1
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בַּשִּׁטִּ֑ים וַיָּ֣חֶל הָעָ֔ם לִזְנ֖וֹת אֶל בְּנ֥וֹת מוֹאָֽב
And Israel settled at Shittim, and the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.
Opens a new pericope with a fresh wayyiqtol chain; 'began' signals the onset of the moral decline that the rest of the chapter narrates and resolves.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁבsettled/dweltconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative opening)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; opens the scene at Shittim, Israel's last encampment before crossing into Canaan.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant nation; subject of the chapter's failures and Phinehas's zeal.
בַּשִּׁטִּ֑יםin Shittimprep בְּ + art + proper noun · שִׁטִּים (H7851)Locative prepositional phraseשִׁטִּים (H7851) 'acacias', place name = Abel-shittim, Israel's camp east of the Jordan opposite Jericho (cf. Josh 2:1; 3:1).
וַיָּ֣חֶלbeganconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the onset of apostasyחָלַל (H2490) II in Hiphil 'to begin'; here inaugurates the people's turn to whoredom, echoing other 'began to X' notices of moral decline.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Subjectעָם (H5971) 'people'; the collective subject, distancing guilt from Israel-as-covenant-name to the mass of ordinary people.
לִזְנ֖וֹתto whore/play the harlotprep לְ + Qal inf constr · זָנָה (H2181)Complementary infinitive (purpose/result of וַיָּחֶל)→ Infinitive: durative activity begun, not a single actזָנָה (H2181) 'to commit fornication/harlotry', used both literally (sexual union with Moabite women) and figuratively elsewhere for idolatry — the double sense operates here since the whoredom leads straight to worship of foreign gods (v.2).
אֶלto/towardprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking object of זָנָהאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; here governs the object of illicit relations.
בְּנ֥וֹתdaughters ofN f pl constr · בַּת (H1323)Object of preposition, construct (genitival)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; construct chain בְּנוֹת מוֹאָב, 'the daughters of Moab' — cf. the Moabite women of Balaam's counsel (31:16).
מוֹאָֽבMoabproper noun · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive (construct chain)מוֹאָב (H4124), Israel's neighbor east of the Dead Sea; here the immediate agents of seduction, later joined by Midian (v.6, 17-18).
2
וַתִּקְרֶ֣אןָ לָעָ֔ם לְזִבְחֵ֖י אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ן וַיֹּ֣אכַל הָעָ֔ם וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֖וּ לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽן
And they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.
Three rapid wayyiqtols (invited, ate, bowed) trace the escalation from sexual sin to full covenant apostasy — idolatry framed as the natural terminus of the 'whoring.'
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַתִּקְרֶ֣אןָand they invited/calledconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fp · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb (main clause; subject = the Moabite women of v.1)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, invite'; 3fp subject implied = the Moabite women, inviting Israelite men to pagan sacrificial meals.
לָעָ֔םthe peopleprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Indirect object (recipients of the invitation)עָם (H5971) 'people'; object of the invitation, i.e. Israelite men.
לְזִבְחֵ֖יto the sacrifices ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · זֶבַח (H2077)Prepositional phrase, purpose/goalזֶבַח (H2077) 'sacrifice'; construct with אֱלֹהֵיהֶן — the cultic meals accompanying Moabite/Baal worship.
אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ןtheir (fem.) godsN m pl constr + suffix 3fp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive (construct chain)אֱלֹהִים (H430) with 3fp suffix, 'their gods' (the women's gods) — the local Baal(s) of Moab.
וַיֹּ֣אכַלand he/it (the people) ateconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; singular verb with collective הָעָם — participation in the pagan sacrificial meal, forbidden covenant fellowship with foreign gods.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Subjectעָם (H5971) 'people'; repeated subject, underscoring national complicity.
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֖וּand they bowed down/worshipedconj וְ + Hishtaphel wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁחָה (H7812)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential; climactic act of apostasy)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the culminating act of idolatryשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, prostrate oneself'; the Hishtaphel form used exclusively for worship — here directed at foreign gods, the chapter's core offense (cf. Exod 20:5).
לֵֽאלֹהֵיהֶֽןto their (fem.) godsprep לְ + N m pl constr + suffix 3fp · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase, object of worshipאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 3fp suffix; the object of illicit worship — repetition of v.2's phrase forms an inclusio around the verse.
3
וַיִּצָּ֥מֶד יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְבַ֣עַל פְּע֑וֹר וַיִּֽחַר אַ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל
So Israel yoked itself to Baal-peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against Israel.
The pivotal verse: וַיִּצָּמֶד (Niphal, self-yoking) names Israel's guilt precisely, and the wayyiqtol chain moves instantly to YHWH's kindled wrath — cause and consequence in two clauses.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּצָּ֥מֶדand he/it yoked himselfconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · צָמַד (H6775)Predicate verb (main clause; reflexive/passive nuance)→ Wayyiqtol Niphal: reflexive-passive — Israel binds itself in willing self-attachmentצָמַד (H6775) 'to bind, join, yoke'; Niphal here (reflexive-middle) uniquely of Israel's self-binding to a foreign god — the verb elsewhere describes yoking draft animals, an image of servile attachment.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subjectיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); grammatical subject of the self-yoking, though the verb's Niphal voice implicates the nation as agent of its own bondage.
לְבַ֣עַלto Baal (of)prep לְ + proper noun · בַּעַל (H1187)Prepositional phrase, object of יִצָּמֶדבַּעַל (H1187) 'lord, master, husband'; title of the Canaanite storm-god, here in construct with פְּעוֹר, the local Baal worshiped at Mount Peor in Moab.
פְּע֑וֹרPeorproper noun · פְּעוֹר (H1187)Genitive (place/epithet completing בַּעַל)פְּעוֹר (H1187/H6465), the mountain/place in Moab and the local Baal worshiped there; 'Baal-peor' becomes a byword for Israel's apostasy (Deut 4:3; Hos 9:10).
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Predicate verb (main clause; idiom for anger)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — immediate divine responseחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled'; idiomatic of anger, regularly with אַף as subject — YHWH's wrath 'burns' as the direct, unmediated consequence of the yoking to Baal-peor.
אַ֥ףthe anger/nose ofN (c) sg abs · אַף (H639)Subject of וַיִּחַראַף (H639) 'nose, nostril' → 'anger' (flaring nostrils as anger's somatic seat); construct with יְהוָה, 'the anger of YHWH.'
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; his anger, not merely 'a god's,' marks this as covenant-breach, not mere cultural syncretism.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽלagainst Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Prepositional phrase, object of divine angerיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the covenant nation now the target of YHWH's own covenant curse-anger (cf. Deut 29:19-20).
