Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 17במדבר 17

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

Numbers 17 answers Korah's challenge with two enduring emblems. The rebels' bronze censers are hammered into altar-plating, a standing warning that no outsider may offer incense. Then twelve tribal staffs are laid before the testimony, and Aaron's alone buds, blossoms, and bears ripe almonds overnight — settling by sign, not argument, that YHWH chooses the priesthood, though the terrified people read it as fresh danger rather than relief.

Translation & textual notes

Numbers 17 in the MT continues directly from the crisis of ch. 16 without a break; English versions close ch. 16 at v. 35 (the fire consuming the 250 rebels) and open ch. 17 only with the collection of the tribal staffs, so MT 17:1-15 = English 16:36-50, and MT 17:16-28 = English 17:1-13. This split arises from the Vulgate/LXX chapter divisions later adopted by Christian Bibles; the underlying Hebrew (WLC) is stable, with only minor variants in the Samaritan Pentateuch and LXX (which renders מַטֶּה uniformly as ῥάβδος, losing the Hebrew pun with 'tribe'). Two term-pairs recur as near-synonyms: זִכָּרוֹן/אוֹת ('memorial'/'sign') for the censer-plating, and later לְאוֹת/לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת ('as a sign'/'for safekeeping') for Aaron's staff — both functioning as permanent physical warrants against future challenge to Aaronic legitimacy. The chapter's two emblems form a deliberate contrast: hammered bronze memorializing death by unauthorized fire, and a budding almond branch memorializing life springing from dead wood. Jewish and Christian tradition alike (cf. Heb 9:4) treat Aaron's rod as a relic kept beside the manna and the tablets, though its later fate goes unrecorded in the MT itself.

1

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:

Divine-speech formula opening a new unitוַ
The recurring wayyiqtol formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר launches a fresh divine instruction, structurally identical to vv. 9 and 16 and marking the chapter's three-part revelation rhythm (censer law, plague intercession, budding-staff sign).
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the recurring divine-speech formulaדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר opens a new divine-speech unit (cf. vv. 9, 16).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; subject of the recurring revelation formula.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the recipient of the word.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, the covenant mediator who receives and relays every instruction in this chapter.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive marking the onset of direct speech→ Infinitive construct: transition formula into quoted discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens the divine speech that follows.
2

אֱמֹ֨ר אֶל אֶלְעָזָ֜ר בֶּן אַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֗ן וְיָרֵ֤ם אֶת הַמַּחְתֹּת֙ מִבֵּ֣ין הַשְּׂרֵפָ֔ה וְאֶת הָאֵ֖שׁ זְרֵה הָ֑לְאָה כִּ֖י קָדֵֽשׁוּ

"Tell Eleazar son of Aaron the priest to take up the censers out of the burning and scatter the fire far away, for they have become holy —

Asyndetic imperative opening the quoted speechasyndeton
The quoted instruction begins abruptly with the bare imperative אֱמֹר, standard for the content of a divine speech introduced by לֵאמֹר in v. 1. Eleazar, not Aaron, is designated because handling vessels associated with the dead risked priestly impurity for the high priest himself.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אֱמֹ֨רsayQal impv 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (imperative, opening the speech)→ Volitional: direct command to Mosesאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Qal imperative opening the relayed instruction to Eleazar.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of the commandאֶל (H413) 'to'; introduces Eleazar as the one commissioned to act.
אֶלְעָזָ֜רEleazarN proper · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Object of the preposition אֶלאֶלְעָזָר (H499) 'God has helped'; Aaron's surviving elder son, priest-designate after Nadab and Abihu's deaths (Lev 10), tasked here rather than Aaron since contact with the dead men's vessels risked impurity.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, identifying Eleazar)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; opens the genealogical identification בֶּן אַהֲרֹן.
אַהֲרֹ֣ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175), Aaron, high priest; identifies Eleazar as his son.
הַכֹּהֵ֗ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition to אַהֲרֹןכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; appositive title confirming Aaron's priestly office.
וְיָרֵ֤םand let him take upconj וְ + Hiphil jussive 3ms · רוּם (H7311)Jussive continuing the imperative's directive force→ Volitional/jussive: a third-person command extending Moses's directive to Eleazar's actionרוּם (H7311) Hiphil 'to lift up, remove'; here of physically retrieving the censers from the fire.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַמַּחְתֹּת֙the censersart + N f pl abs · מַחְתָּה (H4289)Direct object of וְיָרֵםמַחְתָּה (H4289) 'censer, fire-pan'; the 250 bronze censers used by Korah's company to offer unauthorized incense (16:17-18), now holy salvage.
מִבֵּ֣יןfrom amongprep מִן + prep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase of source/separationבֵּין (H996) 'between, among', compounded with מִן 'from'; the censers must be extracted from the still-smoldering remains.
הַשְּׂרֵפָ֔הthe burningart + N f sg abs · שְׂרֵפָה (H8316)Object of the preposition מִבֵּיןשְׂרֵפָה (H8316) 'burning, conflagration', from שָׂרַף 'to burn'; the fire that consumed the 250 men (16:35).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second command-object; אֵת marks הָאֵשׁ as definite.
הָאֵ֖שׁthe fireart + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Direct object of the implied verb 'scatter'אֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; the coals to be discarded — only the metal of the censers is sanctified for reuse.
זְרֵהscatterQal impv 2ms · זָרָה (H2219)Predicate verb (imperative, second command)→ Volitional: direct commandזָרָה (H2219) Qal 'to scatter, winnow'; the fire itself is discarded — only the bronze is sanctified.
הָ֑לְאָהfar awayadverb · הָלְאָה (H1973)Adverbial modifier of placeהָלְאָה (H1973) 'onward, away, at a distance'; specifies remote disposal of the coals.
כִּ֖יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the command in the censers' acquired holiness.
קָדֵֽשׁוּthey have become holyQal perf 3cp · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed state — the censers ARE now holy from having been offeredקָדַשׁ (H6942) Qal 'to be holy, consecrated'; presenting the censers before YHWH, even in rebellion, rendered the metal sacred — unfit for ordinary use but salvageable as altar-plating.
3

אֵ֡ת מַחְתּוֹת֩ הַֽחַטָּאִ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה בְּנַפְשֹׁתָ֗ם וְעָשׂ֨וּ אֹתָ֜ם רִקֻּעֵ֤י פַחִים֙ צִפּ֣וּי לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ כִּֽי הִקְרִיבֻ֥ם לִפְנֵֽי יְהוָ֖ה וַיִּקְדָּ֑שׁוּ וְיִֽהְי֥וּ לְא֖וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

the censers of these sinners at the cost of their lives; and let them make them into hammered plates, a plating for the altar, for they presented them before YHWH and they became holy; and they shall be a sign to the sons of Israel.

Continuation of the divine command (fronted object resumed)asyndeton
The fronted אֵת מַחְתּוֹת is left dangling until the verb וְעָשׂוּ appears; the clause turns on a paradox — sin itself ('at the cost of their lives') effected consecration, since presentation before YHWH sanctified even a rebel's offering, and the resulting plating becomes a perpetual sign.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אֵ֡ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, fronted for emphasisאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; fronted before its noun to highlight 'these censers of the sinners' as the topic.
מַחְתּוֹת֩the censers ofN f pl constr · מַחְתָּה (H4289)Direct object (construct head, fronted)מַחְתָּה (H4289) 'censer'; construct form heading the phrase 'censers of these sinners'.
הַֽחַטָּאִ֨יםthe sinnersart + Adj m pl abs · חַטָּא (H2400)Genitive of the construct chain (substantival adjective)חַטָּא (H2400) 'sinful, sinner', from חָטָא 'to sin, miss the mark'; substantival plural naming Korah's 250 followers.
הָאֵ֜לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַחַטָּאִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back to the men just consumed by fire (16:35).
בְּנַפְשֹׁתָ֗םat the cost of their livesprep בְּ + N f pl constr + suffix 3mp · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Adverbial prepositional phrase of price/costנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, self'; בְּנַפְשֹׁתָם 'at the price of their lives' — the censers were sanctified precisely by the fatal offense of offering them.
וְעָשׂ֨וּand let them makeconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (imperative continuing the command series)→ Volitional: command to Eleazar to repurpose the metalעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to make, do'; instructs the fashioning of the censers into plating.
אֹתָ֜םthemobj marker + suffix 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffix (resumes the fronted object)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, resuming the fronted 'censers of these sinners' now that the verb has appeared.
רִקֻּעֵ֤יhammered plates ofN m pl constr · רִקּוּעַ (H7555)Predicate complement (construct head, result of עָשׂוּ)רִקּוּעַ (H7555) 'beaten/hammered plate', from רָקַע 'to beat, hammer out (metal)'; the censers are to become flattened sheet-metal.
פַחִים֙platesN m pl abs · פַּח (H6341)Genitive completing the construct (material result)פַּח (H6341) 'thin plate, sheet'; in genitive with רִקֻּעֵי, 'hammered sheets/plates'.
צִפּ֣וּיa platingN m sg abs · צִפּוּי (H6826)Predicate nominative in apposition (purpose/result)צִפּוּי (H6826) 'overlay, plating', from צָפָה 'to overlay, plate'; the chapter's key term — the censers become an overlay for the altar.
לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַfor the altarprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Prepositional phrase of purpose/destinationמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to sacrifice'; the bronze altar of burnt offering, whose plated surface becomes a permanent visual warning.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; explains why the censers may become sacred plating.
הִקְרִיבֻ֥םthey presented themHiphil perf 3cp + suffix 3mp · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: the completed, fatal act of presentation before YHWHקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present (an offering)'; the very act of presenting incense before YHWH — though usurped — sanctified the vessels.
לִפְנֵֽיbeforeprep לְ + N constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of locationפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of' — offered in YHWH's own presence.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the presence before whom the illicit incense was offered.
וַיִּקְדָּ֑שׁוּand they became holyconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb, narrative result clause→ Wayyiqtol: narrated consequence — sanctification followed automatically from presentationקָדַשׁ (H6942) Qal 'to become holy'; restates v. 2's rationale as settled fact.
וְיִֽהְי֥וּand let them beconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp (jussive force) · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb, purpose/result clause→ Yiqtol/jussive: purpose — the plating is to function ongoingly as a signהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the abiding purpose clause — the plating will continually *be* a sign.
לְא֖וֹתfor a signprep לְ + N c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Predicate complement (purpose)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; the plating stands as a perpetual visual warning, paralleling the זִכָּרוֹן 'memorial' of v. 5.
לִבְנֵ֥יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, indirect object (beneficiary/audience)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct heading 'sons of Israel', the sign's intended audience.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Israel; the covenant nation for whom the plated altar stands as ongoing warning.
4

וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֗ן אֵ֚ת מַחְתּ֣וֹת הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יבוּ הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם צִפּ֥וּי לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ

So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers that those who were burned had presented, and they hammered them out into plating for the altar,

