Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 20במדבר 20

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

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

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

Theme

The fortieth year opens with Miriam's unmourned death, then water fails: Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, and both leaders are barred from the land for failing to sanctify YHWH at Kadesh — the waters of Meribah. Edom, Israel's 'brother,' twice refuses passage. At Mount Hor, Aaron's vestments pass to Eleazar, and Aaron dies, mourned thirty days — unlike Miriam.

Translation & textual notes

Numbers 20 is textually stable in the MT; the interest here is exegetical rather than text-critical, though the LXX and Samaritan Pentateuch show minor harmonizing pluses (e.g., filling out Edom's reply in v. 18). The chapter's central crux is the precise nature of Moses' (and Aaron's) sin at vv. 10-12: candidates include striking the rock twice instead of merely speaking to it, against the explicit command of v. 8; the self-referential first-person 'shall WE bring water out' (v. 10), arrogating the miracle to human agency; the harsh address 'you rebels' betraying anger rather than faith; or some combination that YHWH himself summarizes only as failing 'to believe in me, to sanctify me.' The verdict plays on the very place-name Kadesh (קָדֵשׁ) via לְהַקְדִּישֵׁנִי 'to sanctify me' (root קדשׁ) — the leaders failed to 'Kadesh' YHWH at Kadesh. The rock is called סֶלַע here rather than the צוּר of Exod 17:6, a difference some read as marking two distinct incidents and others as stylistic variation within a single tradition transmitted twice. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ בְנֵֽי יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל כָּל הָ֨עֵדָ֤ה מִדְבַּר צִן֙ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב הָעָ֖ם בְּקָדֵ֑שׁ וַתָּ֤מָת שָׁם֙ מִרְיָ֔ם וַתִּקָּבֵ֖ר שָֽׁם

The Israelites, the whole congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died, and there she was buried.

Narrative opening — new itinerary noticeוַ
The wayyiqtol chain advances the itinerary formula that structures Numbers, then reports Miriam's death and burial with stark brevity and no eulogy — the narrator's reticence is itself significant given her prominence in Exod 15 and Num 12.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּand they cameWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative opening)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the chapter's opening eventבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the verb of arrival structuring the wilderness itinerary notices throughout Numbers.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, subject phrase)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי + gentilic yields 'the Israelites, the sons of Israel'.
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain (defining בְּנֵי)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of Jacob's descendants (cf. Gen 32:29).
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct in apposition to בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole, totality'; here in apposition, 'the whole congregation'.
הָ֨עֵדָ֤הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing כָּל ('all the congregation')עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly', from יעד 'to appoint, meet'; the technical term for Israel as covenant community.
מִדְבַּרwilderness ofN m sg constr · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative construct (place reached)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, steppe-land'; construct governing the place-name צִן.
צִן֙ZinN proper · צִן (H6790)Genitive of the construct chain (place-name)צִן (H6790), the wilderness of Zin near Kadesh in the Negev — distinct from the wilderness of Sin (H5512) in Exod 16.
בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁin the monthprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֹדֶשׁ (H2320)Temporal prepositional phraseחֹדֶשׁ (H2320) 'month, new moon', from חדשׁ 'to be new'; dates the arrival to the fortieth year's first month (cf. 33:38).
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹןthe firstart + adj ordinal m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective modifying חֹדֶשׁרִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, former', from רֹאשׁ 'head'; specifies the month of Nisan/Abib.
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁבand he dweltWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; the people's encampment at Kadesh.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיֵּשֶׁבעַם (H5971) 'people, kin-group'; synonymous here with הָעֵדָה above.
בְּקָדֵ֑שׁin Kadeshprep בְּ + N proper · קָדֵשׁ (H6946)Locative prepositional phraseקָדֵשׁ (H6946) 'Kadesh', from קדשׁ 'to be holy, set apart'; the oasis of Kadesh-barnea — its own name is wordplayed against לְהַקְדִּישֵׁנִי in v. 12.
וַתָּ֤מָתand she diedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the verse's sole eventמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; stated with stark brevity, no eulogy — contrast the thirty-day mourning for Aaron in v. 29.
שָׁם֙thereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; marks Kadesh as the site of Miriam's death.
מִרְיָ֔םMiriamN proper · מִרְיָם (H4813)Subject of וַתָּמָתמִרְיָם (H4813), sister of Moses and Aaron, prophetess (Exod 15:20); her death opens the fortieth-year chapter of three deaths.
וַתִּקָּבֵ֖רand she was buriedWayyiqtol (Niphal) 3fs · קָבַר (H6912)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; Niphal passive leaves the agent unstatedקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; Niphal passive 'was buried' — no named mourner, in stark contrast to Aaron's public rites (v. 29).
שָֽׁםthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeשָׁם (H8033), repeated to frame the verse — she died there, was buried there.
2

וְלֹא הָ֥יָה מַ֖יִם לָעֵדָ֑ה וַיִּקָּ֣הֲל֔וּ עַל מֹשֶׁ֖ה וְעַֽל אַהֲרֹֽן

And there was no water for the congregation, and they assembled against Moses and against Aaron.

Circumstantial notice introducing the complaintוְ
The negated verbless clause (וְלֹא הָיָה מַיִם) sets the crisis before the wayyiqtol narrates the people's hostile assembly — echoing the Meribah scene of Exod 17:1-2 almost verbatim.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negated predicate (verbless/existential clause opener)לֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle; negates the existential clause 'there was no water'.
הָ֥יָהwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (existential clause)→ Perfective: states the plain fact of absenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become, happen'; here existential, 'there was [no water]'.
מַ֖יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of הָיָהמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; plural in form though a mass noun; the chapter's central need.
לָעֵדָ֑הfor the congregationprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Dative/beneficiary prepositional phraseעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; the beneficiary lacking water.
וַיִּקָּ֣הֲל֔וּand they assembledWayyiqtol (Niphal) 3mp · קָהַל (H6950)Predicate verb (main clause, hostile assembly)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; Niphal reflexive — 'gathered themselves'קָהַל (H6950) 'to assemble'; Niphal, the people gather themselves in protest — the same root behind קָהָל 'assembly' (v. 10).
עַלagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase marking oppositionעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; here adversative, directed at Moses.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of עַלמֹשֶׁה (H4872), leader of Israel; here object of the people's hostility.
וְעַֽלand againstconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinated prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) repeated with וְ to add a second object of the assembly's hostility.
אַהֲרֹֽןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of וְעַלאַהֲרֹן (H175), Moses' brother and high priest; jointly targeted by the people's complaint, and the chapter's second death (vv. 22-29).
3

וַיָּ֥רֶב הָעָ֖ם עִם מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לֵאמֹ֔ר וְל֥וּ גָוַ֛עְנוּ בִּגְוַ֥ע אַחֵ֖ינוּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

And the people quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers died before YHWH!"

Direct quotation introducing the people's complaintוַ
וַיָּרֶב (from רִיב 'to quarrel/contend') supplies the chapter's key verb, from which מְרִיבָה (v. 13) will be named; the people's death-wish echoes the earlier wilderness murmuring (Exod 16:3; Num 14:2).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיָּ֥רֶבand quarreledWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · רִיב (H7378)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the key verb naming the episodeרִיב (H7378) 'to strive, contend, quarrel'; the root behind מְרִיבָה (v. 13), the chapter's namesake.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיָּרֶבעַם (H5971) 'people'; subject of the quarrel with Moses.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase (opponent of contention)עִם (H5973) 'with, together with'; marks Moses as the party contended against.
מֹשֶׁ֑הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of עִםמֹשֶׁה (H4872); target of the people's quarrel.
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the people's quoted complaint.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive of speech, marking direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: formulaic marker introducing reported speechאָמַר (H559); the infinitive לֵאמֹר is the standard quotation-marking formula, redundant with וַיֹּאמְרוּ but conventional.
וְל֥וּand if onlyconj וְ + particle of wishing · לוּ (H3863)Introduces an unreal/optative wish clauseלוּ (H3863) 'if only, would that'; introduces a counterfactual death-wish, echoing Exod 16:3 and Num 14:2.
גָוַ֛עְנוּwe had diedQal perf 1cp · גָּוַע (H1478)Predicate verb of the wish clause→ Perfective in an unreal wish — a hypothetical completed deathגָּוַע (H1478) 'to expire, die', often of a violent or premature death; used again of Aaron's actual death (v. 29).
בִּגְוַ֥עwhen diedprep בְּ + Qal inf constr · גָּוַע (H1478)Temporal infinitival clause ('when ... died')→ Infinitive construct: marks simultaneity with the main wishגָּוַע (H1478), repeated; the infinitive construct with בְּ gives a temporal clause, 'when our brothers died'.
אַחֵ֖ינוּour brothersN m pl constr + 1cp suff · אָח (H251)Subject of the infinitival clauseאָח (H251) 'brother'; likely the Israelites who died in the earlier rebellions and plagues (cf. 14:37; 16:32-35, 49).
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase of location ('in the presence of')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct with לְ forms the common preposition 'before, in the presence of'.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of God; the brothers' deaths are framed as occurring 'before YHWH', i.e. by his judgment.
4

וְלָמָ֤ה הֲבֵאתֶם֙ אֶת קְהַ֣ל יְהוָ֔ה אֶל הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר הַזֶּ֑ה לָמ֣וּת שָׁ֔ם אֲנַ֖חְנוּ וּבְעִירֵֽנוּ

Why have you brought the assembly of YHWH into this wilderness, for us and our livestock to die here?

