1
καὶ ἔσται ὡς ἂν διαβῆτε τὸν Ιορδάνην εἰς τὴν γῆν ἣν κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὑμῶν δίδωσιν ὑμῖν ἐὰν ἀκοῇ εἰσακούσητε τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν πάσας τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ ἃς ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαί σοι σήμερον καὶ δώσει σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου ὑπεράνω πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν τῆς γῆς
And it shall be, when you cross over the Jordan into the land which the LORD your God gives you, if by hearing you obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep and to do all his commandments which I command you today, then the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.
The chapter opens with the formulaic καὶ ἔσται (Hebraizing וְהָיָה) introducing a future temporal-conditional frame: the crossing of the Jordan (ὡς ἂν διαβῆτε) and obedience (ἐὰν … εἰσακούσητε) are the joint condition; the apodosis καὶ δώσει σε … ὑπεράνω πάντων τῶν ἐθνῶν promises supremacy among the nations. The cognate dative ἀκοῇ εἰσακούσητε is a Hebraism (infinitive absolute שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע) stressing the wholeheartedness required.
Word-by-word analysis· 51 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing וְהָיָה opener)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιit shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (impersonal frame-setter)→ predictive future (sets the temporal-conditional frame)εἰμί (fut.): the impersonal καὶ ἔσται renders Hebrew וְהָיָה, a standard LXX formula introducing a future scenario; here it frames the whole blessing apodosis.
ὡςwhen / astemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς + ἄν: 'whenever / when'; introduces an indefinite temporal clause of the crossing.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (with subjunctive: indefinite temporal)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: modal particle rendering the contingency of the temporal clause.
διαβῆτεyou cross overAor Act Subj 2 Pl · διαβαίνωverb of temporal clause→ ingressive aorist subjunctive (the act of crossing the Jordan)διαβαίνω: 'cross over / pass through'; renders עָבַר; the crossing of the Jordan marks the threshold of covenant life in the land — the setting for all that follows.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΙορδάνηνJordanAccusativedirect object of διαβῆτε→ object specificationΙορδάνης: Grecized form of Hebrew יַרְדֵּן; declined as a first-declension masculine in the LXX; the river-boundary between wilderness and promised land.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆνlandAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (destination)→ object specificationγῆ: 'land / earth'; renders אֶרֶץ; here the promised land as covenant inheritance.
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of δίδωσιν)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun, accusative feminine agreeing with γῆν.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of δίδωσιν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the giver of the land.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with θεός)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodNominativeapposition to κύριος→ participant prominenceθεός: 'God'; renders אֱלֹהִים; the covenant formula κύριος ὁ θεός σου/ὑμῶν recurs as a refrain throughout the chapter.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (2nd pl.)→ relational specificationσύ (gen. pl.): note the chapter oscillates between plural ('you all') and singular address — a feature of the underlying Hebrew Numeruswechsel.
δίδωσινgivesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιverb of relative clause→ customary/futuristic present (the imminent gift of the land)δίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; the present tense presents the land-gift as already in process of fulfillment.
ὑμῖνto youDativedative indirect object (recipient)→ participant reference or interestὑμῖν: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object (recipient).
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (protasis with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; introduces the conditional core of the blessing — obedience as the condition of supremacy.
ἀκοῇby hearingDativecognate dative (Hebraism intensifying εἰσακούσητε)→ sphere or referenceἀκοή: 'hearing / report'; the cognate dative ἀκοῇ εἰσακούσητε renders the Hebrew infinitive absolute שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע ('if you will surely/diligently obey'), expressing wholehearted obedience.
εἰσακούσητεyou obeyAor Act Subj 2 Pl · εἰσακούωverb of protasis→ constative aorist subjunctive (the act of obedient hearing)εἰσακούω: 'listen to / heed / obey'; the compound εἰς- strengthens ἀκούω toward 'obey'; renders שָׁמַע (with the sense of compliance, not mere audition).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of εἰσακούσητε→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / sound'; renders קוֹל; 'to hear the voice of the LORD' is the covenant idiom for obedience to his commandments.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive (possessor of the voice)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
φυλάσσεινto keepPres Act Inf · φυλάσσωepexegetic infinitive (explaining the obedience)→ present infinitive (ongoing observance)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep / observe'; renders שָׁמַר; the paired infinitives φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν ('to keep and to do') are a fixed Deuteronomic word-pair for full covenant fidelity.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωepexegetic infinitive (coordinate with φυλάσσειν)→ present infinitive (ongoing performance)ποιέω: 'do / make / perform'; renders עָשָׂה; 'to keep and to do' joins inward observance with outward performance.
πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἐντολάς)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / every'; the totality of the commandments is emphasized — partial obedience does not meet the condition.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐντολὰςcommandmentsAccusativeobject of ποιεῖν→ object specificationἐντολή: 'commandment'; renders מִצְוָה; the commandments are the content of obedience.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἃςwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐντέλλομαι)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, accusative feminine plural agreeing with ἐντολάς.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject (Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I' — Moses as covenant mediator speaking with delegated authority.
ἐντέλλομαίI commandPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of relative clause→ performative present (the act of commanding in the speech itself)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command / enjoin'; renders צִוָּה; the present is performative — the commanding is happening in this very address.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object (note shift to singular)→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat. sg.): the address shifts from plural to singular — the Numeruswechsel typical of Deuteronomy.
σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; renders הַיּוֹם; the Deuteronomic 'today' actualizes the covenant moment for every hearer.
καὶthen / andapodotic conjunction (introducing the main clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here apodotic, introducing the consequence ('then…') after the long protasis.
δώσειwill setFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb of apodosis→ predictive future (the promised exaltation)δίδωμι: here 'set / make / place'; δώσει σε … ὑπεράνω renders נְתָנְךָ … עֶלְיוֹן ('will set you high'); the verb of giving is used idiomatically for conferring rank.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὑπεράνωhigh aboveimproper preposition + genitive (superior rank)→ spatial or relational framingὑπεράνω: 'far above / high above'; renders עֶלְיוֹן עַל; expresses supremacy of rank over all the nations.
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective (with ἐθνῶν)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the comprehensive scope of Israel's promised pre-eminence.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐθνῶνnationsGenitivegenitive object of ὑπεράνω→ relational specificationἔθνος: 'nation / gentile people'; renders גּוֹי; the nations of the earth over whom Israel is to be exalted.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivepartitive/possessive genitive (with ἐθνῶν)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'; the nations 'of the earth' — universal scope of the promised exaltation.
