Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 32במדבר 32

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

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

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

Theme

Numbers 32 negotiates Reuben and Gad's Transjordan settlement: their request for grazing land nearly repeats the spies' fatal unbelief, until Moses converts it into a binding, witnessed covenant — armed vanguard service for the price of inheritance, sealed by the proverb that sin will find you out. The chapter closes by widening the grant to half-Manasseh, whose clans (Machir, Jair, Nobah) seize and rename Gilead by their own initiative — inheritance as both gift and earned trust.

Translation & textual notes

The MT of Numbers 32 is well preserved, but presents several notable cruxes. Verse 7 carries a classic ketiv-qere pair: the written text (תנואון) gives an unpointed Qal form, while tradition reads (qere) the Hiphil תְנִיאוּן — sharpening Moses' charge from 'why do you turn away' to the more culpable 'why do you dishearten', deliberately echoing the spies' sin of Numbers 13-14. The town-name lists show real fluidity between the tribes' opening request (v.3) and the building catalogue (vv.34-38): עֲטָרוֹת/עַטְרֹת שׁוֹפָן, אֶלְעָלֵה/אֶלְעָלֵא, שְׂבָם/שִׂבְמָה, and בְּעֹן/בַּעַל מְעוֹן vary in spelling or fuller form, most plausibly reflecting long-form versus short-form place names rather than corruption. Source-critically, v.33's abrupt introduction of 'the half-tribe of Manasseh' — never mentioned in the negotiation of vv.1-32 — combined with the annalistic conquest notices about Machir, Jair, and Nobah in vv.39-42 (in bare third-person narrative unlike the surrounding first-person-heavy dialogue) has long been read as an appended, probably older, Manassite conquest tradition secondarily joined to the Reuben-Gad negotiation account. No textual variant threatens these readings; the LXX and SP both preserve the same basic shape, differing only in minor onomastic details.

1

וּמִקְנֶ֣ה רַ֗ב הָיָ֞ה לִבְנֵ֧י רְאוּבֵ֛ן וְלִבְנֵי גָ֖ד עָצ֣וּם מְאֹ֑ד וַיִּרְא֞וּ אֶת אֶ֤רֶץ יַעְזֵר֙ וְאֶת אֶ֣רֶץ גִּלְעָ֔ד וְהִנֵּ֥ה הַמָּק֖וֹם מְק֥וֹם מִקְנֶֽה

Now the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad had livestock in great, exceedingly numerous quantity; and they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for livestock.

Scene-setting exposition (asyndetic opening)asyndeton
The chapter opens with a fronted casus pendens (וּמִקְנֶה רַב הָיָה) foregrounding the tribes' vast livestock as the narrative's motivating premise before any verb of action; the seeing (וַיִּרְאוּ) and the exclamatory וְהִנֵּה mark their own perception of Jazer and Gilead as ideal grazing land, triggering the request that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וּמִקְנֶ֣הand livestockconj וְ + N m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Subject (fronted casus pendens)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle', from קָנָה 'to acquire'; fronted to open the chapter with the tribes' defining asset.
רַ֗בgreatadj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Predicate adjective (with הָיָה)רַב (H7227) 'much, many, great'; first of two adjectives quantifying the livestock.
הָיָ֞הwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (existential, main clause)→ Perfective: states a settled, background factהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; existential 'there was', establishing the premise for what follows.
לִבְנֵ֧יto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Dative of possessionבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; opens the construct chain בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵן, 'the sons/tribe of Reuben'.
רְאוּבֵ֛ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name, construct chain)רְאוּבֵן (H7205), Jacob's firstborn (Gen 29:32); here the tribe descended from him, settled east of the Jordan.
וְלִבְנֵיand to the sons ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate dative of possessionבֵּן (H1121); continues the construct chain, adding the second tribe, Gad, alongside Reuben.
גָ֖דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410), Jacob's seventh son via Zilpah (Gen 30:11); the tribe, like Reuben, rich in flocks and herds.
עָצ֣וּםnumerous, mightyadj m sg abs · עָצוּם (H6099)Predicate adjective (second modifier)עָצוּם (H6099) 'mighty, vast in number', from עָצַם 'to be numerous/strong'; intensifies רַב before it.
מְאֹ֑דveryadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies עָצוּם, piling up emphasis on the tribes' wealth.
וַיִּרְא֞וּand they sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the tribes' visual assessment of the land is the narrative hinge triggering their request.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite object אֶרֶץ יַעְזֵר; untranslated in English.
אֶ֤רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (construct chain)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; in construct with יַעְזֵר, the first of two objects seen.
יַעְזֵר֙Jazerproper noun · יַעְזֵר (H3270)Genitive (place name)יַעְזֵר (H3270), an Amorite town in Gilead, taken in the conquest of Sihon (21:32); noted for pasture and vines (Isa 16:8-9).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks אֶרֶץ גִּלְעָד as the second definite object of וַיִּרְאוּ.
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (construct chain, second object)אֶרֶץ (H776), paired with Jazer as the second territory the tribes surveyed.
גִּלְעָ֔דGileadproper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Genitive (place name)גִּלְעָד (H1568), the hill country east of the Jordan famed for pasture and balm; the chapter's territorial focus.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse marker introducing a perceived factהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; marks the tribes' own vivid realization, presenting their conclusion as immediate perception.
הַמָּק֖וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Subject of the verbless clauseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; subject of the predicate-nominal clause that follows.
מְק֥וֹםa place ofN m sg constr · מָקוֹם (H4725)Predicate nominative (construct)מָקוֹם (H4725) in construct with מִקְנֶה: 'a place for livestock' — the land's defining trait, matching v.1a.
מִקְנֶֽהlivestockN m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Genitive completing the construct chainמִקְנֶה (H4735), echoing v.1a's opening word — the chapter's keyword, framing the whole request in economic terms.
2

וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ בְנֵֽי גָ֖ד וּבְנֵ֣י רְאוּבֵ֑ן וַיֹּאמְר֤וּ אֶל מֹשֶׁה֙ וְאֶל אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְאֶל נְשִׂיאֵ֥י הָעֵדָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר

And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben came and said to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying,

Narrative continuation (petition follows perception)וַ
A wayyiqtol chain (וַיָּבֹאוּ...וַיֹּאמְרוּ) advances the plot from private observation (v.1) to formal petition. The threefold addressee list — Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the tribal leaders — names the full leadership triad whose authority is required for any land allotment (cf. 34:17).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּand they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the tribes physically approach the leadership to present their case.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121); opens the construct naming the subject of the coming, 'the sons of Gad'.
גָ֖דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410), the tribe named first here (elsewhere often Reuben-then-Gad), reflecting Gad's initiative in the request.
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); adds Reuben as co-subject alongside Gad.
רְאוּבֵ֑ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205), the tribe, joined with Gad as co-petitioner throughout the chapter.
וַיֹּאמְר֤וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the direct speech of the petition that runs through v.5.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as the primary addressee of the petition.
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's leader; primary addressee, whose sharp reply dominates vv.6-15.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + prepositional phraseAdds Eleazar the priest as a second named addressee alongside Moses.
אֶלְעָזָ֣רEleazarproper noun · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Object of prepositionאֶלְעָזָר (H499), Aaron's son and successor as high priest (20:28); his presence signals the legal weight of the request.
הַכֹּהֵ֔ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition (identifying Eleazar's office)כֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; identifies Eleazar's office as high priest.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + prepositional phraseAdds the tribal leaders as a third, final class of addressee.
נְשִׂיאֵ֥יthe leaders ofN m pl constr · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Object of preposition (construct)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'chief, leader, prince'; the tribal heads representing the whole assembly.
הָעֵדָ֖הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive (construct completion)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the whole community represented by its leaders.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct marking direct discourse→ Infinitival: introduces quoted speechאָמַר (H559); the formulaic 'saying' opening the tribes' proposal recorded in vv.3-5.
3

עֲטָר֤וֹת וְדִיבֹן֙ וְיַעְזֵ֣ר וְנִמְרָ֔ה וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה וּשְׂבָ֥ם וּנְב֖וֹ וּבְעֹֽן

Atarot, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon —

Appositional list specifying the territory of v.1asyndeton
A verbless string of nine town names names precisely which towns the tribes have in view; several recur renamed or rebuilt in the chapter's closing catalogue (vv.34-38), tying this opening list to the final settlement record.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
עֲטָר֤וֹתAtarotproper noun · עֲטָרוֹת (H5852)First item in the place-name list (in view since v.1)עֲטָרוֹת (H5852) 'crowns'; a Gileadite town, later rebuilt by Gad (v.34).
וְדִיבֹן֙and Dibonconj וְ + proper noun · דִּיבוֹן (H1769)Coordinate item in the place-name listדִּיבוֹן (H1769), a former Amorite town taken from Sihon (21:30), rebuilt by Gad as דִּיבוֹן גָּד (v.34; 33:45).
וְיַעְזֵ֣רand Jazerconj וְ + proper noun · יַעְזֵר (H3270)Coordinate item in the place-name listיַעְזֵר (H3270), already named in v.1 as prime grazing country.
וְנִמְרָ֔הand Nimrahconj וְ + proper noun · נִמְרָה (H5247)Coordinate item in the place-name listנִמְרָה (H5247), likely 'pure/flowing water'; = בֵּית נִמְרָה rebuilt in v.36, near the Jordan plains.
וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹןand Heshbonconj וְ + proper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Coordinate item in the place-name listחֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809), Sihon's former royal city (21:26), later rebuilt by Reuben (v.37).
וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑הand Elealehconj וְ + proper noun · אֶלְעָלֵה (H500)Coordinate item in the place-name listאֶלְעָלֵה (H500) 'God has gone up'; near Heshbon, later rebuilt by Reuben (v.37).
וּשְׂבָ֥םand Sebamconj וְ + proper noun · שְׂבָם (H7643)Coordinate item in the place-name listשְׂבָם (H7643), = שִׂבְמָה of v.38, noted for its vineyards (cf. Isa 16:8-9).
וּנְב֖וֹand Neboconj וְ + proper noun · נְבוֹ (H5015)Coordinate item in the place-name listנְבוֹ (H5015), a town (distinct from Mount Nebo) named for a Moabite deity; among the cities 'changed as to name' in v.38.
וּבְעֹֽןand Beonconj וְ + proper noun · בְּעֹן (H1194)Final item in the place-name listבְּעֹן (H1194), short form of בַּעַל מְעוֹן (v.38), a Moabite site named for the Baal cult.
4

הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִכָּ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִפְנֵי֙ עֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶ֥רֶץ מִקְנֶ֖ה הִ֑וא וְלַֽעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ מִקְנֶֽה

the land that YHWH struck down before the congregation of Israel is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.

Continuation of direct speech (grounds for the request)asyndeton
Two verbless clauses (הָאָרֶץ...מִקְנֶה הִוא / וְלַעֲבָדֶיךָ מִקְנֶה) lay out the tribes' syllogism: the land is livestock-country, and we have livestock — premises from which v.5's request is drawn.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Casus pendens, resumed by הִואאֶרֶץ (H776); fronted as the topic of the verse, later resumed by the pronoun הִוא.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariant relative marker; introduces the clause identifying the land as YHWH's conquest.
הִכָּ֤הstruck downHiphil perf 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil 'strike down, defeat'; recalls YHWH's victories over Sihon and Og (21:21-35).
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הִכָּהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the true conqueror of the land, a point Moses will stress in v.22.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiomatic 'before, in the presence of', marking Israel as beneficiary of the conquest.
עֲדַ֣תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Object of preposition (construct)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'; in construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct completion)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant nation, here as a united congregation before its factional request.
אֶ֥רֶץa land ofN (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Predicate nominative (construct)אֶרֶץ (H776); in construct with מִקְנֶה, forming the predicate 'a land for livestock'.
מִקְנֶ֖הlivestockN m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Genitive completing the construct chainמִקְנֶה (H4735), completing the predicate 'a land for livestock' — the chapter's recurring keyword.
הִ֑ואit (is)indep pers pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Copula pronoun resuming the fronted subjectהִיא/הוּא (H1931), used as copula in a verbless clause, resuming the fronted הָאָרֶץ.
וְלַֽעֲבָדֶ֖יךָand to your servantsconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr/Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Dative of possession (second verbless clause)עֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant'; deferential self-reference to Moses, standard petition etiquette.
מִקְנֶֽהis livestockN m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Predicate nominative (second verbless clause)מִקְנֶה (H4735), repeated a third time in four verses as the tribes press their point.
5

וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ אִם מָצָ֤אנוּ חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ יֻתַּ֞ן אֶת הָאָ֧רֶץ הַזֹּ֛את לַעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ לַאֲחֻזָּ֑ה אַל תַּעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּֽן

And they said, "If we have found favor in your eyes, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not make us cross the Jordan."