Rhetorical question continuing the complaintוְ
The rhetorical לָמָה ('why') accuses Moses and Aaron directly, echoing the same charge leveled after the golden calf and the spies' report — bringing the people out only to die.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְלָמָ֤הand whyconj וְ + prep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Rhetorical interrogative opening the complaintמָה (H4100) 'what'; with לְ forms לָמָה 'why', a reproachful rhetorical question.
הֲבֵאתֶם֙have you broughtHiphil perf 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Perfective: an accusing 'you have brought' — completed, blameworthy actionבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring, cause to come'; causative of the verb in v. 1, now accusatory.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking קְהַל יְהוָה as the definite direct object.
קְהַ֣לthe assembly ofN m sg constr · קָהָל (H6951)Direct object (construct chain head)קָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation', same root as קהל in v. 2 (וַיִּקָּהֲלוּ); here the object brought into the wilderness.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); 'the assembly OF YHWH' claims divine ownership, sharpening the accusation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the accusation.
הַמִּדְבָּ֖רthe wildernessart + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Object of אֶלמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; the same term as v. 1, now cast as a place of death.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַמִּדְבָּרזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, emphasizing the immediate, present hostility of the place.
לָמ֣וּתto dieprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive of purpose/result→ Infinitive construct: expresses the (accusatory) purpose imputed to Moses and Aaronמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; same root as v. 1's account of Miriam's death, now feared for the whole people.
שָׁ֔םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; refers back to הַמִּדְבָּר הַזֶּה.
אֲנַ֖חְנוּweindependent pron 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of the infinitival clause (emphatic)אֲנַחְנוּ (H587), independent 1cp pronoun; emphatic subject specifying who would die.
וּבְעִירֵֽנוּand our livestockconj וְ + N m sg constr + 1cp suff · בְּעִיר (H1165)Coordinated subject of the infinitival clauseבְּעִיר (H1165) 'livestock, cattle'; adds the practical, economic dimension of the complaint.
5

וְלָמָ֤ה הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֨נוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לְהָבִ֣יא אֹתָ֔נוּ אֶל הַמָּק֥וֹם הָרָ֖ע הַזֶּ֑ה לֹ֣א מְק֣וֹם זֶ֗רַע וּתְאֵנָ֤ה וְגֶ֨פֶן֙ וְרִמּ֔וֹן וּמַ֥יִם אַ֖יִן לִשְׁתּֽוֹת

And why did you make us go up from Egypt, to bring us to this evil place — no place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink?

Second rhetorical question, escalating the complaintוְ
The catalog of absent produce (grain, fig, vine, pomegranate) inverts the spies' report of the land's fruit (13:23) and recalls the nostalgic memory of Egypt (cf. 11:5) — the wilderness is now 'this evil place', actively bad, not merely lacking.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְלָמָ֤הand whyconj וְ + prep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Rhetorical interrogative opening the second complaintמָה (H4100) 'what'; with לְ forms לָמָה 'why', repeating v. 4's opening for a second, escalating question.
הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֨נוּ֙you made us go upHiphil perf 2mp + 1cp suff · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Perfective: accusing 'you made us go up' — a completed causative actעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; the standard verb for the exodus 'bringing up' from Egypt, here turned accusatory.
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the place of departure recalled here with bitterness rather than gratitude.
לְהָבִ֣יאto bringprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitive of purpose→ Infinitive construct: purpose imputed to the exodus itselfבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; same root as v. 4's הֲבֵאתֶם, reinforcing the accusation.
אֹתָ֔נוּusobj marker + 1cp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object, pronominal)אֵת (H853) with 1cp suffix, 'us' — object of לְהָבִיא.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination, 'this evil place'.
הַמָּק֥וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; qualified by הָרָע 'evil' below — a bitter reversal of the land's promised goodness.
הָרָ֖עthe evilart + adj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Attributive adjective modifying הַמָּקוֹםרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; a stinging inversion of the land's promised description as good.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַמָּקוֹםזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, pointing at the immediate surroundings.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following predicate-nominal clauseלֹא (H3808); opens a negated verbless clause describing the place as 'not a place of seed...'.
מְק֣וֹםa place ofN m sg constr · מָקוֹם (H4725)Predicate nominative (construct chain head, negated)מָקוֹם (H4725), repeated in construct; introduces the catalog of absent produce.
זֶ֗רַעgrainN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Genitive of the construct (first item)זֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, grain'; first in the catalog of absent produce.
וּתְאֵנָ֤הand figconj וְ + N f sg abs · תְּאֵנָה (H8384)Coordinated genitive (second item)תְּאֵנָה (H8384) 'fig tree, fig'; recalls the spies' report of the land's fruit (13:23).
וְגֶ֨פֶן֙and vineconj וְ + N com sg abs · גֶּפֶן (H1612)Coordinated genitive (third item)גֶּפֶן (H1612) 'vine, grapevine'; third in the catalog.
וְרִמּ֔וֹןand pomegranateconj וְ + N m sg abs · רִמּוֹן (H7416)Coordinated genitive (fourth item)רִמּוֹן (H7416) 'pomegranate'; completes the fourfold catalog of the land's fruit, now bitterly denied.
וּמַ֥יִםand waterconj וְ + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of the following clause of non-existenceמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the catalog turns from fruit to the chapter's real crisis.
אַ֖יִןthere is notparticle of non-existence · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of non-existence ('there is no...')אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; states flatly that water is absent.
לִשְׁתּֽוֹתto drinkprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁתָה (H8354)Infinitive of purpose completing אַיִן מַיִם→ Infinitive construct: purpose — water 'to drink' is entirely absentשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the verb that will recur in vv. 8, 11 once water is miraculously provided.
6

וַיָּבֹא֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְאַהֲרֹ֜ן מִפְּנֵ֣י הַקָּהָ֗ל אֶל פֶּ֨תַח֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ עַל פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֵּרָ֥א כְבוֹד יְהוָ֖ה אֲלֵיהֶֽם

And Moses and Aaron went from before the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces, and the glory of YHWH appeared to them.

Narrative response — flight to the sanctuaryוַ
The familiar crisis pattern (cf. 14:5; 16:4, 22) — withdrawal, prostration, theophany — signals that YHWH himself, not human resource, must resolve the water crisis.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיָּבֹא֩and cameWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Moses and Aaron's withdrawal from the hostile assembly to the sanctuary.
מֹשֶׁ֨הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיָּבֹאמֹשֶׁה (H4872); co-subject with Aaron of the flight to the sanctuary.
וְאַהֲרֹ֜ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinated subject of וַיָּבֹאאַהֲרֹן (H175); joined with Moses as co-subject fleeing to the tent of meeting.
מִפְּנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep מִן + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Source prepositional phrase ('away from')פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; with מִן, 'from before, away from' — physical withdrawal from the hostile crowd.
הַקָּהָ֗לthe assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Object of מִפְּנֵיקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly'; the same hostile gathering of v. 2.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination, the tent of meeting's entrance.
פֶּ֨תַח֙entrance ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Directional construct (destination)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance', from פתח 'to open'; construct governing אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד.
אֹ֣הֶלtent ofN m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive of the construct chain (fixed phrase)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; with מוֹעֵד forms the fixed technical term for the sanctuary.
מוֹעֵ֔דof meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive completing the fixed phrase 'tent of meeting'מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד designates the tabernacle as the site of divine encounter.
וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּand they fellWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the posture of prostration before the divine presence, as in 14:5 and 16:22.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phrase (posture)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; with פָּנִים forms the idiom 'to fall on one's face'.
פְּנֵיהֶ֑םtheir facesN com pl constr + 3mp suff · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of עַל (locative of posture)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; נָפַל עַל פָּנִים 'to fall on one's face' is the idiom for prostrate supplication.
וַיֵּרָ֥אand appearedWayyiqtol (Niphal) 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, theophany)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; Niphal — 'was seen, appeared'רָאָה (H7200) Niphal 'to appear, be seen'; introduces a theophany at the moment of crisis, as elsewhere in the wilderness narratives.
כְבוֹדthe glory ofN com sg constr · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Subject of וַיֵּרָא (construct chain head)כָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, weightiness'; the visible manifestation of YHWH's presence, as at 14:10 and 16:19.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the glory that appears is specifically his.
אֲלֵיהֶֽםto themprep + 3mp suff · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיֵּרָאאֶל (H413) with 3mp suffix; the glory appears specifically 'to them', Moses and Aaron.
7

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:

Speech formula introducing divine instructionוַ
Standard prophetic-address formula opening YHWH's instructions for producing water from the rock.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand spokeWayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standard formula introducing divine instruction to Moses.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068); source of the instruction that follows.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as recipient of the divine word.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); addressee of YHWH's instruction (though Aaron is included in v. 8).
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive marking direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: formulaic marker introducing the divine speech that followsאָמַר (H559); לֵאמֹר opens the extended divine instruction of vv. 8-12.
8

קַ֣ח אֶת הַמַּטֶּ֗ה וְהַקְהֵ֤ל אֶת הָעֵדָה֙ אַתָּה֙ וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן אָחִ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתֶּ֧ם אֶל הַסֶּ֛לַע לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם וְנָתַ֣ן מֵימָ֑יו וְהוֹצֵאתָ֨ לָהֶ֥ם מַ֨יִם֙ מִן הַסֶּ֔לַע וְהִשְׁקִיתָ֥ אֶת הָעֵדָ֖ה וְאֶת בְּעִירָֽם

Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water; so you shall bring forth water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their livestock.