Wayyiqtol: narrative execution of the commandוַ
Narrative resumes the main storyline after the divine speech of vv. 2-5, reporting Eleazar's compliance; the substantival participle הַשְּׂרֻפִים ('the burned ones') names the 250 rebels obliquely, letting the narration avoid repeating Korah's name here.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּקַּ֞חand he tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative execution of the commandלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; narrates Eleazar's obedience to vv. 2-3.
אֶלְעָזָ֣רEleazarN proper · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Subject of וַיִּקַּחאֶלְעָזָר (H499); executes the command given in v. 2.
הַכֹּהֵ֗ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition to אֶלְעָזָרכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; reaffirms Eleazar's priestly authority to handle the holy censers.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking the definite direct object.
מַחְתּ֣וֹתthe censers ofN f pl constr · מַחְתָּה (H4289)Direct object (construct head)מַחְתָּה (H4289) 'censer'; construct heading 'bronze censers'.
הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁתthe bronzeart + N f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Genitive of the construct chain (material)נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178) 'bronze, copper'; specifies the metal — standard for outer-court furnishings.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle 'who, which, that'; introduces the clause identifying whose censers these were.
הִקְרִ֖יבוּhad presentedHiphil perf 3cp · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: prior, completed action — the offense that preceded deathקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present'; the fatal act of unauthorized offering.
הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑יםthose who were burnedart + Qal pass ptc m pl abs · שָׂרַף (H8313)Subject of הִקְרִיבוּ (substantival participle)→ Participle (passive): a resultant state from the fire of 16:35, substantivized as 'the burned ones'שָׂרַף (H8313) Qal 'to burn'; passive participle naming the 250 men consumed by divine fire.
וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּםand they hammered them outconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp + suffix 3mp · רָקַע (H7554)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the metalworking act itselfרָקַע (H7554) Piel 'to hammer, beat out (metal)'; cognate with the noun רִקֻּעֵי of v. 3 — the command executed.
צִפּ֥וּיa platingN m sg abs · צִפּוּי (H6826)Predicate complement (result/product)צִפּוּי (H6826) 'overlay, plating'; the finished product of the hammering.
לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַfor the altarprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Prepositional phrase of purpose/destinationמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the bronze sacrificial altar, now permanently overlaid with the rebels' censers.
5

זִכָּר֞וֹן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לְ֠מַעַן אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא יִקְרַ֜ב אִ֣ישׁ זָ֗ר אֲ֠שֶׁר לֹ֣א מִזֶּ֤רַע אַהֲרֹן֙ ה֔וּא לְהַקְטִ֥יר קְטֹ֖רֶת לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְלֹֽא יִהְיֶ֤ה כְקֹ֨רַח֙ וְכַ֣עֲדָת֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה בְּיַד מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֽוֹ

a memorial for the sons of Israel, so that no outsider — one who is not of the seed of Aaron — may approach to burn incense before YHWH, that he not become like Korah and his company, just as YHWH spoke to him through Moses.

Purpose clause completing the censer-plating unitasyndeton
The לְמַעַן purpose clause spells out the plating's function: a permanent deterrent against unauthorized incense, closed by an explicit backward glance ('just as YHWH spoke... to him') to the warning already delivered to Aaron in 16:40, now given monumental, visible form.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
זִכָּר֞וֹןa memorialN m sg abs · זִכָּרוֹן (H2146)Predicate nominative in apposition to the plating of v. 4זִכָּרוֹן (H2146) 'memorial, reminder', from זָכַר 'to remember'; the plated altar perpetually keeps the lesson in view, paired with אוֹת 'sign' (v. 3).
לִבְנֵ֣יfor the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, dative of referenceבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct heading 'sons of Israel', the memorial's audience.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); repeats the audience named in v. 3.
לְ֠מַעַןso thatprep · לְמַעַן (H4616)Purpose conjunction introducing the final clauseלְמַעַן (H4616) 'for the sake of, so that'; introduces the purpose the memorial serves.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/complementizer completing לְמַעַןאֲשֶׁר (H834); with לְמַעַן forms the compound purpose conjunction 'so that ... not'.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle; negates יִקְרַב.
יִקְרַ֜בmay approachQal impf 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb of the negative purpose clause→ Yiqtol (modal/prohibitive): forbids future approach — a standing prohibition, not a single eventקָרַב (H7126) Qal 'to come near, approach'; same root as הִקְרִיבֻם (v. 3) — the very act the rebels wrongly performed is now permanently forbidden to outsiders.
אִ֣ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יִקְרַבאִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; generic subject, specified by the following adjective.
זָ֗רoutsiderAdj m sg abs · זָר (H2114)Attributive adjective modifying אִישׁזָר (H2114) 'strange, foreign, unauthorized', from זוּר 'to turn aside, be a stranger'; the chapter's key negative term — anyone outside the Aaronic priesthood, echoing 16:40's identical warning.
אֲ֠שֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause further defining זָראֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the defining clause 'who is not of Aaron's seed'.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate nominal clauseלֹא (H3808); negates the verbless predication 'of the seed of Aaron'.
מִזֶּ֤רַעof the seed ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · זֶרַע (H2233)Predicate of the verbless negative clauseזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring', from זָרַע 'to sow'; defines priestly legitimacy by physical descent from Aaron.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175); the sole legitimate priestly line.
ה֔וּאhe (is)independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject/copula of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), 3ms independent pronoun; resumes אִישׁ זָר as subject of the negated nominal clause.
לְהַקְטִ֥ירto burn incenseprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · קָטַר (H6999)Infinitive of purpose (the forbidden action)→ Infinitive construct: purpose — the very act being outlawedקָטַר (H6999) Hiphil 'to burn incense, make a sacrifice smoke'; the act Korah's company usurped (16:17-18).
קְטֹ֖רֶתincenseN f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Direct object of לְהַקְטִירקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense', cognate with קָטַר; the offering restricted to Aaronic priests alone.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of locationפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before' YHWH — the incense altar stands directly before the veil.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); incense may be offered only in his presence, by his chosen priests.
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verb, continuing the purpose clauseוְ continues the purpose clause; לֹא negates יִהְיֶה.
יִהְיֶ֤הhe becomeQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the negated purpose clause→ Yiqtol (modal): a future contingency to be prevented — becoming 'like Korah'הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; the ultimate rationale — the whole regulation exists so no one repeats Korah's fate.
כְקֹ֨רַח֙like Korahprep כְּ + N proper · קֹרַח (H7141)Predicate complement of comparisonקֹרַח (H7141), the Levite ringleader of the rebellion (ch. 16), whose name becomes shorthand for presumptuous, unauthorized approach to God.
וְכַ֣עֲדָת֔וֹand like his companyconj וְ + prep כְּ + N f sg constr + suffix 3ms · עֵדָה (H5712)Coordinate predicate complement of comparisonעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, company'; Korah's specific faction of 250 men, destroyed together with him.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing a confirming clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'just as, according to what'; confirms the regulation matches an earlier divine word.
דִּבֶּ֧רspokePiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a prior, completed act of speaking (cf. 16:40)דִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; refers back to the warning already given in 16:40, now formally enacted.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּריְהוָה (H3068); the source of both the earlier warning and this new memorial.
בְּיַדby the hand ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase of agency/meansיָד (H3027) 'hand'; בְּיַד idiomatically 'through, by means of' — the standard idiom for prophetic mediation.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition בְּיַדמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the mediating prophet through whom YHWH's word reaches Aaron.
לֽוֹto himprep לְ + suffix 3ms · לְPrepositional phrase, indirect object (Aaron)לְ with 3ms suffix, referring back to Aaron (v. 3) — the earlier warning was spoken specifically 'to him'.
6

וַיִּלֹּ֜נוּ כָּל עֲדַ֤ת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת עַל מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְעַֽל אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵאמֹ֑ר אַתֶּ֥ם הֲמִתֶּ֖ם אֶת עַ֥ם יְהוָֽה

But on the next day the whole congregation of the sons of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, "You have killed the people of YHWH."

Wayyiqtol: abrupt narrative reversalוַ
The jarring temporal marker מִמָּחֳרָת ('the next day') shows the memorial of vv. 1-5 utterly failed to teach its lesson; the people's own words invert reality, blaming the mediators for a judgment YHWH himself executed against open rebellion.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּלֹּ֜נוּand they murmuredconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · לוּן (H3885)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — a shockingly swift return to rebellionלוּן (H3885) Niphal 'to murmur, grumble'; the verb of the wilderness-complaint tradition (Exod 15-17; Num 14), erupting the very next day after 14,700 will die (v. 14).
כָּלallN m sg constr (quantifier) · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier heading the subject phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; totalizing the guilt — not a faction but the whole community murmurs.
עֲדַ֤תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing כָּל, subject of וַיִּלֹּנוּעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the same term used of Korah's faction (v. 5) now applied to the whole nation.
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct heading 'sons of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the entire nation implicated in the new complaint.
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔תon the next dayprep מִן + N f sg abs · מָחֳרָת (H4283)Temporal adverbial phraseמָחֳרָת (H4283) 'the next day, morrow'; marks the community's shocking speed in blaming Moses and Aaron mere hours after the plague of ch. 16.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the object of murmuringעַל (H5921) 'against, upon'; introduces the target of the complaint.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition עַלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); co-target of the people's accusation.
וְעַֽלand againstconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinate prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) repeated with וְ; Aaron is blamed equally with Moses.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of the preposition וְעַלאַהֲרֹן (H175); blamed despite having just enacted YHWH's warning against exactly this kind of presumption.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: transition into the people's quoted accusationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the accusatory quotation.
אַתֶּ֥םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject of the accusationאַתֶּם (H859), 2mp independent pronoun, fronted for emphasis: 'YOU have killed...' — direct blame on the leaders.
הֲמִתֶּ֖םyou have killedHiphil perf 2mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the accusation→ Perfective: an accomplished, damning chargeמוּת (H4191) Hiphil 'to kill, put to death'; the people invert cause and effect, blaming Moses and Aaron for a plague YHWH himself sent in judgment.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking the definite direct object 'the people of YHWH'.
עַ֥םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Direct object (construct head)עַם (H5971) 'people'; construct heading 'people of YHWH' — the phrase itself carries the irony: they accuse the leaders of killing YHWH's own people, when YHWH himself judged the rebellion.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the possessive genitive intensifying the charge's audacity — they invoke divine ownership against divine judgment.
7

וַיְהִ֗י בְּהִקָּהֵ֤ל הָֽעֵדָה֙ עַל מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְעַֽל אַהֲרֹ֔ן וַיִּפְנוּ֙ אֶל אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וְהִנֵּ֥ה כִסָּ֖הוּ הֶעָנָ֑ן וַיֵּרָ֖א כְּב֥וֹד יְהוָֽה

And it happened, when the congregation had assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they turned toward the tent of meeting, and behold, the cloud had covered it, and the glory of YHWH appeared.

