Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 14במדבר 14

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

The spies' bad report ignites revolt: Israel weeps, murmurs, and plots a return to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb protest in vain; YHWH's glory appears, threatening disinheritance. Moses intercedes, invoking YHWH's self-revealed mercy (Exod 34); pardon is granted, but the tested generation is sentenced to forty years' wandering, a year for each day of scouting. Only Caleb and Joshua will enter; presumption then brings defeat at Hormah.

Translation & textual notes

Numbers 14 is textually stable in the MT but carries several noted features. Verse 36 preserves a rare ketiv/qere doublet: the bare consonantal וילונו stands uncorrected beside the fully vocalized וַיַּלִּינוּ, both from לוּן ('to murmur') — most likely an early scribal false start that the Masoretes left visible rather than excised, not a meaningful variant reading. Verse 18 quotes YHWH's self-revelation from Exod 34:6-7 (the 'Thirteen Attributes') in compressed form, omitting אֱמֶת and וְרַחוּם found in the fuller Sinai formula; Moses' citation is a rhetorically-adapted echo rather than a verbatim recitation, typical of inner-biblical quotation. The place name חָרְמָה (v.45) puns on חֵרֶם ('ban, destruction'), an etiology also attached to the site in Num 21:3 and Judg 1:17, suggesting parallel naming traditions. The Samaritan Pentateuch and LXX show minor harmonizing pluses but no substantive divergence from the MT. The chapter's most theologically weighted line, v.18's mercy formula immediately followed by 'yet by no means clearing the guilty,' preserves the same deliberately unresolved tension present in Exod 34:7 itself. Versification follows the MT throughout.

1

וַתִּשָּׂא֙ כָּל הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה וַֽיִּתְּנ֖וּ אֶת קוֹלָ֑ם וַיִּבְכּ֥וּ הָעָ֖ם בַּלַּ֥יְלָה הַהֽוּא

Then all the congregation lifted up their voice, and the people wept that night.

Narrative opening — the people's reaction to the spies' reportוַ
The wayyiqtol chain וַתִּשָּׂא...וַיִּתְּנוּ...וַיִּבְכּוּ opens the chapter in full narrative flow, continuing directly from the spies' bad report in 13:31-33; the community's grief is total and immediate — 'that night' marks it as the direct, same-day response.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתִּשָּׂא֙lifted upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the congregation's collective outcryנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; נָשָׂא קוֹל 'to lift up the voice' is an idiom for crying out loudly.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the subject phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; in construct with הָעֵדָה, 'all the congregation.'
הָ֣עֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject of וַתִּשָּׂא (genitive of construct כָּל)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly', from יעד 'to appoint/meet'; the technical term for Israel's formal gathered community.
וַֽיִּתְּנ֖וּand they gave (uttered)conj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here idiomatic with קוֹל, 'to give/utter a voice' i.e. to cry out — parallel to נָשָׂא קוֹל in the same verse.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
קוֹלָ֑םtheir voiceN m sg constr + 3mp sfx · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object of וַיִּתְּנוּקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; with נָתַן, an idiom for wailing aloud.
וַיִּבְכּ֥וּand they weptconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּכָה (H1058)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — climactic action of the verseבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep, cry'; the outward expression completing the congregation's outcry.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיִּבְכּוּעַם (H5971) 'people, kinsfolk'; here resuming/renaming the עֵדָה of the verse's opening as grammatical subject.
בַּלַּ֥יְלָהin the nightprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phraseלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; specifies the weeping as the same-night response to the spies' report.
הַהֽוּאthatart + demonstrative pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying לַיְלָההוּא (H1931) used attributively with the article as a demonstrative 'that (very)'; underscores the immediacy of the reaction.
2

וַיִּלֹּ֨נוּ֙ עַל מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְעַֽל אַהֲרֹ֔ן כֹּ֖ל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַֽיֹּאמְר֨וּ אֲלֵהֶ֜ם כָּל הָעֵדָ֗ה לוּ מַ֨תְנוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם א֛וֹ בַּמִּדְבָּ֥ר הַזֶּ֖ה לוּ מָֽתְנוּ

And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, 'Would that we had died in the land of Egypt, or would that we had died in this wilderness!'

Result of v.1's weeping — narrated complaintוַ
לוּן (H3885, 'murmur') names the chapter's central sin-vocabulary, recurring throughout (vv. 27, 29, 36); the death-wish (לוּ מַתְנוּ, 'would that we had died'), voiced twice, frames the rebellion as a rejection of the exodus itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיִּלֹּ֨נוּ֙and they murmuredconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · לוּן (H3885)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the formal act of rebellionלוּן/לִין (H3885) 'to murmur, grumble'; the chapter's key sin-term, recurring at vv.27,29,36, denoting organized complaint against divinely appointed leadership.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the target of complaintעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; with לוּן marks the target of the murmuring.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of preposition עַלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's leader and mediator; target of the people's murmuring alongside Aaron.
וְעַֽלand againstconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phraseRepeats עַל with וְ to pair Aaron alongside Moses as co-targets.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of preposition עַלאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother and high priest; co-target of the rebellion, reflecting the pairing of civil and priestly leadership.
כֹּ֖לallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the subject phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; in construct with בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), subjectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'children/sons of Israel,' the standing designation of the nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the patriarch's covenant name, here for the nation as a whole.
וַֽיֹּאמְר֨וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence), introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard verb of speech introducing the quoted death-wish.
אֲלֵהֶ֜םto themprep אֶל + 3mp sfx · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (indirect object of וַיֹּאמְרוּ)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward' + 3mp pronominal suffix; marks the recipients of the speech.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the subject phrase (apposition to preceding clause)כֹּל (H3605) in construct with הָעֵדָה, resuming the collective subject as speaker.
הָעֵדָ֗הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject (apposition, restating the speakers)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; here explicitly identified as the speaking subject of the quoted wish.
לוּwould thatparticle of wishing · לוּ (H3863)Optative particle introducing an unreal wishלוּ (H3863) introduces an unattainable or contrary-to-fact wish, 'if only, would that'; here voicing a death-wish.
מַ֨תְנוּ֙we had diedQal perf 1cp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the optative clause (with לוּ)→ Perfective/optative: a wished-for completed state, contrary to factמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; with לוּ forms the idiom 'would that we had died,' the paradigmatic wilderness death-wish (cf. Exod 16:3).
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase, head of construct chainאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with מִצְרַיִם, 'the land of Egypt.'
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive of the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; here the land of bondage, wistfully preferred to the wilderness journey.
א֛וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive coordinating conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'; coordinates the two alternative death-wish locations, Egypt or the wilderness.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֥רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the current location of the death-wish, contrasted with Egypt as the other named alternative.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying מִדְבָּרזֶה (H2088), masc. demonstrative 'this,' pointing to the present wilderness location.
לוּwould thatparticle of wishing · לוּ (H3863)Optative particle introducing an unreal wish (second occurrence, parallel to the first)לוּ (H3863), repeated for the second death-wish, matching the first for rhetorical emphasis.
מָֽתְנוּwe had diedQal perf 1cp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the optative clause (with לוּ), second occurrence→ Perfective/optative: a wished-for completed state, contrary to factמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; repeated to close the parallel death-wish, 'or would that we had died' (in this wilderness).
3

וְלָמָ֣ה יְ֠הוָה מֵבִ֨יא אֹתָ֜נוּ אֶל הָאָ֤רֶץ הַזֹּאת֙ לִנְפֹּ֣ל בַּחֶ֔רֶב נָשֵׁ֥ינוּ וְטַפֵּ֖נוּ יִהְי֣וּ לָבַ֑ז הֲל֧וֹא ט֦וֹב לָ֖נוּ שׁ֥וּב מִצְרָֽיְמָה

And why is YHWH bringing us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?

Rhetorical question voicing the people's complaintוְ
The quoted speech continues; the rhetorical לָמָּה ('why') accuses YHWH of malicious intent, and the verse ends with the concrete proposal that will recur throughout the chapter — return to Egypt (שׁוּב מִצְרָיְמָה).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְלָמָ֣הand whyconj וְ + prep לְ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial (rhetorical question, fronted)מָה (H4100) 'what'; with לְ forms לָמָּה 'why, for what purpose' — here a rhetorical accusation, not a genuine question.
יְ֠הוָהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of מֵבִיאיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the accusation is aimed directly at him.
מֵבִ֨יאis bringingHiphil ptc m sg abs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (participle, present/progressive main clause)→ Participle: durative/progressive — an ongoing, presently-unfolding actionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come.' The participle casts YHWH's leading of Israel as an ongoing, contestable act.
אֹתָ֜נוּusobj marker + 1cp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of מֵבִיאאֵת (H853) + 1cp suffix marks the definite direct object 'us.'
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward,' governing הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת.
הָאָ֤רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; here Canaan, the land of promise now recast as a death-trap in the people's rhetoric.
הַזֹּאת֙thisart + demonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative 'this,' pointing to the promised land under discussion.
לִנְפֹּ֣לto fallprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָפַל (H5307)Infinitive of purpose/result→ Infinitive: purpose/result — the imagined outcome of YHWH's 'bringing'נָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; here idiomatic for dying violently, 'to fall by the sword.'
בַּחֶ֔רֶבby the swordprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Instrumental prepositional phraseחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; instrument of the feared violent death, echoing the spies' report of a land 'that devours its inhabitants' (13:32).
נָשֵׁ֥ינוּour wivesN f pl constr + 1cp sfx · אִשָּׁה (H802)Subject of יִהְיוּ (compound subject, first member)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; pl. construct with 1cp suffix, 'our wives,' paired with טַפֵּנוּ as the vulnerable dependents.
וְטַפֵּ֖נוּand our little onesconj וְ + N m sg constr + 1cp sfx · טַף (H2945)Subject of יִהְיוּ (compound subject, second member)טַף (H2945) 'children, little ones,' collective singular; the most defenseless members of the community, feared to become spoils of war.
יִהְי֣וּwill becomeQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a feared future outcomeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here projecting the feared future fate of the wives and children.
לָבַ֑זas plunderprep לְ + N m sg abs · בַּז (H957)Predicate complement (with לְ of essence) of יִהְיוּבַּז (H957) 'plunder, spoil,' from בָּזַז 'to plunder'; the feared reduction of families to war-booty.
הֲל֧וֹאis it notinterrogative הֲ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative particle introducing a rhetorical question expecting 'yes'הֲלוֹא, interrogative הֲ + לֹא (H3808) 'not'; a rhetorical question expecting affirmation, 'is it not...?' = 'surely.'
ט֦וֹבbetteradj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective of the verbless clauseטוֹב (H2896) 'good'; here comparative sense, 'better,' assessing the proposed return to Egypt.
לָ֖נוּfor usprep לְ + 1cp sfx · לְDative of reference/advantageלְ 'to, for' + 1cp suffix; marks the ones for whom the return would be 'better.'
שׁ֥וּבto returnQal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Infinitive subject/complement of the verbless clause (epexegetical to טוֹב)→ Infinitive: the proposed course of action itselfשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; the concrete counter-exodus proposal — reversing the journey out of Egypt.
מִצְרָֽיְמָהto Egyptproper noun + directional ה · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial accusative of direction (goal of שׁוּב)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt' + he-directive (־ָה), 'to/toward Egypt'; the land of bondage now perversely desired over the promised land.
4

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל אָחִ֑יו נִתְּנָ֥ה רֹ֖אשׁ וְנָשׁ֥וּבָה מִצְרָֽיְמָה

And they said, each to his brother, 'Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.'

Escalation — the people's proposal to replace Mosesוַ
נִתְּנָה רֹאשׁ, 'let us appoint a head/leader,' makes explicit what vv. 2-3 implied: outright repudiation of Mosaic leadership and of YHWH's promise, a direct counter-exodus back to bondage.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence), introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the people's concrete counter-exodus proposal.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition to the subject ('each... to his brother')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; in the idiom אִישׁ אֶל אָחִיו, 'each one to his brother/fellow,' expressing reciprocal, grassroots speech.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to,' completing the distributive idiom.
אָחִ֑יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Object of preposition אֶלאָח (H251) 'brother'; here 'fellow, kinsman' in the reciprocal idiom of mutual incitement.
נִתְּנָ֥הlet us appointQal cohortative 1cp · נָתַן (H5414)Volitional (cohortative) — self-exhortation→ Volitional: cohortative — a collective resolve/proposalנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, set, appoint'; cohortative 'let us give/set (a head).' Idiomatic נָתַן רֹאשׁ, 'to appoint a leader.'
רֹ֖אשׁa leaderN m sg abs · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object of נִתְּנָהרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; here metonymic for 'leader, chief' — an alternative to Moses to lead the return to Egypt.
וְנָשׁ֥וּבָהand let us returnconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Volitional (cohortative), coordinate with נִתְּנָה→ Volitional: cohortative — the intended course of actionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; cohortative completing the counter-exodus proposal begun in v.3.
מִצְרָֽיְמָהto Egyptproper noun + directional ה · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial accusative of direction (goal of וְנָשׁוּבָה)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) + he-directive, 'to Egypt'; the explicit goal of the proposed reversal.
5

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְאַהֲרֹ֖ן עַל פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם לִפְנֵ֕י כָּל קְהַ֥ל עֲדַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

Narrative response — Moses and Aaron's intercessory postureוַ
Falling on the face (נָפַל עַל פָּנִים) before the whole assembly is a gesture of both grief and appeal, anticipating the fuller intercession of vv. 13-19; it is a silent counter-protest to the people's mutiny.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּפֹּ֥לand he fellconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence; verb agrees with the nearer subject Moses)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the leaders' silent counter-protestנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; נָפַל עַל פָּנִים, 'to fall on the face,' a gesture of grief, appeal, or intercession.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּפֹּל (compound subject, first member)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); joins Aaron in the posture of intercessory grief before the assembly.
וְאַהֲרֹ֖ןand Aaronconj וְ + proper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיִּפֹּל (compound subject, second member)אַהֲרֹן (H175); paired with Moses as co-leader sharing the gesture of protest.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon,' governing פְּנֵיהֶם in the idiom for prostration.
פְּנֵיהֶ֑םtheir facesN c pl constr + 3mp sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face(s),' always plural in form; here completing the idiom for full prostration.
לִפְנֵ֕יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase (before the assembly)לִפְנֵי, lit. 'to the face of,' idiomatic 'before, in front of'; from פָּנִים (H6440).
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the following chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all,' in construct with קְהַל עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
קְהַ֥לthe assembly ofN m sg constr · קָהָל (H6951)Construct chain (genitival)קָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation'; near-synonym of עֵדָה, here stacked with it for rhetorical fullness.
עֲדַ֖תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; construct with בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, completing the formal, full designation of the gathered nation.
בְּנֵ֥יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standing national designation.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), closing the full formal title of the gathered nation before whom Moses and Aaron prostrate themselves.
6

וִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן נ֗וּן וְכָלֵב֙ בֶּן יְפֻנֶּ֔ה מִן הַתָּרִ֖ים אֶת הָאָ֑רֶץ קָרְע֖וּ בִּגְדֵיהֶֽם

And Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, from among those who had scouted the land, tore their garments.

Narrative — Joshua and Caleb's parallel gesture of protestוְ
Tearing garments (קָרַע בֶּגֶד) is the conventional gesture of mourning or horror; the two faithful spies react to the people's words exactly as Moses and Aaron do, aligning the leadership with the minority report of ch. 13.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַand Joshuaconj וְ + proper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of קָרְעוּ (compound subject, first member)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; one of the twelve scouts (13:8,16) and Moses' eventual successor, here aligned with the minority report.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; identifies Joshua by patronymic.
נ֗וּןNunproper noun · נוּן (H5126)Genitive of the construct chainנוּן (H5126), Joshua's father, otherwise unknown.
וְכָלֵב֙and Calebconj וְ + proper noun · כָּלֵב (H3612)Subject of קָרְעוּ (compound subject, second member)כָּלֵב (H3612), possibly 'dog' or from a root meaning 'whole-hearted' (cf. 14:24 'a different spirit'); the other faithful scout.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); identifies Caleb by patronymic.
יְפֻנֶּ֔הJephunnehproper noun · יְפֻנֶּה (H3312)Genitive of the construct chainיְפֻנֶּה (H3312), Caleb's father, of Kenizzite association (cf. Josh 14:6).
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; here partitive, identifying Joshua and Caleb as members of the scouting party.
הַתָּרִ֖יםthose who scoutedart + Qal ptc m pl abs · תּוּר (H8446)Substantival participle, object of preposition מִן→ Participle: substantival, denoting the class of 'the ones who scouted'תּוּר (H8446) 'to spy out, explore'; the verb used throughout ch. 13 for the reconnaissance mission — Joshua and Caleb belonged to that same company.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of הַתָּרִים)אֵת (H853), marking הָאָרֶץ as the object scouted.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of הַתָּרִיםאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land scouted in ch. 13, now the object of dispute.
קָרְע֖וּtoreQal perf 3cp · קָרַע (H7167)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act of protestקָרַע (H7167) 'to tear, rend'; the conventional gesture of mourning, horror, or protest.
בִּגְדֵיהֶֽםtheir garmentsN m pl constr + 3mp sfx · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object of קָרְעוּבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; object of the tearing, the standard sign of grief or dismay.
7

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ אֶל כָּל עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָבַ֤רְנוּ בָהּ֙ לָת֣וּר אֹתָ֔הּ טוֹבָ֥ה הָאָ֖רֶץ מְאֹ֥ד מְאֹֽד

And they said to all the congregation of the children of Israel, 'The land through which we passed to scout it is an exceedingly, exceedingly good land.'

