1
וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע הַכְּנַעֲנִ֤י מֶֽלֶךְ עֲרָד֙ יֹשֵׁ֣ב הַנֶּ֔גֶב כִּ֚י בָּ֣א יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל דֶּ֖רֶךְ הָאֲתָרִ֑ים וַיִּלָּ֨חֶם֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּ֥שְׁבְּ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ שֶֽׁבִי
When the Canaanite, the king of Arad who dwelt in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel and took some of them captive.
The chapter opens with a fresh wayyiqtol narrative, unconnected to any formal heading. The כִּי-clause states the trigger (Israel's approach) for the king's attack, setting up Israel's vow in v. 2 as a response to this initial reversal.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֞עheardQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (temporal: 'when he heard')→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the king's hostile report-response opens the chapter's first conflict.
הַכְּנַעֲנִ֤יthe Canaaniteart + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Subject of וַיִּשְׁמַעכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669), gentilic 'Canaanite'; the king of Arad is so identified though his city lay in the Negev, on Canaan's southern edge.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Apposition to הַכְּנַעֲנִי (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct governing עֲרָד, the city he rules.
עֲרָד֙Aradproper noun · עֲרָד (H6166)Genitive of the construct chain (place name)עֲרָד (H6166), a Canaanite royal city in the Negev, identified with Tel Arad.
יֹשֵׁ֣בwho dwellsQal ptc m sg constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Attributive participle in construct ('the one dwelling in the Negev')→ Participle: durative, characterizing stateיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; participle used attributively of the king's territory.
הַנֶּ֔גֶבthe Negevart + N m sg abs · נֶגֶב (H5045)Genitive completing the construct (object of יֹשֵׁב)נֶגֶב (H5045) 'south, dry region'; the arid zone south of Judah.
כִּ֚יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing the content clauseכִּי (H3588) 'that, because, when'; introduces the report the king heard.
בָּ֣אhad comeQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: a completed act reported as accomplished factבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Israel's approach is the news provoking the attack.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of בָּאיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people, subject of the verb of approach.
דֶּ֖רֶךְby the way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative of route (construct chain)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; construct governing הָאֲתָרִים, marking the route taken.
הָאֲתָרִ֑יםAtharimart + proper noun (route) · אֲתָרִים (H871)Genitive of the construct chain (route name)אֲתָרִים (H871), a route or place name of uncertain identity; LXX reads it as a proper name (Αθαριν), Targums as 'the spies' road' — the referent is lost.
וַיִּלָּ֨חֶם֙and he foughtconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898), Niphal 'to fight, wage battle'; the king's hostile response, precipitating Israel's vow in v. 2.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לagainst Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Adversative prepositional phrase (object of hostility)בְּ here marks hostile engagement, 'against'; יִשְׂרָאֵל is the object of attack.
וַיִּ֥שְׁבְּand he took captiveconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁבָה (H7617)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁבָה (H7617) 'to take captive'; the initial Canaanite success that Israel's vow (v. 2) seeks to reverse.
מִמֶּ֖נּוּsome of themprep מִן + pron sfx (3ms/1cp homograph) · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phrase (source of the captives)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the suffixed form מִמֶּנּוּ is identical for 3ms ('from him/it') and 1cp ('from us') — context (Israel as antecedent) requires 'from it/them.'
שֶֽׁבִיcaptivesN c sg abs · שְׁבִי (H7628)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁבְּ (cognate accusative)שְׁבִי (H7628) 'captivity, captives', from שָׁבָה; cognate object reinforcing the preceding verb.
2
וַיִּדַּ֨ר יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל נֶ֛דֶר לַֽיהוָ֖ה וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אִם נָתֹ֨ן תִּתֵּ֜ן אֶת הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ בְּיָדִ֔י וְהַֽחֲרַמְתִּ֖י אֶת עָרֵיהֶֽם
Then Israel vowed a vow to YHWH and said, 'If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.'
Israel's vow (נָתֹן תִּתֵּן, infinitive absolute for emphasis) is explicitly conditional, addressed to YHWH after v. 1's setback; it introduces the חֵרֶם ('ban') vocabulary that the wordplay of v. 3 will turn into the place-name חָרְמָה.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּדַּ֨רand he vowedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָדַר (H5087)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָדַר (H5087) 'to vow'; opens the reciprocal exchange with YHWH that will name the site in v. 3.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֥לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיִּדַּריִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), subject of the vow.
נֶ֛דֶרa vowN m sg abs · נֶדֶר (H5088)Direct object (cognate accusative) of וַיִּדַּרנֶדֶר (H5088) 'vow', from נָדַר; cognate object intensifying the verb — 'vowed a vow.'
לַֽיהוָ֖הto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object / recipient of the vowיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the vow is directed to YHWH specifically.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard speech-introduction formula.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the vow's protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the conditional vow — the ban is contingent on victory.
נָתֹ֨ןindeed giveQal inf abs · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the following finite verb (emphatic)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies the certainty of the following verbנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the infinitive absolute + finite verb (נָתֹן תִּתֵּן) intensifies the conditional promise: 'if you will indeed give.'
תִּתֵּ֜ןyou will giveQal impf 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis→ Yiqtol: modal/future within the conditional clauseנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; paired with the preceding infinitive absolute for emphasis.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking הָעָם as the definite direct object; untranslated.
הָעָ֤םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of תִּתֵּןעַם (H5971) 'people'; here the Canaanite population of the region, object of the conditional vow.
הַזֶּה֙thisart + demonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), demonstrative 'this'; specifies the Canaanite population just named in v. 1.
בְּיָדִ֔יinto my handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + sfx 1cs · יָד (H3027)Locative/instrumental prepositional phrase (goal of תִּתֵּן)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for delivering someone into another's power or control.
וְהַֽחֲרַמְתִּ֖יthen I will devote to destructionconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · חָרַם (H2763)Weqatal continuing the conditional apodosis→ Weqatal: consequent action contingent on the protasisחָרַם (H2763) 'to devote to destruction, place under the ban (חֵרֶם)'; generates the place-name חָרְמָה in v. 3.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking עָרֵיהֶם as the definite object; untranslated.
עָרֵיהֶֽםtheir citiesN f pl constr + sfx 3mp · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of וְהַחֲרַמְתִּיעִיר (H5892) 'city'; plural construct with 3mp suffix, referring to the Canaanite population of v. 1.
3
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע יְהוָ֜ה בְּק֣וֹל יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶת הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י וַיַּחֲרֵ֥ם אֶתְהֶ֖ם וְאֶת עָרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּקְרָ֥א שֵׁם הַמָּק֖וֹם חָרְמָֽה
And YHWH listened to the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites; and he devoted them and their cities to destruction, and the name of the place was called Hormah.
YHWH's answer to the vow of v. 2 is reported in matching verbs (חָרַם ↔ הַחֲרַמְתִּי), and the etiological wordplay חֵרֶם/חָרְמָה fixes the place-name to the very act performed there — a compact victory notice bracketing the murmuring narrative that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨עlistenedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen to'; with בְּקוֹל the idiom for heeding a request.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּשְׁמַעיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; answers the vow of v. 2 directed to him.
בְּק֣וֹלto the voice ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Idiomatic object of שָׁמַע ('listen to the voice of' = heed)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל is the standard idiom for heeding or obeying.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain (whose voice)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); Israel's vow of v. 2 is heeded.
וַיִּתֵּן֙and he gave overconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here 'delivered over' the Canaanites, answering v. 2's request.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַכְּנַעֲנִי as the definite object; untranslated.
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔יthe Canaanite(s)art + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Direct object of וַיִּתֵּןכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669), collective singular 'the Canaanite(s)'; refers to the attacking king and people of v. 1.
וַיַּחֲרֵ֥םand he devoted to destructionconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרַם (H2763)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרַם (H2763) 'to devote to destruction'; Israel fulfills its own vow from v. 2 (וְהַחֲרַמְתִּי).
אֶתְהֶ֖םthemobj marker + sfx 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיַּחֲרֵםאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — the Canaanites.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks עָרֵיהֶם as the definite second object.
עָרֵיהֶ֑םtheir citiesN f pl constr + sfx 3mp · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of וַיַּחֲרֵם (second object)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the Canaanite cities, second object of the ban.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand he calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, naming formula→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; standard etiological naming formula (וַיִּקְרָא שֵׁם).
שֵׁםthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַיִּקְרָא (construct head)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; construct governing הַמָּקוֹם.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive of the construct chainמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; the site of the battle and vow.
חָרְמָֽהHormahproper noun · חָרְמָה (H2767)Predicate/complement of the naming formulaחָרְמָה (H2767), place name from the root חרם ('to devote to destruction'); the wordplay with חֵרֶם/הַחֲרַמְתִּי (vv. 2-3) makes the name commemorate the ban enacted there.
4
וַיִּסְע֞וּ מֵהֹ֤ר הָהָר֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יַם ס֔וּף לִסְבֹ֖ב אֶת אֶ֣רֶץ אֱד֑וֹם וַתִּקְצַ֥ר נֶֽפֶשׁ הָעָ֖ם בַּדָּֽרֶךְ
Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became impatient on the way.
A travel notice pivots the narrative from Hormah's victory to the detour around Edom; קָצְרָה נֶפֶשׁ ('the soul became short/impatient') is idiomatic for exhausted patience and directly motivates the complaint of v. 5, echoing the wilderness-murmuring pattern of Exodus and Numbers 11-14.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּסְע֞וּand they set outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out'; standard itinerary-formula verb.
מֵהֹ֤רfrom Mountprep מִן + proper noun · הֹר (H2023)Source prepositional phraseהֹר (H2023), Mount Hor, site of Aaron's death (Num 20:22-29); the departure point of this itinerary notice.
הָהָר֙the mountainart + N m sg abs · הַר (H2022)Apposition to מֵהֹר, identifying Hor as 'the mountain'הַר (H2022) 'mountain, hill'; in apposition, 'Mount Hor.'
דֶּ֣רֶךְby the way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative of route (construct chain)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; construct governing יַם סוּף.
יַםthe sea ofN m sg constr · יָם (H3220)Genitive of the construct chain (head)יָם (H3220) 'sea'; construct with סוּף, 'Sea of Reeds' (traditionally 'Red Sea').
ס֔וּףof ReedsN m sg abs · סוּף (H5488)Genitive completing the construct chainסוּף (H5488) 'reed, rush'; יַם סוּף, more literally 'Sea of Reeds' than 'Red Sea.'
לִסְבֹ֖בto go aroundprep לְ + Qal inf constr · סָבַב (H5437)Purpose infinitive construct ('in order to go around')→ Infinitive construct: purpose/resultסָבַב (H5437) 'to turn, go around'; the detour necessitated by Edom's earlier refusal (Num 20:14-21).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אֶרֶץ אֱדוֹם as the definite object of לִסְבֹב; untranslated.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of לִסְבֹב (construct head)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct governing אֱדוֹם.
אֱד֑וֹםEdomproper noun · אֱדוֹם (H123)Genitive of the construct chainאֱדוֹם (H123), the kingdom descended from Esau, which had just refused Israel passage (Num 20:14-21), necessitating this detour.
וַתִּקְצַ֥רand it became impatientconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָצַר (H7114)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָצַר (H7114) 'to be short'; idiom קָצְרָה נֶפֶשׁ, 'the soul/patience grew short' = became impatient.