4
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה קַ֚ח אֶת כָּל רָאשֵׁ֣י הָעָ֔ם וְהוֹקַ֥ע אוֹתָ֛ם לַיהוָ֖ה נֶ֣גֶד הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ וְיָשֹׁ֛ב חֲר֥וֹן אַף יְהוָ֖ה מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
And the LORD said to Moses, 'Take all the chiefs of the people and impale them before the LORD, in the sight of the sun, so that the burning anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.'
YHWH's first-person command shifts the chapter from narrated apostasy to prescribed remedy: public execution of the guilty leadership 'before the sun' to turn back covenant wrath — anticipating Phinehas's more immediate action in vv.6-8.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause; introduces direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard verb introducing divine speech to Moses.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); the covenant God himself commands the remedy for the covenant breach.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as addressee.
מֹשֶׁ֗הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's mediator, receives the command for corporate judicial action.
קַ֚חtake!Qal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (imperative, direct speech)→ Volitional: urgent divine commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; imperative opening YHWH's directive — seize the chiefs for punishment.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite direct object כָּל רָאשֵׁי הָעָם.
כָּלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct, quantifier (genitival)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; construct with רָאשֵׁי, totalizing the command — every chief, not a token few.
רָאשֵׁ֣יchiefs/heads ofN m pl constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object (construct chain)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head' → 'chief, leader'; the tribal/clan heads, held responsible as representatives for the nation's guilt.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עָם (H5971)Genitive (construct chain)עָם (H5971) 'people'; the chiefs 'of the people' — leadership held to account for what it permitted.
וְהוֹקַ֥עand impale/expose!conj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · יָקַע (H3363)Predicate verb (imperative, coordinate)→ Volitional: a public, exemplary executionיָקַע (H3363) Hiphil 'to expose, impale, hang up (a corpse)'; a rare, severe verb for public display of the executed guilty as deterrent and satisfaction of divine wrath.
אוֹתָ֛םthem [obj]obj marker + suffix 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffixאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, resuming כָּל רָאשֵׁי הָעָם as direct object of וְהוֹקַע.
לַיהוָ֖הbefore/to the LORDprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase (dative of respect — before/for YHWH)יְהוָה (H3068); the impalement is 'to/for YHWH' — a judicial-cultic act satisfying his honor, not mere civil execution.
נֶ֣גֶדbefore, in front ofprep · נֶגֶד (H5048)Prepositional phrase (public visibility)נֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, opposite'; stresses open, public display.
הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁthe sunart + N c sg abs · שֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121)Object of prepositionשֶׁמֶשׁ (H8121) 'sun'; 'before the sun' = broad daylight, publicly, so all Israel sees justice done and the guilt is purged.
וְיָשֹׁ֛בand it may/will turn backconj וְ + Qal jussive 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (purpose/result clause)→ Jussive: intended or hoped-for result — the goal of the executionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to turn, return'; here of divine wrath 'turning back/away' — the execution's purpose is to avert what would otherwise be consuming judgment.
חֲר֥וֹןthe burning ofN m sg constr · חָרוֹן (H2740)Subject (construct chain)חָרוֹן (H2740) 'burning, heat'; construct with אַף, 'the burning of the nose/anger' — an intensified synonym paired with אַף for emphasis.
אַףthe anger ofN (c) sg abs · אַף (H639)Genitive (construct chain)אַף (H639) 'nose' → 'anger'; combined with חֲרוֹן for the fuller idiom 'the heat of the anger.'
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct chain)יְהוָה (H3068); whose anger must be turned aside — the entire remedy is theocentric.
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽלfrom Israelprep מִן + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Prepositional phrase (source/separation)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the wrath is to be turned away 'from' the nation as a whole — corporate jeopardy resolved by judicial execution of the guilty leaders.
5
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל שֹׁפְטֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל הִרְגוּ֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֲנָשָׁ֔יו הַנִּצְמָדִ֖ים לְבַ֥עַל פְּעֽוֹר
So Moses said to the judges of Israel, 'Each of you kill his men who have yoked themselves to Baal-peor.'
Moses translates YHWH's general order (v.4) into a specific judicial mandate to the tribal judges, narrowing the target from 'all the chiefs' to precisely 'his men who were yoked to Baal-peor' — justice calibrated to actual guilt.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Moses relays YHWH's command as an executive order to Israel's judges.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); mediates command into concrete judicial instruction.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the judges as addressees.
שֹׁפְטֵ֖יthe judges ofQal ptc m pl constr · שָׁפַט (H8199)Object of preposition (substantival participle)→ Participle: standing office/role, not a single actשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge'; the participle used substantivally, 'judges' — Israel's tribal magistrates (cf. Exod 18:21-26), here deputized as executioners of covenant law.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the judges' jurisdiction — the whole nation, though the killing is targeted (v.5b).
הִרְגוּ֙kill!Qal impv 2mp · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (imperative)→ Volitional: urgent command to the judgesהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; blunt verb of lethal violence, the judges' mandated response, distinct from and more targeted than Moses' relay of יָקַע in v.4.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject/object (each one)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; used distributively, 'each (judge) his men' — individualized responsibility for each judge over his own tribal/clan men.
אֲנָשָׁ֔יוhis menN m pl constr + suffix 3ms · אִישׁ (H376)Direct objectאִישׁ (H376) pl. אֲנָשִׁים with 3ms suffix, 'his men' — those under each judge's own jurisdiction who had joined themselves to Baal-peor.
הַנִּצְמָדִ֖יםwho were yokedart + Niphal ptc m pl abs · צָמַד (H6775)Attributive participle (relative clause substitute), modifying אֲנָשָׁיו→ Participle: ongoing/characterizing state — those (still) joined to Baal-peorצָמַד (H6775), same root as v.3's וַיִּצָּמֶד; the participle identifies precisely the guilty class targeted for death — not the whole people, but those actually yoked to the idol.
לְבַ֥עַלto Baal (of)prep לְ + proper noun · בַּעַל (H1187)Prepositional phrase, object of הַנִּצְמָדִיםבַּעַל (H1187) 'lord'; repeats the chapter's central offense-phrase, בַּעַל פְּעוֹר.
פְּעֽוֹרPeorproper noun · פְּעוֹר (H1187)Genitive (place/epithet)פְּעוֹר (H1187); closes the verse with the idol's name, framing the executions as covenant-jealousy enforcement, not mere crowd control.