Divine command — the commissionasyndeton
YHWH's instructions are precise: TAKE the staff, ASSEMBLE the people, SPEAK to the rock — no striking is commanded. This verse anchors the classic crux of Moses' subsequent sin: what exactly does he do wrong in vv. 10-11?
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
קַ֣חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Volitional predicate (command opening the divine speech)→ Volitional: direct imperative commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the first of a chain of imperatives instructing Moses on the water-producing rite.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַמַּטֶּה as the definite direct object of קַח.
הַמַּטֶּ֗הthe staffart + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of קַחמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, rod, tribe'; likely Aaron's staff kept before YHWH (17:25) — the same instrument used, controversially, to strike in v. 11.
וְהַקְהֵ֤לand assembleconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · קָהַל (H6950)Volitional predicate (second command)→ Volitional: direct imperative commandקָהַל (H6950) Hiphil 'to assemble, convoke'; same root as the people's hostile 'assembling' in v. 2, now commanded of Moses for the sign.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָעֵדָה as the definite direct object of וְהַקְהֵל.
הָעֵדָה֙the congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Direct object of וְהַקְהֵלעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; to be assembled as witnesses to the sign at the rock.
אַתָּה֙youindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Emphatic appositional subject specifying the addresseesאַתָּה (H859), independent 2ms pronoun; emphatically specifies Moses as one of the two commanded.
וְאַהֲרֹ֣ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinated appositional subjectאַהֲרֹן (H175); named alongside Moses as jointly commanded and jointly responsible.
אָחִ֔יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suff · אָח (H251)Apposition to אַהֲרֹןאָח (H251) 'brother'; identifies Aaron in relation to Moses, echoed later in the 'brother' language toward Edom (v. 14).
וְדִבַּרְתֶּ֧םand you shall speakconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · דָּבַר (H1696)Volitional predicate continuing the command sequence→ Weqatal: continues the imperative chain — 'and you shall speak'דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the crucial instruction — SPEAK to the rock, not strike it. Moses' failure to do only this is the heart of the sin-crux.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of the speechאֶל (H413) 'to'; the rock itself is to be addressed.
הַסֶּ֛לַעthe rockart + N m sg abs · סֶלַע (H5553)Object of אֶלסֶלַע (H5553) 'rock, crag' — distinct from the צוּר of Exod 17:6; some see the differing term as marking a different event, others as simple stylistic variation.
לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖םbefore their eyesprep לְ + N com dual constr + 3mp suff · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase of manner ('in their sight')עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the rite must be performed publicly, witnessed — its purpose is to sanctify YHWH 'in the eyes of' the people (cf. v. 12).
וְנָתַ֣ןthat it may giveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Result clause continuing the command sequence→ Weqatal: the intended/resultant consequence — 'so that it will give'נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the rock itself as subject — speaking to it should cause it to yield water, no striking required.
מֵימָ֑יוits waterN m pl constr + 3ms suff · מַיִם (H4325)Object of וְנָתַןמַיִם (H4325) 'water', with 3ms suffix referring back to the rock — 'its water'.
וְהוֹצֵאתָ֨and you shall bring outconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · יָצָא (H3318)Volitional predicate continuing the command sequence→ Weqatal: continues the command chainיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out, cause to go out'; Moses is to bring forth the water once the rock yields it.
לָהֶ֥םfor themprep + 3mp suff · לְBeneficiary prepositional phraseלְ with 3mp suffix, 'for them' — the beneficiaries are the congregation.
מַ֨יִם֙waterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Object of וְהוֹצֵאתָמַיִם (H4325), repeated; the substance to be brought forth.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; marks the rock as the source of the water.
הַסֶּ֔לַעthe rockart + N m sg abs · סֶלַע (H5553)Object of מִןסֶלַע (H5553), repeated; the source from which the water is to be brought out.
וְהִשְׁקִיתָ֥and you shall give drinkconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · שָׁקָה (H8248)Volitional predicate concluding the command sequence→ Weqatal: continues and completes the command chainשָׁקָה (H8248) Hiphil 'to give to drink, water'; the final purpose of the rite — providing drink for the congregation and their livestock.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (first object)אֵת (H853), marking הָעֵדָה as the definite direct object of וְהִשְׁקִיתָ.
הָעֵדָ֖הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)First direct object of וְהִשְׁקִיתָעֵדָה (H5712), repeated; the congregation to be given drink.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks בְּעִירָם as the definite second object of וְהִשְׁקִיתָ.
בְּעִירָֽםtheir livestockN m sg constr + 3mp suff · בְּעִיר (H1165)Second direct object of וְהִשְׁקִיתָבְּעִיר (H1165) 'livestock, cattle'; the water is for both the people and their animals, as in v. 4.
9

וַיִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת הַמַּטֶּ֖ה מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּֽהוּ

And Moses took the staff from before YHWH, as he had commanded him.

Narrative compliance noticeוַ
The obedience formula כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּהוּ ('as he commanded him') marks faithful compliance at this initial step — Moses does exactly what he was told regarding the staff.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּקַּ֥חand tookWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Moses' compliant first action, echoing the imperative קַח of v. 8.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּקַּחמֹשֶׁה (H4872); Aaron's compliance is not separately narrated, though both were commanded.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַמַּטֶּה as the definite direct object of וַיִּקַּח.
הַמַּטֶּ֖הthe staffart + N m sg abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Direct object of וַיִּקַּחמַטֶּה (H4294), the staff commanded in v. 8, now taken up.
מִלִּפְנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep מִן + prep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the compound מִלִּפְנֵי 'from before' locates the staff as kept in YHWH's presence (cf. 17:25).
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the staff is taken from his presence.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רasprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/manner clause ('just as')אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; with כְּ forms 'as, according as' — introducing the obedience formula.
צִוָּֽהוּhe had commanded himPiel perf 3ms + 3ms suff · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a prior completed command, now fulfilledצִוָּה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; the obedience formula closes the verse — Moses executes the first step exactly as instructed.
10

וַיַּקְהִ֜לוּ מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן אֶת הַקָּהָ֖ל אֶל פְּנֵ֣י הַסָּ֑לַע וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ם שִׁמְעוּ נָא֙ הַמֹּרִ֔ים הֲמִן הַסֶּ֣לַע הַזֶּ֔ה נוֹצִ֥יא לָכֶ֖ם מָֽיִם

And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation before the rock, and he said to them, "Listen now, you rebels — shall we bring water for you out of this rock?"

Narrative sequence culminating in Moses' fateful speechוַ
הַמֹּרִים ('the rebels', from מָרָה 'to rebel') and the first-person plural נוֹצִיא ('shall WE bring out') are the flashpoint of the crux: Moses substitutes accusatory rebuke and a self-referential 'we' for YHWH's scripted address to the rock.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיַּקְהִ֜לוּand they assembledWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3mp · קָהַל (H6950)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָהַל (H6950) Hiphil 'to assemble'; Moses and Aaron execute the second command of v. 8.
מֹשֶׁ֧הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּקְהִלוּמֹשֶׁה (H4872); co-subject of the assembling.
וְאַהֲרֹ֛ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Coordinated subject of וַיַּקְהִלוּאַהֲרֹן (H175); jointly performs the assembling commanded in v. 8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַקָּהָל as the definite direct object of וַיַּקְהִלוּ.
הַקָּהָ֖לthe assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Direct object of וַיַּקְהִלוּקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly'; the congregation gathered, now standing witness before the rock.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the destination, before the rock.
פְּנֵ֣יthe front ofN com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative construct (destination)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct with הַסָּלַע, idiomatic for 'in front of, before'.
הַסָּ֑לַעthe rockart + N m sg abs · סֶלַע (H5553)Genitive of the construct chainסֶלַע (H5553); the rock at which the congregation now stands assembled.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Moses' own words to the people — a marked deviation from the commanded speech to the rock.
לָהֶ֗םto themprep + 3mp suff · לְIndirect object of וַיֹּאמֶרלְ with 3mp suffix; Moses addresses the people here, not the rock as commanded.
שִׁמְעוּlistenQal impv 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Volitional predicate (command opening Moses' speech)→ Volitional: direct imperativeשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen'; an imperative addressed to the people, echoing YHWH's frequent 'hear' but here voiced in Moses' anger.
נָא֙nowparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Emphatic/entreating particle strengthening the imperativeנָא (H4994), particle marking urgency; here lending an edge of impatience to the command.
הַמֹּרִ֔יםthe rebelsart + Qal ptc m pl abs · מָרָה (H4784)Vocative (address term for the people)→ Participle: substantival, characterizing habitual rebellionמָרָה (H4784) 'to rebel, be contentious'; substantival participle 'the rebels' — the harshest word Moses uses of the people, and possibly the very sin named in v. 24 (מְרִיתֶם).
הֲמִןshall frominterrog הֲ + prep · מִן (H4480)Interrogative particle opening a rhetorical questionהֲ interrogative prefix + מִן 'from'; opens the fateful rhetorical question, 'shall we bring water out from this rock?'.
הַסֶּ֣לַעthe rockart + N m sg abs · סֶלַע (H5553)Object of מִן (within the rhetorical question)סֶלַע (H5553); the very rock YHWH commanded be spoken to.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַסֶּלַעזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, pointing at the rock directly before them.
נוֹצִ֥יאshall we bring outHiphil impf 1cp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Yiqtol/imperfect: modal, deliberative — 'shall WE bring out'יָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the first-person plural is the crux — Moses (and Aaron) arrogate to themselves what only YHWH does, contrary to the passive role scripted in v. 8.
לָכֶ֖םfor youprep + 2mp suff · לְBeneficiary prepositional phraseלְ with 2mp suffix, 'for you' — addressed to the assembled 'rebels'.
מָֽיִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Object of נוֹצִיאמַיִם (H4325); the whole crisis distilled into the final word of Moses' fateful question.
11

וַיָּ֨רֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת יָד֗וֹ וַיַּ֧ךְ אֶת הַסֶּ֛לַע בְּמַטֵּ֖הוּ פַּעֲמָ֑יִם וַיֵּצְאוּ֙ מַ֣יִם רַבִּ֔ים וַתֵּ֥שְׁתְּ הָעֵדָ֖ה וּבְעִירָֽם

And Moses raised his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and abundant water came out, and the congregation and their livestock drank.