נֶֽפֶשׁthe soul ofN c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of וַתִּקְצַר (construct head)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, self'; construct with הָעָם, 'the people's spirit/patience.'
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971) 'people'; the collective subject whose impatience leads to complaint in v. 5.
בַּדָּֽרֶךְon the wayprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phrase (adverbial)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; the arduous detour is the occasion for the people's impatience and complaint.
5
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר הָעָ֗ם בֵּֽאלֹהִים֮ וּבְמֹשֶׁה֒ לָמָ֤ה הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֨נוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לָמ֖וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין לֶ֨חֶם֙ וְאֵ֣ין מַ֔יִם וְנַפְשֵׁ֣נוּ קָ֔צָה בַּלֶּ֖חֶם הַקְּלֹקֵֽל
And the people spoke against God and against Moses: 'Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.'
The complaint targets both God and Moses together, escalating beyond earlier murmuring episodes; the rhetorical לָמָה ('why') question and the contradictory claim ('no bread... and we loathe this bread') expose the complaint as ingratitude rather than genuine need, provoking the judgment of v. 6.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣רand spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696), Piel 'to speak'; with בְּ, 'speak against' (hostile sense), as in Num 12:1, 8.
הָעָ֗םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּרעַם (H5971) 'people'; subject of the complaint.
בֵּֽאלֹהִים֮against Godprep בְּ + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Adversative prepositional phrase (object of complaint)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; בְּ marks hostile speech, 'against' — an escalation beyond earlier complaints directed only at Moses/Aaron.
וּבְמֹשֶׁה֒and against Mosesconj וְ + prep בְּ + proper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Coordinated adversative prepositional phraseמֹשֶׁה (H4872); paired with God as joint target of the complaint.
לָמָ֤הwhyprep לְ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative particle introducing the rhetorical questionמָה (H4100) 'what'; לָמָה 'why' — a rhetorical accusation, not a genuine question.
הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֨נוּ֙have you brought us upHiphil perf 2mp + sfx 1cp · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Perfective: a completed act being challenged/accusedעָלָה (H5927), Hiphil 'to bring up'; the standard verb for the exodus deliverance, here thrown back accusingly.
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִםout of Egyptprep מִן + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714), Egypt; the place of deliverance now framed as preferable to the wilderness.
לָמ֖וּתto dieprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Purpose/result infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purpose (ironic, in the accusation)מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the accusation frames the exodus itself as a plot to kill them in the wilderness.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the recurring setting of Israel's murmuring narratives.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the grounds for complaintכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the (contradictory) grounds of the complaint.
אֵ֥יןthere is nonegative existential particle · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of negative existence (no bread)אַיִן (H369), particle of non-existence; 'there is not.'
לֶ֨חֶם֙breadN c sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Subject of the existential negationלֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread, food'; the complaint directly contradicts v. 5b's reference to this very bread, exposing its insincerity.
וְאֵ֣יןand there is noconj וְ + negative existential particle · אַיִן (H369)Coordinated predicate of negative existenceאַיִן (H369); parallel negation for water.
מַ֔יִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Subject of the existential negationמַיִם (H4325) 'water'; echoes the water complaints of Exod 15:22-25, 17:1-7 and anticipates the well of vv. 16-18.
וְנַפְשֵׁ֣נוּand our soulconj וְ + N c sg constr + sfx 1cp · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of the following verb קָצָהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, appetite'; here the seat of taste, 'our appetite loathes.'
קָ֔צָהloathesQal perf 3fs · קוּץ (H6973)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a settled state of aversionקוּץ (H6973) 'to loathe, feel disgust'; the people's revulsion at the manna, called 'worthless' next.
בַּלֶּ֖חֶםat the breadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · לֶחֶם (H3899)Object of aversion (idiom קָצָה בְּ)לֶחֶם (H3899) 'bread'; here the manna, contradicting the claim in v. 5a that there is 'no bread.'
הַקְּלֹקֵֽלworthlessart + adj m sg abs · קְלֹקֵל (H7052)Attributive adjective modifying לֶחֶםקְלֹקֵל (H7052), a rare reduplicated form (hapax legomenon) meaning 'contemptible, miserable, worthless' — the people's derisive verdict on the manna.
6
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח יְהוָ֜ה בָּעָ֗ם אֵ֚ת הַנְּחָשִׁ֣ים הַשְּׂרָפִ֔ים וַֽיְנַשְּׁכ֖וּ אֶת הָעָ֑ם וַיָּ֥מָת עַם רָ֖ב מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
So YHWH sent among the people the fiery serpents, and they bit the people, and many people of Israel died.
YHWH's judgment directly answers the complaint of v. 5; שָׂרָף ('fiery, burning') describes the venom's sensation, not a heavenly being, though the term ranges elsewhere to the seraphim of Isa 6 and the flying serpent of Isa 14:29, 30:6. The death toll sets up the people's confession in v. 7.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨חand he sentconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971), Piel 'to send'; here dispatching the serpents as an instrument of judgment.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְשַׁלַּחיְהוָה (H3068); the direct agent of judgment, no intermediary.
בָּעָ֗םamong the peopleprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Locative prepositional phrase (recipients of the judgment)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the same people who complained in v. 5.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַנְּחָשִׁים הַשְּׂרָפִים as the definite object; untranslated.
הַנְּחָשִׁ֣יםthe serpentsart + N m pl abs · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Direct object of וַיְשַׁלַּח (head noun)נָחָשׁ (H5175) 'serpent, snake'; the same root that puns with נְחֹשֶׁת ('bronze') in v. 9.
הַשְּׂרָפִ֔יםthe fieryart + N m pl abs · שָׂרָף (H8314)Attributive noun modifying הַנְּחָשִׁיםשָׂרָף (H8314) 'burning, fiery one', from שָׂרַף 'to burn' — describes the venom's burning sensation. The term ranges elsewhere to the seraphim of Isa 6:2, 6 and the flying serpent of Isa 14:29, 30:6, but here denotes ordinary venomous snakes.
וַֽיְנַשְּׁכ֖וּand they bitconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · נָשַׁךְ (H5391)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשַׁךְ (H5391), Piel 'to bite'; the serpents' lethal action.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הָעָם as the definite object of biting; untranslated.
הָעָ֑םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of וַיְנַשְּׁכוּעַם (H5971); victims of the serpents' bite.
וַיָּ֥מָתand diedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the fatal outcome, agreeing with the collective singular עַם רָב.
עַםpeopleN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיָּמָת (construct head)עַם (H5971); construct with רָב, 'many people.'
רָ֖בmanyadj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Genitive completing the construct (quantifier)רַב (H7227) 'much, many'; quantifies the death toll.
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽלfrom Israelprep מִן + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Partitive prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the deaths are drawn from the covenant people themselves, sharpening the judgment's severity.
7
וַיָּבֹא֩ הָעָ֨ם אֶל מֹשֶׁ֜ה וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ חָטָ֗אנוּ כִּֽי דִבַּ֤רְנוּ בַֽיהוָה֙ וָבָ֔ךְ הִתְפַּלֵּל֙ אֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְיָסֵ֥ר מֵעָלֵ֖ינוּ אֶת הַנָּחָ֑שׁ וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּעַ֥ד הָעָֽם
And the people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned, because we have spoken against YHWH and against you. Pray to YHWH, that he may take away the serpent from us.' So Moses prayed on behalf of the people.
The people's confession (חָטָאנוּ) explicitly names both objects of their earlier complaint (v. 5), God and Moses together; Moses' intercessory role (וַיִּתְפַּלֵּל) mirrors his function throughout the wilderness narratives (cf. Exod 32; Num 14).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיָּבֹא֩and cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the people's approach to Moses, mirroring their earlier complaint scene.
הָעָ֨םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of וַיָּבֹאעַם (H5971); subject of confession, the same people judged in v. 6.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the goal of motion.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the people's confession and plea.
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the confession.
חָטָ֗אנוּwe have sinnedQal perf 1cp · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb of the confession→ Perfective: a completed, acknowledged actחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; a direct confession, contrasting with the self-justifying complaint of v. 5.
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction specifying the sinכִּי (H3588) 'because'; introduces the content of the sin — speaking against YHWH and Moses.
דִבַּ֤רְנוּwe have spokenPiel perf 1cp · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the כִּי-clause→ Perfective: the completed act being confessedדָּבַר (H1696), Piel 'to speak'; recalls the same verb used of the complaint in v. 5.
בַֽיהוָה֙against YHWHprep בְּ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Adversative prepositional phrase (object of the sin)יְהוָה (H3068); the primary object of the confessed sin.
וָבָ֔ךְand against youconj וְ + prep בְּ + sfx 2ms · בְּCoordinated adversative prepositional phrase (Moses as second object)The suffix addresses Moses (masculine); OSHB's morphology tags it 2fs, but the finalis form בָּךְ is orthographically shared between 2ms and 2fs in this position — a scribal/pointing overlap, not a grammatical anomaly.
הִתְפַּלֵּל֙prayHitpael impv 2ms · פָּלַל (H6419)Volitional imperative, the people's request to Moses→ Volitional: imperative requestפָּלַל (H6419), Hitpael 'to pray, intercede'; the people ask Moses to intercede on their behalf.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413); marks YHWH as the object of the requested prayer.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of the preposition אֶליְהוָה (H3068); recipient of Moses' intercessory prayer.
וְיָסֵ֥רthat he may removeconj וְ + Hiphil jussive 3ms · סוּר (H5493)Volitional clause continuing the request→ Jussive: the desired result of the prayerסוּר (H5493), Hiphil 'to remove, take away'; the substance of the request — removal of the serpent(s).
מֵעָלֵ֖ינוּfrom upon usprep מִן + prep עַל + sfx 1cp · עַל (H5921)Source prepositional phrase (object of removal)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; compounded with מִן, 'from off/away from us.'
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַנָּחָשׁ as the definite object; untranslated.
הַנָּחָ֑שׁthe serpentart + N m sg abs · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Direct object of וְיָסֵרנָחָשׁ (H5175); collective singular referring to the plague of serpents (cf. plural in v. 6).
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥לand prayedconj וַ + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּלַל (H6419)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, narrating fulfillment→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּלַל (H6419), Hitpael 'to pray, intercede'; Moses immediately complies, echoing his role in Exod 32 and Num 14.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּתְפַּלֵּלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the intercessor.
בְּעַ֥דon behalf ofprep · בְּעַד (H1157)Prepositional phrase marking the beneficiary of the prayerבְּעַד (H1157) 'on behalf of, for the sake of'; marks Moses' intercessory role.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the preposition בְּעַדעַם (H5971); beneficiary of Moses' intercession.
8
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה עֲשֵׂ֤ה לְךָ֙ שָׂרָ֔ף וְשִׂ֥ים אֹת֖וֹ עַל נֵ֑ס וְהָיָה֙ כָּל הַנָּשׁ֔וּךְ וְרָאָ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ וָחָֽי
Then YHWH said to Moses, 'Make yourself a fiery serpent and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.'
YHWH answers Moses' prayer not by removing the serpents but by prescribing a remedy that requires the sufferer's own look of faith/obedience; נֵס ('pole, standard') is the same word used for a military signal-standard, making the serpent a visible rallying point.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, introducing speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's remedy.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068); responds directly to Moses' intercession.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413); marks Moses as addressee.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the divine instruction.