6
וְהִנֵּ֡ה אִישׁ֩ מִבְּנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל בָּ֗א וַיַּקְרֵ֤ב אֶל אֶחָיו֙ אֶת הַמִּדְיָנִ֔ית לְעֵינֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֔ה וּלְעֵינֵ֖י כָּל עֲדַ֣ת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְהֵ֣מָּה בֹכִ֔ים פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
Just then a man of the Israelites came and brought a Midianite woman to his brothers, before the eyes of Moses and the eyes of the whole congregation of the Israelites, while they were weeping at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
הִנֵּה thrusts the reader into a new, shocking scene set against the backdrop of national weeping at the sanctuary entrance; the disjunctive וְהֵמָּה בֹכִים clause creates stark contrast between communal repentance and one man's flagrant defiance.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְהִנֵּ֡הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse marker (attention-focusing, introduces surprising scene)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; vivid presentative particle thrusting the reader into the scene, heightening the audacity of what follows.
אִישׁ֩a manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; unnamed here (identified only in v.14 as Zimri) — the anonymity heightens suspense before the shocking identification.
מִבְּנֵ֨יfrom the sons ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase (partitive, modifying אִישׁ)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'from the Israelites' identifies the man's nationality before his shocking act.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the man's nation, whose covenant he flagrantly violates.
בָּ֗אcameQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, perfect narrating the arrival)→ Perfective: a completed act setting the stageבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; perfect (not wayyiqtol) slightly backgrounds the arrival as scene-setting before the main sequential action וַיַּקְרֵב.
וַיַּקְרֵ֤בand he brought nearconj וְ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the brazen act itselfקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present'; often a technical cultic verb for presenting an offering — its use here (presenting a forbidden woman) is a grim parody of proper cultic approach.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the addressees of the presentation.
אֶחָיו֙his brothersN m pl constr + suffix 3ms · אָח (H251)Object of prepositionאָח (H251) 'brother'; his fellow Israelites/kinsmen, to whom he flaunts the woman in open defiance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַמִּדְיָנִית as definite direct object of וַיַּקְרֵב.
הַמִּדְיָנִ֔יתthe Midianite (woman)art + gentilic adj f sg abs · מִדְיָנִי (H4084)Direct objectמִדְיָנִי (H4084) 'Midianite'; substantival adjective, 'the Midianite woman' — later named Cozbi (v.15), introducing Midian alongside Moab as agents of the seduction (cf. Num 31).
לְעֵינֵ֣יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (witnesses)עַיִן (H5869) dual עֵינַיִם 'eyes'; idiom 'before the eyes of' = in full public view — stresses the flagrancy of the act.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); the leader himself is made an eyewitness of the defiance.
וּלְעֵינֵ֖יand before the eyes ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (witnesses), coordinateעַיִן (H5869); repetition intensifies — not only Moses but the entire assembly watches.
כָּלall (of)N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct, quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; totalizing the witness — the entire congregation, not a subset.
עֲדַ֣תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive (construct chain)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the formal gathered community, already weeping (v.6b) — the man's act cuts directly against communal grief and repentance underway.
בְּנֵיsons of/children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, the standard collective for Israelites.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the construct chain naming the assembled nation.
וְהֵ֣מָּהwhile/and theyconj וְ + independent pron 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Circumstantial subject (disjunctive clause)הֵמָּה (H1992) 'they'; fronted pronoun with disjunctive וְ marks a circumstantial clause ('while they were weeping'), contrasting the congregation's grief with the man's defiant act.
בֹכִ֔יםweepingQal ptc m pl abs · בָּכָה (H1058)Predicate of circumstantial clause→ Participle: ongoing state simultaneous with the main actionבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep'; the congregation's penitential weeping at the tent entrance (cf. Joel 2:17) — the backdrop of national mourning the man brazenly disrupts.
פֶּ֖תַחthe entrance/doorway ofN m sg constr · פֶּתַח (H6607)Locative (construct chain)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, entrance'; construct with אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, the sacred threshold — the location intensifies the sacrilege.
אֹ֥הֶלtent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive (construct chain)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד forming 'tent of meeting,' Israel's central sanctuary.
מוֹעֵֽדmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive (construct chain)מוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, 'tent of meeting,' the place of divine-human encounter now the stage for flagrant sin.
7
וַיַּ֗רְא פִּֽינְחָס֙ בֶּן אֶלְעָזָ֔ר בֶּֽן אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וַיָּ֨קָם֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הָֽעֵדָ֔ה וַיִּקַּ֥ח רֹ֖מַח בְּיָדֽוֹ
When Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation and took a spear in his hand.
Phinehas's genealogy (son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest) is inserted before his action to certify priestly legitimacy; three rapid wayyiqtols (saw, rose, took) portray instantaneous, unhesitating zeal.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּ֗רְאand he sawconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; perception triggers immediate decisive action — the hinge from scene to Phinehas's zeal.
פִּֽינְחָס֙Phinehasproper noun · פִּינְחָס (H6372)Subjectפִּינְחָס (H6372), likely of Egyptian origin ('the Nubian/dark one'); grandson of Aaron, whose zealous act here secures him an eternal priestly covenant (v.13).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; begins the priestly genealogy establishing Phinehas's credentials to act.
אֶלְעָזָ֔רEleazarproper noun · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Genitive (construct chain)אֶלְעָזָר (H499) 'God has helped'; Aaron's son and successor as high priest, Phinehas's father.
בֶּֽןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; extends the genealogy to Aaron, underscoring priestly pedigree behind the act about to unfold.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (construct chain)אַהֲרֹן (H175); Israel's first high priest, Phinehas's grandfather — the full genealogy legitimizes the priestly, not merely vigilante, character of the killing.
הַכֹּהֵ֑ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition (title)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; title applied to Aaron, closing the genealogical formula and framing what follows as a priestly act of covenant zeal.
וַיָּ֨קָם֙and he rose upconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — decisive rising to actionקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; marks the transition from passive witness to active intervention.
מִתּ֣וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase (source)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; Phinehas emerges from within the assembled, weeping congregation to act alone.
הָֽעֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Object of prepositionעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; the same assembly of v.6, from which Phinehas separates himself to act.
וַיִּקַּ֥חand he tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; echoes Moses' command קַח in v.4 — Phinehas himself now 'takes' the instrument of judgment.
רֹ֖מַחa spearN m sg abs · רֹמַח (H7420)Direct objectרֹמַח (H7420) 'spear, lance'; a weapon of war, not a priestly implement — Phinehas acts with martial decisiveness, not ritual formality.
בְּיָדֽוֹin his handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + suffix 3ms · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase (manner/instrument)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; 'in his hand' — personal, immediate agency, no intermediary, before the decisive strike of v.8.
8
וַ֠יָּבֹא אַחַ֨ר אִֽישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶל הַקֻּבָּ֗ה וַיִּדְקֹר֙ אֶת שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם אֵ֚ת אִ֣ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶת הָאִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל קֳבָתָ֑הּ וַתֵּֽעָצַר֙ הַמַּגֵּפָ֔ה מֵעַ֖ל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And he went after the man of Israel into the chamber and pierced both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman, through her belly. So the plague was stopped from the Israelites.