Direct speech — Joshua and Caleb's appeal, part 1: the land is goodוַ
טוֹבָה הָאָרֶץ מְאֹד מְאֹד, with מְאֹד doubled for emphasis, directly rebuts the majority spies' report (13:32) and reaffirms the minority position already voiced at 13:30.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence), introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Joshua and Caleb's appeal to the assembly.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee of the speech)אֶל (H413) 'to,' governing the audience of the appeal.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the following chainכֹּל (H3605), in construct with עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
עֲדַ֥תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Construct chain (genitival)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; identifies the audience of Joshua and Caleb's appeal.
בְּנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the national designation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the formal designation of the audience.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct, quotation marker introducing direct speech→ Infinitive: formulaic, marking the onset of direct discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the standard speech-formula introducing a direct quotation.
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of the verbless clause (fronted, resumed at the end)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; topic of the quoted appeal, framed by an inclusio (הָאָרֶץ...הָאָרֶץ).
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'which, that.'
עָבַ֤רְנוּwe passed throughQal perf 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed act — the scouts' own traversal of the landעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass through, cross'; recalls the spies' actual journey through the land in ch. 13.
בָהּ֙through itprep בְּ + 3fs sfx · בְּPrepositional phrase resuming הָאָרֶץ within the relative clauseבְּ 'in, through' + 3fs suffix referring back to הָאָרֶץ.
לָת֣וּרto scoutprep לְ + Qal inf constr · תּוּר (H8446)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive: purpose — the aim of their passing through the landתּוּר (H8446) 'to spy out, explore'; names the scouting mission of ch. 13.
אֹתָ֔הּ[obj] itobj marker + 3fs sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of לָתוּראֵת (H853) + 3fs suffix, marking הָאָרֶץ as the object scouted.
טוֹבָ֥הgoodadj f sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjective of the verbless clauseטוֹב (H2896) 'good'; direct rebuttal of the majority report's assessment (13:32).
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of the verbless clause (resumptive, closing the inclusio)אֶרֶץ (H776); repetition of the subject after the predicate for emphasis — a common verbless-clause pattern.
מְאֹ֥דexceedinglyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier of טוֹבָהמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; doubled here (מְאֹד מְאֹד) for maximal emphasis.
מְאֹֽדexceedinglyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier, repeated for emphasisמְאֹד (H3966) repeated; the doubling intensifies the superlative to the highest degree, directly countering the negative majority report.
8

אִם חָפֵ֥ץ בָּ֨נוּ֙ יְהוָ֔ה וְהֵבִ֤יא אֹתָ֨נוּ֙ אֶל הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את וּנְתָנָ֖הּ לָ֑נוּ אֶ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר הִ֛וא זָבַ֥ת חָלָ֖ב וּדְבָֽשׁ

If YHWH delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.

Appeal continues — conditional promise of the landasyndeton
The conditional אִם ('if') concedes divine sovereignty over the outcome even while urging trust; 'flowing with milk and honey' echoes the founding promise formula (Exod 3:8) to reground the people's confidence.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces a real conditional, conceding the outcome to YHWH's will.
חָפֵ֥ץdelightsQal perf 3ms · חָפֵץ (H2654)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Perfective (stative): a settled disposition — 'if YHWH delights/is pleased'חָפֵץ (H2654) 'to delight in, take pleasure in'; a stative verb expressing YHWH's favorable disposition as the hinge of the whole appeal.
בָּ֨נוּ֙in usprep בְּ + 1cp sfx · בְּPrepositional phrase, complement of חָפֵץבְּ 'in' + 1cp suffix; the object of YHWH's delight.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of חָפֵץיְהוָה (H3068); the entire outcome is grounded in his favorable will, not Israel's own strength.
וְהֵבִ֤יאthen he will bringconj וְ + Hiphil perf (weqatal) 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the apodosis (weqatal continuing the conditional)→ Weqatal: consequential/future — the promised result if the condition holdsבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; the positive counterpart to v.3's accusation that YHWH is 'bringing us to die.'
אֹתָ֨נוּ֙usobj marker + 1cp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהֵבִיאאֵת (H853) + 1cp suffix, marking 'us' as the object brought in.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, into,' governing הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת.
הָאָ֣רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776); the land under dispute, now the object of promise rather than fear.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + demonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative, pointing to the land just scouted.
וּנְתָנָ֖הּand he will give itconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3ms + 3fs sfx · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the apodosis (weqatal continuing the conditional), with pronominal direct object→ Weqatal: consequential/future — the promised gift following the conditionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; with 3fs suffix ('give it,' i.e. the land) — the promise of possession, not just entry.
לָ֑נוּto usprep לְ + 1cp sfx · לְIndirect object of וּנְתָנָהּלְ 'to, for' + 1cp suffix; the recipients of the promised land.
אֶ֕רֶץa landN c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Appositional restatement of the land, head of the following relative clauseאֶרֶץ (H776); resumed in apposition to characterize the land further via the relative clause that follows.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clause modifying אֶרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'that, which.'
הִ֛ואitindependent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the relative clause (resuming אֶרֶץ)הִיא (H1931), independent 3fs pronoun, resuming אֶרֶץ as subject of the relative clause.
זָבַ֥תflowing withQal ptc f sg constr · זוּב (H2100)Predicate participle of the relative clause, construct governing חָלָב→ Participle: durative — a characteristic, ongoing quality of the landזוּב (H2100) 'to flow, gush'; the fixed idiom זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ, 'flowing with milk and honey,' echoes the founding land-promise formula (Exod 3:8,17).
חָלָ֖בmilkN m sg abs · חָלָב (H2461)Genitive complement of the construct participle זָבַתחָלָב (H2461) 'milk'; paired with honey as emblem of the land's pastoral and agricultural abundance.
וּדְבָֽשׁand honeyconj וְ + N m sg abs · דְּבַשׁ (H1706)Second genitive complement of the construct participle זָבַתדְּבַשׁ (H1706) 'honey'; completing the fixed formula 'milk and honey,' the classic description of the promised land's fertility.
9

אַ֣ךְ בַּֽיהוָה֮ אַל תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ וְאַתֶּ֗ם אַל תִּֽירְאוּ֙ אֶת עַ֣ם הָאָ֔רֶץ כִּ֥י לַחְמֵ֖נוּ הֵ֑ם סָ֣ר צִלָּ֧ם מֵעֲלֵיהֶ֛ם וַֽיהוָ֥ה אִתָּ֖נוּ אַל תִּירָאֻֽם

Only do not rebel against YHWH, and do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us; their protection has turned aside from them, and YHWH is with us — do not fear them.

Appeal climaxes — exhortation not to rebel or fearאַךְ
אַךְ ('only, surely') introduces the imperative core of the speech: two prohibitions (אַל תִּמְרֹדוּ, אַל תִּירְאוּ) bracket the claim that the Canaanites' 'shadow' (צֵל, protection) has departed — a rare idiom for a nation's tutelary defense withdrawn.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אַ֣ךְonlyrestrictive particle · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverb, fronted (introduces the exhortation)אַךְ (H389) 'surely, only'; here restrictive/adversative, marking a sharp pivot to the imperative core of the appeal.
בַּֽיהוָה֮against YHWHprep בְּ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition בְּ, complement of תִּמְרֹדוּיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; here the one against whom rebellion (מָרַד) is forbidden.
אַלnotnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negates the following jussive/vetitive verb תִּמְרֹדוּאַל (H408), the negative used with the jussive/vetitive for prohibition (distinct from indicative לֹא).
תִּמְרֹדוּ֒you (pl) must rebelQal jussive 2mp · מָרַד (H4775)Vetitive predicate verb (negated by preceding אַל)→ Volitional (vetitive): urgent prohibition against rebellionמָרַד (H4775) 'to rebel, revolt'; used elsewhere of political insurrection, here of rebellion against YHWH's word through the spies' bad report.
וְאַתֶּ֗םand you (pl)conj וְ + independent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Fronted, emphatic subject/vocative-like address resuming the audienceאַתֶּם (H859), independent 2mp pronoun; fronted for emphasis, marking a fresh, direct address within the appeal.
אַלnotnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negates the following jussive/vetitive verb תִּירְאוּאַל (H408), the negative used with the jussive/vetitive for prohibition.
תִּֽירְאוּ֙you (pl) must fearQal jussive 2mp · יָרֵא (H3372)Vetitive predicate verb (negated by preceding אַל)→ Volitional (vetitive): urgent prohibition against fearיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear, be afraid'; the second of the paired prohibitions structuring Joshua and Caleb's appeal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking עַם הָאָרֶץ as the definite direct object of תִּירְאוּ.
עַ֣םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Direct object (head of construct chain), governed by אֵתעַם (H5971) 'people'; construct governing הָאָרֶץ, 'the people of the land' — the Canaanite inhabitants the spies feared.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of the construct עַםאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land under scrutiny, i.e. Canaan.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground for the prohibitionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the reason not to fear — the enemy is as good as consumed.
לַחְמֵ֖נוּour breadN c sg constr + 1cp sfx · לֶחֶם (H3899)Predicate nominative of the verbless clauseלֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; metaphor for easy consumption — the inhabitants will be devoured as readily as bread is eaten.
הֵ֑םtheyindependent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of the verbless clauseהֵם (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun, subject resumed after the predicate nominative לַחְמֵנוּ for emphasis.
סָ֣רhas turned asideQal perf 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed departure, viewed as already accomplishedסוּר (H5493) 'to turn aside, depart'; here of protection withdrawn — the Canaanites' tutelary defense has already left them.
צִלָּ֧םtheir shadowN m sg constr + 3mp sfx · צֵל (H6738)Subject of סָרצֵל (H6738) 'shadow, shade'; idiomatic for protection or tutelary defense — here the Canaanites' guardian shelter, now departed.
מֵעֲלֵיהֶ֛םfrom over themprep מִן + prep עַל + 3mp sfx · מֵעַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phrase modifying סָרמֵעֲלֵיהֶם 'from over them,' compound of מִן and עַל with 3mp suffix; the shade/protection has departed from over the inhabitants.
וַֽיהוָ֥הbut YHWHconj וְ + Np · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the verbless clause, fronted for contrastיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; contrastive vav sets Israel's protector against the departed shadow of v.9b.
אִתָּ֖נוּis with usprep אֵת + 1cp sfx · אֵת (H854)Predicate of the verbless clause (prepositional predicate of presence)אֵת (H854) 'with'; with 1cp suffix, the ground of confidence — YHWH's presence contrasted with the enemy's departed shadow.
אַלnotnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negates the following jussive/vetitive verb תִּירָאֻםאַל (H408), the negative used with the jussive/vetitive for prohibition; resumes and closes the appeal's opening prohibition.
תִּירָאֻֽםyou (pl) must fear themQal jussive 2mp + 3mp sfx · יָרֵא (H3372)Vetitive predicate verb with pronominal direct object, closing the inclusio with תִּירְאוּ→ Volitional (vetitive): urgent, climactic restatement of the prohibition against fearיָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; with 3mp object suffix, the appeal's closing echo of its own second prohibition, now explicit about its object.
10

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ כָּל הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה לִרְגּ֥וֹם אֹתָ֖ם בָּאֲבָנִ֑ים וּכְב֣וֹד יְהוָ֗ה נִרְאָה֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד אֶֽל כָּל בְּנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of YHWH appeared at the tent of meeting to all the children of Israel.

Crisis point — the assembly moves to stone them; theophany interruptsוַ
לִרְגּוֹם, 'to stone,' shows the rebellion has turned lethal against its own faithful leaders; the verse pivots immediately to the theophany — the glory of YHWH breaks in at the moment of maximum danger, halting the violence.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙and saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the assembly's response escalatesאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; here with the infinitive complement לִרְגּוֹם, 'said [i.e. proposed/urged] to stone.'
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifier of הָעֵדָה, part of the subjectכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; construct with הָעֵדָה, 'the whole congregation,' emphasizing communal unanimity in the threat.
הָ֣עֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject of וַיֹּאמְרוּעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the formal, corporate body of Israel, here mobilized for violence against its own leaders.
לִרְגּ֥וֹםto stoneprep לְ + Qal inf constr · רָגַם (H7275)Infinitive construct complementing וַיֹּאמְרוּ (purpose/content of the proposal)→ Infinitive: expresses the intended action urged by the assemblyרָגַם (H7275) 'to stone, pelt with stones'; the mob's proposed penalty for the leaders it deems responsible for the crisis.
אֹתָ֖ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffix, object of לִרְגּוֹםאֵת (H853), nota accusativi with 3mp suffix, 'them' — referring to Joshua and Caleb (and implicitly Moses and Aaron, v.5).
בָּאֲבָנִ֑יםwith stonesprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying לִרְגּוֹםאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; instrumental, specifying the means of the threatened execution.
וּכְב֣וֹדand the glory ofconj וְ + N c sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Subject of נִרְאָה (head of construct chain), marks abrupt scene shiftכָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, weight, splendor'; construct with יְהוָה — the visible, weighty manifestation of divine presence that halts the mob's violence.
יְהוָ֗הof YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of the construct כְּבוֹדיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; 'the glory of YHWH' is the technical term for his visible, awesome presence in the tabernacle narratives.
נִרְאָה֙appearedNiphal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause), marking theophanic interruption→ Perfective (Niphal, passive/reflexive sense): a sudden, completed self-manifestationרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Niphal 'to appear, be seen' — the technical verb for theophanic self-disclosure at the tent of meeting.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלat the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Locative prepositional phrase modifying נִרְאָהאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד, the fixed phrase 'tent of meeting,' the site of divine-human encounter.
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive complement of the construct אֹהֶלמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; with אֹהֶל, 'tent of meeting' — the sanctuary of designated encounter with YHWH.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Introduces the prepositional phrase indicating those before whom the glory appearedאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the audience of the theophany — all Israel, not just the leaders.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct modifier of בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, object of prep אֶלכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; construct with בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, emphasizing that the theophany was witnessed by the entire nation.
בְּנֵ֖יthe children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct head, object of prep אֶל via כֹּלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural construct 'sons/children of,' the standard idiom for the collective people of a nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelNp · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of the construct בְּנֵייִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the nation's ancestral/covenant name; 'children of Israel' = the whole assembled people.
11

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה עַד אָ֥נָה יְנַאֲצֻ֖נִי הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה וְעַד אָ֨נָה֙ לֹא יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ בִ֔י בְּכֹל֙ הָֽאֹת֔וֹת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתִי בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ

And YHWH said to Moses, 'How long will this people spurn me, and how long will they not believe in me, despite all the signs that I have done in their midst?'

Divine speech to Moses — YHWH's indictmentוַ
יְנַאֲצֻנִי, from נִאֵץ (H5006, 'spurn, despise'), is a strong verb of contemptuous rejection, marking YHWH's own assessment of the sin as graver than mere complaint; the doubled עַד אָנָה ('how long') formula voices divine exasperation.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — YHWH's response to the crisisאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's direct speech to Moses following the theophany.
יְהוָה֙YHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; here speaking in the immediate aftermath of the theophany at the tent of meeting.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Introduces the addressee of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the direct addressee of YHWH's speech.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's mediator-leader; addressee of YHWH's rebuke and, in vv.13-19, the people's intercessor.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Forms the interrogative idiom עַד אָנָה, 'how long,' fronted rhetorical questionעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; with אָנָה forms the fixed rhetorical formula 'how long,' expressing exasperated divine patience nearly spent.
אָ֥נָהhow longinterrogative adverb · אָנָה (H575)Completes the idiom עַד אָנָה, 'how long,' modifying יְנַאֲצֻנִיאָנָה (H575) 'where, whither'; with עַד idiomatically 'how long' — a formula of divine forbearance under strain (cf. Exod 16:28).
יְנַאֲצֻ֖נִיwill they spurn mePiel yiqtol 3mp + 1cs sfx · נָאַץ (H5006)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question, with pronominal direct object→ Yiqtol: imperfective — an ongoing, repeated pattern of contempt, not a single actנָאַץ (H5006) Piel 'to spurn, treat with contempt, despise'; strong verb for covenant-breaking disdain toward YHWH, echoed at v.23 and in the golden-calf narrative's vocabulary of rejection.
הָעָ֣םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of יְנַאֲצֻנִיעַם (H5971) 'people'; here Israel, the referent of the divine complaint.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), masc. demonstrative 'this'; the deictic 'this people' carries a distancing, almost disowning tone in YHWH's mouth (cf. Exod 32:9).
וְעַדand untilconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Forms the second rhetorical idiom וְעַד אָנָה, 'and how long,' coordinating with the first questionעַד (H5704) 'until'; the repeated 'how long' formula intensifies the divine complaint's second half.
אָ֨נָה֙how longinterrogative adverb · אָנָה (H575)Completes the idiom וְעַד אָנָה, modifying יַאֲמִינוּאָנָה (H575) 'where, whither'; with עַד, 'how long' — second occurrence, driving home the length of Israel's unbelief.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the indicative yiqtol יַאֲמִינוּלֹא (H3808), the standard indicative negative, 'not' — negating a straightforward imperfect (contrast the vetitive אַל of v.9).
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּwill they believeHiphil yiqtol 3mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb of the second rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: imperfective — a persistent, unresolved pattern of unbeliefאָמַן (H539) Hiphil 'to believe, trust, be firm/faithful toward'; the root of אָמֵן — Israel's persistent failure to trust despite the signs is the theological crux of the chapter.
בִ֔יin meprep בְּ + 1cs sfx · בְּObject of the preposition governed by יַאֲמִינוּ (object of belief)בְּ 'in' + 1cs suffix; the complement of אָמַן, 'believe in' — YHWH himself as the object of the trust withheld.
בְּכֹל֙despite allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Concessive/circumstantial prepositional phrase modifying יַאֲמִינוּכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with הָאֹתוֹת, 'in/despite all the signs' — the accumulated evidence that should have produced trust.
הָֽאֹת֔וֹתthe signsart + N c pl abs · אוֹת (H226)Genitive complement of the construct כֹּל, head of the following relative clauseאוֹת (H226) 'sign, wonder'; the miracles of exodus and wilderness (plagues, sea, manna) meant to ground Israel's trust.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clause modifying הָאֹתוֹתאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'that, which.'
עָשִׂ֖יתִיI have doneQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed series of past acts, now standing as accomplished evidenceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here of YHWH's mighty acts performed among the people, the full record of signs Israel has witnessed.
בְּקִרְבּֽוֹin its midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative prepositional phrase modifying עָשִׂיתִיקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; with 3ms suffix referring back to הָעָם — the signs performed in the very midst of the people, making unbelief inexcusable.
12

אַכֶּ֥נּוּ בַדֶּ֖בֶר וְאוֹרִשֶׁ֑נּוּ וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙ אֹֽתְךָ֔ לְגוֹי גָּד֥וֹל וְעָצ֖וּם מִמֶּֽנּוּ

I will strike them with pestilence and dispossess them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.

