H5493) 'turn aside'; Hiphil 'remove, take away'. The 3fs suffix agrees with יֹתֶרֶת, but the verb closes and governs the entire catalogue of vv. 3–4 — everything named is to be excised.
5
וְהִקְטִ֨ירוּ אֹת֤וֹ בְנֵֽי אַהֲרֹן֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עַל הָ֣עֹלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הָעֵצִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל הָאֵ֑שׁ אִשֵּׁ֛ה רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַֽיהוָֽה
And Aaron's sons shall turn it into smoke on the altar, upon the burnt offering that is on the wood that is on the fire — a fire-offering, a soothing aroma to the LORD.
The priests' burning completes the sequence. The stacked relative clauses (on the burnt offering / on the wood / on the fire) place the fat precisely atop the standing עֹלָה, and the closing רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ formula pronounces the sacrifice accepted.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְהִקְטִ֨ירוּand they shall turn into smokeconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3cp · קָטַר (H6999)Predicate verb (weqatal; climactic priestly act)→ Weqatal: the culminating act of the sequenceקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'make (something) go up in smoke'; not merely 'burn' (שָׂרַף, used of refuse burned outside the camp) but to transform matter into fragrant smoke that ascends — the mechanism by which a portion reaches God.
אֹת֤וֹitobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal, resuming the fat portions)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix; the singular resumes the whole fat portion of vv. 3–4 as one thing to be burned.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וְהִקְטִירוּ (construct)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the priests alone tend the altar fire — the offerer's part ended at the slaughter.
אַהֲרֹן֙Aaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְנֵי)אַהֲרֹן (H175); the Aaronide line, whose authorization for altar service the whole book presupposes.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָהto the altarart + N m sg abs + directional הָ · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Accusative of direction (he-locale)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar' with the old directional ending -āh ('altar-ward'); the fat is carried up onto the altar, not merely placed near it.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of superpositionעַל (H5921) 'upon'; the fat is laid on top of the burnt offering already on the altar — the שְׁלָמִים rides on the עֹלָה.
הָ֣עֹלָ֔הthe burnt offeringart + N f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Object of preposition עַלעֹלָה (H5930), from עָלָה 'go up' — 'that which ascends', the wholly burned offering of Lev 1. Here it is the continual offering already burning; the peace-offering fat is added on top of it, so the two rise together.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (first of two nested clauses)אֲשֶׁר (H834); the first link in a descending chain — fat on burnt offering, burnt offering on wood, wood on fire.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'on'; the second rung of the descending chain.
הָעֵצִ֖יםthe woodart + N m pl abs · עֵץ (H6086)Object of preposition עַלעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; the plural denotes the logs arranged on the altar, which the priests were charged to keep replenished (Lev 6:12).
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (second nested clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); the stacked relatives trace the offering down to the fire itself, the point at which it passes out of human hands.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'on'; the last rung — the wood rests on the fire.
הָאֵ֑שׁthe fireart + N (c) sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Object of preposition עַלאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the perpetual altar fire (Lev 6:13), never allowed to go out — and the root behind אִשֶּׁה, the 'fire-offering' named in the next word.
אִשֵּׁ֛הa fire-offering ofN m sg constr · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Accusative in apposition (construct, heading the closing formula)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire-offering'; in construct with רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ it forms the standing formula of acceptance that seals each sacrificial instruction.
רֵ֥יחַan aroma ofN m sg constr · רֵיחַ (H7381)Construct chain (genitival)רֵיחַ (H7381) 'scent, odor', from רוּחַ 'breathe'; the smell of the burning fat, imagined as reaching God — the sensory language of acceptance.
נִיחֹ֖חַsoothingN m sg abs · נִיחֹחַ (H5207)Genitive of quality (nomen rectum of רֵיחַ)נִיחֹחַ (H5207) 'soothing, restful', from נוּחַ 'rest'; רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ — 'a restful aroma', first used of Noah's offering (Gen 8:21). The idiom declares the sacrifice accepted and the relationship at rest.
לַֽיהוָֽהto the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of recipientלַיהוָה 'to the LORD'; the closing word of the herd case, naming the one to whom the smoke ascends.
6
וְאִם מִן הַצֹּ֧אן קָרְבָּנ֛וֹ לְזֶ֥בַח שְׁלָמִ֖ים לַיהוָ֑ה זָכָר֙ א֣וֹ נְקֵבָ֔ה תָּמִ֖ים יַקְרִיבֶֽנּוּ
And if his offering for a sacrifice of well-being to the LORD is from the flock, male or female, he shall present it without blemish.
A fresh casuistic head parallel to v. 1 moves from herd to flock. The same two indifferences (male or female) and the same single requirement (תָּמִים) are restated nearly verbatim, marking the two sections as strictly analogous.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + cond particle · אִם (H518)Conjunction + conditional particle (new protasis)אִם (H518); the same casuistic head as v. 1, now opening the second class of animal — the flock rather than the herd.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Preposition of source (partitive)מִן (H4480) 'from'; partitive, as in v. 1 — one animal taken out of the flock.