Wayyiqtol narrative frame with embedded temporal infinitiveוַ
The scene replays 16:19-42 almost verbatim: hostile assembly, flight to the tent, the glory's sudden appearance — signaling the reader to expect the same divine wrath that fell on Korah's company.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it happenedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (narrative wayyiqtol, temporal frame)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative frame introducing a new sceneהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the standard formula introducing a new episode — the congregation's assembly against the leaders.
בְּהִקָּהֵ֤לwhen ... assembledprep בְּ + Niphal inf constr · קָהַל (H6950)Temporal infinitive clause (subordinate to וַיְהִי)→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking simultaneity with the main clauseקָהַל (H6950) Niphal 'to assemble, gather'; the congregation mobilizes against Moses and Aaron, echoing Korah's own קָהָל in ch. 16.
הָֽעֵדָה֙the congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject of the infinitive clauseעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; the same body that murmured in v. 6 now physically gathers.
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking the target of assemblyעַל (H5921) 'against'; hostile assembly, mirroring Korah's company (16:19).
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition עַלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); target of the hostile gathering.
וְעַֽלand againstconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinate prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) repeated; Aaron equally targeted.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of the preposition וְעַלאַהֲרֹן (H175); co-target with Moses.
וַיִּפְנוּ֙and they turnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the leaders' responseפָּנָה (H6437) Qal 'to turn'; Moses and Aaron turn to the sanctuary rather than confront the crowd, as in 16:22.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; direction of the leaders' flight for refuge.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct heading 'tent of meeting'.
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the tabernacle's inner sanctum, the place of refuge and revelation.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing a vivid narrative surpriseהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; the narrator's vivid-present marker, shifting to the leaders' viewpoint as they see the cloud.
כִסָּ֖הוּit had covered itPiel perf 3ms + suffix 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb, main clause introduced by וְהִנֵּה→ Perfective: an already-accomplished state observed at the moment of arrivalכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover'; the glory-cloud has already enveloped the tent by the time Moses and Aaron arrive.
הֶעָנָ֑ןthe cloudart + N m sg abs · עָנָן (H6051)Subject of כִסָּהוּעָנָן (H6051) 'cloud'; the visible sign of YHWH's presence, as at Sinai and throughout the wilderness.
וַיֵּרָ֖אand it appearedconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative climax — the theophany manifestsרָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen'; the glory made visible, signaling imminent divine action (cf. 16:19, 42).
כְּב֥וֹדthe glory ofN c sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Subject of וַיֵּרָא (construct head)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, weightiness'; construct heading 'glory of YHWH' — the visible manifestation of divine presence, here appearing in wrath.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the same glory-appearance that preceded the plague in 16:19, 42-45.
8

וַיָּבֹ֤א מֹשֶׁה֙ וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן אֶל פְּנֵ֖י אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד

And Moses and Aaron came to the front of the tent of meeting.

Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceוַ
A terse notice of arrival heightens suspense before YHWH's devastating command in v. 10; the pair now stand directly before the glory that had just appeared.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיָּבֹ֤אand he cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, enter'; singular verb with compound subject, standard Hebrew concord.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיָּבֹא (first of compound subject)מֹשֶׁה (H4872); named first as principal mediator.
וְאַהֲרֹ֔ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinate subject of וַיָּבֹאאַהֲרֹן (H175); joins Moses as they together approach the sanctuary.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'; direction of approach.
פְּנֵ֖יthe front ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; פְּנֵי אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד 'the front/entrance of the tent of meeting' — the threshold where they hear YHWH's verdict.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive of the construct chainאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct heading 'tent of meeting'.
מוֹעֵֽדmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed meeting'; the tabernacle's entrance, where Moses and Aaron stand before the manifest glory.
9

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:

Divine-speech formulaוַ
The recurring formula reintroduces direct speech, but here it interrupts the theophany with devastating urgency — the word that follows (v. 10) is a command to stand back so YHWH can annihilate the assembly instantly.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the divine-speech formula recurring under duressדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the same formula as v. 1, now delivering a command of judgment.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068); speaks from within the glory just witnessed in v. 7.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as recipient.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); receives the command of judgment, standing at the very threshold of the tent.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive marking the onset of direct speech→ Infinitive construct: transition formula into quoted discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the terse, urgent command of v. 10.
10

הֵרֹ֗מּוּ מִתּוֹךְ֙ הָעֵדָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה אֹתָ֖ם כְּרָ֑גַע וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ עַל פְּנֵיהֶֽם

"Get away from the midst of this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment." And they fell on their faces.

Volitional command (asyndeton) with narrated intercessory responseasyndeton
YHWH's command repeats the annihilation threat of 16:21, 45 almost verbatim; Moses and Aaron again fall on their faces, the standard posture of urgent intercession that in the earlier scene opened space for a modified sentence rather than full execution.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
הֵרֹ֗מּוּget awayNiphal impv 2mp · רוּם (H7426)Predicate verb (imperative, direct command)→ Volitional: urgent command to separate for imminent judgmentרוּם (H7426) Niphal 'to be removed, get away, withdraw'; the same urgent command YHWH gave in 16:21, 45 — separate now so wrath can fall unimpeded.
מִתּוֹךְ֙from the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase of separationתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; specifies withdrawal from among the condemned assembly.
הָעֵדָ֣הthis congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Object of the preposition מִתּוֹךְעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; the same assembled body of v. 7, now under sentence.
הַזֹּ֔אתthisart + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעֵדָהזֹאת (H2063) 'this'; emphatic, pointing at the crowd gathered moments before.
וַאֲכַלֶּ֥הthat I may consumeconj וְ + Piel impf 1cs (cohortative sense) · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb, purpose/result clause following the imperative→ Cohortative/volitional: YHWH's stated intent to annihilate immediatelyכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to finish, consume, destroy'; the identical divine threat of 16:21, 45 — total, instantaneous destruction.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + suffix 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffixאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, referring to the congregation.
כְּרָ֑גַעin a momentprep כְּ + N m sg abs · רֶגַע (H7281)Adverbial phrase of time/mannerרֶגַע (H7281) 'moment, instant'; stresses the suddenness of the threatened destruction.
וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּand they fellconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the leaders' desperate responseנָפַל (H5307) Qal 'to fall'; Moses and Aaron's posture of intercessory prostration, as in 16:22, 45.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; locates the prostration.
פְּנֵיהֶֽםtheir facesN c pl constr + suffix 3mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of the preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; פְּנֵיהֶם 'their faces' — the posture of urgent intercession before wrath.
11

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֣ח אֶת הַ֠מַּחְתָּה וְתֶן עָלֶ֨יהָ אֵ֜שׁ מֵעַ֤ל הַמִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ וְשִׂ֣ים קְטֹ֔רֶת וְהוֹלֵ֧ךְ מְהֵרָ֛ה אֶל הָעֵדָ֖ה וְכַפֵּ֣ר עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם כִּֽי יָצָ֥א הַקֶּ֛צֶף מִלִּפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה הֵחֵ֥ל הַנָּֽגֶף

Then Moses said to Aaron, "Take the censer, and put fire on it from the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone out from before YHWH — the plague has begun."

Wayyiqtol narrative frame introducing a five-imperative commandוַ
Moses acts on his own initiative, without a further divine command mediating this specific instruction to Aaron; the five stacked imperatives (take, put, put, go, atone) convey breathless urgency, and the causal כִּי clause explains why — the plague is already underway.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Moses's urgent instructionאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; introduces Moses's rapid-fire command to Aaron.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); acts instantly, without waiting for further divine instruction.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; Aaron as recipient of the urgent command.
אַהֲרֹ֗ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of the preposition אֶלאַהֲרֹן (H175); commanded to act as intercessor with the very implement — the censer — just used for judgment (vv. 1-5).
קַ֣חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (imperative, opening the command series)→ Volitional: urgent direct commandלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; the first of five rapid imperatives.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking the definite direct object 'the censer'.
הַ֠מַּחְתָּהthe censerart + N f sg abs · מַחְתָּה (H4289)Direct object of קַחמַחְתָּה (H4289) 'censer'; Aaron's own censer, now an instrument of life rather than the death that befell the 250 rebels' censers.
וְתֶןand putconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (imperative, second command)→ Volitional: urgent direct commandנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give, put, place'; instructs loading the censer with fire.
עָלֶ֨יהָon itprep עַל + suffix 3fs · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of וְתֶןעַל (H5921) 'on, upon' with 3fs suffix, referring to הַמַּחְתָּה (feminine).
אֵ֜שׁfireN c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Direct object of וְתֶןאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; live coals taken from the altar, contrasting the fire scattered away in v. 2.
מֵעַ֤לfrom uponprep מִן + prep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of sourceעַל (H5921) compounded with מִן; the coals are drawn from the bronze altar itself, sanctioned fire for a sanctioned purpose.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֨חַ֙the altarart + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Object of the preposition מֵעַלמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; the very altar now plated with the rebels' censers (v. 4).
וְשִׂ֣יםand putconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (imperative, third command)→ Volitional: urgent direct commandשִׂים (H7760) Qal 'to put, place'; instructs adding incense to the fire.
קְטֹ֔רֶתincenseN f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Direct object of וְשִׂיםקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense'; used rightly here by the legitimate high priest, in stark contrast to vv. 2-5's forbidden use.
וְהוֹלֵ֧ךְand goconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (imperative, fourth command)→ Volitional: urgent direct commandהָלַךְ (H3212) Hiphil (הוֹלֵךְ used imperativally) 'to go'; commands immediate movement into the crowd.
מְהֵרָ֛הquicklyN f sg abs (adverbial use) · מְהֵרָה (H4120)Adverbial modifier of mannerמְהֵרָה (H4120) 'haste, quickly'; underscores that seconds matter — the plague is already spreading.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'; direction of Aaron's urgent movement.
הָעֵדָ֖הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Object of the preposition אֶלעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; the very people under judgment, now to be reached with life-giving incense.
וְכַפֵּ֣רand make atonementconj וְ + Piel impv 2ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (imperative, fifth command)→ Volitional: urgent direct commandכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, cover, appease'; the incense itself becomes an atoning act, halting divine wrath.
עֲלֵיהֶ֑םfor themprep עַל + suffix 3mp · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of וְכַפֵּרעַל (H5921) with 3mp suffix; atonement made on behalf of the very people who had accused Aaron of murder (v. 6).
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; explains the urgency.
יָצָ֥אhas gone outQal perf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: an already-initiated, ongoing divine actionיָצָא (H3318) Qal 'to go out'; the wrath is personified as already in motion, actively striking.
הַקֶּ֛צֶףthe wrathart + N m sg abs · קֶצֶף (H7110)Subject of יָצָאקֶצֶף (H7110) 'wrath, anger'; divine anger conceived as an active, almost independent agent moving through the camp.
מִלִּפְנֵ֥יfrom beforeprep מִן + prep לְ + N constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of sourceפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִלִּפְנֵי 'from the presence of' — the wrath issues directly from YHWH's presence.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition מִלִּפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068); the wrath's direct source, despite the people's accusation against Moses and Aaron in v. 6.
הֵחֵ֥לhas begunHiphil perf 3ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb, parallel clause→ Perfective: an accomplished onset — the plague is already underwayחָלַל (H2490) Hiphil 'to begin'; marks the plague's onset as already past by the time Moses speaks.
הַנָּֽגֶףthe plagueart + N m sg abs · נֶגֶף (H5063)Subject of הֵחֵלנֶגֶף (H5063) 'plague, blow', from נָגַף 'to strike'; the visible manifestation of the קֶצֶף already devastating the camp.
12

וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַהֲרֹ֜ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבֶּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיָּ֨רָץ֙ אֶל תּ֣וֹך הַקָּהָ֔ל וְהִנֵּ֛ה הֵחֵ֥ל הַנֶּ֖גֶף בָּעָ֑ם וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶֽת הַקְּטֹ֔רֶת וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל הָעָֽם

So Aaron took it, as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the assembly, and behold, the plague had begun among the people; and he put on the incense and made atonement for the people.