Divine threat — proposed destruction and replacement of the nationasyndeton
The threat of pestilence, disinheritance, and a remade nation from Moses echoes the golden-calf crisis of Exod 32:10, casting Moses again in the intercessory role he played there.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
אַכֶּ֥נּוּI will strike himHiphil yiqtol (cohortative sense) 1cs + 3ms sfx · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb (main clause), first of the threatened judgments→ Yiqtol/volitional: a resolved future intention — decisive divine action threatenedנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the same verb used of plague-strikes in Egypt, now turned against Israel — with the 3ms suffix referring collectively to 'this people' as a singular entity.
בַדֶּ֖בֶרwith pestilenceprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · דֶּבֶר (H1698)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying אַכֶּנּוּדֶּבֶר (H1698) 'pestilence, plague'; a covenant-curse instrument (cf. Lev 26, Deut 28), the specific means of the threatened destruction — echoed again at v.37.
וְאוֹרִשֶׁ֑נּוּand I will dispossess himconj וְ + Hiphil yiqtol (cohortative sense) 1cs + 3ms sfx · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb continuing the sequence of threatened judgments→ Yiqtol/volitional: resolved future intention, the second threatened actיָרַשׁ (H3423) Hiphil 'to dispossess, disinherit'; ironic reversal — the verb normally used of Israel dispossessing Canaan is turned against Israel itself, losing its inheritance.
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙and I will makeconj וְ + Qal yiqtol (cohortative sense) 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, the constructive counterpart to the two prior judgments→ Yiqtol/volitional: resolved future intention — the offer to remake the nation through Moses aloneעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; here of national re-creation, echoing YHWH's identical proposal to Moses in Exod 32:10 after the golden calf.
אֹֽתְךָ֔[obj] youobj marker + 2ms sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffix, object of וְאֶעֱשֶׂהאֵת (H853), nota accusativi with 2ms suffix, 'you' — Moses singled out as the sole seed of the proposed new nation.
לְגוֹיinto a nationprep לְ + N m sg abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Predicate complement (result) of וְאֶעֱשֶׂהגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; the result-object of 'make into' — a fresh national identity replacing rebellious Israel, as proposed to Moses at Exod 32:10.
גָּד֥וֹלgreateradj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying גּוֹיגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; qualifies the proposed new nation's size/status, echoing the promise to Abraham (Gen 12:2) now reoffered through Moses.
וְעָצ֖וּםand mightierconj וְ + adj m sg abs · עָצוּם (H6099)Attributive adjective modifying גּוֹי, coordinate with גָּדוֹלעָצוּם (H6099) 'mighty, numerous, strong'; paired with גָּדוֹל, the same phrase used of Israel's own growth in Egypt (Exod 1:9), now offered to Moses alone.
מִמֶּֽנּוּthan itprep מִן + 3ms sfx · מִן (H4480)Comparative prepositional phrase modifying גָּדוֹל וְעָצוּםמִן (H4480) comparative 'than'; with 3ms suffix referring back to the current people — the new nation would surpass the one destroyed.
13

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶל יְהוָ֑ה וְשָׁמְע֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם כִּֽי הֶעֱלִ֧יתָ בְכֹחֲךָ֛ אֶת הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה מִקִּרְבּֽוֹ

And Moses said to YHWH, 'Then the Egyptians will hear — for you brought up this people from their midst by your power —

Moses' intercession begins — appeal to YHWH's reputation among the nations, part 1וַ
Moses' argument pivots immediately to YHWH's honor rather than Israel's merit: the Egyptians, and by v. 14 all the nations, are watching, and Israel's destruction would be read as a verdict on YHWH's own character and power.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Moses' intercession beginsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Moses' reply and intercessory argument to YHWH.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesNp · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator, now cast — as at Exod 32 — in the role of intercessor for the very people whose destruction has just been threatened.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Introduces the addressee of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks YHWH as the addressee of Moses' intercessory speech.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition אֶליְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the direct addressee of Moses' plea for the people's reprieve.
וְשָׁמְע֣וּand they will hearconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the argument, consequential to the threatened destruction)→ Weqatal: consequential/future — the Egyptians' inevitable reaction if Israel is destroyedשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the report Moses fears — the Egyptians will hear of Israel's destruction and draw damaging conclusions.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptNp · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subject of וְשָׁמְעוּמִצְרַיִם (H4713), Egypt; construed collectively for its people, the first audience whose reaction Moses invokes as leverage.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Introduces the content clause of what the Egyptians have heard/will concludeכִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; here introducing indirect/reported content — what report the nations already know.
הֶעֱלִ֧יתָyou brought upHiphil perf 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed, well-known past act — the exodus event as established factעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up'; the standard verb for YHWH's bringing Israel up out of Egypt, the deed the nations already know.
בְכֹחֲךָ֛by your powerprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · כֹּחַ (H3581)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying הֶעֱלִיתָכֹּחַ (H3581) 'strength, power'; with 2ms suffix — YHWH's own might displayed in the exodus, the very reputation now at stake.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָעָם הַזֶּה as the definite direct object of הֶעֱלִיתָ.
הָעָ֥םthis peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of הֶעֱלִיתָעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the same 'this people' YHWH had spoken of dismissively in v.11 — Moses turns the phrase back into his plea.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), masc. demonstrative 'this'; identifies the people brought up from Egypt as the same people now under threat.
מִקִּרְבּֽוֹfrom its midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · קֶרֶב (H7130)Locative/source prepositional phrase modifying הֶעֱלִיתָקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; with 3ms suffix referring to Egypt — 'from its midst,' i.e. out from among the Egyptians.
14

וְאָמְר֗וּ אֶל יוֹשֵׁב֮ הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּאת֒ שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ כִּֽי אַתָּ֣ה יְהוָ֔ה בְּקֶ֖רֶב הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה אֲשֶׁר עַ֨יִן בְּעַ֜יִן נִרְאָ֣ה אַתָּ֣ה יְהוָ֗ה וַעֲנָֽנְךָ֙ עֹמֵ֣ד עֲלֵהֶ֔ם וּבְעַמֻּ֣ד עָנָ֗ן אַתָּ֨ה הֹלֵ֤ךְ לִפְנֵיהֶם֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וּבְעַמּ֥וּד אֵ֖שׁ לָֽיְלָה

and they will say to the inhabitants of this land — they have heard that you, YHWH, are in the midst of this people, that you, YHWH, are seen eye to eye, and your cloud stands over them, and you go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night —

Intercession continues — the nations' presumed report of YHWH's manifest presenceוְ
A long, breathless embedded quotation catalogs the visible signs of YHWH's presence — cloud, fire, eye-to-eye appearance — already known to the nations; Moses builds the strongest possible case that YHWH's credibility is now publicly staked on Israel's fate.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
וְאָמְר֗וּand they will sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the consequential sequence from v.13)→ Weqatal: consequential/future — the report the Egyptians will pass on to the land's inhabitantsאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the Egyptians' report becomes speech directed to the Canaanites, widening the audience whose verdict is at stake.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Introduces the addressee of וְאָמְרוּאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the inhabitants of Canaan as the recipients of the Egyptians' report.
יוֹשֵׁב֮the inhabitant(s) ofQal ptc m sg constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle, construct head, object of prep אֶל→ Participle: characterizes an ongoing state — those who dwell in the landיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; substantival participle 'dweller(s) of,' the standard idiom for a land's inhabitants.
הָאָ֣רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of the construct יוֹשֵׁבאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land currently in view, i.e. Canaan.
הַזֹּאת֒thisart + demonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative, pointing to the land the spies scouted and Israel is poised to enter.
שָֽׁמְעוּ֙they have heardQal perf 3cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb introducing the content of the report (main clause of the embedded quotation)→ Perfective: a completed act — the report already known, prior to any further outcomeשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; what the Canaanites already know about YHWH's presence with Israel, the premise of Moses' argument.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Introduces the content clause of שָׁמְעוּכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what the nations have heard — YHWH's manifest presence with Israel.
אַתָּ֣הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of the verbless clause (with בְּקֶרֶב הָעָם as predicate)אַתָּה (H859), independent 2ms pronoun, addressed to YHWH — emphatic subject of the first of several statements about his visible presence.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Vocative/appositive to אַתָּהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; appositional to אַתָּה, naming the one whose presence is being described.
בְּקֶ֖רֶבin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Predicate prepositional phrase of the verbless clauseקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; construct, 'in the midst of' — the location of YHWH's manifest presence, the central claim of the nations' report.
הָעָ֣םthis peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive complement of the construct קֶרֶבעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the community in whose midst YHWH's presence is publicly attested.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), masc. demonstrative 'this'; identifies the people as Israel, in contrast to YHWH's distancing 'this people' in v.11.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a further clause elaborating the report about YHWH's presenceאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'that, which'; here loosely resumptive, continuing the catalog of what the nations have heard.
עַ֨יִןeyeN c sg abs · עַיִן (H5869)First member of the adverbial idiom עַיִן בְּעַיִן, 'eye to eye'עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the doubled phrase עַיִן בְּעַיִן, 'eye to eye,' expresses direct, unmediated visual encounter (cf. Isa 52:8).
בְּעַ֜יִןto eyeprep בְּ + N c sg abs · עַיִן (H5869)Second member of the adverbial idiom עַיִן בְּעַיִן, modifying נִרְאָהעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; completing the fixed idiom 'eye to eye' — direct, face-to-face visibility, not report or vision alone.
נִרְאָ֣הyou are seenNiphal perf (frozen/general) 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of the relative clause, with the following אַתָּה יְהוָה as its (fronted-resumed) subject→ Niphal perfective (stative/general sense): a settled fact of visible manifestation, not a single past eventרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to be seen, appear'; used generically here (agreeing in form with a 3ms subject though the addressed 'you' follows) — YHWH's presence is visibly, directly manifest 'eye to eye.'
אַתָּ֣הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Resumptive subject of נִרְאָהאַתָּה (H859), independent 2ms pronoun, resuming and emphasizing the subject of the passive/stative נִרְאָה.
יְהוָ֗הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Vocative/appositive to אַתָּהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; appositional to אַתָּה, naming the one who is seen eye to eye.
וַעֲנָֽנְךָ֙and your cloudconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of the participial clause עֹמֵד עֲלֵהֶםעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; with 2ms suffix, the visible token of YHWH's guiding presence over the camp (cf. Exod 13:21-22, 40:34-38).
עֹמֵ֣דstandsQal ptc m sg abs · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate participle of the clause, describing an ongoing state→ Participle: durative — the cloud's continuous, ongoing station over the peopleעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; participial, depicting the cloud's habitual, visible station over the camp as continuing proof of divine presence.
עֲלֵהֶ֔םover themprep עַל + 3mp sfx · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase modifying עֹמֵדעַל (H5921) 'over, upon'; with 3mp suffix referring to the people — the cloud's position of visible guardianship.
וּבְעַמֻּ֣דand in a pillar ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Instrumental/locative prepositional phrase modifying הֹלֵךְעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'; construct with עָנָן, 'pillar of cloud' — the visible form the divine guiding presence takes by day.
עָנָ֗ןcloudN m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Genitive complement of the construct עַמּוּדעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; completing 'pillar of cloud,' the guiding form of divine presence visible during the day's march.
אַתָּ֨הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of the participial clause אַתָּה הֹלֵךְאַתָּה (H859), independent 2ms pronoun, subject of the participle הֹלֵךְ — YHWH himself as the one who leads.
הֹלֵ֤ךְgoingQal ptc m sg abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle of the clause, describing an ongoing action→ Participle: durative — YHWH's continuous act of leading the marchהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; participial, portraying YHWH's habitual leadership of Israel's journey before them.
לִפְנֵיהֶם֙before themprep לְ + N c pl constr + 3mp sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phrase modifying הֹלֵךְפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; with לְ and 3mp suffix, idiomatic 'before them' — YHWH marching ahead of the people as guide and vanguard.
יוֹמָ֔םby dayadverb · יוֹמָם (H3119)Temporal adverb modifying הֹלֵךְ, paired with לַיְלָהיוֹמָם (H3119) 'by day, daily'; sets up the day/night contrast with the pillar of cloud (day) and pillar of fire (night).
וּבְעַמּ֥וּדand in a pillar ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · עַמּוּד (H5982)Instrumental/locative prepositional phrase modifying הֹלֵךְ, coordinate with the daytime cloudעַמּוּד (H5982) 'pillar, column'; construct with אֵשׁ, 'pillar of fire' — the nighttime form of the same guiding presence.
אֵ֖שׁfireN c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Genitive complement of the construct עַמּוּדאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; completing 'pillar of fire,' the visible form of divine guidance and protection during the night.
לָֽיְלָהby nightN m sg abs (adverbial) · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal accusative modifying הֹלֵךְ, paired with יוֹמָםלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; adverbial accusative of time, completing the day/night merism of YHWH's continuous, visible guidance.
15

וְהֵמַתָּ֛ה אֶת הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה כְּאִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֑ד וְאָֽמְרוּ֙ הַגּוֹיִ֔ם אֲשֶׁר שָׁמְע֥וּ אֶֽת שִׁמְעֲךָ֖ לֵאמֹֽר

if now you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard your fame will say,

Intercession continues — the feared consequenceוְ
The conditional protasis begun in v. 13 (וְשָׁמְעוּ...וְאָמְרוּ) reaches its content here: if YHWH kills the people 'as one man' — all at once, en masse — the nations will draw a damaging conclusion.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהֵמַתָּ֛הif you killconj וְ + Hiphil perf 2ms · מוּת (H4191)Protasis verb of the conditional sentence (apodosis: וְאָמְרוּ)→ Perfective (conditional protasis): a hypothetical decisive act — 'if/should you kill'מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; Hiphil 'to kill, put to death'. Opens the condition whose result is the nations' damaging verdict.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָעָם הַזֶּה as the definite object of וְהֵמַתָּה.
הָעָ֥םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Direct object of וְהֵמַתָּהעָם (H5971) 'people'; the definite article makes it Israel specifically.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; with the article agreeing with its noun, 'this people' — the generation at Kadesh.
כְּאִ֣ישׁas a manprep כְּ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Comparative prepositional phrase modifying וְהֵמַתָּהאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; כְּאִישׁ אֶחָד 'as one man' — a mass killing in a single decisive stroke, all at once.
אֶחָ֑דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Modifier completing the idiom כְּאִישׁ אֶחָדאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; completes the idiom 'as one man' — total, simultaneous destruction, with no survivors to attest otherwise.
וְאָֽמְרוּ֙then they will sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · אָמַר (H559)Apodosis verb (main clause, consecutive perfect continuing the conditional)→ Weqatal: apodosis of a conditional — the consequent, future-oriented resultאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the weqatal form marks this as the result clause of the preceding condition.
הַגּוֹיִ֔םthe nationsart + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Subject of וְאָמְרוּגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation, people'; the surrounding Canaanite/foreign nations who will draw conclusions from Israel's fate.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clause modifying הַגּוֹיִםאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle 'who, which, that'.
שָׁמְע֥וּhave heardQal perf 3cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הַגּוֹיִם→ Perfective: a completed state — the nations' prior, ongoing awareness of YHWH's reputationשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the nations already have a fixed report of YHWH's fame, which is precisely what is at stake.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking שִׁמְעֲךָ as the definite object of שָׁמְעוּ.
שִׁמְעֲךָ֖your fameN m sg constr + 2ms sfx · שֵׁמַע (H8088)Direct object of שָׁמְעוּשֵׁמַע (H8088) 'report, fame, reputation', from שָׁמַע 'to hear'; here YHWH's reputation as staked publicly among the nations.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: complementary — formulaic 'saying' introducing a quotationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the standard formula introducing reported/quoted speech, here the nations' feared verdict (v.16).
16

מִבִּלְתִּ֞י יְכֹ֣לֶת יְהוָ֗ה לְהָבִיא֙ אֶת הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶל הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּ֣ע לָהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁחָטֵ֖ם בַּמִּדְבָּֽר

'Because YHWH was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to them, therefore he slaughtered them in the wilderness.'

Intercession continues — the nations' inference stated (apodosis)asyndeton
The feared slander is quoted directly: the nations would conclude YHWH lacked the power (יְכֹלֶת) to fulfill his oath — the theological stakes of the crisis are now named explicitly.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
מִבִּלְתִּ֞יbecause ... notprep מִן + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Causal prepositional phrase governing the infinitive יְכֹלֶתבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, except'; with מִן forms a causal idiom, 'because of ... not', introducing the nations' alleged reasoning.
יְכֹ֣לֶתabilityQal inf constr (nominal use) · יָכֹל (H3201)Object of מִבִּלְתִּי, governing the complementary infinitive לְהָבִיא→ Infinitive used substantively: 'ability, capability' — the nations' alleged verdict on YHWH's powerיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; the infinitive functions as an abstract noun 'ability, power' — the very thing Moses argues is at stake.
יְהוָ֗הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of the construct יְכֹלֶתיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; construct chain 'the ability of YHWH', i.e. YHWH's power/capability.
לְהָבִיא֙to bringprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Complementary infinitive of יְכֹלֶת→ Infinitive construct: purpose/complement — 'to bring'בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; Hiphil 'to bring, cause to enter' — the promised act YHWH allegedly lacked power to complete.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָעָם הַזֶּה as the definite object of לְהָבִיא.
הָעָ֣םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Direct object of לְהָבִיאעָם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the object of the aborted bringing-in.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; agreeing with הָעָם, 'this people'.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative/directional prepositional phrase modifying לְהָבִיאאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the destination of the bringing-in, הָאָרֶץ.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, the object of the oath in the relative clause following.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle 'that, which'.
נִשְׁבַּ֣עhe sworeNiphal perf 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ→ Perfective: a completed, binding act — the prior divine oathשָׁבַע (H7650) 'to swear'; the Niphal stem is the standard oath-swearing form, recalling YHWH's promise to the patriarchs.
לָהֶ֑םto themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְ (H3807)Indirect object of נִשְׁבַּעלְ with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the recipients of YHWH's oath, Israel (or, by extension, the patriarchs).
וַיִּשְׁחָטֵ֖םand he slaughtered themconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3mp sfx · שָׁחַט (H7819)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative sequence — the nations' alleged conclusion)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the feared verdict stated as accomplished factשָׁחַט (H7819) 'to slaughter'; normally of sacrificial animals — applying it to Israel casts the feared act as brutal, animal-like butchery.
בַּמִּדְבָּֽרin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase modifying וַיִּשְׁחָטֵםמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the setting where the feared mass death would occur — outside the land, the oath unfulfilled.
17

וְעַתָּ֕ה יִגְדַּל נָ֖א כֹּ֣חַ אֲדֹנָ֑י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ לֵאמֹֽר

And now, please let the power of my Lord be great, just as you have spoken, saying,

Intercession pivots — petition proper beginsוְ
יִגְדַּל נָא כֹּחַ אֲדֹנָי, 'let the power of my Lord be great,' reframes 'power' from the nations' potential slander (v. 16) into a positive plea: let YHWH demonstrate greatness precisely through mercy, not destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְעַתָּ֕הand nowconj וְ + adverb · עַתָּה (H6258)Discourse marker shifting from argument to petitionעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; a common pivot marker in petitionary speech, moving from grounds to request.
יִגְדַּלlet it be greatQal jussive 3ms · גָּדַל (H1431)Volitional predicate verb (main clause)→ Volitional: jussive — a wish/request that YHWH's power be shown great through mercyגָּדַל (H1431) 'to be/become great'; jussive expressing Moses' petition that YHWH's power be magnified, not by destruction but by forbearance.
נָ֖אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty reinforcing the jussive יִגְדַּלנָא (H4994), enclitic particle of entreaty/politeness, softening and intensifying a volitive form.
כֹּ֣חַthe power ofN m sg constr · כֹּחַ (H3581)Subject of יִגְדַּל (construct head)כֹּחַ (H3581) 'strength, power'; construct with אֲדֹנָי, echoing and reversing the נָא of the nations' feared slander in v.16 (יְכֹלֶת).
אֲדֹנָ֑יmy LordN m pl constr + 1cs sfx (divine title) · אָדוֹן (H136)Genitive complement of the construct כֹּחַאֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord', plural of majesty fused as a divine epithet; addresses YHWH directly as sovereign master.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing a clause of mannerכַּאֲשֶׁר (prep כְּ + H834), grammaticalized subordinating conjunction 'just as, according as'.
דִּבַּ֖רְתָּyou have spokenPiel perf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the comparative clause introduced by כַּאֲשֶׁר→ Perfective: a completed act — YHWH's prior self-declaration, appealed to as precedentדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel, the standard stem for authoritative divine speech — Moses appeals to YHWH's own prior words (Exod 34:6-7, quoted next).
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: complementary — formulaic 'saying' introducing YHWH's own quoted self-revelationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר introduces the quotation of Exod 34:6-7 that follows in v.18.
18

יְהוָ֗ה אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֨יִם֙ וְרַב חֶ֔סֶד נֹשֵׂ֥א עָוֺ֖ן וָפָ֑שַׁע וְנַקֵּה֙ לֹ֣א יְנַקֶּ֔ה פֹּקֵ֞ד עֲוֺ֤ן אָבוֹת֙ עַל בָּנִ֔ים עַל שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖ים וְעַל רִבֵּעִֽים

'YHWH is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, yet by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of fathers upon children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation.'