Direct speech: the formal requestוַ
The petition is wrapped in courtly hypotaxis (אִם מָצָאנוּ חֵן) and a passive verb (יֻתַּן) that avoids naming Moses as the one who must act, yet climaxes in the blunt plea אַל תַּעֲבִרֵנוּ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּן — the very words that provoke Moses' anger in vv.6ff.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); reintroduces direct speech, now formally presenting the request itself (v.4 gave only the grounds).
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (petitionary formula)אִם (H518) 'if'; softens the request as a courteous conditional, 'if we have found favor...'.
מָצָ֤אנוּwe have foundQal perf 1cp · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (conditional clause)→ Perfective: a completed act treated as accomplished factמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; idiom מָצָא חֵן 'find favor', the standard formula of courteous petition (cf. Gen 33:15).
חֵן֙favorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct objectחֵן (H2580) 'favor, grace'; object of מָצָא in the fixed idiom for seeking someone's goodwill.
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָin your eyesprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr/Sp2ms · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiom 'in your eyes' = 'in your judgment, opinion'.
יֻתַּ֞ןlet it be givenHophal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (passive, volitive force)→ Passive imperfect used volitionally: a polite request cast as a wishנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Hophal (passive) 'be given', tactfully avoiding naming Moses as the one who must act.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (with a passive verb, marking the logical patient)אֵת (H853), marking הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת as the definite item to be given.
הָאָ֧רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Logical subject of the passive verbאֶרֶץ (H776); the Jazer/Gilead territory surveyed in vv.1-4.
הַזֹּ֛אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063), fem. demonstrative 'this', specifying the land just surveyed.
לַעֲבָדֶ֖יךָto your servantsprep לְ + N m pl constr/Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Indirect object (dative of recipient)עֶבֶד (H5650); the self-deferential 'your servants' repeated from v.4.
לַאֲחֻזָּ֑הas a possessionprep לְ + N f sg abs · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Adverbial predicate complement (purpose/result)אֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'possession, landed property', from אָחַז 'to grasp, take hold'; the technical legal term for inherited tribal territory — the request's key term.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negation of the volitive verbאַל (H408), negative used with jussive/imperfect for entreaty/prohibition, softer in tone than לֹא.
תַּעֲבִרֵ֖נוּmake us crossHiphil jussive 2ms/Sp1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (negated volitive, the plea's crux)→ Jussive: a polite but firm entreatyעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; Hiphil causative 'cause to cross'; the tribes' central plea — exemption from crossing the Jordan.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיַּרְדֵּֽןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383), the river marking the eastern edge of Canaan proper; crossing it means full participation in the conquest.
6

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִבְנֵי גָ֖ד וְלִבְנֵ֣י רְאוּבֵ֑ן הַאַֽחֵיכֶ֗ם יָבֹ֨אוּ֙ לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה וְאַתֶּ֖ם תֵּ֥שְׁבוּ פֹֽה

And Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, "Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here?"

Direct speech: Moses' opening rebukeasyndeton
Moses answers the petition not with a ruling but a stinging rhetorical question, juxtaposing הַאַחֵיכֶם ('your brothers') against וְאַתֶּם ('but you') across the disjunctive וְ. This opens the accusation of complacency that runs through v.15, invoking the Kadesh-barnea precedent.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses' furious reply, the chapter's longest speech (vv.6-15).
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872); his sharp rhetorical question opens the chapter's central rebuke.
לִבְנֵיto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object (construct)בֵּן (H1121); marks the addressees of Moses' reply.
גָ֖דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410), addressed first, as in v.2.
וְלִבְנֵ֣יand to the sons ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate indirect object (construct)בֵּן (H1121); adds Reuben as co-addressee.
רְאוּבֵ֑ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205), co-addressee alongside Gad.
הַאַֽחֵיכֶ֗םshall your brothersinterrog הֲ + N m pl constr/Sp2mp · אָח (H251)Subject (fronted, interrogative main clause)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the interrogative הֲ turns this into a pointed rhetorical question — the rebuke's opening barb.
יָבֹ֨אוּ֙goQal impf 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (interrogative main clause)→ Yiqtol: future/modal, the deployment still to comeבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go (into battle)'; the conquest west of the Jordan, not yet undertaken.
לַמִּלְחָמָ֔הto the warprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial phrase (goal)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; the campaign to conquer Canaan proper, still ahead of Israel.
וְאַתֶּ֖םwhile youconj וְ + indep pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject (disjunctive, contrastive)אַתֶּם (H859), emphatic independent pronoun sharply contrasted with 'your brothers'; disjunctive וְ marks the contrast.
תֵּ֥שְׁבוּsitQal impf 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (contrastive clause)→ Yiqtol: envisions continuing inactionיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; the accusation of complacent inaction while others fight.
פֹֽהhereadverb · פֹּה (H6311)Adverbial of placeפֹּה (H6311) 'here'; emphasizes the tribes' proposed location, safely east of the Jordan.
7

וְלָ֣מָּה תנואון תְנִיא֔וּן אֶת לֵ֖ב בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מֵֽעֲבֹר֙ אֶל הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן לָהֶ֖ם יְהוָֽה

Why then do you discourage the heart of the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land that YHWH has given them?

Continuation of Moses' rebuke (rhetorical question)asyndeton
The double writing of the verb (ketiv תנואון / qere תְנִיאוּן) is a classic ketiv-qere pair; the qere's Hiphil reading sharpens the charge of active demoralization, deliberately echoing the ראה/נוא vocabulary of the spy narrative (v.9; 13:31-14:4).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְלָ֣מָּהand whyconj וְ + prep לְ + interrog pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverb opening the clauseמָה (H4100) 'what'; with לְ forms לָמָּה 'why, for what purpose' — Moses' pointed challenge.
תנואוןyou discourage (ketiv)Qal impf 2mp + paragogic nun, ketiv (unpointed) · נוא (H5106)Predicate verb, ketiv (consonantal written form)→ Yiqtol: ongoing, culpable actionנוא (H5106) 'to hinder, discourage, restrain'; the ketiv (what is written) gives a Qal form; tradition instead reads the Hiphil qere (next word).
תְנִיא֔וּןyou discourage (qere)Hiphil impf 2mp + paragogic nun, qere (as read) · נוא (H5106)Predicate verb, qere (the traditionally read form)→ Yiqtol: ongoing, culpable actionנוא (H5106) Hiphil 'to discourage, deter, dishearten'; the qere read aloud, causative — Moses accuses them of actively demoralizing the nation, echoing the spies' sin (v.9; 13:31-14:4).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
לֵ֖בthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Direct object (construct)לֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind, will'; the nation's collective resolve — the very thing the spies broke in v.9.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct)בֵּן (H1121); construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct completion)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the whole nation whose morale is at stake.
מֵֽעֲבֹר֙from crossing overprep מִן + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitival complement (source/cause)→ Infinitive: the specific action being discouragedעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; names exactly what the tribes' request threatens to prevent.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413), marks the destination of the crossing.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776); Canaan proper, west of the Jordan.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift.
נָתַ֥ןhas givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a settled divine grantנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the land is already YHWH's accomplished gift, not merely a future prospect.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + Sp3mpIndirect objectלְ + suffix 'to them', referring to the Israelites.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068), the true giver of the land, stressing divine agency.
8

כֹּ֥ה עָשׂ֖וּ אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֑ם בְּשָׁלְחִ֥י אֹתָ֛ם מִקָּדֵ֥שׁ בַּרְנֵ֖עַ לִרְא֥וֹת אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ

Thus your fathers did, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.

Historical recital begins (analogy to the present)asyndeton
Moses pivots from rebuke to precedent, recounting the Kadesh-barnea spy mission (Num 13) in its own vocabulary (רָאָה, שָׁלַח) to press an implicit charge: this request echoes the spies' fear of the land, not faith in YHWH's gift of it.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
כֹּ֥הthusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial of manner (fronted)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; introduces Moses' recital of the Kadesh-barnea precedent (vv.8-13).
עָשׂ֖וּdidQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed historical actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the fathers' precedent Moses now recounts as a solemn warning.
אֲבֹתֵיכֶ֑םyour fathersN m pl constr/Sp2mp · אָב (H1)Subjectאָב (H1) 'father'; the exodus generation, condemned to die in the wilderness for this very episode (14:22-23).
בְּשָׁלְחִ֥יwhen I sentprep בְּ + Qal inf constr/Sp1cs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: marks simultaneity, 'when/while I sent'שָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Moses himself sent the twelve spies (13:3) — a personal, painful memory he now revisits.
אֹתָ֛םthemobj marker + Sp3mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of שָׁלַחאֵת + suffix, 'them' — the twelve spies of Numbers 13.
מִקָּדֵ֥שׁfrom Kadeshprep מִן + proper noun · קָדֵשׁ (H6947)Adverbial phrase (source)קָדֵשׁ (H6947), the oasis in the wilderness of Zin, staging point for the spy mission (13:26).
בַּרְנֵ֖עַBarneaproper noun · בַּרְנֵעַ (H6947)Apposition (place-name completion)בַּרְנֵעַ, completing קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ, the fuller name of the same site.
לִרְא֥וֹתto seeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive: expresses purposeרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the spies' mission — an ironic verbal echo of the tribes' own seeing in v.1.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776); Canaan, the land the spies were sent to reconnoiter — and then slandered (13:32).
9

וַֽיַּעֲל֞וּ עַד נַ֣חַל אֶשְׁכּ֗וֹל וַיִּרְאוּ֙ אֶת הָאָ֔רֶץ וַיָּנִ֕יאוּ אֶת לֵ֖ב בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לְבִלְתִּי בֹא֙ אֶל הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן לָהֶ֖ם יְהוָֽה

For they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, and they discouraged the heart of the sons of Israel from going into the land that YHWH had given them.

Historical recital continues (narrating the spies' sin)asyndeton
A tight wayyiqtol chain (עלה...ראה...נוא) narrates precisely how the fathers' unbelief unfolded — seeing rightly but concluding wrongly, then actively demoralizing the nation — the historical warrant for Moses' anger in vv.10-15.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַֽיַּעֲל֞וּand they went upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; the spies' ascent into the hill country (13:22).
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Adverbial prepositional phrase (extent)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the spies' furthest point of reconnaissance.
נַ֣חַלthe valley ofN m sg constr · נַחַל (H5158)Object of preposition (construct)נַחַל (H5158) 'wadi, valley (with stream)'; in construct with אֶשְׁכּוֹל.
אֶשְׁכּ֗וֹלEshcolproper noun · אֶשְׁכּוֹל (H812)Genitive (place name)אֶשְׁכּוֹל (H812) 'cluster (of grapes)'; named for the giant grape cluster the spies cut there (13:23-24).
וַיִּרְאוּ֙and they sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200); repeats v.8's verb — the spies did see the land rightly, but drew the wrong conclusion from it.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776), Canaan, the object seen but then slandered.
וַיָּנִ֕יאוּand they discouragedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · נוא (H5106)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence, resultative→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוא (H5106) Hiphil 'to discourage, deter'; the very charge Moses levels at the tribes in v.7, now shown historically enacted by the spies.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
לֵ֖בthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Direct object (construct)לֵב (H3820); the nation's morale, broken by the spies' report (13:32-14:1).
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct)בֵּן (H1121); construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct completion)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the whole nation demoralized by the spies' report.
לְבִלְתִּיso as not toprep לְ + negative particle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose/result particle before the infinitiveבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'not, except'; with לְ forms a negative infinitival complement, 'so as not to enter'.
בֹא֙enteringQal inf constr · בּוֹא (H935)Infinitival complement (negated)→ Infinitive: the action preventedבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; what the spies' discouragement succeeded in blocking — entry into the land.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413), marks the destination of the entry that was prevented.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776), repeated a third time in this verse, hammering the point.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause identifying the land as YHWH's gift.
נָתַ֥ןhad givenQal perf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: an accomplished divine grantנָתַן (H5414); repeats v.7 verbatim — despite YHWH's gift, the spies' fear prevailed over the nation.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + Sp3mpIndirect objectלְ + suffix 'to them', referring to the Israelites.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of נָתַןיְהוָה (H3068), the divine giver, named yet again.
10

וַיִּֽחַר אַ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע לֵאמֹֽר

So YHWH's anger burned on that day, and he swore, saying,

Historical recital continues (divine anger and oath)וַ
The idiom וַיִּחַר אַף יְהוָה, 'YHWH's anger burned', marks the pivot from the spies' sin to its consequence: a formal sworn oath (v.11) — the very anger Moses fears the tribes will 'add still more' to (v.14).
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled (of anger)'; idiom חָרָה אַף 'anger burned', now describing YHWH's own reaction.
אַ֥ףthe anger ofN m sg constr · אַף (H639)Subject (construct)אַף (H639) 'nose, anger'; anger figured as heated breath; in construct with יְהוָה.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct completion)יְהוָה (H3068), whose anger is provoked here as again in v.13.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial phrase (temporal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with הַהוּא, 'on that day' — the day of the spies' report (cf. 14:1).
הַה֑וּאthatart + pron 3ms (demonstrative use) · הוּא (H1931)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםהוּא (H1931), with the article functioning demonstratively: 'that (day)'.
וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖עand he sworeconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁבַע (H7650)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁבַע (H7650), Niphal (reflexive in form, active in sense) 'to swear'; introduces YHWH's binding oath of exclusion (14:21-23), quoted in v.11.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct marking direct discourse→ Infinitival: introduces quoted speechאָמַר (H559); introduces the divine oath quoted in vv.11-12.
11