Wayyiqtol narrative advance — Aaron's intercessory action executedוַ
Aaron obeys Moses's five-imperative command of v. 11 without a word of reply; the perfect verb הֵחֵל ('had begun') shows the plague is already underway even as he runs, so his atoning act barely overtakes a wrath already in motion. The chapter's turn from judgment to intercession pivots here.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּקַּ֨חand he tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Aaron's immediate complianceלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; Aaron takes the censer just prepared by Moses in v. 11, obeying without delay.
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיִּקַּחאַהֲרֹן (H175); the high priest acts immediately as intercessor.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing a manner clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'just as, according to what'; underscores Aaron's exact, unhesitating obedience to Moses's instruction.
דִּבֶּ֣רhad spokenPiel perf 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a prior, completed act of instructionדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; refers back to Moses's rapid command in v. 11.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of דִּבֶּרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the one whose word Aaron obeys exactly.
וַיָּ֨רָץ֙and he ranconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רוּץ (H7323)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — urgency dramatized by physical runningרוּץ (H7323) Qal 'to run'; conveys the life-or-death urgency of Aaron's intercessory dash into the very crowd under judgment.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; direction of Aaron's run.
תּ֣וֹךthe midst ofN m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; Aaron runs directly into the center of the stricken assembly, not around it.
הַקָּהָ֔לthe assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Genitive of the construct chainקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation'; the same body that had rebelled in v. 6, now dying.
וְהִנֵּ֛הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing a vivid narrative surpriseהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; shifts to Aaron's own viewpoint as he discovers the plague already raging.
הֵחֵ֥לhad begunHiphil perf 3ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb, clause introduced by וְהִנֵּה→ Perfective: an already-accomplished onset, observed in the very moment Aaron arrivesחָלַל (H2490) Hiphil 'to begin'; repeats v. 11's verb — the plague Moses described is now visibly underway before Aaron's eyes.
הַנֶּ֖גֶףthe plagueart + N m sg abs · נֶגֶף (H5063)Subject of הֵחֵלנֶגֶף (H5063) 'plague, blow'; identical term to v. 11 — the wrath already announced has now visibly begun.
בָּעָ֑םamong the peopleprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Prepositional phrase of locationעַם (H5971) 'people'; specifies the plague's location — sweeping through the very congregation Aaron is entering.
וַיִּתֵּן֙and he putconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Aaron's decisive actנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give, put'; Aaron executes Moses's third command (v. 11) instantly.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite direct object 'the incense'.
הַקְּטֹ֔רֶתthe incenseart + N f sg abs · קְטֹרֶת (H7004)Direct object of וַיִּתֵּןקְטֹרֶת (H7004) 'incense'; the same incense commanded in v. 11, now placed to atone in the very act of confronting the plague.
וַיְכַפֵּ֖רand he made atonementconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative climax — the atoning act that halts the plagueכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, cover, appease'; Aaron executes the fifth command of v. 11 — the incense itself becomes the means of atonement, arresting divine wrath.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, indirect objectעַל (H5921) 'on behalf of, for'; marks the people as beneficiaries of Aaron's atoning act.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition עַלעַם (H5971) 'people'; the same people just accusing Aaron of murder (v. 6), now the object of his intercession.
13

וַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד בֵּֽין הַמֵּתִ֖ים וּבֵ֣ין הַֽחַיִּ֑ים וַתֵּעָצַ֖ר הַמַּגֵּפָֽה

And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped.

Wayyiqtol narrative climax — priestly mediation stops the plagueוַ
The terse main-line clause וַיַּעֲמֹד בֵּין הַמֵּתִים וּבֵין הַחַיִּים is one of the most vivid images of priestly intercession in the Hebrew Bible: Aaron's own body becomes the boundary the plague cannot cross. The passive/reflexive וַתֵּעָצַר reports the result as an accomplished narrative fact, continuing the main storyline begun in v. 12.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיַּעֲמֹ֥דand he stoodconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative climax — the priestly mediator physically interposes himselfעָמַד (H5975) Qal 'to stand'; Aaron takes up a position of bodily mediation between the realms of death and life.
בֵּֽיןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase of location (first member)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; opens one of Scripture's most vivid images of priestly intercession.
הַמֵּתִ֖יםthe deadart + Qal ptc m pl abs · מוּת (H4191)Object of the preposition בֵּין→ Participle: substantivized state — those who have already diedמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; substantival participle 'the dead ones', the 14,700 already fallen (v. 14).
וּבֵ֣יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase of location (second member)בֵּין (H996) repeated with וְ; completes the merism 'between the dead and the living'.
הַֽחַיִּ֑יםthe livingart + Adj m pl abs · חַי (H2416)Object of the preposition וּבֵיןחַי (H2416) 'living, alive'; substantival plural naming those not yet struck — Aaron's body becomes the boundary line.
וַתֵּעָצַ֖רand it was stoppedconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3fs · עָצַר (H6113)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol/passive: narrated result — the plague's advance is halted at the very point of intercessionעָצַר (H6113) Niphal 'to be restrained, held back'; the plague is checked precisely at the boundary Aaron's body creates.
הַמַּגֵּפָֽהthe plagueart + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Subject of וַתֵּעָצַרמַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague, blow', from נָגַף; near-synonym of נֶגֶף (v. 12/11) — the deadly stroke finally arrested.
14

וַיִּהְי֗וּ הַמֵּתִים֙ בַּמַּגֵּפָ֔ה אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר אֶ֖לֶף וּשְׁבַ֣ע מֵא֑וֹת מִלְּבַ֥ד הַמֵּתִ֖ים עַל דְּבַר קֹֽרַח

Now those who died in the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, besides those who died because of Korah's affair.

Statistical parenthesis reporting the plague's tollוַ
Though formally a wayyiqtol clause continuing the narrative chain, this verse functions as a numerical aside rather than a narrated event — the narrator halts the action to supply the casualty count and explicitly to distinguish it from the earlier deaths 'because of Korah's affair' (16:35, 49), underscoring that this second, larger plague punished the people's fresh rebellion of v. 6, not the original mutiny. Marked level 1 as an explanatory digression from the main storyline.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּהְי֗וּand they wereconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol, statistical parenthesis)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative statement — introduces the summary death-tollהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the narrator's explanatory tally of casualties.
הַמֵּתִים֙those who diedart + Qal ptc m pl abs · מוּת (H4191)Subject of וַיִּהְיוּ→ Participle: substantivized — 'the dead ones', naming the casualties as a classמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; substantival participle naming the fatalities of this plague specifically.
בַּמַּגֵּפָ֔הin the plagueprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Prepositional phrase specifying which deathsמַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague'; same term as v. 13, distinguishing these dead from Korah's company (below).
אַרְבָּעָ֥הfourteennumeral card f · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral, first element of the compound numberאַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; combines with עָשָׂר to form 'fourteen'.
עָשָׂ֛ר-teennumeral · עָשָׂר (H6240)Numeral, second element completing 'fourteen'עָשָׂר (H6240) '-teen'; combined with אַרְבָּעָה to give 'fourteen'.
אֶ֖לֶףthousandN c sg abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral noun, head of the numerical phraseאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; fourteen thousand — a staggering death toll for one day's plague.
וּשְׁבַ֣עand sevenconj וְ + numeral card f constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Numeral continuing the compound totalשֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; joins the thousands figure to the hundreds.
מֵא֑וֹתhundredN f pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral noun completing the total (14,700)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred', pl. 'hundreds'; completes the toll: 14,700 dead.
מִלְּבַ֥דbesidesprep מִן + prep לְ + N m sg constr · לְבַד (H905)Prepositional phrase of exception/exclusionלְבַד (H905) 'apart, besides', with מִן; explicitly excludes the following group from the 14,700 count.
הַמֵּתִ֖יםthose who diedart + Qal ptc m pl abs · מוּת (H4191)Object of the preposition מִלְּבַד (substantival participle)→ Participle: substantivized — a second, distinct group of casualtiesמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; the earlier fatalities of ch. 16 — Korah's company — kept statistically separate from this new plague's toll.
עַלbecause ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of causeעַל (H5921) 'concerning, because of'; introduces the cause of the earlier deaths.
דְּבַרthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Object of the preposition עַל (construct head)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, affair'; construct heading 'the matter/affair of Korah' — his rebellion and its direct fallout (16:1-35, 49).
קֹֽרַחKorahN proper · קֹרַח (H7141)Genitive of the construct chainקֹרַח (H7141); the ringleader whose original 250 followers and household died separately from this new 14,700.
15

וַיָּ֤שָׁב אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְהַמַּגֵּפָ֖ה נֶעֱצָֽרָה

Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and the plague was stopped.

Wayyiqtol narrative closure of the intercession crisisוַ
The narrative resumes its main line after the statistical parenthesis of v. 14: Aaron returns to the very threshold where the crisis began (vv. 8-10), and the plague's cessation (נֶעֱצָרָה, same root as v. 13's וַתֵּעָצַר) is restated as a settled, confirmed fact, formally closing the intercession unit before the chapter turns to the budding-staff sign.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיָּ֤שָׁבand he returnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — closure of the crisis, Aaron returns to Mosesשׁוּב (H7725) Qal 'to return'; Aaron comes back to Moses now that the plague is checked.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיָּשָׁבאַהֲרֹן (H175); the successful intercessor returning from the assembly.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'; direction of Aaron's return, to Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); Aaron rejoins his brother after the intercession.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destination (further specification)אֶל (H413) 'to'; further specifies the location — the entrance of the tent.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance', from פָּתַח 'to open'; construct heading 'entrance of the tent of meeting'.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive of the construct chainאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct heading 'tent of meeting', the same threshold of vv. 8-10.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed meeting'; closes the crisis at the same sanctuary threshold where it began (vv. 8-10).
וְהַמַּגֵּפָ֖הand the plagueconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Subject of נֶעֱצָרָהמַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague'; same term as v. 13, restating its cessation as the crisis formally closes.
נֶעֱצָֽרָהwas stoppedNiphal perf 3fs · עָצַר (H6113)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative frame)→ Perfective/passive: a settled, confirmed state — the plague's restraint reaffirmed as factעָצַר (H6113) Niphal 'to be restrained, held back'; same root as v. 13's וַתֵּעָצַר, now stated as perfect/settled reality closing the episode.
16

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:

Divine-speech formula opening a new unitוַ
The third occurrence of the recurring wayyiqtol formula וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר, structurally identical to vv. 1 and 9, closes the intercession crisis and opens the chapter's final revelation — the sign of Aaron's budding staff that will settle the priesthood question permanently.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the recurring divine-speech formulaדִּבֶּר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the third occurrence of this formula in the chapter (cf. vv. 1, 9), opening the final unit — the budding-staff sign.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068); speaks again now that the plague crisis has closed, turning to the sign that will confirm Aaron's priesthood permanently.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as recipient.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); receives the instruction that opens the budding-staff sign narrative.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive marking the onset of direct speech→ Infinitive construct: transition formula into quoted discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the chapter's third and final divine speech.
17

דַּבֵּ֣ר אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְקַ֣ח מֵֽאִתָּ֡ם מַטֶּ֣ה מַטֶּה֩ לְבֵ֨ית אָ֜ב מֵאֵ֤ת כָּל נְשִֽׂיאֵהֶם֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֔ם שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר מַטּ֑וֹת אִ֣ישׁ אֶת שְׁמ֔וֹ תִּכְתֹּ֖ב עַל מַטֵּֽהוּ

Speak to the sons of Israel, and take from them a staff for each ancestral house, from all their chieftains according to their ancestral houses, twelve staffs; write each man's name on his staff.