Climactic narrative actionוַ
STRIKING (וַיַּךְ) the rock — twice — rather than merely speaking to it, is the other candidate for the sin, recalling Exod 17:6 where striking WAS commanded; here it was not. The water flows regardless of Moses' conduct, underscoring that the miracle is God's, not earned by the manner of its performance.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּ֨רֶםand raisedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · רוּם (H7311)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרוּם (H7311) Hiphil 'to raise, lift up'; Moses' dramatic gesture preceding the strike.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיָּרֶםמֹשֶׁה (H4872); sole actor in the striking, though Aaron stands present.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking יָדוֹ as the definite direct object of וַיָּרֶם.
יָד֗וֹhis handN com sg constr + 3ms suff · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וַיָּרֶםיָד (H3027) 'hand'; raised in preparation for striking, recalling the gesture of Exod 17:11.
וַיַּ֧ךְand he struckWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb (main clause, climactic action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the pivotal, contested actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the verb commanded in Exod 17:6 but NOT commanded here — its use is central to the sin-crux.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַסֶּלַע as the definite direct object of וַיַּךְ.
הַסֶּ֛לַעthe rockart + N m sg abs · סֶלַע (H5553)Direct object of וַיַּךְסֶלַע (H5553); the object of the unauthorized strike.
בְּמַטֵּ֖הוּwith his staffprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suff · מַטֶּה (H4294)Instrumental prepositional phraseמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff'; the same staff taken 'from before YHWH' (v. 9), now used as an instrument of striking.
פַּעֲמָ֑יִםtwiceN f dual abs · פַּעַם (H6471)Adverbial accusative of numberפַּעַם (H6471) 'foot, occurrence, time'; dual 'twice' — the repeated blow often read as compounding the offense or betraying anger.
וַיֵּצְאוּ֙and came outWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come out'; the water flows regardless of the manner of Moses' action — the miracle proceeds despite, not because of, his conduct.
מַ֣יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of וַיֵּצְאוּמַיִם (H4325); the long-awaited substance finally appears.
רַבִּ֔יםabundantadj m pl abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective modifying מַיִםרַב (H7227) 'much, many, abundant'; emphasizes the sheer volume of water — the miracle's generosity undiminished by Moses' failure.
וַתֵּ֥שְׁתְּand drankWayyiqtol (Qal) 3fs · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; 3fs agrees with the collective/feminine הָעֵדָה, fulfilling the purpose stated in vv. 5, 8.
הָעֵדָ֖הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject of וַתֵּשְׁתְּעֵדָה (H5712); finally receiving the water it had lacked since v. 2.
וּבְעִירָֽםand their livestockconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suff · בְּעִיר (H1165)Coordinated subject of וַתֵּשְׁתְּבְּעִיר (H1165) 'livestock'; the water benefits animals as well as people, per the original commission (v. 8).
12

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָה֮ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְאֶֽל אַהֲרֹן֒ יַ֚עַן לֹא הֶאֱמַנְתֶּ֣ם בִּ֔י לְהַ֨קְדִּישֵׁ֔נִי לְעֵינֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לָכֵ֗ן לֹ֤א תָבִ֨יאוּ֙ אֶת הַקָּהָ֣ל הַזֶּ֔ה אֶל הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥תִּי לָהֶֽם

And YHWH said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the Israelites, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them."

Divine verdict — causal indictment and sentenceוַ
יַעַן ... לָכֵן ('because ... therefore') frames the sentence in strict cause-effect form. The verb לְהַקְדִּישֵׁנִי ('to sanctify me') puns on the very place-name Kadesh where they stand — Moses and Aaron failed to 'sanctify' YHWH at Kadesh. The precise content of 'not believing' is left undefined, fueling the classic exegetical crux over the nature of their sin.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's verdict on Moses and Aaron.
יְהוָה֮YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068); speaks the verdict directly to both Moses and Aaron.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as first-named addressee of the verdict.
מֹשֶׁ֣הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); named first, though the verdict indicts both leaders equally.
וְאֶֽלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinated prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) repeated with וְ, adding Aaron as co-addressee of the verdict.
אַהֲרֹן֒AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of וְאֶלאַהֲרֹן (H175); equally indicted and equally excluded from the land (v. 24).
יַ֚עַןbecausecausal conj · יַעַן (H3282)Causal conjunction opening the indictment clauseיַעַן (H3282) 'because, on account of'; pairs with לָכֵן ('therefore') below to form the cause-effect structure of the verdict.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following predicate verbלֹא (H3808); negates הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם — the core charge, 'you did not believe'.
הֶאֱמַנְתֶּ֣םyou believedHiphil perf 2mp · אָמַן (H539)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: states the completed failure — 'you did not believe/trust'אָמַן (H539) Hiphil 'to believe, trust, be firm'; root of 'amen'; the precise object and content of this failed trust remain famously undefined, fueling the sin-crux.
בִּ֔יin meprep + 1cs suff · בְּObject of הֶאֱמַנְתֶּםבְּ with 1cs suffix; the trust that failed was trust 'in me', YHWH.
לְהַ֨קְדִּישֵׁ֔נִיto sanctify meprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 1cs suff · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Infinitive of purpose/result completing the indictment→ Infinitive construct: the intended result that failed to occurקָדַשׁ (H6942) Hiphil 'to sanctify, treat as holy'; puns on קָדֵשׁ, the very place-name — Moses and Aaron failed to 'Kadesh' YHWH at Kadesh.
לְעֵינֵ֖יin the eyes ofprep לְ + N com dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase of manner ('in the sight of')עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; echoes v. 8's לְעֵינֵיהֶם — the sanctifying was to have been a public demonstration.
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי + gentilic, 'the Israelites'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the witnesses before whom the sanctifying failed to occur.
לָכֵ֗ןthereforeprep לְ + adverb · כֵּן (H3651)Consequential conjunction introducing the sentenceכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; with לְ forms לָכֵן 'therefore' — the standard formula introducing a prophetic/legal verdict.
לֹ֤אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate verb of the sentenceלֹא (H3808); negates תָבִיאוּ — the binding prohibition.
תָבִ֨יאוּ֙you shall bringHiphil impf 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the sentence (negated future)→ Yiqtol: negated future — a binding, irrevocable prohibitionבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; the same root as vv. 4-5's accusations, now turned into the sentence itself.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַקָּהָל as the definite direct object of תָבִיאוּ.
הַקָּהָ֣לthe assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Direct object of תָבִיאוּקָהָל (H6951); the same assembly gathered at the rock, now barred from the land.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַקָּהָלזֶה (H2088) 'this'; deictic, the assembled congregation standing before YHWH.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the destination, the land now forbidden to Moses and Aaron.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N com sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the promised land, now barred to this generation's leaders.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause qualifying הָאָרֶץ.
נָתַ֥תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a settled, already-decreed divine giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH's gift of the land stands firm even as its leaders are excluded from entering it.
לָהֶֽםto themprep + 3mp suff · לְIndirect object of נָתַתִּילְ with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the Israelites, for whom the land remains promised even though its leaders will not enter it.
13

הֵ֚מָּה מֵ֣י מְרִיבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר רָב֥וּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶת יְהוָ֑ה וַיִּקָּדֵ֖שׁ בָּֽם

These are the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites contended with YHWH, and he showed himself holy among them.

Etiological summary — naming formulaasyndeton
The narrator supplies the place-name etymology: מְרִיבָה from רִיב ('to contend/quarrel', echoing v. 3's וַיָּרֶב). וַיִּקָּדֵשׁ בָּם ('he was sanctified/proved holy among them') is deliberately ambiguous — did YHWH sanctify himself in spite of them, or through judging them? Either way it answers the failed לְהַקְדִּישֵׁנִי of v. 12.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
הֵ֚מָּהtheseindependent pron 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Subject of the verbless naming clauseהֵמָּה (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun; opens the etiological naming formula, 'these are...'.
מֵ֣יthe waters ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Predicate nominative (construct chain head)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; construct governing the place-name, 'the waters of Meribah'.
מְרִיבָ֔הMeribahN proper · מְרִיבָה (H4809)Genitive of the construct chain (place-name)מְרִיבָה (H4809) 'contention, quarrel', from the same root רִיב as v. 3's וַיָּרֶב — the etiological name for this site, distinct from though echoing the earlier Meribah of Exod 17:7.
אֲשֶׁרwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the explanatory clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause explaining the name.
רָב֥וּcontendedQal perf 3cp · רִיב (H7378)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: the completed act that gave the place its nameרִיב (H7378) 'to strive, contend'; same root as v. 3 and מְרִיבָה itself — the etymological anchor of the name.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, subject phrase)בֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי + gentilic, 'the Israelites'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); subject of the contention against YHWH.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (opponent of contention)אֵת (H854) 'with, together with', the comitative preposition (distinct from the object-marker אֵת H853 despite identical spelling); marks YHWH as the one contended against.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of אֵתיְהוָה (H3068); the one against whom Israel contended.
וַיִּקָּדֵ֖שׁand he showed himself holyWayyiqtol (Niphal) 3ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; Niphal — 'was sanctified, proved himself holy'קָדַשׁ (H6942) Niphal 'to show oneself holy, be sanctified'; directly answers the failed לְהַקְדִּישֵׁנִי of v. 12 — whatever the human failure, YHWH's holiness is nonetheless vindicated.
בָּֽםamong themprep + 3mp suff · בְּLocative prepositional phrase ('among/through them')בְּ with 3mp suffix, 'among them' or 'through them' — ambiguous whether YHWH is sanctified in spite of, or by means of, Israel's contention.
14

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֧ה מַלְאָכִ֛ים מִקָּדֵ֖שׁ אֶל מֶ֣לֶךְ אֱד֑וֹם כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ אָחִ֣יךָ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתָּ אֵ֥ת כָּל הַתְּלָאָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר מְצָאָֽתְנוּ

And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom: "Thus says your brother Israel: you know all the hardship that has found us."

New episode — diplomatic embassyוַ
כֹּה אָמַר ('thus says') is the standard messenger formula; אָחִיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל ('your brother Israel') deliberately invokes the Jacob-Esau kinship (Gen 25:24-26) to press a claim of family obligation on Edom.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨חand sentWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause, opening the Edom episode)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; opens the diplomatic embassy to Edom.
מֹשֶׁ֧הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחמֹשֶׁה (H4872); initiates the diplomatic approach to Edom.
מַלְאָכִ֛יםmessengersN m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, envoy, angel'; human diplomats here, though the same word describes the divine 'messenger' of v. 16.
מִקָּדֵ֖שׁfrom Kadeshprep מִן + N proper · קָדֵשׁ (H6946)Source prepositional phraseקָדֵשׁ (H6946); the embassy departs from the very place of the water crisis.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the destination of the embassy.
מֶ֣לֶךְthe king ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Object of אֶל (construct chain head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct governing אֱדוֹם, the recipient of the message.
אֱד֑וֹםEdomN proper · אֱדוֹם (H123)Genitive of the construct chainאֱדוֹם (H123) 'Edom', the nation descended from Esau (Gen 36); their territory blocks Israel's direct route to Canaan.
כֹּ֤הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb opening the messenger formulaכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, in this way'; with אָמַר forms the standard ancient Near Eastern messenger formula.
אָמַר֙saysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the messenger formula→ Perfective used performatively: the fixed 'thus says' formula, functioning as a present-tense declarationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; כֹּה אָמַר is the fixed diplomatic/prophetic messenger formula.
אָחִ֣יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suff · אָח (H251)Subject of the messenger formula (apposition to יִשְׂרָאֵל)אָח (H251) 'brother'; invokes the Jacob-Esau kinship (Gen 25:24-26) as the basis for the appeal to Edom.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Apposition to אָחִיךָיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the nation identified as Edom's kinsman through Jacob and Esau.
אַתָּ֣הyouindependent pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Emphatic subject of יָדַעְתָּאַתָּה (H859), independent 2ms pronoun; emphasizes the king's personal awareness of Israel's hardship.
יָדַ֔עְתָּyou knowQal perf 2ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb→ Perfective: states a settled, presumed fact of knowledgeיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; appeals to Edom's presumed awareness of Israel's suffering to build sympathy.
אֵ֥ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking כָּל הַתְּלָאָה as the definite direct object of יָדַעְתָּ.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הַתְּלָאָהכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; emphasizes the totality of hardship endured.
הַתְּלָאָ֖הthe hardshipart + N f sg abs · תְּלָאָה (H8513)Genitive completing כָּלתְּלָאָה (H8513) 'hardship, trouble, weariness', from לאה 'to be weary'; summarizes the whole exodus-wilderness ordeal about to be recounted.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause describing the hardship encountered.
מְצָאָֽתְנוּhas found usQal perf 3fs + 1cp suff · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed encounter with hardship, with ongoing effectמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; here idiomatically 'to befall, overtake' — the hardship personified as something that 'found' Israel.
15