אִם יִרְא֨וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים הָעֹלִ֣ים מִמִּצְרַ֗יִם מִבֶּ֨ן עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה אֵ֚ת הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֛עְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֑ב כִּ֥י לֹא מִלְא֖וּ אַחֲרָֽי

"Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land that I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not fully followed me,

Quoted divine oath beginsasyndeton
Moses now quotes YHWH's own sworn words verbatim (cf. 14:22-23), embedding a first-person divine oath inside his own third-person recital — the oath's אִם...יִרְאוּ formula is the strongest form of self-imprecating negation in Hebrew.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
אִםsurely notconj · אִם (H518)Oath particle (negative asseveration)אִם (H518) 'if'; in oath formulas functions as an emphatic negative, 'surely not' — the classic Hebrew self-imprecation pattern.
יִרְא֨וּshall seeQal impf 3mp · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (oath clause)→ Yiqtol under oath negation: an absolute denial of the futureרָאָה (H7200); the oath's central verb — this generation will never see the land, the direct penalty for the spies' report.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֜יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the military-age generation placed under the oath's ban.
הָעֹלִ֣יםwho came upart + Qal ptc m pl abs · עָלָה (H5927)Attributive participle modifying הָאֲנָשִׁים→ Participle: characterizes the subject by a completed past actionעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; describes the exodus generation as those 'who came up' out of Egypt.
מִמִּצְרַ֗יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + proper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Adverbial phrase (source)מִצְרַיִם (H4714), the land of bondage from which the exodus generation came.
מִבֶּ֨ןfrom (the age of)prep מִן + N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Adverbial phrase (age formula)בֵּן (H1121) in the idiom בֶּן + number, 'X years old'; marks the census-age threshold (cf. 1:3).
עֶשְׂרִ֤יםtwentynumeral (c) pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Numeral (age)עֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; the military/census age (1:3), the threshold for the oath's ban.
שָׁנָה֙yearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive of measureשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'.
וָמַ֔עְלָהand upwardconj וְ + adverb + directional ה · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial phrase (extends the age range)מַעְלָה (H4605) 'upward'; completes the census formula 'twenty years old and upward'.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאֲדָמָ֔הthe landart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Direct objectאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, land'; here synonymous with אֶרֶץ, the promised land.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause naming the patriarchal oath.
נִשְׁבַּ֛עְתִּיI sworeNiphal perf 1cs · שָׁבַע (H7650)Predicate verb (relative clause, divine first person)→ Perfective: a completed, binding divine oathשָׁבַע (H7650); YHWH's own oath to the patriarchs (Gen 12:7; 26:3; 28:13), the standard by which this generation is measured and found wanting.
לְאַבְרָהָ֥םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Indirect objectאַבְרָהָם (H85), first recipient of the land promise (Gen 12:7).
לְיִצְחָ֖קto Isaacprep לְ + proper noun · יִצְחָק (H3327)Indirect objectיִצְחָק (H3327), second patriarch of the land promise.
וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֑בand to Jacobconj וְ + prep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect objectיַעֲקֹב (H3290), third patriarch, completing the triad Abraham-Isaac-Jacob.
כִּ֥יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground of the oathכִּי (H3588) 'because, for'; introduces the reason for the ban's severity.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
מִלְא֖וּthey have fully followedPiel perf 3cp · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: a settled failureמָלֵא (H4390) 'to fill'; Piel idiom מִלֵּא אַחֲרֵי 'to fully follow, be wholly devoted to'; negated here — the fatal charge against the spy generation.
אַחֲרָֽיafter meprep + Sp1cs · אַחַר (H310)Object of the idiom מָלֵא אַחֲרֵיאַחַר (H310) 'after'; completes the idiom 'fully follow after me' — YHWH's own voice heard within the oath.
12

בִּלְתִּ֞י כָּלֵ֤ב בֶּן יְפֻנֶּה֙ הַקְּנִזִּ֔י וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ בִּן נ֑וּן כִּ֥י מִלְא֖וּ אַחֲרֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have fully followed YHWH."

Exception clause within the quoted oathasyndeton
בִּלְתִּי isolates Caleb and Joshua as the sole exceptions to the ban; their faithfulness (מִלְאוּ אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה) is explicitly contrasted with the rest of their generation — the positive model Moses implicitly sets against Reuben and Gad's request.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
בִּלְתִּ֞יexceptparticle · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Exceptive particleבִּלְתִּי (H1115) 'except, apart from'; introduces the two exceptions to the oath's ban.
כָּלֵ֤בCalebproper noun · כָּלֵב (H3612)Subject (exception)כָּלֵב (H3612), one of the twelve spies, who alone with Joshua gave a faithful report (13:30; 14:6-9).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct.
יְפֻנֶּה֙Jephunnehproper noun · יְפֻנֶּה (H3312)Genitive (patronymic completion)יְפֻנֶּה (H3312), Caleb's father.
הַקְּנִזִּ֔יthe Kenizziteart + gentilic · קְנִזִּי (H7074)Apposition (gentilic identifier)קְנִזִּי (H7074), gentilic from קְנַז; Caleb's clan affiliation, of non-Israelite (Edomite-adjacent) origin absorbed into Judah.
וִיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַand Joshuaconj וְ + proper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Coordinate subject (exception)יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), the other faithful spy, Moses' eventual successor, named alongside Caleb here as at Eleazar's side in v.28.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct.
נ֑וּןNunproper noun · נוּן (H5126)Genitive (patronymic completion)נוּן (H5126), Joshua's father.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588); grounds the exception in Caleb and Joshua's faithfulness.
מִלְא֖וּthey have fully followedPiel perf 3cp · מָלֵא (H4390)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: a settled, contrasting factמָלֵא (H4390); repeats v.11's idiom positively — Caleb and Joshua DID fully follow, unlike their peers.
אַחֲרֵ֥יafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Object of the idiom מָלֵא אַחֲרֵיאַחַר (H310); completes the idiom, now with YHWH as its object.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition אַחֲרֵייְהוָה (H3068); the object of Caleb and Joshua's wholehearted allegiance.
13

וַיִּֽחַר אַ֤ף יְהוָה֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיְנִעֵם֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר אַרְבָּעִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה עַד תֹּם֙ כָּל הַדּ֔וֹר הָעֹשֶׂ֥ה הָרַ֖ע בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

So YHWH's anger burned against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the eyes of YHWH was finished.

Historical recital concludes (the sentence carried out)asyndeton
Restates the חָרָה אַף formula of v.10, now specifying the sentence: forty years of aimless wandering until the entire guilty generation had died out (14:33-35) — the paradigm case Moses fears repeating in v.14-15.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרָה (H2734); the second outbreak of divine anger in this speech (cf. v.10), now specifying the consequence.
אַ֤ףthe anger ofN m sg constr · אַף (H639)Subject (construct)אַף (H639) 'nose, anger'; construct with יְהוָה.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct completion)יְהוָה (H3068).
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לagainst Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Adverbial phrase (object of the anger)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the anger targets the whole nation, since the people believed the spies' report (14:1-4).
וַיְנִעֵם֙and he made them wanderconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms/Sp3mp · נוּעַ (H5128)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנוּעַ (H5128) 'to shake, wander'; Hiphil causative — the forty-year sentence of aimless wandering (14:33-34).
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Adverbial phrase (location)מִדְבָּר (H4057) 'wilderness, desert'; the Sinai/Paran wasteland of the wandering years.
אַרְבָּעִ֖יםfortynumeral (c) pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral (duration)אַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'; matches the forty days of spying, a year of wandering for each day (14:34).
שָׁנָ֑הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive of measureשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal terminus)עַד (H5704), marks the endpoint of the forty years.
תֹּם֙the finishing ofQal inf constr · תָּמַם (H8552)Infinitival complement (temporal)→ Infinitive: marks the terminus of the wanderingתָּמַם (H8552) 'to be complete, come to an end'; the dying-off of the whole condemned generation.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct with הַדּוֹר.
הַדּ֔וֹרthe generationart + N m sg abs · דּוֹר (H1755)Genitive (construct completion)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; the entire exodus generation of military age.
הָעֹשֶׂ֥הthat didart + Qal ptc m sg abs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Attributive participle modifying הַדּוֹר→ Participle: characterizes the generation by habitual actionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; characterizes the whole generation by its besetting sin.
הָרַ֖עevilart + adj m sg abs · רַע (H7451)Direct objectרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad'; the moral verdict on the spies' report and the nation's response to it.
בְּעֵינֵ֥יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N (c) dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Adverbial phrase (standard of judgment)עַיִן (H5869); idiom 'in the eyes of YHWH' = 'in YHWH's judgment'.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct completion)יְהוָה (H3068), the divine judge whose verdict this is.
14

וְהִנֵּ֣ה קַמְתֶּ֗ם תַּ֚חַת אֲבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם תַּרְבּ֖וּת אֲנָשִׁ֣ים חַטָּאִ֑ים לִסְפּ֣וֹת ע֗וֹד עַ֛ל חֲר֥וֹן אַף יְהוָ֖ה אֶל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And behold, you have risen up in place of your fathers, a brood of sinful men, to add still more to the burning anger of YHWH against Israel.

Climax of the rebuke: direct accusationוְ
The chapter's sharpest line: תַּרְבּוּת אֲנָשִׁים חַטָּאִים, 'a brood of sinful men' — Moses casts the tribes not as innocent petitioners but as heirs re-enacting the condemned generation's unbelief, poised to reignite (לִסְפּוֹת עוֹד עַל) the very חֲרוֹן אַף that destroyed their fathers.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהִנֵּ֣הand beholdconj וְ + interjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse marker introducing indignant observationהִנֵּה (H2009); marks Moses' vivid, indignant pointing at the tribes' present action, echoing v.1's narrative הִנֵּה.
קַמְתֶּ֗םyou have risenQal perf 2mp · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, damning actקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; idiom 'rise up in place of' — stepping directly into the condemned fathers' role.
תַּ֚חַתin place ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Adverbial prepositional phraseתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, instead of'; marks succession — the sons replacing the fathers in guilt.
אֲבֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔םyour fathersN m pl constr/Sp2mp · אָב (H1)Object of preposition תַּחַתאָב (H1); the condemned exodus generation just recounted in vv.8-13.
תַּרְבּ֖וּתa brood ofN f sg constr · תַּרְבּוּת (H8635)Predicate nominative (construct, in apposition to the subject)תַּרְבּוּת (H8635) 'increase, brood', from רָבָה 'to increase'; a rare, biting term — 'spawn of sinners' — the chapter's most cutting phrase.
אֲנָשִׁ֣יםof menN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Genitive (construct completion)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; completing the construct 'brood of men'.
חַטָּאִ֑יםsinfuladj m pl abs · חַטָּא (H2400)Attributive adjective modifying אֲנָשִׁיםחַטָּא (H2400) 'sinful'; from the same root as חֵטְא/חַטָּאת, anticipating v.23's wordplay on sin.
לִסְפּ֣וֹתto addprep לְ + Qal inf constr · סָפָה (H5595)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive: expresses result/purposeסָפָה (H5595) 'to add, increase, sweep away'; here 'add to' YHWH's anger — an ironic use of a root that elsewhere denotes destruction.
ע֗וֹדstill moreadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial intensifierעוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, more'; intensifies the addition — 'yet more still'.
עַ֛לtoprep · עַל (H5921)Adverbial prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; marks what is being added to.
חֲר֥וֹןthe burning ofN m sg constr · חָרוֹן (H2740)Object of preposition (construct)חָרוֹן (H2740) 'burning, heat'; construct with אַף, forming 'the burning anger'.
אַףthe anger ofN m sg constr · אַף (H639)Genitive (construct completion)אַף (H639); construct with יְהוָה, completing 'the burning anger of YHWH'.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive (construct completion)יְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלagainstprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (target of the anger)אֶל (H413), marks the target of YHWH's anger.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Object of prepositionיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the whole nation again at risk, as in v.13.
15

כִּ֤י תְשׁוּבֻן֙ מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יו וְיָסַ֣ף ע֔וֹד לְהַנִּיח֖וֹ בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְשִֽׁחַתֶּ֖ם לְכָל הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּֽה

For if you turn away from following him, he will again abandon them in the wilderness, and you will destroy all this people.