הַצֹּ֧אןthe flockart + N (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Object of preposition מִןצֹאן (H6629) 'flock', the collective for sheep and goats together; the ordinary Israelite's livestock, and so the accessible alternative to the costly בָּקָר.
קָרְבָּנ֛וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Subject of the verbless conditional clauseקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering'; the same subject as v. 1 — what varies is only where the animal comes from.
לְזֶ֥בַחfor a sacrifice ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Prepositional phrase of purposeזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice'; the לְ of purpose — the animal is destined for a well-being sacrifice, which determines every rule that follows.
שְׁלָמִ֖יםwell-beingN m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive of kind (nomen rectum of זֶבַח)שְׁלָמִים (H8002), root שׁלם 'be whole'; the offering of wholeness — thanksgiving, vow, or freewill gift (Lev 7:11–16), always eaten in God's presence.
לַיהוָ֑הto the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of recipientלַיהוָה 'to the LORD'; even the flock offering, cheaper than a bull, is directed to the same recipient and judged by the same standard.
זָכָר֙maleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Alternative in apposition to the animalזָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the first of the two indifferent options, as in v. 1.
א֣וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'; here the plain disjunctive replaces the אִם … אִם construction of v. 1 — a stylistic variation with identical force.
נְקֵבָ֔הfemaleN f sg abs · נְקֵבָה (H5347)Alternative in apposition to the animalנְקֵבָה (H5347) 'female'; the well-being offering's openness to either sex distinguishes it sharply from the burnt offering.
תָּמִ֖יםunblemishedadj m sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Fronted predicate adjective (accusative of state)תָּמִים (H8549) 'without defect'; the one requirement that does not bend, whether the beast is bull, sheep, or goat.
יַקְרִיבֶֽנּוּhe shall present itHiphil impf 3ms + 3ms suff · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: legal-instructional obligationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'present'; the verse ends exactly as v. 1 did, sealing the parallel between the herd and flock cases.
7
אִם כֶּ֥שֶׂב הֽוּא מַקְרִ֖יב אֶת קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ וְהִקְרִ֥יב אֹת֖וֹ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה
If he is presenting a lamb as his offering, then he shall present it before the LORD.
Within the flock section the torah subdivides by species — lamb here, goat at v. 12 — because only the sheep yields the fat tail commanded in v. 9. This short verse is the hinge that makes the distinction necessary.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אִםifcond particle · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (sub-protasis)אִם (H518); a subordinate condition within the flock section — the species now matters, because only the sheep has a fat tail.
כֶּ֥שֶׂבa lambN m sg abs · כֶּשֶׂב (H3775)Direct object (fronted, before the participle)כֶּשֶׂב (H3775) 'lamb, sheep' (a metathesized by-form of כֶּבֶשׂ); the fronting throws emphasis on the species, which is precisely what this sub-case turns on.
הֽוּאhepron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the participial clauseהוּא (H1931); the independent pronoun supplies the subject for the participle מַקְרִיב, exactly as in v. 1.
מַקְרִ֖יבis presentingHiphil ptc m sg abs · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate participle (durative present)→ Participial: ongoing action within the protasisקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil participle 'is offering'; the participle keeps the protasis in the moment of decision, before the ritual proper begins.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of the participle)
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Direct object of the participle מַקְרִיבקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering'; the noun and the participle share the root קרב — the offerer 'brings near' his 'bringing-near'.
וְהִקְרִ֥יבthen he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal apodosis)→ Weqatal: apodosis of the condition — the consequent obligationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil; the weqatal here answers the אִם-clause, functioning as 'then he shall…' rather than as a mere sequence.
אֹת֖וֹitobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, resuming the lamb as the object of presentation.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseלִפְנֵי יְהוָה 'before the LORD'; the presentation must occur at the sanctuary, not at a local shrine — a point Deuteronomy will press hard.
יְהוָֽהthe LORDproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (object of לִפְנֵי)יְהוָה (H3068); the divine name closes the sub-protasis, as it closed v. 1.
8
וְסָמַ֤ךְ אֶת יָדוֹ֙ עַל רֹ֣אשׁ קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ וְשָׁחַ֣ט אֹת֔וֹ לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְ֠זָרְקוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת דָּמ֛וֹ עַל הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב
And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it before the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons shall dash its blood against the altar on every side.
The ritual of v. 2 recurs almost word for word, with אֶת now explicit before יָדוֹ and לִפְנֵי in place of פֶּתַח. Near-verbatim repetition is a feature of priestly instruction: each case must be complete in itself and usable on its own.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְסָמַ֤ךְand he shall layconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: instructional sequence — the first act of the riteסָמַךְ (H5564) 'press, lean'; the hand-laying opens every animal sacrifice alike, the offerer's silent claim upon the victim.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853); here explicit where v. 2 omitted it — a small stylistic variation across otherwise identical instructions.
