Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 35במדבר 35

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 35 gives Levi forty-eight cities with pasturelands, and within them six cities of refuge sheltering the unintentional killer from blood-vengeance. Its center is the Torah's fullest homicide law: murder proven by instrument or motive, manslaughter released only at the high priest's death — and no ransom ever, since unexpiated blood defiles the land where YHWH dwells.

Translation & textual notes

Numbers 35 is textually stable; the Masoretic Text preserves no major variants affecting sense, and the Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint largely concur throughout, the Greek closely tracking the Hebrew even in its most technical legal vocabulary. The chapter's one celebrated interpretive crux is arithmetic rather than text-critical: v. 4 measures the Levitical pastureland as 1,000 cubits from the city wall outward, while v. 5 specifies 2,000 cubits per side with the city centered in a square. No Hebrew manuscript or ancient version offers a third figure or resolves the tension by emendation; it is a real exegetical puzzle within a single stable text, not a transmission error. Jewish tradition from the Mishnah onward harmonizes by reading two concentric zones (1,000 cubits of מִגְרָשׁ proper, then fields and vineyards out to the 2,000-cubit line), while modern critics more often read v. 5 as a later editorial recasting of v. 4's radius into a side-length for a squared plot — a difference of literary stratification, not manuscript evidence. The chapter's legal vocabulary (עָרֵי מִקְלָט, גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, שְׁגָגָה, כֹפֶר) is stable and well-attested across the versions, and its climactic theological statement in v. 33 — that blood pollutes the land and only the shedder's blood atones — is unanimous across all witnesses, so whatever their divergence on measurement, the sources agree completely on the law's substance and force. Versification follows the MT throughout.

1

וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר יְהוָ֛ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת מוֹאָ֑ב עַל יַרְדֵּ֥ן יְרֵח֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho, saying,

Narrative introduction (divine speech formula)וַ
The wayyiqtol וַיְדַבֵּר opens a fresh divine-speech unit, the standard formula introducing legislation in Numbers. The geographic notice — the plains of Moab opposite Jericho — locates this and the surrounding closing legislation of the book at the threshold of the land, just before the crossing narrated in Joshua.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֧רand he spokeWaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; the standard formula introducing divine legislative speech to Moses.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God, traditionally vocalized Yahweh; rendered 'the LORD'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the recipient of divine speech.
מֹשֶׁ֖הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prep אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's lawgiver and mediator of the wilderness revelation.
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣תin the plains ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · עֲרָבָה (H6160)Locative prepositional phrase (construct chain)עֲרָבָה (H6160) 'desert plain, steppe'; the arid Jordan-valley flats east of the river, Israel's final wilderness encampment.
מוֹאָ֑בMoabN proper · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124), the Transjordanian kingdom whose plains hosted Israel's final camp (cf. 22:1; 33:48-50).
עַלbyprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, by, beside'; here locating the plains relative to the Jordan.
יַרְדֵּ֥ןthe JordanN proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Object of prep עַליַרְדֵּן (H3383), the river forming Israel's eastern approach to Canaan.
יְרֵח֖וֹof JerichoN proper · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Genitive further specifying location ('the Jordan of Jericho')יְרִיחוֹ (H3405), the Canaanite city opposite the camp, Israel's first objective across the Jordan (Josh 6).
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: introduces the quoted divine speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens the quoted speech that follows.
2

צַו֮ אֶת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְנָתְנ֣וּ לַלְוִיִּ֗ם מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם עָרִ֣ים לָשָׁ֑בֶת וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ לֶֽעָרִים֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם תִּתְּנ֖וּ לַלְוִיִּֽם

Command the Israelites that they give to the Levites, from the inheritance of their holding, cities to dwell in; and you shall give to the Levites pastureland around the cities.

Command initiating the chapter's first legislative unitasyndeton
The bare imperative צַו begins the speech proper. The clause shifts persons — third-person weqatal (וְנָתְנוּ, 'they shall give') describing Israel's obligation, then second-person יִּתְּנוּ addressed directly — a common feature of casuistic instruction relayed through Moses. Two objects are distinguished from the outset: עָרִים (cities to inhabit) and מִגְרָשׁ (surrounding open pastureland), the chapter's key technical term introduced here for the first of many times.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
צַו֮commandPiel impv 2ms · צִוָּה (H6680)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; opens the chapter's first legislative unit addressed to Moses.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
בְּנֵ֣יthe children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object (head of construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'the children of Israel', addressed as the ones commanded to give.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of Jacob's descendants.
וְנָתְנ֣וּand they shall givewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3cp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (result clause continuing the imperative)→ Weqatal: carries forward volitional/future force after the imperativeנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the weqatal continues the force of צַו, spelling out what Israel is commanded to do.
לַלְוִיִּ֗םto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Indirect objectלֵוִי (H3881), gentilic 'Levite'; the tribe set apart for sanctuary service, here granted urban settlements in lieu of a territorial inheritance (cf. 18:20-24).
מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛תfrom the inheritance ofprep מִן + N f sg constr · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Source prepositional phrase (partitive)נַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance, hereditary property'; the tribal allotments from which Levite cities are carved proportionally (v. 8).
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖םtheir holdingN f sg constr + 3mp suff · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Genitive continuing the construct chainאֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'possession, holding', from אָחַז 'to grasp'; the settled hereditary landholding of each tribe.
עָרִ֣יםcitiesN f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of וְנָתְנוּעִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; the forty-eight settlements assigned to the landless Levites (v. 7).
לָשָׁ֑בֶתto dwell inprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purpose of the givingיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; states the purpose of the cities given to the Levites.
וּמִגְרָ֗שׁand pasturelandconj וְ + N m sg abs · מִגְרָשׁ (H4054)Fronted coordinate direct objectמִגְרָשׁ (H4054) 'open pastureland, common', from גָּרַשׁ 'to drive out'; the unbuilt grazing commons ringing each Levitical city — the chapter's key spatial term (vv. 2-5).
לֶֽעָרִים֙for the citiesprep לְ + art + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Prepositional phrase of referenceעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the pastureland belongs to and surrounds the cities just granted.
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔םaround themN c pl constr + 3mp suff · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative (locative, in apposition)סָבִיב (H5439) 'surrounding, round about'; specifies the pastureland's circular extent around each city, detailed precisely in vv. 4-5.
תִּתְּנ֖וּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, imperfect of obligation)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; second-person imperfect resumes direct address after the third-person weqatal.
לַלְוִיִּֽםto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Indirect objectלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; repeated for emphasis, bracketing the verse's command.
3

וְהָי֧וּ הֶֽעָרִ֛ים לָהֶ֖ם לָשָׁ֑בֶת וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֗ם יִהְי֤וּ לִבְהֶמְתָּם֙ וְלִרְכֻשָׁ֔ם וּלְכֹ֖ל חַיָּתָֽם

And the cities shall be theirs to dwell in; and their pasturelands shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their livestock.

Continuation, restating resultוְ
The weqatal chain continues from v. 2, now specifying the FUNCTION of the two grants just named: the city for dwelling, the pastureland for pasturing every category of animal. The threefold list (cattle, goods, all living things) moves from specific to comprehensive.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְהָי֧וּand they shall bewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing future/obligatory forceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; states the cities' assigned status.
הֶֽעָרִ֛יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Subjectעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the Levitical cities just granted in v. 2.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffPredicate complement (possession)Possessive/dative use of לְ; the cities belong to the Levites.
לָשָׁ֑בֶתto dwell inprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; repeats v. 2's purpose clause for the cities.
וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֗םand their pasturelandsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3mp suff · מִגְרָשׁ (H4054)Subject (fronted)מִגְרָשׁ (H4054) 'open pastureland'; plural, the commons belonging to the Levites' several cities.
יִהְי֤וּshall beQal impf 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; states the pastureland's designated use.
לִבְהֶמְתָּם֙for their cattleprep לְ + N f sg constr + 3mp suff · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Predicate complement (purpose/benefit)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, cattle, livestock' (collective); domesticated animals grazing the commons.
וְלִרְכֻשָׁ֔םand for their goodsconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suff · רְכוּשׁ (H7399)Coordinate predicate complementרְכוּשׁ (H7399) 'property, possessions, goods', from רָכַשׁ 'to acquire'; movable wealth broader than livestock alone.
וּלְכֹ֖לand for all ofconj וְ + prep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate predicate complement (totalizing)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; extends provision to every remaining category of animal.
חַיָּתָֽםtheir living creaturesN f sg constr + 3mp suff · חַיָּה (H2416)Genitive completing the construct chainחַיָּה (H2416) 'living thing, animal', from חָיָה 'to live'; a catch-all for any creature not already named.
4

וּמִגְרְשֵׁי֙ הֶֽעָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּתְּנ֖וּ לַלְוִיִּ֑ם מִקִּ֤יר הָעִיר֙ וָח֔וּצָה אֶ֥לֶף אַמָּ֖ה סָבִֽיב

And the pasturelands of the cities that you shall give to the Levites: from the city wall outward, a thousand cubits all around.

Specification (measurement detail)וְ
A casus pendens construction ("and the pasturelands of the cities..." resumed by the measurement clause) introduces the precise dimensions, subordinate to the main command. This verse gives the thousand-cubit figure; v. 5 gives a seemingly different two-thousand-cubit figure — the chapter's best-known textual/measurement crux (see text_note).
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וּמִגְרְשֵׁי֙and the pasturelands ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · מִגְרָשׁ (H4054)Subject (casus pendens, resumed by the measure clause)מִגְרָשׁ (H4054) 'pastureland'; construct, introducing the precise measurement that follows.
הֶֽעָרִ֔יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative pronoun/particle 'who, which, that'.
תִּתְּנ֖וּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לַלְוִיִּ֑םto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Indirect objectלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
מִקִּ֤ירfrom the wall ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קִיר (H7023)Source prepositional phrase (measurement starting point)קִיר (H7023) 'wall'; the city wall marks the inner boundary from which pastureland is measured.
הָעִיר֙the cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
וָח֔וּצָהand outwardconj וְ + N m sg abs + directional ה · חוּץ (H2351)Adverbial of direction, correlative with מִקִּירחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, exterior'; with directional ה, 'outward' — the pastureland belt extends out from the wall.
אֶ֥לֶףa thousandcardinal number c sg abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral modifying אַמָּהאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; the pastureland belt's stated width — the crux compared with the two-thousand-cubit figure of v. 5 (see text_note).
אַמָּ֖הcubitsN f sg abs (distributive) · אַמָּה (H520)Measure noun (accusative of measure)אַמָּה (H520) 'cubit', roughly 45-52 cm; the standard linear measure of the ancient Near East.
סָבִֽיבall aroundN c sg abs (adverbial) · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative (locative)סָבִיב (H5439) 'round about'; the measurement applies on every side of the city.
5

וּמַדֹּתֶ֞ם מִח֣וּץ לָעִ֗יר אֶת פְּאַת קֵ֣דְמָה אַלְפַּ֪יִם בָּֽאַמָּ֟ה וְאֶת פְּאַת נֶגֶב֩ אַלְפַּ֨יִם בָּאַמָּ֜ה וְאֶת פְּאַת יָ֣ם אַלְפַּ֣יִם בָּֽאַמָּ֗ה וְאֵ֨ת פְּאַ֥ת צָפ֛וֹן אַלְפַּ֥יִם בָּאַמָּ֖ה וְהָעִ֣יר בַּתָּ֑וֶךְ זֶ֚ה יִהְיֶ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם מִגְרְשֵׁ֖י הֶעָרִֽים

And you shall measure, outside the city, on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits, with the city in the middle; this shall be theirs as the pasturelands of the cities.