Petition continues — citation of YHWH's self-revealed character (Exod 34:6-7)asyndeton
Moses quotes YHWH's own self-disclosure from Sinai (Exod 34:6-7) nearly verbatim — the Thirteen Attributes formula — grounding the appeal not in Israel's worth but in YHWH's revealed nature: patient, abounding in חֶסֶד, forgiving, yet not unqualifiedly permissive of guilt.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
יְהוָ֗הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the verbless/participial clauses that follow (self-revelation formula)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; heads the quoted self-revelation formula of Exod 34:6-7.
אֶ֤רֶךְslow ofadj m sg constr · אָרֵךְ (H750)Predicate adjective, construct head governing אַפַּיִםאָרֵךְ (H750) 'long'; construct with אַפַּיִם ('nostrils/anger'), the idiom 'long of nostrils' = 'slow to anger, patient'.
אַפַּ֨יִם֙to angerN m dual abs · אַף (H639)Genitive complement of the construct אֶרֶךְאַף (H639) 'nose, nostril'; dual אַפַּיִם idiomatically 'anger' (flared nostrils as the visible sign of wrath) — 'slow to anger'.
וְרַבand abounding inconj וְ + adj m sg constr · רַב (H7227)Coordinate predicate adjective, construct head governing חֶסֶדרַב (H7227) 'much, abundant'; construct with חֶסֶד, 'abundant/great in steadfast love'.
חֶ֔סֶדsteadfast loveN m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Genitive complement of the construct רַבחֶסֶד (H2617) 'steadfast love, loyalty, covenant faithfulness'; the central term of YHWH's self-revealed character, grounding Moses' entire petition.
נֹשֵׂ֥אforgivingQal ptc m sg abs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate participle describing YHWH's characteristic action→ Participle: durative — an ongoing, characteristic trait of forgivingנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; here 'to forgive' — bearing away guilt rather than counting it.
עָוֺ֖ןiniquityN c sg abs · עָוֺן (H5771)Direct object of נֹשֵׂאעָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt'; the first of the paired objects of forgiveness.
וָפָ֑שַׁעand transgressionconj וְ + N m sg abs · פֶּשַׁע (H6588)Coordinate direct object of נֹשֵׂאפֶּשַׁע (H6588) 'transgression, rebellion'; a willful breach, paired with עָוֺן to cover the full range of wrongdoing.
וְנַקֵּה֙clearingconj וְ + Piel inf abs · נָקָה (H5352)Infinitive absolute intensifying the paired finite verb יְנַקֶּה (emphatic negation)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic — reinforces the following negated verb, 'by no means clearing'נָקָה (H5352) 'to be clean, acquit'; paired with the finite verb of the same root for emphasis, a classic Hebrew intensifying construction.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the finite verb יְנַקֶּהלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle; here negating a verb already reinforced by its own infinitive absolute — the tension of the mercy formula.
יְנַקֶּ֔הhe will clearPiel impf 3ms · נָקָה (H5352)Predicate verb, negated — 'by no means will he clear (the guilty)'→ Yiqtol (negated, emphatic): categorical — the qualifying counterweight to YHWH's mercyנָקָה (H5352) 'to be clean, acquit, leave unpunished'; negated and intensified — guilt is not simply waved away.
פֹּקֵ֞דvisitingQal ptc m sg abs · פָּקַד (H6485)Predicate participle describing YHWH's characteristic action, coordinate with נֹשֵׂא→ Participle: durative — an ongoing, characteristic pattern of visiting consequenceפָּקַד (H6485) 'to visit, attend to, reckon'; here 'to visit (punishment for)' — transgenerational consequence, not simple forgiveness.
עֲוֺ֤ןthe iniquity ofN c sg constr · עָוֺן (H5771)Direct object of פֹּקֵד (construct head)עָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity'; construct with אָבוֹת, 'the iniquity of fathers'.
אָבוֹת֙fathersN m pl abs · אָב (H1)Genitive complement of the construct עֲוֺןאָב (H1) 'father'; plural, the guilty generation whose iniquity has ongoing consequence.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase modifying פֹּקֵדעַל (H5921) 'upon'; marks בָּנִים as the recipient of the visited iniquity.
בָּנִ֔יםchildrenN m pl abs · בֵּן (H1121)Object of the preposition עַלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural 'sons/children', the descendants who bear the effect of the fathers' iniquity.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase, coordinate with the preceding עַל בָּנִיםעַל (H5921) 'upon'; introduces the further specification 'to the third generation'.
שִׁלֵּשִׁ֖יםthe third generationN m pl abs · שִׁלֵּשִׁים (H8029)Object of the preposition עַלשִׁלֵּשִׁים (H8029) 'third generation', denominative from שָׁלוֹשׁ 'three'; marks the outer limit of transgenerational consequence, first term of the pair.
וְעַלand uponconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinate locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; introduces the second, outer term of the pair.
רִבֵּעִֽיםthe fourth generationN m pl abs · רִבֵּעִים (H7256)Object of the preposition עַל, closing the verseרִבֵּעִים (H7256) 'fourth generation', denominative from אַרְבַּע 'four'; caps the formula — this compressed citation omits אֱמֶת/וְרַחוּם found in Exod 34:6-7's fuller wording.
19

סְלַֽח נָ֗א לַעֲוֺ֛ן הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּ֖ה כְּגֹ֣דֶל חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ וְכַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֨אתָה֙ לָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם וְעַד הֵֽנָּה

Please forgive the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have borne with this people from Egypt even until now.

Petition concludes — direct request for pardonasyndeton
סְלַח נָא, 'please forgive,' is the imperative center of the whole speech; Moses grounds the plea in precedent — the חֶסֶד already shown 'from Egypt until now' — asking for covenant continuity rather than a new dispensation.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
סְלַֽחforgiveQal impv 2ms · סָלַח (H5545)Volitional predicate verb (main clause) — the imperative center of the intercession→ Volitional: imperative — the direct, urgent plea for pardonסָלַח (H5545) 'to forgive', used exclusively of God as subject in the Hebrew Bible; the petition's central verb.
נָ֗אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty reinforcing the imperative סְלַחנָא (H4994), enclitic particle of entreaty softening the imperative into a heartfelt request.
לַעֲוֺ֛ןthe iniquity ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · עָוֺן (H5771)Object complement of סְלַח (with לְ, standard construction for the object of forgiveness)עָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity'; construct with הָעָם הַזֶּה, the specific guilt Moses asks YHWH to forgive.
הָעָ֥םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Genitive complement of the construct עֲוֺןעָם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the object of the forgiveness sought.
הַזֶּ֖הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; agreeing with הָעָם, 'this people'.
כְּגֹ֣דֶלaccording to the greatness ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · גֹּדֶל (H1433)Prepositional phrase of standard/measure modifying סְלַחגֹּדֶל (H1433) 'greatness'; construct with חַסְדֶּךָ, the measure by which forgiveness is requested — matching the scale of the request to the scale of YHWH's חֶסֶד.
חַסְדֶּ֑ךָyour steadfast loveN m sg constr + 2ms sfx · חֶסֶד (H2617)Genitive complement of the construct כְּגֹדֶלחֶסֶד (H2617) 'steadfast love'; with 2ms suffix, directly addressing YHWH — echoing וְרַב חֶסֶד of v.18.
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֤רand just asconj וְ + prep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing a clause of precedentוְכַאֲשֶׁר (conj + prep כְּ + H834), grammaticalized 'and just as' — introduces the historical precedent grounding the petition.
נָשָׂ֨אתָה֙you have borneQal perf 2ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb of the comparative clause introduced by וְכַאֲשֶׁר→ Perfective: a completed, sustained pattern — YHWH's ongoing forbearance across the whole wilderness periodנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, bear, carry'; here 'to bear with, tolerate, forgive' — the same verb as נֹשֵׂא עָוֺן in v.18, now applied as precedent.
לָעָ֣םwith the peopleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Object complement of נָשָׂאתָהעָם (H5971) 'people'; object of YHWH's forbearance, 'borne with this people'.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; agreeing with הָעָם, 'this people'.
מִמִּצְרַ֖יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + proper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Temporal/spatial prepositional phrase modifying נָשָׂאתָה, paired with וְעַד הֵנָּהמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; marks the starting point of the whole span of YHWH's forbearance being invoked.
וְעַדand untilconj וְ + prep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase modifying נָשָׂאתָה, paired with מִמִּצְרַיִםעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the endpoint of the span, 'until now'.
הֵֽנָּהnowadverb · הֵנָּה (H2008)Object of the preposition עַד, closing the temporal spanהֵנָּה (H2008) 'here, hither'; with עַד, idiomatic 'until now' — the whole wilderness journey to this moment.
20

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה סָלַ֖חְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ

And YHWH said, 'I have forgiven, according to your word.'

Divine response — pardon grantedוַ
סָלַחְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶךָ, 'I have forgiven, according to your word,' is immediate and unconditional in wording, yet the following verses show that pardon — relief from immediate annihilation — is distinct from removal of consequence, the wilderness sentence.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the divine response to the intercessionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's direct reply to Moses' petition.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the speaker of the pardon that follows.
סָלַ֖חְתִּיI have forgivenQal perf 1cs · סָלַח (H5545)Predicate verb of the quoted divine speech→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — pardon granted, immediate and unconditional in wordingסָלַח (H5545) 'to forgive'; YHWH's direct, first-person answer, echoing Moses' own imperative סְלַח נָא in v.19.
כִּדְבָרֶֽךָaccording to your wordprep כְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms sfx · דָּבָר (H1697)Prepositional phrase of standard/measure modifying סָלַחְתִּידָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; with 2ms suffix, 'according to your word' — YHWH grants pardon in the very terms Moses requested (cf. כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ, v.17).
21

וְאוּלָ֖ם חַי אָ֑נִי וְיִמָּלֵ֥א כְבוֹד יְהוָ֖ה אֶת כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ

But nevertheless, as I live, and as the glory of YHWH shall fill the whole earth —

Divine oath formula introducing the sentenceוְ
חַי אָנִי, 'as I live,' is YHWH's self-maledictory oath formula (cf. Deut 32:40, Ezekiel); the coming filling of 'all the earth' with YHWH's glory anticipates the sentence as itself a vindication of YHWH's name before the very nations Moses invoked.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאוּלָ֖םbut neverthelessconj וְ + adverb · אוּלָם (H199)Adversative discourse marker introducing the qualifying oathאוּלָם (H199) 'but, nevertheless, however'; sharply pivots from unconditional-sounding pardon to the qualifying sentence that follows.
חַיlivingadj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective of the oath formula חַי אָנִיחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; חַי אָנִי, 'as I live', is YHWH's self-maledictory oath formula (cf. Deut 32:40, Ezekiel).
אָ֑נִיIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the verbless oath clause חַי אָנִיאֲנִי (H589), independent 1cs pronoun; subject of the predicate adjective חַי in the fixed oath idiom, 'as I live'.
וְיִמָּלֵ֥אand shall be filledconj וְ + Niphal impf 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb, second element of the oath formula (coordinate with חַי אָנִי)→ Yiqtol (oath consequence): future — the certain, coming filling of the whole earth with YHWH's gloryמָלֵא (H4390) 'to be full, fill'; Niphal but used transitively with an accusative of the thing filled — 'the glory of YHWH will fill the whole earth'.
כְבוֹדthe glory ofN c sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Subject of וְיִמָּלֵא (construct head)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, weightiness'; construct with יְהוָה — the manifest divine presence that will vindicate YHWH's name before the nations.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHNp · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive complement of the construct כְבוֹדיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; 'the glory of YHWH', completing the construct chain.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker marking the accusative of filling ('fill the whole earth')אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; here marking כָּל הָאָרֶץ as the accusative object of the transitively-used Niphal וְיִמָּלֵא.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the object phrase governed by אֶתכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; construct with הָאָרֶץ, 'the whole earth'.
הָאָֽרֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive complement of the construct כָּלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the whole created world, the ultimate scope of YHWH's coming vindication.
22

כִּ֣י כָל הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים הָרֹאִ֤ים אֶת כְּבֹדִי֙ וְאֶת אֹ֣תֹתַ֔י אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂ֥יתִי בְמִצְרַ֖יִם וּבַמִּדְבָּ֑ר וַיְנַסּ֣וּ אֹתִ֗י זֶ֚ה עֶ֣שֶׂר פְּעָמִ֔ים וְלֹ֥א שָׁמְע֖וּ בְּקוֹלִֽי

surely all the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have tested me these ten times and have not listened to my voice,

Sentence begins — the specific charge: repeated testing despite the signsכִּי
עֶשֶׂר פְּעָמִים, 'ten times,' is the chapter's most quoted number — rabbinic tradition catalogs ten testings from the Reed Sea through this rebellion; the charge is cumulative, not a single offense.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
כִּ֣יsurelyconj · כִּי (H3588)Asseverative/causal conjunction opening the oath's sworn contentכִּי (H3588) 'for, that, surely'; here asseverative, introducing the substance of the oath sworn in v.21 — the emphatic 'surely' of a solemn declaration.
כָלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the subject phrase (subject of the sentence completed in v.23)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הָאֲנָשִׁים, 'all the men'.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֗יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive complement of the construct כָּלאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the tested generation, further specified by the following participial and relative clauses.
הָרֹאִ֤יםwho have seenart + Qal ptc m pl abs · רָאָה (H7200)Attributive/substantival participle modifying הָאֲנָשִׁים→ Participle: resultative-durative — the men characterized by having seen (and retained the memory of) YHWH's glory and signsרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; articular participle functioning as a relative clause, 'the ones who saw' — direct eyewitnesses, making their unbelief inexcusable.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking כְּבֹדִי as the definite object of הָרֹאִים.
כְּבֹדִי֙my gloryN c sg constr + 1cs sfx · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Direct object of הָרֹאִיםכָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory'; with 1cs suffix, YHWH's own manifest presence — as at Sinai and in the cloud that filled the tent (cf. v.10).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object of הָרֹאִים)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks אֹתֹתַי as the definite second object of the participle.
אֹ֣תֹתַ֔יmy signsN c pl constr + 1cs sfx · אוֹת (H226)Coordinate direct object of הָרֹאִיםאוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; with 1cs suffix, YHWH's wonders — plagues, sea-crossing, wilderness provision — the accumulated evidence the men witnessed.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing an attributive clause modifying אֹתֹתַיאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle 'that, which'.
עָשִׂ֥יתִיI didQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying אֹתֹתַי→ Perfective: completed acts — the signs YHWH performed, now historical factעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; YHWH's first-person claim to have personally performed the signs in Egypt and the wilderness.
בְמִצְרַ֖יִםin Egyptprep בְּ + proper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phrase modifying עָשִׂיתִימִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the site of the exodus signs — plagues, Reed Sea.
וּבַמִּדְבָּ֑רand in the wildernessconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Coordinate locative prepositional phrase modifying עָשִׂיתִימִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; the site of the continuing signs — manna, quail, water — since the exodus.
וַיְנַסּ֣וּand yet they testedconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסָה (H5254)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol narrative sequence, adversative force despite the preceding signs)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the repeated, deliberate act of testing YHWHנָסָה (H5254) 'to test, try'; Piel, of Israel repeatedly putting YHWH's patience and power to the test despite having seen the signs.
אֹתִ֗יmeobj marker + 1cs sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיְנַסּוּאֵת (H853) with 1cs suffix, 'me' — the definite pronominal object of the testing, YHWH himself.
זֶ֚הthesedem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Adverbial demonstrative modifying עֶשֶׂר פְּעָמִיםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; used adverbially with a numeral, 'these ten times' — emphasizing the cumulative, repeated nature of the offense.
עֶ֣שֶׂרtennumeral f sg abs · עֶשֶׂר (H6235)Numeral modifying פְּעָמִיםעֶשֶׂר (H6235) 'ten'; עֶשֶׂר פְּעָמִים, 'ten times', is the chapter's most quoted number — rabbinic tradition catalogs ten testings from the Reed Sea onward.
פְּעָמִ֔יםtimesN f pl abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of frequency modifying וַיְנַסּוּפַּעַם (H6471) 'foot-fall, occurrence, time'; plural with עֶשֶׂר, 'ten times' — the cumulative charge, not a single offense.
וְלֹ֥אand have notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the coordinate finite verb שָׁמְעוּלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle; negates שָׁמְעוּ, completing the twofold charge — tested me, and did not listen.
שָׁמְע֖וּthey have listenedQal perf 3cp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb, negated by לֹא, coordinate with וַיְנַסּוּ→ Perfective (negated): a completed pattern — persistent, settled failure to heedשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; negated — the men's habitual disobedience despite direct experience of YHWH's power.
בְּקוֹלִֽיto my voiceprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs sfx · קוֹל (H6963)Object complement of שָׁמְעוּ (idiom שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, 'to obey')קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; with שָׁמַע בְּ, the standard idiom for obedience — 'to listen to/obey my voice', closing the charge before the verdict (v.23).
23

אִם יִרְאוּ֙ אֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי לַאֲבֹתָ֑ם וְכָל מְנַאֲצַ֖י לֹ֥א יִרְאֽוּהָ

shall by no means see the land that I swore to their fathers, and none of those who spurned me shall see it.

