Deuteronomy 15 — Greek, Translation, Interlinear & Discourse

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

δι᾿ ἑπτὰ ἐτῶν ποιήσεις ἄφεσιν

At the end of seven years you shall make a release.

Apodictic legal heading (new statute)δι᾿ ἑπτὰ ἐτῶν

The chapter opens abruptly with the temporal frame of the law fronted for emphasis: 'through / at the end of seven years.' The bare future ποιήσεις functions as an apodictic command (the legal 'you shall'), and the verbal noun ἄφεσις — placed at the very head of the chapter — becomes the governing key-word for the whole first movement (vv. 1–11) and resonates with the Jubilee 'release' of Lev 25:10 and Luke 4:18.

Word-by-word analysis· 5 words

δι᾿at the end of / afterpreposition + genitive (temporal interval: 'at the end of')→ spatial or relational framingδιά + genitive of time: 'after the lapse of / at the end of'; renders Hebrew מִקֵּץ ('at the end of'); the construction διʼ ἑπτὰ ἐτῶν marks the recurring seventh-year terminus at which the release falls due.

ἑπτὰsevenindeclinable numeral (modifying ἐτῶν)→ measure or countἑπτά: 'seven'; indeclinable cardinal; the sabbatical seven-year cycle (cf. Exod 23:10–11; Lev 25:1–7) governs the release of debts and of slaves alike, extending the sabbath principle from days to years.

ἐτῶνyearsGenitivegenitive of time (within which / at the end of which)→ relational specificationἔτος: 'year'; genitive plural with διά marking the seven-year interval; the same sabbatical reckoning structures the slave-release of v. 12 (ἓξ ἔτη … τῷ ἑβδόμῳ).

ποιήσειςyou shall makeFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (apodictic legal future: 'you shall')→ imperatival future (binding statute)ποιέω: 'do / make / enact'; renders עָשָׂה; the second-person future is the standard apodictic form of Deuteronomic law, binding the individual Israelite addressee; here it governs the performance of the ἄφεσις.

ἄφεσινa release / remissionAccusativedirect object of ποιήσεις (cognate result: 'make a release')→ object specificationἄφεσις: 'release / remission / letting-go'; renders Hebrew שְׁמִטָּה ('the dropping / remission'); the governing key-word of the chapter (vv. 1, 2, 9), it denotes the sabbatical cancellation of debt; the same noun crowns the Jubilee proclamation (Lev 25:10) and is taken up by Jesus' Nazareth sermon (Luke 4:18, ἄφεσιν), where it carries the fuller sense of liberation and forgiveness.

καὶ οὕτως τὸ πρόσταγμα τῆς ἀφέσεως ἀφήσεις πᾶν χρέος ἴδιον ὃ ὀφείλει σοι ὁ πλησίον καὶ τὸν ἀδελφόν σου οὐκ ἀπαιτήσεις ὅτι ἐπικέκληται ἄφεσις κυρίῳ τῷ θεῷ σου

And this is the ordinance of the release: you shall release every private debt which your neighbor owes you, and you shall not demand it back from your brother, because a release has been proclaimed to the LORD your God.

Definitional elaboration (the content of the statute of v. 1)καὶ οὕτως τὸ πρόσταγμα

οὕτως ('thus / in this manner') introduces the legal definition of the ἄφεσις just commanded; τὸ πρόσταγμα τῆς ἀφέσεως ('the ordinance of the release') names the statute and unfolds its substance: the active cancellation of debt (ἀφήσεις … χρέος) toward the πλησίον / ἀδελφός. The perfect ἐπικέκληται ('has been proclaimed') grounds the duty in a standing, already-declared release that belongs to YHWH.

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὕτωςthus / in this manneradverb of manner (introducing the definition)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus / in this way'; the cataphoric adverb points forward to the explanatory definition that follows, a standard legal formula introducing the substance of a statute.

τὸtheNominativearticle (with πρόσταγμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρόσταγμαordinance / decreeNominativepredicate nominative (verbless clause: 'this is the ordinance')→ participant prominenceπρόσταγμα: 'ordinance / injunction / decree'; renders דָּבָר ('matter / word') here in its legal sense; the term designates an authoritative prescription; οὕτως τὸ πρόσταγμα = 'this is the manner of the ordinance.'

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἀφέσεως)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀφέσεωςof the releaseGenitivegenitive of definition ('the ordinance concerning the release')→ relational specificationἄφεσις: see v. 1; the genitive specifies the subject-matter of the πρόσταγμα; the phrase τὸ πρόσταγμα τῆς ἀφέσεως titles the entire debt-remission statute.

ἀφήσειςyou shall release / remitFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀφίημιmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding statute)ἀφίημι: 'let go / release / cancel (a debt)'; the verb cognate with ἄφεσις; renders שָׁמַט ('drop / release'); the figurative sense 'remit a debt' here anticipates the spiritual sense 'forgive (sins)' that ἀφίημι carries in the NT (cf. Matt 6:12, ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν).

πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying χρέος)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every / all'; neuter πᾶν agreeing with χρέος; the universality of the remission — 'every debt' — leaves no obligation of a fellow Israelite uncancelled.

χρέοςdebtAccusativedirect object of ἀφήσεις→ object specificationχρέος: 'debt / obligation / loan owed'; renders מַשֶּׁה ('loan / claim'); the object of the remission is the financial claim a creditor holds against a fellow Israelite.

ἴδιονprivate / personalAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying χρέος)→ object specificationἴδιος: 'one's own / private / personal'; here qualifying the debt as a personal/private claim held against one's neighbor, as opposed to a public or foreign obligation; renders the reflexive force of Hebrew בַּעַל מַשֵּׁה יָדוֹ ('owner of the loan of his hand').

ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ὀφείλει, antecedent χρέος)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; neuter accusative agreeing with χρέος, object of ὀφείλει.

ὀφείλειowesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ὀφείλωverb of relative clause→ stative present (standing obligation)ὀφείλω: 'owe / be indebted'; the present denotes the standing debt-relation; the cognate noun ὀφείλημα ('debt') is used metaphorically of sin in the Lord's Prayer (Matt 6:12).

σοιyou / to youDativedative of interest (the creditor to whom the debt is owed)→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of interest (the creditor to whom the debt is owed).

ὁtheNominativearticle (with πλησίον)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πλησίονneighborNominativesubject of ὀφείλει (substantivized adverb: 'the neighbor')→ participant prominenceπλησίον: originally an adverb 'near by,' used substantivally as 'neighbor'; renders רֵעַ; here the debtor-neighbor is a fellow Israelite, identified in the next clause as ὁ ἀδελφός ('the brother').

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with ἀδελφόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφόνbrotherAccusativedirect object of ἀπαιτήσεις (fronted for contrast)→ object specificationἀδελφός: 'brother / kinsman / fellow Israelite'; renders אָח; the term frames the debt-relation within covenant kinship — the creditor and debtor are 'brothers,' which is the ground of the obligation to remit (contrast the ἀλλότριος of v. 3).

σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (possessive)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (possessive).

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἀπαιτήσεις)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπαιτήσειςyou shall demand backFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀπαιτέωmain verb (prohibitive future: 'you shall not')→ imperatival future (negative statute)ἀπαιτέω: 'demand back / require / exact'; the compound ἀπ- marks the calling-in of what is owed; renders נָגַשׂ ('press / exact'); the prohibition forbids the creditor from pressing a fellow Israelite for repayment in the year of release.

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (grounding the command)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / that'; introduces the theological ground of the remission — the release belongs to and is proclaimed for YHWH.

ἐπικέκληταιhas been proclaimed / calledPerf Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπικαλέωverb of causal clause (passive: 'a release has been declared')→ resultative perfect (a standing, already-declared release)ἐπικαλέω (perf. mid./pass. ἐπικέκληται): 'call upon / proclaim / name over'; renders קָרָא ('proclaim'); the perfect tense presents the release as a settled, publicly proclaimed institution belonging to YHWH — 'a release has been proclaimed in the name of / unto the LORD'; the verb elsewhere denotes invoking the divine name (Gen 4:26).

ἄφεσιςa releaseNominativesubject of ἐπικέκληται→ participant prominenceἄφεσις: see v. 1; the third occurrence in two verses, anchoring the key-word; the release is reckoned as belonging to YHWH (κυρίῳ), giving the social statute a sacral character.

κυρίῳto the LORDDativedative of reference / possession ('proclaimed unto the LORD')→ sphere or referenceκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the dative marks the release as proclaimed in YHWH's honor and under his authority — a sabbatical institution belonging to him, like the sabbath itself (cf. שַׁבָּת לַיהוה).

τῷtheDativearticle (with θεῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεῷGodDativedative in apposition to κυρίῳ→ sphere or referenceθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; in apposition to κυρίῳ, the full covenant title 'the LORD your God' (κύριος ὁ θεός σου) recurs as a refrain throughout the chapter (vv. 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21).

σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (covenant possessive)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (covenant possessive).

τὸν ἀλλότριον ἀπαιτήσεις ὅσα ἐὰν ᾖ σοι παρ᾿ αὐτῷ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου ἄφεσιν ποιήσεις τοῦ χρέους σου

From the foreigner you may demand back whatever may be yours with him; but of your brother you shall make a release of your debt.

Antithetical qualification (foreigner vs. brother)τὸν ἀλλότριον

The verse draws the boundary of the release by contrast: the ἀλλότριος ('foreigner') stands outside the covenant remission and may be required to pay, whereas the ἀδελφός ('brother') falls under the obligatory ἄφεσις. The fronted accusatives (τὸν ἀλλότριον … τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ) and the chiastic balance sharpen the kinship-logic that governs Deuteronomic charity.

Word-by-word analysis· 17 words

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with ἀλλότριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀλλότριονforeigner / strangerAccusativedirect object of ἀπαιτήσεις (fronted for contrast)→ object specificationἀλλότριος: 'belonging to another / foreign / stranger'; renders נָכְרִי ('foreigner'); the non-Israelite outsider is excluded from the debt-remission — the release is a covenant privilege internal to the brotherhood of Israel, not a universal economic policy.

ἀπαιτήσειςyou may demand backFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀπαιτέωmain verb (permissive future)→ permissive future (allowance, not command)ἀπαιτέω: see v. 2; here in the positive, permissive sense — repayment may be exacted from the foreigner; the same verb that was prohibited toward the brother is permitted toward the outsider, marking the kinship-boundary of the law.

ὅσαwhatever thingsAccusativerelative/correlative pronoun (object of ἀπαιτήσεις)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much/many as / whatever'; neuter plural ὅσα = 'whatever amounts'; the indefinite relative with ἐάν + subjunctive expresses 'whatever may happen to be owed.'

ἐὰνif / everconditional particle (with subjunctive ᾖ)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if / ever'; here generalizing the relative ὅσα into 'whatever ever may be'; takes the subjunctive.

ᾖmay bePres Act Subj 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of indefinite relative clause→ potential present subjunctive (indefinite existence)εἰμί (pres. subj.): 'be / exist'; with ὅσα ἐάν the subjunctive marks the indefinite case — 'whatever may be (owed) to you with him.'

σοιto you / yoursDativedative of possession ('whatever may be yours')→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of possession ('whatever may be yours').

παρ᾿with / in the keeping ofpreposition + dative (location of the owed claim)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + dative: 'beside / with / in the possession of'; here 'whatever is yours in his keeping' — i.e., owed by the foreigner.

αὐτῷhimDativeobject of παρά (the foreign debtor)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of παρά (the foreign debtor).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with ἀδελφοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitivegenitive (relational / objective: 'toward your brother')→ relational specificationἀδελφός: see v. 2; the genitive τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου here is fronted in antithesis to τὸν ἀλλότριον, marking the covenant-brother as the proper object of the release; functions with ἄφεσιν ποιήσεις τοῦ χρέους as 'you shall make release of your debt (owed to you) by your brother.'

ἄφεσινa releaseAccusativedirect object of ποιήσεις (cognate object)→ object specificationἄφεσις: see v. 1; the phrase ἄφεσιν ποιήσεις repeats the cognate construction of v. 1 (ποιήσεις ἄφεσιν), framing the brother-clause as the positive counterpart to the foreigner-clause.

ποιήσειςyou shall makeFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding statute)ποιέω: see v. 1; ἄφεσιν ποιήσεις ('you shall make a release') restates the obligatory remission toward the brother in contrast to the permitted exaction from the foreigner.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with χρέους)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χρέουςdebtGenitivegenitive of the thing released ('release of your debt')→ relational specificationχρέος: see v. 2; the genitive specifies the object of the ἄφεσις — the debt-claim itself is what is to be let go.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (the creditor's claim)→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (the creditor's claim).

ὅτι οὐκ ἔσται ἐν σοὶ ἐνδεής ὅτι εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσει σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου ἐν τῇ γῇ ᾗ κύριος ὁ θεός σου δίδωσίν σοι ἐν κλήρῳ κατακληρονομῆσαι αὐτήν

For there shall be no needy one among you; for the LORD your God will surely bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance to possess it.

Causal motivation (the promised ideal grounding the law)ὅτι οὐκ ἔσται

The first ὅτι grounds the release-statute in a promise-ideal: under obedience there will simply be no poor in Israel (οὐκ ἔσται ἐν σοὶ ἐνδεής). The second ὅτι gives the basis: YHWH's emphatic blessing (εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσει — a cognate Hebraism) in the land of inheritance. This ideal stands in deliberate tension with v. 11 (the poor will never cease), a tension flagged in the cruxes and famously invoked by Jesus (Matt 26:11).