Specification continuing the measurementוְ
The famous measurement crux: v. 4 gave 1,000 cubits from the wall outward; v. 5 gives 2,000 cubits per side with the city centered in a square. The oldest harmonization (already rabbinic) reads two concentric zones — 1,000 cubits of actual מִגְרָשׁ pastureland, then a further belt out to the 2,000-cubit line for fields and vineyards; others take v. 5 as an editorial gloss recasting v. 4's radius as a side-length of the whole square. No versional evidence resolves it; the tension is exegetical, not text-critical.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
וּמַדֹּתֶ֞םand you shall measurewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 2mp · מָדַד (H4058)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionמָדַד (H4058) 'to measure'; introduces the precise surveying instructions for the pastureland belt.
מִח֣וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, exterior'; the measurement begins outside the city proper.
לָעִ֗ירthe cityprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Object of the compound preposition מִחוּץ לְעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
פְּאַתthe side ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object (head of construct chain, first of four sides)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'side, edge, corner'; introduces each of the four compass directions in turn.
קֵ֣דְמָהeastwardN m sg abs + directional ה · קֶדֶם (H6924)Genitive/adverbial specifying the sideקֶדֶם (H6924) 'east, front, antiquity'; with directional ה, 'eastward' — the orientation Israel faces as primary.
אַלְפַּ֪יִםtwo thousandcardinal number c dual abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral, accusative of measureאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; dual form here = two thousand — the second figure of the pastureland crux (cf. v. 4).
בָּֽאַמָּ֟הin cubitsprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אַמָּה (H520)Prepositional phrase specifying the unit of measureאַמָּה (H520) 'cubit'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
פְּאַתthe side ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object (second side)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'side'.
נֶגֶב֩the southN m sg abs · נֶגֶב (H5045)Genitive specifying the sideנֶגֶב (H5045) 'south, Negev'; the southern compass direction.
אַלְפַּ֨יִםtwo thousandcardinal number c dual abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral, accusative of measureאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand', dual = two thousand.
בָּאַמָּ֜הin cubitsprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אַמָּה (H520)Prepositional phrase of measureאַמָּה (H520) 'cubit'.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
פְּאַתthe side ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object (third side)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'side'.
יָ֣םthe westN m sg abs · יָם (H3220)Genitive specifying the sideיָם (H3220) 'sea'; idiomatically 'west', since the Mediterranean lies west of Israel.
אַלְפַּ֣יִםtwo thousandcardinal number c dual abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral, accusative of measureאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand', dual = two thousand.
בָּֽאַמָּ֗הin cubitsprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אַמָּה (H520)Prepositional phrase of measureאַמָּה (H520) 'cubit'.
וְאֵ֨תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
פְּאַ֥תthe side ofN f sg constr · פֵּאָה (H6285)Direct object (fourth side)פֵּאָה (H6285) 'side'.
צָפ֛וֹןthe northN f sg abs · צָפוֹן (H6828)Genitive specifying the sideצָפוֹן (H6828) 'north'.
אַלְפַּ֥יִםtwo thousandcardinal number c dual abs · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral, accusative of measureאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand', dual = two thousand.
בָּאַמָּ֖הin cubitsprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · אַמָּה (H520)Prepositional phrase of measureאַמָּה (H520) 'cubit'.
וְהָעִ֣ירwith the cityconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Subject of the circumstantial clauseעִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city itself sits at the center of the measured square.
בַּתָּ֑וֶךְin the middleprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Predicate of the circumstantial clauseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; the city is the geometric center of the measured pastureland square.
זֶ֚הthisdemonstrative pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subjectזֶה (H2088) 'this'; refers back to the whole measured arrangement just described.
יִהְיֶ֣הshall beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'.
לָהֶ֔םfor themprep לְ + 3mp suffPredicate complement (possession)Dative/possessive לְ; the whole arrangement belongs to the Levites.
מִגְרְשֵׁ֖יthe pasturelands ofN m pl constr · מִגְרָשׁ (H4054)Predicate nominative (in apposition to זֶה)מִגְרָשׁ (H4054) 'pastureland'; the summarizing label for the just-measured belt.
הֶעָרִֽיםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
6

וְאֵ֣ת הֶֽעָרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּתְּנוּ֙ לַלְוִיִּ֔ם אֵ֚ת שֵׁשׁ עָרֵ֣י הַמִּקְלָ֔ט אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתְּנ֔וּ לָנֻ֥ס שָׁ֖מָּה הָרֹצֵ֑חַ וַעֲלֵיהֶ֣ם תִּתְּנ֔וּ אַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּשְׁתַּ֖יִם עִֽיר

And as for the cities that you shall give to the Levites: six of them shall be cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee there; and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.

Specification: the refuge-city subset of the forty-eightוְ
A casus pendens (וְאֵת הֶעָרִים...) singles out six of the total Levitical cities for the special function introduced here: עָרֵי מִקְלָט, cities of refuge, where the רֹצֵחַ (manslayer) may flee. This verse names the institution that the rest of the chapter (vv. 9-34) will regulate in detail; forty-two ordinary Levitical cities plus these six equal the forty-eight of v. 7.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְאֵ֣תand as forconj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Casus-pendens direct-object marker (resumptive topic)
הֶֽעָרִ֗יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Topic (resumed by the following relative clause)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּתְּנוּ֙you shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לַלְוִיִּ֔םto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Indirect objectלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
אֵ֚ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker resuming the topic
שֵׁשׁsixcardinal number f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Numeral modifying עָרֵישֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'; the fixed number of asylum cities, three on each side of the Jordan (vv. 13-14).
עָרֵ֣יthe cities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Direct object (head of construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; construct with מִקְלָט.
הַמִּקְלָ֔טof refugeart + N m sg abs · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge, asylum', from קָלַט 'to receive, take in'; a term coined for this institution — the city that 'takes in' the fugitive manslayer.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּתְּנ֔וּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לָנֻ֥סfor fleeingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נוּס (H5127)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: stated purposeנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; the technical verb for the manslayer's flight to asylum, recurring throughout the chapter.
שָׁ֖מָּהto thereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (destination)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with directional ה, 'thither' — the destination of the fleeing manslayer.
הָרֹצֵ֑חַthe manslayerart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of לָנוּס→ Participle: durative/characterizing — 'the one who kills'רָצַח (H7523) 'to kill, slay'; the participle substantivized as 'the manslayer' — the chapter's central legal actor, whose guilt or innocence turns on the criteria of vv. 16-23.
וַעֲלֵיהֶ֣םand besides themconj וְ + prep עַל + 3mp suffPrepositional phrase of additionעַל (H5921) 'upon, in addition to'; marks the forty-two as supplementary to the six refuge cities.
תִּתְּנ֔וּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
אַרְבָּעִ֥יםfortycardinal number c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral (first part of compound number)אַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'.
וּשְׁתַּ֖יִםand twoconj וְ + cardinal number f dual abs · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Numeral (second part, compound = forty-two)שְׁנַיִם/שְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two'; forty-two ordinary cities plus the six refuge cities total forty-eight (v. 7).
עִֽירcitiesN f sg abs (distributive after numeral) · עִיר (H5892)Measure noun counted by the numeralעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
7

כָּל הֶעָרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּתְּנוּ֙ לַלְוִיִּ֔ם אַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה עִ֑יר אֶתְהֶ֖ן וְאֶת מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶֽן

All the cities that you shall give to the Levites: forty-eight cities, them together with their pasturelands.

Summary totalasyndeton
A closing tally verse: forty-two ordinary cities (v. 7's own arithmetic, matching 6+42) plus the six refuge cities equal forty-eight, the total elsewhere confirmed distributed among the tribes (Josh 21). The resumptive אֶתְהֶן ('them') plus וְאֶת מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן underscores that city and pastureland are always granted as a single package.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Head of the construct chain (totalizing)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; summarizes the total city count.
הֶעָרִ֗יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּתְּנוּ֙you shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
לַלְוִיִּ֔םto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Indirect objectלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
אַרְבָּעִ֥יםfortycardinal number c pl abs · אַרְבָּעִים (H705)Numeral (first part of compound number)אַרְבָּעִים (H705) 'forty'.
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖הand eightconj וְ + cardinal number f sg abs · שְׁמֹנֶה (H8083)Numeral (second part, compound = forty-eight)שְׁמֹנֶה (H8083) 'eight'; forty-eight is the grand total of Levitical cities (42 ordinary + 6 refuge, vv. 6-7).
עִ֑ירcitiesN f sg abs (distributive after numeral) · עִיר (H5892)Measure noun counted by the numeralעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֶתְהֶ֖ןthemobj marker + 3fp suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker resuming the cities (feminine plural)אֵת (H853) with pronominal suffix, resuming עָרִים (grammatically feminine plural) in apposition.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶֽןtheir pasturelandsN m pl constr + 3fp suff · מִגְרָשׁ (H4054)Direct object (coordinate with אֶתְהֶן)מִגְרָשׁ (H4054) 'pastureland'; the surrounding commons included with every city in the grant.
8

וְהֶֽעָרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּתְּנוּ֙ מֵאֲחֻזַּ֣ת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מֵאֵ֤ת הָרַב֙ תַּרְבּ֔וּ וּמֵאֵ֥ת הַמְעַ֖ט תַּמְעִ֑יטוּ אִ֗ישׁ כְּפִ֤י נַחֲלָתוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִנְחָ֔לוּ יִתֵּ֥ן מֵעָרָ֖יו לַלְוִיִּֽם

And as for the cities that you shall give from the holding of the children of Israel: from the larger tribe you shall give more, and from the smaller you shall give less; each shall give some of its cities to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance it has received.