Sentence proper — the generation excludedאִם
אִם יִרְאוּ, 'they shall (by no means) see' — an oath formula using אִם as a negative asseverative (cf. v. 28's inverse formula) — is the chapter's decisive verdict against the exodus generation.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
אִםnotoath negative particle · אִם (H518)Oath negative particle introducing the sworn consequence (equivalent to 'shall not')אִם (H518) here used as the negative particle of an oath formula — 'if' functions as emphatic 'surely not', with the positive counterpart marked by כִּי אִם ('but/except') in v.30.
יִרְאוּ֙they shall seeQal impf 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of the oath clause, negated by the preceding אִם ('shall not see')→ Yiqtol: modal/future — negated by the oath particle, expressing the sworn exclusionרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; here of experiencing/entering the land — the sworn generation will not live to see it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite object of יִרְאוּ.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of יִרְאוּאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; here the promised land of Canaan, the object of the sworn oath to the fathers.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle 'that, which'.
נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּיI sworeNiphal perf 1cs · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ→ Perfective: a completed, binding act — the oath YHWH swore to the patriarchsשָׁבַע (H7650) 'to swear'; Niphal (reflexive-passive in form but active in sense) is the standard stem for oath-taking, 'to bind oneself by seven things'; recalls the patriarchal land grant of Gen 15, 22, 26, 28.
לַאֲבֹתָ֑םto their fathersprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3mp sfx · אָב (H1)Indirect object / recipient of נִשְׁבַּעְתִּיאָב (H1) 'father'; with 3mp suffix, the patriarchs — Abraham, Isaac, Jacob — to whom the land oath was originally sworn.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the coordinate subject clause (resumes/reinforces v.22's כָּל־הָאֲנָשִׁים)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with מְנַאֲצַי, 'and all who spurn me' — a summarizing restatement of the excluded generation before the final negated verb.
מְנַאֲצַ֖יwho spurn mePiel ptc m pl constr + 1cs sfx · נָאַץ (H5006)Substantival participle, genitive complement of כָּל, 'all who spurn me'→ Participle: characterizing, ongoing disposition — those who habitually treat YHWH with contemptנָאַץ (H5006) 'to spurn, despise, treat with contempt'; Piel intensive; the chapter's summary verdict-word for the whole generation's rebellion (cf. v.11's נִאֲצֻנִי).
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the final predicate יִרְאוּהָלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle, negating the final verb of the oath's consequence clause.
יִרְאֽוּהָthey shall see itQal impf 3mp + 3fs sfx · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause), negated by לֹא — the sentence's final, decisive verdict→ Yiqtol (negated): categorical future denial — none of this generation will ever see the landרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; with 3fs suffix referring back to הָאָרֶץ, closing the oath with the emphatic negative restated (cf. יִרְאוּ at the clause's start, forming an inclusio).
24

וְעַבְדִּ֣י כָלֵ֗ב עֵ֣קֶב הָֽיְתָ֞ה ר֤וּחַ אַחֶ֨רֶת֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וַיְמַלֵּ֖א אַחֲרָ֑י וַהֲבִֽיאֹתִ֗יו אֶל הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ אֲשֶׁר בָּ֣א שָׁ֔מָּה וְזַרְע֖וֹ יוֹרִשֶֽׁנָּה

But my servant Caleb, because he had a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring him into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.

Exception clause — Caleb namedוְ
רוּחַ אַחֶרֶת, 'a different spirit,' and וַיְמַלֵּא אַחֲרָי, 'has followed fully after me,' single out Caleb by name and motive; the promise of land for his 'seed' anticipates Josh 14:6-15.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְעַבְדִּ֣יbut my servantconj וְ + N m sg constr + 1cs sfx · עֶבֶד (H5650)Adversative-fronted subject/topic (contrastive with v.23's excluded generation)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; with 1cs suffix, YHWH's honorific title for Caleb, singling him out as uniquely loyal against the whole condemned generation.
כָלֵ֗בCalebproper N · כָּלֵב (H3612)Apposition to וְעַבְדִּי, naming the exceptionכָּלֵב (H3612) 'Caleb', son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite (v.30; cf. 13:6, 30); traditionally 'dog' or from a root meaning 'whole-hearted'; the chapter's exemplar of faith.
עֵ֣קֶבbecauseconj · עֵקֶב (H6118)Causal conjunction introducing the ground clause (הָיְתָה ... עִמּוֹ)עֵקֶב (H6118) 'consequence, because'; literally 'heel/footstep' extended to 'result, following upon' — introduces the reason for Caleb's exceptional treatment.
הָֽיְתָ֞הthere wasQal perf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the causal clause (subject רוּחַ אַחֶרֶת)→ Perfective: a settled state — Caleb's spirit has been, and remains, differentהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here stative, describing the different spirit that characterizes Caleb.
ר֤וּחַa spiritN (c) sg abs · רוּחַ (H7307)Subject of הָיְתָהרוּחַ (H7307) 'spirit, wind, disposition'; here Caleb's inner disposition/character, contrasted with the ten spies' fearful spirit.
אַחֶ֨רֶת֙differentAdj f sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying רוּחַאַחֵר (H312) 'other, different'; describes Caleb's spirit as qualitatively distinct from the majority's unbelief — wholehearted trust rather than fear.
עִמּ֔וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms sfx · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase modifying הָיְתָה (locative of possession, 'in him')עִם (H5973) 'with'; with 3ms suffix, idiomatic for an inner quality residing 'with/in' a person.
וַיְמַלֵּ֖אand he has followed fullyconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, coordinate with הָיְתָה, resultative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative/logical consequence — Caleb's complete, undivided loyalty following from his different spiritמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill'; Piel here idiomatic מִלֵּא אַחֲרֵי, 'to fill after/fully follow' — total, unreserved devotion to YHWH (cf. Deut 1:36; Josh 14:8-9).
אַחֲרָ֑יafter meprep אַחַר + 1cs sfx · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional complement of וַיְמַלֵּא (idiom מִלֵּא אַחֲרֵי, 'fully follow')אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; with 1cs suffix, completes the idiom for wholehearted, exclusive loyalty to YHWH.
וַהֲבִֽיאֹתִ֗יוand I will bring himconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs + 3ms sfx · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing YHWH's first-person promise)→ Weqatal: volitional/future consequence — YHWH's binding promise following from Caleb's loyaltyבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go'; Hiphil causative 'to bring/cause to enter'; YHWH's personal pledge to bring Caleb into the land, in direct contrast to the excluded generation of v.23.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal) modifying וַהֲבִיאֹתִיואֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the goal of the bringing — the land.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙the landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, here specifically the land Caleb himself scouted (13:22, Hebron).
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
בָּ֣אhe wentQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ→ Perfective: a completed act — Caleb's earlier personal entry into the land as a spy (ch.13)בּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, enter'; Qal, recalling Caleb's own scouting journey into the land in ch.13, now the very land he will be brought into again to possess.
שָׁ֔מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial complement of בָּא (locative 'thither')שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with directional ה-suffix, 'thither, to there' — the place Caleb went as a spy.
וְזַרְע֖וֹand his offspringconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3ms sfx · זֶרַע (H2233)Subject of יוֹרִשֶׁנָּה (fronted for emphasis)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; with 3ms suffix, Caleb's descendants — anticipates the Calebite/Kenizzite allotment at Hebron in Joshua 14-15.
יוֹרִשֶֽׁנָּהshall possess itHiphil impf 3ms + 3fs sfx · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Predicate verb (main clause), object suffix referring to הָאָרֶץ→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the promised, certain future possession granted to Caleb's lineיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to inherit, possess, dispossess'; Hiphil here functions causatively/intensively 'shall take possession of'; with 3fs suffix referring to הָאָרֶץ, closing the promise to Caleb with concrete inheritance.
25

וְהָֽעֲמָלֵקִ֥י וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י יוֹשֵׁ֣ב בָּעֵ֑מֶק מָחָ֗ר פְּנ֨וּ וּסְע֥וּ לָכֶ֛ם הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר דֶּ֥רֶךְ יַם סֽוּף

Now the Amalekite and the Canaanite dwell in the valley. Tomorrow turn and set out for yourselves into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.

Directive — redirect of the march away from the southוְ
The notice that the Amalekite and Canaanite already occupy the valley functions as tactical rationale for turning back toward the Red Sea, and sets up the failed presumption of vv. 40-45, where the people ignore precisely this warning.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהָֽעֲמָלֵקִ֥יand the Amalekiteconj וְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · עֲמָלֵקִי (H6003)Subject (first of compound) of יוֹשֵׁבעֲמָלֵקִי (H6003) 'Amalekite', gentilic of עֲמָלֵק; the perennial wilderness adversary (cf. Exod 17).
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יand the Canaaniteconj וְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Subject (second of compound) of יוֹשֵׁבכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669) 'Canaanite', gentilic of כְּנַעַן; here representing the land's inhabitants blocking the southern approach (cf. 13:29).
יוֹשֵׁ֣בdwellsQal ptc m sg abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate participle (main clause, present-durative)→ Participle: durative present — a continuing, current state of occupationיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; participle expressing a settled, ongoing presence in the valley, the tactical reason for redirecting the march.
בָּעֵ֑מֶקin the valleyprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עֵמֶק (H6010)Locative prepositional phrase modifying יוֹשֵׁבעֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley, lowland'; the specific terrain (cf. 13:22-24, the valley of Eshcol/Hebron region) already held by Israel's enemies.
מָחָ֗רtomorrowN m sg abs (used adverbially) · מָחָר (H4279)Adverbial accusative of time, fronted for emphasisמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'; sets the immediacy of the redirected march — no delay after the sentence is pronounced.
פְּנ֨וּturn!Qal impv 2mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause command)→ Volitional: direct imperative — the immediate command to reverse courseפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn, face'; imperative reversing the intended direction of march away from the Canaanite-held valley.
וּסְע֥וּand set out!conj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (coordinate imperative)→ Volitional: direct imperative, coordinate command to journey onwardנָסַע (H5265) 'to pull up (tent-pegs), set out, journey'; the chapter's key verb of wilderness travel, now redirected away from the land.
לָכֶ֛םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp sfx · לְ (—)Dative of advantage/reflexive complement of וּסְעוּלְ with 2mp suffix, ethical/reflexive dative reinforcing the imperative, 'set out for yourselves' — idiomatic with נָסַע.
הַמִּדְבָּ֖רthe wildernessart + N m sg abs (used adverbially/directional) · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Adverbial accusative of direction, goal of the movementמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; the destination of the redirected march, away from the land and back toward Sinai/the Reed Sea.
דֶּ֥רֶךְthe way ofN (c) sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Construct head, further specifying the direction of מִדְבָּרדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; construct with יַם סוּף, specifying the exact route back.
יַםsea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Construct chain (genitival), continuing דֶּרֶךְיָם (H3220) 'sea'; construct with סוּף, forming the place-name יַם סוּף.
סֽוּףReed [Sea]N m sg abs · סוּף (H5488)Genitive complement completing the construct chain יַם סוּףסוּף (H5488) 'reed, rush'; יַם סוּף, 'Sea of Reeds' (traditionally 'Red Sea'), the route of the original exodus deliverance, now the direction of retreat.
26

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Discourse hinge — a fresh divine-speech formula introduces the formal sentenceוַ
וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה...לֵאמֹר restarts the speech unit; what follows (vv. 27-35) is YHWH's own formal pronouncement of sentence, addressed jointly to Moses and Aaron, distinct from the informal exchange of vv. 11-20.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣רand he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (wayyiqtol, discourse-hinge formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — restarting the speech unit with a fresh divine-word formulaדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel, the standard verb of formal divine speech; introduces YHWH's own formal pronouncement of sentence (vv.27-35).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; the tetragrammaton.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee) modifying וַיְדַבֵּראֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the speech.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper N · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (first addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, Israel's mediator-leader.
וְאֶֽלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinate prepositional phrase (second addressee)אֶל (H413) repeated with וְ, marking Aaron as co-addressee alongside Moses.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of the preposition אֶל (second addressee)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Aaron, Moses' brother and high priest; jointly addressed here as in v.2, 5.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct discourse (quotative frame)→ Infinitive: quotative marker introducing YHWH's direct speech, not a finite predicationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard formulaic infinitive לֵאמֹר, 'saying', opening the ensuing divine speech (vv.27-35).
27

עַד מָתַ֗י לָעֵדָ֤ה הָֽרָעָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥מָּה מַלִּינִ֖ים עָלָ֑י אֶת תְּלֻנּ֞וֹת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵ֧מָּה מַלִּינִ֛ים עָלַ֖י שָׁמָֽעְתִּי

How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, who murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

Sentence formula — restatement of the charge as divine complaintasyndeton
The double מַלִּינִים ('murmuring') within one verse underscores YHWH's own weary repetition of the people's chief sin-word (לוּן), now formally 'heard' and about to be formally answered.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
עַדhow longprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing the rhetorical temporal question עַד מָתַיעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; with מָתַי forms the idiom עַד־מָתַי, 'how long?' — a rhetorical question of divine exasperation (cf. Exod 16:28).
מָתַ֗יwheninterrogative adverb · מָתַי (H4970)Interrogative completing the idiom עַד מָתַי, 'how long'מָתַי (H4970) 'when?'; with עַד, the rhetorical 'how long' expressing YHWH's exhausted patience with the murmuring generation.
לָעֵדָ֤ה[with] the congregationprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Prepositional complement — the implied verb of endurance ('bear with') governs this phraseעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the formal, corporate designation of Israel as a covenant community — now the referent of YHWH's complaint.
הָֽרָעָה֙the evilart + Adj f sg abs · רַע (H7451)Attributive adjective modifying עֵדָהרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; describes the congregation's moral character — persistent rebellion, not mere complaint.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + demonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying עֵדָהזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (f); points to the present generation as immediately and specifically in view.
אֲשֶׁ֛רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָעֵדָהאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
הֵ֥מָּהtheyindependent pron 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Emphatic resumptive subject of מַלִּינִים within the relative clauseהֵמָּה (H1992) 3mp independent pronoun, emphatic 'they' — highlighting the congregation as the ones doing the murmuring.
מַלִּינִ֖יםmurmuringHiphil ptc m pl abs · לוּן (H3885)Predicate participle of the relative clause (durative)→ Participle: durative — an ongoing, habitual pattern of complaintלוּן (H3885) 'to murmur, grumble'; Hiphil, the chapter's key sin-word (cf. vv.2, 29, 36) — chronic, rebellious complaint against YHWH's leadership.
עָלָ֑יagainst meprep עַל + 1cs sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of מַלִּינִיםעַל (H5921) 'against, upon'; with 1cs suffix, marking YHWH as the object/target of the murmuring.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object of the implied verb 'I have heard')אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking תְּלֻנּוֹת as the definite object of שָׁמָעְתִּי.
תְּלֻנּ֞וֹתmurmurings ofN f pl constr · תְּלוּנָּה (H8519)Direct object of שָׁמָעְתִּי, head of the construct chainתְּלוּנָּה (H8519) 'murmuring, complaint', from לוּן; construct with בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל — the noun-form of the chapter's chief accusation.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), continuing תְּלֻנּוֹתבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard collective 'children/sons of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of Jacob/the nation; here the whole murmuring people.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the second clause modifying תְּלֻנּוֹתאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, resumptively restating the murmuring already named.
הֵ֧מָּהtheyindependent pron 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Emphatic resumptive subject of the second מַלִּינִיםהֵמָּה (H1992), repeated emphatic 3mp pronoun, underscoring YHWH's weary repetition of the charge.
מַלִּינִ֛יםmurmurHiphil ptc m pl abs · לוּן (H3885)Predicate participle of the second relative clause (durative)→ Participle: durative — the same ongoing pattern of complaint, restatedלוּן (H3885) 'to murmur'; the deliberate doubling of מַלִּינִים within the verse underscores YHWH's own weary repetition of the people's chief sin-word.
עָלַ֖יagainst meprep עַל + 1cs sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of the second מַלִּינִיםעַל (H5921) with 1cs suffix, again marking YHWH as the target of the complaint.
שָׁמָֽעְתִּיI have heardQal perf 1cs · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause) — YHWH's formal acknowledgment that closes the verse→ Perfective: a completed, settled fact — YHWH has fully heard/registered the complaint, and judgment now followsשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; YHWH's own declaration of having heard — not sympathetically but juridically, as grounds for the coming verdict.
28

אֱמֹ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם חַי אָ֨נִי֙ נְאֻם יְהוָ֔ה אִם לֹ֕א כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּרְתֶּ֖ם בְּאָזְנָ֑י כֵּ֖ן אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה לָכֶֽם

Say to them, 'As I live,' declares YHWH, 'surely as you have spoken in my ears, so I will do to you.'

Oath formula introducing the verdict properasyndeton
חַי אָנִי נְאֻם יְהוָה mirrors v. 21's oath but now turns the self-asseveration toward judgment: 'as you have spoken' — v. 2's death-wish — 'so I will do to you,' a talionic irony granting their own wish for death in the wilderness rather than Egypt.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אֱמֹ֣רsay!Qal impv 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause command to Moses/Aaron)→ Volitional: direct imperative — the command to deliver the following oath verbatimאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; imperative opening the formal charge to relay YHWH's oath to the people.
אֲלֵהֶ֗םto themprep אֶל + 3mp sfx · אֶל (H413)Prepositional complement (addressee) of אֱמֹראֶל (H413) with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the congregation, recipients of the sentence.
חַיlivingAdj m sg abs · חַי (H2416)Predicate adjective opening the oath formula חַי־אָנִי, 'as I live'חַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; חַי אָנִי, 'as I live', YHWH's self-asseverating oath formula (cf. v.21; Deut 32:40), the strongest form of divine oath.
אָ֨נִי֙Iindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject completing the oath formula חַי אָנִיאֲנִי (H589) 1cs independent pronoun; completes the self-oath 'as I live'.
נְאֻםdeclaration ofN m sg constr · נְאֻם (H5002)Construct head, 'utterance/declaration of', parenthetical formulaנְאֻם (H5002) 'utterance, declaration'; construct with יְהוָה, the standard prophetic-oracular formula 'declares YHWH', stamping the oath as authoritative divine speech.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the construct נְאֻם יְהוָהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; completes the formula 'declares YHWH'.
אִםsurely (not)oath negative particle · אִם (H518)Oath negative particle opening the sworn consequence (paired with לֹא, together = strong asseverative 'surely')אִם (H518) here paired with לֹא in the oath formula אִם־לֹא, an emphatic positive asseverative ('surely, as surely as') — the mirror image of v.23's negative אִם.
לֹ֕אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Completes the oath idiom אִם־לֹא (emphatic 'surely')לֹא (H3808); with אִם forms the positive oath idiom אִם־לֹא, 'surely' — an idiom whose double negative yields strong affirmation.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the protasis of the talionic formulaכְּ + אֲשֶׁר, 'just as'; introduces the comparison — 'as you have spoken... so I will do' — the oath's talionic structure.
דִּבַּרְתֶּ֖םyou have spokenPiel perf 2mp · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the comparative clause (protasis)→ Perfective: a completed, on-record act — the people's own words in v.2 now quoted back against themדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel; recalls the people's own death-wish in v.2 ('would that we had died!'), now taken as the terms of the sentence.
בְּאָזְנָ֑יin my earsprep בְּ + N f dual constr + 1cs sfx · אֹזֶן (H241)Locative prepositional phrase modifying דִּבַּרְתֶּםאֹזֶן (H241) 'ear' (dual); idiom דִּבֶּר בְּאָזְנֵי, 'to speak in the ears of' — direct, personal hearing, stressing that YHWH himself personally registered their words.
כֵּ֖ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb introducing the apodosis, correlative with כַּאֲשֶׁרכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; correlative with כַּאֲשֶׁר, completing the talionic formula 'as...so'.
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥הI will doQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (apodosis, main clause) — the sentence's operative verdict→ Yiqtol: future/volitional certainty — YHWH's binding, sworn intention to enact exactly what they requestedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; YHWH's first-person pledge to grant the people's own death-wish (v.2) — a talionic irony at the heart of the judgment.
לָכֶֽםto youprep לְ + 2mp sfx · לְ (—)Prepositional complement (recipient) of אֶעֱשֶׂהלְ with 2mp suffix, marking the congregation as the recipient of the sworn verdict.
29

בַּמִּדְבָּ֣ר הַ֠זֶּה יִפְּל֨וּ פִגְרֵיכֶ֜ם וְכָל פְּקֻדֵיכֶם֙ לְכָל מִסְפַּרְכֶ֔ם מִבֶּ֛ן עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וָמָ֑עְלָה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֲלִֽינֹתֶ֖ם עָלָֽי

In this wilderness your corpses shall fall — all your numbered ones, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, who have murmured against me.