2
καὶ ἥξουσιν ἐπὶ σὲ πᾶσαι αἱ εὐλογίαι αὗται καὶ εὑρήσουσίν σε ἐὰν ἀκοῇ ἀκούσῃς τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ σου
And all these blessings shall come upon you and find you, if by hearing you hear the voice of the LORD your God.
The blessings are personified as agents that 'come upon' (ἥξουσιν) and 'overtake/find' (εὑρήσουσιν) Israel — a striking image precisely mirrored in v. 15, where the curses 'come' (ἐλεύσονται) and 'overtake' (καταλήμψονται). The condition is again the cognate-dative Hebraism ἀκοῇ ἀκούσῃς ('if you will surely hear').
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἥξουσινshall comeFut Act Indic 3 Pl · ἥκωmain verb (blessings personified as subject)→ predictive future (the blessings' arrival)ἥκω: 'have come / arrive'; renders בּוֹא; the blessings are personified as arriving agents, an image inverted by the curses in v. 15.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjective (with εὐλογίαι)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of the blessings just enumerated.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐλογίαιblessingsNominativesubject of ἥξουσιν→ participant prominenceεὐλογία: 'blessing'; renders בְּרָכָה; the keyword of vv. 1–14, antithetically paired with κατάρα ('curse') in vv. 15–68.
αὗταιtheseNominativedemonstrative (with εὐλογίαι)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; deictic, pointing to the blessings about to be listed.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὑρήσουσίνshall findFut Act Indic 3 Pl · εὑρίσκωmain verb (coordinate with ἥξουσιν)→ predictive future (the blessings overtake)εὑρίσκω: 'find / overtake'; renders נָשַׂג ('overtake'); the blessings 'find' Israel as a pursuer overtakes — exactly mirrored by καταλήμψονται of the curses (v. 15).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; reintroduces the condition of obedience.
ἀκοῇby hearingDativecognate dative (Hebraism)→ sphere or referenceἀκοή: cognate dative with ἀκούσῃς, rendering the infinitive absolute שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע ('if you will surely hear').
ἀκούσῃςyou hearAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἀκούωverb of protasis→ constative aorist subjunctive (obedient hearing)ἀκούω: 'hear / heed'; renders שָׁמַע; the simple verb here (vs. εἰσακούω in v. 1) but with the same cognate-dative intensification.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούσῃς→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; the covenant idiom for the LORD's commandments.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
3
εὐλογημένος σὺ ἐν πόλει καὶ εὐλογημένος σὺ ἐν ἀγρῷ
Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.
The blessing-formula proper begins: εὐλογημένος σύ ('blessed are you'), a perfect passive participle functioning as a benediction. The city/field merism (πόλις/ἀγρός) covers the whole sphere of life, settled and agrarian; it is exactly reversed in v. 16 (ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἐν πόλει … ἐν ἀγρῷ).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
εὐλογημένοςblessedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · εὐλογέωpredicate participle (benediction; copula ἔσῃ implied)→ perfect participle (settled state of being blessed)εὐλογέω: 'bless / speak well of'; renders בָּרַךְ; the perfect passive participle εὐλογημένος expresses an abiding, conferred state of blessing — 'blessed (and so remaining)'; the antonymic counterpart is ἐπικατάρατος (vv. 16–19).
σὺyouNominativesubject (predicate with εὐλογημένος)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you' as the recipient of the blessing.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
πόλειcityDativedative of sphere→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city'; renders עִיר; the settled, urban sphere of life — first pole of the city/field merism.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλογημένοςblessedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · εὐλογέωpredicate participle (second member)→ perfect participle (abiding blessed state)εὐλογέω: repeated to form the antithetical refrain; each domain of life receives its own benediction.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
ἀγρῷfieldDativedative of sphere→ sphere or referenceἀγρός: 'field / countryside'; renders שָׂדֶה; the agrarian sphere — second pole of the merism, together encompassing all of life.
4
εὐλογημένα τὰ ἔκγονα τῆς κοιλίας σου καὶ τὰ γενήματα τῆς γῆς σου τὰ βουκόλια τῶν βοῶν σου καὶ τὰ ποίμνια τῶν προβάτων σου
Blessed shall be the offspring of your womb and the produce of your land, the herds of your oxen and the flocks of your sheep.
The blessing now embraces the three spheres of fertility — human (ἔκγονα τῆς κοιλίας), agricultural (γενήματα τῆς γῆς), and pastoral (βουκόλια, ποίμνια). The neuter plural εὐλογημένα agrees with the collective subjects. This verse is exactly inverted in v. 18 (ἐπικατάρατα τὰ ἔκγονα …).
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
εὐλογημέναblessedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Neut Pl · εὐλογέωpredicate participle (neuter pl. agreeing with collective subjects)→ perfect participle (conferred state of blessing)εὐλογέω: the neuter plural form here agrees with τὰ ἔκγονα and the following collective nouns; the same word reversed to ἐπικατάρατα in v. 18.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔκγοναoffspringNominativesubject (human fertility)→ participant prominenceἔκγονον: 'offspring / descendant'; renders פְּרִי ('fruit'); 'the offspring of your womb' = children, the first sphere of fertility-blessing.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κοιλίαςwombGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκοιλία: 'belly / womb'; renders בֶּטֶן; the source of human offspring.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενήματαproduceNominativesubject (agricultural fertility)→ participant prominenceγένημα: 'produce / fruit (of the ground)'; renders פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה; the second sphere of fertility — crops.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land / ground'; renders אֲדָמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βουκόλιαherdsNominativesubject (pastoral fertility, in apposition)→ participant prominenceβουκόλιον: 'herd of cattle'; renders שְׁגַר ('increase/young'); the third sphere — livestock; 'herds of your oxen'.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βοῶνoxenGenitivegenitive (partitive/descriptive)→ relational specificationβοῦς: 'ox / cow'; renders אֶלֶף/בָּקָר; the cattle whose herds are blessed.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποίμνιαflocksNominativesubject (in apposition)→ participant prominenceποίμνιον: 'flock'; renders עַשְׁתְּרוֹת ('young'); the flocks of sheep, completing the pastoral sphere.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προβάτωνsheepGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationπρόβατον: 'sheep'; renders צֹאן; the flocks whose increase is blessed.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
5
εὐλογημέναι αἱ ἀποθῆκαί σου καὶ τὰ ἐγκαταλείμματά σου
Blessed shall be your storehouses and your stores.