Distribution principleוְ
Closes the Levite-city unit with the equity rule: contribution is proportional to territory held, not a flat per-tribe quota — larger tribes give more cities, smaller tribes fewer, so no single tribe is disproportionately burdened. The rule anticipates the tribe-by-tribe list executed later in Josh 21.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וְהֶֽעָרִ֗יםand the citiesconj וְ + art + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Topic (casus pendens)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּתְּנוּ֙you shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
מֵאֲחֻזַּ֣תfrom the holding ofprep מִן + N f sg constr · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Source prepositional phraseאֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'possession, holding'; the tribal landholding from which cities are proportionally drawn.
בְּנֵיthe children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant people.
מֵאֵ֤תfromprep מִן + prep אֵת (H854)Compound source prepositionאֵת (H854) 'with'; compounded with מִן to mean 'from (the side of)'.
הָרַב֙the many (larger tribe)art + adj m sg abs (substantival) · רַב (H7227)Object of the source preposition מֵאֵתרַב (H7227) 'much, many, great'; substantival, 'the one (tribe) with the larger holding'.
תַּרְבּ֔וּyou shall increaseHiphil impf 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future, causativeרָבָה (H7235) Hiphil 'to make much, increase'; proportionally more cities from tribes with larger territory.
וּמֵאֵ֥תand fromconj וְ + prep מִן + prep אֵת (H854)Compound source preposition (coordinate)Compounded מִן + אֵת, 'from (the side of)', paralleling the previous clause.
הַמְעַ֖טthe few (smaller tribe)art + adj m sg abs (substantival) · מְעַט (H4592)Object of the source prepositionמְעַט (H4592) 'little, few'; substantival, 'the one (tribe) with the smaller holding'.
תַּמְעִ֑יטוּyou shall decreaseHiphil impf 2mp · מָעַט (H4591)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future, causativeמָעַט (H4591) Hiphil 'to make few, diminish'; the equity principle governing distribution — proportionally fewer cities from smaller tribes.
אִ֗ישׁeach oneN m sg abs (distributive) · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (resumed by the following relative clause)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive use, 'each (tribe)'.
כְּפִ֤יaccording to the measure ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Prepositional phrase of proportionפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiomatically 'according to, in proportion to' (lit. 'according to the mouth of').
נַחֲלָתוֹ֙his inheritanceN f sg constr + 3ms suff · נַחֲלָה (H5159)Genitive of the construct chainנַחֲלָה (H5159) 'inheritance'; the size of each tribe's own allotment sets the proportion of cities it must contribute.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יִנְחָ֔לוּthey inheritQal impf 3mp · נָחַל (H5157)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: generalizing/customaryנָחַל (H5157) 'to inherit, take possession'; describes the tribes' possession of their allotted land.
יִתֵּ֥ןhe shall giveQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; each tribe's individual obligation.
מֵעָרָ֖יוfrom his citiesprep מִן + N f pl constr + 3ms suff · עִיר (H5892)Source prepositional phrase (partitive object)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; each tribe gives from its own share of territorial towns.
לַלְוִיִּֽםto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Indirect objectלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
9

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר

And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,

New divine-speech unit (introduces the homicide law)וַ
A fresh wayyiqtol formula opens the chapter's second and longer legislative unit (vv. 10-34): the law of the cities of refuge and the criteria distinguishing murder from inadvertent manslaughter.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeWaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, wayyiqtol narrative)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak, declare'; opens the second divine-speech unit of the chapter.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of prep אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Israel's lawgiver.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct discourse→ Infinitive construct: introduces the quoted divine speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the quoted speech that follows.
10

דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כִּ֥י אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ן אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן

Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

Command formula introducing a temporal protasisasyndeton
The standard דַּבֵּר...וְאָמַרְתָּ commissioning formula, followed by a כִּי-clause of future time ('when you cross') that sets the legislation about to follow (the refuge cities, vv. 11-15) at the moment of entry into Canaan — poised, like the whole chapter, on the threshold of the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
דַּבֵּר֙speakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct commandדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; commands Moses to relay the following legislation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בְּנֵ֣יthe children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Object of prep אֶל (head of construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖and you shall saywaw-consec + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (continuing the imperative)→ Weqatal: continuing volitional forceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the direct quotation to follow.
אֲלֵהֶ֑םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffIndirect object of וְאָמַרְתָּאֶל (H413) 'to', with pronominal suffix.
כִּ֥יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction (temporal)כִּי (H3588) 'when, that, because'; here temporal, introducing the future crossing.
אַתֶּ֛םyouindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject (emphatic, resuming with the participle)אַתֶּם (H859) 'you' (pl.), emphasizing the addressed nation.
עֹבְרִ֥יםare crossingQal ptc m pl abs · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate (periphrastic, imminent future)→ Participle: imminent/anticipated actionעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross, pass over'; the imminent crossing of the Jordan into Canaan.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיַּרְדֵּ֖ןthe Jordanart + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Direct objectיַרְדֵּן (H3383), the river Israel is about to cross.
אַ֥רְצָהto the land ofN c sg constr + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial (destination)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; with directional ה, 'to the land of' — the destination of the crossing.
כְּנָֽעַןCanaanN proper · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive of the construct chainכְּנַעַן (H3667), the land west of the Jordan promised to Israel.
11

וְהִקְרִיתֶ֤ם לָכֶם֙ עָרִ֔ים עָרֵ֥י מִקְלָ֖ט תִּהְיֶ֣ינָה לָכֶ֑ם וְנָ֥ס שָׁ֨מָּה֙ רֹצֵ֔חַ מַכֵּה נֶ֖פֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָֽה

You shall select cities for yourselves; they shall be cities of refuge for you, so that a manslayer who strikes a person unintentionally may flee there.

Purpose clause stating the institution's functionוְ
Introduces the technical vocabulary that structures the rest of the chapter: עָרֵי מִקְלָט 'cities of refuge', and בִּשְׁגָגָה 'unintentionally, in error' — the qualifying term that will be tested case by case in vv. 16-23 to separate manslaughter from murder.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהִקְרִיתֶ֤םand you shall selectwaw-consec + Hiphil weqatal 2mp · קָרָה (H7136)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionקָרָה (H7136) Hiphil 'to cause to meet, provide, appoint'; here 'designate, select' — a precise legal-technical verb for this act.
לָכֶם֙for yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffPredicate complement (benefactive/reflexive)Dative לְ, reflexive-benefactive 'for yourselves'.
עָרִ֔יםcitiesN f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
עָרֵ֥יcities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; construct with מִקְלָט.
מִקְלָ֖טof refugeN m sg abs · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge, asylum'.
תִּהְיֶ֣ינָהthey shall beQal impf 3fp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'.
לָכֶ֑םfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffPredicate complement (benefit)Dative לְ, 'for you'.
וְנָ֥סso that ... may fleewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3ms · נוּס (H5127)Predicate verb (purpose/result clause)→ Weqatal: purpose continuing the preceding instructionנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; states the refuge cities' function.
שָׁ֨מָּה֙to thereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (destination)שָׁם (H8033) 'there', with directional ה.
רֹצֵ֔חַa manslayerQal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of וְנָס→ Participle: characterizing — 'one who has killed'רָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; names the class of persons the refuge cities serve, defined further by the appositive participle that follows.
מַכֵּהwho strikesHiphil ptc m sg constr · נָכָה (H5221)Appositional participle further defining רֹצֵחַ→ Participle: characterizing actionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; construct with נֶפֶשׁ, 'one who strikes a life' — the deed constituting homicide.
נֶ֖פֶשׁa lifeN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (genitive of the construct) of מַכֵּהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; the victim, standing for the fatal blow to a human being.
בִּשְׁגָגָֽהunintentionallyprep בְּ + N f sg abs · שְׁגָגָה (H7684)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)שְׁגָגָה (H7684) 'error, inadvertence', from שָׁגַג 'to err, go astray'; the term distinguishing manslaughter from murder throughout the chapter (cf. Lev 4).
12

וְהָי֨וּ לָכֶ֧ם הֶעָרִ֛ים לְמִקְלָ֖ט מִגֹּאֵ֑ל וְלֹ֤א יָמוּת֙ הָרֹצֵ֔חַ עַד עָמְד֛וֹ לִפְנֵ֥י הָעֵדָ֖ה לַמִּשְׁפָּֽט

And the cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer shall not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.

Purpose: protection pending trialוְ
States the refuge cities' core legal function: temporary protection from the גֹּאֵל הַדָּם (avenger of blood) until due process — trial before הָעֵדָה, the congregation — determines guilt. This anticipates the full judicial procedure of vv. 24-25 and rules out any private, pre-trial execution.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהָי֨וּand they shall bewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'.
לָכֶ֧םfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffPredicate complement (benefit)Dative לְ, 'for you'.
הֶעָרִ֛יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Subjectעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
לְמִקְלָ֖טfor refugeprep לְ + N m sg abs · מִקְלָט (H4733)Predicate complementמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge, asylum'.
מִגֹּאֵ֑לfrom the avengerprep מִן + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Source prepositional phrase→ Participle: characterizing role/officeגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer'; substantivized 'redeemer/avenger' — the גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, the victim's next-of-kin charged with avenging blood (see v. 19 note).
וְלֹ֤אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
יָמוּת֙shall dieQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/negated futureמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the refuge city's function is precisely to prevent this premature death.
הָרֹצֵ֔חַthe manslayerart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of יָמוּת→ Participle: durative/characterizingרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the substantivized participle, the chapter's recurring central figure.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'.
עָמְד֛וֹhis standingQal inf constr + 3ms suff · עָמַד (H5975)Object of עַד (temporal infinitival clause)→ Infinitive construct: marks the terminus of the preceding prohibitionעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the manslayer must formally appear and stand for trial.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiomatic compound preposition 'before, in the presence of'.
הָעֵדָ֖הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Object of the compound preposition לִפְנֵיעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the communal judicial body that adjudicates homicide cases (v. 24).
לַמִּשְׁפָּֽטfor judgmentprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Prepositional phrase of purposeמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, justice, legal decision'; the formal trial the manslayer must undergo before any resolution.
13

וְהֶעָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתֵּ֑נוּ שֵׁשׁ עָרֵ֥י מִקְלָ֖ט תִּהְיֶ֥ינָה לָכֶֽם

And the cities that you shall give: six cities of refuge shall there be for you.

Restatement of the numberוְ
A concise restatement fixing the total at six, preparing for the geographic distribution (three and three) specified in v. 14.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְהֶעָרִ֖יםand the citiesconj וְ + art + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Topic (casus pendens)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
תִּתֵּ֑נוּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
שֵׁשׁsixcardinal number f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Numeral modifying עָרֵישֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'.
עָרֵ֥יcities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
מִקְלָ֖טof refugeN m sg abs · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'.
תִּהְיֶ֥ינָהshall beQal impf 3fp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'.
לָכֶֽםfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffPredicate complement (benefit)Dative לְ, 'for you'.
14

אֵ֣ת שְׁלֹ֣שׁ הֶעָרִ֗ים תִּתְּנוּ֙ מֵעֵ֣בֶר לַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וְאֵת֙ שְׁלֹ֣שׁ הֶֽעָרִ֔ים תִּתְּנ֖וּ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן עָרֵ֥י מִקְלָ֖ט תִּהְיֶֽינָה

Three cities you shall give beyond the Jordan, and three cities you shall give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.