עֲשֵׂ֤הmakeQal impv 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Volitional imperative, the divine command→ Volitional: imperative commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; the command to fashion the remedy.
לְךָ֙for yourselfprep לְ + sfx 2ms · לְDative of interest/benefitלְ with 2ms suffix; ethical/benefactive dative, 'for your own use.'
שָׂרָ֔ףa fiery serpentN m sg abs · שָׂרָף (H8314)Direct object of עֲשֵׂהשָׂרָף (H8314); here concretely 'a venomous/fiery serpent', matching the plague of v. 6 — the object Moses is to fashion.
וְשִׂ֥יםand setconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Volitional imperative continuing the command→ Volitional: imperative commandשִׂים/שׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, set, place'; the placement of the image on the pole.
אֹת֖וֹitobj marker + sfx 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְשִׂיםאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring back to שָׂרָף.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'; the location of the pole.
נֵ֑סa poleN m sg abs · נֵס (H5251)Object of the preposition עַלנֵס (H5251) 'standard, signal-pole, banner'; the word for a military rallying-standard, making the serpent a visible ensign.
וְהָיָה֙and it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing the result clause→ Weqatal: consequent/future resultהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the conditional promise of healing.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of וְהָיָה (construct head, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct governing the substantival participle הַנָּשׁוּךְ.
הַנָּשׁ֔וּךְthe one bittenart + Qal passive ptc m sg abs · נָשַׁךְ (H5391)Substantival participle, genitive of the construct (subject: whoever is bitten)→ Passive participle: describes the resultant state of having been bittenנָשַׁךְ (H5391) 'to bite'; passive participle used substantivally, 'the bitten one' = whoever has been bitten.
וְרָאָ֥הand looksconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Weqatal continuing the conditional sequence→ Weqatal: consequent action in the conditional chainרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, look at'; the condition for healing — an act of looking, not touching or ritual.
אֹת֖וֹitobj marker + sfx 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְרָאָהאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring to the bronze serpent.
וָחָֽיhe shall liveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · חָיָה (H2425)Weqatal, the promised result→ Weqatal: the promised consequenceחָיָה (H2425) 'to live'; the promised outcome — looking at the image brings healing/survival from the venom.
9
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מֹשֶׁה֙ נְחַ֣שׁ נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וַיְשִׂמֵ֖הוּ עַל הַנֵּ֑ס וְהָיָ֗ה אִם נָשַׁ֤ךְ הַנָּחָשׁ֙ אֶת אִ֔ישׁ וְהִבִּ֛יט אֶל נְחַ֥שׁ הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת וָחָֽי
So Moses made a serpent of bronze and set it on the pole; and it happened, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
נְחַשׁ נְחֹשֶׁת puns on the shared consonants נחש: 'serpent of bronze/copper.' The object was preserved and eventually destroyed as an idol, Nehushtan, in 2 Kgs 18:4; John 3:14 reads the lifted serpent as a type of the Son of Man.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand madeconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; Moses' compliance with the command of v. 8.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the one who fashions the remedy.
נְחַ֣שׁa serpent ofN m sg constr · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Direct object of וַיַּעַשׂ (construct head)נָחָשׁ (H5175) 'serpent'; construct governing נְחֹשֶׁת, forming the pun נְחַשׁ נְחֹשֶׁת ('serpent of bronze') on the shared consonants נחש.
נְחֹ֔שֶׁתbronzeN f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Genitive completing the construct (material)נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178) 'bronze, copper'; the material, punning with נָחָשׁ ('serpent') on shared root consonants — the object later called Nehushtan in 2 Kgs 18:4.
וַיְשִׂמֵ֖הוּand he set itconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + sfx 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים/שׂוּם (H7760) 'to put, set'; with 3ms suffix, 'set it [on the pole].'
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, upon.'
הַנֵּ֑סthe poleart + N m sg abs · נֵס (H5251)Object of the preposition עַלנֵס (H5251); the standard/pole commanded in v. 8, now definite ('the pole').
וְהָיָ֗הand it happenedconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing the narrated fulfillment→ Weqatal: narration of the ongoing/repeated patternהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; introduces the narrated realization of the promise of v. 8.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the recurring condition of the remedy's efficacy.
נָשַׁ֤ךְhad bittenQal perf 3ms · נָשַׁךְ (H5391)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis→ Perfective: a completed act within the conditional patternנָשַׁךְ (H5391) 'to bite'; the recurring circumstance triggering the remedy.
הַנָּחָשׁ֙the serpentart + N m sg abs · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Subject of נָשַׁךְנָחָשׁ (H5175); one of the fiery serpents of v. 6.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אִישׁ as the definite object; untranslated.
אִ֔ישׁanyoneN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of נָשַׁךְאִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; indefinite here despite the object marker, 'anyone.'
וְהִבִּ֛יטand he lookedconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נָבַט (H5027)Weqatal continuing the conditional apodosis→ Weqatal: consequent actionנָבַט (H5027), Hiphil 'to look, gaze'; a synonym of רָאָה (v. 8), reinforcing the act of looking as the means of healing.
אֶלatprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phrase (object of looking)אֶל (H413) 'to, at'; marks the object gazed upon.
נְחַ֥שׁthe serpent ofN m sg constr · נָחָשׁ (H5175)Object of the preposition אֶל (construct head)נָחָשׁ (H5175); construct with הַנְּחֹשֶׁת, repeating the wordplay of v. 9a.
הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁתthe bronzeart + N f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Genitive completing the constructנְחֹשֶׁת (H5178); the definite bronze serpent just made and set up.
וָחָֽיhe livedconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · חָיָה (H2425)Weqatal, the promised/narrated result→ Weqatal: the realized consequenceחָיָה (H2425) 'to live'; the remedy's efficacy narrated as fulfilled, matching the promise of v. 8.
10
וַיִּסְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּאֹבֹֽת
Then the sons of Israel set out and camped at Oboth.
The formulaic 'set out / camped' pairing begins the itinerary chain of vv. 10-20, shifting narrative mode from the serpent crisis to forward geographic progress toward Moab.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּand set outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, opening the itinerary chain→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, set out'; standard itinerary-formula verb, opening the travel notices of vv. 10-20.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיִּסְעוּ (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard designation for the covenant community.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the Israelites.'
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּand campedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to camp, encamp'; the paired verb completing the itinerary formula.
בְּאֹבֹֽתat Obothprep בְּ + proper noun · אֹבֹת (H88)Locative prepositional phraseאֹבֹת (H88), a wilderness campsite of uncertain precise location; the first stage of the itinerary chain.
11
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵאֹבֹ֑ת וַֽיַּחֲנ֞וּ בְּעִיֵּ֣י הָֽעֲבָרִ֗ים בַּמִּדְבָּר֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל פְּנֵ֣י מוֹאָ֔ב מִמִּזְרַ֖ח הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ
And they set out from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim, in the wilderness that lies opposite Moab, toward the sunrise.
The relative clause locating the wilderness 'opposite Moab' begins to orient the reader toward the Transjordan campaigns of vv. 21-35.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּand set outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265); continues the itinerary chain from v. 10.
מֵאֹבֹ֑תfrom Obothprep מִן + proper noun · אֹבֹת (H88)Source prepositional phraseאֹבֹת (H88); the previous stage of the itinerary.
וַֽיַּחֲנ֞וּand campedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to camp.'
בְּעִיֵּ֣יat Iye ofprep בְּ + proper noun constr · עִיִּים (H5863)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)עִיִּים (H5863) 'ruins, heaps'; construct with הָעֲבָרִים, forming the place name Iye-abarim.
הָֽעֲבָרִ֗יםthe Abarimart + proper noun · עֲבָרִים (H5863)Genitive of the construct chainעֲבָרִים (H5863) 'regions beyond, crossings'; Iye-abarim, 'ruins of Abarim', a range east of the Jordan/Dead Sea.
בַּמִּדְבָּר֙in the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phrase, further specifying the locationמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; specifies the terrain of Iye-abarim.
אֲשֶׁר֙thatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a locative relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative; introduces the clause locating the wilderness relative to Moab.
עַלoppositeprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (idiom עַל פְּנֵי, 'facing/opposite')עַל (H5921); with פְּנֵי forms the idiom 'facing, opposite.'
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Genitive completing the idiom עַל פְּנֵיפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; עַל פְּנֵי idiomatically means 'opposite, facing.'
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124); the kingdom east of the Dead Sea, orienting the wilderness location.
מִמִּזְרַ֖חfrom the east ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · מִזְרָח (H4217)Directional prepositional phraseמִזְרָח (H4217) 'east, sunrise'; construct with הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, 'toward the sunrise.'
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Genitive completing the constructשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; מִזְרַח הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, 'the rising of the sun' = eastward.
12
מִשָּׁ֖ם נָסָ֑עוּ וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּנַ֥חַל זָֽרֶד
From there they set out and camped in the Wadi Zered.
One of a chain of brief travel notices (vv. 10-20) tracking Israel's route toward the plains of Moab; each notice is minimal, naming only departure and encampment.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
מִשָּׁ֖םfrom thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Source prepositional/adverbial phraseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with מִן, 'from there', continuing the itinerary.
נָסָ֑עוּthey set outQal perf 3cp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb (perfect, a formulaic variation here)→ Perfective: completed act of departureנָסַע (H5265); here in the perfect rather than wayyiqtol, a minor variation in this itinerary chain.
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּand campedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to camp.'
בְּנַ֥חַלin the wadi ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)נַחַל (H5158) 'wadi, seasonal stream'; construct with זֶרֶד.
זָֽרֶדZeredproper noun · זֶרֶד (H2218)Genitive of the construct chainזֶרֶד (H2218), a wadi marking the traditional boundary between Edom and Moab (cf. Deut 2:13-14).
13
מִשָּׁם֮ נָסָעוּ֒ וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּ מֵעֵ֤בֶר אַרְנוֹן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר הַיֹּצֵ֖א מִגְּב֣וּל הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י כִּ֤י אַרְנוֹן֙ גְּב֣וּל מוֹאָ֔ב בֵּ֥ין מוֹאָ֖ב וּבֵ֥ין הָאֱמֹרִֽי
From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites — for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
The כִּי-clause explains the Arnon's significance as a political boundary between Moab and Amorite territory, preparing for the poetic citation of v. 14 and the Sihon narrative of vv. 21-30.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
מִשָּׁם֮from thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Source prepositional/adverbial phraseשָׁם (H8033); continues the itinerary chain.
נָסָעוּ֒they set outQal perf 3cp · נָסַע (H5265)Predicate verb→ Perfective: completed act of departureנָסַע (H5265); perfect form, matching v. 12's formula.
וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּand campedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to camp.'
מֵעֵ֤בֶרon the other side ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)עֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; construct with אַרְנוֹן, 'across/beyond the Arnon.'
אַרְנוֹן֙the Arnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Genitive of the construct chainאַרְנוֹן (H769), the river/wadi forming the boundary between Moab and Amorite territory (explained in v. 13b).
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a locative relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the description of the wilderness's extent.
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Locative prepositional phraseמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness.'