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounding the statute)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the motive-clause: the release is commanded so that — and because — poverty should be abolished in Israel.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἔσται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔσταιthere shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predictive: 'there will be')→ predictive future (promised ideal under obedience)εἰμί (fut. ἔσται): 'be / exist'; οὐκ ἔσται … ἐνδεής renders אֶפֶס כִּי לֹא יִהְיֶה בְּךָ אֶבְיוֹן; the promise that poverty will be abolished is conditional on the obedience spelled out in v. 5 and stands in studied tension with the realism of v. 11.

ἐνamong / inpreposition + dative (locative: 'among you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among you').

σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν (the community addressed)→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐν (the community addressed).

ἐνδεήςneedy one / poor personNominativesubject of ἔσται (substantivized adjective)→ participant prominenceἐνδεής: 'in need / lacking / poor'; renders אֶבְיוֹן ('needy'); the substantivized adjective denotes the destitute person; the same word recurs at vv. 7 and 11, binding the promise (v. 4) to the realistic command (v. 11).

ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (second ground)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: introduces the further ground — YHWH's blessing is the reason poverty need not exist.

εὐλογῶνblessingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · εὐλογέωcircumstantial participle (cognate with εὐλογήσει: Hebraism)→ intensifying participle (rendering Hebrew infinitive absolute)εὐλογέω: 'bless / speak well of'; the participle εὐλογῶν with the cognate finite εὐλογήσει renders the Hebrew emphatic infinitive absolute בָּרֵךְ יְבָרֶכְךָ ('he will surely bless you'); a characteristic LXX device (cf. v. 6, εὐλόγησέν; v. 8 ἀνοίγων ἀνοίξεις) intensifying certainty.

εὐλογήσειwill blessFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (cognate-participle construction)→ predictive future (assured divine blessing)εὐλογέω: see above; εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσει = 'blessing he will bless' = 'he will surely bless'; the divine blessing in the land is the economic foundation for the abolition of poverty and the practice of open-handed lending.

σεyouAccusativedirect object of εὐλογήσει→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of εὐλογήσει.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of εὐλογήσει→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the subject of the blessing is YHWH himself, the source of Israel's prosperity in the land.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: see v. 2; the refrain κύριος ὁ θεός σου recurs twice in this verse alone.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in the land')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in the land').

τῇtheDativearticle (with γῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γῇlandDativeobject of ἐν (place of blessing)→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land / earth'; renders אֶרֶץ; the promised land is the sphere both of the divine blessing and of the social obligations that flow from it; the same noun anchors v. 11 (ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς).

ᾗwhichDativerelative pronoun (antecedent γῇ; dative by attraction)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative pronoun; the dative ᾗ is attracted to the case of its antecedent γῇ (the underlying object of δίδωσιν would be accusative); a common LXX attraction.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of δίδωσιν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; the giver of the land is YHWH, repeating the covenant refrain.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship.

δίδωσίνgivesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιverb of relative clause→ futuristic/customary present (the assured grant of the land)δίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; the present tense in the Deuteronomic land-formula ('the land which the LORD your God gives you') treats the gift as in process / assured, a standard refrain of the book.

σοιto youDativeindirect object of δίδωσιν→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object of δίδωσιν.

ἐνas / forpreposition + dative (predicative: 'as an inheritance')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: here marking the capacity or manner in which the land is given — 'in/as an allotted inheritance' (ἐν κλήρῳ), a Hebraizing use of בְּ.

κλήρῳan allotment / inheritanceDativeobject of ἐν (predicative: the land as inherited portion)→ sphere or referenceκλῆρος: 'lot / allotted portion / inheritance'; renders נַחֲלָה / גּוֹרָל; the land is given as Israel's apportioned heritage; the term underlies NT 'inheritance' theology (cf. κληρονομία, Eph 1:14).

κατακληρονομῆσαιto possess / to inheritAor Act Inf · κατακληρονομέωinfinitive of purpose/result ('to take possession of it')→ telic aorist infinitive (purpose of the gift)κατακληρονομέω: 'take possession of as an inheritance / inherit fully'; the intensive κατα- compound renders יָרַשׁ ('possess / dispossess'); the infinitive expresses the purpose of YHWH's gift — that Israel should occupy and hold the land as its lasting heritage.

αὐτήνitAccusativedirect object of κατακληρονομῆσαι (resumptive, = γῆν)→ participant referenceαὐτός: the resumptive pronoun (feminine, = γῆν) is a Hebraism redundantly resuming the relative ᾗ — a common LXX calque of the Hebrew resumptive pronoun after a relative.

ἐὰν δὲ ἀκοῇ εἰσακούσητε τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν πάσας τὰς ἐντολὰς ταύτας ὅσας ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαί σοι σήμερον

But if you truly listen to the voice of the LORD your God, to keep and to do all these commandments which I command you today—

Protasis (condition for the blessing of vv. 4, 6)ἐὰν δὲ ἀκοῇ εἰσακούσητε

The conditional ἐάν + subjunctive sets the terms on which the ideal of v. 4 rests: the abolition of poverty and the blessing of v. 6 are contingent on Israel's obedient hearing. The cognate dative ἀκοῇ εἰσακούσητε ('hearing you hear') is a Hebraism (rendering שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע) intensifying the demand for wholehearted obedience; the two infinitives φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν specify obedience as both safeguarding and enacting the commandments.

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis, with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces a future-more-vivid condition with the subjunctive; the blessing of v. 6 is the apodosis.

δὲbut / nowtransitional particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive; marks the turn from the statute proper (vv. 1–4) to its conditional motivation.

ἀκοῇby hearing / trulyDativecognate dative of manner (Hebraism intensifying the verb)→ sphere or referenceἀκοή: 'hearing / report'; the dative ἀκοῇ with εἰσακούσητε renders the Hebrew infinitive-absolute construction שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע ('if you surely hear'); the cognate dative intensifies the verb — wholehearted, obedient listening.

εἰσακούσητεyou listen / obeyAor Act Subj 2 Pl · εἰσακούωverb of protasis (subjunctive with ἐάν)→ aorist subjunctive (the condition's decisive act of obedience)εἰσακούω: 'hear / hearken / obey'; the compound εἰσ- adds the sense of attentive, submissive hearing; renders שָׁמַע; the shift to second-plural (after the singular address of vv. 1–4) broadens the command to the whole people.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with φωνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of εἰσακούσητε (object of hearing)→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / sound'; renders קוֹל; 'to hear the voice of the LORD' (שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל יהוה) is the standard Deuteronomic idiom for covenant obedience.

κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of possession (whose voice)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the voice to be obeyed is YHWH's own.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with θεοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεός: see v. 2; here in the genitive of the covenant title 'the LORD your God.'

ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (plural, matching εἰσακούσητε)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of relationship (plural, matching εἰσακούσητε).

φυλάσσεινto keep / guardPres Act Inf · φυλάσσωepexegetical infinitive (defining the obedience)→ present infinitive (ongoing safeguarding)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep / observe'; renders שָׁמַר; paired with ποιεῖν as the standard Deuteronomic doublet 'to keep and to do' (שָׁמַר וְעָשָׂה), denoting both careful preservation and active performance of the law.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (linking the infinitives)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωepexegetical infinitive (defining the obedience)→ present infinitive (ongoing performance)ποιέω: see v. 1; 'to do' the commandments — the active complement to φυλάσσειν; obedience is not mere safekeeping but enactment.

πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἐντολάς)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of the commandments is in view — comprehensive obedience, not selective compliance.

τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with ἐντολάς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐντολὰςcommandmentsAccusativedirect object of ποιεῖν / φυλάσσειν→ object specificationἐντολή: 'commandment / precept'; renders מִצְוָה; the cognate of the verb ἐντέλλομαι below, framing the chapter's statutes as part of the whole body of divine command.

ταύταςtheseAccusativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ἐντολάς)→ object specificationοὗτος: 'this / these'; the demonstrative points to the body of Deuteronomic law being proclaimed 'today' (σήμερον).

ὅσαςwhich / as many asAccusativerelative pronoun (antecedent ἐντολάς)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as many as / whatever'; the relative encompasses the full extent of the commands enjoined.

ἐγὼINominativesubject of ἐντέλλομαι (emphatic pronoun: Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic 'I' is Moses, the covenant mediator, whose 'today' (σήμερον) repeatedly stresses the present, binding immediacy of the Deuteronomic preaching.

ἐντέλλομαίcommandPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of relative clause (Moses' present injunction)→ performative present (the act of commanding is accomplished in the speaking)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command / enjoin / charge'; deponent middle; renders צִוָּה; the present is performative — the command is enacted in its very utterance 'today.'

σοιyouDativeindirect object of ἐντέλλομαι→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object of ἐντέλλομαι.

σήμερονtodayadverb of time→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders הַיּוֹם; the Deuteronomic 'today' presses the covenant decision into the present moment, addressing each generation as if standing at Horeb.

ὅτι κύριος ὁ θεός σου εὐλόγησέν σε ὃν τρόπον ἐλάλησέν σοι καὶ δανιεῖς ἔθνεσιν πολλοῖς σὺ δὲ οὐ δανιῇ καὶ ἄρξεις σὺ ἐθνῶν πολλῶν σοῦ δὲ οὐκ ἄρξουσιν

For the LORD your God has blessed you, just as he spoke to you; and you shall lend to many nations, but you yourself shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

Apodosis / promised consequence of obedience (v. 5)ὅτι κύριος ὁ θεός σου εὐλόγησέν σε

The apodosis of the v. 5 condition: obedient hearing yields YHWH's blessing already promised (εὐλόγησέν … ὃν τρόπον ἐλάλησέν). The blessing is cashed out economically in two antithetical pairs — lending vs. borrowing, ruling vs. being ruled — each with the emphatic pronoun σύ / σοῦ marking Israel's sovereign reversal of fortune among the nations, a direct inversion of the bondage of Egypt.

Word-by-word analysis· 28 words

ὅτιforcausal conjunction (grounding the promise)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'for / because'; introduces the assurance that grounds the conditional blessing — YHWH has already blessed and spoken.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of εὐλόγησεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

εὐλόγησένhas blessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (assured past/perfective blessing)→ constative aorist (the accomplished blessing, viewed as already given/pledged)εὐλογέω: see v. 4; the aorist here presents the blessing as already accomplished or pledged ('has blessed'), grounding the economic promises that follow.

σεyouAccusativedirect object of εὐλόγησεν→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of εὐλόγησεν.

ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (with τρόπον: adverbial 'in the manner which')→ participant referenceὅς: relative; ὃν τρόπον is an adverbial accusative phrase = 'in the manner that / just as.'

τρόπονmanner / wayAccusativeadverbial accusative ('in the way that')→ object specificationτρόπος: 'manner / way'; the phrase ὃν τρόπον ('in the manner which') is a fixed LXX idiom rendering כַּאֲשֶׁר ('just as'); here it points back to YHWH's prior promise of blessing.

ἐλάλησένhe spokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωverb of comparative clause→ constative aorist (the prior promissory word)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; the divine speech in view is the patriarchal and Sinaitic blessing-promise (cf. Deut 1:11; 28:12) now reaffirmed.

σοιto youDativeindirect object of ἐλάλησεν→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object of ἐλάλησεν.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (consecutive)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δανιεῖςyou shall lendFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δανείζωmain verb (promised consequence)→ predictive future (assured prosperity)δανείζω (Att. δανείζω, LXX δανίζω): active 'lend (on interest)'; renders הֶעֱבִיט; the active voice = lend, contrasted below with the middle δανιῇ = borrow; Israel's economic supremacy is figured as creditor to the nations (cf. Deut 28:12).

ἔθνεσινto nationsDativeindirect object of δανιεῖς→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: 'nation / gentile people'; renders גּוֹי; the nations are the recipients of Israel's lending — a position of dominance over them.

πολλοῖςmanyDativeattributive adjective (modifying ἔθνεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπολύς: 'many'; the breadth of Israel's creditor-status — 'many nations' — underscores the scale of the promised blessing.

σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject of δανιῇ→ participant referenceσύ: the emphatic pronoun stresses the contrast — you, by contrast, shall not be the borrower.

δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: marks the antithesis between lending and borrowing.

οὐnotnegative particle (with δανιῇ)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δανιῇyou shall borrowFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · δανείζωmain verb (antithesis to δανιεῖς)→ predictive future (the denied condition of dependence)δανείζω (mid. δανιῇ): the middle voice = 'borrow / take a loan'; the lexical contrast active/middle (lend/borrow) within one verse expresses the total reversal — Israel will be creditor, never debtor, to the nations.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἄρξειςyou shall ruleFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἄρχωmain verb (promised dominion)→ predictive future (assured rule)ἄρχω: 'rule / govern / be first'; with the genitive (ἐθνῶν) = 'rule over'; renders מָשַׁל; the second antithetical pair (rule/be ruled) parallels the first (lend/borrow), both expressing Israel's reversal from servitude to sovereignty.

σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject of ἄρξεις→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic, reinforcing the dominion: 'you yourself shall rule.'

ἐθνῶνover nationsGenitivegenitive object of ἄρξεις ('rule over')→ relational specificationἔθνος: see above; the genitive is governed by ἄρχω in the sense 'have rule over.'

πολλῶνmanyGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying ἐθνῶν)→ relational specificationπολύς: 'many'; matching the 'many nations' of the lending-clause.

σοῦover youGenitivegenitive object of ἄρξουσιν (emphatic, fronted)→ relational specificationσύ (gen. σοῦ): the fronted genitive emphasizes the denial — over you they shall not rule; the reversal of Egyptian bondage is complete.

δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἄρξουσιν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἄρξουσινthey shall ruleFut Act Indic 3 Pl · ἄρχωmain verb (antithesis: the nations as denied subject)→ predictive future (the denied dominion of the nations)ἄρχω: see above; the third-plural subject is the nations; the negated future completes the chiastic antithesis — Israel rules them, they do not rule Israel.

