1
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The recurring formula 'and YHWH spoke to Moses, saying' marks a fresh divine speech; it recurs at the head of vv. 5 and 23, dividing the chapter into three legislative units (lampstand, Levites' consecration, Levites' term of service).
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רspokewaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the recurring divine-speech formulaדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standard verb introducing divine legislative speech to Moses throughout Numbers.
יְהוָ֖הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of the verb of speakingיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God (Tetragrammaton); subject of the recurring divine-speech formula.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as recipient of the divine word.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, mediator of the wilderness legislation.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces the following quotationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the formulaic לֵאמֹר opens the quoted divine speech that follows [Num 8:1 last word, source id 04YSa].
2
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֔ן וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֵלָ֑יו בְּהַעֲלֹֽתְךָ֙ אֶת הַנֵּרֹ֔ת אֶל מוּל֙ פְּנֵ֣י הַמְּנוֹרָ֔ה יָאִ֖ירוּ שִׁבְעַ֥ת הַנֵּרֽוֹת
Speak to Aaron and say to him, When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.
The command shifts from narration (v. 1) to direct imperative speech; the syntax fronts a temporal infinitive (בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ, 'when you set up') before the main clause, making the priest's act of lighting the circumstance under which the seven lamps illuminate the space before the lampstand.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
דַּבֵּר֙speakPiel impv 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command opening YHWH's instruction to Aaron via Mosesדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; imperative addressed to Moses, who is to relay it to Aaron.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Object of the preposition (addressee)אַהֲרֹן (H175), Aaron the high priest, charged with tending the lampstand (cf. Exod 27:21; 30:7-8).
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖and sayconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the imperative chain)→ Weqatal: continuation of the volitional/command sequenceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the weqatal here carries on the imperatival force of דַּבֵּר.
אֵלָ֑יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, indirect object (Aaron)אֶל (H413) with 3ms suffix, 'to him' — referring back to Aaron.
בְּהַעֲלֹֽתְךָ֙when you set upprep בְּ + Hiphil inf constr + 2ms sfx · עָלָה (H5927)Temporal infinitival clause (fronted)→ Infinitive construct with temporal בְּ: 'when/at your setting up'עָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to cause to go up, set up, kindle'; here technical for lighting/mounting the lamps on the lampstand.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַנֵּרֹ֔תthe lampsart + N m pl abs · נֵר (H5216)Direct object of the infinitive בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָנֵר (H5216) 'lamp'; the seven lamps of the golden lampstand (מְנוֹרָה), fed with oil (cf. Exod 25:37).
אֶלtowardprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of directionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; combined with מוּל as a compound directional expression.
מוּל֙the front ofprep · מוּל (H4136)Prepositional phrase, locative (with פְּנֵי)מוּל (H4136) 'in front of, opposite'; אֶל־מוּל פְּנֵי is a stacked locative idiom, 'toward the front face of'.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (genitival), governed by מוּלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; always plural in form; construct פְּנֵי + genitive gives 'the front/face of X'.
הַמְּנוֹרָ֔הthe lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Genitive of the construct chainמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand', from אור/נֵר 'light, lamp'; the golden seven-branched lampstand of the tabernacle (Exod 25:31-40).
יָאִ֖ירוּshall give lightHiphil impf 3mp · אוֹר (H215)Predicate verb (main clause, result of the lighting)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive/purposive — the intended effect of the lamps once set upאוֹר (H215) Hiphil 'to give light, cause to shine'; here of the seven lamps illuminating the space in front of the lampstand.
שִׁבְעַ֥תthe seven ofnum m sg constr · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Subject of יָאִירוּ (construct chain head)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; the numeral heads a construct chain, 'the seven of the lamps' = 'the seven lamps'.
הַנֵּרֽוֹתthe lampsart + N m pl abs · נֵר (H5216)Genitive of the construct chain (subject restated)נֵר (H5216) 'lamp'; repeats the chapter's נֵרֹת, specifying the subject of יָאִירוּ as the seven lamps together.
3
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ כֵּן֙ אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֶל מוּל֙ פְּנֵ֣י הַמְּנוֹרָ֔ה הֶעֱלָ֖ה נֵרֹתֶ֑יהָ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת מֹשֶֽׁה
And Aaron did so; he set up its lamps to face the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD commanded Moses.
A compliance report of the standard priestly-narrative pattern: command (vv. 1-2), execution (וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן), and a closing כַּאֲשֶׁר־clause anchoring Aaron's action to Moses' original divine mandate.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּ֤עַשׂand he didwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Aaron's complianceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here 'did so', reporting compliant execution of the command.
כֵּן֙soadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of וַיַּעַשׂכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן is the standard compliance formula in the priestly narrative style.
אַהֲרֹ֔ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂאַהֲרֹן (H175); subject of the compliance notice, executing Moses' relayed command.
אֶלtowardprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of directionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; part of the compound אֶל־מוּל directional idiom.
מוּל֙the front ofprep · מוּל (H4136)Prepositional phrase, locativeמוּל (H4136) 'in front of, opposite'.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain (genitival), governed by מוּלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct with הַמְּנוֹרָה.
הַמְּנוֹרָ֔הthe lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Genitive of the construct chainמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand'; the golden lampstand of the tabernacle.
הֶעֱלָ֖הhe set upHiphil perf 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause, resumptive perfect)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — Aaron's actual lighting/mounting of the lampsעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to cause to go up, set up, kindle'; specifies the content of Aaron's compliance (כֵּן).
נֵרֹתֶ֑יהָits lampsN m pl constr + 3fs sfx · נֵר (H5216)Direct object of הֶעֱלָהנֵר (H5216) 'lamp', with 3fs suffix referring back to הַמְּנוֹרָה (fem.) — 'its lamps'.
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛רjust asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunction introducing the comparison clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; with prefixed כְּ, 'just as, according as' — echoing the command of vv. 1-4.
צִוָּ֥הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate comparison clause)→ Perfective: the prior, completed act of command being echoedצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; the standard verb for divine legislative instruction.
יְהוָ֖הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; subject of the command being obeyed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
מֹשֶֽׁהMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the command that Aaron now fulfills, closing the obedience notice.
4
וְזֶ֨ה מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה הַמְּנֹרָה֙ מִקְשָׁ֣ה זָהָ֔ב עַד יְרֵכָ֥הּ עַד פִּרְחָ֖הּ מִקְשָׁ֣ה הִ֑וא כַּמַּרְאֶ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֶרְאָ֤ה יְהוָה֙ אֶת מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֵּ֥ן עָשָׂ֖ה אֶת הַמְּנֹרָֽה
Now this was the workmanship of the lampstand: hammered gold, from its base to its flower it was hammered work; according to the pattern that the LORD had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.
A parenthetical description closing vv. 1-4: it explains how the lampstand of vv. 2-3 was made — a single hammered gold piece matching the מַרְאֶה shown to Moses at Sinai (Exod 25:9, 40) — and closes with the same כֵּן... עָשָׂה compliance formula as v. 3.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וְזֶ֨הand thisconj וְ + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject of the verbless clause (cataphoric)זֶה (H2088), masc. sg. demonstrative 'this'; introduces the description of the lampstand's manufacture.
מַעֲשֵׂ֤הthe workmanship ofN m sg constr · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Predicate nominative (head of construct chain)מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, workmanship', from עָשָׂה 'to make'; here the manufactured product/design.
הַמְּנֹרָה֙the lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Genitive of the construct chainמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand'.
מִקְשָׁ֣הhammered workN f sg abs · מִקְשָׁה (H4749)Predicate nominative (apposition, describing the workmanship)מִקְשָׁה (H4749) 'hammered work'; a single piece of gold beaten out rather than cast or soldered from parts (cf. Exod 25:31).
זָהָ֔בgoldN m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Genitive of material (apposition to מִקְשָׁה)זָהָב (H2091) 'gold'; the lampstand's material, specifying מִקְשָׁה as 'hammered gold-work'.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking extent (from... to...)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; here spatial, marking the extent of the hammered work.