The blessing extends to stored wealth — the granaries (ἀποθῆκαι) and the remnant set aside (ἐγκαταλείμματα, 'kneading-troughs / leftovers'). Feminine plural εὐλογημέναι agrees with ἀποθῆκαι. Exactly reversed in v. 17.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
εὐλογημέναιblessedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Fem Pl · εὐλογέωpredicate participle (fem. pl. with ἀποθῆκαι)→ perfect participle (conferred state of blessing)εὐλογέω: feminine plural form agreeing with αἱ ἀποθῆκαι; reversed to ἐπικατάρατοι in v. 17.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀποθῆκαίstorehousesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceἀποθήκη: 'storehouse / granary / barn'; renders טֶנֶא ('basket'); the place where harvest is stored, here blessed with fullness.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐγκαταλείμματάstores / leftoversNominativesubject (coordinate with ἀποθῆκαι)→ participant prominenceἐγκατάλειμμα: 'remnant / what is left over / store'; renders מִשְׁאֶרֶת ('kneading-trough'); the LXX reads it as reserved provision — both immediate (the trough) and stored produce are blessed.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
6
εὐλογημένος σὺ ἐν τῷ εἰσπορεύεσθαί σε καὶ εὐλογημένος σὺ ἐν τῷ ἐκπορεύεσθαί σε
Blessed shall you be in your coming in, and blessed shall you be in your going out.
The coming-in/going-out merism (εἰσπορεύεσθαι/ἐκπορεύεσθαι) is a Hebrew idiom (בּוֹא/יָצָא) for the totality of daily activity and undertaking. The articular infinitive ἐν τῷ + inf. renders the Hebrew infinitive construct with preposition. Reversed in v. 19 (with the order inverted).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εὐλογημένοςblessedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · εὐλογέωpredicate participle→ perfect participle (conferred blessing)εὐλογέω: the masculine form returns, closing the sixfold series begun in v. 3.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject.
ἐνinpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν τῷ + inf.: a temporal construction ('in/when …'), rendering the Hebrew infinitive construct with בְּ.
τῷtheDativearticle (with infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἰσπορεύεσθαίcoming inPres Mid Inf · εἰσπορεύομαιarticular infinitive (temporal)→ present infinitive (ongoing activity)εἰσπορεύομαι: 'enter / come in'; renders בּוֹא; first pole of the come-in/go-out merism for all of daily life.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐλογημένοςblessedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · εὐλογέωpredicate participle (second member)→ perfect participle (conferred blessing)εὐλογέω: closing benediction of the blessing-list.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject.
ἐνinpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal).
τῷtheDativearticle (with infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκπορεύεσθαίgoing outPres Mid Inf · ἐκπορεύομαιarticular infinitive (temporal)→ present infinitive (ongoing activity)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out / depart'; renders יָצָא; second pole of the merism; together 'coming in and going out' = the whole of life's undertakings.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
7
παραδῷ κύριος ὁ θεός σου τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου τοὺς ἀνθεστηκότας σοι συντετριμμένους πρὸ προσώπου σου ὁδῷ μιᾷ ἐξελεύσονται πρὸς σὲ καὶ ἐν ἑπτὰ ὁδοῖς φεύξονται ἀπὸ προσώπου σου
May the LORD your God deliver up your enemies who rise against you, crushed before your face; by one road they shall come out against you, and by seven roads they shall flee from before you.
The blessing-list expands into specific promises introduced by volitive verbs (here the jussive subjunctive παραδῷ; from v. 8 onward by aorist optatives of wish). The one-road/seven-roads antithesis dramatizes total rout: the enemy advances by a single road but scatters in panic by seven (cf. Lev 26:8).
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
παραδῷmay he deliver upAor Act Subj 3 Sg · παραδίδωμιmain verb (volitive/jussive subjunctive of blessing)→ jussive subjunctive (wish: 'may the LORD give over')παραδίδωμι: 'hand over / deliver up'; renders נָתַן; the volitive subjunctive expresses the blessing as a wish/prayer — that YHWH give the enemies into Israel's power, routed.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθρούςenemiesAccusativedirect object of παραδῷ→ object specificationἐχθρός: 'enemy'; renders אֹיֵב; the enemies who rise against Israel, here to be delivered up crushed.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with participle)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνθεστηκόταςwho rise againstPerf Act Ptcp Acc Masc Pl · ἀνθίστημιattributive participle (modifying ἐχθρούς)→ perfect participle (settled stance of hostility)ἀνθίστημι: 'stand against / oppose / resist'; renders קוּם עַל ('rise up against'); the perfect denotes those who have taken and hold a hostile stand.
σοιagainst youDativedative of opposition (with ἀνθεστηκότας)→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): the object of the enemies' hostility.
συντετριμμένουςcrushedPerf Pass Ptcp Acc Masc Pl · συντρίβωpredicative participle (result: 'delivered up crushed')→ perfect participle (completed, abiding shattered state)συντρίβω: 'shatter / crush / break in pieces'; renders נָגַף ('strike down'); the perfect passive marks the enemies as already broken when delivered up.
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (position)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (position).
προσώπουfaceGenitivegenitive object of πρό→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / presence'; πρὸ προσώπου renders לִפְנֵי ('before the face of'), a Hebraism for 'in the presence of / before'.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὁδῷby a roadDativedative of route/manner→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'road / way'; renders דֶּרֶךְ; the dative of route — the single approach road of the enemy.
μιᾷoneDativeattributive numeral (with ὁδῷ)→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; 'by one road' the enemy advances — contrasted with the sevenfold flight.
ἐξελεύσονταιthey shall come outFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (the enemies' advance)→ predictive future (the enemy's confident approach)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out / come forth'; renders יָצָא; here the enemies 'come out' to attack by one road.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'against'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (hostile direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of πρός→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πρός.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (antithesis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (route)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (route).
ἑπτὰsevenattributive numeral (indeclinable, with ὁδοῖς)→ measure or countἑπτά: 'seven'; indeclinable numeral; renders שֶׁבַע; the sevenfold flight is a symbol of total, panicked rout (cf. Lev 26:8).
ὁδοῖςroadsDativedative of route→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'road'; the seven roads of the enemy's scattered flight.
φεύξονταιthey shall fleeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · φεύγωmain verb (the enemies' rout)→ predictive future (the panicked flight)φεύγω: 'flee'; renders נוּס; the antithesis of ἐξελεύσονται — they come by one road but flee by seven.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of flight)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source of flight).
προσώπουfaceGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: ἀπὸ προσώπου renders מִפְּנֵי ('from before'); they flee from Israel's presence.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
8
ἀποστείλαι κύριος ἐπὶ σὲ τὴν εὐλογίαν ἐν τοῖς ταμιείοις σου καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν οὗ ἂν ἐπιβάλῃς τὴν χεῖρά σου ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἧς κύριος ὁ θεός σου δίδωσίν σοι
May the LORD send upon you the blessing in your storehouses and in everything to which you put your hand, on the land which the LORD your God gives you.
From here the blessings are expressed by aorist optatives of wish (ἀποστείλαι, ἀναστήσαι, ἀνοίξαι, καταστήσαι) — the classic optative-of-benediction. The blessing is invoked on the storerooms (ταμιεῖα) and on every undertaking of the hand.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
ἀποστείλαιmay he sendAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb (optative of wish/blessing)→ volitive optative (wish: 'may the LORD send')ἀποστέλλω: 'send / send forth'; renders צִוָּה/שָׁלַח; the aorist optative is the standard form of benediction — invoking the blessing as a prayer.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐλογίανblessingAccusativedirect object of ἀποστείλαι→ object specificationεὐλογία: 'blessing'; renders בְּרָכָה; the blessing as an active gift sent upon storehouse and labor.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ταμιείοιςstoreroomsDativedative of sphere→ sphere or referenceταμιεῖον: 'storeroom / chamber / treasury'; renders אָסָם ('barn / storehouse'); the place of stored provision, here blessed.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
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).
πᾶσινeverythingDativesubstantival adjective (dative of sphere)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all / everything'; the totality of Israel's labors and undertakings.
οὗto whichGenitiverelative adverb (genitive: 'wherever')→ relational specificationοὗ: relative adverb ('where / to which'), genitive of ὅς used locally; renders אֲשֶׁר; 'everything to which you put your hand'.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (with subjunctive: indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: modal particle marking the indefinite relative clause.
ἐπιβάλῃςyou putAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐπιβάλλωverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (any undertaking)ἐπιβάλλω: 'put / lay (upon)'; the idiom ἐπιβάλλειν τὴν χεῖρα ('put one's hand to') renders מִשְׁלַח יָד ('the undertaking of the hand') — every enterprise.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράhandAccusativedirect object of ἐπιβάλῃς→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the hand as the instrument of labor and enterprise.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί (location)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; the promised land where the blessing operates.
ἧςwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of δίδωσιν, gen. by attraction)→ relational specificationὅς: relative pronoun, genitive by attraction to the antecedent γῆς.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of δίδωσιν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
δίδωσίνgivesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιverb of relative clause→ customary/futuristic present (the land-gift)δίδωμι: 'give'; renders נָתַן; the recurring affirmation of the land as YHWH's gift.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
9
ἀναστήσαι σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου ἑαυτῷ λαὸν ἅγιον ὃν τρόπον ὤμοσεν τοῖς πατράσιν σου ἐὰν εἰσακούσῃς τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ σου καὶ πορευθῇς ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ
May the LORD your God raise you up for himself as a holy people, just as he swore to your fathers, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.
The covenant goal: establishment as λαὸς ἅγιος ('a holy people'), grounded in the patriarchal oath (ὤμοσεν τοῖς πατράσιν). The blessing is again conditioned (ἐάν) on obedience and on walking in YHWH's ways (πορευθῇς ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ) — the Deuteronomic idiom for covenant life.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
ἀναστήσαιmay he raise upAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιmain verb (optative of wish)→ volitive optative (wish: 'may the LORD establish')ἀνίστημι: 'raise up / establish'; renders קוּם (Hiphil, 'confirm/establish'); the optative invokes Israel's establishment as a holy people.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἑαυτῷfor himselfDativedative of advantage (reflexive)→ sphere or referenceἑαυτοῦ: reflexive pronoun; 'for himself' — Israel is established as YHWH's own possession, his holy people.
λαὸνpeopleAccusativeobject complement (with σε: 'raise you up as a people')→ object specificationλαός: 'people'; renders עַם; the covenant people, here qualified as holy.
ἅγιονholyAccusativeattributive adjective (with λαόν)→ object specificationἅγιος: 'holy / set apart'; renders קָדוֹשׁ; λαὸς ἅγιος ('a holy people') is the covenant vocation of Israel (cf. Exod 19:6; Deut 7:6).
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (with τρόπον: adverbial 'just as')→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun; ὃν τρόπον ('in which manner / just as') is a fixed comparative idiom.
τρόπονmannerAccusativeaccusative of manner (with ὅν: 'just as')→ object specificationτρόπος: 'manner / way'; ὃν τρόπον renders כַּאֲשֶׁר ('just as'), introducing the comparison with the patriarchal oath.
ὤμοσενhe sworeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὄμνυμιverb of comparative clause→ constative aorist (the completed patriarchal oath)ὄμνυμι: 'swear (an oath)'; renders נִשְׁבַּע; the oath to the fathers is the bedrock of the covenant promises (cf. Gen 22:16–18).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατράσινfathersDativedative indirect object (recipients of the oath)→ sphere or referenceπατήρ: 'father'; renders אָב; the patriarchs — Abraham, Isaac, Jacob — to whom the land and nationhood were sworn.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; the condition again attached — election is realized through obedience.
εἰσακούσῃςyou obeyAor Act Subj 2 Sg · εἰσακούωverb of protasis→ constative aorist subjunctive (obedient hearing)εἰσακούω: 'heed / obey'; renders שָׁמַע; the condition of the holy-people blessing.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of εἰσακούσῃς→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; covenant idiom for the LORD's commandments.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second condition)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πορευθῇςyou walkAor Pass Subj 2 Sg · πορεύομαιverb of protasis (coordinate condition)→ ingressive aorist subjunctive (the walking of covenant life)πορεύομαι: 'go / walk'; renders הָלַךְ; 'to walk in his ways' (πορεύεσθαι ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ) is the Deuteronomic metaphor for a life of obedience.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδοῖςwaysDativedative of sphere→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'way / road'; renders דֶּרֶךְ; 'his ways' = the moral and cultic paths prescribed by the covenant.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
10
καὶ ὄψονταί σε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τῆς γῆς ὅτι τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου ἐπικέκληταί σοι καὶ φοβηθήσονταί σε
And all the nations of the earth shall see you, that the name of the LORD has been called upon you, and they shall fear you.