The chapter's turning point: a single relentless wayyiqtol chain (followed, pierced, was-stopped) enacts and immediately validates Phinehas's zeal; the קֻבָּה/קֳבָה wordplay ties the site of sin to the site of judgment, and the plague's cessation is narrated as the direct consequence of the spear-thrust, not a separate divine act.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַ֠יָּבֹאand he went in/followedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go, enter'; Phinehas pursues the couple into the enclosed space.
אַחַ֨רafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase (pursuit)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; marks pursuit — Phinehas follows the man in.
אִֽישׁthe man ofN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Object of preposition (construct chain)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל identifying the Israelite offender, still unnamed until v.14.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); marks the man's nationality in deliberate contrast to הָאִשָּׁה, the foreign woman.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal, locative)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'; direction of Phinehas's pursuit.
הַקֻּבָּ֗הthe chamber/alcoveart + N f sg abs · קֻבָּה (H6898)Object of preposition (locative)קֻבָּה (H6898) 'vaulted chamber, alcove, tent-shrine' — a hapax legomenon in the Hebrew Bible; likely a private cultic tent or bridal-type alcove where the couple retreated, possibly for a Baal-peor fertility rite; its rarity has generated much scholarly debate (cf. Arabic qubbah, 'domed tent').
וַיִּדְקֹר֙and he pierced throughconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּקַר (H1856)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential; climactic act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive violent climaxדָּקַר (H1856) 'to pierce, thrust through'; a brutal verb (elsewhere of mortal wounding/execution, e.g. Judg 9:54); Phinehas's spear runs through both bodies in a single thrust.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking שְׁנֵיהֶם as direct object.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֔םthe two of themnumeral m dual constr + suffix 3mp · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Direct objectשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual construct with 3mp suffix, 'both of them' — the man and woman impaled together in one act, dramatized by the following apposition.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, in apposition)אֵת (H853); reintroduces the object in apposition, specifying who 'the two of them' are.
אִ֣ישׁthe man ofN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object, apposition (construct chain)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; in apposition to שְׁנֵיהֶם, naming the first victim.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); identifies the Israelite man as one of the pair struck down.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second in apposition)אֵת (H853) with וְ, introducing the second victim in the appositional pair.
הָאִשָּׁ֖הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object, appositionאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; the Midianite woman of v.6, later named Cozbi (v.15) — named generically here to sustain suspense.
אֶלthrough, intoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (locative — point of penetration)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'; here marking the precise anatomical point the spear reaches — an unusual, almost clinical use of אֶל for a wound location.
קֳבָתָ֑הּher belly/genital regionN f sg constr + suffix 3fs · קֳבָה (H6897)Object of prepositionקֳבָה (H6897) 'belly, abdomen, (womb/genital area)' — a hapax legomenon, evidently chosen to echo קֻבָּה (v.8a): the spear that follows them into the קֻבָּה pierces her קֳבָה — a deliberate paronomasia linking the shrine/chamber of the sin to the very locus of the act, underscoring the fittingness of the judgment.
וַתֵּֽעָצַר֙and it was restrained/stoppedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3fs · עָצַר (H6113)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential; passive result)→ Wayyiqtol Niphal: passive — the plague's cessation as immediate consequence of Phinehas's actעָצַר (H6113) 'to restrain, hold back'; Niphal (passive), 'was held back' — the plague halts the instant judgment is executed, showing Phinehas's spear itself as the means of atonement (cf. v.11, 13's וַיְכַפֵּר).
הַמַּגֵּפָ֔הthe plagueart + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Subjectמַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague, blow, stroke'; from נָגַף 'to strike'; the divine scourge unleashed by the apostasy (cf. v.9's death toll), now halted.
מֵעַ֖לfrom upon/fromprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (source, compound)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; compounded with מִן, 'from being upon' — the plague lifted off the people.
בְּנֵ֥יsons of/children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; standard construct for 'the Israelites.'
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the verse — the nation delivered by one man's zealous, violent act.
9
וַיִּהְי֕וּ הַמֵּתִ֖ים בַּמַּגֵּפָ֑ה אַרְבָּעָ֥ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים אָֽלֶף
Those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand.
A terse statistical notice closes the narrative unit before YHWH's speech begins in v.10; the number anchors the episode historically and is later invoked in Ps 106:29-30 and 1 Cor 10:8 (with a variant figure).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיִּהְי֕וּand they wereconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, summarizing notice)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative summationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces the death toll as a formal closing notice to the plague narrative.
הַמֵּתִ֖יםthe dead/those who diedart + Qal ptc m pl abs · מוּת (H4191)Subject (substantival participle)→ Participle: substantivized state, 'the dead ones'מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; substantival participle, 'the dead' — the casualties of the plague, tallied here for the historical record (cf. 1 Cor 10:8, where Paul gives 23,000).
בַּמַּגֵּפָ֑הin/by the plagueprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Prepositional phrase (means/cause)מַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague, stroke'; specifies the cause of death, the same scourge halted in v.8.
אַרְבָּעָ֥הfournumeral m sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral (predicate complement)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; first element of the compound number 24,000.
וְעֶשְׂרִ֖יםand twentyconj וְ + numeral c pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Numeral (predicate complement)עֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; combined with אַרְבָּעָה, '24' — modifying אֶלֶף.
אָֽלֶףthousandnumeral c sg abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral (predicate complement)אֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; total death toll 24,000 — among the largest single casualty figures in the Pentateuch, marking the gravity of the Baal-peor apostasy.
10
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The standard messenger formula pivots the narrative to YHWH's own verdict on Phinehas — the chapter's theological center in vv.11-13.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause; introduces divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standard formula introducing a new divine oracle to Moses.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); the speaker, about to render verdict on Phinehas's act.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as recipient.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); mediator receiving the oracle that vindicates Phinehas.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival discourse marker (introduces direct quotation)→ Infinitive construct: formulaic introduction to reported speechאָמַר (H559) infinitive construct with לְ, the standard 'saying' formula opening a quoted divine speech.
11
פִּֽינְחָ֨ס בֶּן אֶלְעָזָ֜ר בֶּן אַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֗ן הֵשִׁ֤יב אֶת חֲמָתִי֙ מֵעַ֣ל בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בְּקַנְא֥וֹ אֶת קִנְאָתִ֖י בְּתוֹכָ֑ם וְלֹא כִלִּ֥יתִי אֶת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּקִנְאָתִֽי
Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the Israelites, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in my jealousy.
YHWH's own first-person speech interprets Phinehas's act theologically: his 'jealousy' (קִנְאָה) is identified with, not merely analogous to, YHWH's own — the chapter's key theological claim, explaining why judicial bloodshed 'atones' (v.13) rather than merely punishes.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
פִּֽינְחָ֨סPhinehasproper noun · פִּינְחָס (H6372)Subjectפִּינְחָס (H6372); named again in full with genealogy, as YHWH himself now speaks his verdict — the divine perspective confirms the earlier narration.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; repeats the credentialing genealogy from v.7, now from YHWH's own mouth.