Warning: consequence of apostasy (conditional)asyndeton
A conditional warning whose apodosis doubles the threat: YHWH would again abandon the nation in the wilderness, and the tribes themselves would be the agents (וְשִׁחַתֶּם) of that whole people's ruin — raising the stakes from personal exemption to national catastrophe.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
כִּ֤יfor ifconj · כִּי (H3588)Conditional/causal conjunction introducing the warningכִּי (H3588); here conditional, 'if', introducing the consequence Moses fears.
תְשׁוּבֻן֙you turn awayQal impf 2mp + paragogic nun · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: a feared future possibilityשׁוּב (H7725) 'to turn, return'; here 'turn back from following' — covenant apostasy, not literal return.
מֵֽאַחֲרָ֔יוfrom following himprep מִן + prep אַחַר/Sp3msAdverbial complement of תְשׁוּבֻןאַחַר (H310) + suffix; idiom שׁוּב מֵאַחֲרֵי 'turn back from following (YHWH)' — an act of covenant unfaithfulness.
וְיָסַ֣ףthen he will againconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (apodosis, auxiliary)→ Weqatal: consequence following the conditional protasisיָסַף (H3254) 'to add, continue, do again'; auxiliary verb — 'he will yet again leave them'.
ע֔וֹדagainadverb · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial intensifier reinforcing יָסַףעוֹד (H5750); reinforces the auxiliary sense of יָסַף — a repetition of the wilderness sentence.
לְהַנִּיח֖וֹto leave themprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr/Sp3ms · ינח/נוח (H3240)Infinitival complement of יָסַף→ Infinitive: the action to be repeatedינח/נוח (H3240) Hiphil 'to leave, set down, abandon'; the threatened repeat of the forty-year abandonment (v.13).
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑רin the wildernessprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִדְבָּר (H4057)Adverbial phrase (location)מִדְבָּר (H4057); the same wilderness of v.13, now threatened again.
וְשִֽׁחַתֶּ֖םand you will destroyconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2mp · שָׁחַת (H7843)Predicate verb (apodosis, second consequence)→ Weqatal: a consequential future resultשָׁחַת (H7843) 'to ruin, destroy, corrupt'; Piel transitive — the tribes themselves would become agents of the nation's ruin.
לְכָלallprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Object marked by לְ (dative of disadvantage)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; the לְ marks the object of שִׁחַתֶּם.
הָעָ֥םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive (construct completion)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole nation of Israel, put at risk by one tribal decision.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), demonstrative 'this', underscoring the immediacy of the danger.
16

וַיִּגְּשׁ֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ וַ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּ גִּדְרֹ֥ת צֹ֛אן נִבְנֶ֥ה לְמִקְנֵ֖נוּ פֹּ֑ה וְעָרִ֖ים לְטַפֵּֽנוּ

Then they came near to him and said, "We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones,

Negotiation begins: revised proposalasyndeton
Chastened by Moses' rebuke, the tribes approach again with a concrete building plan (folds and towns) rather than a bare request for exemption — the first move toward the compromise finalized in vv.20-24.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּגְּשׁ֤וּand they came nearconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָגַשׁ (H5066) 'to approach, draw near'; a conciliatory move after Moses' rebuke, opening the negotiation.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep + Sp3ms · אֶל (H413)Adverbial phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) + suffix, 'to him' — Moses.
וַ֣יֹּאמְר֔וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces the tribes' revised, more concrete proposal (vv.16-19).
גִּדְרֹ֥תsheepfolds ofN f pl constr · גְּדֵרָה (H1448)Direct object (construct)גְּדֵרָה (H1448) 'wall, sheepfold'; stone enclosures for flocks — a concession to build infrastructure, not merely settle.
צֹ֛אןflocksN (c) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive (construct completion)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats'; specifies the livestock the folds will house.
נִבְנֶ֥הwe will buildQal impf 1cp · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: a proposed future commitmentבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the first of the tribes' concrete construction pledges (cf. vv.24, 34-38).
לְמִקְנֵ֖נוּfor our livestockprep לְ + N m sg constr/Sp1cp · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Adverbial phrase (beneficiary)מִקְנֶה (H4735); the chapter's keyword recurs, tying the proposal back to v.1's premise.
פֹּ֑הhereadverb · פֹּה (H6311)Adverbial of placeפֹּה (H6311) 'here'; specifying Transjordan as the site of the folds.
וְעָרִ֖יםand citiesconj וְ + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Coordinate direct objectעִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; a second, more substantial building commitment for their dependents.
לְטַפֵּֽנוּfor our little onesprep לְ + N m sg constr/Sp1cp · טַף (H2945)Adverbial phrase (beneficiary)טַף (H2945) 'little ones, dependents'; the key term for children/non-combatants, central to the concession structured through v.27.
17

וַאֲנַ֜חְנוּ נֵחָלֵ֣ץ חֻשִׁ֗ים לִפְנֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִם הֲבִֽיאֹנֻ֖ם אֶל מְקוֹמָ֑ם וְיָשַׁ֤ב טַפֵּ֨נוּ֙ בְּעָרֵ֣י הַמִּבְצָ֔ר מִפְּנֵ֖י יֹשְׁבֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ

but we will arm ourselves, in readiness, before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

The concession's core pledge: armed vanguard serviceוְ
The pivotal counter-pledge of the whole chapter: the tribes will go נֵחָלֵץ חֻשִׁים, 'armed, in readiness', before Israel until the conquest is complete, while their dependents remain safely garrisoned — terms Moses formalizes as binding conditions in vv.20-24.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַאֲנַ֜חְנוּbut weconj וְ + indep pron 1cp · אֲנַחְנוּ (H587)Subject (contrastive, emphatic)אֲנַחְנוּ (H587), emphatic 'we', contrasted with the little ones/livestock just mentioned — WE ourselves will go to fight.
נֵחָלֵ֣ץwill arm ourselvesNiphal impf 1cp · חָלַץ (H2502)Predicate verb (main clause, volitive)→ Yiqtol with cohortative force: a solemn commitmentחָלַץ (H2502) Niphal 'to arm/equip oneself'; the chapter's key military term defining the tribes' pledge (cf. vv.20-21,27,29-30,32).
חֻשִׁ֗יםin readinessQal ptc m pl abs · חוּשׁ (H2363)Adverbial participle modifying the main verb→ Participle: describes urgency/mannerחוּשׁ (H2363) 'to hurry, hasten'; describes the eagerness of the tribes' military commitment.
לִפְנֵי֙beforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom 'before, in front of' — the vanguard position, the recurring key condition (vv.21,29,32).
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (construct)בֵּן (H1121); construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct completion)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the other tribes the vanguard will precede.
עַ֛דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal limit)עַד (H5704), marks the temporal limit of the tribes' military commitment.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Compound with עַד: 'until'אֲשֶׁר (H834); with עַד forms the compound conjunction עַד אֲשֶׁר 'until'.
אִםconditional particle · אִם (H518)Reinforces the temporal clause עַד אֲשֶׁראִם (H518); with עַד אֲשֶׁר forms an emphatic temporal-conditional, 'until such time as'; untranslated in English.
הֲבִֽיאֹנֻ֖םwe have brought themHiphil perf 1cp/Sp3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (temporal clause)→ Perfective: envisions a future-completed conditionבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil causative 'bring, cause to come'; the pledge to see the whole nation settled before returning home.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413), marks the destination.
מְקוֹמָ֑םtheir placeN m sg constr/Sp3mp · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of prepositionמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'; each Israelite tribe's allotted inheritance west of the Jordan.
וְיָשַׁ֤בand shall dwellconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (consequence clause)→ Weqatal: a future arrangement following the commitmentיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, sit'; of the dependents remaining safely behind.
טַפֵּ֨נוּ֙our little onesN m sg constr/Sp1cp · טַף (H2945)Subjectטַף (H2945); the dependents whose safety justifies the fortified-city building plan.
בְּעָרֵ֣יin the cities ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Adverbial phrase (location, construct)עִיר (H5892); in construct with הַמִּבְצָר.
הַמִּבְצָ֔רthe fortificationart + N m sg abs · מִבְצָר (H4013)Genitive (construct completion)מִבְצָר (H4013) 'fortress, stronghold'; specifies the cities as fortified, addressing security concerns for the dependents.
מִפְּנֵ֖יbecause ofprep מִן + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (cause)פָּנִים (H6440); idiom 'from before, because of' — the threat posed by the land's inhabitants.
יֹשְׁבֵ֥יthe inhabitants ofQal ptc m pl constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle (construct)→ Participle: a characterizing, ongoing stateיָשַׁב (H3427); substantival 'dwellers, inhabitants' — the still-hostile population of the land.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct completion)אֶרֶץ (H776); Gilead/Transjordan, not yet fully pacified.
18

לֹ֥א נָשׁ֖וּב אֶל בָּתֵּ֑ינוּ עַ֗ד הִתְנַחֵל֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אִ֖ישׁ נַחֲלָתֽוֹ

We will not return to our houses until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance.

The pledge's temporal boundaryasyndeton
לֹא נָשׁוּב...עַד sets a concrete, verifiable endpoint for the tribes' military obligation: not merely 'until the fighting stops' but 'until every last Israelite (אִישׁ נַחֲלָתוֹ) has his own inheritance' — an unusually generous, self-binding commitment.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative.
נָשׁ֖וּבwe will returnQal impf 1cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Yiqtol: a firm future pledgeשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; here literal, contrasting with the figurative apostasy-sense of v.15.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (goal)אֶל (H413), marks the destination.
בָּתֵּ֑ינוּour housesN m pl constr/Sp1cp · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prepositionבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the tribes' own Transjordan homes, not to be returned to prematurely.
עַ֗דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal limit)עַד (H5704), marks the pledge's temporal limit.
הִתְנַחֵל֙has taken possessionHitpael inf constr · נָחַל (H5157)Infinitival temporal clause→ Infinitive: marks the completion conditionנָחַל (H5157) Hitpael 'take possession for oneself, receive an inheritance'; the tribal land allotment west of the Jordan (ch.34).
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); construct with יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct completion)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
אִ֖ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive apposition (subject)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive, 'each one', with נַחֲלָתוֹ — every single Israelite.
נַחֲלָתֽוֹhis inheritanceN f sg constr/Sp3ms · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Direct objectנַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance'; the allotted tribal territory that must be secured for everyone before the tribes will go home.
19

כִּ֣י לֹ֤א נִנְחַל֙ אִתָּ֔ם מֵעֵ֥בֶר לַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן וָהָ֑לְאָה כִּ֣י בָ֤אָה נַחֲלָתֵ֨נוּ֙ אֵלֵ֔ינוּ מֵעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן מִזְרָֽחָה

For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.

Clarification: the tribes' inheritance lies east, not westכִּי
The double עֵבֶר (v.19a the far/western side, v.19b the near/eastern side) is a deliberate wordplay from the tribes' own perspective, clarifying they seek no share west of the Jordan — the geographic basis for fighting for others' land while claiming none of it themselves.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588), explaining why fortified cities and vanguard service matter — the tribes will not share in the western allotment.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate verbלֹא (H3808), negates the verb of inheriting.
נִנְחַל֙we will inheritQal impf 1cp · נָחַל (H5157)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Yiqtol: a stated future factנָחַל (H5157) 'to inherit, take possession'; Qal — the tribes will NOT inherit territory west of the Jordan.
אִתָּ֔םwith themprep + Sp3mp · אֵת (H854)Adverbial phrase (accompaniment)אֵת (H854) 'with'; 'with them' = with the rest of Israel, in the western territory.
מֵעֵ֥בֶרon the far side ofprep מִן + N m sg abs · עֵבֶר (H5676)Adverbial phrase (location)עֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; here the FAR (western) side from the tribes' own perspective — Canaan proper.
לַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanprep לְ + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of prepositionיַרְדֵּן (H3383), the river dividing the two territories.
וָהָ֑לְאָהand beyondconj וְ + adverb · הָלְאָה (H1973)Adverbial phrase (extent)הָלְאָה (H1973) 'onward, beyond'; reinforces עֵבֶר, 'across and beyond' — decisively on the far side.
כִּ֣יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588), introduces the reason: their inheritance already lies elsewhere.
בָ֤אָהhas comeQal perf 3fs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: an accomplished, settled factבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; their inheritance has already 'come to' them — the matter is as good as settled.
נַחֲלָתֵ֨נוּ֙our inheritanceN f sg constr/Sp1cp · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Subjectנַחֲלָה (H5159); the Transjordan territory described in vv.1-4.
אֵלֵ֔ינוּto usprep + Sp1cp · אֶל (H413)Adverbial phrase (goal)אֶל (H413) + suffix, 'to us'.
מֵעֵ֥בֶרon the side ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Adverbial phrase (location, construct)עֵבֶר (H5676); now the NEAR (eastern) side — the same word, opposite referent, a deliberate wordplay marking their chosen territory.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive (construct completion)יַרְדֵּן (H3383).
מִזְרָֽחָהeastwardN m sg abs + directional ה · מִזְרָח (H4217)Adverbial phrase (direction)מִזְרָח (H4217) 'east, sunrise'; with directional ה, 'eastward' — confirms Gilead as their permanent, eastern possession.
20

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה אִֽם תַּעֲשׂ֖וּן אֶת הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה אִם תֵּחָֽלְצ֛וּ לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לַמִּלְחָמָֽה

And Moses said to them, "If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves before YHWH for the war,