Verdict specified — universal death of the numbered generationasyndeton
מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמָעְלָה, 'from twenty years old and up,' deliberately echoes the census formula of Num 1-2, converting the very roll that once organized Israel for conquest into a death-roll for the wilderness.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
בַּמִּדְבָּ֣רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase, fronted, modifying יִפְּלוּמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; fronted for emphasis — the site of the sentence's execution, matching v.2's death-wish 'in this wilderness'.
הַ֠זֶּהthisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying מִדְבָּרזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictically points to the very wilderness the people now stand in, echoing their own words in v.2.
יִפְּל֨וּshall fallQal impf 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause, future/certain verdict)→ Yiqtol: future certainty — the sworn, inevitable death sentence on the wilderness generationנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; here of dying/falling in death, standard idiom for battle or plague casualties, now applied to the whole condemned generation.
פִגְרֵיכֶ֜םyour corpsesN m pl constr + 2mp sfx · פֶּגֶר (H6297)Subject of יִפְּלוּפֶּגֶר (H6297) 'corpse, carcass'; stark, unflattering term for the dead body — the physical, literal outcome of the verdict.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head in apposition to פִגְרֵיכֶם, specifying the referentכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with פְּקֻדֵיכֶם, restating in full who is meant by 'your corpses' — every one of the numbered census generation.
פְּקֻדֵיכֶם֙your numbered onesQal passive ptc m pl constr + 2mp sfx · פָּקַד (H6485)Substantival passive participle, genitive complement of כָּל→ Participle: passive/resultative — those who were (formally) counted/musteredפָּקַד (H6485) 'to number, muster, appoint'; Qal passive participle used substantivally, 'your numbered/mustered ones' — deliberately echoing the census formula of Num 1-2, the very roll now turned into a death-roll.
לְכָלaccording to allprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (standard/measure) modifying פְּקֻדֵיכֶםכֹּל (H3605) with prep לְ, 'according to the whole of', construct with מִסְפַּרְכֶם — 'according to your entire number'.
מִסְפַּרְכֶ֔םyour numberN m sg constr + 2mp sfx · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Genitive completing the construct chain לְכָל מִסְפַּרְכֶםמִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number, count'; with 2mp suffix, again invoking the census — the exact tally now marked for death.
מִבֶּ֛ןfrom [the age of]prep מִן + N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase (age-specifying idiom) modifying the census scopeבֶּן (H1121) 'son of'; idiom מִבֶּן...שָׁנָה, 'from ... years old', the standard census-age formula (cf. Num 1:3).
עֶשְׂרִ֥יםtwentynumeral (c) pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Numeral within the age-idiom מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָהעֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; the census threshold for military-age males (Num 1:3), deliberately echoed here as the death-threshold.
שָׁנָ֖הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive/measure noun completing the age idiomשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; completes the age formula 'twenty years old'.
וָמָ֑עְלָהand upwardconj וְ + adverb + directional ה · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial phrase completing the age formula (open upper bound)מַעְלָה (H4605) 'upward'; with directional ה, 'and upward' — no upper age limit, so the entire adult census generation is included.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the final clause, identifying the condemned by their offenseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
הֲלִֽינֹתֶ֖םyou have murmuredHiphil perf 2mp · לוּן (H3885)Predicate verb of the relative clause, naming the offense that grounds the verdict→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the murmuring is now historical fact, grounds for judgmentלוּן (H3885) 'to murmur'; Hiphil; the chapter's key sin-word closes the verdict, tying the punishment directly to the specific offense.
עָלָֽיagainst meprep עַל + 1cs sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of הֲלִינֹתֶםעַל (H5921) with 1cs suffix, marking YHWH as the target of the murmuring, closing the verse.
30

אִם אַתֶּם֙ תָּבֹ֣אוּ אֶל הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ אֶת יָדִ֔י לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן אֶתְכֶ֖ם בָּ֑הּ כִּ֚י אִם כָּלֵ֣ב בֶּן יְפֻנֶּ֔ה וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בִּן נֽוּן

Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.

Verdict specified — the two exceptionsאִם
The oath-negative אִם...כִּי אִם ('surely not...except') structure isolates exactly two survivors by name, Caleb and Joshua, formally confirming what vv. 6, 24 anticipated narratively.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אִםsurely notoath negative particle · אִם (H518)Oath negative particle introducing the sworn exclusion (parallel to v.23)אִם (H518), oath negative particle, 'surely...not' — matches the formula of v.23, now applied specifically to 'you' (the addressed generation).
אַתֶּם֙youindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject of תָּבֹאוּאַתֶּם (H859) 2mp independent pronoun, emphatic 'you' — direct address to the murmuring generation.
תָּבֹ֣אוּyou shall comeQal impf 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb, negated by the preceding oath particle אִם ('shall not come')→ Yiqtol (negated by oath particle): categorical future denial — sworn exclusion from the landבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; negated by the oath formula, the categorical denial of entry to this generation.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal) modifying תָּבֹאוּאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the goal, the land.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, object of the sworn exclusion.
אֲשֶׁ֤רin whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙I raisedQal perf 1cs · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הָאָרֶץ→ Perfective: a completed, binding act — the oath-gesture YHWH performedנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry'; idiom נָשָׂא יָד, 'to raise the hand' — the physical gesture of oath-swearing (cf. Exod 6:8; Ezek 20:5).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking יָדִי as the definite object of נָשָׂאתִי.
יָדִ֔יmy handN (c) sg constr + 1cs sfx · יָד (H3027)Direct object of נָשָׂאתִי, completing the oath idiom נָשָׂא יָדיָד (H3027) 'hand'; with 1cs suffix, completes the oath-gesture idiom 'I raised my hand' = 'I swore'.
לְשַׁכֵּ֥ןto make dwellprep לְ + Piel inf constr · שָׁכַן (H7931)Infinitival purpose/result clause complementing נָשָׂאתִי יָדִי (the content of the oath)→ Infinitive: purposive — the intended, sworn outcome of the oathשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle'; Piel causative 'to cause to dwell/settle'; the sworn purpose of the oath — Israel's settled possession of the land.
אֶתְכֶ֖םyouobj marker + 2mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of לְשַׁכֵּןאֵת (H853) with 2mp suffix, the definite pronominal object of the infinitive, 'you' — the addressed generation.
בָּ֑הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs sfx · בְּ (—)Locative prepositional phrase modifying לְשַׁכֵּן, referring back to הָאָרֶץבְּ with 3fs suffix referring to הָאָרֶץ, 'in it' — completing the oath's promised outcome, now denied to this generation except for two.
כִּ֚יbutconj · כִּי (H3588)Adversative-exceptive conjunction opening the idiom כִּי אִם, 'except'כִּי (H3588); with following אִם forms the exceptive idiom כִּי אִם, 'but, except' — introducing the two named survivors.
אִםexceptconj · אִם (H518)Completes the exceptive idiom כִּי אִם, 'except'אִם (H518); with preceding כִּי, כִּי אִם, 'except' — isolates Caleb and Joshua as the sole exceptions to the death sentence.
כָּלֵ֣בCalebproper N · כָּלֵב (H3612)Subject/exception named after כִּי אִםכָּלֵב (H3612) 'Caleb'; first of the two named exceptions, formally confirming what v.24 had already promised him.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), patronymic modifying כָּלֵבבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct beginning the patronymic 'son of Jephunneh'.
יְפֻנֶּ֔הJephunnehproper N · יְפֻנֶּה (H3312)Genitive completing the construct chain בֶּן יְפֻנֶּהיְפֻנֶּה (H3312) 'Jephunneh', Caleb's father, a Kenizzite (cf. 32:12; Josh 14:6).
וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַand Joshuaconj וְ + proper N · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Second named exception, coordinate with כָּלֵביְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'Joshua' ('YHWH is salvation'), son of Nun, Moses' attendant and future leader of the conquest (cf. 13:8, 16; 14:6, 38).
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), patronymic modifying יְהוֹשֻׁעַבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct beginning the patronymic 'son of Nun' (spelled defectively בִּן here).
נֽוּןNunproper N · נוּן (H5126)Genitive completing the construct chain בִּן נוּןנוּן (H5126) 'Nun', Joshua's father, of the tribe of Ephraim (cf. 13:8, 16).
31

וְטַ֨פְּכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם לָבַ֣ז יִהְיֶ֑ה וְהֵבֵיאתִ֣י אֹתָ֔ם וְיָֽדְעוּ֙ אֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר מְאַסְתֶּ֖ם בָּֽהּ

But your little ones, of whom you said they would become plunder, I will bring them in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected.

Verdict specified — reversal of fate for the childrenוְ
The 'little ones' the people themselves declared would become plunder (v. 3) are instead promised the land their parents rejected — YHWH pointedly inverts the people's own fearful rhetoric.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְטַ֨פְּכֶ֔םbut your little onesconj וְ + N m sg constr + 2mp sfx · טַף (H2945)Casus pendens — fronted topic, resumed by אֹתָם as object of וְהֵבֵיאתִיטַף (H2945) 'little ones, children'; resuming the fearful term of v.3 — now the direct object of promise rather than plunder.
אֲשֶׁ֥רof whomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying טַפְּכֶםאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
אֲמַרְתֶּ֖םyou saidQal perf 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the relative clause, recalling the people's own words→ Perfective: a completed act of speech — recalls the specific complaint of v.3אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; here recalling the people's own fearful prediction from v.3.
לָבַ֣זfor plunderprep לְ + N m sg abs · בַּז (H957)Predicate complement (result) of יִהְיֶה within the quoted clauseבַּז (H957) 'plunder, prey'; the people's own fearful prediction (v.3) about the children's fate, now overturned.
יִהְיֶ֑הthey would becomeQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the embedded quotation (subject טַפְּכֶם)→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the people's predicted outcome, now overturnedהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; in the people's quoted fear, reversed by YHWH's counter-promise.
וְהֵבֵיאתִ֣יand I will bring [them] inconj וְ + Hiphil perf 1cs (weqatal) · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the future verdict), main clause resuming after the relative clause→ Weqatal: future-sequential — YHWH's decisive counter-promise reversing the people's fearבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to enter'; YHWH personally brings the children into the land their parents rejected.
אֹתָ֔םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהֵבֵיאתִי, resuming the fronted טַפְּכֶםאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, resumptive pronoun for the casus-pendens טַפְּכֶם.
וְיָֽדְעוּ֙and they shall knowconj וְ + Qal perf 3cp (weqatal) · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (weqatal), coordinate with וְהֵבֵיאתִי→ Weqatal: future-sequential — the promised experiential knowledge awaiting the childrenיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; experiential — they will personally come to know/experience the land.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite object of וְיָדְעוּ.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וְיָדְעוּאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, object of the children's future knowledge.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאָרֶץאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
מְאַסְתֶּ֖םyou rejectedQal perf 2mp · מָאַס (H3988)Predicate verb of the relative clause, naming the parents' offense against the land→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the rejection now historical fact, contrasted with the children's future knowledgeמָאַס (H3988) 'to reject, despise'; the parents' verdict on the land (13:31-33; 14:31) becomes what their children will experience firsthand.
בָּֽהּin itprep בְּ + 3fs sfx · בְּ (—)Locative prepositional phrase modifying מְאַסְתֶּם, referring to הָאָרֶץבְּ with 3fs suffix referring to הָאָרֶץ, completing the idiom מָאַס בְּ, 'to reject/despise'.
32

וּפִגְרֵיכֶ֖ם אַתֶּ֑ם יִפְּל֖וּ בַּמִּדְבָּ֥ר הַזֶּֽה

But as for you, your corpses shall fall in this wilderness.

Verdict restated — the adult generation's fate reaffirmedוְ
A terse restatement, echoing v. 29, for emphasis before the sentence's duration is announced in vv. 33-34.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וּפִגְרֵיכֶ֖םbut your corpsesconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp sfx · פֶּגֶר (H6297)Subject of יִפְּלוּ, fronted for emphasis (contrastive with the children's fate in v.31)פֶּגֶר (H6297) 'corpse, carcass'; the grim counterpart to טַף in v.31 — the parents' fate contrasted with their children's future.
אַתֶּ֑םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic appositive resuming the pronominal suffix on פִגְרֵיכֶם ('as for you')אַתֶּם (H859) 2mp independent pronoun, emphatic, echoing the 'you' of v.30 in the contrast between generations.
יִפְּל֖וּshall fallQal impf 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the certain, decreed outcome for the adult generationנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; euphemism for dying in the wilderness, echoing v.29.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֥רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase modifying יִפְּלוּמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the site of the sentence's execution, repeated throughout vv.29-35.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying מִדְבָּרזֶה (H2088) demonstrative 'this'; deictically pointing to the wilderness of the wandering, cf. v.29.
33

וּ֠בְנֵיכֶם יִהְי֨וּ רֹעִ֤ים בַּמִּדְבָּר֙ אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְנָשְׂא֖וּ אֶת זְנוּתֵיכֶ֑ם עַד תֹּ֥ם פִּגְרֵיכֶ֖ם בַּמִּדְבָּֽר

And your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and shall bear your unfaithfulness, until your corpses are consumed in the wilderness.

Verdict — the forty-year duration for the childrenוְ
רֹעִים, 'shepherds/wanderers,' describes the children's fate as nomadic subsistence rather than punishment per se — they bear (נָשָׂא) the burden of the parents' זְנוּת ('unfaithfulness,' lit. 'harlotry') until the last corpse of the adult generation falls.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וּ֠בְנֵיכֶםand your childrenconj וְ + N m pl constr + 2mp sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יִהְיוּבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; pl. with suffix 'your children' — the generation excluded from the census of vv.29-30, cf. טַף in v.31.
יִהְי֨וּshall beQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the decreed condition awaiting the childrenהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
רֹעִ֤יםshepherdsQal ptc m pl abs · רָעָה (H7462)Predicate nominal (participle) complementing יִהְיוּ→ Participle: durative/characterizing — the children's ongoing condition through the forty yearsרָעָה (H7462) 'to shepherd, pasture'; the participle connotes nomadic subsistence-wandering rather than punishment per se — the children's mode of life during the sentence.
בַּמִּדְבָּר֙in the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase modifying רֹעִים/יִהְיוּמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; the site and setting of the sentence's duration.
אַרְבָּעִ֣יםfortynumeral c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Cardinal numeral modifying שָׁנָה (accusative of duration)אַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; the sentence's duration, matched to the forty days of scouting (v.34).
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Accusative of duration ('forty years')שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; distributive/collective after the numeral, 'forty years'.
וְנָשְׂא֖וּand they shall bearconj וְ + Qal perf 3cp (weqatal) · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (weqatal), coordinate with יִהְיוּ→ Weqatal: future-sequential — the ongoing burden the children will carryנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; here the burden of consequence — the children bear the parents' faithlessness.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking זְנוּתֵיכֶם as the definite object of וְנָשְׂאוּ.
זְנוּתֵיכֶ֑םyour unfaithfulnessN f pl constr + 2mp sfx · זְנוּת (H2184)Direct object of וְנָשְׂאוּזְנוּת (H2184) 'harlotry, unfaithfulness', from זָנָה 'to be a harlot'; figurative for covenant infidelity — the parents' rebellion which the children bear as consequence.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phrase introducing the terminus of the sentenceעַד (H5704) 'until'; marks the temporal boundary — the sentence lasts precisely until the last adult corpse falls.
תֹּ֥םthe ending ofQal inf constr · תָּמַם (H8552)Infinitive construct governed by עַד, head of the temporal clause→ Infinitive: marks the terminal point of the forty-year sentenceתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished, consumed'; infinitive construct with פִּגְרֵיכֶם, 'until your corpses are finished/consumed'.
פִּגְרֵיכֶ֖םyour corpsesN m pl constr + 2mp sfx · פֶּגֶר (H6297)Subject of the infinitive תֹּם ('until your corpses are finished')פֶּגֶר (H6297) 'corpse, carcass'; recurs from v.32 — the terminus of the sentence is the total extinction of the adult generation.
בַּמִּדְבָּֽרin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase modifying תֹּם, closing the verseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; frames the whole sentence — the children's wandering and the parents' dying both occur there.
34

בְּמִסְפַּ֨ר הַיָּמִ֜ים אֲשֶׁר תַּרְתֶּ֣ם אֶת הָאָרֶץ֮ אַרְבָּעִ֣ים יוֹם֒ י֣וֹם לַשָּׁנָ֞ה י֣וֹם לַשָּׁנָ֗ה תִּשְׂאוּ֙ אֶת עֲוֺנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם אַרְבָּעִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת תְּנוּאָתִֽי

According to the number of days in which you scouted the land, forty days, a day for a year, a day for a year, you shall bear your iniquities, forty years, and you shall know my displeasure.