אֶלְעָזָ֜רEleazarproper noun · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Genitive (construct chain)אֶלְעָזָר (H499); Phinehas's father, current high priest.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; extends the genealogy to Aaron.
אַהֲרֹ֣ןAaronproper noun · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive (construct chain)אַהֲרֹן (H175); the priestly line whose covenant of perpetual priesthood (v.13) now extends through Phinehas.
הַכֹּהֵ֗ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition (title)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; closes the genealogical formula before YHWH's verdict proper begins.
הֵשִׁ֤יבhas turned backHiphil perf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause; YHWH's verdict)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act, now formally acknowledged by YHWHשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to cause to turn back, avert'; the very outcome hoped for in v.4's וְיָשֹׁב is here declared accomplished by Phinehas's spear — his zeal did what the judicial order aimed at.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking חֲמָתִי as direct object.
חֲמָתִי֙my wrathN f sg constr + suffix 1cs · חֵמָה (H2534)Direct objectחֵמָה (H2534) 'heat, wrath, fury'; YHWH's own fierce anger, more intense than אַף/חָרוֹן of vv.3-4 — the language escalates as the verdict names the true stakes.
מֵעַ֣לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (source)עַל (H5921) 'upon', compounded with מִן; the wrath is turned 'from being upon' the people.
בְּנֵֽיsons of/children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; standard construct for the nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the nation spared by Phinehas's act.
בְּקַנְא֥וֹin his being jealous/when he was zealousprep בְּ + Piel inf constr + suffix 3ms · קִנֵּא (H7065)Adverbial infinitival clause (causal/means, 'in that he...')→ Infinitive construct: names the inner motive/quality behind the act — his zeal itself is the theological pivotקָנָא (H7065) Piel 'to be jealous, zealous'; the same root supplies YHWH's own קִנְאָה — Phinehas's zeal is explicitly a mirroring/participation in the divine jealousy, not mere human anger.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking קִנְאָתִי as the object of בְּקַנְאוֹ.
קִנְאָתִ֖יmy jealousyN f sg constr + suffix 1cs · קִנְאָה (H7068)Direct object (cognate object of בְּקַנְאוֹ)קִנְאָה (H7068) 'jealousy, zeal, ardor'; the famous phrase בְּקַנְאוֹ אֶת קִנְאָתִי, 'in his being jealous with my jealousy' — a cognate construction identifying Phinehas's zeal as literally YHWH's own, the theological center of the chapter.
בְּתוֹכָ֑םamong them/in their midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suffix 3mp · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase (location)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; echoes v.7's מִתּוֹךְ הָעֵדָה — Phinehas's zeal was exercised publicly, in the midst of the nation.
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of following verbלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle, negating כִלִּיתִי — the averted alternative (total consumption) now explicitly stated.
כִלִּ֥יתִיI did (not) consume/destroyPiel perf 1cs · כָּלָה (H3615)Predicate verb (negated main clause; result)→ Perfective (negated): the destructive outcome that was averted — a counterfactual made explicitכָּלָה (H3615) Piel 'to finish, consume, destroy utterly'; YHWH names what his own jealousy would otherwise have done to the whole nation — total annihilation, forestalled only by Phinehas's zeal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל as the object of (negated) כִלִּיתִי.
בְּנֵֽיsons of/children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; standard construct for the nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the nation that would have been utterly destroyed.
בְּקִנְאָתִֽיin my jealousyprep בְּ + N f sg constr + suffix 1cs · קִנְאָה (H7068)Prepositional phrase (means/manner), closing inclusio with v.11aקִנְאָה (H7068) 'jealousy'; closes the verse with the same term that opened Phinehas's description — YHWH's consuming jealousy, satisfied rather than unleashed, by one man's matching zeal.
12
לָכֵ֖ן אֱמֹ֑ר הִנְנִ֨י נֹתֵ֥ן ל֛וֹ אֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י שָׁלֽוֹם
Therefore say, 'Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace,'
לָכֵן marks the formal consequence: because Phinehas's jealousy matched YHWH's own, YHWH performatively grants him a personal covenant of peace — the chapter's positive counterpart to the wrath of vv.3-9.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
לָכֵ֖ןthereforeprep לְ + adverb · כֵּן (H3651)Inferential adverbial connective (introduces consequence)כֵּן (H3651) with לְ, 'therefore'; standard formula introducing the consequence/reward following a stated ground (v.11).
אֱמֹ֑רsay!Qal impv 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (imperative, directive to Moses)→ Volitional: divine command to relay the following covenant grantאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; imperative instructing Moses to proclaim the covenant grant that follows.
הִנְנִ֨יbehold, Iinterjection הִנֵּה + suffix 1cs · הִנֵּה (H2005)Presentative particle + subject (emphatic self-presentation)הִנֵּה (H2005/H2009) with 1cs suffix, 'behold me/I' — the emphatic formula introducing a solemn, first-person divine grant (cf. covenant-grant formulas elsewhere, e.g. Gen 9:9; 17:4).
נֹתֵ֥ןgivingQal ptc m sg abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate participle (present/durative — performative grant)→ Participle: performative present, the act of granting enacted in the utterance itselfנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; participle with הִנְנִי forms the classic performative 'Behold, I am giving/hereby give' — the speech act itself constitutes the covenant grant.
ל֛וֹto himprep לְ + suffix 3msIndirect objectלְ preposition with 3ms suffix, 'to him' — Phinehas, the recipient of the covenant grant.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking בְּרִיתִי שָׁלוֹם as the direct object of נֹתֵן.
בְּרִיתִ֖יmy covenantN f sg constr + suffix 1cs · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct objectבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; YHWH's own covenant, formally granted to an individual priest as personal reward for zeal — a rare category of unconditional royal-type grant.
שָׁלֽוֹםof peaceN m sg abs (in apposition, genitival) · שָׁלוֹם (H7965)Apposition/genitive qualifying בְּרִיתִי (construct-like use of an absolute noun)שָׁלוֹם (H7965) 'peace, wholeness, well-being'; בְּרִית שָׁלוֹם, 'covenant of peace' — a rare formula (cf. Isa 54:10; Ezek 34:25; 37:26). In many Masoretic manuscripts the ו of שָׁלוֹם is written as a 'broken vav' (vav qeṭiʿah), split at the top — a famous scribal curiosity later readers took to symbolize an imperfect, provisional peace, this covenant's cost in blood, or the later suspension of Phinehas's own line's priesthood (1 Sam 2).