Content of the divine speech (imperative instruction)asyndeton
The first imperative (דַּבֵּר) of the new speech introduced in v. 16; וְקַח continues it with a weqatal-of-instruction. מַטֶּה מַטֶּה 'a staff, a staff' (distributive repetition) sets up the chapter's controlling wordplay: מַטֶּה (H4294) means both 'staff/rod' and 'tribe', so 'twelve staffs' is simultaneously 'twelve tribes' — the sign to come authenticates tribal identity itself, not merely a piece of wood.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
דַּבֵּ֣רspeakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, imperative)→ Volitional: direct command opening the divine speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; the standard verb introducing divine instruction to Moses.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, unto'; marks the addressee of דַּבֵּר.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of prep אֶל (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural בְּנֵי in the standing phrase בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'sons/children of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of Jacob/the nation; here the assembly addressed through Moses.
וְקַ֣חand takeconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Coordinate imperative continuing the command→ Volitional: a second directive continuing the instructionלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; here the collecting of the tribal staffs, paired with כתב 'write' as the two required acts.
מֵֽאִתָּ֡םfrom themprep מִן + prep אֵת/Sp3mp · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase: sourceאֵת (H854) 'with, from with'; compounded with מִן, 'from among them' — i.e. from the chieftains.
מַטֶּ֣הa staffN m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (distributive, first of repeated pair)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod' and, by extension, 'tribe' — the same word underlies both meanings throughout this chapter; the wordplay is essential: a physical staff represents/embodies a whole tribe.
מַטֶּה֩a staff [each]N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (distributive repetition: 'staff by staff')מַטֶּה (H4294) repeated for distributive force ('a staff for each'), reinforcing the staff/tribe equivalence — see previous note.
לְבֵ֨יתfor the house ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional/construct phrase: distributive standardבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; here בֵּית אָב 'ancestral house/patriarchal house', the sub-tribal unit represented by each staff.
אָ֜בfatherN m sg abs · אָב (H1)Genitive of the construct chain בֵּית אָבאָב (H1) 'father'; בֵּית אָב 'father's house', the paternal/ancestral household unit.
מֵאֵ֤תfromprep מִן + prep אֵת · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase: source of the staffsאֵת (H854) compounded with מִן, 'from with/from among'; here introducing the chieftains as the source of the staffs.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier, head of construct chain (comprehensive)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; here comprehensive — every one of the chieftains without exception.
נְשִֽׂיאֵהֶם֙their chieftainsN m pl constr/Sp3mp · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Genitive of the construct chain (with 3mp suffix)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chieftain, tribal leader, prince'; the same leaders whose authority is contested by Korah's rebellion and here settled by sign.
לְבֵ֣יתaccording to the house ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase: distributive standard, second occurrenceבַּיִת (H1004); בֵּית אֲבֹתָם 'their fathers' house(s)', restating the tribal-ancestral organizing principle.
אֲבֹתָ֔םtheir fathersN m pl constr/Sp3mp · אָב (H1)Genitive of the construct chain בֵּית אֲבֹתָםאָב (H1) plural אֲבֹת 'fathers'; with 3mp suffix, 'their ancestral houses' — the tribal/genealogical grouping.
שְׁנֵ֥יםtwonum m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve'שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; in construct with עָשָׂר forms שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר 'twelve' — the fixed number of Israel's tribes.
עָשָׂ֖ר-teennum m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Numeral, second element of the compound 'twelve'עָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten' (in the teens formula); שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר 'twelve', matching the twelve tribal staffs.
מַטּ֑וֹתstaffsN m pl abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Noun in apposition to the numeral (counted noun)מַטֶּה (H4294) plural 'staffs/tribes'; the total tally that closes the instruction — twelve staffs standing for twelve tribes.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Adverbial accusative (distributive: 'each man')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used distributively, 'each one', governing the following clause 'his name he shall write'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking שְׁמוֹ as the definite direct object of תִּכְתֹּב.
שְׁמ֔וֹhis nameN m sg constr/Sp3ms · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct objectשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; with 3ms suffix, 'his name' — each chieftain's own name inscribed on his own staff.
תִּכְתֹּ֖בyou shall writeQal impf 2ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Predicate verb (main clause, instructional yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: modal/instructional — the required action following from the imperativesכָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; the inscribing of each chieftain's name individualizes what would otherwise be identical staffs.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase: locative (surface)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; marks the staff as the surface written upon.
מַטֵּֽהוּhis staffN m sg constr/Sp3ms · מַטֶּה (H4294)Object of the preposition עַלמַטֶּה (H4294) with 3ms suffix, 'his staff'; each chieftain's own staff, soon to become his tribe's proof of standing.
18

וְאֵת֙ שֵׁ֣ם אַהֲרֹ֔ן תִּכְתֹּ֖ב עַל מַטֵּ֣ה לֵוִ֑י כִּ֚י מַטֶּ֣ה אֶחָ֔ד לְרֹ֖אשׁ בֵּ֥ית אֲבוֹתָֽם

And you shall write Aaron's name on the staff of Levi, for there is one staff for the head of their ancestral house.

Continuation of the divine instruction, specifying the priestly staffוְ
Aaron's staff is singled out for the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe standing outside the twelve secular tribes' count; the explanatory כִּי-clause ('one staff for the head of their fathers' house') is the MT's own accounting note, addressing why Levi contributes a single staff rather than being reckoned by clan multiplicity like the others.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins this instruction to v. 17; אֵת (H853) marks שֵׁם אַהֲרֹן as the definite direct object of תִּכְתֹּב.
שֵׁ֣םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (head of construct chain)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; construct with אַהֲרֹן, 'the name of Aaron' — this staff is marked out by name rather than by tribal chieftain title alone.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chain שֵׁם אַהֲרֹןאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother, the high priest whose personal name — not merely his office — is written on Levi's staff, foreshadowing v. 23's individual vindication.
תִּכְתֹּ֖בyou shall writeQal impf 2ms · כָּתַב (H3789)Predicate verb (main clause, instructional yiqtol)→ Yiqtol: modal/instructional — continuing the required action of v. 17כָּתַב (H3789) 'to write'; repeated from v. 17 for the special case of the Levite/priestly staff.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase: locative (surface)עַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; marks the staff of Levi as the surface written upon.
מַטֵּ֣הthe staff ofN m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Object of the preposition עַל (construct head)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff/tribe'; construct with לֵוִי, 'the staff of Levi' — Levi's staff represents the priestly tribe within the sign.
לֵוִ֑יLeviproper N · לֵוִי (H3878)Genitive of the construct chain מַטֵּה לֵוִילֵוִי (H3878), the priestly tribe, distinct from and standing alongside the twelve secular tribes' staffs of v. 17.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing a causal/explanatory clauseכִּי (H3588) here causal, 'for, because'; introduces the MT's own explanatory note on why Levi's contribution is a single staff.
מַטֶּ֣הa staffN m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Subject of the verbless clauseמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff/tribe'; subject of the explanatory clause 'one staff belongs to the head of their fathers' house'.
אֶחָ֔דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying מַטֶּהאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; stresses that Levi, unlike the twelve tribes, contributes a single staff — hence the explanatory כִּי-clause.
לְרֹ֖אשׁfor the head ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Predicate prepositional phrase (verbless clause)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; here figurative, 'chief, head [of the house]' — the leading representative of Levi's ancestral house.
בֵּ֥יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of the construct chain רֹאשׁ בֵּיתבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; בֵּית אֲבוֹתָם 'their fathers' house' — Levi's own ancestral house, headed by Aaron.
אֲבוֹתָֽםtheir fathersN m pl constr/Sp3mp · אָב (H1)Genitive of the construct chain בֵּית אֲבוֹתָםאָב (H1) plural with 3mp suffix, 'their fathers'; closes the clause identifying Aaron as head of Levi's ancestral house.
19

וְהִנַּחְתָּ֖ם בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לִפְנֵי֙ הָֽעֵד֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֛ר אִוָּעֵ֥ד לָכֶ֖ם שָֽׁמָּה

And you shall place them in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you.

Continuation of the divine instruction: disposition of the staffsוְ
The twelve (or thirteen) staffs are deposited before הָעֵדוּת, the testimony/ark within the tent of meeting — the very site where YHWH meets Moses (אִוָּעֵד לָכֶם שָׁמָּה, echoing Exod 25:22; 29:42-43). Placing the sign of authority at the locus of divine-human meeting makes the coming verdict (v. 20, 23) unimpeachably YHWH's own, not Moses' contrivance.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְהִנַּחְתָּ֖םand you shall place themconj וְ + Hiphil perf (weqatal) 2ms/Sp3mp · יָנַח (H3240)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal continuing the instruction)→ Weqatal: instructional continuation — the required disposition following the writing of the staffsיָנַח (H3240) Hiphil 'to set down, deposit, lay to rest'; with 3mp suffix, 'you shall place them [the staffs]' in the sanctuary.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד 'tent of meeting', the sanctuary tent where Israel's disputes and revelations are settled.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chain אֹהֶל מוֹעֵדמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד 'tent of meeting', where YHWH meets Moses (cf. the following relative clause).
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי idiomatically 'before, in front of' — positioning the staffs directly before the testimony.
הָֽעֵד֔וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵיעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; the tablets/ark, the covenant witness before which the staffs are laid — the seat of ultimate arbitration.
אֲשֶׁ֛רwhererel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the locative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle; here locative, 'where', introducing the clause defining the tent of meeting as the site of divine encounter.
אִוָּעֵ֥דI meetNiphal impf 1cs · יָעַד (H3259)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: durative/habitual — the customary place where YHWH meets with Mosesיָעַד (H3259) Niphal 'to meet by appointment'; the reflexive/reciprocal nuance underlies אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד itself — the tent named for this very meeting.
לָכֶ֖םwith youprep לְ/Sp2mpPrepositional phrase: indirect object of אִוָּעֵדלְ 'to, with' + 2mp suffix (no separate Strong's number — the bare preposition); marks Moses (and by extension the leadership) as the one YHWH meets there.
שָֽׁמָּהthereadv (directive-ה) · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial complement of location, resuming לִפְנֵי הָעֵדוּתשָׁם (H8033) 'there', with directive/emphatic ה-ending (שָׁמָּה); anchors the meeting precisely at the tent before the testimony.
20

וְהָיָ֗ה הָאִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶבְחַר בּ֖וֹ מַטֵּ֣הוּ יִפְרָ֑ח וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִ֣י מֵֽעָלַ֗י אֶת תְּלֻנּוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥ם מַלִּינִ֖ם עֲלֵיכֶֽם

And it shall be that the staff of the man whom I choose will sprout, and I will quiet from upon me the murmurings of the sons of Israel, which they murmur against you.