The blessing culminates in international recognition: the nations 'see' that τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου ἐπικέκληται ('the name of the LORD has been called upon') Israel — a Hebraism of ownership/protection — and so fear her. The perfect ἐπικέκληται marks an abiding, accomplished bond between the Name and the people.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄψονταίshall seeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ὁράωmain verb (the nations as subject)→ predictive future (the nations' recognition)ὁράω (fut. mid. ὄψομαι): 'see / perceive'; renders רָאָה; the nations observe Israel's privileged status and respond with fear.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective (with ἔθνη)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the universal scope of the nations' recognition.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔθνηnationsNominativesubject of ὄψονται→ participant prominenceἔθνος: 'nation'; renders עַם/גּוֹי; the peoples who recognize and fear Israel.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivepartitive genitive (with ἔθνη)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'; the nations 'of the earth' — universal scope.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content/causal clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that / because'; introduces what the nations perceive — and the reason for their fear.
τὸtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνομαnameNominativesubject of ἐπικέκληται→ participant prominenceὄνομα: 'name'; renders שֵׁם; 'the name of the LORD' as the locus of his presence and ownership.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐπικέκληταίhas been called uponPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπικαλέωverb of ὅτι-clause→ perfect (settled, abiding bond of the Name upon Israel)ἐπικαλέω: 'call upon / name over'; the idiom 'the name … has been called upon you' renders נִקְרָא שֵׁם … עַל, a Hebraism of ownership and protection (cf. 2 Sam 12:28; Isa 4:1); the perfect marks the permanence of the relationship.
σοιupon youDativedative (the one over whom the Name is invoked)→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): Israel as the bearer of the Name.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φοβηθήσονταίshall fearFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · φοβέομαιmain verb (the nations' response)→ predictive future (the nations' fear)φοβέομαι: 'fear / be afraid of'; renders יָרֵא; the nations' fear of Israel is in effect fear of the LORD whose Name she bears.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
11
καὶ πληθυνεῖ σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου εἰς ἀγαθὰ ἐπὶ τοῖς ἐκγόνοις τῆς κοιλίας σου καὶ ἐπὶ τοῖς γενήμασιν τῆς γῆς σου καὶ ἐπὶ τοῖς ἐκγόνοις τῶν κτηνῶν σου ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἧς ὤμοσεν κύριος τοῖς πατράσιν σου δοῦναί σοι
And the LORD your God shall multiply you for good, in the offspring of your womb and in the produce of your land and in the offspring of your cattle, on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.
The fertility-blessing of v. 4 is restated as a confident future (πληθυνεῖ), again across the three spheres (womb, land, cattle) and again grounded in the land sworn to the fathers (ἧς ὤμοσεν … δοῦναι). εἰς ἀγαθά ('for good things') stresses that the increase is for Israel's flourishing.
Word-by-word analysis· 40 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πληθυνεῖshall multiplyFut Act Indic 3 Sg · πληθύνωmain verb→ predictive future (the promised increase)πληθύνω: 'multiply / increase'; renders רָבָה (Hiphil); the verb of the patriarchal fertility-promise (cf. Gen 22:17).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose/result)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: 'for / unto'; εἰς ἀγαθά = 'for good' — the increase tends to Israel's welfare.
ἀγαθὰgood thingsAccusativesubstantival adjective (object of εἰς)→ object specificationἀγαθός: 'good'; the neuter plural ἀγαθά = 'good things / prosperity'; renders טוֹבָה.
ἐπὶin / uponpreposition + dative (sphere of increase)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere of increase).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκγόνοιςoffspringDativedative of sphere (human fertility)→ sphere or referenceἔκγονον: 'offspring'; the children of the womb, first sphere of increase.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κοιλίαςwombGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκοιλία: 'womb'; renders בֶּטֶן.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπὶinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενήμασινproduceDativedative of sphere (agricultural)→ sphere or referenceγένημα: 'produce / fruit'; the crops of the land, second sphere of increase.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; renders אֲדָמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπὶinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκγόνοιςoffspringDativedative of sphere (pastoral)→ sphere or referenceἔκγονον: here of animal young — 'offspring of your cattle', third sphere of increase.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτηνῶνcattleGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκτῆνος: 'beast / livestock'; renders בְּהֵמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί (location)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; the promised land of the patriarchal oath.
ἧςwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (gen. by attraction)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive by attraction to γῆς.
ὤμοσενsworeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ὄμνυμιverb of relative clause→ constative aorist (the patriarchal oath)ὄμνυμι: 'swear'; renders נִשְׁבַּע; the land-oath to the fathers.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ὤμοσεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατράσινfathersDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceπατήρ: 'father'; the patriarchs.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
δοῦναίto giveAor Act Inf · δίδωμιcomplementary infinitive (content of the oath)→ aorist infinitive (the sworn gift)δίδωμι: 'give'; the infinitive expresses the content of the oath — to give the land.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
12
ἀνοίξαι σοι κύριος τὸν θησαυρὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀγαθόν τὸν οὐρανόν δοῦναι τὸν ὑετὸν τῇ γῇ σου ἐπὶ καιροῦ αὐτοῦ εὐλογῆσαι πάντα τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σου καὶ δανιεῖς ἔθνεσιν πολλοῖς σὺ δὲ οὐ δανιῇ καὶ ἄρξεις σὺ ἐθνῶν πολλῶν σοῦ δὲ οὐκ ἄρξουσιν
May the LORD open to you his good treasury, the heaven, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the works of your hands; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.
The blessing-section reaches its height: heaven as YHWH's θησαυρός ('treasury') opened to give timely rain — the foundation of agrarian life — and the consequent economic supremacy: lending without borrowing, ruling without being ruled. The optative ἀνοίξαι gives way to confident futures (δανιεῖς, ἄρξεις), each met by an emphatic negated counterpart (οὐ δανιῇ, οὐκ ἄρξουσιν), exactly reversed at vv. 43–44.
Word-by-word analysis· 43 words
ἀνοίξαιmay he openAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἀνοίγωmain verb (optative of wish)→ volitive optative (wish: 'may the LORD open')ἀνοίγω: 'open'; renders פָּתַח; the opening of the heavenly treasury is the metaphor for the gift of rain and fruitfulness.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θησαυρὸνtreasuryAccusativedirect object of ἀνοίξαι→ object specificationθησαυρός: 'treasury / storehouse'; renders אוֹצָר; heaven is figured as YHWH's storehouse from which he dispenses rain (cf. Deut 28:12; Job 38:22).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀγαθόνgoodAccusativeattributive adjective (with θησαυρόν)→ object specificationἀγαθός: 'good'; the 'good treasury' — the heavens richly stocked with rain and blessing; renders הַטּוֹב.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with οὐρανόν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανόνheavenAccusativeaccusative in apposition to θησαυρόν→ object specificationοὐρανός: 'heaven / sky'; renders שָׁמַיִם; here equated with the treasury — the sky as the reservoir of rain.