13
וְהָ֤יְתָה לּוֹ֙ וּלְזַרְע֣וֹ אַחֲרָ֔יו בְּרִ֖ית כְּהֻנַּ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם תַּ֗חַת אֲשֶׁ֤ר קִנֵּא֙ לֵֽאלֹהָ֔יו וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
and it shall be for him and for his descendants after him a covenant of perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.
The grant is specified as hereditary priesthood 'forever,' and its ground restated with theological precision: zeal 'for his God' issues in atonement (כפר) — a startling application of cultic vocabulary to an act of righteous violence.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהָ֤יְתָהand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause, continuing the grant with future/perpetual force)→ Weqatal: continuation of the preceding performative, projecting into ongoing future validityהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; weqatal continues the performative grant of v.12 into perpetuity — 'and it shall continue to be.'
לּוֹ֙for himprep לְ + suffix 3msIndirect objectלְ with 3ms suffix, 'for him' — Phinehas, recipient of the perpetual covenant.
וּלְזַרְע֣וֹand for his seed/offspringconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + suffix 3ms · זֶרַע (H2233)Indirect object, coordinateזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; extends the grant beyond Phinehas himself to his hereditary line — the Aaronide priesthood traced through him (cf. Ezra 7:1-5).
אַחֲרָ֔יוafter himprep אַחַר + suffix 3ms · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase (temporal, modifying זַרְעוֹ)אַחַר (H310) 'after'; specifies the perpetuity of the grant through successive generations.
בְּרִ֖יתa covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Predicate complement (construct chain)בְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; construct with כְּהֻנַּת עוֹלָם, specifying the content of the grant as hereditary priesthood.
כְּהֻנַּ֣תpriesthood ofN f sg constr · כְּהֻנָּה (H3550)Genitive (construct chain)כְּהֻנָּה (H3550) 'priesthood, priestly office'; construct with עוֹלָם, 'perpetual priesthood' — an enduring office, not merely a one-time honor.
עוֹלָ֑םperpetual, everlastingN m sg abs (genitival) · עוֹלָם (H5769)Genitive (construct chain)עוֹלָם (H5769) 'long duration, antiquity, futurity' → 'perpetual, everlasting'; qualifies כְּהֻנָּה as an enduring, hereditary office for Phinehas's line.
תַּ֗חַתbecause, in place ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Causal prepositional phrase (grounds for the grant)תַּחַת (H8478) 'under, instead of' → causal 'because, in return for'; introduces the grounds of the covenant grant.
אֲשֶׁ֤רthat (he)relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/complementizer introducing causal clause after תַּחַתאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; here forms תַּחַת אֲשֶׁר, 'because,' introducing the causal clause proper.
קִנֵּא֙he was jealous/zealousPiel perf 3ms · קִנֵּא (H7065)Predicate verb (causal subordinate clause)→ Perfective: a settled, completed disposition/act now grounding the rewardקָנָא (H7065) Piel 'to be jealous, zealous'; repeats the key verb of v.11, now stated as the ground for the perpetual priesthood.
לֵֽאלֹהָ֔יוfor his Godprep לְ + N m pl constr + suffix 3ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Prepositional phrase (object of zeal)אֱלֹהִים (H430) with 3ms suffix, 'his God'; Phinehas's zeal is explicitly for YHWH — reframing the killing as an act of piety, not personal vengeance.
וַיְכַפֵּ֖רand he made atonementconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · כִּפֶּר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, sequential; result of his zeal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the theological climax naming his act as atonementכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, make atonement, cover, purge'; normally the province of sacrificial ritual (Lev 16, etc.), here effected instead by a zealous killing — atonement by decisive judicial/priestly violence rather than blood-sacrifice, a striking extension of the term's usual cultic domain.
עַלfor, on behalf ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (beneficiary of atonement)עַל (H5921) 'upon, for'; standard preposition governing the object of atonement, as in cultic formulas (וְכִפֶּר עַל).
בְּנֵ֥יsons of/children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; standard construct for the nation.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain), object of atonementיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the beneficiaries of Phinehas's atoning zeal — the entire nation spared corporate destruction.
14
וְשֵׁם֩ אִ֨ישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל הַמֻּכֶּ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֻכָּה֙ אֶת הַמִּדְיָנִ֔ית זִמְרִ֖י בֶּן סָל֑וּא נְשִׂ֥יא בֵֽית אָ֖ב לַשִּׁמְעֹנִֽי
Now the name of the Israelite man who was struck down, who was struck down with the Midianite woman, was Zimri son of Salu, a chief of an ancestral house among the Simeonites.
A deliberately delayed unmasking: the anonymous offender of v.6 is now named and ranked — a tribal chief, Zimri son of Salu — heightening the scandal that leadership itself, not merely commoners, drove the apostasy.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְשֵׁם֩and the name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject (construct chain, identifying clause)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; introduces the long-withheld identification of the anonymous 'man' of v.6.
אִ֨ישׁthe man ofN m sg constr · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive (construct chain)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל, resuming the description from vv.6-8.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); marks the man's nationality, as in v.8.
הַמֻּכֶּ֗הwho was struck (down)art + Hophal ptc m sg abs · נָכָה (H5221)Attributive participle (relative substitute), modifying אִישׁ→ Participle (passive/Hophal): describes the resultant, completed state of being struck downנָכָה (H5221) Hophal 'to be struck, smitten'; passive participle naming the victim of Phinehas's spear — euphemistically 'struck' for the graphic 'pierced' of v.8.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces an explanatory relative clause elaborating הַמֻּכֶּה.
הֻכָּה֙was struck downHophal perf 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective (passive): the completed fact of his deathנָכָה (H5221) Hophal 'to be struck, killed'; restates the participle as a finite passive verb, emphasizing the finality of his death.
אֶתwith, together withprep · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase (association/accompaniment — not the obj.-marker homograph)אֵת (H854) 'with, together with' — the comitative preposition (distinct from the homographic direct-object marker H853), specifying that he was struck down together with the Midianite woman.
הַמִּדְיָנִ֔יתthe Midianite (woman)art + gentilic adj f sg abs · מִדְיָנִי (H4084)Object of preposition (with H854)מִדְיָנִי (H4084) 'Midianite'; the woman of vv.6, 8, about to be named Cozbi in v.15.
זִמְרִ֖יZimriproper noun · זִמְרִי (H2174)Subject complement/apposition (in apposition to אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל)זִמְרִי (H2174), related to the root זמר; the long-suspended name finally given — a Simeonite tribal chief, making his sin one of leadership, not obscurity.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; introduces his patronymic.
סָל֑וּאSaluproper noun · סָלוּא (H5543)Genitive (construct chain)סָלוּא (H5543), Zimri's father, otherwise unknown outside this genealogical notice.