Geographic distribution (three and three)asyndeton
Splits the six evenly across the Jordan: three in the already-settled Transjordan (Bezer, Ramoth-gilead, Golan — named at Deut 4:41-43) and three to be designated once Canaan proper is possessed (named at Josh 20:7 — Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron). The even split ensures no fugitive is more than a moderate distance from asylum on either side of the river.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
אֵ֣ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁלֹ֣שׁthreecardinal number f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral modifying הֶעָרִיםשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; half the six refuge cities, sited beyond the Jordan.
הֶעָרִ֗יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
תִּתְּנוּ֙you shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
מֵעֵ֣בֶרbeyondprep מִן + N m sg abs · עֵבֶר (H5676)Locative prepositional phraseעֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'; 'from the other side of' — the already-settled Transjordan (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh).
לַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanprep לְ + art + N proper · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Object completing the compound preposition מֵעֵבֶר לְיַרְדֵּן (H3383), the boundary river.
וְאֵת֙and [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
שְׁלֹ֣שׁthreecardinal number f sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral modifying הֶעָרִיםשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; the other half, sited in Canaan proper.
הֶֽעָרִ֔יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct objectעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
תִּתְּנ֖וּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'.
כְּנָ֑עַןCanaanN proper · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Genitive of the construct chainכְּנַעַן (H3667), the land west of the Jordan.
עָרֵ֥יcities ofN f pl constr · עִיר (H5892)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
מִקְלָ֖טof refugeN m sg abs · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'.
תִּהְיֶֽינָהthey shall beQal impf 3fp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'.
15

לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְלַגֵּ֤ר וְלַתּוֹשָׁב֙ בְּתוֹכָ֔ם תִּהְיֶ֛ינָה שֵׁשׁ הֶעָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לְמִקְלָ֑ט לָנ֣וּס שָׁ֔מָּה כָּל מַכֵּה נֶ֖פֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָֽה

For the children of Israel, and for the sojourner, and for the settler among them, these six cities shall be for refuge, for anyone who strikes a person unintentionally to flee there.

Universalizing the provision beyond native Israelitesasyndeton
Explicitly extends refuge-city protection to the גֵּר (sojourner) and תּוֹשָׁב (settler) 'among them', not just native Israelites — one of the chapter's clearest statements that asylum from blood-vengeance is a matter of universal justice, not ethnic privilege, resting on the same due-process logic for every resident of the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
לִבְנֵ֣יfor the children ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase of beneficiary (head of construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וְלַגֵּ֤רand for the sojournerconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Coordinate prepositional phrase of beneficiaryגֵּר (H1616) 'sojourner, resident alien', from גּוּר 'to sojourn'; a non-Israelite resident under covenant protection, explicitly included in the asylum law.
וְלַתּוֹשָׁב֙and for the settlerconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N m sg abs · תּוֹשָׁב (H8453)Coordinate prepositional phrase of beneficiaryתּוֹשָׁב (H8453) 'settler, sojourning resident'; near-synonym of גֵּר, often paired with it, denoting a non-Israelite permanently dwelling among Israel.
בְּתוֹכָ֔םamong themprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3mp suff · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phrase modifying the preceding pairתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; the sojourner/settler dwell in the midst of Israel and share equally in its protections.
תִּהְיֶ֛ינָהshall beQal impf 3fp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'.
שֵׁשׁsixcardinal number f sg abs · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Numeral modifying הֶעָרִיםשֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'.
הֶעָרִ֥יםthe citiesart + N f pl abs · עִיר (H5892)Subjectעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הֶעָרִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back to the six just enumerated (vv. 13-14).
לְמִקְלָ֑טfor refugeprep לְ + N m sg abs · מִקְלָט (H4733)Predicate complementמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'.
לָנ֣וּסfor fleeingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נוּס (H5127)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purposeנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'.
שָׁ֔מָּהto thereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (destination)שָׁם (H8033) 'there', with directional ה.
כָּלanyone whoN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of לָנוּס (head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; here 'anyone/whoever' before a participle, universalizing the provision beyond Israel alone.
מַכֵּהwho strikesHiphil ptc m sg constr · נָכָה (H5221)Genitive of the construct chain (participle in construct)→ Participle: characterizing actionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; construct with נֶפֶשׁ.
נֶ֖פֶשׁa lifeN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (genitive of the construct) of מַכֵּהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'.
בִּשְׁגָגָֽהunintentionallyprep בְּ + N f sg abs · שְׁגָגָה (H7684)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)שְׁגָגָה (H7684) 'error, inadvertence'.
16

וְאִם בִּכְלִ֨י בַרְזֶ֧ל הִכָּ֛הוּ וַיָּמֹ֖ת רֹצֵ֣חַֽ ה֑וּא מ֥וֹת יוּמַ֖ת הָרֹצֵֽחַ

But if he struck him with an iron object and he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.

First case: instrument criterion (murder)וְ
Opens the chapter's murder/manslaughter casuistry (vv. 16-23) with the instrument test: iron here, stone (v. 17) and wood (v. 18) following — any of the three, wielded as a lethal weapon, yields a verdict of רֹצֵחַ (murderer) on the instrument alone, no motive yet required. The verdict formula מוֹת יוּמַת ('shall surely be put to death') is the Torah's standard capital sentence.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the first of the paired case laws distinguishing murder from manslaughter (vv. 16-21 vs. 22-23).
בִּכְלִ֨יwith an instrument ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Instrumental prepositional phraseכְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, instrument, weapon'; construct with the material that follows.
בַרְזֶ֧לironN m sg abs · בַּרְזֶל (H1270)Genitive of the construct chainבַּרְזֶל (H1270) 'iron'; the first of three named materials (iron, stone, wood) whose deliberate use as a weapon signals intent to kill.
הִכָּ֛הוּhe struck himHiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suff · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Perfective: a completed decisive actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the deliberate blow with a lethal instrument.
וַיָּמֹ֖תand he diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, result)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence — the resulting deathמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the fatal outcome of the blow.
רֹצֵ֣חַֽa murdererQal ptc m sg abs (substantival, predicate) · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate nominative→ Participle: characterizing, legal classificationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; here the participle functions as a legal verdict — 'he is a murderer' — based on the lethal instrument used.
ה֑וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless predicationהוּא (H1931) 'he'; resumptive subject pronoun completing the nominal clause רֹצֵחַ הוּא.
מ֥וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certainty ('shall surely')מוּת (H4191) 'to die'; paired with the finite verb of the same root for emphasis, the standard Hebrew idiom of certainty.
יוּמַ֖תhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): obligatory future — mandated capital punishmentמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; the mandatory death sentence for proven murder, with no possibility of ransom (v. 31).
הָרֹצֵֽחַthe murdererart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of יוּמַת→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the same participle now definite, resuming the subject as convicted murderer.
17

וְאִ֡ם בְּאֶ֣בֶן יָד֩ אֲשֶׁר יָמ֨וּת בָּ֥הּ הִכָּ֛הוּ וַיָּמֹ֖ת רֹצֵ֣חַֽ ה֑וּא מ֥וֹת יוּמַ֖ת הָרֹצֵֽחַ

And if with a hand-stone that could cause death he struck him and he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Second case: instrument criterion (murder)וְ
The stone parallel to v. 16's iron, with an added qualifier — 'a hand-stone by which one could die' — making explicit the dangerousness criterion implicit throughout: the instrument must be capable of killing and sized/wielded as a weapon, not an incidental object.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאִ֡םand ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerאִם (H518) 'if'; second instrument case (stone).
בְּאֶ֣בֶןwith a stone ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶבֶן (H68)Instrumental prepositional phraseאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; construct with יָד, 'a hand-stone' — a stone sized to be wielded by hand.
יָד֩hand(-sized)N c sg abs · יָד (H3027)Genitive of the construct chainיָד (H3027) 'hand'; qualifies אֶבֶן as a stone that fits and is wielded in the hand — a deliberate weapon, not a random pebble.
אֲשֶׁרby whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יָמ֨וּתone could dieQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the relative clause (potential)→ Yiqtol: modal/potential — capable of causing deathמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the relative clause specifies the stone's lethal capacity, a legal criterion of dangerousness.
בָּ֥הּby itprep בְּ + 3fs suffInstrumental complement of יָמוּתInstrumental בְּ referring back to אֶבֶן (feminine).
הִכָּ֛הוּhe struck himHiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suff · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Perfective: a completed decisive actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'.
וַיָּמֹ֖תand he diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, result)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
רֹצֵ֣חַֽa murdererQal ptc m sg abs (substantival, predicate) · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate nominative→ Participle: characterizing, legal classificationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
ה֑וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless predicationהוּא (H1931) 'he'.
מ֥וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certaintyמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; paired with the finite verb of the same root for emphasis.
יוּמַ֖תhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): obligatory future — mandated capital punishmentמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'.
הָרֹצֵֽחַthe murdererart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of יוּמַת→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
18

א֡וֹ בִּכְלִ֣י עֵֽץ יָד֩ אֲשֶׁר יָמ֨וּת בּ֥וֹ הִכָּ֛הוּ וַיָּמֹ֖ת רֹצֵ֣חַֽ ה֑וּא מ֥וֹת יוּמַ֖ת הָרֹצֵֽחַ

Or with a wooden hand-weapon that could cause death, he struck him and he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.

Third case: instrument criterion (murder), completing the triadasyndeton
Wood completes the triad of iron (v. 16), stone (v. 17), wood (v. 18) — any material, hand-wielded and lethal-capable, yields the same murder verdict. The threefold repetition of the identical verdict formula (רֹצֵחַ הוּא... מוֹת יוּמַת הָרֹצֵחַ) underlines that the instrument's category, not its uniqueness, is what matters.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
א֡וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction linking case clausesאוֹ (H176) 'or'; links the third instrument case to the two preceding.
בִּכְלִ֣יwith an instrument ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כְּלִי (H3627)Instrumental prepositional phraseכְּלִי (H3627) 'instrument, weapon'; construct with the material that follows.
עֵֽץwoodN m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Genitive of the construct chainעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; the third named lethal material, completing the triad iron/stone/wood.
יָד֩hand(-sized)N c sg abs · יָד (H3027)Genitive further qualifying כְּלִי עֵץיָד (H3027) 'hand'; again specifying a hand-wielded weapon.
אֲשֶׁרby whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יָמ֨וּתone could dieQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the relative clause (potential)→ Yiqtol: modal/potentialמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
בּ֥וֹby itprep בְּ + 3ms suffInstrumental complement of יָמוּתInstrumental בְּ referring back to כְּלִי (masculine).
הִכָּ֛הוּhe struck himHiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suff · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Perfective: a completed decisive actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'.
וַיָּמֹ֖תand he diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, result)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
רֹצֵ֣חַֽa murdererQal ptc m sg abs (substantival, predicate) · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate nominative→ Participle: characterizing, legal classificationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
ה֑וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless predicationהוּא (H1931) 'he'.
מ֥וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certaintyמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; paired with the finite verb of the same root for emphasis.
יוּמַ֖תhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): obligatory future — mandated capital punishmentמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'.
הָרֹצֵֽחַthe murdererart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of יוּמַת→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
19

גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּ֔ם ה֥וּא יָמִ֖ית אֶת הָרֹצֵ֑חַ בְּפִגְעוֹ ב֖וֹ ה֥וּא יְמִיתֶֽנּוּ

The avenger of blood himself shall put the murderer to death; when he encounters him, he himself shall put him to death.