δοῦναιto giveAor Act Inf · δίδωμιinfinitive of purpose (purpose of opening)→ aorist infinitive (purpose: to give rain)δίδωμι: 'give'; the purpose of opening heaven — to give the rain.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑετὸνrainAccusativedirect object of δοῦναι→ object specificationὑετός: 'rain'; renders מָטָר; timely rain is the precondition of harvest in the land (contrast the bronze sky of v. 23).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇlandDativedative indirect object (recipient of rain)→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land'; renders אֶרֶץ.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐπὶinpreposition + genitive (time)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + gen.: temporal, 'at / in (its time)'.
καιροῦseasonGenitivegenitive of time (with ἐπί)→ relational specificationκαιρός: 'season / appointed time'; renders עֵת; the rain 'in its season' — the early and latter rains at their proper times.
αὐτοῦitsGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'its'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εὐλογῆσαιto blessAor Act Inf · εὐλογέωinfinitive of purpose (coordinate with δοῦναι)→ aorist infinitive (purpose: to bless)εὐλογέω: 'bless'; second purpose of opening heaven — to prosper all Israel's labor.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἔργα)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of Israel's labor.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworksAccusativedirect object of εὐλογῆσαι→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / deed'; renders מַעֲשֶׂה; 'the works of your hands' = all Israel's productive labor.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χειρῶνhandsGenitivegenitive (source of the works)→ relational specificationχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the instrument of labor.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (consequence)→ 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 (economic supremacy)→ predictive future (Israel as creditor)δανείζω: 'lend (at interest)'; renders לָוָה (Hiphil); to lend to nations is a mark of economic dominance — reversed at v. 44 where the alien lends to Israel.
ἔθνεσινto nationsDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: 'nation'; the foreign peoples to whom Israel lends.
πολλοῖςmanyDativeattributive adjective (with ἔθνεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπολύς: 'many'; the breadth of Israel's creditor-status.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject (antithesis)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic, setting up the antithesis 'but you shall not borrow'.
δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: adversative, marking the contrast.
οὐnotnegative particle→ 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 (negated antithesis)→ predictive future (Israel never the debtor)δανείζω (mid. 'borrow'): the middle voice = 'borrow'; renders לָוָה (Qal); Israel will never be the debtor nation — economic independence as blessing.
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 (political supremacy)→ predictive future (Israel as ruler)ἄρχω: 'rule / govern' (+ gen.); renders מָשַׁל; political dominion over the nations as the counterpart of economic supremacy.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic, parallel to the lending clause.
ἐθνῶνnationsGenitivegenitive object of ἄρξεις→ relational specificationἔθνος: 'nation'; ἄρχω takes the genitive of what is ruled.
πολλῶνmanyGenitiveattributive adjective (with ἐθνῶν)→ relational specificationπολύς: 'many'; the breadth of Israel's dominion.
σοῦover youGenitivegenitive object of ἄρξουσιν (emphatic, fronted)→ relational specificationσύ (gen.): the fronted genitive emphasizes 'but over YOU they shall not rule'.
δὲbutadversative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: adversative.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ 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 (negated antithesis)→ predictive future (Israel never subjugated)ἄρχω: 'rule'; the nations will not rule over Israel — political independence as blessing, exactly reversed by the exile-curses.
13
καταστήσαι σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου εἰς κεφαλὴν καὶ μὴ εἰς οὐράν καὶ ἔσῃ τότε ἐπάνω καὶ οὐκ ἔσῃ ὑποκάτω ἐὰν ἀκούσῃς τῶν ἐντολῶν κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ σου ὅσα ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαί σοι σήμερον φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν
May the LORD your God make you the head and not the tail, and you shall then be above and shall not be beneath, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, to keep and to do.
The blessing-section's summary image: κεφαλή καὶ μὴ οὐρά ('the head and not the tail'), ἐπάνω … οὐχ ὑποκάτω ('above … not beneath') — total supremacy. The image is exactly reversed at v. 44 (the alien becomes head, Israel tail). The condition (ἐάν … ἀκούσῃς) is restated, closing the inclusio with v. 1.
Word-by-word analysis· 36 words
καταστήσαιmay he makeAor Act Opt 3 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb (optative of wish)→ volitive optative (wish: 'may the LORD set')καθίστημι: 'set / appoint / make'; renders נָתַן/שִׂים; καθίστημι εἰς κεφαλήν = 'make into the head' — confer supreme rank.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εἰςinto / aspreposition + accusative (predicate: 'as the head')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: predicative 'as / for', a Hebraism (לְ) — 'make you into the head'.
κεφαλὴνheadAccusativepredicate accusative (with εἰς)→ object specificationκεφαλή: 'head'; renders רֹאשׁ; metaphor for the dominant, leading position among nations; antithesis of οὐρά.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotnegative particle (with εἰς οὐράν)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: the negative of the volitive clause — 'and not the tail'.
εἰςinto / aspreposition + accusative (predicate)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (predicate).
οὐράνtailAccusativepredicate accusative (with εἰς)→ object specificationοὐρά: 'tail'; renders זָנָב; metaphor for the subordinate, trailing position; reversed at v. 44 (the alien becomes head, Israel the tail).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of status)→ predictive future (Israel's exalted status)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; the future of settled position — 'you shall be above'.
τότεthentemporal adverb→ adverbial qualificationτότε: 'then / at that time'; renders אָז; marks the consequence of obedience.
ἐπάνωaboveadverb of place (predicate)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / on top'; renders מַעְלָה; the position of supremacy.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (never subordinate)εἰμί (fut.): the negated counterpart — 'you shall not be beneath'.
ὑποκάτωbeneathadverb of place (predicate)→ clausal contributionὑποκάτω: 'beneath / below'; renders מָטָּה; the position of subordination, denied to obedient Israel.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; the recurring condition — supremacy hinges on obedience.
ἀκούσῃςyou obeyAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἀκούωverb of protasis→ constative aorist subjunctiveἀκούω: 'hear / heed'; here +genitive (τῶν ἐντολῶν) = 'obey the commandments'.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐντολῶνcommandmentsGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούσῃς→ relational specificationἐντολή: 'commandment'; renders מִצְוָה; the content of the required obedience.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὅσαwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐντέλλομαι)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as many as / which'; relative quantitative pronoun, neuter plural; renders אֲשֶׁר.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject (Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I' — Moses the mediator.