יְרֵכָ֥הּits baseN f sg constr + 3fs sfx · יָרֵךְ (H3409)Object of the preposition עַדיָרֵךְ (H3409) 'thigh, side, base'; here the base/shaft of the lampstand, its lowest structural part.
עַדtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase marking extent (second member)עַד (H5704) 'as far as, until'; paired with the first עַד to bracket the whole lampstand, base to flower.
פִּרְחָ֖הּits flowerN m sg constr + 3fs sfx · פֶּרַח (H6525)Object of the second preposition עַדפֶּרַח (H6525) 'flower, blossom'; the ornamental floral cups at the lampstand's top/branches (cf. Exod 25:31-34).
מִקְשָׁ֣הhammered workN f sg abs · מִקְשָׁה (H4749)Predicate nominativeמִקְשָׁה (H4749) 'hammered work'; repeated to frame the whole base-to-flower description as a single beaten piece.
הִ֑ואit (was)indep pron 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject/quasi-copula of the verbless clauseהִיא (H1931), independent 3fs pronoun referring to הַמְּנֹרָה; in a verbless clause it serves as subject and copula, 'it (was) hammered work'.
כַּמַּרְאֶ֗הaccording to the patternprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · מַרְאֶה (H4758)Prepositional phrase of standard/conformityמַרְאֶה (H4758) 'appearance, sight, pattern', from רָאָה 'to see'; the visual model shown to Moses on the mountain (cf. Exod 25:9, 40).
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle; here 'that/which' the LORD showed Moses.
הֶרְאָ֤הhe showedHiphil perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: a prior, completed act — the pattern shown on the mountain (cf. Exod 25:9)רָאָה (H7200) Hiphil 'to cause to see, show'; the LORD's revelation of the lampstand's design to Moses.
יְהוָה֙the LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of הֶרְאָהיְהוָה (H3068); subject of the showing, echoing Exod 25:9, 40.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
מֹשֶׁ֔הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of הֶרְאָהמֹשֶׁה (H4872); recipient of the shown pattern.
כֵּ֥ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of עָשָׂהכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; closes the chapter's opening unit with the compliance formula.
עָשָׂ֖הhe madeQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, summary statement)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act summarizing the whole constructionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make'; summarizes the making of the lampstand according to the pattern (cf. Exod 37:17-24).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַמְּנֹרָֽהthe lampstandart + N f sg abs · מְנוֹרָה (H4501)Direct object of עָשָׂהמְנוֹרָה (H4501) 'lampstand'; closes the unit by naming the finished product.
5
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The formula repeats v. 1 verbatim, marking a fresh divine speech that runs through v. 22: the taking, purifying, and presenting of the Levites, and their formal transfer to Aaron in place of Israel's firstborn.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רspokewaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — opening the second legislative unit (the Levites' consecration)דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the recurring speech-formula, here introducing the Levite-purification law.
יְהוָ֖הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; subject of the recurring divine-speech formula.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as recipient of the divine word.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, mediator of the wilderness legislation.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces the following quotationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the quoted instructions for consecrating the Levites (vv. 6-19).
6
קַ֚ח אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם מִתּ֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְטִהַרְתָּ֖ אֹתָֽם
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel and purify them.
The command initiates the ritual sequence of vv. 6-19: taking the Levites out of the general population and purifying them for sanctuary service.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
קַ֚חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command opening the Levite-consecration instructionsלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; imperative addressed to Moses, initiating the whole procedure of setting apart the Levites.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of קַחלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite', gentilic of the tribe of Levi; the tribe set apart for sanctuary service in place of Israel's firstborn (vv. 16-18).
מִתּ֖וֹךְfrom amongprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase, source (partitive)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; with מִן, 'from the midst/among' — the Levites are taken out from the general population of Israel.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chain, governed by מִתּוֹךְבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the sons/children of Israel', the standard designation for the covenant people.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Israel — Jacob's covenant name, here designating the nation as a whole.
וְטִהַרְתָּ֖and purifyconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · טָהֵר (H2891)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the imperative chain)→ Weqatal: continuation of the volitional command sequenceטָהֵר (H2891) Piel 'to purify, cleanse'; the ritual act of ceremonial purification detailed in v. 7.
אֹתָֽםthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְטִהַרְתָּאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — referring to the Levites, the object of purification.
7
וְכֹֽה תַעֲשֶׂ֤ה לָהֶם֙ לְטַֽהֲרָ֔ם הַזֵּ֥ה עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם מֵ֣י חַטָּ֑את וְהֶעֱבִ֤ירוּ תַ֨עַר֙ עַל כָּל בְּשָׂרָ֔ם וְכִבְּס֥וּ בִגְדֵיהֶ֖ם וְהִטֶּהָֽרוּ
And thus you shall do to them to purify them: sprinkle upon them water of purification, let them pass a razor over all their flesh, let them wash their garments, and so they shall be clean.
A four-step ritual sequence (sprinkling, shaving, laundering, self-purification) unfolds in a chain of weqatal verbs continuing the command of v. 6. Shaving the WHOLE body is distinctive here, unlike ordinary purity rites, marking the Levites' transition to sacred status.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְכֹֽהand thusconj וְ + adv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverbial phrase, manner (fronted)כֹּה (H3541) 'thus, in this way'; introduces the procedural instructions that follow.
תַעֲשֶׂ֤הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the procedure Moses must carry outעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; here prescriptive, 'you shall do' the following ritual to the Levites.
לָהֶם֙to themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְIndirect object of תַעֲשֶׂהלְ preposition with 3mp suffix, 'to/for them' — referring to the Levites.
לְטַֽהֲרָ֔םto purify themprep לְ + Piel inf constr + 3mp sfx · טָהֵר (H2891)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: 'in order to purify them'טָהֵר (H2891) Piel 'to purify'; states the purpose of the procedure about to be described.
הַזֵּ֥הsprinkleHiphil impv 2ms · נָזָה (H5137)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: the first concrete ritual actionנָזָה (H5137) Hiphil 'to sprinkle'; the technical verb for sprinkling purifying liquid (cf. Lev 14; Num 19).
עֲלֵיהֶ֖םupon themprep עַל + 3mp sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locative (recipient of sprinkling)עַל (H5921) with 3mp suffix, 'upon them' — the Levites receiving the sprinkled water.
מֵ֣יthe water ofN m pl constr · מַיִם (H4325)Direct object of הַזֵּה (construct chain head)מַיִם (H4325) 'water'; construct with חַטָּאת, 'water of purification' (cf. Num 19:9, 17-21).
חַטָּ֑אתpurificationN f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Genitive of the construct chainחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin-offering, purification'; מֵי חַטָּאת denotes water used ritually to remove impurity, closely related to the ash-water of Num 19.
וְהֶעֱבִ֤ירוּand let them passconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the instruction chain)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceעָבַר (H5674) Hiphil 'to cause to pass over'; here of passing a razor over the body — total body-shaving.
תַ֨עַר֙a razorN com sg abs · תַּעַר (H8593)Direct object of וְהֶעֱבִירוּתַּעַר (H8593) 'razor'; the instrument for shaving the whole body, part of the purification rite (cf. Lev 14:8-9 for lepers).
עַלoverprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locativeעַל (H5921) 'on, over'; marks the surface over which the razor passes.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain head, object of the preposition עַלכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; כָּל־בְּשָׂרָם, 'all their flesh' — the entire body.
בְּשָׂרָ֔םtheir fleshN m sg constr + 3mp sfx · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Genitive of the construct chainבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'; the totality of the body-surface to be shaved.
וְכִבְּס֥וּand let them washconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3cp · כָּבַס (H3526)Predicate verb (weqatal continuing the instruction chain)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceכָּבַס (H3526) Piel 'to wash, launder'; standard purification-rite verb for cleansing garments (cf. Lev 11-15).