יָדוֹ֙his handN (c) sg constr + 3ms suff · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְסָמַךְיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the offerer's own hand — the rite cannot be performed by proxy.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of contactעַל (H5921) 'upon'; direct contact between the offerer's hand and the animal's head.
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of preposition (construct)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the fixed point of contact in the סְמִיכָה.
קָרְבָּנ֔וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Genitive (nomen rectum of רֹאשׁ)קָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering'; still 'his' at the moment of hand-laying — the transfer to God has not yet happened.
וְשָׁחַ֣טand he shall slaughterconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: the next prescribed actשָׁחַט (H7819) 'slaughter'; the offerer kills his own animal — an act of the worshipper, not of the clergy.
אֹת֔וֹitobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring to the lamb.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseלִפְנֵי (H6440) 'in front of'; v. 2 said פֶּתַח, 'at the entrance of' — the two expressions describe the same forecourt from slightly different angles.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive (nomen rectum of לִפְנֵי)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the sanctuary tent, before which all legitimate sacrifice must occur.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of purpose (nomen rectum of אֹהֶל)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed meeting'; the tent is defined by what happens there — God and Israel meet by appointment, not by chance.
וְ֠זָרְקוּand they shall dashconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · זָרַק (H2236)Predicate verb (weqatal; subject shifts to the priests)→ Weqatal: sequential instruction with a new subjectזָרַק (H2236) 'dash, fling'; the blood rite is invariable across all three animals — the one act the priests must perform in every case.
בְּנֵ֨יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וְזָרְקוּ (construct)בֵּן (H1121); 'the sons of Aaron' without the appositional 'the priests' this time — the shorter formula, the same personnel.
אַהֲרֹ֧ןAaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְּנֵי)אַהֲרֹן (H175); the priestly house, named again to keep the division of labour unmistakable.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
דָּמ֛וֹits bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suff · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of וְזָרְקוּדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the possessive suffix ties the blood to this particular animal — its life, poured out at the altar and never eaten (v. 17).
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition governing the locative phraseעַל (H5921) 'against, on'; the blood strikes the altar's sides.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition עַלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the bronze altar of burnt offering in the courtyard, the only place blood may legitimately go.
סָבִֽיבon every sideadv/N (c) sg abs · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative of placeסָבִיב (H5439) 'round about'; the blood encircles the altar, marking the whole structure as the place where life is surrendered.
9
וְהִקְרִ֨יב מִזֶּ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֮ אִשֶּׁ֣ה לַיהוָה֒ חֶלְבּוֹ֙ הָאַלְיָ֣ה תְמִימָ֔ה לְעֻמַּ֥ת הֶעָצֶ֖ה יְסִירֶ֑נָּה וְאֶת הַחֵ֨לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כָּל הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַקֶּֽרֶב
And he shall present from the sacrifice of well-being a fire-offering to the LORD: its fat — the whole fat tail, which he shall remove close to the backbone — and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails,
The list reproduces v. 3 but is prefaced by the item unique to the broad-tailed sheep: הָאַלְיָה תְמִימָה, the entire fat tail, severed at the backbone and reserved wholly for God. תְמִימָה echoes תָּמִים of v. 6 — wholeness in the victim, wholeness in the portion.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְהִקְרִ֨יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: the next prescribed actקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'present'; as in v. 3, the object is now the portion, not the animal.
מִזֶּ֣בַחfrom the sacrifice ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Partitive prepositional phraseזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice'; the partitive מִן again — God's share is drawn out, the rest returns to the worshipper's table.
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮the well-being offeringart + N m pl abs · שֶׁלֶם (H8002)Genitive of kind (nomen rectum of זֶבַח)שְׁלָמִים (H8002); the definite article marks it as the offering already under discussion since v. 6.
אִשֶּׁ֣הa fire-offeringN m sg abs · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Accusative in apposition (the portion as offered)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire-offering'; the portion is named for its destiny — it exists to be consumed by fire.
לַיהוָה֒to the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of recipientלַיהוָה 'to the LORD'; the beneficiary named before the inventory of what he receives.
חֶלְבּוֹ֙its fatN m sg constr + 3ms suff · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object (heading the itemized list)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the suffix ('its fat') announces the category, and the items that follow — tail, membrane, kidneys, liver-lobe — spell out what it comprises.
הָאַלְיָ֣הthe fat tailart + N f sg abs · אַלְיָה (H451)Apposition to חֶלְבּוֹ (specifying the first item)אַלְיָה (H451) 'fat tail'; the heavy, fat-laden tail of the Near Eastern broad-tailed sheep — a delicacy weighing several kilos. Precisely because it is the best eating, it goes whole to the altar.
תְמִימָ֔הwholeadj f sg abs · תָּמִים (H8549)Attributive adjective (predicative of state)תָּמִים (H8549) 'entire, intact'; the feminine agrees with אַלְיָה. The same word that demanded an unblemished victim (v. 6) now demands an undiminished tail — nothing trimmed off for the cook.