ἐντέλλομαίI commandPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of relative clause→ performative present (commanding in the speech itself)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command'; renders צִוָּה.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'; the Deuteronomic actualizing 'today'.
φυλάσσεινto keepPres Act Inf · φυλάσσωepexegetic infinitive→ present infinitive (ongoing observance)φυλάσσω: 'keep / observe'; the fixed pair φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν, closing the inclusio with v. 1.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωepexegetic infinitive→ present infinitive (ongoing performance)ποιέω: 'do / perform'; the second of the paired infinitives of covenant fidelity.
14
οὐ παραβήσῃ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν λόγων ὧν ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαί σοι σήμερον δεξιὰ οὐδὲ ἀριστερὰ πορεύεσθαι ὀπίσω θεῶν ἑτέρων λατρεύειν αὐτοῖς
You shall not turn aside from all the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods, to serve them.
The blessing-section closes with a prohibition framing the heart of the covenant: no turning δεξιὰ … ἀριστερά ('right or left') from the words, and above all no going ὀπίσω θεῶν ἑτέρων ('after other gods'). Idolatry is the fundamental breach that triggers the curse-catalogue that follows from v. 15.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
οὐnotnegative particle (prohibition with future)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ + future = an emphatic prohibition (the 'thou shalt not' of the commandments).
παραβήσῃyou shall turn asideFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · παραβαίνωmain verb (prohibition)→ predictive/prohibitive future (the demand not to transgress)παραβαίνω: 'go aside / transgress / overstep'; renders סוּר ('turn aside'); to deviate from the commanded path is covenant transgression.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective (with λόγων)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; not one word may be set aside.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λόγωνwordsGenitivegenitive of separation→ relational specificationλόγος: 'word'; renders דָּבָר; the words of the covenant from which Israel must not swerve.
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (gen. by attraction)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive by attraction to λόγων.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject (Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I'.
ἐντέλλομαίI commandPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of relative clause→ performative presentἐντέλλομαι: 'command'; renders צִוָּה.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'.
δεξιὰto the rightAccusativeadverbial accusative (direction)→ object specificationδεξιός: 'right (hand)'; the neuter δεξιά used adverbially; the idiom 'right or left' (renders יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאל) = any deviation whatsoever (cf. Deut 5:32).
οὐδὲnorcoordinating negative→ clausal contributionοὐδέ: 'nor / not even'.
ἀριστερὰto the leftAccusativeadverbial accusative (direction)→ object specificationἀριστερός: 'left (hand)'; the neuter ἀριστερά used adverbially; completes the merism for total non-deviation.
πορεύεσθαιto goPres Mid Inf · πορεύομαιinfinitive of result/purpose (the apostasy forbidden)→ present infinitive (the forbidden course)πορεύομαι: 'go / walk'; 'to go after other gods' (πορεύεσθαι ὀπίσω θεῶν) is the standard idiom for apostasy.
ὀπίσωafterimproper preposition + genitive (following)→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'after / behind'; renders אַחֲרֵי; πορεύεσθαι ὀπίσω = to follow / give allegiance to.
θεῶνgodsGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationθεός: here pl. 'gods'; renders אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים; the foreign deities whose worship is the root covenant-breach.
ἑτέρωνotherGenitiveattributive adjective (with θεῶν)→ relational specificationἕτερος: 'other / another'; θεοὶ ἕτεροι ('other gods') is the fixed Deuteronomic phrase for idols.
λατρεύεινto servePres Act Inf · λατρεύωinfinitive of purpose (the goal of apostasy)→ present infinitive (cultic service)λατρεύω: 'serve / worship (cultically)'; renders עָבַד; the cultic service of other gods — the apostasy the whole curse-list answers.
αὐτοῖςthemDativedative object of λατρεύειν→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'them' — the other gods; λατρεύω takes the dative of the one served.
15
καὶ ἔσται ἐὰν μὴ εἰσακούσῃς τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ σου φυλάσσειν καὶ ποιεῖν πάσας τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ ὅσας ἐγὼ ἐντέλλομαί σοι σήμερον καὶ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ σὲ πᾶσαι αἱ κατάραι αὗται καὶ καταλήμψονταί σε
And it shall be, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep and to do all his commandments which I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.
The structural pivot of the chapter. The frame of v. 1 is repeated verbatim but negated (ἐὰν μή): disobedience as condition, and the curses as agents (ἐλεύσονται … καταλήμψονται) that 'come' and 'overtake' — a precise dark mirror of the blessings that 'come' and 'find' in v. 2. From here to v. 68 the curse-catalogue unfolds.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (frame opener)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιit shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (impersonal frame-setter)→ predictive future (sets the conditional frame)εἰμί (fut.): καὶ ἔσται again (cf. v. 1), but now framing the curse-apodosis — the deliberate structural mirror.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (with μή)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; here ἐὰν μή = 'if … not', the negative condition.
μὴnotnegative particle (in protasis)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates the protasis — disobedience as the trigger of the curses.
εἰσακούσῃςyou obeyAor Act Subj 2 Sg · εἰσακούωverb of protasis→ constative aorist subjunctive (failure to obey)εἰσακούω: 'heed / obey'; the verb of v. 1, now negated.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of εἰσακούσῃς→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; the covenant idiom for the LORD's commandments.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
φυλάσσεινto keepPres Act Inf · φυλάσσωepexegetic infinitive→ present infinitive (ongoing observance)φυλάσσω: 'keep'; the same pair as v. 1, now in the negative frame.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωepexegetic infinitive→ present infinitiveποιέω: 'do'; second of the paired infinitives.
πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἐντολάς)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the failure is total non-observance.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐντολὰςcommandmentsAccusativeobject of ποιεῖν→ object specificationἐντολή: 'commandment'; renders מִצְוָה.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὅσαςwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐντέλλομαι)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as many as / which'; relative quantitative, feminine plural agreeing with ἐντολάς.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject (Moses)→ participant referenceἐγώ: emphatic 'I'.
ἐντέλλομαίI commandPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of relative clause→ performative presentἐντέλλομαι: 'command'; renders צִוָּה.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
σήμερονtodaytemporal adverb→ clausal contributionσήμερον: 'today'.
καὶthenapodotic conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: apodotic 'then', introducing the consequence after the long protasis (mirror of v. 1).