Verdict — the year-for-a-day principle explainedasyndeton
The famous formula יוֹם לַשָּׁנָה, 'a day for a year,' doubled for emphasis, converts the forty days of scouting (13:25) into the forty years of the sentence — the punishment's duration is made to mirror precisely the duration of the sin that occasioned it.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
בְּמִסְפַּ֨רaccording to the number ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Prepositional phrase (standard/measure) governing the year-for-a-day formula, frontedמִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number, count', from סָפַר 'to count'; construct governing הַיָּמִים, opening the formula.
הַיָּמִ֜יםthe daysart + N m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive completing the construct chain בְּמִסְפַּר הַיָּמִיםיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the forty days of scouting (13:25), now the measure of the sentence.
אֲשֶׁרin whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הַיָּמִיםאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
תַּרְתֶּ֣םyou scoutedQal perf 2mp · תּוּר (H8446)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הַיָּמִים→ Perfective: a completed act — the scouting expedition, now the basis of the sentence's arithmeticתּוּר (H8446) 'to spy out, explore'; the verb of the scouting mission throughout ch.13, converting its duration into the sentence's duration.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite object of תַּרְתֶּם.
הָאָרֶץ֮the landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of תַּרְתֶּםאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; object of the scouting mission.
אַרְבָּעִ֣יםfortynumeral c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Cardinal numeral in apposition, restating the duration of the scoutingאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; restates the scouting mission's duration (13:25) as the basis for the sentence.
יוֹם֒daysN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Accusative of duration, with אַרְבָּעִים ('forty days')יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; singular collective after the numeral, 'forty days'.
י֣וֹםa dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Distributive first member of the year-for-a-day formula, in appositionיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; opens the distributive formula יוֹם לַשָּׁנָה, 'a day for a year' — converting scouting-days into wandering-years.
לַשָּׁנָ֞הfor a yearprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Prepositional phrase of correspondence/exchange completing the distributive formula יוֹם לַשָּׁנָהשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; לְ of exchange/correspondence, 'a day for a year' — the ratio by which the sentence's forty years is derived.
י֣וֹםa dayN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Repetition of the distributive formula for emphasisיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the formula is doubled — a rare rhetorical emphasis underscoring the ratio's certainty.
לַשָּׁנָ֗הfor a yearprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Prepositional phrase of correspondence, second occurrence of the doubled formulaשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the formula's doubling, יוֹם לַשָּׁנָה יוֹם לַשָּׁנָה, has no clear syntactic parallel elsewhere and is a genuine crux of style/emphasis.
תִּשְׂאוּ֙you shall bearQal impf 2mp · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause), resuming after the doubled formula→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the decreed, ongoing bearing of guilt across the forty yearsנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to bear, carry'; echoes וְנָשְׂאוּ in v.33, now addressed to 'you' (the adult generation) regarding עֲוֹנֹת rather than the children's זְנוּת.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking עֲוֺנֹתֵיכֶם as the definite object of תִּשְׂאוּ.
עֲוֺנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םyour iniquitiesN c pl constr + 2mp sfx · עָוֹן (H5771)Direct object of תִּשְׂאוּעָוֹן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt', from עָוָה 'to bend, twist'; the guilt the adult generation must bear for the sentence's duration.
אַרְבָּעִ֖יםfortynumeral c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Cardinal numeral in apposition, restating the durationאַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; now applied to שָׁנָה — the sentence's duration in years, matching the scouting's duration in days.
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Accusative of duration, with אַרְבָּעִים ('forty years')שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; the sentence's total duration, closing the arithmetic of the year-for-a-day formula.
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖םand you shall knowconj וְ + Qal perf 2mp (weqatal) · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (weqatal), the verse's climactic clause→ Weqatal: future-sequential — the experiential knowledge the forty years will imposeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; experiential — Israel will personally come to know/experience YHWH's תְּנוּאָה through the sentence's duration.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking תְּנוּאָתִי as the definite object of וִידַעְתֶּם.
תְּנוּאָתִֽיmy displeasureN f sg constr + 1cs sfx · תְּנוּאָה (H8569)Direct object of וִידַעְתֶּם, climactic final word of the verdict's rationaleתְּנוּאָה (H8569) 'opposition, thwarting, displeasure', rare term (elsewhere only 32:7); YHWH's frustrated opposition — Israel will come to know experientially what it means to stand against him.
35

אֲנִ֣י יְהוָה֮ דִּבַּרְתִּי֒ אִם לֹ֣א זֹ֣את אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֗ה לְכָל הָעֵדָ֤ה הָֽרָעָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את הַנּוֹעָדִ֖ים עָלָ֑י בַּמִּדְבָּ֥ר הַזֶּ֛ה יִתַּ֖מּוּ וְשָׁ֥ם יָמֻֽתוּ

I, YHWH, have spoken — surely I will do this to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

Verdict formula closes — self-asseveration repeatsasyndeton
אֲנִי יְהוָה דִּבַּרְתִּי, 'I, YHWH, have spoken,' a formal closing seal (cf. Ezekiel's frequent use of this formula), followed by 'in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die' — resolving the false wish of v. 2 by granting it in judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
אֲנִ֣יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic subject of דִּבַּרְתִּי (self-asseveration)אֲנִי (H589) 1cs independent pronoun, emphatic — opens YHWH's formal closing self-asseveration.
יְהוָה֮YHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Appositive to אֲנִי, naming the speakerיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of God; in apposition to אֲנִי, giving the formula its full solemnity.
דִּבַּרְתִּי֒have spokenPiel perf 1cs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause), formal closing seal (cf. Ezekiel's asseveration formula)→ Perfective: a completed, binding declaration — the formula אֲנִי יְהוָה דִּבַּרְתִּי seals the verdict as irrevocableדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the formal self-asseveration formula, closing the verdict with divine authority.
אִםsurelyoath particle · אִם (H518)Oath particle opening the sworn declaration; with לֹא forms the emphatic positive assertion אִם...לֹא, 'surely'אִם (H518); in an oath formula, אִם + negative yields a strong positive assertion — 'surely I will do this'.
לֹ֣א[surely]negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle completing the oath idiom אִם...לֹא (double negative yields emphatic positive)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; combined with the oath particle אִם, the idiom functions as a strong positive assertion, 'surely'.
זֹ֣אתthisdem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Direct object of אֶעֱשֶׂה, fronted for emphasisזֹאת (H2063) fem. demonstrative 'this'; refers to the sentence just pronounced (vv.28-35), the whole judgment.
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֗הI will doQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the oath clause (subject אֲנִי יְהוָה)→ Yiqtol (following oath particle): emphatic future/volitive — the certain execution of the sentence, sworn by YHWH himselfעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here the execution of the judicial sentence, sworn under oath.
לְכָלto allprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Prepositional phrase (dative of disadvantage) modifying אֶעֱשֶׂה, head of the construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct governing הָעֵדָה, universalizing the sentence's target.
הָעֵדָ֤הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing the construct chain לְכָל הָעֵדָהעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the whole gathered community, target of the sentence.
הָֽרָעָה֙the evilart + adj f sg abs · רַע (H7451)Attributive adjective modifying הָעֵדָהרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; the congregation is now formally labeled 'evil' — the verdict's moral characterization of the whole assembly, cf. v.27.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעֵדָה הָרָעָהזֹאת (H2063) demonstrative 'this'; deictically pointing to the assembled congregation before Moses.
הַנּוֹעָדִ֖יםwho are gathered togetherart + Niphal ptc m pl abs · יָעַד (H3259)Attributive participle modifying הָעֵדָה, further characterizing the congregation→ Participle (Niphal): durative — the congregation's ongoing state of hostile assembly against YHWHיָעַד (H3259) Niphal 'to assemble, gather by appointment'; connotes a hostile mustering — the same root as מוֹעֵד ('appointed meeting'), ironically inverted into a gathering against YHWH.
עָלָ֑יagainst meprep עַל + 1cs sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of הַנּוֹעָדִיםעַל (H5921) with 1cs suffix, marking YHWH as the target of the congregation's hostile assembly.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֥רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase modifying יִתַּמּוּמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; the site of the sentence's execution, closing the verse's formula.
הַזֶּ֛הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying מִדְבָּרזֶה (H2088) demonstrative 'this'.
יִתַּ֖מּוּthey shall be consumedQal impf 3mp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the certain, total consumption of the congregationתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, finished, consumed'; same root as תֹּם in v.33 — the whole congregation reaches its end here.
וְשָׁ֥םand thereconj וְ + adverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial phrase (locative), coordinate with the preceding clauseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; deictic, referring back to בַּמִּדְבָּר הַזֶּה.
יָמֻֽתוּthey shall dieQal impf 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause), closing the verdict formula→ Yiqtol: modal/future — the final, certain outcome of the sentenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the verdict's final word, resolving the false wish of v.2 ('would that we had died') by granting it in judgment.
36

וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁר שָׁלַ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֖ה לָת֣וּר אֶת הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיָּשֻׁ֗בוּ וילונו וַיַּלִּ֤ינוּ עָלָיו֙ אֶת כָּל הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה לְהוֹצִ֥יא דִבָּ֖ה עַל הָאָֽרֶץ

As for the men whom Moses sent to scout the land, who returned and made all the congregation murmur against him by bringing out a slander against the land,

Narrative resumes — identification of the ten guilty spiesוְ
The chapter now narrates the sentence's implementation against the specific culprits; a ketiv/qere doublet (וילונו / וַיַּלִּינוּ, both from לוּן) marks a textual crux in the MT, the consonantal text apparently anticipating the vocalized form that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔יםand the menconj וְ + art + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Casus pendens — fronted topic, resumed narratively as subject of וַיָּשֻׁבוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; pl. 'the men' — the ten guilty spies (cf. 13:3, 25), now subject of the resumed narrative.
אֲשֶׁרwhomrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאֲנָשִׁיםאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
שָׁלַ֥חsentQal perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb of the relative clause modifying הָאֲנָשִׁים→ Perfective: a completed act — Moses' original commissioning of the spies (13:3)שָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; recalls Moses' original commission of the twelve spies in 13:3.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper N · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of שָׁלַחמֹשֶׁה (H4872) 'Moses'; the commissioning authority, though the mission originated in YHWH's command (13:1-2).
לָת֣וּרto scoutprep לְ + Qal inf constr · תּוּר (H8446)Infinitival purpose clause complementing שָׁלַח→ Infinitive: purposive — the stated goal of Moses' commissionתּוּר (H8446) 'to spy out, explore'; the verb of the scouting mission throughout ch.13.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite object of לָתוּר.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לָתוּראֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; object of the scouting mission.
וַיָּשֻׁ֗בוּand they returnedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, resuming the main narrative line→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the spies' return from the missionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the spies' return from the mission (13:25-26), resuming the narrative thread after the verdict speech.
וילונו(and they murmured — ketiv)conj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp (ketiv, unpointed) · לוּן (H3885)Ketiv form (unpointed consonantal text), formally superseded in reading by the following qere וַיַּלִּינוּ→ Wayyiqtol (ketiv, unread): the written-but-not-vocalized form of the narrative verbלוּן (H3885) 'to murmur, grumble'; the ketiv וילונו is the bare consonantal text, read instead as the following qere וַיַּלִּינוּ (Hiphil) — a rare doublet where MT writes out both the ketiv skeleton and its vocalized correction as separate word-tokens rather than a marginal note.
וַיַּלִּ֤ינוּand they made [them] murmurconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp (qere) · לוּן (H3885)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the qere reading), causative — the spies incited the congregation's murmuring→ Wayyiqtol (Hiphil, causative): foregrounded narrative advance — the spies actively caused the congregation to murmurלוּן (H3885) Hiphil 'to cause to murmur'; the qere reading of the ketiv/qere doublet with the preceding וילונו — the chapter's key sin-verb, here causative.
עָלָיו֙against himprep עַל + 3ms sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional complement of וַיַּלִּינוּ, referring to Mosesעַל (H5921) with 3ms suffix, referring back to מֹשֶׁה — the congregation's murmuring targets Moses.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking כָּל הָעֵדָה as the definite object of the causative וַיַּלִּינוּ.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain (genitival), head modifying הָעֵדָהכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct governing הָעֵדָה — the spies' incitement reached the whole community.
הָ֣עֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing the construct chain כָּל הָעֵדָה; direct object of the causative וַיַּלִּינוּעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the object of the spies' causative incitement to murmur.
לְהוֹצִ֥יאby bringing outprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · יָצָא (H3318)Infinitival means/manner clause explaining how the spies incited the murmuring→ Infinitive: means — describes the mechanism of incitement (spreading the report)יָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out, cause to go out'; idiom הוֹצִיא דִבָּה, 'to spread a slander/report' (cf. 13:32).
דִבָּ֖הa slanderN f sg abs · דִּבָּה (H1681)Direct object of לְהוֹצִיאדִּבָּה (H1681) 'slander, evil report'; the false, demoralizing report about the land first given in 13:32, now named as the specific offense.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase modifying דִבָּהעַל (H5921) 'against, concerning'; marks the target of the slander.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the preposition עַל, closing the verseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the target of the ten spies' slander, the offense grounding their coming death sentence (v.37).
37

וַיָּמֻ֨תוּ֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים מוֹצִאֵ֥י דִבַּת הָאָ֖רֶץ רָעָ֑ה בַּמַּגֵּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

the men who brought out an evil slander about the land died by the plague before YHWH.

Narrative — the ten spies die by plagueוַ
מַגֵּפָה, 'plague,' fulfills the specific threat of v. 12 against the guilty party rather than the whole nation — divine judgment is narrowed precisely to those most responsible.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיָּמֻ֨תוּ֙and they diedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the guilty spies' death, fulfilling the specific threat of v.12מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the narrative fulfillment of judgment specifically upon the ten guilty spies.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיָּמֻתוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; pl. 'the men' — resumes הָאֲנָשִׁים of v.36, the ten guilty spies.
מוֹצִאֵ֥יwho brought outHiphil ptc m pl constr · יָצָא (H3318)Attributive participle (construct), head of the construct chain modifying הָאֲנָשִׁים→ Participle: characterizing — identifies the men by their offenseיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil ptc constr 'bringers-out of'; construct governing דִבַּת, echoing לְהוֹצִיא דִבָּה of v.36 — the men are defined by this act.
דִבַּתthe slander ofN f sg constr · דִּבָּה (H1681)Genitive completing the construct chain מוֹצִאֵי דִבַּתדִּבָּה (H1681) 'slander, evil report'; construct form, 'report of' — governs הָאָרֶץ.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive completing the construct chain דִבַּת הָאָרֶץאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; object of the slander, the promised land.
רָעָ֑הeviladj f sg abs · רַע (H7451)Attributive adjective modifying דִבַּת (fem. agreement)רַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; qualifies the report as malicious, cf. 13:32 דִּבַּת הָאָרֶץ רָעָה.
בַּמַּגֵּפָ֖הby the plagueprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying וַיָּמֻתוּמַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague, blow', from נָגַף 'to strike'; the specific instrument of judgment against the ten spies, fulfilling the threat of v.12.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase (idiom) modifying וַיָּמֻתוּפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵי, 'before, in the presence of' — the death occurs directly before YHWH, marking it as divine judgment.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of God; the spies die in his direct presence, marking the death as unmistakably divine judgment.
38

וִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן נ֔וּן וְכָלֵ֖ב בֶּן יְפֻנֶּ֑ה חָיוּ֙ מִן הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָהֵ֔ם הַֽהֹלְכִ֖ים לָת֥וּר אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ

But Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive, of those men who went to scout the land.

Narrative — the exception confirmed in narrative timeוְ
The survival of Joshua and Caleb is now narrated as accomplished fact, not merely promised as in vv. 24, 30, closing the spy-narrative thread that began in ch. 13.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַbut Joshuaconj וְ + proper N · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of חָיוּ, first of the two named survivorsיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'Joshua' ('YHWH is salvation'), son of Nun; one of the two exceptions formally confirmed in v.30.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), patronymic modifying יְהוֹשֻׁעַבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct beginning the patronymic 'son of Nun' (spelled defectively בִּן, as in v.30).
נ֔וּןNunproper N · נוּן (H5126)Genitive completing the construct chain בִּן נוּןנוּן (H5126) 'Nun', Joshua's father.
וְכָלֵ֖בand Calebconj וְ + proper N · כָּלֵב (H3612)Second subject of חָיוּ, coordinate with יְהוֹשֻׁעַכָּלֵב (H3612) 'Caleb'; the second named survivor, formally confirmed in v.30.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), patronymic modifying כָּלֵבבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct beginning the patronymic 'son of Jephunneh'.
יְפֻנֶּ֑הJephunnehproper N · יְפֻנֶּה (H3312)Genitive completing the construct chain בֶּן יְפֻנֶּהיְפֻנֶּה (H3312) 'Jephunneh', Caleb's father, a Kenizzite.
חָיוּ֙remained aliveQal perf 3cp · חָיָה (H2421)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, settled fact — the two men's survival stands as the definitive exception to the sentenceחָיָה (H2421) 'to live'; here 'remained alive/survived' — the narrative confirmation of the oath sworn in v.30.
מִןamongprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase (partitive) modifying חָיוּמִן (H4480) 'from, among'; partitive, isolating the two survivors from the larger group of spies.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֣יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of the preposition מִן, head of the partitive phraseאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; pl. 'the men' — the wider group of scouts from whom Joshua and Caleb are distinguished.
הָהֵ֔םthoseart + independent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Attributive demonstrative-use pronoun modifying הָאֲנָשִׁיםהֵם (H1992) 3mp pronoun used attributively with the article, 'those' — anaphoric, pointing back to the spies of ch.13.
הַֽהֹלְכִ֖יםwho wentart + Qal ptc m pl abs · הָלַךְ (H1980)Attributive participle modifying הָאֲנָשִׁים הָהֵם→ Participle: characterizing — identifies the men by the mission they undertookהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; the participle identifies the group as those who undertook the scouting expedition.
לָת֥וּרto scoutprep לְ + Qal inf constr · תּוּר (H8446)Infinitival purpose clause complementing הַהֹלְכִים→ Infinitive: purposive — the stated goal of the expeditionתּוּר (H8446) 'to spy out, explore'; the verb of the scouting mission, closing the chapter's narrative on the two faithful survivors.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָאָרֶץ as the definite object of לָתוּר.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לָתוּר, closing the sectionאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, object of the scouting mission — the section closes on the two men who alone will enter it.
39

וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶת הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֶֽל כָּל בְּנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיִּֽתְאַבְּל֥וּ הָעָ֖ם מְאֹֽד

And Moses spoke these words to all the children of Israel, and the people mourned greatly.