לְעֻמַּ֥תclose toprep לְ + N f sg constr · עֻמָּה (H5980)Prepositional phrase of proximityעֻמָּה (H5980) 'side, alongside'; לְעֻמַּת 'close by, right up against'. It fixes the cut: the tail is severed at its root, so that no fat is left behind.
הֶעָצֶ֖הthe backboneart + N m sg abs · עָצֶה (H6096)Object of preposition לְעֻמַּתעָצֶה (H6096), a hapax legomenon, related to עֶצֶם 'bone'; generally taken as the backbone or sacrum where the fat tail joins the body. The word's rarity matches the anatomical precision of the passage.
יְסִירֶ֑נָּהhe shall remove itHiphil impf 3ms + 3fs suff · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (relative-like clause on the fat tail)→ Yiqtol: legal-instructional obligationסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'remove'; the 3fs suffix points to the (feminine) אַלְיָה — the tail is to be taken off entire.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (resuming the list)After the tail digression, the object chain resumes; from here the lamb's list matches the bull's exactly.
הַחֵ֨לֶב֙the fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object (item in the list)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the omental fat, identified by the participial clause that follows.
הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣הthat coversart (relative) + Piel ptc m sg abs · כָּסָה (H3680)Attributive participle (article as relative)→ Participial: a standing, descriptive stateכָּסָה (H3680) 'cover'; the participle identifies the omentum, the fatty apron that veils the viscera.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of the participle)
הַקֶּ֔רֶבthe entrailsart + N m sg abs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Direct object of the participle הַמְכַסֶּהקֶרֶב (H7130) 'inward parts, viscera'; the same anatomical term used of the bull in v. 3.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (next item)Another link in the object chain; the second, wider clause about fat now follows.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all, the whole of'; the totalizer that leaves no fat unclaimed.
הַחֵ֔לֶבthe fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Genitive (nomen rectum of כָּל)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the second mention widens the claim from the covering membrane to any fat adhering to the viscera.
אֲשֶׁ֖רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (verbless attributive clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834) introducing 'which [is] on the entrails'.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; carries the predication where no verb is written.
הַקֶּֽרֶבthe entrailsart + N m sg abs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Object of preposition עַלקֶרֶב (H7130) 'viscera'; the repetition seals the claim — covering fat and adhering fat, both God's.
10
וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת הַחֵ֨לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת הַיֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת יְסִירֶֽנָּה
and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, at the loins, and the lobe on the liver — which he shall remove along with the kidneys.
Identical to v. 4, again resolving into the single verb יְסִירֶנָּה. The verbatim repetition keeps each animal's torah self-contained, so that a priest could read the lamb's rite straight through without cross-reference.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (continuing the list)The object chain runs on from v. 9 across the verse division, still governed by וְהִקְרִיב.
שְׁתֵּ֣יthe two ofnumeral f dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in constructשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the dual construct שְׁתֵּי — both kidneys, exactly as with the bull.
הַכְּלָיֹ֔תthe kidneysart + N f pl abs · כִּלְיָה (H3629)Genitive (nomen rectum of שְׁתֵּי)כִּלְיָה (H3629) 'kidney'; in Hebrew idiom the seat of the innermost person — what God is said to test and know (Jer 17:10).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (next item)Each item of the fat inventory gets its own marker — the list is legal, not merely descriptive.
הַחֵ֨לֶב֙the fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object (item in the list)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the perirenal suet, listed apart from the kidneys it encases.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (verbless attributive clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); 'which [is] on them' — the fat is defined by where it lies.
עֲלֵהֶ֔ןon themprep + 3fp suff · עַל (H5921)Predicate prepositional phrase (verbless clause)עַל (H5921) with 3fp suffix referring to the kidneys; the feminine plural agreement is exact.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhich isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (second, nested relative clause)A second אֲשֶׁר narrows the location further — the kidneys at the loins, deep in the carcass.
עַלatprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'at, by'; positional rather than superpositional.
הַכְּסָלִ֑יםthe loinsart + N m pl abs · כֶּסֶל (H3689)Object of preposition עַלכֶּסֶל (H3689) 'loin, flank'; the region beside the spine where the kidneys are lodged.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (final item)The last item before the governing verb; the syntax has held the whole list in suspension.
הַיֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙the lobeart + N f sg abs · יֹתֶרֶת (H3508)Direct object (final item in the list)יֹתֶרֶת (H3508) 'appendage, lobe', from יָתַר 'be left over'; the caudate lobe of the liver — the organ ancient diviners read, which Israel simply burns.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition (attributive)עַל (H5921) 'on, over'; the lobe projects from the liver.
הַכָּבֵ֔דthe liverart + N f sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3516)Object of preposition עַלכָּבֵד (H3516) 'liver', from the root 'be heavy'; the same consonants spell כָּבוֹד, 'glory' — weight and honour share a root in Hebrew.
עַלwithprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of accompanimentעַל (H5921) 'along with'; liver-lobe and kidneys come away together.
הַכְּלָיֹ֖תthe kidneysart + N f pl abs · כִּלְיָה (H3629)Object of preposition עַלכִּלְיָה (H3629) 'kidneys'; naming them again fixes the manner of the excision.
יְסִירֶֽנָּהhe shall remove itHiphil impf 3ms + 3fs suff · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb governing the whole preceding object list→ Yiqtol: legal-instructional obligationסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'remove, take away'; the verb arrives last and gathers up everything listed since v. 9 — a single act of excision, precisely defined.
11
וְהִקְטִיר֥וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה לֶ֥חֶם אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהוָֽה
And the priest shall turn it into smoke on the altar — food, a fire-offering to the LORD.
This closes the lamb section as v. 5 closed the herd section, but with a fresh and startling phrase: לֶחֶם אִשֶּׁה, 'food of a fire-offering'. The altar portion is spoken of as God's food — a metaphor Israel's cult uses freely while elsewhere denying that God hungers (cf. Ps 50:12–13).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְהִקְטִיר֥וֹand he shall turn it into smokeconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms + 3ms suff · קָטַר (H6999)Predicate verb (weqatal; climactic priestly act)→ Weqatal: the culminating act of the lamb's riteקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'send up in smoke'; the object suffix gathers the whole fat portion into one word. Note the singular subject here — 'the priest', where v. 5 had the plural 'sons of Aaron'.
הַכֹּהֵ֖ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְהִקְטִירוֹכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the singular officiant — one man tends the altar, though the whole priestly house shares the office.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָהto the altarart + N m sg abs + directional הָ · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Accusative of direction (he-locale)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) with the directional ending: 'altar-ward'. The portion is carried up and laid on the fire.
לֶ֥חֶםfood ofN (c) sg constr · לֶחֶם (H3899)Accusative in apposition (construct)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; לֶחֶם אִשֶּׁה, 'food of a fire-offering', is a daring metaphor — the altar as God's table. Israel uses the language while flatly denying the pagan premise that God needs feeding (Ps 50:12–13).
אִשֶּׁ֖הa fire-offeringN m sg abs · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Genitive (nomen rectum of לֶחֶם)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire-offering'; joined to לֶחֶם it names the portion both as food and as fire — given by being burned.
לַיהוָֽהto the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of recipientלַיהוָה 'to the LORD'; the closing word of the lamb case, as of the herd case in v. 5.
12
וְאִ֥ם עֵ֖ז קָרְבָּנ֑וֹ וְהִקְרִיב֖וֹ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה
And if his offering is a goat, then he shall present it before the LORD.
The third and briefest case. Because the goat has no fat tail, its torah simply reuses the pattern of vv. 7–11 minus the אַלְיָה — economy that shows how tightly the three cases are built on one template.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְאִ֥םand ifconj וְ + cond particle · אִם (H518)Conjunction + conditional particle (third sub-case)אִם (H518); the third and last casuistic head of the chapter, introducing the goat.
עֵ֖זa goatN f sg abs · עֵז (H5795)Predicate nominative (verbless conditional clause)עֵז (H5795) 'she-goat, goat'; the cheapest of the three sacrificial classes, and so the offering within reach of nearly anyone. That its rite is identical to the bull's is theologically pointed.
קָרְבָּנ֑וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Subject of the verbless conditional clauseקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering'; the subject stays constant while the animal varies — what matters is that it is his to give.
וְהִקְרִיב֖וֹthen he shall present itconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms + 3ms suff · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal apodosis)→ Weqatal: apodosis — the consequent obligationקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil with object suffix; the weqatal answers the condition, 'then he shall bring it near'.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseלִפְנֵי (H6440) 'before, in the presence of'; the goat, like the bull, must be brought into the divine presence — poverty does not lower the standard of place.
יְהוָֽהthe LORDproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (object of לִפְנֵי)יְהוָה (H3068); the same recipient, the same presence, whatever the worshipper can afford.
13
וְסָמַ֤ךְ אֶת יָדוֹ֙ עַל רֹאשׁ֔וֹ וְשָׁחַ֣ט אֹת֔וֹ לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְ֠זָרְקוּ בְּנֵ֨י אַהֲרֹ֧ן אֶת דָּמ֛וֹ עַל הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב
And he shall lay his hand on its head and slaughter it before the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons shall dash its blood against the altar on every side.
The same weqatal chain as vv. 2 and 8, abbreviated to רֹאשׁוֹ ('its head') for 'the head of his offering'. Hand-laying, slaughter, and blood-dashing remain invariant across every animal: the constants of the rite.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְסָמַ֤ךְand he shall layconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: instructional sequence — the opening actסָמַךְ (H5564) 'press, lean'; the hand-laying is the one gesture no substitution or abbreviation ever touches.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
יָדוֹ֙his handN (c) sg constr + 3ms suff · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְסָמַךְיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the offerer's own hand, pressed on the goat's head.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of contactעַל (H5921) 'upon'; hand to head, the point of identification.