Apodosis/culmination: the promised sign and its purposeוְ
The climactic promise of the speech: יִפְרָח 'will sprout' (root פרח) previews its own fulfillment in v. 23. The purpose clause explicitly ties the sign to ending the תְּלֻנּוֹת/מַלִּינִם 'murmurings' (root לון, echoing vv. 6, 10) once for all — this is YHWH's answer to Korah's rebellion and the people's continued grumbling against Moses and Aaron, settling the leadership question by an unrepeatable, unambiguous act of God rather than by further argument.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְהָיָ֗הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal perf (weqatal) 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal introducing the apodosis-formula)→ Weqatal: future-consequential — introduces the promised outcome that will follow the placing of the staffsהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; the formulaic וְהָיָה introduces a future development, here the sign's fulfillment.
הָאִ֛ישׁthe manart + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (of the embedded clause 'his staff will sprout')אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אֶבְחַר בּוֹ 'the man whom I choose' — the chieftain whose staff is designated, singular and individual, not merely his tribe in the abstract.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying הָאִישׁאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle; resumed by the object suffix on בּוֹ ('whom I choose in him').
אֶבְחַרI will chooseQal impf 1cs · בָּחַר (H977)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: modal/future — YHWH's sovereign act of selection, yet to be enacted and then confirmed by the signבָּחַר (H977) 'to choose, select'; election language that recasts leadership as divine choice, not human ambition — the direct rebuttal of Korah's challenge (16:3).
בּ֖וֹin himprep בְּ/Sp3msPrepositional phrase resuming the relative pronoun (object of בָּחַר)בְּ 'in' + 3ms suffix (no separate Strong's number — the bare preposition); the idiom בָּחַר בְּ 'to choose [in/among]' requires this resumptive pronoun after אֲשֶׁר.
מַטֵּ֣הוּhis staffN m sg constr/Sp3ms · מַטֶּה (H4294)Subject of יִפְרָחמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff/tribe' with 3ms suffix; the very object placed in v. 19 now becomes the subject of the sprouting sign.
יִפְרָ֑חwill sproutQal impf 3ms · פָּרַח (H6524)Predicate verb (main clause, the promised sign)→ Yiqtol: future/certain — the decisive, miraculous outcome that authenticates YHWH's choiceפָּרַח (H6524) 'to sprout, bud, blossom'; the exact root that pays off in v. 23 (בעֵ֣ד שֶׁ֣בֶט לֵוִ֑י…פָּרַח פֶּרַח), a dead staff's impossible new life as unimpeachable divine proof.
וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִ֣יand I will quietconj וְ + Hiphil perf (weqatal) 1cs · שָׁכַךְ (H7918)Predicate verb (main clause, weqatal continuing the promise)→ Weqatal: future-consequential — the intended effect that follows directly from the signשָׁכַךְ (H7918) Hiphil 'to cause to subside, quiet, still'; YHWH himself will silence the murmuring — the sign's stated purpose, not incidental to it.
מֵֽעָלַ֗יfrom upon meprep מִן + prep עַל/Sp1cs · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase: source/removal, modifying וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִיעַל (H5921) compounded with מִן, 'from upon me'; YHWH speaks of the people's complaints as a burden weighing on him, which he himself will lift.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking תְּלֻנּוֹת as the definite direct object of וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִי.
תְּלֻנּוֹת֙the murmurings ofN f pl constr · תְּלוּנָּה (H8519)Direct object (head of construct chain)תְּלוּנָּה (H8519) 'murmuring, complaint', from the root לון (cf. מַלִּינִם below and vv. 6, 10); the persistent grumbling against Moses and Aaron that the sign will finally end.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chain תְּלֻנּוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural בְּנֵי in the standing phrase בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, here identifying whose murmurings are silenced.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation, whose collective grumbling — not just Korah's faction — the sign is meant to end.
אֲשֶׁ֛רwhichrel pron · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clause modifying תְּלֻנּוֹתאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle; introduces the clause specifying the nature of the complaints as ongoing action (הֵם מַלִּינִם).
הֵ֥םtheyindep pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (independent pronoun with participle, emphatic)הֵם (H1992) '(third-person plural) they'; fronted with the participle for emphasis — 'they [themselves] are murmuring'.
מַלִּינִ֖םmurmuringHiphil ptc m pl abs · לוּן/לִין (H3885)Predicate participle of the relative clause (ongoing action)→ Participle: durative/ongoing — the murmuring is presented as a continuing state, not a single past outburstלוּן/לִין (H3885) Hiphil 'to murmur, grumble' (root לון, cf. תְּלוּנָּה above and vv. 6, 10); the same complaint-vocabulary that runs through the whole rebellion narrative.
עֲלֵיכֶֽםagainst youprep עַל/Sp2mp · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase: object of מַלִּינִםעַל (H5921) 'against, upon' + 2mp suffix; YHWH speaks to Moses and Aaron of the people's complaints as directed at 'you' (plural — both leaders).
21

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ אֵלָ֣יו כָּֽל נְשִֽׂיאֵיהֶ֡ם מַטֶּה֩ לְנָשִׂ֨יא אֶחָ֜ד מַטֶּ֨ה לְנָשִׂ֤יא אֶחָד֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֔ם שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר מַטּ֑וֹת וּמַטֵּ֥ה אַהֲרֹ֖ן בְּת֥וֹךְ מַטּוֹתָֽם

So Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, and all their chieftains gave him a staff each, one staff for each chieftain, according to their ancestral houses, twelve staffs; and the staff of Aaron was among their staffs.

Main-line narrative resumption: execution of the commandוַ
The wayyiqtol chain (וַיְדַבֵּר … וַיִּתְּנוּ) resumes the level-0 narrative frame after the level-1 divine speech of vv. 17-20, reporting Moses' compliance and the chieftains' compliance in turn. The verse restates 'twelve staffs' even while adding Aaron's staff 'among their staffs' — the MT's own count in v. 18 (one staff for Levi's house) suggests Aaron's staff is bundled into, not additional to, the twelve tribal staffs, though the wording leaves room for the traditional reading of thirteen physical rods.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֨רso he spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main-line resumption)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Moses' compliance immediately follows the divine speechדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the same verb that opened YHWH's command in v. 17 now reports Moses' execution of it.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesproper N · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּרמֹשֶׁה (H4872), the mediator who now carries out YHWH's instruction exactly as given, modeling the obedience the sign will vindicate.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, unto'; marks the addressee of וַיְדַבֵּר.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of prep אֶל (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural בְּנֵי in the standing phrase בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵליִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of the nation; the whole people addressed by Moses' report of YHWH's command.
וַיִּתְּנ֣וּand they gaveconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the chieftains' immediate complianceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the chieftains hand over their staffs to Moses, completing the collection commanded in v. 17.
אֵלָ֣יוto himprep אֶל/Sp3ms · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase: indirect object of וַיִּתְּנוּאֶל (H413) 'to' + 3ms suffix, 'to him' — referring back to Moses, the recipient of the staffs.
כָּֽלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier, head of construct chain (comprehensive, subject)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; here comprehensive — every chieftain complied, without exception or holdout.
נְשִֽׂיאֵיהֶ֡םtheir chieftainsN m pl constr/Sp3mp · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Subject of וַיִּתְּנוּ (genitive of the construct chain כָּל נְשִׂיאֵיהֶם)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chieftain, tribal leader'; now the willing agents of the very instruction whose purpose was to end challenges to their and Aaron's standing.
מַטֶּה֩a staffN m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (distributive, first of repeated pair)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff/tribe'; the distributive repetition of v. 17 echoed here in the narrative report of fulfillment.
לְנָשִׂ֨יאfor each chieftainprep לְ + N m sg abs · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Prepositional phrase: distributive standardנָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chieftain'; לְנָשִׂיא אֶחָד 'for one/each chieftain', restating the one-staff-per-leader principle of v. 17.
אֶחָ֜דonenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying נָשִׂיאאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; first of a distributive pair (מַטֶּה לְנָשִׂיא אֶחָד … מַטֶּה לְנָשִׂיא אֶחָד), stressing 'one staff to one chieftain', no more, no less.
מַטֶּ֨הa staffN m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (distributive, second of repeated pair)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff/tribe'; the second half of the distributive repetition, underscoring one-for-one correspondence between chieftain and staff.
לְנָשִׂ֤יאfor each chieftainprep לְ + N m sg abs · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Prepositional phrase: distributive standard, second occurrenceנָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chieftain'; second occurrence completing the distributive formula 'a staff for a chieftain, a staff for a chieftain'.
אֶחָד֙onenum m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying the second נָשִׂיאאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; second of the distributive pair, closing the formula before the tally 'twelve staffs' below.
לְבֵ֣יתaccording to the house ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase: distributive standardבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; בֵּית אֲבֹתָם 'their fathers' house(s)', restating the tribal-ancestral organizing principle as compliance is reported.
אֲבֹתָ֔םtheir fathersN m pl constr/Sp3mp · אָב (H1)Genitive of the construct chain בֵּית אֲבֹתָםאָב (H1) plural with 3mp suffix, 'their fathers' — the tribal/genealogical grouping, matching v. 17's wording exactly.
שְׁנֵ֥יםtwonum m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral, first element of the compound 'twelve'שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; in construct with עָשָׂר forms שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר 'twelve' — confirming the tally commanded in v. 17 was met.
עָשָׂ֖ר-teennum m sg abs · עָשָׂר (H6240)Numeral, second element of the compound 'twelve'עָשָׂר (H6240) 'ten' (in the teens formula); שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר 'twelve' — the collected tally of tribal staffs.
מַטּ֑וֹתstaffsN m pl abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Noun in apposition to the numeral (counted noun)מַטֶּה (H4294) plural 'staffs/tribes'; closes the report of the twelve secular-tribe staffs before Aaron's is added.
וּמַטֵּ֥הand the staff ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Subject of the concluding verbless clause (construct head)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff/tribe'; the conjunction marks Aaron's staff as an addition alongside — the textual crux of whether it is counted within or beyond the stated 'twelve' (cf. v. 18's own explanatory note).
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronproper N · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chain מַטֵּה אַהֲרֹןאַהֲרֹן (H175); his staff, named in v. 18, is now physically present among the collected staffs, set for the test of v. 22-23.
בְּת֥וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Predicate prepositional phrase (verbless clause)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; בְּתוֹךְ 'in the midst of', locating Aaron's staff among rather than apart from the others when placed before the testimony.
מַטּוֹתָֽםtheir staffsN m pl constr/Sp3mp · מַטֶּה (H4294)Genitive of the construct chain בְּתוֹךְ מַטּוֹתָםמַטֶּה (H4294) plural with 3mp suffix, 'their staffs' — the chieftains' staffs among which Aaron's now rests, ready for the test that will single it out (v. 23).
22

וַיַּנַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת הַמַּטֹּ֖ת לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה בְּאֹ֖הֶל הָעֵדֻֽת

And Moses laid the staffs before YHWH in the tent of the testimony.