נְשִׂ֥יאa chief/prince ofN m sg constr · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Apposition (title, construct chain)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chief, prince, leader'; Zimri's rank — a tribal leader among the Simeonites, sharpening the scandal: precisely the sort of 'chief' Moses had ordered impaled in v.4.
בֵֽיתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct with אָב, 'ancestral house' — a technical term for a clan subdivision of a tribe.
אָ֖בa father, ancestralN m sg abs (genitival) · אָב (H1)Genitive (construct chain)אָב (H1) 'father'; בֵּית אָב, 'father's house/ancestral house,' the standard clan-unit designation in Israel's genealogical structure.
לַשִּׁמְעֹנִֽיbelonging to the Simeonitesprep לְ + art + gentilic noun m sg abs · שִׁמְעֹנִי (H8099)Prepositional phrase (tribal affiliation)שִׁמְעֹנִי (H8099) 'Simeonite'; identifies Zimri's tribe — Simeon, notably the tribe whose census count drops most sharply between Numbers 1 and 26, likely reflecting this plague's toll (cf. Num 26:14).
15
וְשֵׁ֨ם הָֽאִשָּׁ֧ה הַמֻּכָּ֛ה הַמִּדְיָנִ֖ית כָּזְבִּ֣י בַת צ֑וּר רֹ֣אשׁ אֻמּ֥וֹת בֵּֽית אָ֛ב בְּמִדְיָ֖ן הֽוּא
And the name of the Midianite woman who was struck down was Cozbi, daughter of Zur, who was head of a people, of an ancestral house in Midian.
The woman's identity and pedigree mirror Zimri's exactly (name, status, patronymic, rank) — the narrator ensures both principals are named and ranked, so the reader grasps the scandal's full political weight before ch.31 avenges it.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְשֵׁ֨םand the name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject (construct chain, identifying clause)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; parallels v.14, now naming the woman.
הָֽאִשָּׁ֧הthe womanart + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive (construct chain)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman'; the previously unnamed Midianite woman of vv.6, 8, 14.
הַמֻּכָּ֛הwho was struck (down)art + Hophal ptc f sg abs · נָכָה (H5221)Attributive participle (relative substitute), modifying הָאִשָּׁה→ Participle (passive/Hophal): resultant, completed stateנָכָה (H5221) Hophal 'to be struck'; feminine counterpart to v.14's הַמֻּכֶּה — she shares Zimri's fate.
הַמִּדְיָנִ֖יתthe Midianiteart + gentilic adj f sg abs · מִדְיָנִי (H4084)Apposition (ethnic identifier)מִדְיָנִי (H4084) 'Midianite'; reiterates her nationality before the name is finally given.
כָּזְבִּ֣יCozbiproper noun · כָּזְבִּי (H3579)Subject complement (apposition)כָּזְבִּי (H3579), possibly related to כָּזָב 'lie, deception' — if so, an ironic/polemical name (real or applied) fitting the seduction narrative; a Midianite noblewoman.
בַתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; introduces her patronymic, paralleling בֶּן for Zimri.
צ֑וּרZurproper noun · צוּר (H6698)Genitive (construct chain)צוּר (H6698) 'rock'; Cozbi's father, later named among the Midianite kings killed in Num 31:8, confirming her high rank.
רֹ֣אשׁhead ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Apposition (title, construct chain)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head' → 'chief'; describes Zur (her father) as a tribal head, matching Zimri's own rank as נָשִׂיא — this was a liaison of leaders on both sides.
אֻמּ֥וֹתof peoples/clansN f pl abs (genitival) · אֻמָּה (H523)Genitive (construct chain)אֻמָּה (H523) 'people, tribe, clan'; רֹאשׁ אֻמּוֹת, 'head of clans/peoples' — a title of high Midianite leadership.
בֵּֽיתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; construct with אָב, 'ancestral house,' as in v.14 — the same technical clan terminology applied to the Midianite side.
אָ֛בa father, ancestralN m sg abs (genitival) · אָב (H1)Genitive (construct chain)אָב (H1) 'father'; completing 'ancestral house.'
בְּמִדְיָ֖ןin Midianprep בְּ + proper noun · מִדְיָן (H4080)Prepositional phrase (locative)מִדְיָן (H4080), the nation/region of Zur's leadership — Midian now joins Moab as the chapter's foreign antagonist, setting up ch.31's war of vengeance.
הֽוּאhe (was)independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject pronoun (emphatic, closing the identifying clause)הוּא (H1931) 'he'; resumes and closes the long identifying sentence, referring back to Zur — 'he (Zur) was head of clans... in Midian.'
16
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
A fresh messenger-formula introduces YHWH's command to harass Midian (vv.17-18), shifting focus from Phinehas's reward to corporate reprisal against the foreign instigators.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דִּבֶּר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause; introduces new divine speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; a second divine speech-formula opens the closing command regarding Midian.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); speaker of the concluding command to harass Midian.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Moses as recipient.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872); receives the final directive of the chapter.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival discourse marker (introduces direct quotation)→ Infinitive construct: formulaic introduction to reported speechאָמַר (H559) infinitive construct with לְ; standard 'saying' formula.
17
צָר֖וֹר אֶת הַמִּדְיָנִ֑ים וְהִכִּיתֶ֖ם אוֹתָֽם
Harass the Midianites and strike them down,
The imperative-then-weqatal pairing (צָרוֹר...וְהִכִּיתֶם) issues Israel's marching orders against Midian, escalating from individual execution (Zimri, Cozbi) to national reprisal, later carried out in ch.31.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
צָר֖וֹרharass!/be hostile to!Qal inf abs (used as imperative) · צָרַר (H6887)Predicate (infinitive absolute functioning as imperative — emphatic command)→ Infinitive absolute for imperative: heightened, emphatic/urgent forceצָרַר (H6887) 'to bind, be hostile to, harass, show enmity'; the infinitive-absolute-as-imperative construction lends the command peremptory force — treat Midian as an enemy without qualification.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַמִּדְיָנִים as direct object.
הַמִּדְיָנִ֑יםthe Midianitesart + gentilic noun m pl abs · מִדְיָנִי (H4084)Direct objectמִדְיָנִי (H4084) 'Midianite'; the target nation, held corporately responsible through Cozbi and Zur's role in the seduction.
וְהִכִּיתֶ֖םand you shall strike (them)conj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb (coordinate imperatival weqatal)→ Weqatal: continuing volitional force of the preceding imperative — a sustained commandנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; same verb used of Zimri's death (v.14) and Cozbi's (v.15), now commanded corporately against their entire nation.
אוֹתָֽםthem [obj]obj marker + suffix 3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with pronominal suffixאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, resuming הַמִּדְיָנִים as the object struck.