וַיֵּרְד֤וּ אֲבֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה וַנֵּ֥שֶׁב בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים וַיָּרֵ֥עוּ לָ֛נוּ מִצְרַ֖יִם וְלַאֲבֹתֵֽינוּ

Our fathers went down to Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt many days, and the Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers.

Historical recital within the embassy's messageוַ
The message rehearses the exodus tradition in miniature — descent to Egypt, prolonged sojourn, oppression — building the case for Edom's sympathy before requesting passage.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֵּרְד֤וּand went downWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; standard verb for the ancestors' descent into Egypt (cf. Gen 46:3-4).
אֲבֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙our fathersN m pl constr + 1cp suff · אָב (H1)Subject of וַיֵּרְדוּאָב (H1) 'father'; plural 'fathers/ancestors' — Jacob and his household.
מִצְרַ֔יְמָהto EgyptN proper + directional he · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Directional accusative (destination)מִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; the directional ה suffix marks 'to/toward Egypt'.
וַנֵּ֥שֶׁבand we dweltWayyiqtol (Qal) 1cp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, sojourn'; the extended sojourn in Egypt, echoing v. 1's use of the same root for encampment at Kadesh.
בְּמִצְרַ֖יִםin Egyptprep בְּ + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714), repeated; the place of the prolonged sojourn.
יָמִ֣יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural 'days', an idiom for an extended, indefinite period.
רַבִּ֑יםmanyadj m pl abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective modifying יָמִיםרַב (H7227) 'many, much'; 'many days' — the extended generations of Gen 15:13.
וַיָּרֵ֥עוּand mistreatedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3mp · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָעַע (H7489) Hiphil 'to do evil/harm to, mistreat'; the Egyptians' oppression, standard exodus-recital language (cf. Deut 26:6).
לָ֛נוּto usprep + 1cp suff · לְIndirect object of וַיָּרֵעוּלְ with 1cp suffix, 'to us' — the recipients of Egyptian mistreatment.
מִצְרַ֖יִםthe EgyptiansN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4713)Subject of וַיָּרֵעוּמִצְרַיִם (H4713), here denoting the Egyptians as a people (a variant pointing of the same name as H4714).
וְלַאֲבֹתֵֽינוּand to our fathersconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 1cp suff · אָב (H1)Coordinated indirect object of וַיָּרֵעוּאָב (H1), repeated; the mistreatment extended to the prior generation as well as the present speakers.
16

וַנִּצְעַ֤ק אֶל יְהוָה֙ וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע קֹלֵ֔נוּ וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח מַלְאָ֔ךְ וַיֹּצִאֵ֖נוּ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם וְהִנֵּה֙ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ בְקָדֵ֔שׁ עִ֖יר קְצֵ֥ה גְבוּלֶֽךָ

And we cried out to YHWH, and he heard our voice and sent a messenger and brought us out of Egypt; and now, here we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.

Continuation of the historical recitalוַ
מַלְאָךְ ('messenger/angel') is deliberately ambiguous — divine agent or human envoy; the recital lands the narrative at the present moment, positioning Israel literally at Edom's border.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַנִּצְעַ֤קand we cried outWayyiqtol (Qal) 1cp · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out'; the standard verb of the oppressed crying to God, as in Exod 2:23.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addressee of the cryאֶל (H413) 'to'; directs the cry toward YHWH.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of אֶליְהוָה (H3068); recipient of Israel's cry, per the exodus tradition (Exod 2:23-25).
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣עand he heardWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; YHWH's responsive hearing, the same verb Moses commands the people to do in v. 10.
קֹלֵ֔נוּour voiceN m sg constr + 1cp suff · קוֹל (H6963)Object of וַיִּשְׁמַעקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; the cry that YHWH heard.
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣חand he sentWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; same root as Moses' sending of messengers in v. 14, now describing YHWH's own agent.
מַלְאָ֔ךְa messengerN m sg abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, angel'; deliberately ambiguous between a divine angelic agent and Moses himself as human intermediary.
וַיֹּצִאֵ֖נוּand he brought us outWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms + 1cp suff · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the defining verb of the exodus itself.
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714), repeated; the place of departure completing the exodus recital.
וְהִנֵּה֙and beholdconj וְ + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the present situationהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; shifts the recital from past narrative to the vivid present — 'and here we are'.
אֲנַ֣חְנוּweindependent pron 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject of the presentative clauseאֲנַחְנוּ (H587), independent 1cp pronoun; emphatic subject of the closing situational statement.
בְקָדֵ֔שׁat Kadeshprep בְּ + N proper · קָדֵשׁ (H6946)Locative predicate of the presentative clauseקָדֵשׁ (H6946); the message lands its recital squarely in the present, at the border town.
עִ֖ירa town ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Apposition to קָדֵשׁ (construct chain head)עִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; construct governing קְצֵה גְבוּלֶךָ, describing Kadesh's location.
קְצֵ֥הthe edge ofN com sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Genitive of the construct chainקָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge, border'; construct governing גְבוּלֶךָ.
גְבוּלֶֽךָyour territoryN m sg constr + 2ms suff · גְּבוּל (H1366)Genitive completing the construct chainגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; identifies Kadesh as sitting precisely at Edom's frontier — the diplomatic point of the whole recital.
17

נַעְבְּרָה נָּ֣א בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָ לֹ֤א נַעֲבֹר֙ בְּשָׂדֶ֣ה וּבְכֶ֔רֶם וְלֹ֥א נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה מֵ֣י בְאֵ֑ר דֶּ֧רֶךְ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ נֵלֵ֗ךְ לֹ֤א נִטֶּה֙ יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֔אול עַ֥ד אֲשֶֽׁר נַעֲבֹ֖ר גְּבוּלֶֽךָ

Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or vineyard, nor drink water from a well; we will go by the King's Highway; we will not turn aside to the right or the left until we have passed through your territory.

Formal request with itemized guaranteesasyndeton
The threefold negated pledge (no crops, no water, no straying) anticipates and forestalls every possible objection — the earliest reference to דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ, the 'King's Highway,' the ancient Transjordanian trade route.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
נַעְבְּרָהlet us pass throughQal cohortative 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Volitional predicate (opening request)→ Volitional/cohortative: a polite self-directed request, 'let us pass'עָבַר (H5674) 'to pass through, cross over'; the key verb of the whole request, repeated five times in this verse alone.
נָּ֣אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty softening the requestנָא (H4994); here marking polite request rather than urgency, softening the cohortative.
בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָthrough your landprep בְּ + N com sg constr + 2ms suff · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (path)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the territory whose passage is requested.
לֹ֤אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following predicateלֹא (H3808); opens the first of three negated guarantees.
נַעֲבֹר֙we will passQal impf 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb of the negated guarantee→ Yiqtol: future/modal, a binding pledgeעָבַר (H5674), repeated; the pledge not to trespass through cultivated land.
בְּשָׂדֶ֣הthrough fieldprep בְּ + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the first item Israel pledges not to traverse.
וּבְכֶ֔רֶםor vineyardconj וְ + prep בְּ + N com sg abs · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseכֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'; the second cultivated area pledged untouched.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following predicate (second guarantee)לֹא (H3808); opens the second negated pledge.
נִשְׁתֶּ֖הwe will drinkQal impf 1cp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb of the second negated guarantee→ Yiqtol: future/modal, a binding pledgeשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the second pledge — not to consume local water resources without payment (cf. v. 19).
מֵ֣יwater ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of נִשְׁתֶּה (construct chain head)מַיִם (H4325); construct with בְּאֵר, specifying well-water.
בְאֵ֑רa wellN f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive of the construct chainבְּאֵר (H875) 'well, cistern'; the local water sources Israel pledges not to use.
דֶּ֧רֶךְthe way ofN com sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative (path), construct chain headדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; construct governing הַמֶּלֶךְ, forming the phrase 'King's Highway'.
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְthe kingart + N m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive of the construct chainמֶלֶךְ (H4428); דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ 'the King's Highway' — the earliest biblical reference to this famous Transjordanian trade route.
נֵלֵ֗ךְwe will goQal impf 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (main pledge)→ Yiqtol: future/modal, the central commitment of the requestהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; specifies the exact route Israel promises to keep to.
לֹ֤אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following predicate (third guarantee)לֹא (H3808); opens the third and final negated pledge.
נִטֶּה֙we will turn asideQal impf 1cp · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb of the third negated guarantee→ Yiqtol: future/modal, a binding pledgeנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, turn aside'; the pledge of strict adherence to the road, with no deviation.
יָמִ֣יןrightN f sg abs · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial accusative of directionיָמִין (H3225) 'right hand, right side'; paired with שְׂמֹאול for the merism 'right or left'.
וּשְׂמֹ֔אולor leftconj וְ + N m sg abs · שְׂמֹאול (H8040)Coordinated adverbial accusative of directionשְׂמֹאול (H8040) 'left hand, left side'; with יָמִין forms the standard merism for 'in any direction at all'.
עַ֥דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal/spatial conjunction introducing the limit clauseעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the endpoint of the pledge of restraint.
אֲשֶֽׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle completing the temporal conjunction עַד אֲשֶׁראֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַד forms 'until [the time] that'.
נַעֲבֹ֖רwe have passed throughQal impf 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal, marking the completion point of transitעָבַר (H5674), repeated a final time; the pledge's boundary condition — restraint lasts only until the crossing is complete.
גְּבוּלֶֽךָyour territoryN m sg constr + 2ms suff · גְּבוּל (H1366)Object of נַעֲבֹרגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory', repeated from v. 16 — bookending the request with the language of boundary.
18

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ אֱד֔וֹם לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר בִּ֑י פֶּן בַּחֶ֖רֶב אֵצֵ֥א לִקְרָאתֶֽךָ

But Edom said to him, "You shall not pass through me, lest I come out against you with the sword."