בִגְדֵיהֶ֖םtheir garmentsN m pl constr + 3mp sfx · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object of וְכִבְּסוּבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment, clothing'; laundering the clothes complements shaving the body in the purification rite.
וְהִטֶּהָֽרוּand let them purify themselvesconj וְ + Hitpael weqatal 3cp · טָהֵר (H2891)Predicate verb (weqatal, reflexive, closing the instruction chain)→ Weqatal, Hitpael (reflexive): 'and so make themselves clean'טָהֵר (H2891) Hitpael 'to purify oneself, become clean'; the reflexive stem marks the Levites' own resulting state of ritual purity.
8
וְלָֽקְחוּ֙ פַּ֣ר בֶּן בָּקָ֔ר וּמִנְחָת֔וֹ סֹ֖לֶת בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשָּׁ֑מֶן וּפַר שֵׁנִ֥י בֶן בָּקָ֖ר תִּקַּ֥ח לְחַטָּֽאת
And let them take a young bull and its grain offering — fine flour mixed with oil — and you shall take a second young bull for a sin offering.
Two bulls are required, paralleling the priestly ordination rite (Lev 8-9) and anticipating v. 12's assignment of one as חַטָּאת and one as עֹלָה; the shift from 3cp (they take) to 2ms (you shall take) singles out Moses' personal role in designating the second animal.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְלָֽקְחוּ֙and let them takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive sequenceלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; introduces the sacrificial animals required for the Levites' ordination offerings.
פַּ֣רa bullN m sg abs · פַּר (H6499)Direct object of וְלָקְחוּפַּר (H6499) 'bull, young bull'; the first sacrificial animal, used for the sin/purification offering (cf. v. 12).
בֶּןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain, in apposition to פַּרבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בֶּן־בָּקָר, lit. 'son of the herd' = a young bull from the cattle.
בָּקָ֔רthe herdN com sg abs · בָּקָר (H1241)Genitive of the construct chainבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'; specifies the bull's origin from the herd.
וּמִנְחָת֔וֹand its grain offeringconj וְ + N f sg constr + 3ms sfx · מִנְחָה (H4503)Coordinate object, accompanying offeringמִנְחָה (H4503) 'grain offering, gift'; the cereal offering accompanying the bull, per standard sacrificial procedure (cf. Num 15:1-16).
סֹ֖לֶתfine flourN f sg abs · סֹלֶת (H5560)Apposition, specifying the grain offering's materialסֹלֶת (H5560) 'fine flour, semolina'; the standard high-grade flour for grain offerings.
בְּלוּלָ֣הmixedQal passive ptc f sg · בָּלַל (H1101)Attributive participle modifying סֹלֶת→ Passive participle: describes the resulting state of the flourבָּלַל (H1101) Qal 'to mix, mingle'; passive participle 'mixed [with oil]', the standard preparation for grain offerings.
בַשָּׁ֑מֶןwith the oilprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שֶׁמֶן (H8081)Prepositional phrase, instrument/meansשֶׁמֶן (H8081) 'oil'; olive oil mixed into the flour, per the standard grain-offering recipe.
וּפַרand a bullconj וְ + N m sg abs · פַּר (H6499)Coordinate direct object (second animal)פַּר (H6499) 'bull'; the second sacrificial animal required, for the burnt offering (cf. v. 12).
שֵׁנִ֥יsecondordinal num m sg · שֵׁנִי (H8145)Attributive adjective modifying פַרשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; distinguishes this bull from the first (v. 8a), used for the עֹלָה of v. 12.
בֶןthe son ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain, in apposition to פַר שֵׁנִיבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; again בֶּן־בָּקָר, 'son of the herd'.
בָּקָ֖רthe herdN com sg abs · בָּקָר (H1241)Genitive of the construct chainבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'.
תִּקַּ֥חyou shall takeQal impf 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive, resumptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — Moses' own responsibility for the second bullלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; shifts to 2ms addressing Moses directly for the sin-offering bull.
לְחַטָּֽאתfor a sin offeringprep לְ + N f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Prepositional phrase, purpose (designating the offering's function)חַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering'; specifies the second bull's cultic purpose, purification/expiation (cf. v. 12).
9
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֙ אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְהִ֨קְהַלְתָּ֔ אֶֽת כָּל עֲדַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And you shall bring the Levites near before the tent of meeting, and you shall assemble the whole congregation of the children of Israel.
Moses is commanded to enact two movements: bringing the Levites to the tent, and gathering the whole congregation as corporate witnesses — setting the stage for the hand-laying and wave-offering of vv. 10-11.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֙and you shall bring nearconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present'; the technical verb for presenting persons or offerings at the sanctuary.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וְהִקְרַבְתָּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; brought forward as the subject of the presentation rite.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי, 'before, in the presence of' — the tent of meeting as the venue.
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain head, object of לִפְנֵיאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד, 'tent of meeting' — the tabernacle proper.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'; אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, 'tent of meeting' — where YHWH meets Israel.
וְהִ֨קְהַלְתָּ֔and you shall assembleconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · קָהַל (H6950)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceקָהַל (H6950) Hiphil 'to assemble, convoke'; Moses is to gather the whole congregation as witnesses to the Levites' consecration.
אֶֽת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain head, direct objectכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; כָּל־עֲדַת, 'the whole congregation of'.
עֲדַ֖תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive of the construct chainעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'; the formal gathered community of Israel, here as corporate witness.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'the children of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the triple construct chain naming the whole assembled nation.
10
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֥ אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֖ם לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וְסָמְכ֧וּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶת יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל הַלְוִיִּֽם
And you shall bring the Levites near before the LORD, and the children of Israel shall lay their hands upon the Levites.
סְמִיכָה, 'laying on of hands', is the standard gesture by which an offerer's identity is transferred to a sacrificial victim (Lev 1:4); here the whole nation performs it on the Levites, marking them as Israel's substitutionary gift to YHWH (cf. vv. 16-18).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֥and you shall bring nearconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present'; repeats v. 9's verb, now specifying 'before the LORD' rather than merely 'before the tent'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֖םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וְהִקְרַבְתָּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, 'before the LORD' — in the divine presence at the sanctuary.
יְהוָ֑הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chain (object of לִפְנֵי)יְהוָה (H3068); the presentation is explicitly 'before YHWH', marking it as a sacral act.
וְסָמְכ֧וּand shall layconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceסָמַךְ (H5564) Qal 'to lean, lay (hands)'; the hand-laying rite transferring the community's representative identity onto the Levites (cf. Lev 1:4; 8:14).
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וְסָמְכוּ (construct chain head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, subject of the hand-laying.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
יְדֵיהֶ֖םtheir handsN com dual constr + 3mp sfx · יָד (H3027)Direct object of וְסָמְכוּיָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual form, both hands laid upon the Levites, the standard gesture of identification/transfer.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locative (recipient of the gesture)עַל (H5921) 'on, upon'.
הַלְוִיִּֽםthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Object of the preposition עַללֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; recipients of the hand-laying, by which Israel formally sets them apart as its representatives.
11
וְהֵנִיף֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֤ם תְּנוּפָה֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְהָי֕וּ לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת עֲבֹדַ֥ת יְהוָֽה
And Aaron shall wave the Levites as a wave offering before the LORD from the children of Israel, that they may do the service of the LORD.
Uniquely, the Levites themselves — not an animal portion — are 'waved' (תְּנוּפָה); the rite formalizes their transfer from the nation ('from the children of Israel') to YHWH's ownership, immediately purposed (וְהָיוּ לַעֲבֹד) for cultic service.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וְהֵנִיף֩and shall waveconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms · נוּף (H5130)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceנוּף (H5130) Hiphil 'to wave, elevate'; the technical verb for the wave-offering gesture, here performed by Aaron over the Levites themselves.