רֹאשׁ֔וֹits headN m sg constr + 3ms suff · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of preposition עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the goat case abbreviates 'the head of his offering' (vv. 2, 8) to the bare suffix — the formula is by now familiar enough to shorten.
וְשָׁחַ֣טand he shall slaughterconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: the next prescribed actשָׁחַט (H7819) 'slaughter'; the killing remains the offerer's own act in every case of the chapter.
אֹת֔וֹitobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct object (pronominal)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring to the goat.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseלִפְנֵי (H6440) 'in front of'; the slaughter must happen in the sanctuary forecourt, in full view of the tent.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive (nomen rectum of לִפְנֵי)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the sanctuary, before which all sacrifice is centralized.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of purpose (nomen rectum of אֹהֶל)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed meeting'; the third and last occurrence of the phrase in the chapter, closing the ritual frame.
וְ֠זָרְקוּand they shall dashconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · זָרַק (H2236)Predicate verb (weqatal; subject shifts to the priests)→ Weqatal: sequential instruction with a new subjectזָרַק (H2236) 'dash, fling'; the blood rite is the fixed hinge on which every case of the chapter turns.
בְּנֵ֨יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וְזָרְקוּ (construct)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Aaronide priests, whose hands alone touch the blood.
אַהֲרֹ֧ןAaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְּנֵי)אַהֲרֹן (H175); the priestly house named for the third time, keeping the roles unambiguous.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
דָּמ֛וֹits bloodN m sg constr + 3ms suff · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of וְזָרְקוּדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the life of the animal, returned to God at the altar rather than consumed by the worshipper.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition governing the locative phraseעַל (H5921) 'against, on'; the blood is flung at the altar's walls.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַthe altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of preposition עַלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the single authorized destination for sacrificial blood.
סָבִֽיבon every sideadv/N (c) sg abs · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative of placeסָבִיב (H5439) 'round about'; the third and final occurrence — the blood encircles the altar in every case alike.
14
וְהִקְרִ֤יב מִמֶּ֨נּוּ֙ קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽיהוָ֑ה אֶת הַחֵ֨לֶב֙ הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה אֶת הַקֶּ֔רֶב וְאֵת֙ כָּל הַחֵ֔לֶב אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַקֶּֽרֶב
And he shall present from it his offering, a fire-offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails,
מִמֶּנּוּ ('from it') stands where vv. 3 and 9 said 'from the sacrifice of well-being'; otherwise the fat catalogue is exactly that of the earlier cases, minus the fat tail the goat does not have.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְהִקְרִ֤יבand he shall presentconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, procedural sequence)→ Weqatal: the next prescribed actקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'present'; the third recitation of the presentation formula, now for the goat.
מִמֶּ֨נּוּ֙from itprep + 3ms suff · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) with suffix; the form מִמֶּנּוּ is morphologically ambiguous ('from him/it' or 'from us'), but the context is decisive — the portion is taken 'from it', the goat. Here it stands where vv. 3 and 9 said 'from the sacrifice of well-being'.
קָרְבָּנ֔וֹhis offeringN m sg constr + 3ms suff · קָרְבָּן (H7133)Direct object of וְהִקְרִיבקָרְבָּן (H7133) 'offering'; here the word denotes not the whole beast but the portion drawn from it — the offering proper is what reaches the altar.
אִשֶּׁ֖הa fire-offeringN m sg abs · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Accusative in appositionאִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire-offering'; the portion is defined by the fire that will take it.
לַֽיהוָ֑הto the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase of recipientלַיהוָה 'to the LORD'; the recipient named before the inventory, as in vv. 3 and 9.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first item of the fat list)
הַחֵ֨לֶב֙the fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object of וְהִקְרִיבחֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the goat's list opens directly with the omental fat — no אַלְיָה, since goats have no fat tail.
הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣הthat coversart (relative) + Piel ptc m sg abs · כָּסָה (H3680)Attributive participle (article as relative)→ Participial: a standing, descriptive stateכָּסָה (H3680) 'cover'; the participle names the omentum by what it does — it veils the viscera.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of the participle)
הַקֶּ֔רֶבthe entrailsart + N m sg abs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Direct object of the participle הַמְכַסֶּהקֶרֶב (H7130) 'viscera, inward parts'; the same organ named in every case of the chapter.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (next item)The waw plus object marker resumes the inventory, exactly as in vv. 3 and 9.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in constructכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the totalizing construct — every scrap of fat on the viscera.
הַחֵ֔לֶבthe fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Genitive (nomen rectum of כָּל)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the second, wider clause claims whatever fat the first did not.
אֲשֶׁ֖רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (verbless attributive clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); 'which [is] on the entrails' — the standard formula of the fat inventory.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; the sole predicate of the verbless clause.