ἐὰν δὲ γένηται ἐν σοὶ ἐνδεὴς τῶν ἀδελφῶν σου ἐν μιᾷ τῶν πόλεων σου ἐν τῇ γῇ ᾗ κύριος ὁ θεός σου δίδωσίν σοι οὐκ ἀποστέρξεις τὴν καρδίαν σου οὐδ᾿ οὐ μὴ συσφίγξῃς τὴν χεῖρά σου ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου τοῦ ἐπιδεομένου

But if there should arise among you a needy one of your brothers in one of your cities in the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shall you close tight your hand against your brother who is in need.

New case-law (the realistic counterpart to v. 4)ἐὰν δὲ γένηται ἐν σοὶ ἐνδεής

A fresh conditional (ἐὰν … γένηται) opens the second movement (vv. 7–11), shifting from the ideal of v. 4 to the realistic case: 'if a poor brother does arise.' The double prohibition — οὐκ ἀποστέρξεις τὴν καρδίαν ('you shall not harden the heart') and οὐ μὴ συσφίγξῃς τὴν χεῖρα ('you shall by no means close the hand') — pairs an inner and outer refusal, both forbidden; the emphatic οὐ μὴ + subjunctive is the strongest Greek negation.

Word-by-word analysis· 42 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis, with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the realistic case of a poor brother, in deliberate counterpoise to the ideal of v. 4.

δὲbuttransitional particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: marks the move from the promise of supremacy (v. 6) to the duty toward the poor within Israel.

γένηταιthere should arise / beAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of protasis (subjunctive with ἐάν)→ aorist subjunctive (the contingency of poverty arising)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be / arise'; the subjunctive presents the emergence of a poor person as a real possibility; renders יִהְיֶה.

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative: 'among you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among you').

σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐν.

ἐνδεὴςneedy oneNominativesubject of γένηται (substantivized adjective)→ participant prominenceἐνδεής: see v. 4; the recurrence of the same word that v. 4 said would not exist sets up the central tension of the chapter — the poor both should not and yet do appear.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with ἀδελφῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitivepartitive genitive ('one of your brothers')→ relational specificationἀδελφός: see v. 2; the partitive genitive marks the poor person as a covenant-brother, which is precisely the ground of the obligation to give.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

μιᾷoneDativesubstantized numeral ('in one of')→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; ἐν μιᾷ τῶν πόλεων = 'in any one of your cities,' generalizing the duty to wherever poverty appears.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with πόλεων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πόλεωνcitiesGenitivepartitive genitive (with μιᾷ)→ relational specificationπόλις: 'city'; renders שַׁעַר ('gate / town'); the obligation reaches into every settlement of Israel.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

τῇtheDativearticle (with γῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γῇlandDativeobject of ἐν (place)→ sphere or referenceγῆ: see v. 4; the land-formula recurs verbatim, binding the duty toward the poor to the same gift-land that grounds the blessing.

ᾗwhichDativerelative pronoun (antecedent γῇ; dative by attraction)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative; dative by attraction to γῇ, as in v. 4.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of δίδωσιν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

δίδωσίνgivesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιverb of relative clause→ futuristic/customary present (assured grant of the land)δίδωμι: see v. 4; the land-gift formula repeated.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἀποστέρξεις)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀποστέρξειςyou shall harden / turn away (your heart)Fut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀποστέργωmain verb (apodosis, prohibitive future)→ imperatival future (negative command)ἀποστέργω: 'cease to love / turn away affection / harden'; the compound ἀπο- negates στέργω ('love'); the idiom οὐκ ἀποστέρξεις τὴν καρδίαν renders לֹא תְאַמֵּץ אֶת לְבָבְךָ ('you shall not harden your heart'); the LXX renders 'harden' by a word of withdrawn affection — the refusal of love toward the poor brother.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with καρδίαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

καρδίανheartAccusativedirect object of ἀποστέρξεις→ object specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב; the seat of will and disposition; the inner hardening (heart) is paired with the outer closing (hand) as the two forms of refusal forbidden.

οὐδ᾿norconnective negative (linking the two prohibitions)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδέ: 'and not / nor'; joins the second prohibition to the first, intensified by the following οὐ μή.

οὐnotemphatic negation (with μή + subjunctive)→ participant referenceοὐ μή + aorist subjunctive: the strongest form of negation in Greek ('by no means'), here forbidding absolutely the closing of the hand.

μὴnotemphatic negation (with οὐ + subjunctive)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: second element of the emphatic οὐ μή construction.

συσφίγξῃςyou should close tight / clenchAor Act Subj 2 Sg · συσφίγγωverb in emphatic prohibition (οὐ μή + subjunctive)→ aorist subjunctive of emphatic prohibition (absolute forbidding)συσφίγγω: 'bind tight / draw together / clench'; the compound συν- intensifies σφίγγω ('squeeze'); οὐ μὴ συσφίγξῃς τὴν χεῖρα renders לֹא תִקְפֹּץ אֶת יָדְךָ ('you shall not shut your hand'); the clenched fist is the antithesis of the open hand commanded in v. 8.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with χεῖρα)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χεῖράhandAccusativedirect object of συσφίγξῃς→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the hand as instrument of giving or withholding; its closing (v. 7) vs. opening (v. 8) is the chapter's governing image of generosity.

ἀπὸfrom / againstpreposition + genitive (separation: withholding from)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; here 'close the hand from / against the brother,' marking the withdrawal of aid.

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with ἀδελφοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitiveobject of ἀπό→ relational specificationἀδελφός: see v. 2; once more the poor man is named 'brother,' the kinship that makes withholding a moral and covenantal offense.

τοῦthe (who is)Genitivearticle (with participle ἐπιδεομένου: 'the one who is in need')→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐπιδεομένουwho is in needPres Mid/Pass Ptcp Gen Sg Masc · ἐπιδέομαιattributive participle (modifying ἀδελφοῦ)→ present participle (ongoing state of need)ἐπιδέομαι: 'be in need of / lack'; the articular participle ὁ ἐπιδεόμενος ('the needy one') recurs at vv. 9 and 11, a near-synonym of ἐνδεής; the compound ἐπι- intensifies the sense of pressing want.

ἀνοίγων ἀνοίξεις τὰς χεῖράς σου αὐτῷ δάνειον δανιεῖς αὐτῷ ὅσον ἐπιδέεται καθ᾿ ὅσον ἐνδεεῖται

Opening, you shall open your hands to him, and you shall surely lend him a loan, as much as he needs, according to whatever he lacks.

Positive command (the open hand, counter to v. 7)ἀνοίγων ἀνοίξεις

The positive counterpart to v. 7's prohibitions, voiced in two emphatic cognate Hebraisms: ἀνοίγων ἀνοίξεις ('opening you shall open') and δάνειον δανιεῖς ('with a loan you shall lend'), each rendering a Hebrew infinitive absolute and intensifying the imperative. The open hand (ἀνοίξεις τὰς χεῖράς) is the chapter's defining gesture, repeated verbatim at v. 11; the measure of the gift is set by the brother's need, not the giver's calculation.

Word-by-word analysis· 14 words

ἀνοίγωνopeningPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · ἀνοίγωcircumstantial participle (cognate with ἀνοίξεις: Hebraism)→ intensifying participle (rendering Hebrew infinitive absolute)ἀνοίγω: 'open'; the participle ἀνοίγων with cognate finite ἀνοίξεις renders the emphatic infinitive absolute פָּתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח ('you shall surely open'); the open hand is the iconic image of Deuteronomic charity, set against the clenched fist of v. 7.

ἀνοίξειςyou shall openFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀνοίγωmain verb (cognate-participle construction; apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command, intensified)ἀνοίγω: see above; 'opening you shall open' = 'you shall surely / generously open'; the gesture of the open hand becomes the chapter's emblem of mercy (repeated at v. 11).

τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with χεῖρας)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χεῖράςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἀνοίξεις→ object specificationχείρ: see v. 7; here plural 'hands,' opened wide in giving — the visual antithesis of the clenched χεῖρα of v. 7.

αὐτῷto himDativedative of advantage (the poor brother)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (the poor brother).

δάνειονa loanAccusativecognate accusative (with δανιεῖς)→ object specificationδάνειον: 'loan'; the cognate accusative δάνειον δανιεῖς renders the Hebrew infinitive absolute הַעֲבֵט תַּעֲבִיטֶנּוּ ('you shall surely lend him'); the noun reinforces the verb, intensifying the command to lend.

δανιεῖςyou shall lendFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δανείζωmain verb (cognate-accusative construction)→ imperatival future (binding command, intensified)δανείζω: see v. 6; here active 'lend' to the poor brother — interest-free relief, not commercial profit (cf. Exod 22:25; Lev 25:36–37).

αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object of δανιεῖς→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object of δανιεῖς.

ὅσονas much asAccusativerelative/correlative pronoun (measure of the loan)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much as'; the measure of the gift is the brother's need, not a fixed sum — 'whatever he needs.'

ἐπιδέεταιhe needsPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιδέομαιverb of relative clause→ present (the brother's continuing need)ἐπιδέομαι: see v. 7; 'be in need of'; the brother's want sets the standard of the giving.

καθ᾿according topreposition + accusative (measure / proportion)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to / in proportion to'; καθʼ ὅσον = 'to the extent that,' setting the gift in exact proportion to the lack.

ὅσονwhatever / to the extentAccusativerelative/correlative pronoun (object of καθʼ)→ participant referenceὅσος: see above; the second ὅσον reinforces that the gift is measured strictly by the need.

ἐνδεεῖταιhe is in want / lacksPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐνδέομαιverb of relative clause→ present (the brother's continuing want)ἐνδέομαι: 'be in want / lack'; cognate with ἐνδεής (vv. 4, 7, 11); the verb closes the verse on the note of need, which alone determines the measure of generosity.

πρόσεχε σεαυτῷ μὴ γένηται ῥῆμα κρυπτὸν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου ἀνόμημα λέγων ἐγγίζει τὸ ἔτος τὸ ἕβδομον ἔτος τῆς ἀφέσεως καὶ πονηρεύσηται ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου τῷ ἐπιδεομένῳ καὶ οὐ δώσεις αὐτῷ καὶ βοήσεται κατὰ σοῦ πρὸς κύριον καὶ ἔσται ἐν σοὶ ἁμαρτία μεγάλη

Take heed to yourself that there be no hidden word in your heart, a lawless thought, saying, 'The seventh year, the year of release, draws near,' and your eye be evil toward your needy brother, and you give him nothing, and he cry out against you to the LORD, and there be in you great sin.

Apotropaic warning (guarding the open hand against calculation)πρόσεχε σεαυτῷ

The imperative πρόσεχε σεαυτῷ ('watch yourself') introduces a sustained warning against a cynical calculation: refusing a loan because the year of release nears and the debt will soon be cancelled. The 'hidden word in the heart' is branded ἀνόμημα ('a lawless thing'); the chain of subjunctives (γένηται … πονηρεύσηται) traces the sin from inner thought to the brother's outcry to YHWH and the resulting ἁμαρτία μεγάλη. The 'evil eye' (πονηρεύσηται ὁ ὀφθαλμός) is the idiom of stinginess that Jesus echoes (Matt 6:23; 20:15).

Word-by-word analysis· 46 words

πρόσεχεtake heed / watchPres Act Impv 2 Sg · προσέχωmain verb (imperative of warning)→ present imperative (continual vigilance)προσέχω: 'attend to / take heed / beware'; with the reflexive dative σεαυτῷ ('to yourself') it renders הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ ('guard yourself'), a standard Deuteronomic admonition to self-scrutiny; the present imperative urges ongoing watchfulness against inner self-deception.

σεαυτῷto yourselfDativereflexive dative (with πρόσεχε)→ sphere or referenceσεαυτοῦ: reflexive pronoun 'yourself'; the dative of the person warned; the danger lies within, in one's own heart.

μὴlestnegative conjunction (introducing clause of apprehension)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: 'lest / that not'; introduces the feared possibility after a verb of caution, governing the subjunctive γένηται.

γένηταιthere be / ariseAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of clause of apprehension (subjunctive with μή)→ aorist subjunctive (the feared inner event)γίνομαι: see v. 7; here the 'arising' of a secret, lawless thought in the heart — the inner origin of the refusal to give.

ῥῆμαword / thoughtNominativesubject of γένηται→ participant prominenceῥῆμα: 'word / matter / thing'; renders דָּבָר; here an inner 'word' — a thought or reasoning entertained secretly in the heart; the same ῥῆμα recurs at vv. 10, 11 ('this word/matter').

κρυπτὸνhidden / secretNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant prominenceκρυπτός: 'hidden / secret'; renders בְלִיַּעַל here interpreted as a concealed, base scheme; the secrecy marks the sin as one of the heart, invisible to others but known to YHWH.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

τῇtheDativearticle (with καρδίᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

καρδίᾳheartDativeobject of ἐν (locus of the hidden thought)→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: see v. 7; the heart as the inner forum where the lawless calculation is conceived.

ἀνόμημαa lawless thing / transgressionNominativeappositive to ῥῆμα κρυπτόν→ participant prominenceἀνόμημα: 'lawless deed / transgression'; the compound (ἀ- + νόμος) brands the secret thought as a violation of the Torah itself; the LXX names the stingy calculation not merely uncharitable but unlawful.

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple introducing inner speech (the content of the thought)→ present participle (the inward reasoning verbalized)λέγω: 'say'; the participle introduces the self-justifying inner speech — a Hebraism (לֵאמֹר) marking quoted thought; here it voices the calculating excuse for withholding.