Execution clause naming the authorized executionerasyndeton
Names the גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, 'avenger/redeemer of blood' — normally the victim's nearest kinsman, whose family duty (elsewhere גְּאֻלָּה, redemption of land or persons) here extends to avenging bloodshed. The double emphatic הוּא ('he himself... he himself') stresses that execution of a convicted murderer is this kinsman's lawful right once the congregation has ruled (v. 24), not vigilante license before trial.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
גֹּאֵ֣לthe avenger ofQal ptc m sg constr (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Subject (head of construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, office/roleגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer'; construct with דָּם — 'redeemer/avenger of blood', the victim's nearest kinsman charged with executing a convicted murderer.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive of the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the shed blood the גֹּאֵל is bound to avenge (cf. v. 33).
ה֥וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Emphatic resumptive subjectהוּא (H1931) 'he'; emphasizes that this specific kinsman, not any bystander, carries out the sentence.
יָמִ֖יתshall put to deathHiphil impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future, causativeמוּת (H4191) Hiphil 'to kill, put to death'; the avenger's authorized causative action, distinct from unauthorized private revenge.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָרֹצֵ֑חַthe murdererart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Direct object→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the convicted murderer, now the object of lawful execution.
בְּפִגְעוֹwhen he meets himprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suff · פָּגַע (H6293)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the occasion of executionפָּגַע (H6293) 'to meet, encounter'; the avenger executes the murderer whenever he encounters him — implying no time limit once guilt is established.
ב֖וֹhimprep בְּ + 3ms suffObject completing פִּגְעוֹObject complement of the infinitive, referring to the murderer.
ה֥וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Emphatic resumptive subject (repeated)הוּא (H1931) 'he'; the emphatic repetition underscores that execution is lawfully the avenger's prerogative alone.
יְמִיתֶֽנּוּhe shall put him to deathHiphil impf 3ms + 3ms suff · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future, causativeמוּת (H4191) Hiphil 'to kill'; restates the sentence with the object suffixed for emphasis.
20

וְאִם בְּשִׂנְאָ֖ה יֶהְדָּפֶ֑נּוּ אֽוֹ הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ עָלָ֛יו בִּצְדִיָּ֖ה וַיָּמֹֽת

And if in hatred he shoved him, or hurled something at him with premeditation, and he died,

Fourth case: motive criterion (murder)וְ
Shifts from the instrument test (vv. 16-18) to a motive test: שִׂנְאָה (hatred) and צְדִיָּה (lying in wait, premeditation) prove murder even without a named weapon — a shove or thrown object suffices if hostile intent is shown. Verse 21 will supply the verdict for this case, matching the formula of vv. 16-18.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאִםand ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the motive criterion, complementing the instrument criterion (vv. 16-18).
בְּשִׂנְאָ֖הin hatredprep בְּ + N f sg abs · שִׂנְאָה (H8135)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/motive)שִׂנְאָה (H8135) 'hatred, enmity', from שָׂנֵא 'to hate'; the motive that, alongside a lethal instrument or ambush, proves murder.
יֶהְדָּפֶ֑נּוּhe shoved himQal impf 3ms + 3ms suff · הָדַף (H1920)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: generalizing/customary — describes the typical caseהָדַף (H1920) 'to push, thrust, shove'; a bodily assault distinct from striking with an instrument, now judged by motive rather than method.
אֽוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction linking alternative actionsאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְhe hurledHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb (main clause, coordinate alternative)→ Perfective: a completed decisive actשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast, hurl'; a projectile attack as the alternative mode of the hate-motivated killing.
עָלָ֛יוat himprep עַל + 3ms suffLocative/directional complement of הִשְׁלִיךְעַל (H5921) 'upon, at', with suffix — the target of the thrown object.
בִּצְדִיָּ֖הwith premeditationprep בְּ + N f sg abs · צְדִיָּה (H6660)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)צְדִיָּה (H6660) 'lying in wait, premeditation', from צָדָה 'to lie in wait'; deliberate intent, paired with שִׂנְאָה as the motive-based murder criterion.
וַיָּמֹֽתand he diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, result)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence — the resulting deathמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
21

א֣וֹ בְאֵיבָ֞ה הִכָּ֤הוּ בְיָדוֹ֙ וַיָּמֹ֔ת מֽוֹת יוּמַ֥ת הַמַּכֶּ֖ה רֹצֵ֣חַֽ ה֑וּא גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּ֗ם יָמִ֛ית אֶת הָרֹצֵ֖חַ בְּפִגְעוֹ בֽוֹ

or in enmity struck him with his hand and he died, the striker shall surely be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he encounters him.

Verdict for the motive case (murder), continuing v. 20asyndeton
Completes the motive-based case begun in v. 20: even a bare-handed blow (no weapon at all) counts as murder if done בְאֵיבָה (in enmity). The verdict and execution formulas exactly echo vv. 16-19, confirming that instrument and motive are two independent, equally sufficient routes to a murder conviction.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
א֣וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction linking alternative actionsאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
בְאֵיבָ֞הin enmityprep בְּ + N f sg abs · אֵיבָה (H342)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner/motive)אֵיבָה (H342) 'enmity, hostility', from אֹיֵב 'enemy'; a near-synonym of שִׂנְאָה (v. 20), reinforcing the motive test.
הִכָּ֤הוּhe struck himHiphil perf 3ms + 3ms suff · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Perfective: a completed decisive actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; here with the bare hand rather than a named instrument.
בְיָדוֹ֙with his handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3ms suff · יָד (H3027)Instrumental prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; the bare-handed blow shows that even without a weapon, hostile intent alone establishes murder.
וַיָּמֹ֔תand he diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, result)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
מֽוֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certaintyמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; paired with the finite verb of the same root for emphasis.
יוּמַ֥תhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): obligatory future — mandated capital punishmentמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'.
הַמַּכֶּ֖הthe strikerart + Hiphil ptc m sg abs (substantival) · נָכָה (H5221)Subject of יוּמַת→ Participle: substantival, legal designationנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; substantivized 'the striker', resuming the subject as the one condemned.
רֹצֵ֣חַֽa murdererQal ptc m sg abs (substantival, predicate) · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate nominative→ Participle: characterizing, legal classificationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
ה֑וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject/copula of the verbless predicationהוּא (H1931) 'he'.
גֹּאֵ֣לthe avenger ofQal ptc m sg constr (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Subject (head of construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, office/roleגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer'; construct with דָּם — the avenger of blood.
הַדָּ֗םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive of the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
יָמִ֛יתshall put to deathHiphil impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future, causativeמוּת (H4191) Hiphil 'to kill'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָרֹצֵ֖חַthe murdererart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Direct object→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
בְּפִגְעוֹwhen he meets himprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suff · פָּגַע (H6293)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct: temporal, marking the occasion of executionפָּגַע (H6293) 'to meet, encounter'.
בֽוֹhimprep בְּ + 3ms suffObject completing פִּגְעוֹObject complement of the infinitive, referring to the murderer.
22

וְאִם בְּפֶ֥תַע בְּלֹא אֵיבָ֖ה הֲדָפ֑וֹ אוֹ הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ עָלָ֛יו כָּל כְּלִ֖י בְּלֹ֥א צְדִיָּֽה

But if suddenly, without enmity, he shoved him, or hurled any object at him without premeditation,

First inadvertence case: mirror image of vv. 20-21וְ
Pivots to the manslaughter side of the law using the identical verbs of vv. 20-21 (הָדַף, הִשְׁלִיךְ) but explicitly negating both motive terms — בְּלֹא אֵיבָה, בְּלֹא צְדִיָּה. The doubled בְּפֶתַע...בְּלֹא construction makes clear that identical physical acts receive opposite verdicts depending solely on intent.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the inadvertent (manslaughter) case, mirror image of vv. 16-21.
בְּפֶ֥תַעsuddenlyprep בְּ + N m sg abs · פֶּתַע (H6621)Adverbial prepositional phrase (manner)פֶּתַע (H6621) 'suddenness, an instant'; the temporal marker of an unplanned, unforeseen act — the opposite of premeditation.
בְּלֹאwithoutprep בְּ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Compound negative prepositional phraseלֹא (H3808) 'not'; with בְּ, 'without' — negating the presence of enmity.
אֵיבָ֖הenmityN f sg abs · אֵיבָה (H342)Object of the negative preposition בְּלֹאאֵיבָה (H342) 'enmity, hostility'; its explicit absence is the defining mark of manslaughter.
הֲדָפ֑וֹhe shoved himQal perf 3ms + 3ms suff · הָדַף (H1920)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Perfective: a completed act, here without hostile intentהָדַף (H1920) 'to push, shove'; the same verb as v. 20, now stripped of motive — the act's classification hinges entirely on intent, not the physical action.
אוֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction linking alternative actionsאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
הִשְׁלִ֥יךְhe hurledHiphil perf 3ms · שָׁלַךְ (H7993)Predicate verb (main clause, coordinate alternative)→ Perfective: a completed actשָׁלַךְ (H7993) Hiphil 'to throw, cast'.
עָלָ֛יוat himprep עַל + 3ms suffLocative/directional complement of הִשְׁלִיךְעַל (H5921) 'upon, at'.
כָּלanyN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Quantifier modifying כְּלִי (head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, any'; generalizes the object thrown, unlike the deliberate weapon of vv. 16-18.
כְּלִ֖יobjectN m sg abs · כְּלִי (H3627)Genitive of the construct chainכְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, object, instrument'; here any incidental item, not a chosen weapon.
בְּלֹ֥אwithoutprep בְּ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Compound negative prepositional phraseלֹא (H3808) 'not'; with בְּ, 'without'.
צְדִיָּֽהpremeditationN f sg abs · צְדִיָּה (H6660)Object of the negative preposition בְּלֹאצְדִיָּה (H6660) 'lying in wait, premeditation'; its explicit absence, alongside the absence of אֵיבָה, defines the act as unintentional.
23

א֣וֹ בְכָל אֶ֜בֶן אֲשֶׁר יָמ֥וּת בָּהּ֙ בְּלֹ֣א רְא֔וֹת וַיַּפֵּ֥ל עָלָ֖יו וַיָּמֹ֑ת וְהוּא֙ לֹא אוֹיֵ֣ב ל֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ רָעָתֽוֹ

or with any stone by which one could die, without seeing him, he dropped it on him and he died, though he was not his enemy and did not seek his harm —