Direct refusal with a military threatוַ
The blunt reply (echoing the request's own verb תַעֲבֹר/נַעֲבֹר) rejects the kinship appeal outright and threatens armed resistance — the first crack in the 'brother' framing.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Edom's blunt refusal.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep + 3ms suff · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) with 3ms suffix; the reply directed back at Israel's messengers.
אֱד֔וֹםEdomN proper · אֱדוֹם (H123)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶראֱדוֹם (H123); the king answers in the name of his nation.
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate verbלֹא (H3808); negates תַעֲבֹר — the flat refusal.
תַעֲבֹ֖רyou shall pass throughQal impf 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (negated prohibition)→ Yiqtol: negated future — a flat prohibitionעָבַר (H5674), repeated from the request; Edom throws the verb back in blunt refusal.
בִּ֑יthrough meprep + 1cs suff · בְּLocative prepositional phrase (path)בְּ with 1cs suffix, 'through me' — Edom speaks of his territory as an extension of himself.
פֶּןlestconj · פֶּן (H6435)Conjunction introducing a clause of warningפֶּן (H6435) 'lest'; introduces the consequence Edom threatens if Israel attempts passage.
בַּחֶ֖רֶבwith the swordprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Instrumental prepositional phraseחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; the concrete threat of armed force backing the refusal.
אֵצֵ֥אI will come outQal impf 1cs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the warning clause→ Yiqtol: future/modal, expressing the threatened responseיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Edom threatens to muster and march out against Israel.
לִקְרָאתֶֽךָto meet youprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 2ms suff · קָרָא (H7125)Infinitive of purpose/manner completing אֵצֵא→ Infinitive construct: purpose — hostile encounterקָרָא (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; idiomatic לִקְרַאת 'to meet, against' — here in a hostile, military sense.
19

וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ אֵלָ֥יו בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל בַּֽמְסִלָּ֣ה נַעֲלֶה֒ וְאִם מֵימֶ֤יךָ נִשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲנִ֣י וּמִקְנַ֔י וְנָתַתִּ֖י מִכְרָ֑ם רַ֥ק אֵין דָּבָ֖ר בְּרַגְלַ֥י אֶֽעֱבֹֽרָה

And the Israelites said to him, "We will go up by the highway, and if we drink your water, I and my livestock, then I will pay its price; let me only pass through on foot, nothing more."

Renewed, more generous offerוַ
Israel sweetens the offer — payment for any water used — reducing the request to the barest minimum (בְּרַגְלַי, 'on my feet', i.e. simply passing through).
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּאמְר֨וּand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Israel's renewed, more generous offer.
אֵלָ֥יוto himprep + 3ms suff · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיֹּאמְרוּאֶל (H413) with 3ms suffix; directed at the king of Edom.
בְּנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, subject phrase)בֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי + gentilic, 'the Israelites'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֘לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); subject of the renewed offer.
בַּֽמְסִלָּ֣הby the highwayprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מְסִלָּה (H4546)Locative prepositional phrase (path)מְסִלָּה (H4546) 'highway, raised road'; a synonym for דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ of v. 17, reaffirming the pledge to keep to the main route.
נַעֲלֶה֒we will go upQal impf 1cp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main pledge)→ Yiqtol: future/modal, restating the itinerary commitmentעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the direction of travel toward higher ground/Canaan.
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the payment clauseאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the conditional offer of payment for any water used.
מֵימֶ֤יךָyour waterN m pl constr + 2ms suff · מַיִם (H4325)Object of נִשְׁתֶּהמַיִם (H4325), with 2ms suffix; the conditional resource Israel offers to pay for if used.
נִשְׁתֶּה֙we drinkQal impf 1cp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb of the conditional clause→ Yiqtol: conditional/future — 'if we should drink'שָׁתָה (H8354), repeated; the conditional act triggering the promised payment.
אֲנִ֣יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic appositional subjectאֲנִי (H589), independent 1cs pronoun; the speaker (representing Israel collectively) specifies himself and his livestock.
וּמִקְנַ֔יand my livestockconj וְ + N m pl constr + 1cs suff · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Coordinated appositional subjectמִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle', from קנה 'to acquire'; the animals accompanying Israel that might also drink.
וְנָתַתִּ֖יthen I will giveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the apodosis (result clause)→ Weqatal: the promised consequence following the conditional — 'then I will give'נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the promised payment, addressing Edom's likely economic concern directly.
מִכְרָ֑םits priceN m sg constr + 3mp suff · מֶכֶר (H4377)Object of וְנָתַתִּימֶכֶר (H4377) 'price, payment', from מכר 'to sell'; the fair value Israel offers for any water consumed.
רַ֥קonlyrestrictive particle · רַק (H7535)Restrictive adverb narrowing the requestרַק (H7535) 'only, just'; minimizes the request to the barest possible terms.
אֵיןthere is notparticle of non-existence · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of non-existenceאַיִן (H369); negates דָּבָר — 'nothing more' is being asked.
דָּבָ֖רa thingN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of the clause of non-existenceדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; 'there is nothing else' — the request reduced to its bare minimum.
בְּרַגְלַ֥יon my feetprep בְּ + N f dual constr + 1cs suff · רֶגֶל (H7272)Adverbial prepositional phrase of mannerרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; idiomatic 'on foot' — emphasizing simple, unobtrusive passage.
אֶֽעֱבֹֽרָהlet me pass throughQal cohortative 1cs · עָבַר (H5674)Volitional predicate closing the request→ Volitional/cohortative: a final, humble self-requestעָבַר (H5674), repeated once more; the request's final, minimal restatement.
20

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹ֣א תַעֲבֹ֑ר וַיֵּצֵ֤א אֱדוֹם֙ לִקְרָאת֔וֹ בְּעַ֥ם כָּבֵ֖ד וּבְיָ֥ד חֲזָקָֽה

But he said, "You shall not pass through," and Edom came out against him with a heavy force and a strong hand.

Second, final refusal with a show of forceוַ
The repeated refusal is now backed by action — עַם כָּבֵד וּבְיָד חֲזָקָה ('a heavy people and a strong hand') pointedly echoes the exodus formula for YHWH's own 'strong hand' (Exod 13:9), now turned against Israel by their kinsman.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Edom's second, final refusal.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate verbלֹא (H3808); the second, curt refusal, even terser than v. 18.
תַעֲבֹ֑רyou shall pass throughQal impf 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (negated prohibition, terse repetition)→ Yiqtol: negated future — a curt, final prohibitionעָבַר (H5674), repeated tersely — even more curt than v. 18, closing off negotiation entirely.
וַיֵּצֵ֤אand came outWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the threat of v. 18 now enactedיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the threatened action of v. 18 (אֵצֵא) is now carried out.
אֱדוֹם֙EdomN proper · אֱדוֹם (H123)Subject of וַיֵּצֵאאֱדוֹם (H123); mustered as a nation to enforce the refusal.
לִקְרָאת֔וֹto meet himprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suff · קָרָא (H7125)Infinitive of purpose/manner completing וַיֵּצֵא→ Infinitive construct: purpose — hostile encounter, now directed at Israelקָרָא (H7125), repeated from v. 18's threat, now enacted.
בְּעַ֥םwith a forceprep בְּ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Instrumental/accompanying prepositional phraseעַם (H5971) 'people, troops'; here a military levy, not merely the general populace.
כָּבֵ֖דheavyadj m sg abs · כָּבֵד (H3515)Attributive adjective modifying עַםכָּבֵד (H3515) 'heavy, numerous, weighty'; describes the size and strength of Edom's mustered force.
וּבְיָ֥דand with a handconj וְ + prep בְּ + N com sg abs · יָד (H3027)Coordinated instrumental prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic for military strength, echoing the exodus formula 'strong hand' (Exod 13:9) — here turned against Israel by Edom.
חֲזָקָֽהstrongadj f sg abs · חָזָק (H2389)Attributive adjective modifying יָדחָזָק (H2389) 'strong, mighty'; יָד חֲזָקָה 'a strong hand' bitterly echoes YHWH's own signature exodus phrase, now wielded by Edom against Israel.
21

וַיְמָאֵ֣ן אֱד֗וֹם נְתֹן֙ אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עֲבֹ֖ר בִּגְבֻל֑וֹ וַיֵּ֥ט יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵעָלָֽיו

Thus Edom refused to let Israel pass through his territory, and Israel turned away from him.