הַיֹּצֵ֖אthat extendsart + Qal ptc m sg abs · יָצָא (H3318)Substantival/attributive participle describing the wilderness's extent→ Participle: durative, describing ongoing geographical extentיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, extend'; participle describing the wilderness as 'going out/extending' from Amorite territory.
מִגְּב֣וּלfrom the border ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Source prepositional phrase (construct head)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; construct with הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive of the construct chainאֱמֹרִי (H567), gentilic 'Amorite'; the people whose king Sihon Israel will confront in vv. 21-30.
כִּ֤יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the explanatory clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; explains the Arnon's significance as a political boundary.
אַרְנוֹן֙the Arnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Subject of the verbless clauseאַרְנוֹן (H769); restated as subject of the explanatory clause.
גְּב֣וּלis the border ofN m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Predicate nominative (verbless clause, construct head)גְּבוּל (H1366); construct with מוֹאָב.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124); the Arnon as Moab's border.
בֵּ֥יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (locative, further specifying the boundary)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; introduces the fuller specification of the boundary.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Object of the preposition בֵּיןמוֹאָב (H4124); first term of the 'between X and Y' construction.
וּבֵ֥יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Coordinated prepositional phraseבֵּין (H996); second term of the boundary formula.
הָאֱמֹרִֽיthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Object of the preposition וּבֵיןאֱמֹרִי (H567); the Arnon divides Moabite from Amorite territory.
14
עַל כֵּן֙ יֵֽאָמַ֔ר בְּסֵ֖פֶר מִלְחֲמֹ֣ת יְהוָ֑ה אֶת וָהֵ֣ב בְּסוּפָ֔ה וְאֶת הַנְּחָלִ֖ים אַרְנֽוֹן
Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of YHWH, 'Waheb in Suphah, and the wadis of the Arnon,'
עַל כֵּן יֵאָמַר ('therefore it is said') introduces a quotation from the otherwise unattested Book of the Wars of YHWH — a title occurring nowhere else in Scripture, evidence of a lost poetic-historical source used but not preserved by the biblical authors. The couplet itself (v. 14b) is textually terse and its scansion disputed.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)First element of the idiom עַל כֵּן, 'therefore'עַל (H5921); with כֵּן forms the causal idiom עַל כֵּן, 'therefore, on this account.'
כֵּן֙soadv · כֵּן (H3651)Second element of the idiom עַל כֵּןכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; עַל כֵּן, 'therefore', introduces the citation formula.
יֵֽאָמַ֔רit is saidNiphal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, impersonal passive→ Yiqtol: durative/customary — a saying repeatedly citedאָמַר (H559), Niphal 'to be said'; impersonal passive introducing a citation.
בְּסֵ֖פֶרin the book ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · סֵפֶר (H5612)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head, source of citation)סֵפֶר (H5612) 'book, scroll'; construct governing מִלְחֲמֹת יְהוָה.
מִלְחֲמֹ֣תthe wars ofN f pl constr · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Genitive of the construct chainמִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; construct with יְהוָה, forming the title of a lost source, the Book of the Wars of YHWH — occurring nowhere else in Scripture.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing the constructיְהוָה (H3068); the title identifies the (lost) source as recording YHWH's battles on Israel's behalf.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (within the poetic citation)אֵת (H853); marks the following phrase as an object within the citation, though the governing verb is elliptical.
וָהֵ֣בWahebproper noun · וָהֵב (H2052)Object of the citation (place name, obscure)וָהֵב (H2052), a place name occurring only here; otherwise unknown, part of the terse poetic citation.
בְּסוּפָ֔הin Suphahprep בְּ + proper noun · סוּפָה (H5492)Locative prepositional phraseסוּפָה (H5492), a place name of uncertain location, possibly related to סוּף ('reed') or 'storm-wind'; part of the citation.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second element cited; אֵת marks הַנְּחָלִים as object.
הַנְּחָלִ֖יםthe wadisart + N m pl abs · נַחַל (H5158)Direct object (second element of the citation)נַחַל (H5158) 'wadi'; plural, the ravines of the Arnon region.
אַרְנֽוֹןof the Arnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Genitive modifying הַנְּחָלִיםאַרְנוֹן (H769); the wadis belonging to the Arnon system, completing the geographical couplet.
15
וְאֶ֨שֶׁד֙ הַנְּחָלִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָטָ֖ה לְשֶׁ֣בֶת עָ֑ר וְנִשְׁעַ֖ן לִגְב֥וּל מוֹאָֽב
and the slope of the wadis that extends to the seat of Ar, and leans on the border of Moab.
V. 15 continues the citation begun in v. 14 (no new speech-formula), completing the geographical couplet from the Book of the Wars of YHWH; the syntax and referents remain disputed among commentators.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאֶ֨שֶׁד֙and the slope ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · אֶשֶׁד (H793)Subject continuing v. 14 (construct head)אֶשֶׁד (H793) 'slope, foothill'; a rare term, construct with הַנְּחָלִים.
הַנְּחָלִ֔יםthe wadisart + N m pl abs · נַחַל (H5158)Genitive of the construct chainנַחַל (H5158); the same wadis named in v. 14.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the following descriptionאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause describing the slope's course.
נָטָ֖הextendsQal perf 3ms · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective/gnomic: describing a fixed geographical factנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, extend, incline'; describes the slope's course toward Ar.
לְשֶׁ֣בֶתto the seat ofprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Directional/purpose infinitive construct ('to the dwelling-place of')→ Infinitive construct: goal/directionיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; here as a noun-like infinitive, 'the seat/site' of Ar.
עָ֑רArproper noun · עָר (H6144)Object of the infinitive construct (place name)עָר (H6144), a Moabite city/region also mentioned in v. 28 and Deut 2:9, 18, 29.
וְנִשְׁעַ֖ןand leansconj וְ + Niphal perf 3ms · שָׁעַן (H8172)Predicate verb, second clause parallel to נָטָה→ Perfective/gnomic: fixed geographical descriptionשָׁעַן (H8172), Niphal 'to lean, rest against'; describes the slope's further extent toward Moab's border.
לִגְב֥וּלon the border ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border'; construct with מוֹאָב.
מוֹאָֽבMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124); completes the geographical description of the vv. 14-15 citation.
16
וּמִשָּׁ֖ם בְּאֵ֑רָה הִ֣וא הַבְּאֵ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֤ר יְהוָה֙ לְמֹשֶׁ֔ה אֱסֹף֙ אֶת הָעָ֔ם וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה לָהֶ֖ם מָֽיִם
And from there they went to Beer; that is the well of which YHWH said to Moses, 'Gather the people, and I will give them water.'
The place-name בְּאֵרָה ('to Beer,' i.e. 'the well') is explained by a relative clause recalling a divine word not narrated elsewhere; it sets up the Song of the Well quoted in vv. 17-18, a striking contrast to the murmuring over water in v. 5.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּמִשָּׁ֖םand from thereconj וְ + prep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Source prepositional/adverbial phraseשָׁם (H8033); continues the itinerary, now heading toward Beer.
בְּאֵ֑רָהto Beerproper noun + directional sfx ה · בְּאֵר (H876)Directional accusative (place name with locale-he)בְּאֵר (H876) 'well'; with directional ה, 'to Beer' — a place named for its well, punning into the following relative clause.
הִ֣ואit (is)independent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject of the verbless clause (resumptive)הִיא (H1931), 3fs pronoun; resumes/identifies בְּאֵרָה as 'the well' of the following clause.
הַבְּאֵ֗רthe wellart + N f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Predicate of the verbless clauseבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; identifies the place-name Beer with the well of the following divine word.
אֲשֶׁ֨רof whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the flashback to YHWH's word.
אָמַ֤רsaidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a past divine word being recalledאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; recalls a divine instruction not narrated elsewhere in the text.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of אָמַריְהוָה (H3068); speaker of the recalled instruction.
לְמֹשֶׁ֔הto Mosesprep לְ + proper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Indirect object of אָמַרמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the instruction.
אֱסֹף֙gatherQal impv 2ms · אָסַף (H622)Volitional imperative, the content of the recalled command→ Volitional: imperative commandאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; command to assemble the people, presumably for the water-gift.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הָעָם as the definite object; untranslated.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of אֱסֹףעַם (H5971); the people to be gathered.
וְאֶתְּנָ֥הand I will giveconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Cohortative continuing the divine promise→ Cohortative: self-directed resolve/promiseנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; YHWH's promise of water, resolving the complaint of v. 5.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + sfx 3mp · לְIndirect object of וְאֶתְּנָהלְ with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the gathered people.
מָֽיִםwaterN m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of וְאֶתְּנָהמַיִם (H4325); the promised gift, directly answering the complaint of v. 5.
17
אָ֚ז יָשִׁ֣יר יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת הַשִּׁירָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את עֲלִ֥י בְאֵ֖ר עֱנוּ לָֽהּ
Then Israel sang this song: 'Spring up, O well! Sing to it!'
אָז יָשִׁיר ('then Israel sang') introduces a short work-song (vv. 17b-18), addressed directly to the well in the imperative — a rare instance of Israel singing praise apart from crisis or victory, framing the water-gift positively against the murmuring of v. 5.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
אָ֚זthenadv · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb (fronted, main-clause)אָז (H227) 'then'; marks a temporal transition, a rare formula introducing celebratory poetry (cf. Exod 15:1, Josh 10:12).
יָשִׁ֣ירsangQal impf 3ms · שִׁיר (H7891)Predicate verb (preterite-like yiqtol after אָז)→ Yiqtol: narrative preterite use after אָז (an archaic/poetic construction)שִׁיר (H7891) 'to sing'; the אָז + imperfect construction is a recognized archaic idiom for past narrative, as in Exod 15:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of יָשִׁיריִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the singer of the song, in contrast to their complaint in v. 5.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הַשִּׁירָה as the definite object; untranslated.
הַשִּׁירָ֖הthe songart + N c sg abs · שִׁירָה (H7892)Direct object of יָשִׁירשִׁירָה (H7892) 'song'; cognate to יָשִׁיר, an internal/cognate object construction.
הַזֹּ֑אתthisart + demonstrative pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַשִּׁירָהזֹאת (H2063), demonstrative 'this'; introduces the quoted song text that follows.
עֲלִ֥יspring upQal impv 2fs · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional imperative, the song's opening address to the well→ Volitional: imperative, direct addressעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, rise'; feminine imperative addressing בְּאֵר ('well', grammatically feminine) directly.
בְאֵ֖רO wellN f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Vocative (direct address)בְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the addressee of the song, personified.
עֱנוּsing toQal impv 2mp · עָנָה (H6030)Volitional imperative, plural address (to the community)→ Volitional: imperative commandעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, sing responsively'; calls the community to sing/respond to the well.
לָֽהּto itprep לְ + sfx 3fs · לְIndirect object of עֱנוּלְ with 3fs suffix, referring to בְּאֵר; 'sing to it/respond to it.'
18
בְּאֵ֞ר חֲפָר֣וּהָ שָׂרִ֗ים כָּר֨וּהָ֙ נְדִיבֵ֣י הָעָ֔ם בִּמְחֹקֵ֖ק בְּמִשְׁעֲנֹתָ֑ם וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר מַתָּנָֽה
The well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people excavated, with the scepter, with their staffs. And from the wilderness, to Mattanah.