ἐγγίζειdraws nearPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγγίζωverb of the quoted inner speech→ present (the approaching deadline)ἐγγίζω: 'draw near / approach'; renders קָרְבָה; the nearness of the release-year is the pretext: since the debt will soon be cancelled, the calculating man is tempted to refuse the loan altogether.

τὸtheNominativearticle (with ἔτος)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἔτοςyearNominativesubject of ἐγγίζει→ participant prominenceἔτος: see v. 1; here 'the year' specified as 'the seventh, the year of release.'

τὸtheNominativearticle (with ἕβδομον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἕβδομονseventhNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἔτος)→ participant prominenceἕβδομος: 'seventh'; renders שְׁבִיעִי; the sabbatical year, the year of debt-release; the same ordinal governs the slave-release at v. 12 (τῷ ἑβδόμῳ).

ἔτοςyearNominativeappositive to τὸ ἔτος τὸ ἕβδομον ('the year of release')→ participant prominenceἔτος: the repetition specifies the seventh year as 'the year of release' (ἔτος τῆς ἀφέσεως), binding the term ἄφεσις back to the chapter's opening.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἀφέσεως)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀφέσεωςof releaseGenitivegenitive of definition ('the year of the release')→ relational specificationἄφεσις: see v. 1; 'the year of release' names the sabbatical year by its defining act of debt-remission.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (continuing the apprehension-clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

πονηρεύσηταιbe evil / act maliciouslyAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · πονηρεύομαιverb of clause of apprehension (subjunctive, parallel to γένηται)→ aorist subjunctive (the feared malicious turn)πονηρεύομαι: 'be wicked / act evilly'; with ὀφθαλμός as subject it renders the idiom רָעָה עֵינְךָ ('your eye be evil'); the 'evil eye' is a Semitic idiom for grudging stinginess (cf. Deut 28:54; Prov 23:6; Matt 20:15), the opposite of the 'single/generous eye.'

ὁtheNominativearticle (with ὀφθαλμός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὀφθαλμόςeyeNominativesubject of πονηρεύσηται→ participant prominenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; renders עַיִן; in the idiom 'the evil eye' the eye stands for one's disposition toward others' need — here a begrudging, ungenerous attitude toward the poor brother.

τῷtoward theDativearticle (with ἀδελφῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφῷbrotherDativedative of disadvantage ('evil toward your brother')→ sphere or referenceἀδελφός: see v. 2; the object of the evil eye is again the covenant-brother in need.

τῷthe (who is)Dativearticle (with participle ἐπιδεομένῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐπιδεομένῳwho is in needPres Mid/Pass Ptcp Dat Sg Masc · ἐπιδέομαιattributive participle (modifying ἀδελφῷ)→ present participle (ongoing need)ἐπιδέομαι: see v. 7; the recurring designation of the poor brother as 'the one in need.'

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐnotnegative particle (with δώσεις)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δώσειςyou giveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιverb (continuing the feared consequence)→ predictive future (the refusal that results from the evil eye)δίδωμι: see v. 4; the withholding ('you give him nothing') is the outward act flowing from the inward evil eye; it provokes the brother's appeal to YHWH.

αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object of δώσεις→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object of δώσεις.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

βοήσεταιhe will cry outFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · βοάωverb (the brother's appeal to YHWH)→ predictive future (the outcry that brings guilt)βοάω: 'cry out / call aloud'; renders קָרָא / זָעַק; the poor man's outcry 'against you to the LORD' echoes the cry of the oppressed that YHWH hears (cf. Exod 22:22–23; Deut 24:15) — the divine advocate of the wronged poor.

κατὰagainstpreposition + genitive (hostile: 'against you')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + genitive: 'against'; the outcry is a legal-style appeal lodged against the withholder before the divine judge.

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of κατά→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of κατά.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of the appeal)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of the appeal).

κύριονthe LORDAccusativeobject of πρός (the divine judge appealed to)→ object specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; YHWH hears the cry of the poor and reckons the refusal as sin — the social offense becomes a religious one.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔσταιthere will beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb (the resulting guilt)→ predictive future (the imputed sin)εἰμί: 'be'; ἔσται ἐν σοὶ ἁμαρτία ('there will be sin in you') renders וְהָיָה בְךָ חֵטְא; the refusal incurs guilt before God.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in you').

σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐν.

ἁμαρτίαsinNominativesubject of ἔσται→ participant prominenceἁμαρτία: 'sin / failure'; renders חֵטְא; the stinginess that began as a 'hidden word' culminates in great sin — the LXX moralizes economic refusal as a grave covenant transgression.

μεγάληgreatNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἁμαρτία)→ participant prominenceμέγας: 'great'; the qualifier underscores the gravity — refusing the poor brother is no light matter but a 'great sin' before YHWH.

διδοὺς δώσεις αὐτῷ καὶ δάνειον δανιεῖς αὐτῷ ὅσον ἐπιδέεται καὶ οὐ λυπηθήσῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ σου διδόντος σου αὐτῷ ὅτι διὰ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο εὐλογήσει σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔργοις καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν οὗ ἂν ἐπιβάλῃς τὴν χεῖρά σου

Giving, you shall give to him, and you shall surely lend him a loan, as much as he needs; and you shall not be grieved in your heart when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in everything to which you put your hand.

Renewed positive command + promise (counter to v. 9)διδοὺς δώσεις αὐτῷ

Another emphatic cognate Hebraism — διδοὺς δώσεις ('giving you shall give') — repeats the open-handed command, now adding the inner disposition: οὐ λυπηθήσῃ τῇ καρδίᾳ ('you shall not be grieved in heart'). This ungrudging gladness stands directly behind Paul's ἱλαρὸν δότην ('a cheerful giver,' 2 Cor 9:7). The motive is divine blessing 'in all your works,' tying generosity to flourishing under YHWH's hand.

Word-by-word analysis· 42 words

διδοὺςgivingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · δίδωμιcircumstantial participle (cognate with δώσεις: Hebraism)→ intensifying participle (rendering Hebrew infinitive absolute)δίδωμι: 'give'; the participle διδοὺς with cognate finite δώσεις renders the emphatic infinitive absolute נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן ('you shall surely give'); the third such construction in the chapter (cf. vv. 4, 8), pressing the command to wholehearted generosity.

δώσειςyou shall giveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (cognate-participle construction; apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command, intensified)δίδωμι: see above; 'giving you shall give' = 'you shall surely / freely give'; the command directly reverses the refusal (οὐ δώσεις) of v. 9.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

δάνειονa loanAccusativecognate accusative (with δανιεῖς)→ object specificationδάνειον: see v. 8; the cognate accusative again intensifies the command to lend, repeated verbatim from v. 8.

δανιεῖςyou shall lendFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δανείζωmain verb (cognate-accusative construction)→ imperatival future (binding command, intensified)δανείζω: see v. 6; the repetition of δάνειον δανιεῖς from v. 8 forms an inclusio around the warning of v. 9.

ὅσονas much asAccusativerelative/correlative pronoun (measure of the loan)→ participant referenceὅσος: see v. 8; again the brother's need is the measure of the gift.

ἐπιδέεταιhe needsPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιδέομαιverb of relative clause→ present (the brother's continuing need)ἐπιδέομαι: see v. 7.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐnotnegative particle (with λυπηθήσῃ)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

λυπηθήσῃyou shall be grievedFut Pass Indic 2 Sg · λυπέωmain verb (prohibitive future: inner disposition)→ imperatival future (negative command touching the heart)λυπέω (fut. pass. λυπηθήσῃ): 'grieve / pain'; passive 'be grieved / distressed'; renders יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ ('let not your heart be grieved'); the command reaches past the act to the affections — giving must be glad, not reluctant; this verse stands behind 2 Cor 9:7, μὴ ἐκ λύπης … ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός.

τῇtheDativearticle (with καρδίᾳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

καρδίᾳheartDativedative of respect ('grieved in heart')→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: see v. 7; the heart as the seat of the disposition that must not begrudge the gift.

διδόντος(when) givingPres Act Ptcp Gen Sg Masc · δίδωμιgenitive absolute (temporal: 'when you give')→ present participle (contemporaneous action)δίδωμι: see v. 4; the genitive-absolute construction διδόντος σου ('while you give') marks the moment of giving as the very time when grief must be absent — gladness should accompany the act itself.

σουyou / yourGenitivegenitive subject of the absolute participle→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive subject of the absolute participle.

αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object of διδόντος→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as indirect object of διδόντος.

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (grounding the gladness in promised blessing)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; the reason for ungrudging giving is the blessing it secures from YHWH.

διὰbecause of / forpreposition + accusative (causal: 'on account of this thing')→ spatial or relational framingδιά + accusative: 'on account of / because of'; διὰ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο = 'for this deed/matter,' pointing to the act of generous giving as the occasion of blessing.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ῥῆμαthing / matterAccusativeobject of διά→ object specificationῥῆμα: see v. 9; here 'this matter/deed' = the act of open-handed giving; the same idiom (διὰ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο) recurs as a motive-formula.

τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; points to the generous deed just commanded.

εὐλογήσειwill blessFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (promise of blessing)→ predictive future (assured divine reward)εὐλογέω: see v. 4; the blessing 'in all your works' ties generosity to material flourishing — the giver loses nothing, for YHWH replenishes the open hand.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of εὐλογήσει→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere of blessing)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere of blessing).

πᾶσινallDativeattributive adjective (modifying ἔργοις)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; the blessing extends comprehensively to every labor.

τοῖςtheDativearticle (with ἔργοις)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἔργοιςworks / deedsDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of blessing)→ sphere or referenceἔργον: 'work / deed / labor'; renders מַעֲשֶׂה; YHWH's blessing on 'all your works' is the Deuteronomic promise of prosperity (cf. Deut 28:12) attached here specifically to generosity.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).

πᾶσινeverythingDativesubstantized adjective (object of ἐν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: here substantival, 'everything,' antecedent of the following relative οὗ.

οὗto which / whereinGenitiverelative adverb of place (with ἐπιβάλῃς)→ relational specificationοὗ: relative adverb 'where / in which'; with ἂν + subjunctive marks the indefinite undertaking — 'whatever you set your hand to.'

ἂνevermodal particle (with subjunctive, generalizing)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: modal particle marking the indefinite/generalizing force of the relative clause.

ἐπιβάλῃςyou put / setAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐπιβάλλωverb of indefinite relative clause→ aorist subjunctive (indefinite future undertaking)ἐπιβάλλω: 'put upon / lay (the hand) to'; the idiom ἐπιβάλλειν τὴν χεῖρα ('set the hand to') renders מִשְׁלַח יָד ('the putting-forth of the hand') = whatever enterprise one undertakes; the blessing covers every venture of the generous.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with χεῖρα)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χεῖράhandAccusativedirect object of ἐπιβάλῃς→ object specificationχείρ: see v. 7; here in the idiom 'set your hand to' = undertake; the same hand that opens to the poor (v. 8) is blessed in all its labor.

οὐ γὰρ μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἐνδεὴς ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς διὰ τοῦτο ἐγώ σοι ἐντέλλομαι ποιεῖν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο λέγων ἀνοίγων ἀνοίξεις τὰς χεῖράς σου τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου τῷ πένητι καὶ τῷ ἐπιδεομένῳ τῷ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς σου

For the needy one shall by no means cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'Opening, you shall open your hands to your brother who is poor and to the needy one in your land.'

Realistic axiom grounding the perpetual command (climax of vv. 7–11)οὐ γὰρ μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἐνδεής

The realistic axiom that closes the movement: the poor will never cease from the land (οὐ … μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἐνδεής), standing in deliberate tension with the ideal of v. 4 ('there shall be no needy one'). The emphatic οὐ … μή + subjunctive makes the permanence absolute. This is the verse Jesus invokes at the anointing in Bethany — 'the poor you always have with you' (Matt 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). The perpetual presence of the poor grounds a perpetual command, capped by the repeated ἀνοίγων ἀνοίξεις of v. 8.

Word-by-word analysis· 36 words

οὐnotemphatic negation (with μή + subjunctive)→ participant referenceοὐ μή + aorist subjunctive: the strongest Greek negation ('by no means'); here it asserts the absolute permanence of poverty in the land.

γὰρforcausal particle (post-positive, grounding the command)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: 'for'; gives the reason the open hand must be a standing practice — because the poor will always be present.

μὴnotemphatic negation (second element of οὐ μή)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: completes the emphatic οὐ μή construction with ἐκλίπῃ.

ἐκλίπῃshould cease / failAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐκλείπωverb of emphatic negation (οὐ μή + subjunctive)→ aorist subjunctive of emphatic denial (absolute permanence)ἐκλείπω: 'fail / cease / leave off / die out'; renders חָדַל ('cease'); οὐ μὴ ἐκλίπῃ ἐνδεής = 'the poor shall by no means cease' from the land; this is the realistic counter-axiom to v. 4 and the verse cited by Jesus at Matt 26:11 (πάντοτε γὰρ τοὺς πτωχοὺς ἔχετε μεθ᾽ ἑαυτῶν), Mark 14:7, John 12:8.

ἐνδεὴςneedy oneNominativesubject of ἐκλίπῃ→ participant prominenceἐνδεής: see v. 4; its third appearance (vv. 4, 7, 11) frames the whole movement — promised absent (v. 4), realistically present (v. 7), perpetually present (v. 11).

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with γῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γῆςlandGenitiveobject of ἀπό→ relational specificationγῆ: see v. 4; the same gift-land that should know no poor (v. 4) will in fact never be without them.