Narrative summary closing the Edom episodeוַ
וַיֵּט ('turned aside') marks Israel's peaceable withdrawal rather than confrontation — no battle is fought, and the episode closes with Edom's hostility left to later reckoning (cf. Deut 2:4-8; Obadiah).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיְמָאֵ֣ןand refusedWayyiqtol (Piel) 3ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Predicate verb (main clause, summary)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse'; the narrator's summary verdict on the whole episode.
אֱד֗וֹםEdomN proper · אֱדוֹם (H123)Subject of וַיְמָאֵןאֱדוֹם (H123); the narrator's summary names Edom as the one who refused.
נְתֹן֙to giveQal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitive complementing וַיְמָאֵן→ Infinitive construct: the refused action — 'to give/allow passage'נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here 'to permit, allow' — Edom refused to permit Israel's passage.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking יִשְׂרָאֵל as the definite direct object of the infinitive clause.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct object of the infinitive נְתֹןיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); denied passage through Edom's land.
עֲבֹ֖רto pass throughQal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitive completing נְתֹן (epexegetical)→ Infinitive construct: specifies the permitted action that was withheldעָבַר (H5674), the recurring verb of the whole episode, now closing the negotiation.
בִּגְבֻל֑וֹthrough his territoryprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suff · גְּבוּל (H1366)Locative prepositional phrase (path)גְּבוּל (H1366), repeated once more; Edom's territory remains closed.
וַיֵּ֥טand turned awayWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186) 'to turn aside'; same root as the pledge of v. 17 (not to turn right or left) — now Israel itself turns, peaceably, away from Edom.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיֵּטיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); withdraws from confrontation with its 'brother'.
מֵעָלָֽיוaway from himprep מִן + prep עַל + 3ms suff · עַל (H5921)Source prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) with מִן, 'from upon him' i.e. 'away from him' — Israel withdraws without conflict.
22

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִקָּדֵ֑שׁ וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל כָּל הָעֵדָ֖ה הֹ֥ר הָהָֽר

And they set out from Kadesh, and the Israelites, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.

Itinerary transition to the new episodeוַ
The itinerary formula (cf. v. 1) resumes, moving the narrative from the diplomatic failure directly into the account of Aaron's death.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּand they set outWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out, pull up stakes'; the standard itinerary verb marking a new stage in the wilderness journey.
מִקָּדֵ֑שׁfrom Kadeshprep מִן + N proper · קָדֵשׁ (H6946)Source prepositional phraseקָדֵשׁ (H6946); departure point, closing the long Kadesh sojourn that has framed the chapter since v. 1.
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּand they cameWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; echoes the chapter's opening verb (v. 1), forming an itinerary inclusio around the whole chapter.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, subject phrase)בֵּן (H1121); construct בְּנֵי + gentilic, 'the Israelites', echoing v. 1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the same collective subject of the chapter's opening verse.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct in apposition to בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵלכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; echoing v. 1's phrasing exactly.
הָעֵדָ֖הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing כָּלעֵדָה (H5712), forming with the preceding words a verbatim echo of v. 1's arrival formula, now at Mount Hor.
הֹ֥רHorN proper · הֹר (H2023)Genitive in the fixed toponym הֹר הָהָרהֹר (H2023), the proper name of the mountain, itself related to 'mountain' — הֹר הָהָר is a redundant, emphatic 'Mount Hor', the site of Aaron's death.
הָהָֽרthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Apposition completing the fixed toponym הֹר הָהָרהַר (H2022) 'mountain'; combined with הֹר as the doubled name 'Mount Hor', traditionally near the Edomite border.
23

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יְהוָ֛ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְאֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֖ן בְּהֹ֣ר הָהָ֑ר עַל גְּב֥וּל אֶֽרֶץ אֱד֖וֹם לֵאמֹֽר

And YHWH said to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor, on the border of the land of Edom, saying:

Speech formula introducing Aaron's death sentenceוַ
The geographical note ('on the border of Edom') pointedly situates Aaron's death at the very edge of the land refused by Israel's 'brother' — Aaron himself will not reach the land either.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand saidWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's announcement of Aaron's death.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068); speaks the final word concerning Aaron's death.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as first-named addressee.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient, with Aaron, of the final divine word before Aaron's death.
וְאֶֽלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinated prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) repeated with וְ, addressing Aaron alongside Moses one final time before his death.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of וְאֶלאַהֲרֹן (H175); addressed directly for the last time before his death is announced.
בְּהֹ֣רat Horprep בְּ + N proper · הֹר (H2023)Locative prepositional phraseהֹר (H2023); locates the divine speech precisely at the mountain of Aaron's coming death.
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Apposition completing the fixed toponymהַר (H2022); completes 'Mount Hor', the site of the announcement.
עַלatprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, at'; further specifies the location as bordering Edom.
גְּב֥וּלthe border ofN m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Object of עַל (construct chain head)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border'; the same word repeated throughout the Edom episode (vv. 16-21), now marking the site of Aaron's death.
אֶֽרֶץthe land ofN com sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of the construct chainאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct governing אֱדוֹם.
אֱד֖וֹםEdomN proper · אֱדוֹם (H123)Genitive of the construct chainאֱדוֹם (H123); Aaron dies at the very border of the land that refused Israel passage.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive marking direct quotation→ Infinitive construct: formulaic marker introducing the divine speech of vv. 24-26אָמַר (H559); לֵאמֹר opens the extended divine instruction concerning Aaron's death and Eleazar's succession.
24

יֵאָסֵ֤ף אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל עַמָּ֔יו כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָבֹא֙ אֶל הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֖תִּי לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל עַ֛ל אֲשֶׁר מְרִיתֶ֥ם אֶת פִּ֖י לְמֵ֥י מְרִיבָֽה

Aaron shall be gathered to his people, for he shall not enter the land that I have given to the Israelites, because you rebelled against my word at the waters of Meribah.

Divine verdict restated for Aaronasyndeton
נֶאֱסַף אֶל עַמָּיו ('gathered to his people') is the euphemism for peaceful ancestral death (cf. Gen 25:8); מְרִיתֶם ('you rebelled', from מָרָה, the same root behind הַמֹּרִים in v. 10) explicitly names the sin as rebellion against YHWH's word, not merely unbelief.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
יֵאָסֵ֤ףshall be gatheredNiphal impf 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Predicate verb (main clause, divine decree)→ Yiqtol/Niphal: passive future — the euphemistic decree of deathאָסַף (H622) Niphal 'to be gathered'; נֶאֱסַף אֶל עַמָּיו is the standard euphemism for a peaceful ancestral death (cf. Gen 25:8, 17; 35:29).
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of יֵאָסֵףאַהֲרֹן (H175); the subject of the death-decree, named directly.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (idiomatic 'gathered to')אֶל (H413) 'to'; part of the fixed death-idiom נֶאֱסַף אֶל עַמָּיו.
עַמָּ֔יוhis peopleN m pl constr + 3ms suff · עַם (H5971)Object of אֶל (idiomatic phrase)עַם (H5971), plural 'his people/kinsmen'; with נֶאֱסַף אֶל forms the fixed idiom for joining one's ancestors in death.
כִּ֣יforcausal conj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the reasonכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; gives the reason Aaron will be gathered — he will not enter the land.
לֹ֤אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate verbלֹא (H3808); negates יָבֹא — Aaron's exclusion from the land.
יָבֹא֙he shall enterQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Yiqtol: negated future — a fixed, irrevocable exclusionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the same verb used throughout the chapter, now sealing Aaron's exclusion from the land.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the destination, the land Aaron will not reach.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N com sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of אֶלאֶרֶץ (H776); the promised land, now confirmed as forbidden to Aaron specifically, as it was to both leaders in v. 12.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift.
נָתַ֖תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a settled, already-decreed divine giftנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; repeats v. 12's language — the gift stands even as its recipients' leaders are excluded.
לִבְנֵ֣יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object of נָתַתִּיבֵּן (H1121); construct with לְ, 'to the sons of Israel' — the intended beneficiaries.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the beneficiaries of the land-gift, unlike their leaders.
עַ֛לbecause ofprep · עַל (H5921)Causal prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, because of'; introduces the specific reason for exclusion, restated from v. 12.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle completing the causal phrase עַל אֲשֶׁראֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַל forms 'because'.
מְרִיתֶ֥םyou rebelledQal perf 2mp · מָרָה (H4784)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed act of rebellion, the ground of the sentenceמָרָה (H4784) 'to rebel, be contentious'; same root as הַמֹּרִים (v. 10) — YHWH's own naming of the sin as rebellion, not merely unbelief.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking פִּי as the definite direct object of מְרִיתֶם.
פִּ֖יmy mouthN m sg constr + 1cs suff · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object of מְרִיתֶםפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; 'my mouth' = my spoken word/command — the rebellion was against YHWH's explicit instruction (v. 8).
לְמֵ֥יat the waters ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Locative/temporal prepositional phraseמַיִם (H4325); construct with מְרִיבָה, naming the site of the rebellion one final time.
מְרִיבָֽהMeribahN proper · מְרִיבָה (H4809)Genitive of the construct chain (place-name)מְרִיבָה (H4809); the chapter's naming etiology (v. 13) recalled here as the ground of Aaron's — and by implication Moses' — exclusion.
25

קַ֚ח אֶֽת אַהֲרֹ֔ן וְאֶת אֶלְעָזָ֖ר בְּנ֑וֹ וְהַ֥עַל אֹתָ֖ם הֹ֥ר הָהָֽר

Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor.

Divine command initiating the succession riteasyndeton
The imperative קַח echoes v. 8's command to take the staff — Moses again acts as the instrument of a divinely staged transition, here of the high priesthood.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
קַ֚חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Volitional predicate (command opening the divine speech)→ Volitional: direct imperative commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; echoes v. 8's command, now initiating the succession rite rather than the water-miracle.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אַהֲרֹן as the definite direct object of קַח.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct object of קַחאַהֲרֹן (H175); taken up the mountain to die there.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks אֶלְעָזָר as the definite second object of קַח.
אֶלְעָזָ֖רEleazarN proper · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Second direct object of קַחאֶלְעָזָר (H499) 'God has helped'; Aaron's third son (Exod 6:23), already prominent (Num 3:32; 4:16), now designated as successor.
בְּנ֑וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suff · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition to אֶלְעָזָרבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; identifies Eleazar's relation to Aaron, establishing the hereditary line of succession.
וְהַ֥עַלand bring upconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional predicate (second command)→ Volitional: direct imperative commandעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; the ascent to the mountain where Aaron will die.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (pronominal, both Aaron and Eleazar)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — referring to both Aaron and Eleazar together.
הֹ֥רHorN proper · הֹר (H2023)Directional accusative (destination), fixed toponymהֹר (H2023); part of the fixed toponym הֹר הָהָר, the destination of the ascent.
הָהָֽרthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Apposition completing the fixed toponymהַר (H2022); completes 'Mount Hor', destination of the ascent commanded here.
26

וְהַפְשֵׁ֤ט אֶֽת אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶת בְּגָדָ֔יו וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֖ם אֶת אֶלְעָזָ֣ר בְּנ֑וֹ וְאַהֲרֹ֥ן יֵאָסֵ֖ף וּמֵ֥ת שָֽׁם

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron shall be gathered [to his people] and shall die there.