18
כִּ֣י צֹרְרִ֥ים הֵם֙ לָכֶ֔ם בְּנִכְלֵיהֶ֛ם אֲשֶׁר נִכְּל֥וּ לָכֶ֖ם עַל דְּבַר פְּע֑וֹר וְעַל דְּבַ֞ר כָּזְבִּ֨י בַת נְשִׂ֤יא מִדְיָן֙ אֲחֹתָ֔ם הַמֻּכָּ֥ה בְיוֹם הַמַּגֵּפָ֖ה עַל דְּבַר פְּעֽוֹר
for they have been hostile to you through their trickery with which they deceived you in the matter of Peor and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of the chief of Midian, their sister, who was struck down on the day of the plague on account of Peor.
A dense causal justification piles up terms for premeditated hostility (צֹרְרִים, נִכְלֵיהֶם, נִכְּלוּ) and closes by repeating 'the matter of Peor' twice, framing the coming war (ch.31) as measured retribution for calculated seduction, not unprovoked aggression.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
כִּ֣יfor, becauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (grounds for the preceding command)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the rationale for the harsh command of v.17.
צֹרְרִ֥יםhostile, adversariesQal ptc m pl abs · צָרַר (H6887)Predicate (participial nominal clause)→ Participle: ongoing, characterizing hostility, not a single actצָרַר (H6887) 'to be hostile, harass'; same root as v.17's imperative צָרוֹר — Midian's own hostility justifies the command to treat them as enemies (measure-for-measure).
הֵם֙theyindependent pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject (of participial clause)הֵם (H1992) 'they'; subject pronoun, the Midianites.
לָכֶ֔םto youprep לְ + suffix 2mpPrepositional phrase (object of hostility)לְ with 2mp suffix, 'to/against you' — Israel as the object of Midian's scheming hostility.
בְּנִכְלֵיהֶ֛םby/with their trickeryprep בְּ + N m pl constr + suffix 3mp · נֶכֶל (H5231)Prepositional phrase (means)נֶכֶל (H5231) 'trickery, craftiness, deceit'; a rare noun specifying the calculated nature of the Midianite/Moabite plot (cf. the Balaam connection, Num 31:16).
אֲשֶׁרwith which, by whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces a relative clause further specifying the trickery.
נִכְּל֥וּthey deceived/schemedPiel perf 3cp · נִכַּל (H5230)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, calculated act of deceptionנָכַל (H5230) Piel 'to deceive, deal craftily'; cognate with נֶכֶל, doubling the emphasis on premeditated scheming, not mere accident.
לָכֶ֖םagainst youprep לְ + suffix 2mpPrepositional phrase (object of deception)לְ with 2mp suffix, repeating the object of the scheme — Israel.
עַלconcerning, on account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (topic/cause)עַל (H5921) 'upon, concerning'; introduces the specific matter — Peor.
דְּבַרthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive (construct chain, object of עַל)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, affair'; דְּבַר פְּעוֹר, 'the affair of Peor,' summarizing the whole apostasy under one heading.
פְּע֑וֹרPeorproper noun · פְּעוֹר (H6465)Genitive (construct chain)פְּעוֹר (H6465); the place/deity, here noted with a distinct Strong's number from בַּעַל פְּעוֹר (H1187) in vv.3, 5 — same referent, the Baal-peor incident as a whole.
וְעַלand concerningconj וְ + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (topic), coordinateעַל (H5921) 'upon, concerning'; introduces the second, specific ground — Cozbi's affair.
דְּבַ֞רthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive (construct chain)דָּבָר (H1697) 'matter'; construct with כָּזְבִּי, naming the specific incident that has just occurred.
כָּזְבִּ֨יCozbiproper noun · כָּזְבִּי (H3579)Genitive (construct chain)כָּזְבִּי (H3579); named a third time (cf. v.15), her case singled out as paradigmatic of the whole Midianite scheme.
בַתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Apposition (genealogical identifier)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; introduces her rank via her father's title.
נְשִׂ֤יאthe chief ofN m sg constr · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Genitive (construct chain)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chief, prince'; here applied to her father (Zur, v.15, though called רֹאשׁ there — נָשִׂיא and רֹאשׁ used interchangeably for tribal leadership).
מִדְיָן֙Midianproper noun · מִדְיָן (H4080)Genitive (construct chain)מִדְיָן (H4080); the nation whose chief's daughter perpetrated the scheme — the whole nation thus implicated by its own leadership.
אֲחֹתָ֔םtheir sisterN f sg constr + suffix 3mp · אָחוֹת (H269)Appositionאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; 'their sister' — the Midianites', binding Cozbi's guilt to her whole people as one kin-group, justifying collective reprisal.
הַמֻּכָּ֥הwho was struck downart + Hophal ptc f sg abs · נָכָה (H5221)Attributive participle, modifying אֲחֹתָם/כָּזְבִּי→ Participle (passive): resultant state, her death now a fixed reference pointנָכָה (H5221) Hophal 'to be struck'; repeats vv.14-15's verb, closing the circle on Cozbi's fate as the immediate cause of the coming war.
בְיוֹםon the day ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with הַמַּגֵּפָה, dating her death precisely to the plague's climax.
הַמַּגֵּפָ֖הthe plagueart + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Genitive (construct chain)מַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague'; the scourge of vv.8-9, now retrospectively dated by Cozbi's death.
עַלon account ofprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase (cause), resuming/closing the clauseעַל (H5921) 'upon, on account of'; reprises the chapter's refrain, tying the whole verdict back to Peor.
דְּבַרthe matter ofN m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Genitive (construct chain)דָּבָר (H1697) 'matter'; final repetition, forming an inclusio with the verse's own opening דְּבַר פְּעוֹר.
פְּעֽוֹרPeorproper noun · פְּעוֹר (H6465)Genitive (construct chain)פְּעוֹר (H6465); the chapter closes its indictment exactly where it began — Baal-peor — bracketing the whole unit.
19
וַיְהִ֖י אַחֲרֵ֣י הַמַּגֵּפָ֑ה
And it happened after the plague...
A minimal one-clause verse, functioning purely as a chronological hinge — MT and most versions attach it to what precedes, but its content (a bare temporal note) points forward to the new census of ch.26, closing the Baal-peor narrative.
Word-by-word analysis· 3 words
וַיְהִ֖יand it happenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause; temporal transition formula)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — opens a new textual unit/transitionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the standard וַיְהִי transition formula, here bridging to the census of Numbers 26:1, which the MT connects directly to this verse.
אַחֲרֵ֣יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after'; situates the following material (the census, ch. 26) chronologically after the plague.
הַמַּגֵּפָ֑הthe plagueart + N f sg abs · מַגֵּפָה (H4046)Object of prepositionמַגֵּפָה (H4046) 'plague'; final occurrence of the chapter's key noun, closing the Baal-peor unit and setting up the second census that follows, likely necessitated by this very loss of life.