Paradigm inadvertence case: the unseen dropped stoneasyndeton
The chapter's most vivid example of שְׁגָגָה: an object capable of killing, but released בְּלֹא רְאוֹת — 'without seeing' the victim — with the explicit double negative confirmation that the actor was neither אוֹיֵב (enemy) nor מְבַקֵּשׁ רָעָתוֹ (seeking his harm). This is the positive-law definition of pure accident, verdict withheld until v. 24's judicial process.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
א֣וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Disjunctive conjunction linking alternative casesאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
בְכָלwith anyprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Instrumental prepositional phrase (quantifier, head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, any'; generalizes the stone as incidental rather than chosen.
אֶ֜בֶןstoneN f sg abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Genitive of the construct chainאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'; unlike v. 17's deliberately wielded 'hand-stone', here any stone at all — the case turns on lack of sight, not the object's nature.
אֲשֶׁרby whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יָמ֥וּתone could dieQal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb of the relative clause (potential)→ Yiqtol: modal/potentialמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the stone's lethal capacity, regardless of the actor's awareness.
בָּהּ֙by itprep בְּ + 3fs suffInstrumental complement of יָמוּתInstrumental בְּ referring back to אֶבֶן.
בְּלֹ֣אwithoutprep בְּ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Compound negative prepositional phraseלֹא (H3808) 'not'; with בְּ, 'without'.
רְא֔וֹתseeingQal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Object of the negative preposition בְּלֹא→ Infinitive construct: negated, describing the actor's lack of awarenessרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the crux phrase of the chapter's inadvertence doctrine — acting without seeing/perceiving the victim, the paradigm case of unwitting manslaughter.
וַיַּפֵּ֥לand he droppedwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (narrative sequence)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequence — the causative droppingנָפַל (H5307) Hiphil 'to cause to fall, drop'; the accidental release of the stone, contrasted with the deliberate throwing (הִשְׁלִיךְ) of vv. 20, 22.
עָלָ֖יוon himprep עַל + 3ms suffLocative complement of וַיַּפֵּלעַל (H5921) 'upon'.
וַיָּמֹ֑תand he diedwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (narrative sequence, result)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative sequenceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'.
וְהוּא֙and heconj וְ + independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the following circumstantial clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'; introduces the circumstantial clarification of the actor's relationship to the victim.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the predicate אוֹיֵבלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
אוֹיֵ֣בan enemyQal ptc m sg abs (substantival, predicate) · אֹיֵב (H341)Predicate nominative (negated)→ Participle: substantival, characterizing relationshipאֹיֵב (H341) 'enemy', from אָיַב 'to be hostile'; the actor's lack of enmity confirmed, cross-referencing אֵיבָה (vv. 21-22).
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffComplement of אוֹיֵב (dative of relation)Dative לְ, marking the object of potential enmity.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following participleלֹא (H3808), negative particle.
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁseekingPiel ptc m sg abs (substantival, predicate) · בָּקַשׁ (H1245)Predicate nominative (negated), coordinate with אוֹיֵב→ Participle: characterizing intentבָּקַשׁ (H1245) Piel 'to seek'; construct with רָעָתוֹ, 'seeking his harm' — confirming absence of malicious purpose.
רָעָתֽוֹhis harmN f sg constr + 3ms suff · רָעָה (H7451)Direct object of מְבַקֵּשׁרָעָה (H7451) 'evil, harm, calamity'; the object of the negated seeking — no intent to injure was present.
24

וְשָֽׁפְטוּ֙ הָֽעֵדָ֔ה בֵּ֚ין הַמַּכֶּ֔ה וּבֵ֖ין גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּ֑ם עַ֥ל הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה

then the congregation shall judge between the striker and the avenger of blood, according to these judgments.

Apodosis: judicial resolution of vv. 16-23וְ
Closes the casuistic section with the institutional answer: not the avenger's unilateral judgment but הָעֵדָה, the congregation, applies the criteria just given (עַל הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים הָאֵלֶּה) to decide between the accused striker and the avenger's claim. This due-process requirement is what the refuge-city system exists to protect until it can be carried out (v. 12).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְשָֽׁפְטוּ֙then they shall judgewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3cp · שָׁפַט (H8199)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instruction, apodosis of the preceding conditionsשָׁפַט (H8199) 'to judge, adjudicate'; the formal judicial verdict process invoked to resolve the case laws just presented.
הָֽעֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subjectעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the communal body — not the avenger alone — that determines guilt or innocence.
בֵּ֚יןbetweenprep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (relation) — first half of paired prepositionבֵּין (H996) 'between'; introduces the two parties whose claims the congregation adjudicates.
הַמַּכֶּ֔הthe strikerart + Hiphil ptc m sg abs (substantival) · נָכָה (H5221)Object of the first בֵּין→ Participle: substantival, neutral designation pending verdictנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; neutrally 'the one who struck', prior to the congregation's determination of murder or manslaughter.
וּבֵ֖יןand betweenconj וְ + prep · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (relation) — second half of paired prepositionבֵּין (H996) 'between'; paired with the first, בֵּין...וּבֵין, the standard idiom for adjudicating between two parties.
גֹּאֵ֣לthe avenger ofQal ptc m sg constr (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Object of the second בֵּין (head of construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, office/roleגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, avenge'.
הַדָּ֑םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive of the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
עַ֥לaccording toprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of standard/normעַל (H5921) 'according to, on the basis of'; the criteria just given (vv. 16-23) as the standard for judgment.
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֖יםthe judgmentsart + N m pl abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Object of the preposition עַלמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, ordinance'; plural here, referring to the specific case-law criteria enumerated above.
הָאֵֽלֶּהtheseart + demonstrative pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrative modifying הַמִּשְׁפָּטִיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; points back to the murder/manslaughter criteria of vv. 16-23.
25

וְהִצִּ֨ילוּ הָעֵדָ֜ה אֶת הָרֹצֵ֗חַ מִיַּד֮ גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּם֒ וְהֵשִׁ֤יבוּ אֹתוֹ֙ הָֽעֵדָ֔ה אֶל עִ֥יר מִקְלָט֖וֹ אֲשֶׁר נָ֣ס שָׁ֑מָּה וְיָ֣שַׁב בָּ֗הּ עַד מוֹת֙ הַכֹּהֵ֣ן הַגָּדֹ֔ל אֲשֶׁר מָשַׁ֥ח אֹת֖וֹ בְּשֶׁ֥מֶן הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ

And the congregation shall deliver the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall return him to his city of refuge to which he had fled; and he shall dwell there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

Resolution: acquittal, restoration, and the high-priest termוְ
The chapter's single most famous provision: once the congregation exonerates the manslayer, confinement in the refuge city runs until the death of הַכֹּהֵן הַגָּדֹל, the high priest anointed with the holy oil. His death — the terminus of the nation's highest consecrated life — functions as a kind of corporate atonement absorbing the residual guilt of bloodshed, releasing the manslayer without further payment (vv. 31-32).
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
וְהִצִּ֨ילוּand they shall deliverwaw-consec + Hiphil weqatal 3cp · נָצַל (H5337)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionנָצַל (H5337) Hiphil 'to snatch away, rescue, deliver'; the congregation's active duty to protect the acquitted manslayer from vengeance.
הָעֵדָ֜הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subjectעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָרֹצֵ֗חַthe manslayerart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Direct object→ Participle: substantival, now vindicated as innocent of murderרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; here the exonerated manslayer, protected rather than condemned.
מִיַּד֮from the hand ofprep מִן + N c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Source prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiomatic for power/agency — rescued from the avenger's reach.
גֹּאֵ֣לthe avenger ofQal ptc m sg constr (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Genitive of the construct chain→ Participle: substantival, office/roleגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, avenge'.
הַדָּם֒the bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive of the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
וְהֵשִׁ֤יבוּand they shall returnwaw-consec + Hiphil weqatal 3cp · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to bring back, restore'; the congregation escorts the exonerated manslayer back to safety.
אֹתוֹ֙himobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָֽעֵדָ֔הthe congregationart + N f sg abs · עֵדָה (H5712)Subject (resumed)עֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation'.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to'.
עִ֥ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Object of prep אֶל (head of construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
מִקְלָט֖וֹhis refugeN m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'; the specific city where he had originally fled.
אֲשֶׁרto whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
נָ֣סhe had fledQal perf 3ms · נוּס (H5127)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: prior completed actionנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'.
שָׁ֑מָּהto thereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (destination)שָׁם (H8033) 'there', with directional ה.
וְיָ֣שַׁבand he shall dwellwaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, remain'; the manslayer's continued residence, mandatory until the stipulated term.
בָּ֗הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffLocative complement of וְיָשַׁבLocative בְּ referring to the refuge city (feminine).
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until'.
מוֹת֙the death ofN m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of prep עַד (head of construct chain)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; the terminus of confinement — the chapter's most famous provision.
הַכֹּהֵ֣ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive of the construct chainכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
הַגָּדֹ֔לthe great (high)art + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הַכֹּהֵןגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; הַכֹּהֵן הַגָּדֹל, 'the high priest' — his death, uniquely, expiates and releases the manslayer (see text_note).
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
מָשַׁ֥חwas anointedQal perf 3ms · מָשַׁח (H4886)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed consecrating actמָשַׁח (H4886) 'to anoint'; the rite installing the high priest, whose special consecrated status underlies the atoning power of his death.
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּשֶׁ֥מֶןwith the oil ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Instrumental prepositional phraseשֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil'; construct with קֹדֶשׁ, the anointing oil of Exod 30:22-33.
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁof holinessart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Genitive of the construct chainקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness, sacredness'; the specially formulated sacred oil, unique to priestly consecration (Exod 30:22-33).
26

וְאִם יָצֹ֥א יֵצֵ֖א הָרֹצֵ֑חַ אֶת גְּבוּל֙ עִ֣יר מִקְלָט֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָנ֖וּס שָֽׁמָּה

But if the manslayer ever goes out beyond the border of his city of refuge to which he fled,

Boundary-violation caseוְ
Introduces the geographic condition of the refuge city's protection: it holds only within גְּבוּל, the city's legal border. Step outside it, even innocently, and the protection lapses — the consequence spelled out in v. 27.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conditional particle · אִם (H518)Conditional protasis markerאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the boundary-violation case governing vv. 26-27.
יָצֹ֥אindeedQal inf abs · יָצָא (H3318)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certaintyיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; paired with the finite verb for emphasis — 'should he ever go out at all'.
יֵצֵ֖אhe goes outQal impf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb of the protasis→ Yiqtol: modal/conditionalיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the manslayer's breach of the refuge city's protective boundary.
הָרֹצֵ֑חַthe manslayerart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker (marking extent/limit) · אֵת (H853)Marks the extent-limit of the motion
גְּבוּל֙the border ofN m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Direct object (limit of the motion, head of construct chain)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, boundary, territory'; the legal perimeter of asylum protection.
עִ֣ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
מִקְלָט֔וֹhis refugeN m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רto whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
יָנ֖וּסhe fledQal impf 3ms · נוּס (H5127)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: generalizing/customary, referring to the earlier flightנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'.
שָֽׁמָּהto thereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial (destination)שָׁם (H8033) 'there', with directional ה.
27

וּמָצָ֤א אֹתוֹ֙ גֹּאֵ֣ל הַדָּ֔ם מִח֕וּץ לִגְב֖וּל עִ֣יר מִקְלָט֑וֹ וְרָצַ֞ח גֹּאֵ֤ל הַדָּם֙ אֶת הָ֣רֹצֵ֔חַ אֵ֥ין ל֖וֹ דָּֽם

and the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the manslayer, there is no bloodguilt for him.