The song credits Israel's own leaders — not Moses alone — with digging the well using staff and scepter, an image of communal, dignified labor; the final clause pivots wordplay into the next itinerary notice, since מַתָּנָה ('gift') is also the name of the next station (v. 19).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
בְּאֵ֞רa wellN f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Casus pendens / fronted topic (resumed by suffix on following verbs)בְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; fronted for emphasis, resumed by the pronominal suffixes on חֲפָרוּהָ and כָּרוּהָ.
חֲפָר֣וּהָthey dug itQal perf 3cp + sfx 3fs · חָפַר (H2658)Predicate verb (resuming the fronted בְּאֵר)→ Perfective: a completed act of diggingחָפַר (H2658) 'to dig'; with 3fs suffix resuming בְּאֵר.
שָׂרִ֗יםprincesN m pl abs · שַׂר (H8269)Subject of חֲפָרוּהָשַׂר (H8269) 'prince, official'; credits Israel's leaders with digging the well.
כָּר֨וּהָ֙they excavated itQal perf 3cp + sfx 3fs · כָּרָה (H3738)Predicate verb, parallel to חֲפָרוּהָ→ Perfective: a completed act, parallel to the previous clauseכָּרָה (H3738) 'to dig, excavate'; synonym parallel to חָפַר, Hebrew poetic parallelism.
נְדִיבֵ֣יthe nobles ofadj m pl constr · נָדִיב (H5081)Subject of כָּרוּהָ (construct head)נָדִיב (H5081) 'noble, willing one'; construct with הָעָם, parallel to שָׂרִים.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971); the community's leaders, not Moses alone, are credited with the well.
בִּמְחֹקֵ֖קwith the scepterprep בְּ + Poel ptc m sg abs (substantival) · חָקַק (H2710)Instrumental prepositional phrase (substantival participle as instrument)→ Participle: substantivized, denoting an object/toolחָקַק (H2710) 'to inscribe, decree'; the participle מְחֹקֵק substantivally means 'ruler's staff/scepter', an emblem of leadership used as a digging tool.
בְּמִשְׁעֲנֹתָ֑םwith their staffsprep בְּ + N f pl constr + sfx 3mp · מִשְׁעֶנֶת (H4938)Instrumental prepositional phrase, parallel to בִּמְחֹקֵקמִשְׁעֶנֶת (H4938) 'staff, support'; the leaders' own walking-staffs used to dig, poetic parallel to the scepter.
וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖רand from the wildernessconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Source prepositional phrase, pivoting to the next itinerary stageמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; transitions from the song back into the itinerary chain.
מַתָּנָֽהto Mattanahproper noun · מַתָּנָה (H4980)Directional accusative (place name, destination)מַתָּנָה (H4980) 'gift'; a wordplay closing the song — the well as a divine gift — and simultaneously the name of the next station (v. 19).
19
וּמִמַּתָּנָ֖ה נַחֲלִיאֵ֑ל וּמִנַּחֲלִיאֵ֖ל בָּמֽוֹת
And from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth.
The terse chain-format itinerary resumes, each station's name repeated as the next stage's starting point (Mattanah → Nahaliel → Bamoth), building momentum toward the overlook of v. 20.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
וּמִמַּתָּנָ֖הand from Mattanahconj וְ + prep מִן + proper noun · מַתָּנָה (H4980)Source prepositional phraseמַתָּנָה (H4980); the station named in v. 18, now the departure point.
נַחֲלִיאֵ֑לNahalielproper noun · נַחֲלִיאֵל (H5160)Directional accusative (destination)נַחֲלִיאֵל (H5160) 'wadi/valley of God', from נַחַל + אֵל; continues the wadi-imagery of the surrounding itinerary.
וּמִנַּחֲלִיאֵ֖לand from Nahalielconj וְ + prep מִן + proper noun · נַחֲלִיאֵל (H5160)Source prepositional phraseנַחֲלִיאֵל (H5160); repeated as the next departure point.
בָּמֽוֹתBamothproper noun · בָּמוֹת (H1120)Directional accusative (destination)בָּמוֹת (H1120) 'high places'; anticipates Bamoth-baal in Num 22:41 and the Balaam narrative.
20
וּמִבָּמ֗וֹת הַגַּיְא֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב רֹ֖אשׁ הַפִּסְגָּ֑ה וְנִשְׁקָ֖פָה עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַיְשִׁימֹֽן
And from Bamoth to the valley that is in the territory of Moab, at the top of Pisgah, which looks down upon the wasteland.
The itinerary closes at Pisgah, overlooking the wasteland toward the plains of Moab — the same height from which Balaam will later view Israel (Num 23:14) and Moses will view the promised land (Deut 34:1), foreshadowing both.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּמִבָּמ֗וֹתand from Bamothconj וְ + prep מִן + proper noun · בָּמוֹת (H1120)Source prepositional phraseבָּמוֹת (H1120); the station of v. 19, now the departure point.
הַגַּיְא֙the valleyart + N c sg abs · גַּיְא (H1516)Directional accusative (destination)גַּיְא (H1516) 'valley, ravine'; the next stage, further specified by the following relative clause.
אֲשֶׁר֙thatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the locating clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the description of the valley's location.
בִּשְׂדֵ֣הin the territory ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, territory'; construct with מוֹאָב.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124); the valley lies within Moabite territory.
רֹ֖אשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative accusative in apposition (construct head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; construct with הַפִּסְגָּה.
הַפִּסְגָּ֑הPisgahart + proper noun · פִּסְגָּה (H6449)Genitive of the construct chainפִּסְגָּה (H6449), a height in the Abarim range; the summit from which Moses will later view the land (Deut 34:1) and Balaam will view Israel (Num 23:14).
וְנִשְׁקָ֖פָהwhich looks downconj וְ + Niphal ptc f sg abs · שָׁקַף (H8259)Attributive participle describing the summit's outlook→ Participle: durative, describing an ongoing/characteristic geographical featureשָׁקַף (H8259), Niphal 'to look down, overlook'; describes Pisgah's vantage point over the wasteland.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (idiom עַל פְּנֵי)עַל (H5921); with פְּנֵי forms 'facing, overlooking.'
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Genitive completing the idiomפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; עַל פְּנֵי, 'facing, overlooking.'
הַיְשִׁימֹֽןthe wastelandart + N m sg abs · יְשִׁימֹן (H3452)Object of the preposition (idiom completion)יְשִׁימֹן (H3452) 'desert, wasteland'; the desolate area east of the Dead Sea, overlooked from Pisgah.
21
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מַלְאָכִ֔ים אֶל סִיחֹ֥ן מֶֽלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִ֖י לֵאמֹֽר
Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
Israel's approach follows the diplomatic protocol used earlier with Edom (Num 20:14-17) — a peaceable request for transit, quoted directly in vv. 22-23, that Sihon will refuse.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤חand sentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; opens the diplomatic overture to Sihon.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the sender of the messengers.
מַלְאָכִ֔יםmessengersN m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, envoy'; diplomatic emissaries, echoing the procedure used with Edom (Num 20:14).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413); marks Sihon as the recipient.
סִיחֹ֥ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Object of the preposition אֶלסִיחוֹן (H5511), the Amorite king ruling from Heshbon, Israel's first Transjordan military opponent.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Apposition to סִיחֹן (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct governing הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָאֱמֹרִ֖יthe Amorite(s)art + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive of the construct chainאֱמֹרִי (H567); Sihon's people, previously introduced in v. 13.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces quoted speech (idiomatic 'saying')אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard formula introducing the quoted message of v. 22.
22
אֶעְבְּרָ֣ה בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָ לֹ֤א נִטֶּה֙ בְּשָׂדֶ֣ה וּבְכֶ֔רֶם לֹ֥א נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה מֵ֣י בְאֵ֑ר בְּדֶ֤רֶךְ הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ נֵלֵ֔ךְ עַ֥ד אֲשֶֽׁר נַעֲבֹ֖ר גְּבֻלֶֽךָ
'Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into field or vineyard; we will not drink the water of a well. We will go by the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory.'
The request's wording closely parallels 20:17 (the Edom request), promising to stay on the דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ ('King's Highway') and to touch neither field, vineyard, nor well — the same well-vocabulary that has just figured positively in the Song of the Well (vv. 17-18).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אֶעְבְּרָ֣הlet me passQal cohortative 1cs · עָבַר (H5674)Volitional cohortative, opening the request→ Cohortative: polite request/self-directed volitionעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, through'; the request for transit rights.
בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָthrough your landprep בְּ + N c sg constr + sfx 2ms · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (path of transit)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; with 2ms suffix, Sihon's territory.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verbלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
נִטֶּה֙we will turn asideQal impf 1cp · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb, negated→ Yiqtol: modal/future, promissoryנָטָה (H5186) 'to turn aside, incline'; the promise not to deviate from the road.
בְּשָׂדֶ֣הinto fieldprep בְּ + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phrase (goal of turning aside)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; cultivated land Israel promises not to enter.
וּבְכֶ֔רֶםor vineyardconj וְ + prep בְּ + N c sg abs · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Coordinated locative prepositional phraseכֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'; paired with שָׂדֶה, a comprehensive promise to respect private land.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the following verbלֹא (H3808); second negation, parallel structure.
נִשְׁתֶּ֖הwe will drinkQal impf 1cp · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb, negated→ Yiqtol: modal/future, promissoryשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; the promise not to draw from local wells without payment, echoing the well-vocabulary just celebrated in vv. 17-18.
מֵ֣יthe water ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of נִשְׁתֶּה (construct head)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; construct with בְּאֵר.
בְאֵ֑רa wellN f sg abs · בְּאֵר (H875)Genitive completing the constructבְּאֵר (H875) 'well'; the same term central to vv. 16-18's celebrated well.
בְּדֶ֤רֶךְby the way ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative of route (construct head)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way, road'; construct with הַמֶּלֶךְ.
הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙the King'sart + N m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive of the construct chainמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ, 'the King's Highway', the major north-south Transjordan trade route.
נֵלֵ֔ךְwe will goQal impf 1cp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, main promise→ Yiqtol: modal/future, promissoryהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; the itinerary Israel commits to.
עַ֥דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal/spatial prepositional phrase introducing the limitעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the endpoint of the promised transit.
אֲשֶֽׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle, forming the temporal conjunction עַד אֲשֶׁראֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַד forms 'until.'
נַעֲבֹ֖רwe have passedQal impf 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb of the temporal clause→ Yiqtol: modal/future within the temporal clauseעָבַר (H5674); repeats the verb of v. 22a, bracketing the request.
גְּבֻלֶֽךָyour territoryN m sg constr + sfx 2ms · גְּבוּל (H1366)Direct object of נַעֲבֹרגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; with 2ms suffix, Sihon's realm.
23
וְלֹא נָתַ֨ן סִיחֹ֣ן אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ עֲבֹ֣ר בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒ וַיֶּאֱסֹ֨ף סִיחֹ֜ן אֶת כָּל עַמּ֗וֹ וַיֵּצֵ֞א לִקְרַ֤את יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָה וַיָּבֹ֖א יָ֑הְצָה וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. Instead Sihon gathered all his people and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
לֹא נָתַן ('did not allow') directly negates the diplomatic request of vv. 21-22, escalating immediately to full mobilization and attack — a sharper refusal than Edom's in Num 20:18-21, and one that costs Sihon his kingdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְלֹאbut notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the main verb נָתַן (adversative)לֹא (H3808), standard negative particle; here refusing Israel's diplomatic request of vv. 21-22.