Wayyiqtol: narrative execution of YHWH's command (v. 21)וַ
Moses's compliant placement of the twelve (or thirteen) staffs before the ark closes the instruction-giving movement and opens the overnight test; nothing yet distinguishes Aaron's staff from the others — the reader, like Israel, must wait for morning.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּנַּ֥חand he laid downconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָנַח (H3240)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Moses's compliant placement of the staffsיָנַח (H3240), Hiphil of the root נוח 'to rest, settle'; causative 'to set down, deposit' — Moses places the staffs in fulfillment of vv. 19-21 before returning the next day to find one transformed.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּנַּחמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, who obediently deposits the staffs before the ark exactly as commanded in vv. 19-21.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
הַמַּטֹּ֖תthe staffsart + N m pl abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of וַיַּנַּחמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod, tribe'; the twelve (or thirteen, counting Levi separately) tribal staffs collected in vv. 17-21, now deposited as evidence before the ark.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of locationפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before, in the presence of' — the staffs are placed directly before YHWH, i.e., before the ark.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; before whom the staffs lie overnight.
בְּאֹ֖הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase of location (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct heading 'tent of the testimony', the Tabernacle's inner sanctum housing the ark.
הָעֵדֻֽתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Genitive of the construct chainעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony, witness', from עוּד 'to testify'; refers to the ark and tablets — the locus of divine adjudication for this very dispute.
23

וַיְהִ֣י מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗ת וַיָּבֹ֤א מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל אֹ֣הֶל הָעֵד֔וּת וְהִנֵּ֛ה פָּרַ֥ח מַטֵּֽה אַהֲרֹ֖ן לְבֵ֣ית לֵוִ֑י וַיֹּ֤צֵֽא פֶ֨רַח֙ וַיָּ֣צֵֽץ צִ֔יץ וַיִּגְמֹ֖ל שְׁקֵדִֽים

And it happened on the next day that Moses went into the tent of the testimony, and behold, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted; it put forth sprouts, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.

Wayyiqtol: pivotal narrative verse — the sign fulfilledוַ
The chapter's turning point: in a single night Aaron's staff completes bud, blossom, and ripe fruit together — a life-cycle no natural process compresses into one night — an unambiguous, total divine vindication. צִיץ 'blossom' verbally echoes the high priest's own gold forehead-plate (Exod 28:36), and שְׁקֵדִים 'almonds' puns on שָׁקַד 'to watch, be wakeful' (cf. Jer 1:11-12), the almond being the first tree to bloom each year.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it happenedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb introducing a temporal narrative frame→ Wayyiqtol: narrative transition formula marking a decisive new beatהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the formulaic וַיְהִי מִמָּחֳרָת 'and it happened on the next day' signals the pivotal turn to the sign's fulfillment.
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗תon the next dayprep מִן + N f sg abs · מָחֳרָת (H4283)Temporal adverbial phraseמָחֳרָת (H4283) 'the next day, morrow'; the single night in which bud, blossom, and ripe fruit appear together, underscoring the sign's compressed, supernatural totality.
וַיָּבֹ֤אand he went inconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Moses's entry to inspect the staffsבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, go in'; Moses enters the tent of the testimony to retrieve the staffs deposited in v. 22.
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיָּבֹאמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, the first witness of the completed miracle.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the tent as Moses's destination.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct heading 'tent of the testimony', repeating v. 22's location.
הָעֵד֔וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Genitive of the construct chainעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; the ark before which Moses had laid the staffs (v. 22).
וְהִנֵּ֛הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Attention-getting interjection introducing the discoveryהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; marks Moses's startled discovery, shifting the narrative to the observer's own vivid viewpoint.
פָּרַ֥חhad sproutedQal perf 3ms · פָּרַח (H6524)Predicate verb (perfect, describing the discovered state)→ Perfective: a completed state discovered by Moses — the staff had already, overnight, buddedפָּרַח (H6524) Qal 'to sprout, bud, blossom'; the same root promised as the confirming sign in v. 20; its perfect aspect frames the miracle as already-accomplished fact when found.
מַטֵּֽהthe staff ofN m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Subject of פָּרַח (construct chain)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff'; construct heading 'the staff of Aaron', singled out for the miracle.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175); the staff singled out among the twelve now visibly, unambiguously vindicates his priesthood.
לְבֵ֣יתfor the house ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase specifying tribal affiliationבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; לְבֵית לֵוִי 'for the house of Levi' identifies Aaron's staff as representing the tribe of Levi among the twelve collected staffs (cf. v. 18).
לֵוִ֑יLeviN proper · לֵוִי (H3878)Genitive of the construct chainלֵוִי (H3878), the tribal ancestor; Aaron's staff represented the entire Levitical house in the test.
וַיֹּ֤צֵֽאand it put forthconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — first stage of a growth-sequence compressed into one nightיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out, cause to go out'; here of the staff producing a bud — the causative stem frames growth as an act, not a slow process.
פֶ֨רַח֙a sproutN m sg abs · פֶּרַח (H6525)Direct object of וַיֹּצֵאפֶּרַח (H6525) 'sprout, bud, blossom', from the root פרח shared with the verb of v. 23a; the first of three simultaneous growth-stages the narrative piles up to stress the miracle's totality.
וַיָּ֣צֵֽץand it blossomedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · צוּץ (H6692)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — second stage of the compressed growth sequenceצוּץ (H6692) Hiphil 'to blossom, flower'; the same root yields the noun צִיץ, used elsewhere (Exod 28:36; 39:30) of the high priest's golden forehead-plate — a striking verbal echo linking Aaron's vindicated staff to his own priestly insignia.
צִ֔יץa blossomN m sg abs · צִיץ (H6731)Direct object of וַיָּצֵץצִיץ (H6731) 'blossom, flower'; remarkably the identical word used for the high priest's gold plate/rosette worn on Aaron's turban (Exod 28:36; 29:6; 39:30) — the staff's blossom visually and verbally echoes Aaron's own priestly regalia.
וַיִּגְמֹ֖לand it bore ripeconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּמַל (H1580)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — third and climactic stage, completing the growth cycle in a single nightגָּמַל (H1580) Qal, ordinarily 'to deal fully with, wean, complete'; here specialized to 'ripen fully, bring to maturity' — its core sense of bringing something to a finished state fits a staff that skips ordinary process and arrives at ripe fruit overnight.
שְׁקֵדִֽיםalmondsN m pl abs · שָׁקֵד (H8247)Direct object of וַיִּגְמֹלשָׁקֵד (H8247) 'almond'; a paronomasia with שָׁקַד 'to watch, be wakeful' — the almond blooms earliest each year in the Levant, making it a natural symbol of vigilant watchfulness (cf. Jer 1:11-12's play on this same שָׁקֵד/שֹׁקֵד pun). Aaron's staff produces bud, blossom, and ripe almond together in one night — a compressed life-cycle no natural process matches, an unambiguous total vindication of his priesthood.
24

וַיֹּצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֤ה אֶת כָּל הַמַּטֹּת֙ מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה אֶֽל כָּל בְּנֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיִּרְא֥וּ וַיִּקְח֖וּ אִ֥ישׁ מַטֵּֽהוּ

Then Moses brought out all the staffs from before YHWH to all the sons of Israel; and they looked, and each man took his staff.

Wayyiqtol: narrative continuation — public displayוַ
Moses displays the staffs to the whole congregation, not merely the leaders, extending the vindication to all Israel; וַיִּרְאוּ 'they saw' repeats the root רָאָה used of the theophany in v. 7, but here the seeing brings resolution rather than terror-inducing wrath.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּצֵ֨אand he brought outconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Moses retrieves and displays the staffsיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; same root/stem as v. 23's וַיֹּצֵא (there of the bud emerging) — the staff that 'brought forth' a bud is now itself 'brought forth' by Moses for all to see.
מֹשֶׁ֤הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֹּצֵאמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, who publicly displays the miracle to the whole nation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr (quantifier) · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier heading the object phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; totalizing — every one of the collected staffs is displayed, none withheld.
הַמַּטֹּת֙the staffsart + N m pl abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of וַיֹּצֵא (genitive completing כָּל)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff'; all twelve/thirteen staffs, now including the one visibly transformed.
מִלִּפְנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep מִן + prep לְ + N constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of sourceפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; מִלִּפְנֵי 'from before' — the staffs are taken from where they lay before the ark (v. 22) out into public view.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition מִלִּפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; from whose presence the vindicating staffs are brought out.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the audienceאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the entire community, not just leaders, as the audience of the display.
כָּלallN m sg constr (quantifier) · כֹּל (H3605)Construct quantifier heading the audience phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; totalizing — the whole nation, not select representatives, sees the proof.
בְּנֵ֖יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct heading 'sons of Israel', the display's full audience.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the entire nation, not merely tribal leaders, witnesses the sign.
וַיִּרְא֥וּand they sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the people's visual confirmationרָאָה (H7200) Qal 'to see'; the same root used of Israel 'seeing' the glory-theophany at the height of the plague (v. 7) — here the seeing brings resolution rather than terror.
וַיִּקְח֖וּand they tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — each man reclaims his own staffלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; each tribal representative retrieves his own staff, only Aaron's now transformed.
אִ֥ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject/apposition (each in turn)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used distributively, 'each man (took) his staff' — every tribal leader personally reclaims his own rod.
מַטֵּֽהוּhis staffN m sg constr + suffix 3ms · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of וַיִּקְחוּמַטֶּה (H4294) with 3ms suffix 'his staff'; closes the episode as the staffs are returned to their tribal owners — except Aaron's, singled out next for permanent safekeeping (v. 25).
25

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה הָשֵׁ֞ב אֶת מַטֵּ֤ה אַהֲרֹן֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָעֵד֔וּת לְמִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת לְא֖וֹת לִבְנֵי מֶ֑רִי וּתְכַ֧ל תְּלוּנֹּתָ֛ם מֵעָלַ֖י וְלֹ֥א יָמֻֽתוּ

And YHWH said to Moses, "Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebellious sons, that you may put an end to their murmurings against me, so that they will not die."