Moses' conditional ruling beginsוַ
Moses reframes the tribes' own proposal as a formal double condition (אִם...אִם), converting their voluntary pledge into a binding stipulation 'before YHWH' — the grant of Gilead now hinges strictly on performance.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses' formal conditional acceptance (vv.20-24).
אֲלֵיהֶם֙to themprep + Sp3mp · אֶל (H413)Adverbial phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) + suffix, 'to them' — the tribal representatives.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872), now moving from rebuke to formal ruling.
אִֽםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (protasis)אִם (H518); opens the first of two paired conditions structuring Moses' ruling.
תַּעֲשׂ֖וּןyou will doQal impf 2mp + paragogic nun · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: a stated future conditionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the general condition, specified in the following clause.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַדָּבָ֣רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct objectדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; refers cataphorically to the vanguard pledge restated in the next clause.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַדָּבָרזֶה (H2088), 'this'.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (second, specifying protasis)אִם (H518); the second condition, naming the specific act required — armed crossing.
תֵּחָֽלְצ֛וּyou will arm yourselvesNiphal impf 2mp · חָלַץ (H2502)Predicate verb (conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: the specific required conditionחָלַץ (H2502); Moses repeats the tribes' own key verb (v.17) back to them as the formal condition of the grant.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); 'before YHWH' recasts the vanguard service as a religious obligation, not merely a duty to Israel.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
לַמִּלְחָמָֽהfor the warprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial phrase (purpose)מִלְחָמָה (H4421); the conquest of Canaan proper.
21

וְעָבַ֨ר לָכֶ֧ם כָּל חָל֛וּץ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה עַ֧ד הוֹרִישׁ֛וֹ אֶת אֹיְבָ֖יו מִפָּנָֽיו

and every armed man among you crosses the Jordan before YHWH, until he has driven out his enemies from before him,

Condition continues: the concrete act of crossingוְ
Restates נֵחָלֵץ (vv.17,20) as חָלוּץ crossing 'before YHWH' — the divine warrior's own campaign (הוֹרִישׁוֹ...מִפָּנָיו) casts the conquest as YHWH's act, in which the tribes merely take part.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְעָבַ֨רand crossesconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (continuing the conditional series)→ Weqatal: continues the conditional protasisעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the physical crossing of the Jordan, the concrete act fulfilling the condition.
לָכֶ֧םamong youprep + Sp2mp · לְAdverbial phrase (partitive/possessive)לְ + suffix; idiom 'belonging to you' = every armed man of your tribes.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct)כֹּל (H3605); construct with חָלוּץ, 'every armed one'.
חָל֛וּץarmed oneQal passive ptc m sg abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Genitive (construct completion, substantival participle)→ Participle: describes an equipped stateחָלַץ (H2502); substantival passive participle, 'one who is armed/equipped' — the chapter's technical term for the tribes' fighting men.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); again 'before YHWH', reiterating the religious framing of the pledge.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
עַ֧דuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal limit)עַד (H5704), marks the campaign's completion point.
הוֹרִישׁ֛וֹhe has dispossessedHiphil inf constr/Sp3ms · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Infinitival temporal clause→ Infinitive: marks the completion conditionיָרַשׁ (H3423) Hiphil 'to dispossess, drive out'; subject is YHWH — he drives out the enemy before Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֹיְבָ֖יוhis enemiesQal ptc (substantival) m pl constr/Sp3ms · אֹיֵב (H341)Direct objectאֹיֵב (H341) 'enemy', substantival participle of אָיַב; the Canaanite peoples yet to be conquered.
מִפָּנָֽיוfrom before himprep מִן + N (c) pl constr/Sp3ms · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (source)פָּנִים (H6440); idiom 'from before him' = out of his path — YHWH's own conquest, driving out the enemy.
22

וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֨ה הָאָ֜רֶץ לִפְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙ וְאַחַ֣ר תָּשֻׁ֔בוּ וִהְיִיתֶ֧ם נְקִיִּ֛ים מֵיְהוָ֖ה וּמִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְ֠הָיְתָה הָאָ֨רֶץ הַזֹּ֥את לָכֶ֛ם לַאֲחֻזָּ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

and the land is subdued before YHWH, then afterward you shall return, and you shall be free of obligation toward YHWH and toward Israel, and this land shall be your possession before YHWH.

Condition concludes; the grant clause statedוְ
The conditional chain (vv.20-22) reaches its apodosis: performance yields both a cleared legal status (נְקִיִּים מֵיְהוָה וּמִיִּשְׂרָאֵל) and formal title to the land 'before YHWH' — the whole arrangement cast as a solemn, witnessed legal transaction.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֨הand is subduedconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3fs · כָּבַשׁ (H3533)Predicate verb (conditional continuation)→ Weqatal: continues the conditional seriesכָּבַשׁ (H3533) Niphal 'be subdued, conquered'; the land's pacification as the final benchmark of the condition.
הָאָ֜רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subjectאֶרֶץ (H776); Canaan, the land west of the Jordan.
לִפְנֵ֤יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); 'before YHWH' a third time in this speech.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
וְאַחַ֣רand afterwardconj וְ + adverb · אַחַר (H310)Adverbial phrase (temporal sequence)אַחַר (H310) 'after, afterward'; marks the sequence — return comes only after the land is subdued.
תָּשֻׁ֔בוּyou shall returnQal impf 2mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: a permitted future actionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; permission granted — home at last, once the condition is fulfilled.
וִהְיִיתֶ֧םand you shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Weqatal: a resulting stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the tribes' cleared legal status.
נְקִיִּ֛יםfree, guiltlessadj m pl abs · נָקִי (H5355)Predicate adjectiveנָקִי (H5355) 'clean, innocent, exempt'; legal-covenantal term — cleared of any charge of failing either YHWH or Israel.
מֵיְהוָ֖הfrom YHWHprep מִן + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Adverbial phrase (source of the obligation)יְהוָה (H3068); the tribes will be clear before God, having kept their oath.
וּמִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑לand from Israelconj וְ + prep מִן + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Coordinate adverbial phrase (source)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); clear before the nation too — no residual claim against them.
וְ֠הָיְתָהand shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (apodosis, resumes the main grant)→ Weqatal: the culminating legal outcomeהָיָה (H1961); introduces the formal grant clause completing the condition.
הָאָ֨רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subjectאֶרֶץ (H776); now specifically Gilead, the object of the whole negotiation.
הַזֹּ֥אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Attributive demonstrative modifying הָאָרֶץזֹאת (H2063), demonstrative 'this'.
לָכֶ֛םyoursprep + Sp2mp · לְPredicate (possession)לְ + suffix, 'to/for you' — marking possession.
לַאֲחֻזָּ֖הas a possessionprep לְ + N f sg abs · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Adverbial predicate complementאֲחֻזָּה (H272); the technical grant term, as in v.5.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N (c) pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); the grant itself is made 'before YHWH' — under divine witness.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068), the guarantor of the grant.
23

וְאִם לֹ֤א תַעֲשׂוּן֙ כֵּ֔ן הִנֵּ֥ה חֲטָאתֶ֖ם לַיהוָ֑ה וּדְעוּ֙ חַטַּאתְכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּמְצָ֖א אֶתְכֶֽם

But if you will not do so, behold, you will have sinned against YHWH; and know that your sin will find you out.

The proverb of retributive certainty (v.23b)וְ
The consequence-clause pivots on חֲטָאתֶם לַיהוָה — default is framed not as a broken deal with Moses but as sin against YHWH himself. וּדְעוּ חַטַּאתְכֶם אֲשֶׁר תִּמְצָא אֶתְכֶם, 'know that your sin will find you out', personifies sin as an inescapable pursuer — the chapter's most quoted line, functioning as a timeless proverb beyond its immediate legal context.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conj אִם · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (negative alternative)אִם (H518) 'if'; with the negated verb introduces the negative alternative to Moses' conditional grant of vv.20-22.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the verb תַעֲשׂוּןלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle, negating the failed performance.
תַעֲשׂוּן֙you doQal impf 2mp + paragogic nun · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (negated conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: envisions a possible failure to performעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; repeats v.20's verb — failing this same required condition.
כֵּ֔ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of תַעֲשׂוּן ('do so')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; refers back to the whole condition just stipulated in vv.20-22.
הִנֵּ֥הbeholdinterjection · הִנֵּה (H2009)Discourse marker introducing a certain consequenceהִנֵּה (H2009); marks the certainty of the coming verdict, as in vv.1,14.
חֲטָאתֶ֖םyou will have sinnedQal perf 2mp · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Perfective (prophetic certainty): a declared, inevitable outcomeחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; the verse's key term, echoed in חַטָּאת below — breaking this vow is sin against YHWH himself, not merely against Moses.
לַיהוָ֑הagainst YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Adverbial phrase (object of the sin)יְהוָה (H3068); since the vow is sworn 'before YHWH' (vv.20-22), breaking it constitutes sin directly against him.
וּדְעוּ֙and knowconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Imperative: a solemn charge to recognize an inescapable truthיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; imperative — a formal charge to internalize the certainty of the coming consequence.
חַטַּאתְכֶ֔םyour sinN f sg constr/Sp2mp · חַטָּאת (H2403)Direct objectחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin-offering'; the noun cognate to חֲטָאתֶם above, tightening the verse's wordplay on failure.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause naming what will happen to the sin — it will find them out.
תִּמְצָ֖אwill findQal impf 3fs · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Yiqtol: a certain future outcome, personifying sin as an active pursuerמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; sin personified as an agent that will inevitably overtake the guilty — the chapter's most famous line.
אֶתְכֶֽםyouobj marker + Sp2mp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of תִּמְצָאאֵת (H853) + suffix, 'you' — the guilty party overtaken by the personified sin.
24

בְּנֽוּ לָכֶ֤ם עָרִים֙ לְטַפְּכֶ֔ם וּגְדֵרֹ֖ת לְצֹנַאֲכֶ֑ם וְהַיֹּצֵ֥א מִפִּיכֶ֖ם תַּעֲשֽׂוּ

Build cities for yourselves for your little ones, and folds for your flocks; and do that which has gone out of your mouth.

Moses' authorization: build, and keep your wordasyndeton
Imperatives convert the tribes' voluntary pledge (v.16) into formal command; the closing idiom 'that which has gone out of your mouth' binds them to their own spoken promise as though it were law.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
בְּנֽוּbuildQal impv 2mp · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Imperative: formal authorizationבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; Moses now authorizes the very building plan the tribes proposed in v.16.
לָכֶ֤םfor yourselvesprep לְ + Sp2mpDative of advantageלְ + suffix, 'for yourselves'.
עָרִים֙citiesN f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892) 'city'; repeats the tribes' own term from v.16.
לְטַפְּכֶ֔םfor your little onesprep לְ + N m sg constr/Sp2mp · טַף (H2945)Adverbial phrase (beneficiary)טַף (H2945); Moses reorders the tribes' own phrase (cities-then-folds rather than folds-then-cities), formalizing their proposal as command.
וּגְדֵרֹ֖תand foldsconj וְ + N f pl abs · גְּדֵרָה (H1448)Coordinate direct objectגְּדֵרָה (H1448) 'sheepfold'; repeats v.16's term for stone livestock enclosures.
לְצֹנַאֲכֶ֑םfor your flocksprep לְ + N m sg constr/Sp2mp · צֹנֶא (H6792)Adverbial phrase (beneficiary)צֹנֶא (H6792), variant orthography of צֹאן 'flock, sheep and goats' (v.16).
וְהַיֹּצֵ֥אand that which has gone outconj וְ + art + Qal ptc m sg abs · יָצָא (H3318)Substantival participle (direct object)→ Participle: describes what has already been spokenיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; substantival, 'that which has gone forth' — the tribes' own spoken pledge (vv.16-19), now made binding law.
מִפִּיכֶ֖םfrom your mouthprep מִן + N m sg constr/Sp2mp · פֶּה (H6310)Adverbial phrase (source)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiom 'what has gone out of your mouth' = your own spoken promise.
תַּעֲשֽׂוּyou shall doQal impf 2mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, imperatival force)→ Yiqtol with imperatival force: a binding commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; Moses converts their voluntary promise into an enforceable obligation.
25

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בְּנֵי גָד֙ וּבְנֵ֣י רְאוּבֵ֔ן אֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ יַעֲשׂ֔וּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲדֹנִ֖י מְצַוֶּֽה

And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben said to Moses, "Your servants will do just as my lord commands.