הַקֶּֽרֶבthe entrailsart + N m sg abs · קֶרֶב (H7130)Object of preposition עַלקֶרֶב (H7130) 'viscera'; the closing word of the clause, as in vv. 3 and 9 — the formula is fixed.
15
וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת הַחֵ֨לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת הַיֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙ עַל הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת יְסִירֶֽנָּה
and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, at the loins, and the lobe on the liver — which he shall remove along with the kidneys.
The third recitation of the kidney-and-liver catalogue, again closing on יְסִירֶנָּה. Threefold repetition fixes the divine portion beyond dispute: the same organs, the same removal, whatever the beast.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (continuing the list)The object chain runs on from v. 14, still governed by וְהִקְרִיב.
שְׁתֵּ֣יthe two ofnumeral f dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in constructשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; the dual construct — both kidneys, in the goat as in the bull and the lamb.
הַכְּלָיֹ֔תthe kidneysart + N f pl abs · כִּלְיָה (H3629)Genitive (nomen rectum of שְׁתֵּי)כִּלְיָה (H3629) 'kidney'; the innermost organs — in Hebrew thought the hidden self — surrendered to the fire.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (next item)Each item is marked separately — the inventory is a legal enumeration, not a loose description.
הַחֵ֨לֶב֙the fatart + N m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Direct object (item in the list)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the suet sheathing the kidneys, itemized apart from the organs themselves.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthat isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (verbless attributive clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834); 'which [is] on them'.
עֲלֵהֶ֔ןon themprep + 3fp suff · עַל (H5921)Predicate prepositional phrase (verbless clause)עַל (H5921) with 3fp suffix, agreeing with the feminine plural כְּלָיֹת.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhich isrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle (second, nested relative clause)The nested relative pins the anatomy down: the fat on the kidneys, the kidneys at the loins.
עַלatprep · עַל (H5921)Predicate preposition (verbless relative clause)עַל (H5921) 'at, by'; positional, locating the kidneys within the carcass.
הַכְּסָלִ֑יםthe loinsart + N m pl abs · כֶּסֶל (H3689)Object of preposition עַלכֶּסֶל (H3689) 'loin, flank'; the deep interior region beside the spine.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (final item)The last object marker of the chapter's threefold inventory.
הַיֹּתֶ֨רֶת֙the lobeart + N f sg abs · יֹתֶרֶת (H3508)Direct object (final item in the list)יֹתֶרֶת (H3508) 'lobe, appendage'; the caudate lobe of the liver, burned rather than inspected — Israel's God is not to be read out of entrails.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative preposition (attributive)עַל (H5921) 'on, over'; the lobe sits on the liver.
הַכָּבֵ֔דthe liverart + N f sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3516)Object of preposition עַלכָּבֵד (H3516) 'liver', literally 'the heavy one'; the great organ of the viscera, whose fatty lobe belongs to God.
עַלwithprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition of accompanimentעַל (H5921) 'along with'; lobe and kidneys are removed in one operation.
הַכְּלָיֹ֖תthe kidneysart + N f pl abs · כִּלְיָה (H3629)Object of preposition עַלכִּלְיָה (H3629) 'kidneys'; the third and last time the phrase closes the inventory.
יְסִירֶֽנָּהhe shall remove itHiphil impf 3ms + 3fs suff · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb governing the whole preceding object list→ Yiqtol: legal-instructional obligationסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'remove'; the third and final occurrence of the verb that closes each fat inventory — the divine portion is defined the same way for every animal.
16
וְהִקְטִירָ֥ם הַכֹּהֵ֖ן הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה לֶ֤חֶם אִשֶּׁה֙ לְרֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֔חַ כָּל חֵ֖לֶב לַיהוָֽה
And the priest shall turn them into smoke on the altar — food, a fire-offering of soothing aroma. All fat belongs to the LORD.
The verse ends the goat case, then lifts out of casuistry altogether: the bare nominal clause כָּל חֵלֶב לַיהוָה ('all fat is the LORD's') abstracts a principle from the three ritual recitations and forms the bridge to the perpetual statute of v. 17.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְהִקְטִירָ֥םand he shall turn them into smokeconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms + 3mp suff · קָטַר (H6999)Predicate verb (weqatal; climactic priestly act)→ Weqatal: the culminating act of the goat's riteקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'send up in smoke'; the plural suffix ('them') gathers the itemized fat portions — where v. 11 had a singular 'it', the enumeration is here resumed as a plurality.
הַכֹּהֵ֖ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Subject of וְהִקְטִירָםכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; the officiant who alone may place anything on the altar fire.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָהto the altarart + N m sg abs + directional הָ · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Accusative of direction (he-locale)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) with directional ending, 'altar-ward'; the last of the chapter's four movements up onto the altar.
לֶ֤חֶםfood ofN (c) sg constr · לֶחֶם (H3899)Accusative in apposition (construct)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; the second use of the daring phrase לֶחֶם אִשֶּׁה (cf. v. 11) — the altar spoken of as God's table, without any suggestion that God is hungry.