אַהֲרֹ֨ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וְהֵנִיףאַהֲרֹן (H175); the officiating priest who performs the wave-gesture.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֤םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וְהֵנִיףלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; the Levites themselves, remarkably, are the object waved — a living wave-offering rather than a sacrificial portion.
תְּנוּפָה֙as a wave offeringN f sg abs · תְּנוּפָה (H8573)Adverbial accusative (manner/result)תְּנוּפָה (H8573) 'wave offering, elevation offering', from נוּף 'to wave'; the Levites are presented in the manner of a תְּנוּפָה, formally dedicated to YHWH.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, 'before the LORD'.
יְהוָ֔הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
מֵאֵ֖תfromprep מִן + prep אֵת · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase, sourceאֵת (H854) 'with, from with'; מֵאֵת, 'from (the possession/midst of)' — marking the Levites as coming from the community as its gift.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chain, governed by מֵאֵתבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וְהָי֕וּand they shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause, result)→ Weqatal: result/purpose clause — the intended outcome of the presentationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; 'so that they may be [ready] to serve' — introducing the Levites' new vocation.
לַעֲבֹ֖דto serveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַד (H5647)Infinitival complement of וְהָיוּ (purpose)→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: the Levites' assigned functionעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to work, serve'; the technical term for the Levites' cultic labor (עֲבֹדָה) at the tent.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
עֲבֹדַ֥תthe service ofN f sg constr · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Direct object of לַעֲבֹד (cognate accusative construct)עֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, work'; cognate to עָבַד, forming a cognate-accusative construction, 'to serve the service of'.
יְהוָֽהthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068); the Levites' service belongs specifically to YHWH, performed at his sanctuary.
12
וְהַלְוִיִּם֙ יִסְמְכ֣וּ אֶת יְדֵיהֶ֔ם עַ֖ל רֹ֣אשׁ הַפָּרִ֑ים וַ֠עֲשֵׂה אֶת הָאֶחָ֨ד חַטָּ֜את וְאֶת הָאֶחָ֤ד עֹלָה֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל הַלְוִיִּֽם
And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bulls; and offer the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites.
The direction of hand-laying now reverses: the Levites (not Israel) lay hands on the two bulls, identifying with the sacrifices offered on their own behalf — one חַטָּאת and one עֹלָה, the standard purification pairing (cf. Lev 9) — 'to make atonement for the Levites' before they may serve.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְהַלְוִיִּם֙and the Levitesconj וְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Subject of יִסְמְכוּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; now the Levites themselves perform the hand-laying — on the sacrificial bulls, reversing the direction of v. 10.
יִסְמְכ֣וּshall layQal impf 3mp · סָמַךְ (H5564)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the Levites' required ritual actionסָמַךְ (H5564) Qal 'to lean, lay (hands)'; the Levites identify themselves with the bulls about to be offered on their behalf.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
יְדֵיהֶ֔םtheir handsN com dual constr + 3mp sfx · יָד (H3027)Direct object of יִסְמְכוּיָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual, both hands.
עַ֖לuponprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, locativeעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'.
רֹ֣אשׁthe head ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Construct chain head, object of עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the standard location for hand-laying on a sacrificial animal (cf. Lev 1:4).
הַפָּרִ֑יםthe bullsart + N m pl abs · פַּר (H6499)Genitive of the construct chainפַּר (H6499) 'bull'; the two bulls of v. 8, now the recipients of the Levites' hand-laying.
וַ֠עֲשֵׂהand offerconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause)→ Volitional: direct command to Moses to sacrifice the bullsעָשָׂה (H6213) Qal 'to do, make'; here 'offer, sacrifice' (idiomatic use with cultic objects, cf. Lev 9:7).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הָאֶחָ֨דthe oneart + num m sg · אֶחָד (H259)Direct object of וַעֲשֵׂהאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; designates the first of the two bulls.
חַטָּ֜אתas a sin offeringN f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Adverbial accusative (predicate of result)חַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin offering'; the first bull's cultic designation.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker (second object)וְ joins the second object; אֵת marks הָאֶחָד as the definite second object.
הָאֶחָ֤דthe otherart + num m sg · אֶחָד (H259)Direct object of וַעֲשֵׂה (second object)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; designates the second of the two bulls.
עֹלָה֙as a burnt offeringN f sg abs · עֹלָה (H5930)Adverbial accusative (predicate of result)עֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering', from עָלָה 'to go up'; the second bull's cultic designation, wholly consumed.
לַֽיהוָ֔הto the LORDprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, indirect object/recipientיְהוָה (H3068) with prefixed לְ, 'to/for the LORD' — the recipient of both offerings.
לְכַפֵּ֖רto make atonementprep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: the offerings' expiatory functionכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, cover, purge'; the sacrificial rite's purpose — cleansing the Levites for sacred service.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, benefactiveעַל (H5921) 'on behalf of, for'; marks the Levites as the beneficiaries of the atonement.
הַלְוִיִּֽםthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Object of the preposition עַל (beneficiary)לֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; even the sanctuary's ministers require atonement before undertaking their service.
13
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֙ אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לִפְנֵ֥י אַהֲרֹ֖ן וְלִפְנֵ֣י בָנָ֑יו וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֛ם תְּנוּפָ֖ה לַֽיהוָֽה
And you shall set the Levites before Aaron and before his sons, and wave them as a wave offering to the LORD.
Where v. 11 has Aaron waving the Levites, here Moses himself performs the תְּנוּפָה, underscoring that Moses, not yet Aaron, is the initiating agent of this ordination; the double presentation (before Aaron and his sons) establishes the Levites' subordination to the whole priestly line.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֙and you shall setconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · עָמַד (H5975)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceעָמַד (H5975) Hiphil 'to cause to stand, set, station'; Moses positions the Levites before the priests for presentation.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וְהַעֲמַדְתָּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי אַהֲרֹן, 'before Aaron' — positioning the Levites for priestly presentation.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175).
וְלִפְנֵ֣יand beforeconj וְ + prep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locative (coordinate)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; extends the presentation to Aaron's sons as well.
בָנָ֑יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Aaron's sons, the subordinate priests.
וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥and you shall waveconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · נוּף (H5130)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceנוּף (H5130) Hiphil 'to wave, elevate'; Moses himself performs the wave-gesture here (contrast Aaron in v. 11).
אֹתָ֛םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהֵנַפְתָּאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — the Levites.
תְּנוּפָ֖הas a wave offeringN f sg abs · תְּנוּפָה (H8573)Adverbial accusative (manner/result)תְּנוּפָה (H8573) 'wave offering'; repeats v. 11's designation, confirming the Levites' dedicated status.
לַֽיהוָֽהto the LORDprep לְ + N proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase, recipientיְהוָה (H3068) with prefixed לְ; the Levites, as wave offering, belong to YHWH.
14
וְהִבְדַּלְתָּ֙ אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם מִתּ֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְהָ֥יוּ לִ֖י הַלְוִיִּֽם
And you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.
The chapter's theological center: הִבְדִּיל ('separate') plus the emphatic first-person לִי ('mine') declares that the Levites, once ritually purified and presented, belong to YHWH outright — the basis for their substitution for Israel's firstborn in vv. 16-18.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְהִבְדַּלְתָּ֙and you shall separateconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · בָּדַל (H914)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive command sequenceבָּדַל (H914) Hiphil 'to separate, set apart'; the technical verb for cultic differentiation (cf. Gen 1:4; Lev 20:24-26).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וְהִבְדַּלְתָּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
מִתּ֖וֹךְfrom amongprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase, source (partitive)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; repeats v. 6's phrase, now stating the result of the process — formal separation.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וְהָ֥יוּand they shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause, result)→ Weqatal: result — the outcome of the separationהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; states the Levites' new ownership status.
לִ֖יmineprep לְ + 1cs sfx · לְPredicate of possession (with וְהָיוּ)לְ preposition with 1cs suffix, 'to/for me' = 'mine' — YHWH's own emphatic claim of ownership.
הַלְוִיִּֽםthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Subject of וְהָיוּ (resumptive, in apposition)לֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; the subject is restated for emphasis, closing the sentence with the tribe's name.
15
וְאַֽחֲרֵי כֵן֙ יָבֹ֣אוּ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔ם וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם תְּנוּפָֽה
And after that the Levites shall go in to do the service of the tent of meeting, when you have purified them and waved them as a wave offering.
The weqatal verbs וְטִהַרְתָּ and וְהֵנַפְתָּ here function retrospectively/summarily, recapitulating vv. 6-7 and 11-13 as the completed precondition for the Levites' authorized entry (יָבֹאוּ) into service — closing the instructional unit begun in v. 5.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְאַֽחֲרֵיand afterconj וְ + prep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; אַחֲרֵי־כֵן, 'after that' — a fixed temporal idiom.
כֵן֙thatadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of אַחֲרֵיכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with אַחֲרֵי forms the idiom 'after this/that'.
יָבֹ֣אוּshall go inQal impf 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the Levites' authorized future entryבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, go in, enter'; here of the Levites entering into their assigned cultic role at the tent.
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Subject of יָבֹאוּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
לַעֲבֹ֖דto serveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַד (H5647)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: the goal of their entryעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to work, serve'; the Levites' cultic labor at the tent.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
אֹ֣הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain head, object of לַעֲבֹדאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד.
מוֹעֵ֑דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'.
וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣when you have purifiedconj וְ + Piel weqatal 2ms · טָהֵר (H2891)Predicate verb (weqatal, circumstantial/temporal)→ Weqatal: circumstantial — the precondition already accomplished by Moses (vv. 6-7)טָהֵר (H2891) Piel 'to purify'; summarizing back-reference to the purification of vv. 6-7, now recapitulated before the entry is authorized.
אֹתָ֔םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְטִהַרְתָּאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — the Levites.
וְהֵנַפְתָּ֥and wavedconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms · נוּף (H5130)Predicate verb (weqatal, circumstantial/temporal)→ Weqatal: circumstantial, continuing the summary of prior actionsנוּף (H5130) Hiphil 'to wave, elevate'; summarizing back-reference to v. 13.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וְהֵנַפְתָּאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them'.
תְּנוּפָֽהas a wave offeringN f sg abs · תְּנוּפָה (H8573)Adverbial accusative (manner/result)תְּנוּפָה (H8573) 'wave offering'; the third and final occurrence in the chapter, closing the summary of the consecration procedure.
16
כִּי֩ נְתֻנִ֨ים נְתֻנִ֥ים הֵ֨מָּה֙ לִ֔י מִתּ֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל תַּחַת֩ פִּטְרַ֨ת כָּל רֶ֜חֶם בְּכ֥וֹר כֹּל֙ מִבְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לָקַ֥חְתִּי אֹתָ֖ם לִֽי
For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel; instead of every one that opens the womb, the firstborn of all from the children of Israel, I have taken them for myself.
The chapter's key theological warrant: the doubled passive participle נְתֻנִים נְתֻנִים ('utterly given') and the first-person לָקַחְתִּי ('I have taken') ground the Levites' status in the firstborn-redemption transaction of Exod 13 and Num 3:11-13 — every Israelite firstborn belongs to YHWH by right of the Passover, and the Levites are taken as their substitute.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
כִּי֩forconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the ground/reasonכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the theological rationale for the Levites' separation and ownership.
נְתֻנִ֨יםwholly givenQal passive ptc m pl abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate (verbless clause, first of doubled participle)→ Passive participle, doubled for emphasis: 'utterly/wholly given'נָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give'; passive participle repeated (נְתֻנִים נְתֻנִים) for intensive emphasis — totally, irrevocably given.
נְתֻנִ֥יםgivenQal passive ptc m pl abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate (verbless clause, second of doubled participle)→ Passive participle, doubled for emphasisנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give'; the repetition (a Hebrew intensifying device) underscores the totality of the gift.
הֵ֨מָּה֙theyindep pron 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Subject of the verbless clauseהֵמָּה (H1992), independent 3mp pronoun, 'they' — resumes/emphasizes the Levites as subject of the doubled participle.
לִ֔יto meprep לְ + 1cs sfx · לְIndirect object/agent of the passive verbלְ preposition with 1cs suffix, 'to me' — YHWH as the recipient of the giving.
מִתּ֖וֹךְfrom amongprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase, source (partitive)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
תַּחַת֩instead ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase, substitutionתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of'; introduces the substitution rationale — Levites in place of firstborn.
פִּטְרַ֨תthe one that opensN f sg constr · פֶּטֶר (H6363)Construct chain head, object of תַּחַתפֶּטֶר (H6363) 'that which opens/breaches', from פָּטַר 'to open, breach'; פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, 'that which opens the womb' = the firstborn.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain, further modifying רֶחֶםכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
רֶ֜חֶםwombN m sg abs · רֶחֶם (H7358)Genitive of the construct chainרֶחֶם (H7358) 'womb'; פֶּטֶר כָּל־רֶחֶם, 'that which opens every womb' = every firstborn.
בְּכ֥וֹרthe firstborn ofN m sg constr · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Apposition, restating פִּטְרַת רֶחֶםבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn', from בָּכַר; restates/glosses the preceding phrase in plainer terms.
כֹּל֙of allN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive complement of בְּכוֹרכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; here 'the firstborn of all/every kind'.
מִבְּנֵ֣יfrom the sons ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, sourceבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'from the children of Israel' — specifying the human firstborn in view.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
לָקַ֥חְתִּיI have takenQal perf 1cs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, divine first-person declaration)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — YHWH's own claimלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; YHWH's first-person declaration of having taken the Levites for himself in the exodus-era firstborn transaction (cf. vv. 17-18).
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of לָקַחְתִּיאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — the Levites.
לִֽיfor myselfprep לְ + 1cs sfx · לְPrepositional phrase, benefactive (with לָקַחְתִּי)לְ preposition with 1cs suffix, 'for myself' — closing emphasis on YHWH's exclusive claim.
17
כִּ֣י לִ֤י כָל בְּכוֹר֙ בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בָּאָדָ֖ם וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה בְּי֗וֹם הַכֹּתִ֤י כָל בְּכוֹר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם הִקְדַּ֥שְׁתִּי אֹתָ֖ם לִֽי
For every firstborn among the children of Israel is mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them for myself.
Vv. 16-17 together supply the historical basis for vv. 14-15 and 18: YHWH's claim on Israel's firstborn (both human and animal) dates to the night he struck Egypt's firstborn and 'sanctified' Israel's own as his; the Levites' substitution (v. 18) discharges this standing claim en masse rather than requiring every family to redeem its own firstborn son individually.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, resuming the ground clauseכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; continues/parallels v. 16's causal argument.
לִ֤יmineprep לְ + 1cs sfx · לְPredicate of possession (verbless clause)לְ preposition with 1cs suffix, 'to/for me' = 'mine' — YHWH's possessive claim.
כָלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain head, subject of the verbless clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
בְּכוֹר֙firstbornN m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Genitive of the construct chainבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'.
בִּבְנֵ֣יamong the sons ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, locativeבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; בִּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'among the children of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
בָּאָדָ֖םboth manprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Prepositional phrase, coordinate specificationאָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind'; specifies the human firstborn.
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑הand beastconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Prepositional phrase, coordinate specificationבְּהֵמָה (H929) 'animal, beast'; extends the firstborn-claim to livestock as well (cf. Exod 13:2).
בְּי֗וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + N m sg constr · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; construct with the following infinitive, 'on the day of my striking'.
הַכֹּתִ֤יmy strikingHiphil inf constr + 1cs sfx · נָכָה (H5221)Infinitival complement (genitive after יוֹם)→ Infinitive construct: 'when I struck'נָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; refers to the tenth plague, the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exod 12:29).
כָלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain head, direct object of הַכֹּתִיכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
בְּכוֹר֙firstbornN m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Genitive of the construct chainבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N com sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase, locativeאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; construct with מִצְרַיִם.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptN proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitive of the construct chainמִצְרַיִם (H4714), Egypt; the setting of the Passover-night plague.
הִקְדַּ֥שְׁתִּיI sanctifiedHiphil perf 1cs · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Predicate verb (main clause, divine first-person declaration)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actקָדַשׁ (H6942) Hiphil 'to sanctify, consecrate'; YHWH's claiming of the firstborn as holy to himself at the Exodus (cf. Exod 13:2).
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of הִקְדַּשְׁתִּיאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — the firstborn.
לִֽיfor myselfprep לְ + 1cs sfx · לְPrepositional phrase, benefactiveלְ preposition with 1cs suffix, 'for myself' — closing the sanctification formula, echoing v. 16.
18
וָאֶקַּח֙ אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם תַּ֥חַת כָּל בְּכ֖וֹר בִּבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And I have taken the Levites instead of every firstborn among the children of Israel.
The first-person wayyiqtol וָאֶקַּח closes the theological unit begun in v. 16 with a terse restatement of the transaction: the Levites now stand in the legal/cultic place of every Israelite firstborn.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וָאֶקַּח֙and I tookwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol, divine first person)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative-style report of YHWH's own decisive actionלָקַח (H3947) Qal 'to take'; YHWH recounts his taking of the Levites as an accomplished, narratable act.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וָאֶקַּחלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
תַּ֥חַתinstead ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase, substitutionתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of'; states the substitution explicitly.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct chain head, object of תַּחַתכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
בְּכ֖וֹרfirstbornN m sg abs · בְּכוֹר (H1060)Genitive of the construct chainבְּכוֹר (H1060) 'firstborn'.
בִּבְנֵ֥יamong the sons ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, locativeבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the summary statement of the substitution.
19
וָאֶתְּנָ֨ה אֶת הַלְוִיִּ֜ם נְתֻנִ֣ים לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן וּלְבָנָ֗יו מִתּוֹךְ֮ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ לַעֲבֹ֞ד אֶת עֲבֹדַ֤ת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וּלְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְלֹ֨א יִהְיֶ֜ה בִּבְנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ נֶ֔גֶף בְּגֶ֥שֶׁת בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ
And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tent of meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel approach the sanctuary.
The longest verse of the chapter recapitulates the entire unit's purpose in a cascading series of infinitival clauses (to serve, to atone) and a climactic negative-purpose clause: the Levites exist precisely so that ordinary Israelites never approach the sanctuary directly and incur נֶגֶף — the same danger dramatized narratively in Num 16-17.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
וָאֶתְּנָ֨הand I have givenwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 1cs + paragogic he · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol, divine first person)→ Wayyiqtol with paragogic he: emphatic narrative report of a decisive divine actנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give'; the paragogic ה adds emphasis to YHWH's own report of the gift.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
הַלְוִיִּ֜םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Direct object of וָאֶתְּנָהלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
נְתֻנִ֣יםgivenQal passive ptc m pl abs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate adjective/apposition, describing the Levites' status→ Passive participle: describes the Levites' resulting given stateנָתַן (H5414) Qal 'to give'; passive participle repeating the chapter's key term (cf. v. 16), specifying whom they are given to — Aaron.
לְאַהֲרֹ֣ןto Aaronprep לְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Indirect object of נְתֻנִיםאַהֲרֹן (H175) with prefixed לְ; the Levites are given specifically to Aaron, i.e., to the priesthood's service.
וּלְבָנָ֗יוand to his sonsconj וְ + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate indirect objectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; extends the gift to Aaron's priestly line.
מִתּוֹךְ֮from amongprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase, source (partitive)תָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
לַעֲבֹ֞דto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַד (H5647)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: the Levites' assigned functionעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to work, serve'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
עֲבֹדַ֤תthe service ofN f sg constr · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Direct object of לַעֲבֹד (cognate accusative construct)עֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, work'; cognate accusative with עָבַד.
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; here 'the service of the children of Israel' — service performed on Israel's behalf.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
בְּאֹ֣הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase, locativeאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד.
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'.
וּלְכַפֵּ֖רand to make atonementconj וְ + prep לְ + Piel inf constr · כָּפַר (H3722)Purpose infinitival clause (coordinate)→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: a second, coordinate purposeכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, cover, purge'; a second purpose of the Levites' service alongside עֲבֹדָה.
עַלforprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, benefactiveעַל (H5921) 'on behalf of, for'.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chain, governed by עַלבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
וְלֹ֨אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle introducing the purpose/result clauseלֹא (H3808), negative particle; וְלֹא יִהְיֶה, 'so that there will not be' — negative purpose.
יִהְיֶ֜הthere will beQal impf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (negative purpose clause)→ Yiqtol: negated purpose/result — the averted dangerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; here 'there will not be [a plague]'.
בִּבְנֵ֤יamong the sons ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, locativeבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙IsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
נֶ֔גֶףa plagueN m sg abs · נֶגֶף (H5063)Subject of יִהְיֶהנֶגֶף (H5063) 'plague, blow'; the divine strike that follows unauthorized approach to sacred things (cf. Num 16:46-50; 17:11-15).
בְּגֶ֥שֶׁתwhen approachingprep בְּ + Qal inf constr · נָגַשׁ (H5066)Temporal infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with temporal בְּ: 'when they draw near'נָגַשׁ (H5066) Qal 'to draw near, approach'; the dangerous act the Levites' mediating service is designed to prevent.
בְּנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of the infinitive בְּגֶשֶׁתבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase, locative (goal)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'.
הַקֹּֽדֶשׁthe sanctuaryart + N m sg abs · קֹדֶשׁ (H6944)Object of the preposition אֶלקֹדֶשׁ (H6944) 'holiness, holy place'; the sacred zone that must be approached only through the mediating Levites, on pain of נֶגֶף.
20
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְאַהֲרֹ֛ן וְכָל עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַלְוִיִּ֑ם כְּ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּ֨ה יְהוָ֤ה אֶת מֹשֶׁה֙ לַלְוִיִּ֔ם כֵּן עָשׂ֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
And Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the children of Israel did to the Levites according to all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites; so the children of Israel did to them.
The standard priestly compliance formula (כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה... כֵּן עָשׂוּ) frames the whole community's action, doubly stated (וַיַּעַשׂ... כֵּן עָשׂוּ) to stress exact obedience — echoing the identical formula used for the lampstand in vv. 3-4.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיַּ֨עַשׂand didwaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the compliance reportעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; opens the chapter's compliance notice.
מֹשֶׁ֧הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂ (first of three coordinate subjects)מֹשֶׁה (H4872).
וְאַהֲרֹ֛ןand Aaronconj וְ + N proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂ (second coordinate subject)אַהֲרֹן (H175).
וְכָלand all ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of וַיַּעַשׂ (third coordinate subject, construct head)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'.
עֲדַ֥תthe congregation ofN f sg constr · עֵדָה (H5712)Genitive of the construct chainעֵדָה (H5712) 'congregation, assembly'.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478).
לַלְוִיִּ֑םto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of וַיַּעַשׂלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; recipients of the community's compliant action.
כְּ֠כֹלaccording to allprep כְּ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר, 'according to all that' — the standard compliance-formula opener.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the comparison clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle.
צִוָּ֨הcommandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (relative/comparison clause)→ Perfective: the prior, completed act of command being echoedצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'.
יְהוָ֤הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
לַלְוִיִּ֔םconcerning the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Prepositional phrase, reference/regardלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'; repeats the beneficiary, 'concerning the Levites'.
כֵּןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of עָשׂוּכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; the standard compliance-formula closer.