Narrative transition — the sentence delivered, the people's griefוַ
וַיִּתְאַבְּלוּ, 'and they mourned,' from אבל, marks the people's belated recognition of loss — a delayed, ironic echo of their own weeping in v. 1, now grieving the consequence rather than causing it.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤רand he spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Moses reports the sentenceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; introduces Moses' formal delivery of YHWH's verdict to the people.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּרמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator who now delivers YHWH's sentence to the people.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה as the definite direct object.
הַדְּבָרִ֣יםthe wordsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וַיְדַבֵּרדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; here the specific content of the verdict just pronounced (vv. 26-38).
הָאֵ֔לֶּהtheseart + dem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדְּבָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; demonstrative pointing back to the preceding sentence of judgment.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the recipient of the speechאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the audience of Moses' report.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Head of the construct chain כָּל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; construct governing בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
בְּנֵ֖יthe children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive completing the construct chain כָּל בְּנֵיבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; pl. construct 'sons/children of', governing יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, the addressees of Moses' report of the sentence.
וַיִּֽתְאַבְּל֥וּand they mournedconj וְ + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3mp · אָבַל (H56)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, second main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the people's grief-response to the sentenceאָבַל (H56) Hitpael 'to mourn oneself, grieve'; reflexive stem intensifies the people's self-abasing grief, an ironic echo of their earlier weeping (v. 1).
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיִּתְאַבְּלוּעַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole congregation, now grieving the consequence of their own rebellion.
מְאֹֽדgreatlyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial modifier intensifying וַיִּתְאַבְּלוּמְאֹד (H3966) 'exceedingly, very'; intensifies the depth of the people's mourning.
40

וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣מוּ בַבֹּ֔קֶר וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ אֶל רֹאשׁ הָהָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֶּ֗נּוּ וְעָלִ֛ינוּ אֶל הַמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר אָמַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה כִּ֥י חָטָֽאנוּ

And they rose early in the morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, 'Here we are, and we will go up to the place that YHWH promised, for we have sinned.'

Narrative — presumptuous attempt to reverse the sentence by forceוַ
הִנֶּנּוּ וְעָלִינוּ, 'here we are, and we will go up,' is a superficially pious confession of sin (כִּי חָטָאנוּ) paired with defiant self-will; true repentance would have meant obedient waiting, not unauthorized action.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣מוּand they rose earlyconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — urgency of their unauthorized initiativeשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early, do early'; idiomatic for prompt, eager action — here misdirected zeal.
בַבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; sets the time of their premature ascent.
וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּand they went upconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the presumptuous ascent beginsעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the key verb of this whole episode, repeated defiantly despite the prohibition of v. 42.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the goal of וַיַּעֲלוּאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directs the ascent to the hill country.
רֹאשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of the preposition אֶל, head of the construct chainרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top'; construct governing הָהָר, 'the top of the mountain'.
הָהָ֖רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Genitive completing the construct chain רֹאשׁ הָהָרהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; the same hill country from which the spies had gone up (13:17).
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival marker introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces quoted speech, no independent finite forceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard formula לֵאמֹר introduces the people's presumptuous declaration.
הִנֶּ֗נּוּhere we arepresentative particle הִנֵּה + pron suffix 1cp · הִנֵּה (H2005)Presentative exclamation, introducing the people's declarationהִנֵּה (H2005/H2009) 'behold'; with 1cp suffix 'here we are' — an emphatic, self-assertive readiness, echoing (ironically) covenantal readiness formulas.
וְעָלִ֛ינוּand we will go upconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 1cp · עָלָה (H5927)Weqatal continuing the volitional declaration→ Weqatal: future/volitional continuation — the people's determined intent to ascend despite the sentenceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; weqatal form expresses their resolved future action, defying YHWH's decree of v. 25.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the goal of וְעָלִינוּאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directs the intended ascent to 'the place'.
הַמָּק֛וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of the preposition אֶל, antecedent of the relative clauseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; refers to the promised land, now to be reached, they presume, by their own initiative.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the clause modifying הַמָּקוֹםאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle 'which, that'; introduces the clause identifying the place as the one YHWH promised.
אָמַ֥רhe promisedQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed prior speech-act — YHWH's earlier promise of the landאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; here of YHWH's promise of the land, ironically invoked even as they defy his present command.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of אָמַריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the very God whose fresh command (v. 42) they are about to disobey by invoking his earlier promise.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the reason for their confessionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the people's admission of sin.
חָטָֽאנוּwe have sinnedQal perf 1cp · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the causal clause introduced by כִּי→ Perfective: a completed act — confession of the prior sin (the rebellion of vv. 1-10)חָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; their confession is verbally correct but paired with continued self-willed action, undermining its sincerity.
41

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֛ה אַתֶּ֥ם עֹבְרִ֖ים אֶת פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְהִ֖וא לֹ֥א תִצְלָֽח

But Moses said, 'Why now are you transgressing the command of YHWH? It will not succeed.'

Moses' warning — the attempt is doomedוַ
עֹבְרִים אֶת פִּי יְהוָה, 'transgressing the command of YHWH,' names the irony precisely: their 'obedience' now, going up, is itself a fresh act of the same self-will that caused the original refusal.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Moses' responseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Moses' warning against the people's presumptuous plan.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator who now warns the people against their own scheme.
לָ֥מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrog pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial, opening the rhetorical questionמָה (H4100) 'what'; with לְ, 'why, for what purpose' — a rhetorical rebuke, not a genuine question.
זֶּ֛הnowdem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Emphatic particle intensifying לָמָּהזֶה (H2088) 'this'; idiomatic intensifier after an interrogative, לָמָּה זֶּה 'why (pray) now/then' — heightens the rebuke.
אַתֶּ֥םyouindep pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of עֹבְרִים (emphatic, resuming the participle)אַתֶּם (H859), 2mp independent pronoun; emphatic subject highlighting the people's culpability.
עֹבְרִ֖יםtransgressingQal ptc m pl abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate participle (main clause)→ Participle: durative/progressive — an ongoing act of transgression happening nowעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over, transgress'; idiom עָבַר אֶת פִּי, 'to transgress the mouth/command of'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking פִּי יְהוָה as the definite direct object of עֹבְרִים.
פִּ֣יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object of עֹבְרִים, head of the construct chainפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; construct 'mouth of', idiom for spoken command — עָבַר אֶת פִּי, 'to transgress the command of'.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the construct chain פִּי יְהוָהיְהוָה (H3068); whose explicit command (vv. 25, 42) they are now defying under cover of penitence.
וְהִ֖ואand itconj וְ + indep pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of תִצְלָחהִיא (H1931), 3fs independent pronoun referring back to the people's venture/plan (fem. by sense).
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִצְלָחלֹא (H3808), the standard negative for indicative verbs.
תִצְלָֽחwill succeedQal impf 3fs · צָלַח (H6743)Predicate verb of the negated clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — a categorical prediction of failureצָלַח (H6743) 'to succeed, prosper'; Moses flatly predicts the venture's failure, confirmed in v. 45.
42

אַֽל תַּעֲל֔וּ כִּ֛י אֵ֥ין יְהוָ֖ה בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם וְלֹא֙ תִּנָּ֣גְפ֔וּ לִפְנֵ֖י אֹיְבֵיכֶֽם

Do not go up, for YHWH is not among you, lest you be struck down before your enemies.

Warning continues — reason for certain defeatasyndeton
The doubled assurance of v. 9 ('YHWH is with us, do not fear') is now explicitly reversed: YHWH's presence has been withdrawn from this unauthorized venture.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אַֽלdo notnegative particle (prohibitive) · אַל (H408)Negates the volitional תַּעֲלוּאַל (H408), negative used with jussive/volitional forms — direct prohibition (contrast indicative לֹא).
תַּעֲל֔וּgo upQal jussive 2mp · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional (prohibition), main predicate verb→ Volitional: jussive of prohibition — a direct command not to ascendעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; direct negative command countering the people's declared intent (v. 40).
כִּ֛יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the reason for the prohibitionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the ground of the prohibition — YHWH's absence.
אֵ֥יןis notparticle of negation/non-existence · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicateאַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; negates the existence/presence of YHWH among them — the reversal of v. 9's assurance.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the negative existential clause אֵיןיְהוָה (H3068), whose withdrawn presence is the ground of certain defeat.
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑םamong youprep בְּ + N m sg constr + pron suffix 2mp · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase, predicate complement of אֵיןקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; בְּקִרְבְּכֶם 'in your midst' — locates YHWH's (absent) presence spatially among the people.
וְלֹא֙lestconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִּנָּגְפוּ, continuing the warningלֹא (H3808), negative; here with the following imperfect expressing consequence, 'lest you be struck down'.
תִּנָּ֣גְפ֔וּyou be struck downNiphal impf 2mp · נָגַף (H5062)Predicate verb, consequential clause→ Yiqtol (Niphal passive): imperfective/potential — anticipated defeat as a certain consequenceנָגַף (H5062) Niphal 'to be struck, smitten'; passive stem casts the people as victims of a blow whose true agent is the withdrawal of YHWH's presence.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase modifying תִּנָּגְפוּפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of' — here 'in front of' the enemy in battle.
אֹיְבֵיכֶֽםyour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + pron suffix 2mp · אֹיֵב (H341)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵיאֹיֵב (H341), substantivized Qal participle 'enemy' (lit. 'one who is hostile'); here the Amalekite and Canaanite of v. 43.
43

כִּי֩ הָעֲמָלֵקִ֨י וְהַכְּנַעֲנִ֥י שָׁם֙ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם וּנְפַלְתֶּ֖ם בֶּחָ֑רֶב כִּֽי עַל כֵּ֤ן שַׁבְתֶּם֙ מֵאַחֲרֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וְלֹא יִהְיֶ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה עִמָּכֶֽם

For the Amalekite and the Canaanite are there before you, and you will fall by the sword, because you have turned back from following YHWH, and YHWH will not be with you.

Warning concludes — the enemies named again, causal chain statedכִּי
שַׁבְתֶּם מֵאַחֲרֵי יְהוָה, 'you have turned back from following YHWH,' diagnoses the root cause: not merely bad tactics but covenant infidelity, hence YHWH's necessary absence.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing further grounds for the warningכִּי (H3588) 'for'; continues the causal chain from v. 42, naming the specific enemies.
הָעֲמָלֵקִ֨יthe Amalekiteart + gentilic N m sg abs · עֲמָלֵקִי (H6003)Subject (first member) of the verbless clauseעֲמָלֵקִי (H6003) 'Amalekite'; gentilic of עֲמָלֵק, the raiding people already encountered at Rephidim (Exod 17) and named in the spies' report (13:29).
וְהַכְּנַעֲנִ֥יand the Canaaniteconj וְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Subject (second member) of the verbless clauseכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669) 'Canaanite'; gentilic of כְּנַעַן, paired with Amalek as the peoples occupying the hill country (13:29).
שָׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial predicate of the verbless clauseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; locates the enemies in the very hill country the people intend to ascend.
לִפְנֵיכֶ֔םbefore youprep לְ + N c pl constr + pron suffix 2mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, further predicate complementפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom לִפְנֵיכֶם 'before you, confronting you' — the enemies block the very path they intend to take.
וּנְפַלְתֶּ֖םand you will fallconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 2mp · נָפַל (H5307)Weqatal continuing the predicted consequence→ Weqatal: future consequence — a certain, sequential outcome following from their presumptionנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; weqatal expresses the assured future result, echoing the people's own dread of v. 3 ('we shall fall by the sword').
בֶּחָ֑רֶבby the swordprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Instrumental prepositional phrase modifying וּנְפַלְתֶּםחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; instrument of the predicted defeat, ironically the very fate they had feared (v. 3) now realized through their own action.
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ultimate ground (with עַל כֵּן)כִּי (H3588) 'because'; paired with עַל כֵּן to state the root cause of their coming defeat.
עַל-prep · עַל (H5921)First element of the idiom כִּי עַל כֵּןעַל (H5921) 'upon'; combines with כֵּן in the idiom עַל כֵּן, 'therefore, for this reason'.
כֵּ֤ןthereforeadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Completes the idiom כִּי עַל כֵּן, 'because indeed'כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; idiom כִּי עַל כֵּן 'because, for the very reason that' — emphatic causal marker.
שַׁבְתֶּם֙you have turned backQal perf 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed act — their prior turning away from YHWH, the root cause of coming defeatשׁוּב (H7725) 'to turn, return'; here 'turn back/away from following' — apostasy language, diagnosing covenant infidelity rather than mere tactical error.
מֵאַחֲרֵ֣יfrom followingprep מִן + prep אַחֲרֵי · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase modifying שַׁבְתֶּםאַחַר (H310) 'after'; idiom הָלַךְ/שׁוּב אַחֲרֵי, 'to follow/turn from following' — covenantal loyalty language.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition מֵאַחֲרֵייְהוָה (H3068), from whom the people have turned back — the covenant relationship itself is at stake.
וְלֹאand will notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִהְיֶהלֹא (H3808), negative; concludes the causal chain with the flat statement of YHWH's absence.
יִהְיֶ֥הwill beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, negated clause→ Yiqtol: future — a categorical statement of YHWH's coming absenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here negated, 'will not be' — final restatement of v. 42's אֵין יְהוָה בְּקִרְבְּכֶם.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִהְיֶהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant God whose presence is now withdrawn from this venture.
עִמָּכֶֽםwith youprep עִם + pron suffix 2mp · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase, predicate complement of יִהְיֶהעִם (H5973) 'with'; closes the warning on the note of YHWH's absence, the direct converse of his promised presence (Exod 3:12, etc.).
44

וַיַּעְפִּ֕לוּ לַעֲל֖וֹת אֶל רֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר וַאֲר֤וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה֙ וּמֹשֶׁ֔ה לֹא מָ֖שׁוּ מִקֶּ֥רֶב הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה

But they presumed to go up to the top of the mountain, although the ark of the covenant of YHWH and Moses did not depart from the midst of the camp.

Narrative — the people act in defiance of the warningוַ
וַיַּעְפִּלוּ, from עפל (H6075, 'to be presumptuous, act willfully'), is a rare and pointed verb; the notice that the ark and Moses did NOT go with them makes the presumption visually explicit — they march without YHWH's own symbol of presence.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּעְפִּ֕לוּand they presumedconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · עָפַל (H6075)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive act of defiance despite Moses' warningעָפַל (H6075) Hiphil, rare verb 'to be presumptuous, act willfully/rashly' (elsewhere only Hab 2:4); a pointed lexical choice marking the people's action as reckless self-will rather than faith.
לַעֲל֖וֹתto go upprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָלָה (H5927)Infinitival complement of וַיַּעְפִּלוּ→ Infinitive: complementary — specifies the content of their presumptuous actעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the same verb of ascent repeated throughout the episode, now finally executed against the divine warning.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the goal of לַעֲלוֹתאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; directs the ascent to the mountain top.
רֹ֣אשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of the preposition אֶל, head of the construct chainרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top'; construct governing הָהָר, repeating the destination named in v. 40.
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Genitive completing the construct chain רֹאשׁ הָהָרהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; the hill country they had been forbidden to ascend.
וַאֲר֤וֹןbut the ark ofconj וְ (disjunctive) + N c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Subject (first member) of the disjunctive clause לֹא מָשׁוּ, fronted for contrastאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; construct 'ark of', head of the chain אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה — fronted disjunctively to underscore what did NOT accompany them.
בְּרִיתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Genitive completing the construct chain אֲרוֹן בְּרִיתבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; construct 'covenant of', governing יְהוָה — the ark as the covenant's material sign.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the construct chain אֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָהיְהוָה (H3068), whose covenant the ark embodies — its absence from the venture is theologically loaded.
וּמֹשֶׁ֔הand Mosesconj וְ + proper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject (second member) of the disjunctive clause, coordinate with וַאֲרוֹןמֹשֶׁה (H4872); paired with the ark as the two loci of divine authority conspicuously absent from the people's unauthorized march.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates מָשׁוּלֹא (H3808), standard negative; the pointed narratorial aside that neither the ark nor Moses went with the people.
מָ֖שׁוּdid departQal perf 3cp · מוּשׁ (H4185)Predicate verb of the disjunctive clause→ Perfective (negated): states a settled fact — the ark and Moses remained, in flat contrast to the people's departureמוּשׁ (H4185) 'to depart, move away'; negated here, 'did not depart' — the narrator's pointed detail confirming the venture proceeds without divine sanction.
מִקֶּ֥רֶבfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase modifying מָשׁוּקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst'; construct 'from the midst of', governing הַמַּחֲנֶה.
הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽהthe campart + N c sg abs · מַחֲנֶה (H4264)Object of the preposition מִקֶּרֶבמַחֲנֶה (H4264) 'camp'; the ark and Moses remain at the camp's center while the people march out alone.
45

וַיֵּ֤רֶד הָעֲמָלֵקִי֙ וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב בָּהָ֣ר הַה֑וּא וַיַּכּ֥וּם וַֽיַּכְּת֖וּם עַד הַֽחָרְמָֽה

Then the Amalekite and the Canaanite who lived in that hill country came down and struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah.

Narrative climax — defeat at Hormah closes the chapterוַ
The rout 'as far as Hormah' (חָרְמָה, punning on חֵרֶם, 'ban/destruction') closes the chapter with military disaster, confirming Moses' warning and forming an inclusio with the opening despair — the people's own fear of falling by the sword (v. 3) is realized, but through their own presumption rather than the conquest they refused.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֵּ֤רֶדand he came downconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָרַד (H3381)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the enemy's decisive counterattackיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; the enemies descend from the heights to meet the ascending Israelites — a reversal of the people's own upward movement.
הָעֲמָלֵקִי֙the Amalekiteart + gentilic N m sg abs · עֲמָלֵקִי (H6003)Subject (first member) of וַיֵּרֶדעֲמָלֵקִי (H6003) 'Amalekite'; resumes the enemy named in v. 43, now the executor of the predicted defeat.
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔יand the Canaaniteconj וְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Subject (second member) of וַיֵּרֶדכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669) 'Canaanite'; paired again with Amalek, resuming v. 43.
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖בwho livedart + Qal ptc m sg abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Attributive participle modifying the compound subject→ Participle: characterizing — identifies the enemies by their settled habitationיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; substantival/attributive participle 'the one dwelling', locating the enemy's home territory in the very hill country Israel had presumed to invade.
בָּהָ֣רin the hill countryprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Prepositional phrase modifying הַיֹּשֵׁבהַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill country'; same locale as vv. 40, 44 — the enemies' home ground.
הַה֑וּאthatart + dem/indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָהָרהוּא (H1931) used demonstratively with the article, 'that' — specifies the particular hill country just mentioned.
וַיַּכּ֥וּםand they struck themconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + pron suffix 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, second main predicate verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the enemy's attack landsנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; with 3mp suffix 'struck them' — the direct fulfillment of Moses' warning (v. 42, תִּנָּגְפוּ).
וַֽיַּכְּת֖וּםand beat them downconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + pron suffix 3mp · כָּתַת (H3807)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, intensifying the prior verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — a second, more violent verb underscoring the rout's severityכָּתַת (H3807) Hiphil 'to beat down, crush, shatter'; paired with נָכָה for emphasis — a thorough, crushing defeat, not a mere skirmish.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking the extent of the pursuitעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the geographic extent of the rout.
הַֽחָרְמָֽהHormahart + proper noun (directive-locative use) · חָרְמָה (H2767)Object of the preposition עַד, closing the verseחָרְמָה (H2767) 'Hormah', from חֵרֶם 'ban, destruction'; the place-name puns grimly on the fate that befalls Israel here, closing the chapter with the very sword-death the people had originally feared (v. 3).