אִשֶּׁה֙a fire-offeringN m sg abs · אִשֶּׁה (H801)Genitive (nomen rectum of לֶחֶם)אִשֶּׁה (H801) 'fire-offering'; the fire is the means by which the 'food' is delivered — consumption and gift are the same act.
לְרֵ֣יחַfor an aroma ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · רֵיחַ (H7381)Prepositional phrase of purpose/resultרֵיחַ (H7381) 'scent'; the לְ of purpose — the burning exists in order to produce the soothing aroma, i.e. in order to be accepted.
נִיחֹ֔חַsoothingN m sg abs · נִיחֹחַ (H5207)Genitive of quality (nomen rectum of רֵיחַ)נִיחֹחַ (H5207) 'soothing', from נוּחַ 'rest'; the formula רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ closes the third case as it closed the first (v. 5) — acceptance, and rest between God and worshipper.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct (subject of the verbless clause)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the word that lifts the sentence out of the particular case — not this fat but all fat.
חֵ֖לֶבfatN m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Genitive (nomen rectum of כָּל); subject of the verbless clauseחֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; here without the article and without a case-frame — the word has become a category. כָּל חֵלֶב לַיהוָה, 'all fat is the LORD's', is the maxim the three ritual recitations were driving toward.
לַיהוָֽהbelongs to the LORDprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Predicate of possession (lamed of ownership, verbless clause)לַיהוָה; the לְ here is possessive — 'to/belonging to the LORD'. A three-word nominal clause states the principle that the next verse turns into perpetual law.
17
חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בְּכֹ֖ל מֽוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶ֑ם כָּל חֵ֥לֶב וְכָל דָּ֖ם לֹ֥א תֹאכֵֽלוּ
A perpetual statute throughout your generations, in all your dwellings: you shall eat no fat and no blood.
Asyndeton marks the break from instruction to law. The address shifts to second-person plural — the whole people, not the officiant — and the scope widens from the sanctuary to בְּכֹל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶם, every settlement. The twin ban grounds Israelite diet for all time: the fat is God's portion, the blood is life (Lev 17:11).
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
חֻקַּ֤תa statute ofN (c) sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate nominative (verbless clause, fronted)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, ordinance', from חָקַק 'inscribe, engrave'; a decree cut into stone — something fixed, not negotiated. The asyndetic opening gives it the ring of a legal heading.
עוֹלָם֙perpetuityN m sg abs · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive of duration (nomen rectum of חֻקַּת)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, perpetuity'; חֻקַּת עוֹלָם — 'a lasting ordinance', binding for as long as the covenant order stands, not merely for the wilderness generation.
לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םthroughout your generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suff · דּוֹר (H1755)Prepositional phrase of extent (temporal)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; the 2mp suffix marks the first turn of the chapter to direct address — the law is handed to the people, not just to the officiant.
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase of extent (spatial)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; paired with the temporal 'throughout your generations', it makes the law's reach total in space as well as time.
מֽוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶ֑םyour dwellingsN m pl constr + 2mp suff · מוֹשָׁב (H4186)Genitive (nomen rectum of בְּכֹל)מוֹשָׁב (H4186) 'dwelling, settlement', from יָשַׁב 'sit, dwell'; the word carries the law out of the sanctuary and into the kitchen — this prohibition follows Israel wherever it lives.
כָּלanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier in construct (fronted object of תֹאכֵלוּ)כֹּל (H3605) with a following negative — the idiom כָּל … לֹא means 'not any, none at all', an absolute prohibition rather than a partial one.
חֵ֥לֶבfatN m sg abs · חֵלֶב (H2459)Genitive (nomen rectum of כָּל); fronted direct objectחֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat'; the key word of the chapter, appearing here for the last time as the object of a ban. Because it is God's portion (v. 16), it can never be Israel's food.
וְכָלand anyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Conjunction + quantifier (second fronted object)כֹּל (H3605) 'any'; the second totalizer binds blood to fat in a single prohibition — the two things that are not Israel's to consume.
דָּ֖םbloodN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive (nomen rectum of וְכָל); fronted direct objectדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; joined to fat in one ban, but for a different reason — the fat is God's portion, while the blood is life itself, and life belongs to its giver (Lev 17:11; Gen 9:4).
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle (absolute prohibition)לֹא (H3808) with the imperfect forms the strongest kind of prohibition in Hebrew — a standing, categorical 'you shall not', as in the Decalogue, rather than the softer אַל of momentary dissuasion.
תֹאכֵֽלוּyou shall eatQal impf 2mp · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (prohibition; 2mp address to all Israel)→ Yiqtol with לֹא: categorical, permanent prohibitionאָכַל (H398) 'eat'; the final word of the chapter, and its sharpest turn. A torah about what may be offered ends by defining what may never be eaten — sacrifice shapes the table, and Israel's diet is a daily confession that fat and blood are God's.