Tribes' formal acceptance of the termsasyndeton
עֲבָדֶיךָ יַעֲשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר אֲדֹנִי מְצַוֶּה is a formula of submission — the tribes explicitly subordinate their own proposal to Moses' command, closing the negotiation phase before the witnessed grant of vv.28-33.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces the tribes' formal acceptance of Moses' terms.
בְּנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); opens the construct 'sons of Gad'.
גָד֙Gadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410).
וּבְנֵ֣יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); adds Reuben as co-subject.
רְאוּבֵ֔ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prepositionמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct marking direct discourse→ Infinitival: introduces quoted speechאָמַר (H559).
עֲבָדֶ֣יךָyour servantsN m pl constr/Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Subjectעֶבֶד (H5650); the tribes' deferential self-designation, as in vv.4-5.
יַעֲשׂ֔וּwill doQal impf 3mp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: a firm future commitmentעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; formal acceptance of Moses' command in v.24.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative particle introducing manner clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'according as, just as'.
אֲדֹנִ֖יmy lordN m sg constr/Sp1cs · אָדוֹן (H113)Subject (of the comparative clause)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; the tribes' respectful title for Moses, underscoring their submission.
מְצַוֶּֽהcommandsPiel ptc m sg abs · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (participial, ongoing authority)→ Participle: an ongoing, authoritative actצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; participle marks Moses' command as a standing, present authority.
26

טַפֵּ֣נוּ נָשֵׁ֔ינוּ מִקְנֵ֖נוּ וְכָל בְּהֶמְתֵּ֑נוּ יִֽהְיוּ שָׁ֖ם בְּעָרֵ֥י הַגִּלְעָֽד

our little ones, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals shall remain there, in the cities of Gilead;

The tribes specify who stays behindasyndeton
A verbless list (טַפֵּנוּ נָשֵׁינוּ מִקְנֵנוּ וְכָל בְּהֶמְתֵּנוּ) fulfills the folds-and-cities pledge of v.16 in fuller detail, now including wives for the first time — the domestic side of the arrangement, paired with the military pledge of v.27.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
טַפֵּ֣נוּour little onesN m sg constr/Sp1cp · טַף (H2945)Subject (first of a list)טַף (H2945); heads the list of dependents and possessions to remain behind.
נָשֵׁ֔ינוּour wivesN f pl constr/Sp1cp · אִשָּׁה (H802)Coordinate subjectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife', pl. נָשִׁים; the first mention of wives in the chapter's provisioning list.
מִקְנֵ֖נוּour livestockN m sg constr/Sp1cp · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Coordinate subjectמִקְנֶה (H4735); the chapter's keyword recurs a final time in the list.
וְכָלand all ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate subject (construct)כֹּל (H3605); construct with בְּהֶמְתֵּנוּ, 'all our animals'.
בְּהֶמְתֵּ֑נוּour animalsN f sg constr/Sp1cp · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Genitive (construct completion)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, animal, cattle'; broader than מִקְנֶה, encompassing all domestic animals.
יִֽהְיוּshall remainQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: a settled future arrangementהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here 'remain, stay' — the dependents' fixed location during the campaign.
שָׁ֖םthereadverb · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial of placeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; refers to the cities just authorized in v.24.
בְּעָרֵ֥יin the cities ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Adverbial phrase (location, construct)עִיר (H5892); in construct with הַגִּלְעָד.
הַגִּלְעָֽדGileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Genitive (construct completion)גִּלְעָד (H1568); the whole territory just granted, now specified as the dependents' secure base.
27

וַעֲבָדֶ֨יךָ יַֽעַבְר֜וּ כָּל חֲל֥וּץ צָבָ֛א לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲדֹנִ֖י דֹּבֵֽר

but your servants, everyone armed for war, will cross over before YHWH to the battle, just as my lord says."

The tribes reaffirm the vanguard pledgeוְ
וַעֲבָדֶיךָ contrasts sharply with the dependents of v.26 (disjunctive וְ): while the household stays in Gilead, the fighting men (כָּל חֲלוּץ צָבָא) cross 'before YHWH', restating v.17's pledge in Moses' own terms (cf. v.21) as the negotiation closes.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַעֲבָדֶ֨יךָbut your servantsconj וְ + N m pl constr/Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Subject (contrastive)עֶבֶד (H5650); contrasted with the dependents of v.26 who remain behind.
יַֽעַבְר֜וּwill cross overQal impf 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: a firm future commitmentעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the tribes' fighting men, contrasted with their dependents in v.26.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct, apposition)כֹּל (H3605); construct with חֲלוּץ צָבָא, 'every one armed for war'.
חֲל֥וּץarmed one ofQal passive ptc m sg constr · חָלַץ (H2502)Genitive (construct completion, substantival participle)→ Participle: describes an equipped stateחָלַץ (H2502); substantival, in construct with צָבָא, 'one armed for war/service'.
צָבָ֛אthe armyN c sg abs · צָבָא (H6635)Genitive (construct completion)צָבָא (H6635) 'army, host, military service'; specifies the military nature of the vanguard.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); again 'before YHWH', matching Moses' formulation in vv.20-22.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑הto the warprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial phrase (goal)מִלְחָמָה (H4421) 'war, battle'; the conquest of Canaan proper.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative particle introducing manner clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'according as, just as'.
אֲדֹנִ֖יmy lordN m sg constr/Sp1cs · אָדוֹן (H113)Subject (of the comparative clause)אָדוֹן (H113); repeated deferential title, as in v.25.
דֹּבֵֽרsaysQal ptc m sg abs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (participial, ongoing)→ Participle: describes Moses' present, authoritative speechדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; participle, echoing מְצַוֶּה of v.25 — the tribes affirm exact compliance with Moses' spoken terms.
28

וַיְצַ֤ו לָהֶם֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵ֚ת אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְאֵ֖ת יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן נ֑וּן וְאֶת רָאשֵׁ֛י אֲב֥וֹת הַמַּטּ֖וֹת לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

So Moses gave command concerning them to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the sons of Israel.

Moses formally charges the witnessing leadershipוַ
Moses hands enforcement of the agreement to the same leadership triad named in v.2 (Eleazar, Joshua, tribal heads) — Joshua's inclusion here, alongside Eleazar, anticipates his role as the one who will actually oversee the western allotment and later confirm the eastern one (Josh 1:12-15; 22:1-9).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיְצַ֤וand he commandedconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command'; Moses formally charges the witnessing leadership to enforce the agreement.
לָהֶם֙concerning themprep לְ + Sp3mpAdverbial phrase (reference)לְ + suffix, 'concerning/about them' — the tribes of Gad and Reuben.
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Eleazar as the object of the charge.
אֶלְעָזָ֣רEleazarproper noun · אֶלְעָזָר (H499)Direct objectאֶלְעָזָר (H499); named first among the witnesses, as in v.2.
הַכֹּהֵ֔ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Apposition (identifying Eleazar's office)כֹּהֵן (H3548).
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks יְהוֹשֻׁעַ as a second object of the charge.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Direct objectיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091); Moses' eventual successor, named alongside Eleazar as guarantor of the arrangement.
בִּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct (defectively spelled בִּן).
נ֑וּןNunproper noun · נוּן (H5126)Genitive (patronymic completion)נוּן (H5126), Joshua's father.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks the tribal leaders as a third object of the charge.
רָאשֵׁ֛יthe heads ofN m pl constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object (construct)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, chief'; in construct, 'heads of the fathers' houses'.
אֲב֥וֹתthe fathers ofN m pl constr · אָב (H1)Genitive (construct)אָב (H1); construct chain continuing, 'fathers of the tribes'.
הַמַּטּ֖וֹתthe tribesart + N m pl abs · מַטֶּה (H4294)Genitive (construct completion)מַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, tribe'; completes the construct — ancestral-house heads representing each tribe.
לִבְנֵ֥יof the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Adverbial phrase (reference, construct)בֵּן (H1121); with לְ, 'belonging to the sons of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive (construct completion)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
29

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֲלֵהֶ֗ם אִם יַעַבְר֣וּ בְנֵי גָ֣ד וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵ֣ן אִ֠תְּכֶם אֶֽת הַיַּרְדֵּ֞ן כָּל חָל֤וּץ לַמִּלְחָמָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֥ה הָאָ֖רֶץ לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם לָהֶ֛ם אֶת אֶ֥רֶץ הַגִּלְעָ֖ד לַאֲחֻזָּֽה

And Moses said to them, "If the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben, every man armed for battle, cross the Jordan with you before YHWH, and the land is subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead as a possession.

Moses instructs the witnesses: the condition restatedוַ
Moses now addresses Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads directly, restating the vv.20-22 condition as an instruction to THEM: if the tribes perform, Israel's leadership must grant the land — shifting the burden of fulfillment onto the witnesses as much as the petitioners.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Moses' instruction to the witnesses, restating the vv.20-22 condition for them to enforce.
מֹשֶׁ֜הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
אֲלֵהֶ֗םto themprep + Sp3mp · אֶל (H413)Adverbial phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) + suffix, 'to them' — Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads of v.28.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (protasis)אִם (H518); reopens the vv.20-22 condition, now addressed to the witnesses rather than the tribes.
יַעַבְר֣וּcrossQal impf 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: a stated future conditionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the concrete act on which the entire grant hinges.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); opens the construct 'sons of Gad'.
גָ֣דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410).
וּבְנֵיand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); adds Reuben as co-subject.
רְאוּבֵ֣ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205).
אִ֠תְּכֶםwith youprep + Sp2mp · אֵת (H854)Adverbial phrase (accompaniment)אֵת (H854) 'with'; 'with you' addressed to the witnessing leadership representing the rest of Israel.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַיַּרְדֵּן as the definite object of the crossing.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֞ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383).
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (construct, apposition)כֹּל (H3605); construct with חָלוּץ, 'every armed one'.
חָל֤וּץarmed manQal passive ptc m sg abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Genitive (construct completion, substantival participle)→ Participle: describes an equipped stateחָלַץ (H2502); substantival, 'one who is armed/equipped' — the chapter's technical term for the fighting men.
לַמִּלְחָמָה֙for the battleprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · מִלְחָמָה (H4421)Adverbial phrase (purpose)מִלְחָמָה (H4421); the conquest of Canaan proper.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); 'before YHWH', the condition's religious framing, as in vv.20-22.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
וְנִכְבְּשָׁ֥הand is subduedconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3fs · כָּבַשׁ (H3533)Predicate verb (conditional continuation)→ Weqatal: continues the conditional seriesכָּבַשׁ (H3533) Niphal 'be subdued, conquered'; the land's pacification as the final benchmark of the condition.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subjectאֶרֶץ (H776); Canaan, the land west of the Jordan.
לִפְנֵיכֶ֑םbefore youprep לְ + N c pl constr/Sp2mp · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440) + suffix, 'before you' — here addressed to the witnessing leadership representing Israel, distinct from 'before YHWH' just above.
וּנְתַתֶּ֥םthen you shall giveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Weqatal: the required consequence of the conditionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; addressed to the witnesses — THEY must execute the grant once the condition is met.
לָהֶ֛םto themprep לְ + Sp3mpIndirect objectלְ + suffix, 'to them' — Gad and Reuben.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אֶרֶץ הַגִּלְעָד as the definite object to be given.
אֶ֥רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object (construct)אֶרֶץ (H776); in construct with הַגִּלְעָד.
הַגִּלְעָ֖דGileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Genitive (construct completion)גִּלְעָד (H1568); the territory whose title now finally rests on the witnesses' verdict.
לַאֲחֻזָּֽהas a possessionprep לְ + N f sg abs · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Adverbial predicate complementאֲחֻזָּה (H272); the technical grant term, as in vv.5,22.
30

וְאִם לֹ֧א יַֽעַבְר֛וּ חֲלוּצִ֖ים אִתְּכֶ֑ם וְנֹֽאחֲז֥וּ בְתֹכְכֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן

But if they do not cross over armed with you, then they shall receive their possessions among you in the land of Canaan."

The penalty clause: forfeiture of Transjordan on defaultוְ
The instruction's negative counterpart: default costs Gad and Reuben their chosen eastern territory outright — they would instead be absorbed into the western allotment בְּתוֹכְכֶם, 'among you', losing the very distinction they negotiated for.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional particle (negative alternative)אִם (H518); introduces the negative outcome, paired with v.29's positive condition.
לֹ֧אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
יַֽעַבְר֛וּthey cross overQal impf 3mp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (negated conditional clause)→ Yiqtol: envisions a possible defaultעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; failure of the very act the whole grant depends on.
חֲלוּצִ֖יםarmedQal passive ptc m pl abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Predicate/apposition describing the crossing men→ Participle: describes an equipped stateחָלַץ (H2502); the chapter's recurring military term for the fighting men.
אִתְּכֶ֑םwith youprep + Sp2mp · אֵת (H854)Adverbial phrase (accompaniment)אֵת (H854) 'with'; 'with you' — alongside the rest of Israel in the western campaign.
וְנֹֽאחֲז֥וּthen they shall receive holdingsconj וְ + Niphal weqatal 3cp · אָחַז (H270)Predicate verb (apodosis, penalty clause)→ Weqatal: the required consequence of defaultאָחַז (H270) Niphal 'be given a holding, take possession'; the penalty — absorption into the western allotment instead of their chosen Transjordan territory.
בְתֹכְכֶ֖םamong youprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp2mp · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Adverbial phrase (location)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; 'among you' — losing their distinct eastern territory, absorbed into Israel's general western allotment.
בְּאֶ֥רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial phrase (location, construct)אֶרֶץ (H776); in construct with כְּנָעַן.
כְּנָֽעַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive (construct completion)כְּנַעַן (H3667); the land west of the Jordan — the alternative territory forfeit-Transjordan tribesmen would receive instead.
31

וַיַּֽעֲנ֧וּ בְנֵי גָ֛ד וּבְנֵ֥י רְאוּבֵ֖ן לֵאמֹ֑ר אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶל עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ כֵּ֥ן נַעֲשֶֽׂה

And the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben answered, saying, "As YHWH has spoken to your servants, so we will do.