Wayyiqtol frame introducing YHWH's climactic commandוַ
The verse fuses a level-0 narrative frame (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל מֹשֶׁה) with YHWH's own level-1 command in the same breath; the staff is to be returned not to Aaron but placed permanently לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת 'for safekeeping' as a sign against 'the rebellious sons' (לִבְנֵי מֶרִי), its purpose explicitly to end the murmuring and thereby save lives — later tradition (Heb 9:4) recalls it kept beside the manna jar in the ark.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol, introducing direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — a new divine instruction opensאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; introduces YHWH's climactic command completing the whole sign-unit (chs. 16-17).
יְהוָ֜הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; speaker of the concluding command of this unit.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as the recipient of the command.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, instructed to return Aaron's staff to permanent safekeeping.
הָשֵׁ֞בput backHiphil impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (imperative, opening the quoted command)→ Volitional: direct command to Mosesשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to bring back, restore, return (something)'; Moses is told to return Aaron's staff to its place before the ark rather than to Aaron personally — it becomes a permanent fixture, not a personal possession.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking a definite direct object; untranslated in English.
מַטֵּ֤הthe staff ofN m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object (construct head)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff'; Aaron's transformed staff, now to be permanently retained.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175); the staff to be kept permanently belongs to him, marking his priesthood forever.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of location (destination)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי 'before' — the staff's destination is directly before the ark, permanently.
הָעֵד֔וּתthe testimonyart + N f sg abs · עֵדוּת (H5715)Object of the preposition לִפְנֵיעֵדוּת (H5715) 'testimony'; the ark before which the staff is permanently deposited — later tradition (Heb 9:4) recalls Aaron's staff kept beside the manna jar in the ark.
לְמִשְׁמֶ֥רֶתto be keptprep לְ + N f sg abs · מִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931)Prepositional phrase of purpose (permanent safekeeping)מִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931) 'a keeping, charge, safekeeping', from שָׁמַר 'to keep, guard'; the staff is to be preserved indefinitely, not merely stored — a technical term elsewhere used of priestly charges/duties.
לְא֖וֹתas a signprep לְ + N c sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Prepositional phrase in apposition (purpose)אוֹת (H226) 'sign, token'; parallels the plated altar's function as אוֹת in v. 3 — a second permanent, physical deterrent-memorial from this rebellion narrative.
לִבְנֵיfor the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, dative of reference (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct heading 'sons of rebellion', the sign's intended warning-audience.
מֶ֑רִיrebellionN m sg abs · מֶרִי (H4805)Genitive of the construct chain (attributive)מֶרִי (H4805) 'rebellion, defiance', from מָרָה 'to rebel, be contentious'; 'sons of rebellion' = the chronically rebellious congregation, the same people who murmured in v. 6 and will murmur again in v. 27.
וּתְכַ֧לthat you may endconj וְ + Piel impf (jussive/purpose) 2ms · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb, purpose/result clause continuing the imperative→ Yiqtol/jussive: purpose — the intended effect of retaining the sign, addressed to Mosesכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to finish, bring to an end, put a stop to'; the sign's stated purpose is to terminate the murmuring for good.
תְּלוּנֹּתָ֛םtheir murmuringsN f pl constr + suffix 3mp · תְּלוּנָּה (H8519)Direct object of וּתְכַלתְּלוּנָּה (H8519) 'murmuring, complaint', from לוּן 'to murmur' (cf. v. 6's וַיִּלֹנוּ); the recurring wilderness sin this sign is meant finally to end.
מֵעָלַ֖יfrom against meprep מִן + prep עַל + suffix 1cs · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of separationעַל (H5921) 'upon, against', with מִן 'from' and 1cs suffix; though aimed at Moses and Aaron (v. 6), the murmuring is here named as directed 'against me' — YHWH identifies himself as its true target.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verb, purpose/result clauseלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle; negates יָמֻתוּ, closing the protective purpose clause.
יָמֻֽתוּthey will dieQal impf 3mp · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the negative purpose clause→ Yiqtol (modal/purpose): the ultimate protective goal — averting further deaths like those of vv. 6-15מוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; the sign functions as a life-saving mercy, forestalling another deadly plague of complaint like the one just ended.
26

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה

And Moses did so; just as YHWH had commanded him, so he did.

Wayyiqtol: obedience notice closing the staff unitוַ
The stock 'did so / just as commanded, so he did' formula, typical of the Priestly source's obedience reports, closes the staff-sign unit with simple, unqualified compliance — no elaboration, only silent execution.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיַּ֖עַשׂand he didconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Moses's compliance narratedעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make'; opens the standard Priestly obedience-report formula.
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, whose obedience closes the staff-sign unit.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֨רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the confirming clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'just as, according to what'; introduces the confirming comparison completing the obedience formula.
צִוָּ֧הhad commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a prior, completed act of command (v. 25) now fulfilledצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; refers back to YHWH's instruction in v. 25.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the source of the command Moses fulfills.
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + suffix 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffix (Moses)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring back to Moses, the recipient of YHWH's command.
כֵּ֥ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial resumption, closing the formulaכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; resumes and confirms the manner just described — the standard 'so he did' closure of Priestly command-fulfillment reports (cf. Exod 40:16).
עָשָֽׂהhe didQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, closing clause of the formula→ Perfective: the completed, simple fact of obedience, restated for emphasisעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make'; the formula's closing repetition leaves no room for partial or delayed compliance.
27

וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הֵ֥ן גָּוַ֛עְנוּ אָבַ֖דְנוּ כֻּלָּ֥נוּ אָבָֽדְנוּ

Then the sons of Israel said to Moses, "Behold, we perish, we are lost, we are all lost!"

Wayyiqtol frame introducing the people's terrified cryוַ
The wayyiqtol frame וַיֹּאמְרוּ...לֵאמֹר is the main narrative line (level 0); the quoted cry it introduces, beginning with הֵן and continuing uninterrupted into v. 28, is level-1 subordinate speech. Three death-verbs (גָּוַעְנוּ, אָבַדְנוּ, אָבָדְנוּ — the last repeated) pile up for emphasis: the sign meant to end murmuring instead produces raw panic, the opposite of its intent.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙and they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol, introducing direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the people's response to witnessing the signאָמַר (H559) Qal 'to say'; introduces the community's cry, closing the chapter with their voice, not Moses's or YHWH's, having the final word.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיֹּאמְרוּ (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct heading 'sons of Israel', now voicing collective terror.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation, now terrified rather than reassured by the sign.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; the people direct their cry of terror at Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, the mediator to whom the people's despairing cry is addressed.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive marking the onset of direct speech→ Infinitive construct: transition formula into quoted discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens the people's own quoted words, the level-1 speech embedded within the level-0 narrative frame of this verse.
הֵ֥ןbeholdinterjection/particle · הֵן (H2005)Attention-focusing particle opening the cryהֵן (H2005) 'behold, lo'; emphatic particle opening the people's alarmed exclamation, paralleling וְהִנֵּה of v. 23 but now marking terror rather than wonder.
גָּוַ֛עְנוּwe perishQal perf 1cp · גָּוַע (H1478)Predicate verb (main clause of the quoted cry)→ Perfective (rhetorical): a completed state used rhetorically — the people speak of their doom as though already accomplished, expressing overwhelming terrorגָּוַע (H1478) Qal 'to expire, breathe one's last, perish'; the first of three death-verbs piled up for emphasis in the people's cry.
אָבַ֖דְנוּwe are lostQal perf 1cp · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb, second in the series of death-verbs→ Perfective (rhetorical): completed-state exclamation reinforcing גָּוַעְנוּאָבַד (H6) Qal 'to perish, be lost, be destroyed'; repeated twice in this verse for maximal emotional emphasis on total loss.
כֻּלָּ֥נוּall of usN m sg constr + suffix 1cp · כֹּל (H3605)Subject/apposition emphasizing totalityכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everyone', with 1cp suffix 'all of us'; universalizes the terror — not just the offenders of ch. 16, but the entire nation now fears imminent death.
אָבָֽדְנוּwe are lostQal perf 1cp · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb, climactic repetition closing the cry→ Perfective (rhetorical): the third and final death-verb, repeating אָבַדְנוּ for maximal emphasisאָבַד (H6) Qal 'to perish'; the triple repetition of death-language voices the people's raw panic, setting up the rhetorical question of v. 28 and the priestly solution of ch. 18.
28

כֹּ֣ל הַקָּרֵ֧ב הַקָּרֵ֛ב אֶל מִשְׁכַּ֥ן יְהוָ֖ה יָמ֑וּת הַאִ֥ם תַּ֖מְנוּ לִגְוֺֽעַ

Everyone who comes near, who comes near the tabernacle of YHWH, dies. Are we all to perish?

Asyndetic continuation of the people's quoted cry (level-1 speech, no narrative frame)asyndeton
With no fresh frame verb, this verse continues v. 27's level-1 direct speech without interruption. The doubled הַקָּרֵב הַקָּרֵב ('who comes near, who comes near') iconically enacts the people's anxious repetition, and the closing rhetorical question תַּמְנוּ לִגְוֺעַ ('are we to perish utterly?') leaves the chapter suspended in dread — an unresolved tension that ch. 18's answer (Levites and priests bearing the sanctuary's guilt on the people's behalf) will address.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
כֹּ֣לeveryoneN m sg abs (quantifier) · כֹּל (H3605)Subject head of the substantival participle phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, everyone'; universalizes the danger to any and every approacher, not merely priests' rivals.
הַקָּרֵ֧בwho comes nearart + Adj m sg abs · קָרֵב (H7131)Attributive/substantival adjective in apposition to כֹּלקָרֵב (H7131) 'near, approaching', from קָרַב 'to draw near'; substantivized 'the one who draws near' — the same root used throughout the chapter (vv. 5, 25) for the forbidden or now-fatal approach to the sanctuary.
הַקָּרֵ֛בwho comes nearart + Adj m sg abs · קָרֵב (H7131)Repetition for emphasis, in apposition/epexegesis to the first הַקָּרֵבRepetition of קָרֵב (H7131) intensifies the dread — the people's fear doubles the word itself, as if unable to stop naming the danger.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the object of approachאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the tabernacle as the point of lethal proximity.
מִשְׁכַּ֥ןthe tabernacle ofN m sg constr · מִשְׁכָּן (H4908)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)מִשְׁכָּן (H4908) 'dwelling place, tabernacle', from שָׁכַן 'to dwell'; the sanctuary structure itself, now perceived by the people as a source of deadly danger rather than of grace.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; his own dwelling now feared by the people as a place of death.
יָמ֑וּתdiesQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb, main clause of the general statement→ Yiqtol: gnomic/general truth — a standing, repeatable fact as the people now perceive it, not a single eventמוּת (H4191) Qal 'to die'; states as settled, general fact the deadly danger of approaching the sanctuary, generalizing from the plague just witnessed.
הַאִ֥םare we...?interrogative הֲ + conj · אִם (H518)Interrogative particle introducing the closing rhetorical questionאִם (H518) with interrogative הֲ; הַאִם introduces a rhetorical question expecting a grim implied answer — the people's despairing cry ends not with resolution but with dread hanging in the air.
תַּ֖מְנוּhave we finishedQal perf 1cp · תָּמַם (H8552)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Perfective (rhetorical question): a completed-action reading pressed into a question — 'have we come to the point of...'תָּמַם (H8552) Qal 'to be complete, finished, at an end'; here rhetorically, 'have we reached our end' — paired with the infinitive לִגְוֹעַ to ask whether total extinction is now Israel's fate.
לִגְוֺֽעַto perishprep לְ + Qal inf constr · גָּוַע (H1478)Infinitive complementing תַּמְנוּ (result/purpose)→ Infinitive construct: completing the verbal idea 'to the point of perishing' — the chapter's final word is a question about extinction, not an answerגָּוַע (H1478) 'to expire, breathe one's last'; repeats v. 27's first death-verb, framing the whole unit (vv. 27-28) with גוע as an inclusio of dread — resolved only when ch. 18 assigns the Levites and priests to bear the sanctuary's danger on Israel's behalf.