Apodosis: forfeiture of protection outside the boundaryוְ
The consequence of v. 26: leave the refuge city's border and the avenger's killing incurs אֵין לוֹ דָּם, 'no bloodguilt' — the one clean exception to the chapter's otherwise absolute prohibition on private execution. The provision only makes sense against the strict territorial logic of vv. 4-5, 26: protection is spatial and conditional, not a blanket amnesty.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וּמָצָ֤אand findswaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3ms · מָצָא (H4672)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Weqatal: continuing conditional forceמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; the chance encounter outside the boundary that removes the manslayer's protection.
אֹתוֹ֙himobj marker + 3ms suff · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
גֹּאֵ֣לthe avenger ofQal ptc m sg constr (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Subject (head of construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, office/roleגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, avenge'.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive of the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
מִח֕וּץoutsideprep מִן + N m sg abs · חוּץ (H2351)Locative prepositional phraseחוּץ (H2351) 'outside, exterior'.
לִגְב֖וּלthe border ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Object completing the compound preposition מִחוּץ לְגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'.
עִ֣ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of the construct chainעִיר (H5892) 'city'.
מִקְלָט֑וֹhis refugeN m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'.
וְרָצַ֞חand killswaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3ms · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate verb (main clause, apodosis)→ Weqatal: continuing conditional force, permissive resultרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the avenger's lawful killing outside the boundary — notably the same verb used for illicit murder, its moral valence set by context.
גֹּאֵ֤לthe avenger ofQal ptc m sg constr (substantival) · גָּאַל (H1350)Subject (head of construct chain)→ Participle: substantival, office/roleגָּאַל (H1350) 'to redeem, avenge'.
הַדָּם֙the bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Genitive of the construct chainדָּם (H1818) 'blood'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָ֣רֹצֵ֔חַthe manslayerart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Direct object→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'.
אֵ֥יןthere is nonegative existential particle · אַיִן (H369)Predicate of the verbless clause (negated existence)אַיִן (H369) 'there is not'; negates the existence of bloodguilt in this specific circumstance.
ל֖וֹfor himprep לְ + 3ms suffPredicate complement (possession, negated)Dative/possessive לְ, referring to the avenger — he incurs no guilt.
דָּֽםbloodguiltN m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject of the negated existential clauseדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; here idiomatically 'bloodguilt' — the avenger who kills the manslayer outside the refuge city's protection incurs no liability.
28

כִּ֣י בְעִ֤יר מִקְלָטוֹ֙ יֵשֵׁ֔ב עַד מ֖וֹת הַכֹּהֵ֣ן הַגָּדֹ֑ל וְאַחֲרֵ֥י מוֹת֙ הַכֹּהֵ֣ן הַגָּדֹ֔ל יָשׁוּב֙ הָרֹצֵ֔חַ אֶל אֶ֖רֶץ אֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ

For in his city of refuge he shall dwell until the death of the high priest; and after the death of the high priest the manslayer shall return to the land of his holding.

Restatement/expansion of the high-priest release provision (continuing v. 25)כִּי
Restates and completes v. 25's provision from the manslayer's own perspective: confinement is not indefinite but ends precisely at the high priest's death, at which point return to his ancestral land is not just permitted but guaranteed — the chapter's most striking picture of vicarious, mortality-bound expiation.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/explanatory conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because, that'; grounds this restatement in the ongoing rule of v. 25.
בְעִ֤ירin the city ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Locative prepositional phrase (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; construct with מִקְלָטוֹ.
מִקְלָטוֹ֙his refugeN m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge, asylum'; the specific city assigned to him.
יֵשֵׁ֔בhe shall dwellQal impf 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, sit, remain'; the ongoing legal-residence requirement.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'.
מ֖וֹתthe death ofN m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of prep עַד (head of construct chain)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'; the fixed terminus of confinement, restating v. 25.
הַכֹּהֵ֣ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive of the construct chainכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
הַגָּדֹ֑לthe great (high)art + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הַכֹּהֵןגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; הַכֹּהֵן הַגָּדֹל 'the high priest', restating the term of v. 25.
וְאַחֲרֵ֥יand afterconj וְ + prep · אַחֲרֵי (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (coordinate)אַחַר/אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'; marks the terminus's far side — release begins only once the priest has died.
מוֹת֙the death ofN m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of the compound preposition (head of construct chain)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'.
הַכֹּהֵ֣ןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive of the construct chainכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'.
הַגָּדֹ֔לthe great (high)art + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying הַכֹּהֵןגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; repeats the title in full for legal precision.
יָשׁוּב֙he shall returnQal impf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory futureשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; the manslayer's release and restoration once confinement ends.
הָרֹצֵ֔חַthe manslayerart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Subject of יָשׁוּב→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the substantivized participle, now free to leave the refuge city.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phrase (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
אֶ֖רֶץthe land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prep אֶל (head of construct chain)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct with אֲחֻזָּתוֹ.
אֲחֻזָּתֽוֹhis holdingN f sg constr + 3ms suff · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Genitive of the construct chainאֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'possession, holding'; his own tribal allotment, now safely reclaimable.
29

וְהָי֨וּ אֵ֧לֶּה לָכֶ֛ם לְחֻקַּ֥ת מִשְׁפָּ֖ט לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם בְּכֹ֖ל מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽם

And these shall be for you a statute of judgment throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places.

Perpetuity clause closing the refuge-city legislationasyndeton
A closing perpetuity formula (חֻקַּת מִשְׁפָּט לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם) seals the cities-of-refuge law as permanently binding, valid in every Israelite settlement and not merely in the six refuge cities themselves — transitioning to the final judicial-procedure unit (vv. 30-34).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְהָי֨וּand they shall bewaw-consec + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Weqatal: continuing obligatory instructionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'.
אֵ֧לֶּהthesedemonstrative pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Subjectאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; refers back to the preceding regulations (vv. 9-28).
לָכֶ֛םfor youprep לְ + 2mp suffPredicate complement (benefit)Dative לְ, 'for you'.
לְחֻקַּ֥תas a statute ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · חֻקָּה (H2708)Predicate complement (head of construct chain)חֻקָּה (H2708) 'statute, prescribed rule', from חָקַק 'to inscribe, decree'; a permanent, binding ordinance.
מִשְׁפָּ֖טjudgmentN m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Genitive of the construct chainמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, legal ordinance'; the whole homicide-law procedure just legislated.
לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑םthroughout your generationsprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suff · דּוֹר (H1755)Adverbial prepositional phrase (temporal duration)דּוֹר (H1755) 'generation'; marks the law's perpetual validity.
בְּכֹ֖לin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Adverbial prepositional phrase (head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
מוֹשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽםyour dwelling placesN m pl constr + 2mp suff · מוֹשָׁב (H4186)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹשָׁב (H4186) 'dwelling place, settlement', from יָשַׁב 'to dwell'; universalizes the law's scope to every Israelite settlement, not just the refuge cities.
30

כָּל מַ֨כֵּה נֶ֔פֶשׁ לְפִ֣י עֵדִ֔ים יִרְצַ֖ח אֶת הָרֹצֵ֑חַ וְעֵ֣ד אֶחָ֔ד לֹא יַעֲנֶ֥ה בְנֶ֖פֶשׁ לָמֽוּת

Whoever strikes a person, at the mouth (testimony) of witnesses the murderer shall be executed; but one witness shall not testify against a person to cause death.

Two-witness/testimony requirement introducing the closing judicial safeguardsasyndeton
Turns from substantive homicide law to procedural safeguard: execution requires the testimony of (plural) עֵדִים 'witnesses', and explicitly a single witness (עֵד אֶחָד) never suffices to convict on a capital charge — the Torah's general two-witness rule (Deut 17:6; 19:15), guarding against wrongful execution.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כָּלanyone whoN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject (head of construct chain)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; here 'anyone who' before a participle, a universal legal formula.
מַ֨כֵּהwho strikesHiphil ptc m sg constr · נָכָה (H5221)Genitive of the construct chain (participle in construct)→ Participle: characterizing actionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; construct with נֶפֶשׁ.
נֶ֔פֶשׁa personN c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Direct object (genitive of the construct) of מַכֵּהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, person'; the victim of the fatal blow.
לְפִ֣יat the mouth ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Adverbial prepositional phrase (standard, head of construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; idiomatically 'according to, on the testimony of'.
עֵדִ֔יםwitnessesN m pl abs · עֵד (H5707)Genitive of the construct chainעֵד (H5707) 'witness'; testimony is the required evidentiary basis for a capital verdict.
יִרְצַ֖חhe shall executeQal impf 3ms · רָצַח (H7523)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: obligatory future (impersonal subject)רָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; here of the lawful execution of a convicted murderer on the strength of witness testimony (impersonal subject — the executioner/avenger, cf. v. 19).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָרֹצֵ֑חַthe murdererart + Qal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Direct object→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the one convicted, now facing lawful execution.
וְעֵ֣דbut a witnessconj וְ + N m sg abs · עֵד (H5707)Subject (coordinate clause)עֵד (H5707) 'witness'.
אֶחָ֔דonecardinal number m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral modifying עֵדאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; a single witness is explicitly insufficient (cf. Deut 19:15).
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
יַעֲנֶ֥הshall testifyQal impf 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/negated futureעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, testify'; here of giving legal testimony.
בְנֶ֖פֶשׁagainst a personprep בְּ + N c sg abs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Adverbial prepositional phrase (opposition)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, person'; the accused, against whom testimony would be given.
לָמֽוּתto cause deathprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Infinitival purpose/result clause→ Infinitive construct: the fatal consequence guarded againstמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the fatal consequence a single witness's testimony must not be allowed to produce.
31

וְלֹֽא תִקְח֥וּ כֹ֨פֶר֙ לְנֶ֣פֶשׁ רֹצֵ֔חַ אֲשֶׁר ה֥וּא רָשָׁ֖ע לָמ֑וּת כִּי מ֖וֹת יוּמָֽת

And you shall not take a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; for he shall surely be put to death.