Final ratification: the tribes' oath of complianceוַ
The tribes answer not Moses' words as such but אֵת אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, 'that which YHWH has spoken' — accepting that the terms just laid down carry divine, not merely human, authority.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּֽעֲנ֧וּand answeredconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer'; the tribes' final response, ratifying the terms just laid down.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); opens the construct 'sons of Gad'.
גָ֛דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410).
וּבְנֵ֥יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); adds Reuben as co-subject.
רְאוּבֵ֖ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205).
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct marking direct discourse→ Infinitival: introduces quoted speechאָמַר (H559).
אֵת֩[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (cataphoric, anticipating the relative clause)אֵת (H853), marking the following relative clause as the object of נַעֲשֶׂה.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthat whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces what YHWH has spoken to Moses on the tribes' behalf.
דִּבֶּ֧רhas spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a settled, authoritative pronouncementדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; the tribes accept Moses' words in vv.20-24,29-30 as YHWH's own speech.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
עֲבָדֶ֖יךָyour servantsN m pl constr/Sp2ms · עֶבֶד (H5650)Object of prepositionעֶבֶד (H5650); the tribes, addressed as Moses' servants — YHWH's word came to Moses concerning them.
כֵּ֥ןsoadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of נַעֲשֶׂה ('do so')כֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; refers back to all the terms just stipulated.
נַעֲשֶֽׂהwe will doQal impf 1cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: a firm, final commitmentעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the tribes' concluding oath of compliance.
32

נַ֣חְנוּ נַעֲבֹ֧ר חֲלוּצִ֛ים לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְאִתָּ֨נוּ֙ אֲחֻזַּ֣ת נַחֲלָתֵ֔נוּ מֵעֵ֖בֶר לַיַּרְדֵּֽן

We will cross over armed before YHWH into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us on this side of the Jordan."

Final restatement: Transjordan secured as permanent inheritanceasyndeton
The tribes' closing words seal the agreement with a final, emphatic נַחְנוּ ('we ourselves'), restating both halves of the deal — armed service west of the Jordan, permanent possession east of it — bringing the long negotiation (vv.1-32) to formal rest.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
נַ֣חְנוּweindep pers pron 1cp · נַחְנוּ (H5168)Subject (emphatic)נַחְנוּ (H5168), archaic/poetic variant of אֲנַחְנוּ 'we'; an emphatic restatement of the pledge.
נַעֲבֹ֧רwill cross overQal impf 1cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: a final, firm commitmentעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross'; the tribes' closing restatement of their military pledge.
חֲלוּצִ֛יםarmedQal passive ptc m pl abs · חָלַץ (H2502)Predicate/apposition describing the subject→ Participle: describes an equipped stateחָלַץ (H2502); the chapter's key military term, closing out its final use.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Adverbial phrase (position)פָּנִים (H6440); 'before YHWH', the pledge's religious framing, restated one final time.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵייְהוָה (H3068).
אֶ֣רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial (accusative of goal, construct)אֶרֶץ (H776); in construct with כְּנָעַן, the destination of the crossing.
כְּנָ֑עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive (construct completion)כְּנַעַן (H3667).
וְאִתָּ֨נוּ֙and with usconj וְ + prep + Sp1cp · אֵת (H854)Adverbial phrase (fronted, possession)אֵת (H854) 'with'; fronted for emphasis — 'and WITH US shall remain...'.
אֲחֻזַּ֣תthe possession ofN f sg constr · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Subject (construct)אֲחֻזָּה (H272); the technical grant term, in construct with נַחֲלָתֵנוּ.
נַחֲלָתֵ֔נוּour inheritanceN f sg constr/Sp1cp · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Genitive (construct completion)נַחֲלָה (H5159); the Transjordan territory, secured as the tribes' permanent inheritance.
מֵעֵ֖בֶרon the side ofprep מִן + N m sg abs · עֵבֶר (H5676)Adverbial phrase (location)עֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; here the NEAR (eastern) side, as in v.19.
לַיַּרְדֵּֽןthe Jordanprep לְ + art + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of prepositionיַרְדֵּן (H3383); the chapter's negotiation closes exactly where it began — the boundary river dividing the two inheritances.
33

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן לָהֶ֣ם מֹשֶׁ֡ה לִבְנֵי גָד֩ וְלִבְנֵ֨י רְאוּבֵ֜ן וְלַחֲצִ֣י שֵׁ֣בֶט מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה בֶן יוֹסֵ֗ף אֶת מַמְלֶ֨כֶת֙ סִיחֹן֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י וְאֶת מַמְלֶ֔כֶת ע֖וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן הָאָ֗רֶץ לְעָרֶ֨יהָ֙ בִּגְבֻלֹ֔ת עָרֵ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ סָבִֽיב

So Moses gave to them—to the sons of Gad, to the sons of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph—the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land with its cities and their territories, the cities of the land all around.

The formal grant, now including the half-tribe of Manassehוַ
The chapter's legal center: Moses executes the grant sworn in vv.20-22. וְלַחֲצִי שֵׁבֶט מְנַשֶּׁה, 'and to the half-tribe of Manasseh', appears here for the first time in the Torah — an expansion beyond the original two petitioning tribes (v.1-2), explained by Machir's independent conquest of Gilead narrated retrospectively in vv.39-40.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיִּתֵּ֣ןand gaveconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the chapter's legal center — Moses executes the grant sworn in vv.20-22.
לָהֶ֣םto themprep לְ + Sp3mpIndirect objectלְ + suffix, 'to them'.
מֹשֶׁ֡הMosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
לִבְנֵיto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Indirect object (construct)בֵּן (H1121); opens the list of recipients.
גָד֩Gadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410).
וְלִבְנֵ֨יand to the sons ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate indirect object (construct)בֵּן (H1121); adds Reuben as second recipient.
רְאוּבֵ֜ןReubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205).
וְלַחֲצִ֣יand to the half ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr · חֲצִי (H2677)Coordinate indirect object (construct)חֲצִי (H2677) 'half'; introduces the tribe's FIRST appearance in the narrative — the half-tribe of Manasseh, distinct from its western half (cf. Josh 13:29-31).
שֵׁ֣בֶטthe tribe ofN m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Genitive (construct)שֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'staff, tribe'; in construct with מְנַשֶּׁה.
מְנַשֶּׁ֣הManassehproper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Genitive (tribal name)מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519), Joseph's firstborn son (Gen 41:51); the tribe's eastern half, joining Reuben and Gad — a significant expansion of the Transjordan settlement beyond the two tribes who originally petitioned.
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct.
יוֹסֵ֗ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Genitive (patronymic completion)יוֹסֵף (H3130), Manasseh's father — identifying this Manasseh as Joseph's line.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Sihon's kingdom as the first object given.
מַמְלֶ֨כֶת֙the kingdom ofN f sg constr · מַמְלָכָה (H4467)Direct object (construct)מַמְלָכָה (H4467) 'kingdom, royal power'; the conquered Amorite realm, narrated in ch.21.
סִיחֹן֙Sihonproper noun · סִיחֹן (H5511)Genitive (royal name)סִיחֹן (H5511), the Amorite king defeated at Jahaz (21:21-25).
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive (apposition)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; in construct with הָאֱמֹרִי.
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔יthe Amoriteart + gentilic · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Genitive (construct completion)אֱמֹרִי (H567), the people whose king Sihon ruled from Heshbon.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Og's kingdom as the second object given.
מַמְלֶ֔כֶתthe kingdom ofN f sg constr · מַמְלָכָה (H4467)Direct object (construct)מַמְלָכָה (H4467); Og's Bashan realm, second half of the grant.
ע֖וֹגOgproper noun · עוֹג (H5747)Genitive (royal name)עוֹג (H5747), the giant king of Bashan defeated at Edrei (21:33-35).
מֶ֣לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive (apposition)מֶלֶךְ (H4428); in construct with הַבָּשָׁן.
הַבָּשָׁ֑ןBashanart + proper noun · בָּשָׁן (H1316)Genitive (construct completion)בָּשָׁן (H1316), the northern Transjordan region of Og's kingdom.
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Apposition summarizing the whole grantאֶרֶץ (H776); the two kingdoms restated together as a single unified territory.
לְעָרֶ֨יהָ֙with its citiesprep לְ + N f pl constr/Sp3fs · עִיר (H5892)Adverbial phrase (accompaniment)עִיר (H5892) + suffix; the land's cities are explicitly included in the grant.
בִּגְבֻלֹ֔תwith the territories ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · גְּבוּל (H1367)Adverbial phrase (accompaniment, construct)גְּבוּל (H1367) 'border, territory'; the surrounding districts belonging to each city.
עָרֵ֥יthe cities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (construct)עִיר (H5892); in construct with הָאָרֶץ, restating the grant's scope one final time.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive (construct completion)אֶרֶץ (H776).
סָבִֽיבaroundadverb · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial of extentסָבִיב (H5439) 'around, surrounding'; encompasses the whole granted territory in every direction.
34

וַיִּבְנ֣וּ בְנֵי גָ֔ד אֶת דִּיבֹ֖ן וְאֶת עֲטָרֹ֑ת וְאֵ֖ת עֲרֹעֵֽר

And the sons of Gad built Dibon, Atarot, Aroer,

Building record begins: Gad's citiesוַ
The catalogue (vv.34-38) fulfills the pledge of v.16, echoing but expanding v.3's original list; Dibon and Atarot recur from v.3, while Aroer is new — a border town on the Arnon (21:26; Deut 2:36).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּבְנ֣וּand builtconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּנָה (H1129)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the building catalogue (vv.34-38) fulfilling the pledge of v.16.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); opens 'sons of Gad'.
גָ֔דGadproper noun · גָּד (H1410)Genitive (tribal name)גָּד (H1410).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Dibon as the first city named.
דִּיבֹ֖ןDibonproper noun · דִּיבוֹן (H1769)Direct objectדִּיבוֹן (H1769), taken from Sihon (21:30); listed in v.3, later renamed דִּיבוֹן גָּד (33:45).
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Atarot as the second city.
עֲטָרֹ֑תAtarotproper noun · עֲטָרוֹת (H5852)Coordinate direct objectעֲטָרוֹת (H5852) 'crowns'; listed already in v.3, now confirmed as rebuilt.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Aroer as the final city in this verse.
עֲרֹעֵֽרAroerproper noun · עֲרֹעֵר (H6177)Coordinate direct objectעֲרֹעֵר (H6177), a border town on the Arnon (21:26; Deut 2:36), new to this list — expanding v.3's original catalogue.
35

וְאֶת עַטְרֹ֥ת שׁוֹפָ֛ן וְאֶת יַעְזֵ֖ר וְיָגְבֳּהָֽה

Atrot-shofan, Jazer, Jogbehah,

Building record continues: further Gadite townsasyndeton
Atrot-shofan (distinguished from Atarot in v.34 by its added element), Jazer (already prized grazing land in v.1,3), and Jogbehah (later the site of Gideon's pursuit of Midian, Judg 8:11) continue Gad's building list.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Atrot-shofan as the object built.
עַטְרֹ֥תAtrotproper noun · עַטְרֹת (H5855)Direct object (first element of compound name)עַטְרֹת (H5855), distinguished from the Atarot of v.34 by the added element שׁוֹפָן.
שׁוֹפָ֛ןShofanproper noun · שׁוֹפָן (H5855)Direct object (second element of compound name)שׁוֹפָן; completes the compound place name 'Atrot-shofan'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Jazer as the object built.
יַעְזֵ֖רJazerproper noun · יַעְזֵר (H3270)Direct objectיַעְזֵר (H3270); the town prized as grazing land already in vv.1,3.
וְיָגְבֳּהָֽהand Jogbehahconj וְ + proper noun · יָגְבְּהָה (H3011)Coordinate direct objectיָגְבְּהָה (H3011), a Gadite town later associated with Gideon's pursuit of Midian (Judg 8:11).
36

וְאֶת בֵּ֥ית נִמְרָ֖ה וְאֶת בֵּ֣ית הָרָ֑ן עָרֵ֥י מִבְצָ֖ר וְגִדְרֹ֥ת צֹֽאן

and Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran, fortified cities, and folds for flocks.