διὰbecause of / thereforepreposition + accusative (causal: 'on account of this')→ spatial or relational framingδιά + accusative: διὰ τοῦτο = 'therefore / for this reason'; the perpetual presence of the poor grounds the perpetual command.

τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (resumptive)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; points back to the axiom just stated as the ground of the command.

ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject of ἐντέλλομαι (Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic 'I' is Moses; the same formula διὰ τοῦτο ἐγώ σοι ἐντέλλομαι recurs at v. 15, binding command to motive.

ἐντέλλομαιcommandPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιmain verb (Moses' present injunction)→ performative present (the command enacted in the speaking)ἐντέλλομαι: see v. 5; the present performative reissues the open-hand command as a standing obligation grounded in the permanence of poverty.

ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωcomplementary infinitive (object of ἐντέλλομαι)→ present infinitive (ongoing performance)ποιέω: see v. 1; 'to do this thing' = to practice the open-handed generosity now defined.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ῥῆμαthing / matterAccusativedirect object of ποιεῖν→ object specificationῥῆμα: see v. 9; 'this matter/command' = the duty of open-handed giving.

τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; the demonstrative points to the command spelled out in the following quotation.

λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Sg Masc · λέγωparticiple introducing the quoted command→ present participle (introducing direct speech)λέγω: 'say'; the participle (Hebraism, לֵאמֹר) introduces the content of the command as direct speech — the repeated open-hand formula.

ἀνοίξειςyou shall openFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀνοίγωmain verb of the quoted command (cognate-participle construction)→ imperatival future (binding command, intensified)ἀνοίγω: see v. 8; 'opening you shall open' — the chapter's emblematic command, now addressed perpetually to the poor and needy brother.

τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with χεῖρας)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

χεῖράςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἀνοίξεις→ object specificationχείρ: see v. 7; the open hands repeated from v. 8.

τῷto theDativearticle (with ἀδελφῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφῷbrotherDativedative of advantage (recipient of the open hand)→ sphere or referenceἀδελφός: see v. 2; the recipient is again the covenant-brother, now qualified as πένης ('poor').

τῷtheDativearticle (with πένητι)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πένητιpoor / needyDativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀδελφῷ)→ sphere or referenceπένης: 'poor / one who works for his living / needy'; renders עָנִי ('afflicted / poor'); a near-synonym of ἐνδεής, here paired with τῷ ἐπιδεομένῳ to embrace every category of the destitute brother.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τῷthe (who is)Dativearticle (with participle ἐπιδεομένῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐπιδεομένῳwho is in needPres Mid/Pass Ptcp Dat Sg Masc · ἐπιδέομαιattributive participle (substantival: 'the needy one')→ present participle (ongoing need)ἐπιδέομαι: see v. 7; 'the one in need,' the recurring designation of the poor brother.

τῷthe (who is)Dativearticle (with the locative phrase ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς σου)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἐπὶin / uponpreposition + genitive (locative: 'in your land')→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + genitive: 'on / in'; the articular phrase τῷ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς σου ('the one in your land') localizes the needy brother within Israel's own territory — the duty is domestic, owed to fellow Israelites.

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with γῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γῆςlandGenitiveobject of ἐπί→ relational specificationγῆ: see v. 4; the land that will never be without poor (v. 11a) is the very land within which generosity must be shown.

ἐὰν δὲ πραθῇ σοι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ὁ Εβραῖος ἢ ἡ Εβραία δουλεύσει σοι ἓξ ἔτη καὶ τῷ ἑβδόμῳ ἐξαποστελεῖς αὐτὸν ἐλεύθερον ἀπὸ σοῦ

But if your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you, he shall serve you six years, and in the seventh you shall send him away free from you.

New case-law: the seventh-year manumission of the Hebrew slave (opens vv. 12–18)ἐὰν δὲ πραθῇ σοι ὁ ἀδελφός σου

A new conditional opens the second great statute of the chapter: the release of the Hebrew slave (cf. Exod 21:2–6). The sabbatical seven-year structure of the debt-release (v. 1) now governs persons: six years' service, then freedom in the seventh. The slave is emphatically called ὁ ἀδελφός σου ('your brother'), framing manumission, like debt-remission, as an obligation of covenant kinship; both sexes (ὁ Εβραῖος ἢ ἡ Εβραία) are included.

Word-by-word analysis· 24 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis, with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; opens the case-law of the Hebrew slave's release.

δὲbut / nowtransitional particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: marks the move to the second major statute (slave-release) after the debt-release section.

πραθῇis soldAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · πιπράσκωverb of protasis (subjunctive with ἐάν)→ aorist subjunctive (the contingent sale into service)πιπράσκω (aor. pass. πραθῇ): 'sell'; renders מָכַר; the passive 'be sold' covers both self-sale through debt-poverty and being sold by another; the Hebrew could sell himself into service to pay a debt (cf. Lev 25:39).

σοιto youDativedative of advantage (the buyer/master)→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (the buyer/master).

ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἀδελφός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀδελφόςbrotherNominativesubject of πραθῇ→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: see v. 2; the slave is emphatically 'your brother' — the kinship that limits his servitude to six years and forbids treating him as a chattel-slave (cf. Lev 25:39–43).

ὁtheNominativearticle (with Εβραῖος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΕβραῖοςHebrew (man)Nominativeapposition to ἀδελφός (gentilic)→ participant prominenceἙβραῖος: 'Hebrew'; renders עִבְרִי; the gentilic specifies the slave as an Israelite, the ground of the protective legislation; outsiders fell under different rules (Lev 25:44–46).

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: 'or'; the disjunction extends the law explicitly to the Hebrew woman, a notable expansion beyond the male-only focus of Exod 21:2 (cf. the qualification at Exod 21:7).

ἡtheNominativearticle (with Εβραία)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ΕβραίαHebrew womanNominativesubject (alternative to Εβραῖος)→ participant prominenceἙβραία: 'Hebrew woman'; the feminine gentilic; Deuteronomy extends the seventh-year release equally to the female Hebrew slave, a humane advance applied also at v. 17b (τὴν παιδίσκην σου ποιήσεις ὡσαύτως).

δουλεύσειshall serveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δουλεύωmain verb (term of service)→ predictive/prescriptive future (the legislated term)δουλεύω: 'serve / be a slave'; renders עָבַד; the six-year term mirrors the six days of labor before the sabbath — the slave's service has a built-in sabbatical limit; the same root recurs at v. 18 (ἐδούλευσέν σοι).

σοιyouDativedative object of δουλεύσει ('serve you')→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of δουλεύσει ('serve you').

ἓξsixindeclinable numeral (modifying ἔτη)→ clausal contributionἕξ: 'six'; indeclinable cardinal; the six years of service answer to the seventh year of release, extending the sabbath rhythm to human servitude.

ἔτηyearsAccusativeaccusative of duration ('for six years')→ object specificationἔτος: see v. 1; the accusative of extent of time marks the six-year span of service.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τῷin theDativearticle (with ἑβδόμῳ, dative of time)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἑβδόμῳseventh (year)Dativedative of time ('in the seventh year')→ sphere or referenceἕβδομος: see v. 9; the seventh year of the individual's service (counted from his sale, not the national sabbatical year) is the time of his release; the substantival dative supplies 'year.'

ἐξαποστελεῖςyou shall send away / releaseFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωmain verb (apodosis: the act of manumission)→ imperatival future (binding command)ἐξαποστέλλω: 'send away / release / set free'; the intensive compound ἐξαπο- renders שָׁלַח ('send away'); the manumission verb governs the whole section (vv. 12, 13, 18); the same verb describes Israel's own release from Egypt — the master is to do for his slave what YHWH did for Israel.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐξαποστελεῖς→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐξαποστελεῖς.

ἐλεύθερονfreeAccusativepredicate adjective (object complement: 'send him away free')→ object specificationἐλεύθερος: 'free / freed'; renders חָפְשִׁי; the predicate adjective defines the manner of release — full freedom, not partial or conditional; the term anticipates the slave who may renounce it (v. 16, οὐκ ἐξελεύσομαι) and v. 18 (ἐλευθέρων).

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of ἀπό→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἀπό.

ὅταν δὲ ἐξαποστέλλῃς αὐτὸν ἐλεύθερον ἀπὸ σοῦ οὐκ ἐξαποστελεῖς αὐτὸν κενόν

And when you send him away free from you, you shall not send him away empty-handed.

Temporal-conditional qualification of the manumission (v. 12)ὅταν δὲ ἐξαποστέλλῃς

The temporal ὅταν + subjunctive resumes the moment of release and adds the crucial qualification: the freed slave must not leave κενός ('empty'). The same word and motif govern Israel's own departure from Egypt — 'you shall not go out empty' (Exod 3:21; cf. 12:35–36) — so that the master's bounty to his slave re-enacts YHWH's bounty to Israel; the positive content follows in v. 14.

Word-by-word analysis· 11 words

ὅτανwhen / whenevertemporal conjunction (with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: 'when(ever)'; with the subjunctive ἐξαποστέλλῃς it views the release as a recurring/contingent occasion, the point at which the duty of provision arises.

δὲand / buttransitional particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: connects the qualification to the manumission-command of v. 12.

ἐξαποστέλλῃςyou send awayPres Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωverb of temporal clause (subjunctive with ὅταν)→ present subjunctive (the act of release viewed in progress)ἐξαποστέλλω: see v. 12; the present subjunctive presents the release as the occasion within which the prohibition operates.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐξαποστέλλῃς→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐξαποστέλλῃς.

ἐλεύθερονfreeAccusativepredicate adjective (object complement)→ object specificationἐλεύθερος: see v. 12; the freedom is real and full, but it must not be destitute — hence the provision command of v. 14.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of ἀπό→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἀπό.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐξαποστελεῖς)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐξαποστελεῖςyou shall send awayFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωmain verb (prohibitive future)→ imperatival future (negative command)ἐξαποστέλλω: see v. 12; the prohibition οὐκ ἐξαποστελεῖς … κενόν ('you shall not send away empty') forbids manumission without material endowment.

κενόνempty / empty-handedAccusativepredicate adjective (object complement: 'send him away empty')→ object specificationκενός: 'empty / destitute'; renders רֵיקָם ('empty-handed'); the same word and motif govern Israel's exodus — 'you shall not go out empty' (Exod 3:21); the freed slave, like liberated Israel, departs laden with gifts (v. 14).

ἐφόδιον ἐφοδιάσεις αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῶν προβάτων σου καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ σίτου σου καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς ληνοῦ σου καθὰ εὐλόγησέν σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου δώσεις αὐτῷ

You shall surely furnish him with provisions from your flock and from your grain and from your winepress; just as the LORD your God has blessed you, you shall give to him.

Positive command (the liberal provisioning of the freed slave)ἐφόδιον ἐφοδιάσεις αὐτὸν

The positive counterpart to v. 13's prohibition, again in an emphatic cognate construction: ἐφόδιον ἐφοδιάσεις ('with provision you shall provision'). The threefold source — flock, grain, winepress — represents the full range of agrarian wealth (livestock, field, vineyard). The measure is proportioned to the master's own divine blessing (καθὰ εὐλόγησέν σε): one gives out of what one has been given, mirroring YHWH's generosity.

Word-by-word analysis· 26 words

ἐφόδιονprovision / supplyAccusativecognate accusative (with ἐφοδιάσεις)→ object specificationἐφόδιον: 'provision for a journey / supplies'; the cognate accusative ἐφόδιον ἐφοδιάσεις renders the Hebrew infinitive absolute הַעֲנֵיק תַּעֲנִיק ('you shall surely furnish'); the noun denotes the wherewithal for the freedman to start an independent life.

ἐφοδιάσειςyou shall furnish / provisionFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐφοδιάζωmain verb (cognate-accusative construction; apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command, intensified)ἐφοδιάζω: 'supply with provisions / furnish for a journey'; renders הֶעֱנִיק ('lade / adorn / furnish liberally'); 'with provision you shall provision him' — the freed slave is to be sent off generously stocked, not destitute.

αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐφοδιάσεις→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐφοδιάσεις.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source/partitive: 'from your flock')→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: marking the source of the provision; the partitive 'from' indicates a generous share, not the whole.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with προβάτων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

προβάτωνsheep / flockGenitiveobject of ἀπό (first source)→ relational specificationπρόβατον: 'sheep'; pl. 'flock'; renders צֹאן; the first of the three agrarian sources — livestock; the same noun governs the firstborn law of vv. 19–23.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (second source)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (second source).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with σίτου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

σίτουgrain / wheatGenitiveobject of ἀπό (second source)→ relational specificationσῖτος: 'grain / wheat'; renders דָּגָן / גֹּרֶן ('grain / threshing-floor'); the produce of the field — the second agrarian source.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (third source)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (third source).

τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ληνοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ληνοῦwinepress / vatGenitiveobject of ἀπό (third source)→ relational specificationληνός: 'winepress / wine-vat'; renders יֶקֶב; by metonymy the produce of the vineyard — wine; the third agrarian source completes the merism flock/field/vineyard, the totality of agrarian wealth.

καθὰjust ascomparative conjunction (proportion)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθά: 'according as / just as'; renders כַּאֲשֶׁר; sets the measure of the gift in proportion to the master's own blessing — give as you have been blessed.

εὐλόγησένhas blessedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωverb of comparative clause→ constative aorist (the blessing already received)εὐλογέω: see v. 4; the master gives out of YHWH's blessing on him — generosity is the overflow of received grace, the same logic as v. 10 and 2 Cor 9:8–11.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of εὐλόγησεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

δώσειςyou shall giveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (resumptive command)→ imperatival future (binding command)δίδωμι: see v. 4; the closing 'you shall give to him' restates the whole provision-command as an act of giving, echoing the giving-language of vv. 8–10.