נָתַ֨ןallowedQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, negated by לֹא)→ Perfective: a refusal reported as factנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; here idiomatically 'to allow, permit' (נָתַן ... עֲבֹר, 'gave... to pass').
סִיחֹ֣ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Subject of נָתַןסִיחוֹן (H5511); the refusing king.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking יִשְׂרָאֵל as the definite object of the permission clause; untranslated.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֮Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct object (subject of the infinitival complement עֲבֹר)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the party denied passage.
עֲבֹ֣רto passQal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Complementary infinitive construct (object complement of נָתַן)→ Infinitive construct: complement clause ('permission to pass')עָבַר (H5674) 'to pass through'; completes the idiom נָתַן ... עֲבֹר, 'allowed to pass.'
בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒through his territoryprep בְּ + N m sg constr + sfx 3ms · גְּבוּל (H1366)Locative prepositional phraseגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; Sihon's own land.
וַיֶּאֱסֹ֨ףand he gatheredconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָסַף (H622)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָסַף (H622) 'to gather'; Sihon's military mobilization.
סִיחֹ֜ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Subject of וַיֶּאֱסֹףסִיחוֹן (H5511); repeated subject for emphasis.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking כָּל עַמּוֹ as the definite object; untranslated.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object of וַיֶּאֱסֹף (construct head, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct with עַמּוֹ.
עַמּ֗וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + sfx 3ms · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971); Sihon's full military levy.
וַיֵּצֵ֞אand he went outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Sihon's offensive move to intercept Israel.
לִקְרַ֤אתto meetprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7125)Purpose infinitive construct (hostile encounter)→ Infinitive construct: purpose ('to confront')קָרָא (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; here hostile, 'to confront in battle.'
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of the infinitive לִקְרַאתיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the target of Sihon's advance.
הַמִּדְבָּ֔רָהinto the wildernessart + N m sg abs + directional sfx ה · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Directional accusativeמִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness'; with directional ה, 'into the wilderness' — the site of engagement.
וַיָּבֹ֖אand he cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; Sihon's advance to the battle site.
יָ֑הְצָהto Jahazproper noun + directional sfx ה · יַהַץ (H3096)Directional accusative (destination)יַהַץ (H3096), a town in Amorite territory, the site of the decisive battle (cf. Isa 15:4; Jer 48:34).
וַיִּלָּ֖חֶםand he foughtconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָחַם (H3898), Niphal 'to fight'; the decisive engagement.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽלagainst Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Adversative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); Sihon's target, though the battle ends in his own defeat (v. 24).
24
וַיַּכֵּ֥הוּ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְפִי חָ֑רֶב וַיִּירַ֨שׁ אֶת אַרְצ֜וֹ מֵֽאַרְנֹ֗ן עַד יַבֹּק֙ עַד בְּנֵ֣י עַמּ֔וֹן כִּ֣י עַ֔ז גְּב֖וּל בְּנֵ֥י עַמּֽוֹן
But Israel struck him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the Ammonites, for the border of the Ammonites was strong.
The כִּי-clause explains why Israel stopped at the Ammonite border rather than continuing east: Ammon's own defenses, not divine restriction (contrast Deut 2:19, which states YHWH forbade attacking Ammon directly) — the two explanations are complementary rather than contradictory.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיַּכֵּ֥הוּand struck himconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + sfx 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; with 3ms suffix, 'struck him' — Israel's decisive blow against Sihon.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיַּכֵּהוּיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the victor.
לְפִיwith the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrumental prepositional phrase (construct head)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiomatically 'edge' (of a sword), construct with חֶרֶב.
חָ֑רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive completing the constructחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; לְפִי חֶרֶב, standard idiom for total military defeat.
וַיִּירַ֨שׁand he took possession ofconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess, inherit'; the key verb of conquest and land-claim throughout the chapter.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אַרְצוֹ as the definite object; untranslated.
אַרְצ֜וֹhis landN c sg constr + sfx 3ms · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וַיִּירַשׁאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; Sihon's territory, now claimed by Israel.
מֵֽאַרְנֹ֗ןfrom the Arnonprep מִן + proper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Source prepositional phrase (extent of conquest)אַרְנוֹן (H769); the southern boundary already noted in vv. 13-15.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking the extentעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as.'
יַבֹּק֙the Jabbokproper noun · יַבֹּק (H2999)Object of the preposition עַדיַבֹּק (H2999), a river further north, marking the extent of Sihon's (and now Israel's) territory.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Second prepositional phrase, parallel extent markerעַד (H5704); second boundary marker.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of the preposition עַד (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct with עַמּוֹן.
עַמּ֔וֹןAmmonproper noun · עַמּוֹן (H5983)Genitive of the construct chainעַמּוֹן (H5983); the Ammonites, whose territory bordered the Jabbok region.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction explaining the limit of conquestכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; explains why Israel stopped at the Ammonite border.
עַ֔זstrongadj m sg abs · עַז (H5794)Predicate adjective (verbless clause)עַז (H5794) 'strong, fierce'; describes the Ammonite border's defensive strength.
גְּב֖וּלwas the border ofN m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Subject of the verbless clause (construct head)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border'; construct with בְּנֵי עַמּוֹן.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chain (construct head)בֵּן (H1121); construct with עַמּוֹן.
עַמּֽוֹןAmmonproper noun · עַמּוֹן (H5983)Genitive completing the constructעַמּוֹן (H5983); the Ammonites' defended border halted Israel's advance in this direction.
25
וַיִּקַּח֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֵ֥ת כָּל הֶעָרִ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּכָל עָרֵ֣י הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וּבְכָל בְּנֹתֶֽיהָ
So Israel took all these cities, and Israel settled in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and all its daughter towns.
'Daughter towns' (בְּנֹתֶיהָ) is the standard idiom for dependent villages clustered around a main city; Heshbon becomes the anchor for the explanatory flashback of vv. 26-30.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּקַּח֙and tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Israel's seizure of the conquered cities.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיִּקַּחיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
אֵ֥ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking כָּל הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה as the definite object; untranslated.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (construct head, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605); construct with הֶעָרִים.
הֶעָרִ֖יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892); the cities taken from Sihon.
הָאֵ֑לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הֶעָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428), demonstrative 'these'; refers to the cities just conquered.
וַיֵּ֤שֶׁבand settledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; Israel's occupation of the conquered territory.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיֵּשֶׁביִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); repeated subject.
בְּכָלin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עָרֵי.
עָרֵ֣יthe cities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892); construct with הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔יthe Amorite(s)art + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive completing the constructאֱמֹרִי (H567); the conquered people's cities.
בְּחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹןin Heshbonprep בְּ + proper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Locative prepositional phrase, specifying the chief cityחֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809), Sihon's capital, explained further in v. 26.
וּבְכָלand in allconj וְ + prep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated locative prepositional phrase (construct head)כֹּל (H3605); construct with בְּנֹתֶיהָ.
בְּנֹתֶֽיהָher daughter townsN f pl constr + sfx 3fs · בַּת (H1323)Genitive of the construct chainבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; idiom for dependent villages surrounding Heshbon.
26
כִּ֣י חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן עִ֗יר סִיחֹ֛ן מֶ֥לֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִ֖י הִ֑וא וְה֣וּא נִלְחַ֗ם בְּמֶ֤לֶךְ מוֹאָב֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן וַיִּקַּ֧ח אֶת כָּל אַרְצ֛וֹ מִיָּד֖וֹ עַד אַרְנֹֽן
For Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land out of his hand, as far as the Arnon.
The כִּי-clause backfills how Sihon came to hold Heshbon in the first place — he had earlier defeated Moab's own former king — setting up the taunt-song of vv. 27-30, which celebrates that very Amorite conquest of Moab, now ironically recited over territory Israel has just taken from Sihon in turn.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, explanatory flashbackכִּי (H3588); introduces the explanation of how Sihon came to hold Heshbon.
חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹןHeshbonproper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Subject of the verbless clauseחֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809); Sihon's capital city.
עִ֗ירwas the city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Predicate nominative (verbless clause, construct head)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; construct with סִיחֹן.
סִיחֹ֛ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Genitive of the construct chainסִיחוֹן (H5511).
מֶ֥לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Apposition to סִיחֹן (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct governing הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָאֱמֹרִ֖יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive of the construct chainאֱמֹרִי (H567).
הִ֑ואit (was)independent pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject/copula completing the verbless clauseהִיא (H1931); resumes/emphasizes חֶשְׁבּוֹן as subject.
וְה֣וּאand heconj וְ + independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of נִלְחַם (resumptive, emphatic)הוּא (H1931); emphatic resumption of Sihon as subject of the flashback.
נִלְחַ֗םhad foughtNiphal perf 3ms · לָחַם (H3898)Predicate verb of the flashback clause→ Perfective: prior completed action (pluperfect sense in the flashback)לָחַם (H3898), Niphal 'to fight'; describes Sihon's earlier war against Moab, explaining his possession of Heshbon.
בְּמֶ֤לֶךְagainst the king ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Adversative prepositional phrase (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with מוֹאָב.
מוֹאָב֙Moabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹןthe formerart + ordinal adj m sg abs · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjective modifying בְּמֶלֶךְ מוֹאָברִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, former'; distinguishes this earlier Moabite king from the one Israel currently encounters.
וַיִּקַּ֧חand he tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (within the flashback)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (in the embedded account)לָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Sihon's earlier seizure of Moabite land.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking כָּל אַרְצוֹ as the definite object; untranslated.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח (construct head, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605); construct with אַרְצוֹ.
אַרְצ֛וֹhis landN c sg constr + sfx 3ms · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of the construct chainאֶרֶץ (H776); the former Moabite king's land.
מִיָּד֖וֹfrom his handprep מִן + N c sg constr + sfx 3ms · יָד (H3027)Source prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for taking territory out of someone's control.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking the extentעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as.'
אַרְנֹֽןthe Arnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Object of the preposition עַדאַרְנוֹן (H769); the boundary reached by Sihon's earlier conquest of Moab.
27
עַל כֵּ֛ן יֹאמְר֥וּ הַמֹּשְׁלִ֖ים בֹּ֣אוּ חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן תִּבָּנֶ֥ה וְתִכּוֹנֵ֖ן עִ֥יר סִיחֽוֹן
Therefore the ballad-singers say: 'Come to Heshbon, let it be built; let the city of Sihon be established.'
הַמֹּשְׁלִים ('those who use a mashal/proverb', substantival participle) are unnamed archaic ballad-singers; the quoted taunt (vv. 27-30) originally celebrated an Amorite conquest of Moab and is now recited over territory Israel has just taken — the chapter's most textually difficult section, especially v. 30.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
עַלthereforeprep · עַל (H5921)First element of the idiom עַל כֵּןעַל (H5921); with כֵּן forms 'therefore.'
כֵּ֛ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Second element of the idiomכֵּן (H3651); עַל כֵּן introduces the mashal citation.
יֹאמְר֥וּsayQal impf 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, customary/gnomic→ Yiqtol: customary/repeated action ('they say')אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the quoted taunt-song.