Building record concludes for Gad: fortified towns and foldsasyndeton
The summary עָרֵי מִבְצָר וְגִדְרֹת צֹאן, 'fortified cities and sheepfolds', closes Gad's list by explicitly naming both elements of v.16's twin pledge as fulfilled.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Beth-nimrah as the object built.
בֵּ֥יתBethproper noun · בֵּית (H1039)Direct object (first element of compound name)בֵּית (H1039) 'house of'; first element of the compound 'Beth-nimrah'.
נִמְרָ֖הNimrahproper noun · נִמְרָה (H1039)Direct object (second element of compound name)נִמְרָה, completing 'Beth-nimrah'; = the נִמְרָה of v.3, likely 'pure/flowing water'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Beth-haran as the second city.
בֵּ֣יתBethproper noun · בֵּית (H1028)Coordinate direct object (first element of compound name)בֵּית (H1028) 'house of'; first element of 'Beth-haran'.
הָרָ֑ןHaranproper noun · הָרָן (H1028)Direct object (second element of compound name)הָרָן, completing 'Beth-haran', a town later associated with the Gadite plains cities (Josh 13:27).
עָרֵ֥יcities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Apposition (construct, summarizing)עִיר (H5892); in construct with מִבְצָר, summarizing all preceding towns as fortified.
מִבְצָ֖רfortificationN m sg abs · מִבְצָר (H4013)Genitive (construct completion)מִבְצָר (H4013) 'fortress, stronghold'; echoes v.17's security concern for the dependents.
וְגִדְרֹ֥תand folds ofconj וְ + N f pl constr · גְּדֵרָה (H1448)Coordinate genitive (construct)גְּדֵרָה (H1448); the second element of v.16's twin pledge, now fulfilled.
צֹֽאןof flocksN c sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive (construct completion)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats'; closes the Gad section by echoing its opening pledge (v.16).
37

וּבְנֵ֤י רְאוּבֵן֙ בָּנ֔וּ אֶת חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן וְאֶת אֶלְעָלֵ֑א וְאֵ֖ת קִרְיָתָֽיִם

And the sons of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,

Building record: Reuben's citiesasyndeton
The catalogue shifts to Reuben: Heshbon (Sihon's former royal capital, 21:26) and Elealeh repeat v.3's list; Kiriathaim is new, later attested in Moabite tradition (cf. the Mesha Stele) as territory contested between Israel and Moab.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּבְנֵ֤יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); the catalogue shifts from Gad (vv.34-36) to Reuben.
רְאוּבֵן֙Reubenproper noun · רְאוּבֵן (H7205)Genitive (tribal name)רְאוּבֵן (H7205).
בָּנ֔וּbuiltQal perf 3cp · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act reportedבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; Reuben's parallel building record.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Heshbon as the first city named.
חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹןHeshbonproper noun · חֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809)Direct objectחֶשְׁבּוֹן (H2809), Sihon's former royal capital (21:26), now rebuilt by Reuben.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Elealeh as the second city.
אֶלְעָלֵ֑אElealehproper noun · אֶלְעָלֵא (H500)Coordinate direct objectאֶלְעָלֵא (H500) 'God has gone up'; = אֶלְעָלֵה of v.3, near Heshbon.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Kiriathaim as the final city in this verse.
קִרְיָתָֽיִםKiriathaimproper noun · קִרְיָתַיִם (H7156)Coordinate direct objectקִרְיָתַיִם (H7156), not in v.3's original list — a further town contested between Israel and Moab (later noted in the Mesha Stele).
38

וְאֶת נְב֞וֹ וְאֶת בַּ֧עַל מְע֛וֹן מֽוּסַבֹּ֥ת שֵׁ֖ם וְאֶת שִׂבְמָ֑ה וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ בְשֵׁמֹ֔ת אֶת שְׁמ֥וֹת הֶעָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּנֽוּ

and Nebo and Baal-meon (their names being changed), and Sibmah; and they gave other names to the cities that they built.

Renaming notice: Nebo and Baal-meon changedasyndeton
מוּסַבֹּת שֵׁם, 'changed as to name', signals that Israel deliberately altered these towns' pagan-deity names (Nebo, Baal) upon resettlement — fulfilling the aside flagged already at v.3, where Nebo and Beon were first listed under their old Moabite names.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Nebo as the object built.
נְב֞וֹNeboproper noun · נְבוֹ (H5015)Direct objectנְבוֹ (H5015), named for a Moabite deity; listed already in v.3, now flagged for renaming.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Baal-meon as the second city named for renaming.
בַּ֧עַלBaalproper noun · בַּעַל (H1186)Direct object (first element of compound name)בַּעַל (H1186) 'lord, master'; the Canaanite storm-god's name, first element of 'Baal-meon'.
מְע֛וֹןMeonproper noun · מְעוֹן (H1186)Direct object (second element of compound name)מְעוֹן, completing 'Baal-meon'; = בְּעֹן of v.3's original list.
מֽוּסַבֹּ֥תchangedHophal ptc f pl constr · סָבַב (H5437)Predicate participle (passive, describing the two preceding names)→ Participle: a passive state descriptionסָבַב (H5437) Hophal 'be turned, changed'; idiom מוּסַבֹּת שֵׁם, 'changed as to name' — Israel altered these towns' pagan-deity names (Nebo, Baal) upon resettlement.
שֵׁ֖םas to nameN m sg abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Adverbial accusative of specificationשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; specifies exactly what was changed — the towns' idolatrous names.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Sibmah as a further city, not renamed.
שִׂבְמָ֑הSibmahproper noun · שִׂבְמָה (H7643)Coordinate direct objectשִׂבְמָה (H7643) = שְׂבָם of v.3, later famed for its vineyards (Isa 16:8-9; Jer 48:32).
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּand they calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the rebuilders assign fresh names to their new towns.
בְשֵׁמֹ֔תby (other) namesprep בְּ + N m pl abs · שֵׁם (H8034)Adverbial phrase (means)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; indicates the towns received names different from those they had before.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking 'the names of the cities' as the object called.
שְׁמ֥וֹתthe names ofN m pl constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object (construct)שֵׁם (H8034); in construct with הֶעָרִים.
הֶעָרִ֖יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive (construct completion)עִיר (H5892); the towns just rebuilt across vv.34-38.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause identifying which cities were rebuilt.
בָּנֽוּthey builtQal perf 3cp · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed act, closing the catalogueבָּנָה (H1129); closes the building record (vv.34-38) that fulfills the tribes' pledge of v.16.
39

וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ בְּנֵ֨י מָכִ֧יר בֶּן מְנַשֶּׁ֛ה גִּלְעָ֖דָה וַֽיִּלְכְּדֻ֑הָ וַיּ֖וֹרֶשׁ אֶת הָאֱמֹרִ֥י אֲשֶׁר בָּֽהּ

And the sons of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead and captured it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were there.

Machir's clan conquest of Gileadוַ
A retrospective narrative explains v.33's otherwise-unheralded 'half-tribe of Manasseh': Machir's clan independently campaigned into Gilead and took it by force, giving Manasseh a territorial claim alongside Reuben and Gad that Moses' grant (v.33) then formally recognizes.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּand wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; a retrospective note explaining v.33's otherwise-unheralded half-tribe of Manasseh.
בְּנֵ֨יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct)בֵּן (H1121); opens the construct 'sons of Machir'.
מָכִ֧ירMachirproper noun · מָכִיר (H4353)Genitive (clan name)מָכִיר (H4353), Manasseh's son (Gen 50:23), whose clan spearheads the Transjordan settlement — the individual/clan behind the 'half-tribe of Manasseh' of v.33.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct.
מְנַשֶּׁ֛הManassehproper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Genitive (patronymic completion)מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519), Machir's father.
גִּלְעָ֖דָהto Gileadproper noun + directional ה · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Adverbial phrase (goal)גִּלְעָד (H1568) + directional ה, 'to/toward Gilead' — the destination and object of Machir's campaign.
וַֽיִּלְכְּדֻ֑הָand captured itconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp/Sp3fs · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'; Machir's clan takes Gilead by military force.
וַיּ֖וֹרֶשׁand dispossessedconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָרַשׁ (H3423)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָרַשׁ (H3423) Hiphil 'to dispossess, drive out'; Machir clears out the prior Amorite inhabitants.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָאֱמֹרִי as the object dispossessed.
הָאֱמֹרִ֥יthe Amorite(s)art + gentilic · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Direct objectאֱמֹרִי (H567); the population still occupying Gilead before Machir's conquest.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing subordinate clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the clause locating the Amorites 'in it' (Gilead).
בָּֽהּin itprep בְּ + Sp3fsAdverbial phrase (location)בְּ + suffix, 'in it' — referring to Gilead (fem.).
40

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶת הַגִּלְעָ֔ד לְמָכִ֖יר בֶּן מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב בָּֽהּ

So Moses gave Gilead to Machir son of Manasseh, and he settled in it.

Moses formalizes Machir's grantוַ
Moses ratifies Machir's conquest with a formal grant, exactly as he did for Gad and Reuben (v.33) — military initiative here precedes and grounds legal title, the reverse order from the negotiated grant to Gad and Reuben.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּתֵּ֤ןand gaveconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; Moses ratifies Machir's conquest with formal legal title, as with Gad and Reuben (v.33).
מֹשֶׁה֙Mosesproper noun · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subjectמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַגִּלְעָד as the definite object given.
הַגִּלְעָ֔דGileadart + proper noun · גִּלְעָד (H1568)Direct objectגִּלְעָד (H1568); the territory already won by conquest (v.39), now formally granted.
לְמָכִ֖ירto Machirprep לְ + proper noun · מָכִיר (H4353)Indirect objectמָכִיר (H4353); the clan leader receiving formal title to Gilead.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct.
מְנַשֶּׁ֑הManassehproper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Genitive (patronymic completion)מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519), Machir's father.
וַיֵּ֖שֶׁבand he settledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; Machir takes up permanent residence in his newly granted territory.
בָּֽהּin itprep בְּ + Sp3fsAdverbial phrase (location)בְּ + suffix, 'in it' — Gilead.
41

וְיָאִ֤יר בֶּן מְנַשֶּׁה֙ הָלַ֔ךְ וַיִּלְכֹּ֖ד אֶת חַוֺּתֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶתְהֶ֖ן חַוֺּ֥ת יָאִֽיר

And Jair son of Manasseh went and captured their tent-villages, and called them Havvoth-jair.

Jair's conquest and naming of Havvoth-jairוְ
A second Manassite clan leader, Jair, extends the eastern conquest further, naming his captured villages after himself — a place name still remembered generations later (Deut 3:14; Judg 10:3-4).
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְיָאִ֤ירand Jairconj וְ + proper noun · יָאִיר (H2971)Subjectיָאִיר (H2971), a Manassite clan leader (cf. 1 Chr 2:21-23, linked through Machir's daughter to Judah).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121); patronymic construct.
מְנַשֶּׁה֙Manassehproper noun · מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519)Genitive (patronymic completion)מְנַשֶּׁה (H4519), Jair's ancestral tribe.
הָלַ֔ךְwentQal perf 3ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act reportedהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go'; a second Manassite clan leader extends the eastern conquest further.
וַיִּלְכֹּ֖דand capturedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking their tent-villages as the object captured.
חַוֺּתֵיהֶ֑םtheir villagesN f pl constr/Sp3mp · חַוָּה (H2333)Direct objectחַוָּה (H2333) 'tent-village, encampment'; the local settlements Jair seized.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand he calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'.
אֶתְהֶ֖ןthemobj marker + Sp3fp · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיִּקְרָאאֵת (H853) + suffix, 'them' (fem. pl.) — the villages just captured.
חַוֺּ֥תthe villages ofN f pl constr · חַוֺּת (H2334)Direct object (construct, predicate name)חַוֺּת (H2334); in construct with יָאִיר, forming the place name.
יָאִֽירJairproper noun · יָאִיר (H2334)Genitive (construct completion)חַוֺּת יָאִיר, 'Jair's tent-villages' — a place name preserving his memory (cf. Deut 3:14; Judg 10:3-4).
42

וְנֹ֣בַח הָלַ֔ךְ וַיִּלְכֹּ֥ד אֶת קְנָ֖ת וְאֶת בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ וַיִּקְרָ֧א לָ֦ה נֹ֖בַח בִּשְׁמֽוֹ

And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

Chapter's closing note: Nobah's conquest and self-namingוְ
The chapter ends not with covenant ceremony but with a terse notice of individual initiative: Nobah takes Kenath and renames it for himself — a fitting close to a chapter built throughout on pragmatic, negotiated, and now individually claimed settlement of the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְנֹ֣בַחand Nobahconj וְ + proper noun · נֹבַח (H5025)Subjectנֹבַח (H5025), otherwise unknown apart from this notice; likely a Manassite/Machirite chieftain.
הָלַ֔ךְwentQal perf 3ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed act reportedהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go'; a third and final individual conquest closing the chapter.
וַיִּלְכֹּ֥דand capturedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking Kenath as the object captured.
קְנָ֖תKenathproper noun · קְנָת (H7079)Direct objectקְנָת (H7079), a town in the Bashan/Gilead region, later noted in 1 Chr 2:23 as retaken by Aram.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) marks Kenath's satellite villages as a second object.
בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָits daughter-villagesN f pl constr/Sp3fs · בַּת (H1323)Coordinate direct objectבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; idiom for dependent satellite villages of the main town.
וַיִּקְרָ֧אand he calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the chapter's final act of naming/possession.
לָ֦הitprep לְ + Sp3fsIndirect objectלְ + suffix, 'it' (fem.) — Kenath, referring back to the town just captured.
נֹ֖בַחNobahproper noun · נֹבַח (H5025)Predicate nameנֹבַח (H5025); the new name given to Kenath, after its conqueror.
בִּשְׁמֽוֹafter his own nameprep בְּ + N m sg constr/Sp3ms · שֵׁם (H8034)Adverbial phrase (manner)שֵׁם (H8034) + suffix, 'by his name' — Nobah renames the town for himself, the chapter's closing act of self-commemorating possession.