καὶ μνησθήσῃ ὅτι οἰκέτης ἦσθα ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτου καὶ ἐλυτρώσατό σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου ἐκεῖθεν διὰ τοῦτο ἐγώ σοι ἐντέλλομαι ποιεῖν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο

And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this thing.

Motive clause: Israel's own redemption grounds the law (cf. v. 11)καὶ μνησθήσῃ ὅτι οἰκέτης ἦσθα

The theological ground of the slave-law: memory of Israel's own slavery and redemption. μνησθήσῃ ('you shall remember') is the Deuteronomic imperative of covenant memory; ἐλυτρώσατό ('redeemed') is the great exodus-verb (λυτρόω), framing manumission as the imitation of YHWH's own act. The formula διὰ τοῦτο ἐγώ σοι ἐντέλλομαι repeats verbatim from v. 11, binding both the open hand and the freed slave to the same redemptive logic: the redeemed must redeem.

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

μνησθήσῃyou shall rememberFut Pass Indic 2 Sg · μιμνῄσκομαιmain verb (imperatival future of covenant memory)→ imperatival future (binding remembrance)μιμνῄσκομαι (fut. pass. μνησθήσῃ): 'remember / call to mind'; renders זָכַר; the Deuteronomic 'you shall remember' (cf. Deut 5:15; 16:12; 24:18, 22) makes Israel's slave-memory the moral engine of compassion — the redeemed people must extend redemption.

ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause, object of μνησθήσῃ)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content remembered — Israel's slavery and redemption.

οἰκέτηςhousehold slave / servantNominativepredicate nominative (with ἦσθα)→ participant prominenceοἰκέτης: 'house-slave / domestic servant'; renders עֶבֶד; the same word describes the slave who chooses to stay (v. 17, ἔσται σοι οἰκέτης); Israel was itself an οἰκέτης in Egypt — the master and the slave share a common history of bondage.

ἦσθαyou wereImpf Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίverb of content clause (state in past time)→ imperfect (continuous past state of bondage)εἰμί (impf. ἦσθα): 'you were'; the archaic second-singular imperfect; the durative imperfect captures the prolonged condition of Egyptian slavery now to be remembered.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

γῇlandDativeobject of ἐν (place of bondage)→ sphere or referenceγῆ: see v. 4; 'in the land of Egypt' — the place of slavery, set against the gift-land of freedom.

Αἰγύπτουof EgyptGenitivegenitive of location (with γῇ: 'land of Egypt')→ relational specificationΑἴγυπτος: 'Egypt'; renders מִצְרַיִם; the house of bondage from which YHWH redeemed Israel.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (continuing the remembered content)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐλυτρώσατόredeemedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · λυτρόωverb of content clause (the act of redemption)→ constative aorist (the accomplished redemption)λυτρόω (mid. ἐλυτρώσατο): 'ransom / redeem / set free by payment'; renders פָּדָה / גָּאַל; the great exodus-verb (cf. Exod 6:6; Deut 7:8; 13:5); λύτρωσις/ἀπολύτρωσις become central NT redemption terms (Luke 1:68; 2:38; Eph 1:7); the master's release of his slave imitates YHWH's redemption of Israel.

σεyouAccusativedirect object of ἐλυτρώσατο→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐλυτρώσατο.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐλυτρώσατο→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH is the redeemer of Israel, the model of the redeeming master.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of place (source: 'from there')→ clausal contributionἐκεῖθεν: 'from there / thence'; renders מִשָּׁם; locates the redemption as a deliverance out of Egypt specifically — the place of slavery is the place from which YHWH drew Israel.

διὰbecause of / thereforepreposition + accusative (causal: 'for this reason')→ spatial or relational framingδιά + accusative: διὰ τοῦτο = 'therefore'; grounds the command in the remembered redemption, exactly as at v. 11.

τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (resumptive)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; points back to the memory of redemption as the ground of the command.

ἐγώINominativeemphatic subject of ἐντέλλομαι (Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I' (Moses); the formula διὰ τοῦτο ἐγώ σοι ἐντέλλομαι repeats v. 11 verbatim, linking the slave-law and the open-hand law as twin expressions of redemptive memory.

ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωcomplementary infinitive (object of ἐντέλλομαι)→ present infinitive (ongoing performance)ποιέω: see v. 1; 'to do this thing' = to practice the liberal release of the slave.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ῥῆμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ῥῆμαthing / matterAccusativedirect object of ποιεῖν→ object specificationῥῆμα: see v. 9; 'this matter/command' = the duty of generous manumission.

τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective (modifying ῥῆμα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; refers to the slave-release statute just given.

ἐὰν δὲ λέγῃ πρὸς σέ οὐκ ἐξελεύσομαι ἀπὸ σοῦ ὅτι ἠγάπηκέν σε καὶ τὴν οἰκίαν σου ὅτι εὖ αὐτῷ ἐστιν παρὰ σοί

But if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he has loved you and your household, because it is well with him with you—

Exceptional case: the slave who chooses to remain (vv. 16–17)ἐὰν δὲ λέγῃ πρὸς σέ

A new conditional introduces the exceptional case (cf. Exod 21:5–6): the slave who, out of love for master and household, declines his freedom. The perfect ἠγάπηκέν ('he has come to love') expresses a settled affection; the motive εὖ αὐτῷ ἐστιν ('it is well with him') grounds the choice in genuine contentment. This voluntary servitude, sealed at v. 17, is the OT type behind the language of the willing δοῦλος (cf. Phil 1:1; the bond-servant of love).

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis, with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the exceptional case of the slave who refuses release.

δὲbuttransitional particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: marks the exception to the general rule of release.

λέγῃhe saysPres Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωverb of protasis (subjunctive with ἐάν)→ present subjunctive (the slave's declared choice)λέγω: 'say'; the present subjunctive presents the slave's verbal renunciation of freedom as the condition triggering the awl-ritual of v. 17.

πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).

σέyouAccusativeobject of πρός (the master addressed)→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός (the master addressed).

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐξελεύσομαι)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐξελεύσομαιI will go out / departFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιverb of the slave's direct speech→ volitive future (the slave's settled refusal)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / depart'; renders יָצָא; the first-person 'I will not go out' is the slave's free renunciation of manumission, the verbal counterpart to the awl-rite; cf. the freedom-language of v. 12 (ἐλεύθερον).

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of ἀπό→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἀπό.

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (motive for staying)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; gives the reason for the slave's choice — love for the master and household.

ἠγάπηκένhe has lovedPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀγαπάωverb of causal clause→ resultative perfect (a settled, abiding love)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; renders אָהֵב; the perfect ἠγάπηκεν marks a love that has become a settled disposition; this freely-chosen love that prefers bondage to liberty is the OT root of the NT paradox of the willing 'slave of Christ' (δοῦλος Χριστοῦ, Rom 1:1).

σεyouAccusativedirect object of ἠγάπηκεν→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἠγάπηκεν.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with οἰκίαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἰκίανhouse / householdAccusativedirect object of ἠγάπηκεν (second object)→ object specificationοἰκία: 'house / household'; renders בַּיִת; the slave's love embraces not only the master but the whole household — his attachment is to a family, the social setting where 'it is well with him.'

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (second ground)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; the second causal clause grounds the love in the slave's well-being in the household.

εὖwelladverb (predicative: 'it is well')→ clausal contributionεὖ: 'well / favorably'; the idiom εὖ αὐτῷ ἐστιν ('it is well with him') renders טוֹב לוֹ; the slave's contentment is the human reason behind the choice for perpetual service.

αὐτῷwith him / for himDativedative of advantage (with εὖ ἐστιν)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'with him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage (with εὖ ἐστιν).

ἐστινit isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of causal clause ('it is well')→ present (the slave's ongoing well-being)εἰμί: 'be'; with εὖ forms the idiom 'it goes well with him'; the present marks the settled good condition that motivates the slave's choice.

παρὰwith / at the side ofpreposition + dative (association: 'with you')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + dative: 'beside / with / in the house of'; 'it is well with him with you' — the slave thrives in the master's household, the ground of his loyalty.

σοίyouDativeobject of παρά→ participant reference or interestσοί: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of παρά.

καὶ λήμψῃ τὸ ὀπήτιον καὶ τρυπήσεις τὸ ὠτίον αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὴν θύραν καὶ ἔσται σοι οἰκέτης εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα καὶ τὴν παιδίσκην σου ποιήσεις ὡσαύτως

then you shall take the awl and pierce his ear against the door, and he shall be your servant forever; and to your maidservant you shall do likewise.

Apodosis: the awl-ritual sealing perpetual service (v. 16)καὶ λήμψῃ τὸ ὀπήτιον

The apodosis of v. 16 prescribes the ritual that seals voluntary lifelong servitude: the awl (ὀπήτιον) driven through the ear against the door (cf. Exod 21:6). The pierced ear at the doorpost is a permanent bodily token of the slave's free attachment to this household 'forever' (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα). The closing clause extends the whole provision equally to the maidservant (τὴν παιδίσκην … ὡσαύτως), continuing Deuteronomy's inclusion of women (cf. v. 12).

Word-by-word analysis· 25 words

καὶand / thencoordinate conjunction (apodotic καί)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here apodotic, introducing the consequence of the slave's choice — 'then you shall take...'

λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (apodictic future, opening the ritual)→ imperatival future (binding command)λαμβάνω (fut. mid. λήμψῃ): 'take / receive'; the Hellenistic form with intrusive -μ-; renders לָקַח; here 'take the awl' to perform the ear-piercing rite.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ὀπήτιον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὀπήτιονawlAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ→ object specificationὀπήτιον: 'awl / boring-tool' (diminutive of ὀπεύς); renders מַרְצֵעַ ('awl'); the instrument for piercing the ear; a rare word, used in the LXX only here and at the parallel Exod 21:6.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τρυπήσειςyou shall pierce / boreFut Act Indic 2 Sg · τρυπάωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command)τρυπάω: 'bore / pierce / make a hole'; renders רָצַע; the boring of the ear at the door is the legal act that fixes the slave to the household permanently; the ear — organ of hearing/obedience — is fittingly marked.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ὠτίον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ὠτίονear / earlobeAccusativedirect object of τρυπήσεις→ object specificationὠτίον: 'ear / earlobe' (diminutive of οὖς); renders אֹזֶן; the same word for the ear Peter severed (Mark 14:47; John 18:10); the pierced ear is the permanent badge of the willing servant.

αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (the slave's ear)→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (the slave's ear).

πρὸςto / againstpreposition + accusative (the door against which the ear is pierced)→ spatial or relational framingπρός + accusative: 'against / at'; the ear is pierced against the door (or doorpost), fixing the rite to the threshold of the house the slave chooses never to leave.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with θύραν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θύρανdoorAccusativeobject of πρός→ object specificationθύρα: 'door'; renders דֶּלֶת; the doorpost (Exod 21:6 adds 'or to the doorpost') is the boundary between household and outside world — the slave who will not cross it is bound to it by the pierced ear.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἔσταιhe shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (resulting status)→ predictive future (the settled lifelong relationship)εἰμί: 'be'; ἔσται σοι οἰκέτης εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα = 'he shall be your servant forever' — the permanent status established by the rite.

σοιto you / yourDativedative of possession ('your servant')→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of possession ('your servant').

οἰκέτηςhousehold servantNominativepredicate nominative (with ἔσται)→ participant prominenceοἰκέτης: see v. 15; the slave who chooses to stay becomes a lifelong οἰκέτης — the same word used of Israel's own bondage in Egypt (v. 15), now freely embraced.

εἰςfor / untopreposition + accusative (extent of time: 'forever')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + accusative: 'unto / for'; εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα = 'forever / for life,' the permanent term of the voluntary servitude.

τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with αἰῶνα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

αἰῶναage / foreverAccusativeobject of εἰς (idiomatic: 'forever')→ object specificationαἰών: 'age / lifetime / perpetuity'; renders עוֹלָם; εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα ('for ever') here denotes lifelong service (cf. the rabbinic limit at the Jubilee, Lev 25:40); the same phrase elsewhere expresses eternity.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (extending to the maidservant)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with παιδίσκην)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

παιδίσκηνmaidservant / female slaveAccusativedirect object of ποιήσεις (fronted)→ object specificationπαιδίσκη: 'young female slave / maidservant'; renders אָמָה; the explicit extension of the whole law to the female slave (cf. Εβραία, v. 12) marks Deuteronomy's even-handed inclusion of women, a notable advance over Exod 21:7–11.

ποιήσειςyou shall doFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command)ποιέω: see v. 1; 'you shall do likewise' — the entire provision (release, endowment, or the awl-rite) applies equally to the maidservant.

ὡσαύτωςlikewise / in the same wayadverb of manner→ clausal contributionὡσαύτως: 'in like manner / likewise'; renders כֵּן; extends the foregoing legislation in full to the female slave; the same adverb recurs at v. 22 (the clean and unclean eat ὡσαύτως).

οὐ σκληρὸν ἔσται ἐναντίον σου ἐξαποστελλομένων αὐτῶν ἐλευθέρων ἀπὸ σοῦ ὅτι ἐφέτιον μισθὸν τοῦ μισθωτοῦ ἐδούλευσέν σοι ἓξ ἔτη καὶ εὐλογήσει σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου ἐν πᾶσιν οἷς ἐὰν ποιῇς

It shall not be a hard thing in your sight when they are sent away free from you, because he has served you six years for the yearly wage of a hired servant; and the LORD your God will bless you in all that you do.