Continued command — investiture and death instructionsוְ
The vestments, not the man, carry priestly office forward — stripping and reclothing IS the ordination of Eleazar, staged before Aaron's death rather than after, so that the office never lapses.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהַפְשֵׁ֤טand stripconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · פָּשַׁט (H6584)Volitional predicate (command continuing the sequence)→ Volitional: direct imperative commandפָּשַׁט (H6584) Hiphil 'to strip off'; the ritual removal of Aaron's priestly vestments, transferring the office.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אַהֲרֹן as the definite direct object of וְהַפְשֵׁט.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct object of וְהַפְשֵׁטאַהֲרֹן (H175); to be divested of his vestments.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853), marking בְּגָדָיו as the second definite direct object being removed.
בְּגָדָ֔יוhis garmentsN m pl constr + 3ms suff · בֶּגֶד (H899)Second direct object of וְהַפְשֵׁטבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment'; the high-priestly vestments (Exod 28), the visible marks of priestly office.
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֖םand clothe them onconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms + 3mp suff · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Volitional predicate continuing the command sequence→ Weqatal: continues the imperative chain — 'and you shall clothe [him with] them'לָבַשׁ (H3847) Hiphil 'to clothe'; the vestments transferred directly onto Eleazar, without gap — the office itself is unbroken.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אֶלְעָזָר as the definite direct object receiving the garments.
אֶלְעָזָ֣רEleazarN proper · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Direct object of וְהִלְבַּשְׁתָּםאֶלְעָזָר (H499); receives the vestments and thus the office directly from his father.
בְּנ֑וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suff · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition to אֶלְעָזָרבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; confirms the hereditary transfer of the priesthood.
וְאַהֲרֹ֥ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of the following clauseאַהֲרֹן (H175); the narrative turns from Eleazar's investiture back to Aaron's fate.
יֵאָסֵ֖ףshall be gatheredNiphal impf 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Predicate verb (main clause, divine decree)→ Yiqtol/Niphal: passive future, the euphemistic decree of deathאָסַף (H622) Niphal, repeated from v. 24; Aaron's death restated as the culmination of the investiture rite.
וּמֵ֥תand he shall dieconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb continuing the decree→ Weqatal: the plain, unambiguous fact underlying the euphemismמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; stated plainly alongside the euphemism נֶאֱסַף, leaving no doubt as to the meaning.
שָֽׁםthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; on the mountain, echoing the chapter's earlier deaths (v. 1).
27

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהוָ֑ה וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙ אֶל הֹ֣ר הָהָ֔ר לְעֵינֵ֖י כָּל הָעֵדָֽה

And Moses did as YHWH commanded, and they went up to Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Compliance noticeוַ
לְעֵינֵי כָּל הָעֵדָה ('before the eyes of all the congregation') makes the succession a public, witnessed event — the transfer of priestly authority is not hidden.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand didWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the standard obedience-notice verb closing a divine command sequence.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂמֹשֶׁה (H4872); carries out YHWH's command precisely.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רasprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/manner clause ('just as')אֲשֶׁר (H834), with כְּ 'as'; introduces the obedience formula, echoing v. 9.
צִוָּ֣הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a prior completed command, now fulfilledצִוָּה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; YHWH's command from vv. 25-26 now carried out exactly.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068); source of the command Moses executes.
וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙and they went upWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the ascent of Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar together up the mountain.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the destination, Mount Hor.
הֹ֣רHorN proper · הֹר (H2023)Object of אֶל, fixed toponymהֹר (H2023); part of the fixed toponym הֹר הָהָר.
הָהָ֔רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Apposition completing the fixed toponymהַר (H2022); completes 'Mount Hor'.
לְעֵינֵ֖יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N com dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase of manner ('in the sight of')עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; the ascent, like the striking of the rock, occurs publicly, witnessed by the whole community.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הָעֵדָהכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; the entire community witnesses the ascent.
הָעֵדָֽהthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing כָּלעֵדָה (H5712); the whole community witnesses the succession rite.
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וַיַּפְשֵׁט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶֽת אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת בְּגָדָ֗יו וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתָם֙ אֶת אֶלְעָזָ֣ר בְּנ֔וֹ וַיָּ֧מָת אַהֲרֹ֛ן שָׁ֖ם בְּרֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר וַיֵּ֧רֶד מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֖ר מִן הָהָֽר

And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there on the top of the mountain, and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.

Climactic narration — the investiture and deathוַ
The repetition of v. 26's instructions as fulfilled action underscores exact obedience; Aaron's death 'on the top of the mountain' closes the first of the fortieth year's priestly-line deaths, with Eleazar now descending in his father's place.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיַּפְשֵׁט֩and strippedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · פָּשַׁט (H6584)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּשַׁט (H6584) Hiphil 'to strip off'; the command of v. 26 now enacted.
מֹשֶׁ֨הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּפְשֵׁטמֹשֶׁה (H4872); personally performs the divestiture.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אַהֲרֹן as the definite direct object of וַיַּפְשֵׁט.
אַהֲרֹ֜ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct object of וַיַּפְשֵׁטאַהֲרֹן (H175); divested of the vestments he has worn since his ordination (Lev 8).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853), marking בְּגָדָיו as the second definite direct object.
בְּגָדָ֗יוhis garmentsN m pl constr + 3ms suff · בֶּגֶד (H899)Second direct object of וַיַּפְשֵׁטבֶּגֶד (H899); the high-priestly vestments physically removed on the mountaintop.
וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁand clothedWayyiqtol (Hiphil) 3ms · לָבַשׁ (H3847)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָבַשׁ (H3847) Hiphil 'to clothe'; Moses personally invests Eleazar, enacting v. 26's command.
אֹתָם֙themobj marker + 3mp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (pronominal, the garments)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, referring back to בְּגָדָיו — 'them', the garments.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אֶלְעָזָר as the recipient of the clothing.
אֶלְעָזָ֣רEleazarN proper · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Object of the clothing actionאֶלְעָזָר (H499); now clothed as high priest by his father's own hand.
בְּנ֔וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suff · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition to אֶלְעָזָרבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the transfer completed within the family line.
וַיָּ֧מָתand diedWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, climactic)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the chapter's second named deathמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; Aaron's actual death, following immediately upon the completed investiture.
אַהֲרֹ֛ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיָּמָתאַהֲרֹן (H175); dies at the summit, having just witnessed his succession secured.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverb of placeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; on the mountain, as decreed in vv. 25-26.
בְּרֹ֣אשׁon the top ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative prepositional phraseרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; specifies the death occurred at the very summit of the mountain.
הָהָ֑רthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Genitive of the construct chainהַר (H2022); completes בְּרֹאשׁ הָהָר, 'on the top of the mountain'.
וַיֵּ֧רֶדand came downWayyiqtol (Qal) 3ms · יָרַד (H3381)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַד (H3381) 'to go down, descend'; the return from the mountain, now without Aaron.
מֹשֶׁ֛הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיֵּרֶדמֹשֶׁה (H4872); descends alone with Eleazar, without Aaron.
וְאֶלְעָזָ֖רand Eleazarconj וְ + N proper · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Coordinated subject of וַיֵּרֶדאֶלְעָזָר (H499); descends now as the new high priest, in his father's place.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the descent's point of origin.
הָהָֽרthe mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Object of מִןהַר (H2022); Mount Hor, now the site of Aaron's burial place in memory.
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וַיִּרְאוּ֙ כָּל הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה כִּ֥י גָוַ֖ע אַהֲרֹ֑ן וַיִּבְכּ֤וּ אֶֽת אַהֲרֹן֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים י֔וֹם כֹּ֖ל בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And when all the congregation saw that Aaron had died, all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days.

Closing notice — communal mourningוַ
The thirty-day mourning period (cf. Deut 34:8 for Moses) formally closes the chapter, contrasting sharply with the bare, unmourned notice of Miriam's death in v. 1 — the narrator's asymmetry between the two deaths is a deliberate frame for the whole chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּרְאוּ֙and sawWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the congregation perceives Aaron's death, presumably from the sight of Moses and Eleazar returning without him.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing הָעֵדָה (subject phrase)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; the congregation collectively perceives Aaron's death.
הָ֣עֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive completing כָּל; subject of וַיִּרְאוּעֵדָה (H5712); the whole community, from whose perspective the chapter closes.
כִּ֥יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the object clause of וַיִּרְאוּכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what the congregation perceived.
גָוַ֖עhad expiredQal perf 3ms · גָּוַע (H1478)Predicate verb of the object clause→ Perfective: a completed, settled fact — Aaron's deathגָּוַע (H1478) 'to expire, die'; the same verb the people used in their own death-wish (v. 3), now literally true of Aaron.
אַהֲרֹ֑ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of גָוַעאַהֲרֹן (H175); his death is now confirmed to the whole community.
וַיִּבְכּ֤וּand they weptWayyiqtol (Qal) 3mp · בָּכָה (H1058)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the chapter's closing act of communal mourningבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep'; the public mourning notably absent for Miriam (v. 1) is here extended fully to Aaron.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אַהֲרֹן as the definite direct object of mourning.
אַהֲרֹן֙AaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Direct object of וַיִּבְכּוּאַהֲרֹן (H175); mourned fully and publicly by the entire nation.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםthirtycardinal number com pl abs · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Adverbial accusative of duration (numeral)שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'; the fixed mourning period, matched later for Moses himself (Deut 34:8).
י֔וֹםdaysN m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; singular used distributively with the numeral, 'thirty days'.
כֹּ֖לall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct governing בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל (subject in apposition)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; emphasizes the totality of Israel's mourning.
בֵּ֥יתthe house ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of the construct chainבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; 'house of Israel' = the whole nation, a formal, collective designation.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the chapter with the whole nation united in mourning its high priest — a fitting counterpoint to the chapter's opening quarrel and division.