No-ransom rule for convicted murderersasyndeton
The Torah's clearest statement that bloodguilt cannot be monetized: unlike other offenses where כֹּפֶר (ransom) is permitted (e.g. the goring ox, Exod 21:30), a convicted murderer's death sentence admits no buy-out. Life for life is the sole satisfaction — the theological ground given explicitly in v. 33.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
תִקְח֥וּyou shall takeQal impf 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/negated futureלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the prohibited act.
כֹ֨פֶר֙a ransomN m sg abs · כֹּפֶר (H3724)Direct objectכֹּפֶר (H3724) 'ransom, indemnity payment', from כָּפַר 'to cover, atone'; a sum paid to buy off punishment — explicitly forbidden here for a convicted murderer (contrast Exod 21:30, permitted for the goring-ox case).
לְנֶ֣פֶשׁfor the life ofprep לְ + N c sg constr · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Prepositional phrase of reference (head of construct chain)נֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life'.
רֹצֵ֔חַa murdererQal ptc m sg abs (substantival) · רָצַח (H7523)Genitive of the construct chain→ Participle: substantival, legal designationרָצַח (H7523) 'to kill'; the convicted party for whom no payment can substitute for execution.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
ה֥וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the verbless relative clauseהוּא (H1931) 'he'.
רָשָׁ֖עguiltyadj m sg abs · רָשָׁע (H7563)Predicate adjectiveרָשָׁע (H7563) 'wicked, guilty, condemned'; here a legal-forensic term, 'liable, condemned'.
לָמ֑וּתto dieprep לְ + Qal inf constr · מוּת (H4191)Infinitival complement of רָשָׁע (specifying liability)→ Infinitive construct: specifying the liabilityמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; 'guilty unto death' — capitally liable.
כִּיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the no-ransom rule in the certainty of the sentence.
מ֖וֹתsurelyQal inf abs · מוּת (H4191)Infinitive absolute intensifying the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic certaintyמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; paired with the finite verb of the same root for emphasis.
יוּמָֽתhe shall be put to deathHophal impf 3ms · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): obligatory future — mandated capital punishment, no substitute permittedמוּת (H4191) Hophal 'to be put to death'; the categorical rule — execution, not payment, is the only legal remedy for murder.
32

וְלֹא תִקְח֣וּ כֹ֔פֶר לָנ֖וּס אֶל עִ֣יר מִקְלָט֑וֹ לָשׁוּב֙ לָשֶׁ֣בֶת בָּאָ֔רֶץ עַד מ֖וֹת הַכֹּהֵֽן

And you shall not take a ransom for one who has fled to his city of refuge, that he may return to dwell in the land, before the death of the priest.

Extends the no-ransom rule to early releaseasyndeton
Closes the loophole in the other direction: not only is there no ransom to escape execution (v. 31), there is also none to buy an early return from the refuge city — the high priest's death remains the sole, non-negotiable terminus of confinement (vv. 25, 28).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְלֹאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
תִקְח֣וּyou shall takeQal impf 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/negated futureלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'.
כֹ֔פֶרa ransomN m sg abs · כֹּפֶר (H3724)Direct objectכֹּפֶר (H3724) 'ransom'; here to buy early release from the refuge city, likewise forbidden.
לָנ֖וּסfor one who fledprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נוּס (H5127)Infinitival complement (substantival, object of the prohibition)→ Infinitive construct: substantival, referring to the manslayer's act of flightנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; refers to the manslayer who fled to asylum.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Locative prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to'.
עִ֣ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Object of prep אֶל (head of construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'.
מִקְלָט֑וֹhis refugeN m sg constr + 3ms suff · מִקְלָט (H4733)Genitive of the construct chainמִקְלָט (H4733) 'refuge'.
לָשׁוּב֙that he may returnprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שׁוּב (H7725)Infinitival purpose clause→ Infinitive construct: purpose (denied by the prohibition on ransom)שׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; the only legitimate way home is the priest's death, not payment.
לָשֶׁ֣בֶתto dwellprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Infinitival complement (purpose, coordinate)→ Infinitive construct: purposeיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; resuming ordinary residence in his ancestral land.
בָּאָ֔רֶץin the landprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; his home territory outside the refuge city.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until'; sets the only legitimate terminus — no ransom can move this date earlier.
מ֖וֹתthe death ofN m sg constr · מָוֶת (H4194)Object of prep עַד (head of construct chain)מָוֶת (H4194) 'death'.
הַכֹּהֵֽןthe priestart + N m sg abs · כֹּהֵן (H3548)Genitive of the construct chainכֹּהֵן (H3548) 'priest'; here without הַגָּדוֹל explicit but understood as the high priest of vv. 25, 28.
33

וְלֹֽא תַחֲנִ֣יפוּ אֶת הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתֶּם֙ בָּ֔הּ כִּ֣י הַדָּ֔ם ה֥וּא יַחֲנִ֖יף אֶת הָאָ֑רֶץ וְלָאָ֣רֶץ לֹֽא יְכֻפַּ֗ר לַדָּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר שֻׁפַּךְ בָּ֔הּ כִּי אִ֖ם בְּדַ֥ם שֹׁפְכֽוֹ

And you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood, it pollutes the land; and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him who shed it.

Theological ground: bloodshed defiles the land; only the killer's blood atonesasyndeton
The chapter's theological climax: unexpiated blood (דָּם) literally pollutes (חָנֵף) the land Israel occupies, and Priestly atonement theology (כָּפַר) has exactly one remedy for bloodshed — retributive execution of the killer, not sacrifice, not ransom (vv. 31-32). This is the deepest rationale for the entire chapter's refusal of any monetary substitute.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וְלֹֽאand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
תַחֲנִ֣יפוּyou shall polluteHiphil impf 2mp · חָנֵף (H2610)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/negated futureחָנֵף (H2610) Hiphil 'to pollute, defile, make profane'; the chapter's key theological verb — bloodshed contaminates the land itself.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the land of Israel as a living entity capable of being defiled.
אֲשֶׁ֤רin whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
אַתֶּם֙youindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of the relative clauseאַתֶּם (H859) 'you' (pl.).
בָּ֔הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffLocative complement of the relative clauseLocative בְּ referring to הָאָרֶץ (feminine).
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the prohibition in bloodshed's polluting effect.
הַדָּ֔םthe bloodart + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Subject (casus pendens, resumed by הוּא)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; fronted for emphasis as the agent of pollution.
ה֥וּאitindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject pronounהוּא (H1931) 'he/it'; resumes הַדָּם as subject of יַחֲנִיף.
יַחֲנִ֖יףit pollutesHiphil impf 3ms · חָנֵף (H2610)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: gnomic, stating a general truthחָנֵף (H2610) Hiphil 'to pollute, defile'; states the general principle underlying the entire chapter's homicide law.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'.
וְלָאָ֣רֶץand for the landconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase of reference (fronted)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; dative of reference, the land as the object needing atonement.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
יְכֻפַּ֗רatonement can be madePual impf 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, negated passive)→ Yiqtol (passive): negated general truth — no atonement is possibleכָּפַר (H3722) Pual 'to be atoned for, expiated'; the chapter's central theological claim — the land's bloodguilt cannot be ritually absolved by ordinary means.
לַדָּם֙for the bloodprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · דָּם (H1818)Prepositional phrase of referenceדָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the specific shed blood requiring expiation.
אֲשֶׁ֣רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
שֻׁפַּךְwas shedPual perf 3ms · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Predicate verb of the relative clause (passive)→ Perfective (passive): a completed actשָׁפַךְ (H8210) Pual 'to be poured out, shed'; the standard verb for spilling blood.
בָּ֔הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffLocative complementLocative בְּ referring to הָאָרֶץ.
כִּיexceptconj · כִּי (H3588)Restrictive/exceptive conjunction (with אִם)כִּי אִם (H3588 + H518) 'except, but only'; the compound exceptive construction introducing the sole legitimate remedy.
אִ֖םifconj · אִם (H518)Restrictive/exceptive conjunction (paired with כִּי)אִם (H518) 'if'; with כִּי forms the standard Hebrew exceptive idiom 'except, only'.
בְּדַ֥םby the blood ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Instrumental prepositional phrase (head of construct chain)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; the sole means of expiation — the killer's own blood.
שֹׁפְכֽוֹthe one shedding itQal ptc m sg constr + 3ms suff · שָׁפַךְ (H8210)Genitive of the construct chain (participle, substantival)→ Participle: substantival, agentive — 'him who shed it'שָׁפַךְ (H8210) Qal ptc constr 'the shedder of it'; the murderer himself, whose own execution is the land's sole atonement (cf. Gen 9:6).
34

וְלֹ֧א תְטַמֵּ֣א אֶת הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתֶּם֙ יֹשְׁבִ֣ים בָּ֔הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י שֹׁכֵ֣ן בְּתוֹכָ֑הּ כִּ֚י אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֔ה שֹׁכֵ֕ן בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And you shall not defile the land in which you dwell, in the midst of which I dwell; for I, YHWH, dwell in the midst of the children of Israel.

Climactic theological ground: YHWH's own indwelling presence in the landasyndeton
The chapter's closing words ground the entire homicide law not merely in retributive justice but in YHWH's own residence 'in the midst of the children of Israel' — the land is holy ground because God dwells there, so its defilement by unexpiated blood is intolerable. The self-identification formula אֲנִי יְהוָה seals Numbers' most extensive legislation on bloodshed with the highest possible authority.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְלֹ֧אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative particle.
תְטַמֵּ֣אyou shall defilePiel impf 2ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: prohibitive/negated futureטָמֵא (H2930) Piel 'to make unclean, defile'; ritual-cultic term, near-synonym of חָנֵף (v. 33a), pressing the land's purity as YHWH's dwelling.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָאָ֗רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct objectאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'.
אֲשֶׁ֤רin whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
אַתֶּם֙youindependent pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Subject of the relative clauseאַתֶּם (H859) 'you' (pl.).
יֹשְׁבִ֣יםdwellQal ptc m pl abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate (participial, main verb of the relative clause)→ Participle: durative, ongoing stateיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell'; Israel's settled occupation of the land.
בָּ֔הּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffLocative complementLocative בְּ referring to הָאָרֶץ.
אֲשֶׁ֥רin the midst of whichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (second, coordinate)אֲשֶׁר (H834), invariable relative particle.
אֲנִ֖יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject of the relative clause (emphatic)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; emphatic first-person subject pronoun.
שֹׁכֵ֣ןdwellQal ptc m sg abs · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate (participial, main verb of the relative clause)→ Participle: durative, ongoing stateשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, tabernacle, settle'; the verb of divine indwelling, root of מִשְׁכָּן 'tabernacle' — YHWH's presence resides in this very land.
בְּתוֹכָ֑הּin its midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3fs suff · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative complement of שֹׁכֵןתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; YHWH dwells in the midst of the land itself.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; grounds the prohibition in YHWH's own indwelling presence — the chapter's climactic theological warrant.
אֲנִ֣יIindependent pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic, resumed)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Appositive to אֲנִי (self-identification formula)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the self-identification formula ('I am YHWH') seals the law with divine authority (cf. Lev 18:5).
שֹׁכֵ֕ןdwellQal ptc m sg abs · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Participle: durative — YHWH's continual presenceשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, tabernacle'.
בְּת֖וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phrase (head of construct chain)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'.
בְּנֵ֥יthe children ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), the covenant name of Jacob's descendants — the chapter's closing word, grounding the whole law in YHWH's abiding presence among his people.