Concluding exhortation: do not grudge the release (closes vv. 12–18)οὐ σκληρὸν ἔσται ἐναντίον σου

The section closes by addressing the master's reluctance: the release must not seem 'hard' (σκληρόν). The reason: the slave's six years were worth the wage of a hired laborer (μισθὸν τοῦ μισθωτοῦ) — the master has already had full value. The textual crux ἐφέτιον (LXX 'yearly/annual') diverges from the MT מִשְׁנֶה ('double'). As throughout the chapter, obedience is sealed with the promise of YHWH's blessing on all the master's labor.

Word-by-word analysis· 31 words

οὐnotnegative particle (with σκληρὸν ἔσται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

σκληρὸνhard / harshNominativepredicate adjective (neuter: 'a hard thing')→ participant prominenceσκληρός: 'hard / harsh / difficult'; renders קָשֶׁה; οὐ σκληρὸν ἔσται ἐναντίον σου = 'let it not be hard in your eyes' — the master must not regard the release as a grievous loss; the same root (σκληρ-) describes the hardened heart elsewhere (cf. Deut 15:7's ἀποστέρξεις).

ἔσταιit shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (impersonal: 'it shall be')→ imperatival future (negative exhortation: let it not be)εἰμί: 'be'; the impersonal 'it shall not be hard' addresses the master's attitude toward the costly release.

ἐναντίονbefore / in the sight ofpreposition + genitive (evaluative: 'in your sight')→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: 'before / in the eyes of'; Hebraism rendering בְּעֵינֶיךָ ('in your eyes'); the release must not seem a hardship to the master's own evaluation.

σουyouGenitiveobject of ἐναντίον→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐναντίον.

ἐξαποστελλομένων(when) being sent awayPres Mid/Pass Ptcp Gen Pl Masc · ἐξαποστέλλωgenitive absolute (temporal: 'when they are released')→ present participle (contemporaneous action)ἐξαποστέλλω: see v. 12; the genitive-absolute (passive) construction ἐξαποστελλομένων αὐτῶν ('when they are sent away') marks the moment of release; the plural embraces both the male and female slave of vv. 12, 17.

αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive subject of the absolute participle→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive subject of the absolute participle.

ἐλευθέρωνfreeGenitivepredicate adjective (with the genitive absolute: 'free')→ relational specificationἐλεύθερος: see v. 12; the slaves go out 'free,' the manumission now complete.

ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).

σοῦyouGenitiveobject of ἀπό→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἀπό.

ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction (the reason not to grudge)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; gives the economic reason the release should not feel costly — the master has already had full value from the years of service.

ἐφέτιονyearly / annualAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying μισθόν)→ object specificationἐφέτιος (acc. ἐφέτιον): 'for the year / annual' (from ἐπί + ἔτος); a rare word; the LXX reads 'the annual/yearly wage of a hireling,' where the MT has מִשְׁנֶה ('double'); the divergence (LXX 'yearly' vs. MT 'double the hire') is a noted textual crux — the LXX values the six years at a hired man's annual rate rather than at double.

μισθὸνwage / hireAccusativeaccusative of price/measure (worth of the service)→ object specificationμισθός: 'wage / pay / reward'; renders שָׂכָר; the slave's service is reckoned as equivalent to a paid laborer's wage — the master loses nothing in releasing him; the term underlies NT 'reward' theology (Matt 5:12; 1 Cor 3:8).

τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with μισθωτοῦ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

μισθωτοῦhired servant / hirelingGenitivegenitive of comparison/possession ('of a hired man')→ relational specificationμισθωτός: 'hired laborer / hireling'; renders שָׂכִיר; the comparison frames the Hebrew slave's status as nearer to a wage-earner than a chattel-slave (cf. Lev 25:40, 'as a hired servant'); the same word for the 'hireling' who flees in John 10:12–13.

ἐδούλευσένhe servedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δουλεύωverb of causal clause→ constative aorist (the completed six years of service)δουλεύω: see v. 12; the aorist sums up the whole completed term of service; its value, reckoned at a hireling's wage, justifies the master's untroubled release.

σοιyouDativedative object of ἐδούλευσεν ('served you')→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative object of ἐδούλευσεν ('served you').

ἓξsixindeclinable numeral (modifying ἔτη)→ clausal contributionἕξ: see v. 12; the six years of service repeated from v. 12, closing the slave-law as it opened.

ἔτηyearsAccusativeaccusative of duration ('for six years')→ object specificationἔτος: see v. 1; the accusative of extent marks the span of service.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the promise)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

εὐλογήσειwill blessFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐλογέωmain verb (promise of blessing)→ predictive future (assured divine reward)εὐλογέω: see v. 4; the blessing-promise that crowns the slave-law matches the one crowning the open-hand law (v. 10), tying obedient generosity to YHWH's favor on all one's labor.

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of εὐλογήσει→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere of blessing)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere of blessing).

πᾶσινallDativesubstantized adjective (object of ἐν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; ἐν πᾶσιν οἷς ἐὰν ποιῇς = 'in all that you do,' the comprehensive scope of the promised blessing, echoing v. 10 (ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔργοις).

οἷςwhichDativerelative pronoun (antecedent πᾶσιν; dative by attraction)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative; dative by attraction to πᾶσιν; 'in all the things which you do.'

ἐὰνevermodal particle (= ἄν, with subjunctive, generalizing)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: here used for ἄν with the relative, generalizing the clause ('whatever you do').

ποιῇςyou doPres Act Subj 2 Sg · ποιέωverb of indefinite relative clause→ present subjunctive (general, ongoing activity)ποιέω: see v. 1; the generalizing subjunctive covers all the master's undertakings, all of which YHWH will bless.

πᾶν πρωτότοκον ὃ ἐὰν τεχθῇ ἐν τοῖς βουσίν σου καὶ ἐν τοῖς προβάτοις σου τὰ ἀρσενικά ἁγιάσεις κυρίῳ τῷ θεῷ σου οὐκ ἐργᾷ ἐν τῷ πρωτοτόκῳ μόσχῳ σου καὶ οὐ μὴ κείρῃς τὸ πρωτότοκον τῶν προβάτων σου

Every firstborn that is born among your cattle and among your sheep, the males, you shall consecrate to the LORD your God; you shall not work with your firstborn calf, and you shall not shear the firstborn of your sheep.

New statute: consecration of the firstborn (opens vv. 19–23)πᾶν πρωτότοκον … ἁγιάσεις

The chapter's third movement opens with the law of the firstborn: every firstborn male of herd and flock belongs to YHWH and must be consecrated (ἁγιάσεις). Two prohibitions guard its sanctity: the firstborn ox is not to be put to work, nor the firstborn sheep to be shorn — the consecrated animal yields no private profit (labor or wool). The law extends the firstborn-redemption theology of Exod 13:2, 12–15 (rooted in the Passover) to the agrarian sphere.

Word-by-word analysis· 37 words

πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; the universal scope — every firstborn male without exception is consecrated.

πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of ἁγιάσεις (fronted, resumed by τὰ ἀρσενικά)→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; the firstborn belongs to YHWH by right of the Passover redemption (Exod 13:2, 15); the noun governs the whole section and recurs at vv. 19 (×3), 20.

ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (antecedent πρωτότοκον)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; with ἐάν + subjunctive generalizes ('whatever is born').

ἐὰνevermodal particle (= ἄν, generalizing the relative)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: here for ἄν with the relative ὅ, generalizing: 'whatever firstborn is born.'

τεχθῇis bornAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · τίκτωverb of indefinite relative clause→ aorist subjunctive (the event of birth, generalized)τίκτω (aor. pass. τεχθῇ): 'bear / give birth to'; passive 'be born'; renders יִוָּלֵד; covers every birth in herd and flock; the same verb is used of the birth of Christ (Matt 2:2, ὁ τεχθεὶς βασιλεύς).

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative: 'among')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among').

τοῖςtheDativearticle (with βουσίν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

βουσίνcattle / oxenDativeobject of ἐν (first category: herd)→ sphere or referenceβοῦς: 'ox / cow / head of cattle'; renders בָּקָר; the herd, the larger livestock; paired with πρόβατα (flock) to cover all domestic animals subject to the firstborn law.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).

τοῖςtheDativearticle (with προβάτοις)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

προβάτοιςsheep / flockDativeobject of ἐν (second category: flock)→ sphere or referenceπρόβατον: see v. 14; the flock, the smaller livestock; herd and flock together (βόες/πρόβατα) are the standard OT merism for all domestic animals.

τὰtheAccusativearticle (with ἀρσενικά)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀρσενικάmales / male onesAccusativeappositive to πρωτότοκον (specifying: 'the males')→ object specificationἀρσενικός: 'male'; renders זָכָר; the consecration applies specifically to the firstborn males (the females being retained); τὰ ἀρσενικά resumes and specifies πᾶν πρωτότοκον.

ἁγιάσειςyou shall consecrate / set apartFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἁγιάζωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command)ἁγιάζω: 'consecrate / sanctify / set apart as holy'; renders קָדַשׁ / הִקְדִּישׁ; the firstborn is to be made holy to YHWH, withdrawn from common use; the same verb governs the sanctification of the Sabbath (Gen 2:3) and of the divine Name (Matt 6:9, ἁγιασθήτω).

κυρίῳto the LORDDativedative of advantage / recipient ('consecrate to the LORD')→ sphere or referenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the firstborn is consecrated to YHWH as the rightful owner of all that opens the womb (Exod 13:2).

τῷtheDativearticle (with θεῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεῷGodDativeapposition to κυρίῳ→ sphere or referenceθεῷ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίῳ.

οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐργᾷ)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ἐργᾷyou shall work / laborFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb (prohibitive future)→ imperatival future (negative command)ἐργάζομαι (Att. ἐργάομαι; here ἐργᾷ): 'work / labor / till'; renders עָבַד; the prohibition forbids putting the firstborn ox to agricultural work — the consecrated animal must not be exploited for the owner's profit; cf. the parallel ban on shearing.

ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrumental: 'work with')→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: instrumental, 'work with / by means of'; a Hebraism (עָבַד בְּ), 'labor with the firstborn ox.'

τῷtheDativearticle (with μόσχῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρωτοτόκῳfirstbornDativeattributive adjective (modifying μόσχῳ)→ sphere or referenceπρωτότοκος: see above; 'your firstborn calf' — the firstborn of the herd specifically.

μόσχῳcalf / young oxDativeobject of ἐν (instrumental)→ sphere or referenceμόσχος: 'calf / young bull'; renders שׁוֹר / עֵגֶל; the firstborn of the cattle; the same word for the fatted calf (Luke 15:23) and the golden calf (Exod 32).

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

οὐnotemphatic negation (with μή + subjunctive)→ participant referenceοὐ μή + aorist subjunctive: the strongest negation, here absolutely forbidding the shearing of the firstborn sheep.

μὴnotemphatic negation (second element of οὐ μή)→ clausal qualification or emphasisμή: completes the emphatic οὐ μή with κείρῃς.

κείρῃςyou should shearAor Act Subj 2 Sg · κείρωverb of emphatic prohibition (οὐ μή + subjunctive)→ aorist subjunctive of emphatic prohibition (absolute forbidding)κείρω: 'shear / cut (hair/wool)'; renders גָּזַז; the firstborn sheep's wool must not be taken for profit; the same verb describes the sheep silent before the shearer (Isa 53:7, κείροντος, cited Acts 8:32).

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with πρωτότοκον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of κείρῃς→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: see above; 'the firstborn of your sheep,' the flock-counterpart to the firstborn calf.

τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with προβάτων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

προβάτωνsheepGenitivepartitive/possessive genitive ('firstborn of the sheep')→ relational specificationπρόβατον: see v. 14; the flock from which the firstborn is consecrated.

ἔναντι κυρίου φάγῃ αὐτὸ ἐνιαυτὸν ἐξ ἐνιαυτοῦ ἐν τῷ τόπῳ ᾧ ἐὰν ἐκλέξηται κύριος ὁ θεός σου σὺ καὶ ὁ οἶκός σου

Before the LORD you shall eat it year by year, in the place which the LORD your God shall choose, you and your household.

Positive prescription: eating the firstborn at the chosen placeἔναντι κυρίου φάγῃ αὐτὸ

The positive complement: the consecrated firstborn is to be eaten 'before the LORD' (ἔναντι κυρίου) year by year at the central sanctuary — 'the place which the LORD shall choose' (ὁ τόπος ὃν ἐκλέξηται), the recurring Deuteronomic formula for the one legitimate altar (cf. Deut 12:5–14). The meal is a festal communion shared by the whole household (σὺ καὶ ὁ οἶκός σου), turning the offering into a celebration of fellowship in YHWH's presence.

Word-by-word analysis· 22 words

ἔναντιbefore / in the presence ofpreposition + genitive (place: 'before the LORD')→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before / in the presence of'; renders לִפְנֵי; the firstborn is eaten 'before YHWH' — i.e., at the sanctuary, in cultic fellowship with God, not as a common meal.

κυρίουof the LORDGenitiveobject of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the meal takes place in YHWH's presence at his chosen place.

φάγῃyou shall eatFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command)ἐσθίω (fut. mid. φάγομαι, 2 sg. φάγῃ): 'eat'; renders אָכַל; the consecrated firstborn is consumed by the offerer's family as a sacred meal before YHWH (cf. the peace-offering, Deut 12:7, 18); the same verb governs vv. 22, 23.

αὐτὸitAccusativedirect object of φάγῃ (= the firstborn)→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of φάγῃ (= the firstborn).

ἐνιαυτὸνyearAccusativeaccusative of time (in the idiom 'year by year')→ object specificationἐνιαυτός: 'year'; renders שָׁנָה; the idiom ἐνιαυτὸν ἐξ ἐνιαυτοῦ ('year from year' = year by year) marks the annual recurrence of the festal meal.

ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (in the temporal idiom)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ/ἐξ: 'from'; in the distributive idiom ἐνιαυτὸν ἐξ ἐνιαυτοῦ = 'year by year,' rendering Hebrew שָׁנָה בְשָׁנָה.

ἐνιαυτοῦyearGenitiveobject of ἐξ (temporal idiom)→ relational specificationἐνιαυτός: see above; the repetition forms the 'year by year' idiom of annual observance.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in the place')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in the place').

τῷtheDativearticle (with τόπῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

τόπῳplaceDativeobject of ἐν (the chosen sanctuary)→ sphere or referenceτόπος: 'place'; renders מָקוֹם; 'the place which the LORD shall choose' is the Deuteronomic formula for the single legitimate sanctuary (Deut 12:5, 11, 14; 16:2), centralizing worship; later identified with Jerusalem/Zion.

ᾧwhichDativerelative pronoun (antecedent τόπῳ; dative by attraction)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative; dative by attraction to τόπῳ; with ἐάν + subjunctive ('whichever place he chooses').

ἐὰνevermodal particle (= ἄν, generalizing the relative)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: here for ἄν with the relative, generalizing: 'whichever place he may choose.'

ἐκλέξηταιhe shall chooseAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · ἐκλέγομαιverb of indefinite relative clause→ aorist subjunctive (the divine election of the place)ἐκλέγομαι: 'choose / select / elect'; renders בָּחַר; YHWH's choosing of the place is the theological ground of cultic centralization; the same verb expresses divine election of Israel (Deut 7:6–7) and, in the NT, of the disciples (John 15:16).

κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐκλέξηται→ participant prominenceκύριος: the Tetragrammaton; YHWH himself selects the sanctuary-place.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεόςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κύριος.

σὺyouNominativesubject (in apposition to the subject of φάγῃ)→ participant referenceσύ: the explicit pronoun resumes the eater of φάγῃ, now joined with the household — the meal is a shared family celebration.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with οἶκος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

οἶκόςhouse / householdNominativesubject (coordinate with σύ)→ participant prominenceοἶκος: 'house / household / family'; renders בַּיִת; the whole household shares the festal meal before YHWH, making the firstborn offering an occasion of corporate joy (cf. Deut 12:7).

ἐὰν δὲ ᾖ ἐν αὐτῷ μῶμος χωλὸν ἢ τυφλὸν ἢ καὶ πᾶς μῶμος πονηρός οὐ θύσεις αὐτὸ κυρίῳ τῷ θεῷ σου

But if there is a blemish in it—lame or blind, or any serious defect—you shall not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.

Qualifying case: the blemished firstborn (vv. 21–22)ἐὰν δὲ ᾖ ἐν αὐτῷ μῶμος

A qualifying conditional: a firstborn with a blemish (μῶμος) — lame, blind, or any serious defect — is disqualified from sacrifice. The unblemished requirement reflects the broader sacrificial principle (Lev 22:20–24; Deut 17:1) that only the whole and perfect may be offered to YHWH; this anticipates the NT's ἄμωμος Christology — the lamb 'without blemish' (1 Pet 1:19; cf. Heb 9:14). The disposal of the disqualified animal follows in v. 22.

Word-by-word analysis· 21 words

ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis, with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the qualifying case of the blemished firstborn.

δὲbuttransitional particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: marks the exception to the general rule of sacrificial consumption.

ᾖthere is / should bePres Act Subj 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of protasis (subjunctive with ἐάν)→ present subjunctive (the contingent presence of a defect)εἰμί (pres. subj.): 'be / exist'; 'if there be a blemish in it' — the existence of any defect triggers the disqualification.

ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in it')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'in it').

αὐτῷitDativeobject of ἐν (the firstborn animal)→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐν (the firstborn animal).

μῶμοςblemish / defectNominativesubject of ᾖ→ participant prominenceμῶμος: 'blemish / blot / defect'; renders מוּם; any physical imperfection disqualifies an animal from sacrifice (Lev 22:20); the negated adjective ἄμωμος ('without blemish') becomes a key sacrificial-Christological term in the NT (Eph 1:4; Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:19).

χωλὸνlameNominativeappositive/predicate (specifying the blemish)→ participant prominenceχωλός: 'lame / crippled'; renders פִּסֵּחַ; one specified instance of disqualifying blemish; the lame appear among those Jesus heals, reversing such cultic exclusion (Matt 11:5; 21:14).

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: 'or'; separating the specified types of blemish.

τυφλὸνblindNominativeappositive/predicate (specifying the blemish)→ participant prominenceτυφλός: 'blind'; renders עִוֵּר; a second specified disqualifying defect; blindness in a sacrificial animal is expressly condemned at Mal 1:8 (τυφλὸν ... οὐ κακόν;).

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: 'or'; introducing the generalizing clause that follows.

καὶeven / alsoascensive/intensive particle ('or even')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here ascensive, 'or even any...'; broadens the disqualification beyond the two named defects to any serious blemish.

πᾶςany / everyNominativeattributive adjective (modifying μῶμος)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'every / any'; the generalizing clause ('any serious blemish') ensures no defective animal is offered, whatever the specific flaw.

μῶμοςblemish / defectNominativesubject (generalizing: 'any blemish')→ participant prominenceμῶμος: see above; the repetition generalizes the disqualification to every kind of serious defect.

πονηρόςevil / serious / grievousNominativeattributive adjective (modifying μῶμος)→ participant prominenceπονηρός: 'bad / evil / serious'; renders רָע; here 'a grievous/serious blemish' — a defect serious enough to render the animal unfit for the altar.

οὐnotnegative particle (with θύσεις)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

θύσειςyou shall sacrificeFut Act Indic 2 Sg · θύωmain verb (prohibitive future)→ imperatival future (negative command)θύω: 'sacrifice / slaughter for offering'; renders זָבַח; the blemished firstborn must not be sacrificed to YHWH — the altar requires the unblemished; instead it is eaten as common food (v. 22).

αὐτὸitAccusativedirect object of θύσεις→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of θύσεις.

κυρίῳto the LORDDativedative of recipient ('sacrifice to the LORD')→ sphere or referenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; YHWH, to whom only the unblemished may be offered.

τῷtheDativearticle (with θεῷ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

θεῷGodDativeapposition to κυρίῳ→ sphere or referenceθεῷ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίῳ.

ἐν ταῖς πόλεσίν σου φάγῃ αὐτό ὁ ἀκάθαρτος ἐν σοὶ καὶ ὁ καθαρὸς ὡσαύτως ἔδεται ὡς δορκάδα ἢ ἔλαφον

Within your cities you shall eat it; the unclean among you and the clean alike shall eat it, as one eats a gazelle or a deer.

Disposition of the blemished animal (eaten as common food)ἐν ταῖς πόλεσίν σου φάγῃ αὐτό

The disqualified firstborn is not wasted but eaten as ordinary, non-sacral food — within the local towns (not at the sanctuary), by clean and unclean alike, like the game animals gazelle (δορκάς) and deer (ἔλαφος), which are not sacrificial species. The parity of clean and unclean and the comparison to game mark this as a secular meal, paralleling the concession on profane slaughter at Deut 12:15, 22.

Word-by-word analysis· 19 words

ἐνin / withinpreposition + dative (locative: 'in your towns')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: 'in'; ἐν ταῖς πόλεσίν σου ('within your towns') marks the meal as local and non-sacral, in contrast to ἔναντι κυρίου / 'the chosen place' of v. 20.

ταῖςtheDativearticle (with πόλεσιν)→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

πόλεσίνcities / townsDativeobject of ἐν→ sphere or referenceπόλις: see v. 7; renders שַׁעַר ('gate / town'); the blemished animal is eaten at home in the towns, not brought to the central sanctuary — a profane, not a cultic, meal.

φάγῃyou shall eatFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (permission/command)ἐσθίω: see v. 20; here the eating is profane consumption of the disqualified animal, permitted to all.

αὐτόitAccusativedirect object of φάγῃ→ participant referenceαὐτό: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of φάγῃ.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἀκάθαρτος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

ἀκάθαρτοςunclean (person)Nominativesubject of ἔδεται (substantivized adjective)→ participant prominenceἀκάθαρτος: 'unclean / impure'; renders טָמֵא; because this is not a sacrificial meal, the ceremonially unclean person — normally barred from holy food — may partake equally; the same word for 'unclean spirits' in the Gospels (Mark 1:23).

ἐνamongpreposition + dative (locative: 'among you')→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative: 'among you').

σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐν.

καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

ὁtheNominativearticle (with καθαρός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

καθαρὸςclean (person)Nominativesubject of ἔδεται (substantivized adjective)→ participant prominenceκαθαρός: 'clean / pure'; renders טָהוֹר; the clean and unclean eat together because the meal is non-sacral; the word underlies NT purity language (cf. καθαρίζω, Mark 7:19, 'declaring all foods clean').

ὡσαύτωςalike / in the same wayadverb of manner→ clausal contributionὡσαύτως: see v. 17; 'alike / equally' — clean and unclean partake on the same footing, underscoring the profane character of the meal.

ἔδεταιshall eatFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (predictive/permissive future)→ permissive future (allowance to eat)ἐσθίω (fut. mid. ἔδομαι, 3 sg. ἔδεται): 'eat'; the alternative future stem of ἐσθίω; renders יֹאכֲלֶנּוּ; here permits both clean and unclean to consume the blemished animal as common food.

ὡςas / likecomparative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / like'; introduces the comparison to game animals, which are non-sacrificial and may be eaten freely.

δορκάδαgazelle / roeAccusativeobject of comparison (with ὡς)→ object specificationδορκάς: 'gazelle / roe-deer'; renders צְבִי; a clean but non-sacrificial wild animal, eaten as ordinary food; the comparison classes the blemished firstborn with game; the name Δορκάς is borne by Tabitha (Acts 9:36).

ἢordisjunctive conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἤ: 'or'; pairing the two game animals.

ἔλαφονdeer / hartAccusativeobject of comparison (with ὡς)→ object specificationἔλαφος: 'deer / stag / hart'; renders אַיָּל; like the gazelle, a clean but non-sacrificial game animal, eaten freely; the pairing δορκάς/ἔλαφος recurs in the profane-slaughter concession at Deut 12:15, 22.

πλὴν τὸ αἷμα οὐ φάγεσθε ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἐκχεεῖς αὐτὸ ὡς ὕδωρ

Only the blood you shall not eat; you shall pour it out on the ground like water.

Closing restriction: the blood prohibition (concludes the chapter)πλὴν τὸ αἷμα οὐ φάγεσθε

The chapter closes with the one absolute restriction that governs all eating of flesh: the blood must never be consumed but poured out on the ground like water. πλήν ('only / except') marks the single exception to the freedom just granted. The blood-prohibition is rooted in the principle that 'the life is in the blood' (Lev 17:11, 14; Gen 9:4); it is among the apostolic decrees binding on Gentile believers (Acts 15:20, 29).

Word-by-word analysis· 12 words

πλὴνonly / exceptadverb/conjunction (restrictive: 'only')→ discourse linkage or contrastπλήν: 'except / only / nevertheless'; renders רַק; marks the single restriction on the otherwise free consumption of the flesh — the blood alone is forbidden.

τὸtheAccusativearticle (with αἷμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

αἷμαbloodAccusativedirect object of φάγεσθε (fronted for emphasis)→ object specificationαἷμα: 'blood'; renders דָּם; the absolute blood-prohibition rests on the principle that the life (נֶפֶשׁ) resides in the blood (Lev 17:11, 14); the fronting emphasizes the one thing withheld; the term is central to NT atonement theology (Heb 9:22, χωρὶς αἱματεκχυσίας).

οὐnotnegative particle (with φάγεσθε)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.

φάγεσθεyou shall eatFut Mid Indic 2 Pl · ἐσθίωmain verb (prohibitive future, shift to plural)→ imperatival future (negative command, binding all Israel)ἐσθίω (fut. mid. φάγομαι, 2 pl. φάγεσθε): 'eat'; the shift to the plural broadens the blood-prohibition to all Israel; renders לֹא תֹאכֵל; the eating of blood is categorically forbidden (Lev 7:26–27; 17:10–14; Deut 12:16, 23–25; Acts 15:29).

ἐπὶupon / onpreposition + accusative (direction: 'onto the ground')→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + accusative: 'upon / onto'; the blood is to be poured out onto the ground, returning the life to the earth from which it came.

τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with γῆν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.

γῆνground / earthAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ object specificationγῆ: see v. 4; here 'the ground / earth'; the blood poured out 'on the ground like water' is treated as a libation returned to the earth, not consumed (cf. Deut 12:16, 24).

ἐκχεεῖςyou shall pour outFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐκχέωmain verb (apodictic future)→ imperatival future (binding command)ἐκχέω: 'pour out / shed'; renders שָׁפַךְ; the pouring-out of the blood disposes of the life reverently; the same verb describes the shedding of sacrificial and covenant blood (Matt 26:28, τὸ αἷμα ... ἐκχυννόμενον), giving the gesture deep typological resonance.

αὐτὸitAccusativedirect object of ἐκχεεῖς (= the blood)→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object of ἐκχεεῖς (= the blood).

ὡςas / likecomparative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: 'as / like'; introduces the comparison 'like water,' marking the blood as poured out freely on the ground, not collected or ritually applied (since this is a profane slaughter).

ὕδωρwaterAccusativeobject of comparison (with ὡς)→ object specificationὕδωρ: 'water'; renders מַיִם; 'like water' conveys that the blood is simply poured away onto the earth — disposed of, not ritually manipulated; the comparison closes the chapter on the note of reverent but non-cultic disposal.

The Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 15ΔΕΥΤΕΡΟΝΟΜΙΟΝ ΙΕ′

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