עָשׂ֥וּdidQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, resumptive compliance statement)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive corporate actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; the community's execution, restated to frame the whole verse as compliance.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְIndirect object of עָשׂוּלְ preposition with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the Levites.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of עָשׂוּ (construct chain head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); closes the compliance report naming the whole nation as agent.
21
וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙ בִּגְדֵיהֶ֔ם וַיָּ֨נֶף אַהֲרֹ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיְכַפֵּ֧ר עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם אַהֲרֹ֖ן לְטַהֲרָֽם
And the Levites purified themselves and washed their garments; and Aaron waved them as a wave offering before the LORD, and Aaron made atonement for them to purify them.
Vv. 21-22 shift from prescriptive weqatal/yiqtol forms (vv. 6-19) to narrative wayyiqtol, reporting the rite's actual execution: self-purification, laundering, Aaron's wave-offering, and his atonement — closely mirroring the instructions in compressed form.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּand purified themselveswaw-consec + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3mp · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol, reflexive)→ Wayyiqtol, Hitpael (reflexive): narrative report of the Levites' own act of self-purificationחָטָא (H2398) Hitpael 'to purify oneself (from sin/impurity)'; the reflexive stem marks the Levites as agents of their own cleansing, executing vv. 6-7.
הַלְוִיִּ֗םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Subject of וַיִּתְחַטְּאוּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙and washedwaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · כָּבַס (H3526)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advanceכָּבַס (H3526) Piel 'to wash, launder'; executes the instruction of v. 7.
בִּגְדֵיהֶ֔םtheir garmentsN m pl constr + 3mp sfx · בֶּגֶד (H899)Direct object of וַיְכַבְּסוּבֶּגֶד (H899) 'garment, clothing'.
וַיָּ֨נֶףand wavedwaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נוּף (H5130)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — Aaron's execution of v. 11נוּף (H5130) Hiphil 'to wave, elevate'; Aaron carries out the wave-rite of v. 11 in narrative report.
אַהֲרֹ֥ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיָּנֶףאַהֲרֹן (H175).
אֹתָ֛םthemobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיָּנֶףאֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix, 'them' — the Levites.
תְּנוּפָ֖הas a wave offeringN f sg abs · תְּנוּפָה (H8573)Adverbial accusative (manner/result)תְּנוּפָה (H8573) 'wave offering'; the fourth and final occurrence in the chapter.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, 'before the LORD'.
יְהוָ֑הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
וַיְכַפֵּ֧רand made atonementwaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּפַר (H3722)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: narrative advance — the atonement rite of v. 12 executedכָּפַר (H3722) Piel 'to atone, cover, purge'; Aaron performs the atonement rite of v. 12 in narrative report.
עֲלֵיהֶ֛םfor themprep עַל + 3mp sfx · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, benefactiveעַל (H5921) with 3mp suffix, 'for them' — the Levites.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Subject of וַיְכַפֵּראַהֲרֹן (H175).
לְטַהֲרָֽםto purify themprep לְ + Piel inf constr + 3mp sfx · טָהֵר (H2891)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְ: the goal of the atonement riteטָהֵר (H2891) Piel 'to purify'; closes the narrative-execution section by stating the rite's purpose.
22
וְאַחֲרֵי כֵ֞ן בָּ֣אוּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם לַעֲבֹ֤ד אֶת עֲבֹֽדָתָם֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד לִפְנֵ֥י אַהֲרֹ֖ן וְלִפְנֵ֣י בָנָ֑יו כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ צִוָּ֨ה יְהוָ֤ה אֶת מֹשֶׁה֙ עַל הַלְוִיִּ֔ם כֵּ֖ן עָשׂ֥וּ לָהֶֽם
And after that the Levites went in to do their service in the tent of meeting before Aaron and before his sons; as the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.
The Levite-consecration section closes exactly as it began (v. 20) and as the lampstand unit did (vv. 3-4), with the fixed formula 'as the LORD commanded... so they did' — the triple repetition binds the whole chapter together as a single unit of perfect obedience.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְאַחֲרֵיand afterconj וְ + prep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phrase (fronted)אַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; repeats v. 15's temporal idiom, now in narrative report.
כֵ֞ןthatadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of אַחֲרֵיכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; אַחֲרֵי כֵן, 'after that'.
בָּ֣אוּwent inQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative report)→ Perfective: a completed act — the Levites' actual entry into serviceבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, go in, enter'; narrative fulfillment of v. 15's prescription (יָבֹאוּ).
הַלְוִיִּ֗םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Subject of בָּאוּלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
לַעֲבֹ֤דto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַד (H5647)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to work, serve'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
עֲבֹֽדָתָם֙their serviceN f sg constr + 3mp sfx · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Direct object of לַעֲבֹדעֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, work'; now possessed by the Levites themselves — their assigned task.
בְּאֹ֣הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase, locativeאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד.
מוֹעֵ֔דmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locativeפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'.
אַהֲרֹ֖ןAaronN proper · אַהֲרֹן (H175)Genitive of the construct chainאַהֲרֹן (H175).
וְלִפְנֵ֣יand beforeconj וְ + prep לְ + N com pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase, locative (coordinate)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'.
בָנָ֑יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of the construct chainבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Aaron's sons.
כַּאֲשֶׁר֩just asprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunctionאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; with prefixed כְּ, 'just as, according as'.
צִוָּ֨הhe commandedPiel perf 3ms · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb (subordinate comparison clause)→ Perfective: the prior, completed act of command being echoedצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'.
יְהוָ֤הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of צִוָּהיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
מֹשֶׁה֙MosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Direct object of צִוָּהמֹשֶׁה (H4872).
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase, reference/regardעַל (H5921) 'on, concerning'.
הַלְוִיִּ֔םthe Levitesart + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Object of the preposition עַללֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
כֵּ֖ןsoadv · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement of עָשׂוּכֵּן (H3651) 'thus, so'; the compliance-formula closer.
עָשׂ֥וּthey didQal perf 3cp · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, resumptive compliance statement)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive corporate actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'.
לָהֶֽםto themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְIndirect object of עָשׂוּלְ preposition with 3mp suffix, 'to them' — the Levites.
23
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The formula repeats vv. 1 and 5 verbatim, marking the chapter's third and final divine speech, which sets the age-limits (25-50) for the Levites' active service — a provision distinct from and complementary to the census age of thirty in Num 4.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רspokewaw-consec + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, narrative wayyiqtol)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — opening the chapter's third and final legislative unit (the Levites' term of service)דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the recurring speech-formula, here introducing the age-limits for Levitical service.
יְהוָ֖הthe LORDN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; subject of the recurring divine-speech formula.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Moses as recipient of the divine word.
מֹשֶׁ֥הMosesN proper · מֹשֶׁה (H4872)Object of the preposition אֶל (addressee)מֹשֶׁה (H4872), Moses, mediator of the wilderness legislation.
לֵּאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: introduces the following quotationאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; opens the concluding regulation on the Levites' age of service (vv. 24-26).
24
זֹ֖את אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַלְוִיִּ֑ם מִבֶּן֩ חָמֵ֨שׁ וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָמַ֔עְלָה יָבוֹא֙ לִצְבֹ֣א צָבָ֔א בַּעֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
This is that which pertains to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to serve in the work of the tent of meeting.
A fresh legal heading (זֹאת אֲשֶׁר) opens the chapter's third unit; the entry age of twenty-five here stands alongside the age of thirty legislated in Num 4:3, 23, 30 for the same service — a long-recognized crux, addressed in the chapter's text_note.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
זֹ֖אתthisdem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Subject of the verbless clause (cataphoric)זֹאת (H2063), fem. sg. demonstrative 'this'; introduces the regulation that follows, echoing the chapter's other heading formulas (cf. v. 4).
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhich pertains torel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle, predicate of the verbless clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle; אֲשֶׁר לַלְוִיִּם, 'that which belongs to/concerns the Levites'.