הַמֹּשְׁלִ֖יםthe ballad-singersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · מָשַׁל (H4911)Substantival participle, subject of יֹאמְרוּ→ Participle: substantivized, denoting agents ('those who speak in proverbs')מָשַׁל (H4911) 'to use a proverb/parable, speak in a mashal'; substantival participle for composers/reciters of traditional taunt-poetry, otherwise unidentified.
בֹּ֣אוּcomeQal impv 2mp · בּוֹא (H935)Volitional imperative, opening the quoted song→ Volitional: imperative, invitationבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the song's opening call, ironically inviting (re)building of a city Israel has just conquered.
חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹןto Heshbonproper noun (accusative of direction) · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Directional accusative (destination of בֹּאוּ)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809); the city at the center of the taunt.
תִּבָּנֶ֥הlet it be builtNiphal jussive 3fs · בָּנָה (H1129)Volitional jussive, continuing the imperative force→ Jussive: volitional/desired stateבָּנָה (H1129), Niphal 'to be built'; the song calls for Heshbon's (re)construction under its new occupant.
וְתִכּוֹנֵ֖ןand let it be establishedconj וְ + Polel jussive 3fs · כּוּן (H3559)Volitional jussive, parallel to תִּבָּנֶה→ Jussive: volitional/desired stateכּוּן (H3559) 'to be established, firm'; poetic parallel to תִּבָּנֶה, wishing the city permanence.
עִ֥ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Subject of the jussives (construct head)עִיר (H5892); construct with סִיחוֹן, identifying Heshbon as Sihon's city.
סִיחֽוֹןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Genitive of the construct chainסִיחוֹן (H5511); the song, composed to celebrate an earlier Amorite conquest of Moab, is now recited over the very city Israel has just taken from Sihon himself.
28
כִּי אֵשׁ֙ יָֽצְאָ֣ה מֵֽחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן לֶהָבָ֖ה מִקִּרְיַ֣ת סִיחֹ֑ן אָֽכְלָה֙ עָ֣ר מוֹאָ֔ב בַּעֲלֵ֖י בָּמ֥וֹת אַרְנֹֽן
'For fire went out from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon; it consumed Ar of Moab, the lords of the heights of the Arnon.'
The fire-imagery casts Sihon's conquest of Moab as a devouring blaze spreading from his capital; 'Ar of Moab' and 'the lords of the heights of the Arnon' identify Moabite territory and its (former) rulers as the casualties of that earlier war.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, continuing the mashalכִּי (H3588); introduces the fire-imagery continuing the taunt-song.
אֵשׁ֙fireN c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Subject of יָצְאָהאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'; metaphor for Sihon's devastating military campaign.
יָֽצְאָ֣הwent outQal perf 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed act, narrated within the poetic citationיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the fire's spread from Heshbon.
מֵֽחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹןfrom Heshbonprep מִן + proper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Source prepositional phraseחֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809); the point of origin for the metaphorical fire, Sihon's capital.
לֶהָבָ֖הa flameN f sg abs · לֶהָבָה (H3852)Subject in apposition/parallel to אֵשׁלֶהָבָה (H3852) 'flame'; poetic parallel intensifying the fire-image.
מִקִּרְיַ֣תfrom the city ofprep מִן + N f sg constr · קִרְיָה (H7151)Source prepositional phrase, parallel to מֵחֶשְׁבּוֹן (construct head)קִרְיָה (H7151) 'city, town'; construct with סִיחֹן, poetic synonym for עִיר.
סִיחֹ֑ןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Genitive of the construct chainסִיחוֹן (H5511); Heshbon renamed poetically as 'the city of Sihon.'
אָֽכְלָה֙it consumedQal perf 3fs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb, continuing the fire metaphor→ Perfective: completed devastating actionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat, consume'; fire imagery for military destruction.
עָ֣רArproper noun · עָר (H6144)Direct object of אָכְלָהעָר (H6144); the Moabite city named already in v. 15.
מוֹאָ֔בof Moabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive modifying עָרמוֹאָב (H4124); identifies Ar as Moabite.
בַּעֲלֵ֖יthe lords ofN m pl constr · בַּעַל (H1167)Direct object, parallel to עָר מוֹאָב (construct head)בַּעַל (H1167) 'lord, master, possessor'; construct with בָּמוֹת אַרְנֹן, the rulers/inhabitants of that region.
בָּמ֥וֹתthe heights ofN f pl constr · בָּמָה (H1116)Genitive of the construct chainבָּמָה (H1116) 'high place'; construct with אַרְנֹן.
אַרְנֹֽןthe Arnonproper noun · אַרְנוֹן (H769)Genitive completing the constructאַרְנוֹן (H769); the heights overlooking the Arnon, devastated in Sihon's earlier campaign against Moab.
29
אוֹי לְךָ֣ מוֹאָ֔ב אָבַ֖דְתָּ עַם כְּמ֑וֹשׁ נָתַ֨ן בָּנָ֤יו פְּלֵיטִם֙ וּבְנֹתָ֣יו בַּשְּׁבִ֔ית לְמֶ֥לֶךְ אֱמֹרִ֖י סִיחֽוֹן
'Woe to you, O Moab! You are undone, O people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, and his daughters into captivity, to Sihon, king of the Amorites.'
כְּמוֹשׁ (Chemosh) is Moab's national deity (cf. Judg 11:24; 1 Kgs 11:7); the אוֹי ('woe') oracle-form and the naming of the god underscore that Moab's defeat is total, its people made refugees and captives — the taunt Israel now recites over Sihon's own former capital.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אוֹיwoeinterjection · אוֹי (H188)Interjection, exclamatory openingאוֹי (H188), interjection of lament/distress, 'woe!'; opens a funeral-dirge-like taunt.
לְךָ֣to youprep לְ + sfx 2ms · לְIndirect object completing the interjection (dative of woe)לְ with 2ms suffix; the standard construction אוֹי לְ, 'woe to.'
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Vocative (direct address)מוֹאָב (H4124); the addressee of the woe-oracle.
אָבַ֖דְתָּyou have perishedQal perf 2ms · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb, direct address→ Perfective: a settled/proclaimed fateאָבַד (H6) 'to perish, be destroyed'; declares Moab's ruin as accomplished fact.
עַםpeople ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Vocative, in apposition to מוֹאָב (construct head)עַם (H5971); construct with כְּמוֹשׁ.
כְּמ֑וֹשׁChemoshproper noun · כְּמוֹשׁ (H3645)Genitive of the construct chainכְּמוֹשׁ (H3645), the national deity of Moab (cf. Judg 11:24; 1 Kgs 11:7, 33); naming him underscores Moab's helplessness before Sihon.
נָתַ֨ןhe has givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed/decisive actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; subject implicit (Sihon, or Chemosh abandoning his people).
בָּנָ֤יוhis sonsN m pl constr + sfx 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of נָתַןבֵּן (H1121); Moab's sons, made refugees.
פְּלֵיטִם֙as fugitivesN m pl abs · פָּלִיט (H6412)Predicate accusative (result/complement of נָתַן)פָּלִיט (H6412) 'fugitive, refugee'; describes the sons' fate.
וּבְנֹתָ֣יוand his daughtersconj וְ + N f pl constr + sfx 3ms · בַּת (H1323)Coordinated direct objectבַּת (H1323); Moab's daughters, paired with the sons.
בַּשְּׁבִ֔יתinto captivityprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · שְׁבִית (H7628)Predicate/result prepositional phrase (fate of the daughters)שְׁבִית (H7628) 'captivity'; variant of שְׁבִי, the fate of the daughters.
לְמֶ֥לֶךְto the king ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Locative/dative prepositional phrase (recipient, construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct with אֱמֹרִי, identifying the captor.
אֱמֹרִ֖יthe Amoritesgentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive of the construct chainאֱמֹרִי (H567); without the article here, poetic style.
סִיחֽוֹןSihonproper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Apposition to מֶלֶךְ אֱמֹרִיסִיחוֹן (H5511); identifies the Amorite king by name, closing the taunt's indictment of Moab.
30
וַנִּירָ֛ם אָבַ֥ד חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן עַד דִּיב֑וֹן וַנַּשִּׁ֣ים עַד נֹ֔פַח אֲשֶׁ֖רׄ עַד מֵֽידְבָֽא
So we shot them down; Heshbon is perished as far as Dibon; we laid waste as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba.
This is the chapter's hardest crux. וַנִּירָם is obscure (perhaps 'we shot them down' from יָרָה, or emended to 'their dominion is perished'); the string of place names (Dibon, Nophah, Medeba) is terse and elliptical; and the MT marks אֲשֶׁר with an extraordinary point over the resh, flagging ancient scribal unease with the line. Translations diverge widely here.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַנִּירָ֛םso we shot them downconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 1cp + sfx 3mp · יָרָה (H3384)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, shift to 1cp (embedded voice within the mashal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance; textually and semantically obscureיָרָה (H3384) 'to shoot, cast down'; the form and sudden shift to 1st person are among the most disputed features of the chapter — some emend to a different root or repoint entirely; sense uncertain.
אָבַ֥דis perishedQal perf 3ms · אָבַד (H6)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a proclaimed/completed ruinאָבַד (H6) 'to perish'; echoes v. 29's אָבַדְתָּ, applied now to Heshbon itself.
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹןHeshbonproper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Subject of אָבַדחֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809); the city's ruin extended as far as Dibon.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking extentעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as.'
דִּיב֑וֹןDibonproper noun · דִּיבוֹן (H1769)Object of the preposition עַדדִּיבוֹן (H1769), a town north of the Arnon, later a Moabite/Reubenite city (cf. Num 32:34; the Mesha stele).
וַנַּשִּׁ֣יםwe laid wasteconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 1cp · שָׁמֵם (H8074)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמֵם (H8074), Hiphil 'to make desolate, lay waste'; continuing the first-person voice of the difficult v. 30.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking extentעַד (H5704).
נֹ֔פַחNophahproper noun · נֹפַח (H5302)Object of the preposition עַדנֹפַח (H5302), a place name otherwise unattested in Scripture; location unknown.
אֲשֶׁ֖רׄwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the final clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); the MT marks this word with an extraordinary point over the resh, one of the traditional 'points over letters' flagging ancient scribal uncertainty about the text.
עַדreaches toprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking extentעַד (H5704).
מֵֽידְבָֽאMedebaproper noun · מֵידְבָא (H4311)Object of the preposition עַדמֵידְבָא (H4311), a town south of Heshbon, later prominent in Moabite history (cf. Isa 15:2; the Mesha stele).
31
וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּאֶ֖רֶץ הָאֱמֹרִֽי
So Israel settled in the land of the Amorites.
A brief summary statement closes the Sihon narrative and the mashal citation, before the narrative turns to further Amorite territory (Jazer, v. 32) and then Og of Bashan (vv. 33-35).
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙so settledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; summary notice closing the Sihon episode.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of וַיֵּשֶׁביִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
בְּאֶ֖רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָאֱמֹרִֽיthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive of the construct chainאֱמֹרִי (H567); the territory Israel now permanently occupies.
32
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ לְרַגֵּ֣ל אֶת יַעְזֵ֔ר וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ ויירש וַיּ֖וֹרֶשׁ אֶת הָאֱמֹרִ֥י אֲשֶׁר שָֽׁם
Then Moses sent to spy out Jazer, and they captured its villages and dispossessed the Amorites who were there.