לַלְוִיִּ֑םthe Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Prepositional phrase completing the relative clauseלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
מִבֶּן֩from the age ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, temporal (age expression)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; מִבֶּן + numeral, idiomatic for 'from the age of' (lit. 'from son of').
חָמֵ֨שׁtwenty-fivenum f sg · חָמֵשׁ (H2568)Numeral, part of the age expressionחָמֵשׁ (H2568) 'five'; combined with עֶשְׂרִים to yield 'twenty-five'.
וְעֶשְׂרִ֤יםand twentyconj וְ + num com pl · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Numeral, part of the age expressionעֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; חָמֵשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה, 'twenty-five years' — the entry age for Levitical service.
שָׁנָה֙years oldN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive/accusative of measure completing the age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'.
וָמַ֔עְלָהand upwardconj וְ + adv + directional he · מַעְלָה (H4605)Adverbial phrase, open-ended extentמַעְלָה (H4605) 'upward, above', from עָלָה; וָמַעְלָה, '(from X) and upward' — a fixed idiom for an open lower age bound.
יָבוֹא֙he shall go inQal impf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the entry age requirementבּוֹא (H935) Qal 'to come, go in, enter'; entry into active Levitical duty.
לִצְבֹ֣אto serve inprep לְ + Qal inf constr · צָבָא (H6633)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְצָבָא (H6633) Qal 'to serve, muster, wage war (in a host)'; here of cultic service organized like a levy/host (cf. the same verb in v. 25, and Num 4:3 with age 30).
צָבָ֔אthe serviceN com sg abs · צָבָא (H6635)Cognate accusative object of לִצְבֹאצָבָא (H6635) 'host, service, warfare'; cognate accusative with the verb, 'to serve service' — a term drawn from military/labor-levy organization.
בַּעֲבֹדַ֖תin the work ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Prepositional phrase, locative/referenceעֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, work'; specifies the domain of the צָבָא as tent-of-meeting labor.
אֹ֥הֶלthe tent ofN m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Construct chain head, object of בַּעֲבֹדַתאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד.
מוֹעֵֽדmeetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'.
25
וּמִבֶּן֙ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה יָשׁ֖וּב מִצְּבָ֣א הָעֲבֹדָ֑ה וְלֹ֥א יַעֲבֹ֖ד עֽוֹד
And from the age of fifty years he shall retire from the service of the work, and shall serve no more.
The upper age limit (fifty) closes the active-service bracket opened in v. 24; שׁוּב ('return/retire') and the emphatic לֹא... עוֹד ('no more') mark a clean cessation of the demanding עֲבֹדָה, qualified in v. 26 by permission to continue assisting in lighter duties.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וּמִבֶּן֙and from the age ofconj וְ + prep מִן + N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase, temporal (age expression)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; מִבֶּן, 'from the age of', now marking the retirement age.
חֲמִשִּׁ֣יםfiftynum com pl · חֲמִשִּׁים (H2572)Numeral, part of the age expressionחֲמִשִּׁים (H2572) 'fifty'.
שָׁנָ֔הyearsN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Genitive/accusative of measure completing the age expressionשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'.
יָשׁ֖וּבhe shall retireQal impf 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — the retirement requirementשׁוּב (H7725) Qal 'to return, turn back'; here idiomatic for 'retire, withdraw' from active duty.
מִצְּבָ֣אfrom the service ofprep מִן + N com sg constr · צָבָא (H6635)Prepositional phrase, sourceצָבָא (H6635) 'host, service'; מִצְּבָא הָעֲבֹדָה, 'from the service-levy of the work' — the same term as v. 24.
הָעֲבֹדָ֑הthe workart + N f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Genitive of the construct chainעֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, work'.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + neg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating the following verbלֹא (H3808), negative particle.
יַעֲבֹ֖דshall he serveQal impf 3ms · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Yiqtol, negated: prohibition on continued active laborעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to work, serve'; the fifty-year-old Levite ceases the physically demanding labor, though v. 26 permits continued assistance.
עֽוֹדany moreadv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverbial complement of יַעֲבֹד (negated with לֹא)עוֹד (H5750) 'still, again, longer'; לֹא... עוֹד, 'no longer, no more'.
26
וְשֵׁרֵ֨ת אֶת אֶחָ֜יו בְּאֹ֤הֶל מוֹעֵד֙ לִשְׁמֹ֣ר מִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת וַעֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֣א יַעֲבֹ֑ד כָּ֛כָה תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לַלְוִיִּ֖ם בְּמִשְׁמְרֹתָֽם
But he shall assist his brothers in the tent of meeting, to keep the charge, but he shall do no service. Thus you shall do to the Levites regarding their duties.
The chapter's closing verse nuances v. 25's retirement: the older Levite may still שֵׁרֵת ('assist, minister') in lighter guard-duty (מִשְׁמֶרֶת) alongside his active kin, even though he no longer performs the heavier עֲבֹדָה; the closing תַּעֲשֶׂה returns to direct second-person address of Moses, bracketing the whole chapter with prescriptive divine speech.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְשֵׁרֵ֨תand he shall assistconj וְ + Piel weqatal 3ms · שָׁרַת (H8334)Predicate verb (weqatal, main clause)→ Weqatal: continuation of the prescriptive sequence — permitted lighter dutyשָׁרַת (H8334) Piel 'to minister, attend, assist'; a lighter verb than עָבַד, permitting the retired Levite continued auxiliary involvement.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)
אֶחָ֜יוhis brothersN m pl constr + 3ms sfx · אָח (H251)Direct object of וְשֵׁרֵתאָח (H251) 'brother'; the younger, still-active Levites, his fellow tribesmen.
בְּאֹ֤הֶלin the tent ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase, locativeאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; construct with מוֹעֵד.
מוֹעֵד֙meetingN m sg abs · מוֹעֵד (H4150)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹעֵד (H4150) 'appointed time/place, meeting'.
לִשְׁמֹ֣רto keepprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁמַר (H8104)Purpose infinitival clause→ Infinitive construct with purpose לְשָׁמַר (H8104) Qal 'to keep, guard, observe'; standard verb for cultic guard-duty.
מִשְׁמֶ֔רֶתthe chargeN f sg abs · מִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931)Cognate accusative object of לִשְׁמֹרמִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931) 'charge, guard-duty', from שָׁמַר; cognate accusative, 'to keep the keeping' — lighter oversight/watch duties, as distinct from labor.
וַעֲבֹדָ֖הbut serviceconj וְ + N f sg abs · עֲבֹדָה (H5656)Fronted direct object of יַעֲבֹד (contrastive)עֲבֹדָה (H5656) 'service, work'; fronted before the negated verb for contrastive emphasis — 'but service he shall not do'.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle negating the following verbלֹא (H3808), negative particle.
יַעֲבֹ֑דshall he doQal impf 3ms · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (negated main clause)→ Yiqtol, negated: the retired Levite is barred from the heavier עֲבֹדָהעָבַד (H5647) Qal 'to work, serve'; the heavier labor from which the retiree is now exempt, though שֵׁרֵת remains permitted.
כָּ֛כָהthusadv · כָּכָה (H3602)Adverbial phrase, manner (fronted)כָּכָה (H3602) 'thus, in this manner'; a summary-closing formula, expanded form of כֵּן.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֥הyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, prescriptive, addressed to Moses)→ Yiqtol: prescriptive — Moses' ongoing responsibility to apply the ruleעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; closes the chapter by returning to direct address of Moses, as at its start.
לַלְוִיִּ֖םto the Levitesprep לְ + art + N gentilic m pl abs · לֵוִי (H3881)Prepositional phrase, indirect object of תַּעֲשֶׂהלֵוִי (H3881) 'Levite'.
בְּמִשְׁמְרֹתָֽםregarding their dutiesprep בְּ + N f pl constr + 3mp sfx · מִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931)Prepositional phrase, reference/regardמִשְׁמֶרֶת (H4931) 'charge, duty, watch'; plural with 3mp suffix, 'their duties/posts' — the chapter's closing word, returning to the guard-duty theme of v. 26a.