Jazer's capture extends the Amorite conquest north of Heshbon. The verse preserves a rare doubled reading — the unpointed ויירש alongside the pointed וַיּוֹרֶשׁ — apparently a scribal duplication left uncorrected in the consonantal text itself, both meaning essentially 'and he dispossessed.'
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤חand sentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Moses dispatches spies against Jazer, extending the conquest northward.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
לְרַגֵּ֣לto spy outprep לְ + Piel inf constr · רָגַל (H7270)Purpose infinitive construct→ Infinitive construct: purposeרָגַל (H7270), Piel 'to spy out, reconnoiter'; the same verb used of the twelve spies in Num 13.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking יַעְזֵר as the definite object; untranslated.
יַעְזֵ֔רJazerproper noun · יַעְזֵר (H3270)Direct object of לְרַגֵּליַעְזֵר (H3270), a town north of Heshbon, later allotted to Gad (Num 32:35).
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּand they capturedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'; the outcome of the reconnaissance — direct military action.
בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָher daughter townsN f pl constr + sfx 3fs · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of וַיִּלְכְּדוּבַּת (H1323); the villages dependent on Jazer, echoing the idiom used of Heshbon in v. 25.
ויירש[and he dispossessed]conj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms (kethiv, unpointed) · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Kethiv (unpointed consonantal form), duplicated by the following qere→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (kethiv reading)יָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess'; left unpointed in the MT, apparently a scribal duplication of the following וַיּוֹרֶשׁ — a rare doubled reading preserved in the consonantal text itself.
וַיּ֖וֹרֶשׁand he dispossessedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms (qere) · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the pointed/qere reading)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַשׁ (H3423), Hiphil 'to dispossess, drive out'; the properly vocalized reading, paired with the unpointed ויירש just before it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking הָאֱמֹרִי as the definite object; untranslated.
הָאֱמֹרִ֥יthe Amorite(s)art + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Direct object of וַיּוֹרֶשׁאֱמֹרִי (H567); the local Amorite population around Jazer.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the locating clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the description of the Amorites' location.
שָֽׁםwere thereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Predicate adverb of the relative clauseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; locates the dispossessed Amorites at Jazer.
33
וַיִּפְנוּ֙ וַֽיַּעֲל֔וּ דֶּ֖רֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן וַיֵּצֵ֣א עוֹג֩ מֶֽלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֨ן לִקְרָאתָ֜ם ה֧וּא וְכָל עַמּ֛וֹ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה אֶדְרֶֽעִי
Then they turned and went up by the way of Bashan, and Og king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.
The turn north to Bashan opens a second conquest narrative structurally parallel to the Sihon episode; Og's full mobilization ('he and all his people') mirrors Sihon's response in v. 23, priming the reader for another decisive Israelite victory.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּפְנוּ֙and they turnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn'; the change of direction toward Bashan.
וַֽיַּעֲל֔וּand they went upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; Bashan's higher elevation relative to the Transjordan plateau.
דֶּ֖רֶךְby the way ofN c sg constr · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative of route (construct head)דֶּרֶךְ (H1870); construct with הַבָּשָׁן.
הַבָּשָׁ֑ןBashanart + proper noun · בָּשָׁן (H1316)Genitive of the construct chainבָּשָׁן (H1316), the fertile region northeast of the Sea of Galilee, ruled by Og.
וַיֵּצֵ֣אand went outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Og's offensive move, paralleling Sihon's in v. 23.
עוֹג֩Ogproper noun · עוֹג (H5747)Subject of וַיֵּצֵאעוֹג (H5747), king of Bashan, remembered elsewhere as a giant/Rephaite figure (Deut 3:11).
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Apposition to עוֹג (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct governing הַבָּשָׁן.
הַבָּשָׁ֨ןBashanart + proper noun · בָּשָׁן (H1316)Genitive of the construct chainבָּשָׁן (H1316); Og's kingdom.
לִקְרָאתָ֜םto meet themprep לְ + Qal inf constr + sfx 3mp · קָרָא (H7125)Purpose infinitive construct (hostile encounter)→ Infinitive construct: purpose ('to confront')קָרָא (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; hostile sense, as in v. 23.
ה֧וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject in apposition to עוֹג (emphatic)הוּא (H1931); emphasizes Og's personal participation in the battle.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated subject (construct head)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עַמּוֹ.
עַמּ֛וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + sfx 3ms · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971); Og's full military levy, echoing Sihon's mobilization in v. 23.
לַמִּלְחָמָ֖הto battleprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Purpose prepositional phraseמִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; the goal of Og's advance.
אֶדְרֶֽעִיEdreiproper noun · אֶדְרֶעִי (H154)Locative accusative (site of the battle)אֶדְרֶעִי (H154), one of Og's royal cities (cf. Deut 1:4; Josh 12:4), the site of the decisive engagement.
34
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל מֹשֶׁה֙ אַל תִּירָ֣א אֹת֔וֹ כִּ֣י בְיָדְךָ֞ נָתַ֧תִּי אֹת֛וֹ וְאֶת כָּל עַמּ֖וֹ וְאֶת אַרְצ֑וֹ וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֗יתָ לְסִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן
But YHWH said to Moses, 'Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, with all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon.'
The reassurance formula אַל תִּירָא ('do not fear') with a grant of victory already accomplished in perfect tense (נָתַתִּי, 'I have given') is characteristic of holy-war oracles (cf. Deut 3:2, Josh 8:1); the explicit comparison to Sihon binds the two conquest narratives together as a matched pair.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's assurance oracle.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413); marks Moses as addressee.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶלמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Volitional negation, introducing the prohibitionאַל (H408), negative particle used with jussive/imperative for prohibitions ('do not').
תִּירָ֣אfearQal jussive 2ms · יָרֵא (H3372)Predicate verb of the prohibition (negated jussive)→ Jussive: prohibition (אַל + jussive)יָרֵא (H3372) 'to fear'; the standard reassurance formula of holy-war oracles.
אֹת֔וֹhimobj marker + sfx 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of תִּירָאאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring to Og.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the grounds for confidenceכִּי (H3588); grounds the assurance in a stated fact.
בְיָדְךָ֞into your handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + sfx 2ms · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phrase (goal of נָתַתִּי)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for delivering into someone's power.
נָתַ֧תִּיI have givenQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (perfect of confidence)→ Perfective: prophetic/certainty perfect — a future event proclaimed as already decidedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the 'perfect of confidence,' treating the still-future victory as an accomplished fact.
אֹת֛וֹhimobj marker + sfx 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of נָתַתִּיאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring to Og.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins the second object; אֵת marks כָּל עַמּוֹ.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct head, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עַמּוֹ.
עַמּ֖וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + sfx 3ms · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971); Og's forces, included in the grant of victory.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)וְ joins the third object; אֵת marks אַרְצוֹ.
אַרְצ֑וֹhis landN c sg constr + sfx 3ms · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776); Og's territory, included in the grant.
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָand you shall doconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Weqatal continuing the divine command→ Weqatal: consequent/imperatival futureעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; commands Moses to treat Og as Sihon was treated.
לּ֔וֹto himprep לְ + sfx 3ms · לְIndirect object of וְעָשִׂיתָלְ with 3ms suffix, referring to Og.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣רasprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the precedent clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with prefixed כְּ, 'just as'; introduces the Sihon precedent as the pattern to follow.
עָשִׂ֗יתָyou didQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Perfective: a completed precedent actionעָשָׂה (H6213); refers back to Israel's treatment of Sihon in vv. 21-31.
לְסִיחֹן֙to Sihonprep לְ + proper noun · סִיחוֹן (H5511)Indirect object of עָשִׂיתָסִיחוֹן (H5511); the precedent case.
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Apposition to סִיחֹן (construct head)מֶלֶךְ (H4428); construct governing הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive of the construct chainאֱמֹרִי (H567).
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the description of Sihonאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces Sihon's identifying description.
יוֹשֵׁ֖בdweltQal ptc m sg abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Attributive/substantival participle, predicate of the relative clause→ Participle: durative, characterizing state ('the one dwelling')יָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; identifies Sihon by his capital, as in v. 26.
בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹןin Heshbonprep בְּ + proper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Locative prepositional phrase (object of יוֹשֵׁב)חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809); Sihon's former capital, now Israel's.
35
וַיַּכּ֨וּ אֹת֤וֹ וְאֶת בָּנָיו֙ וְאֶת כָּל עַמּ֔וֹ עַד בִּלְתִּ֥י הִשְׁאִֽיר ל֖וֹ שָׂרִ֑יד וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּ אֶת אַרְצֽוֹ
So they struck him and his sons and all his people, until no survivor was left to him, and they took possession of his land.
The 'no survivor left' formula (עַד בִּלְתִּי הִשְׁאִיר לוֹ שָׂרִיד) marks total ḥerem-style victory, echoing v. 3's Hormah notice and closing the chapter's run of conquests; the territorial gains here and from Sihon become the basis for the Transjordan tribal allotments in ch. 32.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּכּ֨וּand they struckconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main line)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221), Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; Israel's decisive blow against Og, paralleling v. 24's defeat of Sihon.
אֹת֤וֹhimobj marker + sfx 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיַּכּוּאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, referring to Og.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks בָּנָיו.
בָּנָיו֙his sonsN m pl constr + sfx 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Direct objectבֵּן (H1121); Og's sons, included in the defeat.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (third object)וְ joins the third object; אֵת marks כָּל עַמּוֹ.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object (construct head, quantifier)כֹּל (H3605); construct with עַמּוֹ.
עַמּ֔וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + sfx 3ms · עַם (H5971)Genitive of the construct chainעַם (H5971); Og's entire population, per the חֵרֶם pattern of total conquest.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase introducing the negative result clauseעַד (H5704) 'until'; with בִּלְתִּי forms 'until there was not.'
בִּלְתִּ֥יnonegative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negation within the עַד clauseבִּלְתִּי (H1115), negative particle 'not'; עַד בִּלְתִּי, 'until not' = 'until none.'
הִשְׁאִֽירwas leftHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁאַר (H7604)Predicate verb of the negative result clause→ Perfective: completed (negated) resultשָׁאַר (H7604), Hiphil 'to leave, leave remaining'; the total-annihilation formula, echoing v. 3's ḥerem language and closing the chapter's conquest theme.
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + sfx 3ms · לְIndirect object (dative of possession)לְ with 3ms suffix, referring to Og; 'a survivor was left to him' = 'he had a survivor.'
שָׂרִ֑ידa survivorN m sg abs · שָׂרִיד (H8300)Direct object of הִשְׁאִירשָׂרִיד (H8300) 'survivor, remnant'; its absence signals total defeat.
וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּand they took possession ofconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַשׁ (H3423) 'to possess, dispossess'; the chapter's recurring conquest-verb, closing the Og narrative and the chapter as a whole.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marking אַרְצוֹ as the definite object; untranslated.
אַרְצֽוֹhis landN c sg constr + sfx 3ms · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וַיִּירְשׁוּאֶרֶץ (H776); Og's territory, the final conquest of the chapter, setting up the Transjordan allotments of ch. 32.