ἐλεύσονταιshall comeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb (curses personified as subject)→ predictive future (the curses' arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; renders בּוֹא; the curses 'come upon' Israel — the dark mirror of the blessings that 'come' in v. 2.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjective (with κατάραι)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole catalogue of curses to follow.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατάραιcursesNominativesubject of ἐλεύσονται→ participant prominenceκατάρα: 'curse'; renders קְלָלָה; the antithetical keyword to εὐλογία ('blessing'), governing vv. 15–68.
αὗταιtheseNominativedemonstrative (with κατάραι)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; deictic, pointing forward to the curse-list.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταλήμψονταίshall overtakeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · καταλαμβάνωmain verb (curses as pursuers)→ predictive future (the curses overtake)καταλαμβάνω: 'seize / overtake'; renders נָשַׂג; the curses 'overtake' Israel like a pursuer — the dark mirror of εὑρήσουσιν in v. 2 (cf. vv. 45).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
16
ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἐν πόλει καὶ ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἐν ἀγρῷ
Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field.
The curse-formula proper begins: ἐπικατάρατος σύ ('cursed are you'), the verbal adjective exactly mirroring εὐλογημένος σύ of v. 3, with the same city/field merism. The next four verses (16–19) invert vv. 3–6 word for word — the blessing turned inside out.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἐπικατάρατοςcursedNominativepredicate adjective (verbal adjective; copula implied)→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: 'cursed / accursed'; verbal adjective from ἐπικαταράομαι; renders אָרוּר; the exact antonym of εὐλογημένος (v. 3); cited at Gal 3:10, 13 in Paul's curse-of-the-law argument.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you' as the object of the curse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
πόλειcityDativedative of sphere→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city'; first pole of the city/field merism, inverting v. 3.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπικατάρατοςcursedNominativepredicate adjective (second member)→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: the repeated curse-refrain, domain by domain.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
ἀγρῷfieldDativedative of sphere→ sphere or referenceἀγρός: 'field'; second pole of the merism, inverting v. 3.
17
ἐπικατάρατοι αἱ ἀποθῆκαί σου καὶ τὰ ἐγκαταλείμματά σου
Cursed shall be your storehouses and your stores.
The curse on stored provision, exactly inverting v. 5: granaries and reserves now under curse rather than blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
ἐπικατάρατοιcursedNominativepredicate adjective (fem. pl. with ἀποθῆκαι)→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: 'cursed'; feminine plural form, inverting εὐλογημέναι of v. 5.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀποθῆκαίstorehousesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceἀποθήκη: 'storehouse / granary'; renders טֶנֶא ('basket'); now cursed with emptiness.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐγκαταλείμματάstoresNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceἐγκατάλειμμα: 'remnant / store'; renders מִשְׁאֶרֶת ('kneading-trough'); the reserved provision, now cursed.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
18
ἐπικατάρατα τὰ ἔκγονα τῆς κοιλίας σου καὶ τὰ γενήματα τῆς γῆς σου τὰ βουκόλια τῶν βοῶν σου καὶ τὰ ποίμνια τῶν προβάτων σου
Cursed shall be the offspring of your womb and the produce of your land, the herds of your oxen and the flocks of your sheep.
The fertility-curse, exactly inverting v. 4 across all three spheres — human (ἔκγονα), agricultural (γενήματα), pastoral (βουκόλια, ποίμνια). The neuter plural ἐπικατάρατα agrees with the collective subjects.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ἐπικατάραταcursedNominativepredicate adjective (neut. pl. with collective subjects)→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: neuter plural, inverting εὐλογημένα of v. 4.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔκγοναoffspringNominativesubject (human fertility)→ participant prominenceἔκγονον: 'offspring'; renders פְּרִי ('fruit'); the children of the womb, now cursed.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κοιλίαςwombGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκοιλία: 'womb'; renders בֶּטֶן.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενήματαproduceNominativesubject (agricultural)→ participant prominenceγένημα: 'produce / fruit'; the crops, now cursed.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; renders אֲדָמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βουκόλιαherdsNominativesubject (pastoral, apposition)→ participant prominenceβουκόλιον: 'herd of cattle'; the cattle, now cursed.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βοῶνoxenGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationβοῦς: 'ox / cow'; renders בָּקָר.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποίμνιαflocksNominativesubject (apposition)→ participant prominenceποίμνιον: 'flock'; the sheep, now cursed.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προβάτωνsheepGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationπρόβατον: 'sheep'; renders צֹאן.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
19
ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἐν τῷ ἐκπορεύεσθαί σε καὶ ἐπικατάρατος σὺ ἐν τῷ εἰσπορεύεσθαί σε
Cursed shall you be in your going out, and cursed shall you be in your coming in.
The coming-in/going-out merism inverted. Note the chiastic reversal of order: the blessing (v. 6) had εἰσπορεύεσθαι first, but the curse begins with ἐκπορεύεσθαι — a subtle marker that the curse undoes the blessing in reverse.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἐπικατάρατοςcursedNominativepredicate adjective→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: closing the sixfold curse-series begun in v. 16.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject.
ἐνinpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν τῷ + inf.: temporal construction.
τῷtheDativearticle (with infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκπορεύεσθαίgoing outPres Mid Inf · ἐκπορεύομαιarticular infinitive (temporal)→ present infinitive (ongoing activity)ἐκπορεύομαι: 'go out'; renders יָצָא; here placed first, reversing the order of v. 6.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπικατάρατοςcursedNominativepredicate adjective (second member)→ participant prominenceἐπικατάρατος: closing curse-refrain.
σὺyouNominativesubject→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as subject.
ἐνinpreposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative articular infinitive (temporal).
τῷtheDativearticle (with infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἰσπορεύεσθαίcoming inPres Mid Inf · εἰσπορεύομαιarticular infinitive (temporal)→ present infinitive (ongoing activity)εἰσπορεύομαι: 'come in'; renders בּוֹא; now placed second, completing the reversed merism.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
20
ἐξαποστείλαι κύριός σοι τὴν ἔνδειαν καὶ τὴν ἐκλιμίαν καὶ τὴν ἀνάλωσιν ἐπὶ πάντα οὗ ἂν ἐπιβάλῃς τὴν χεῖρά σου ὅσα ἐὰν ποιήσῃς ἕως ἂν ἐξολεθρεύσῃ σε καὶ ἕως ἂν ἀπολέσῃ σε ἐν τάχει διὰ τὰ πονηρὰ ἐπιτηδεύματά σου διότι ἐγκατέλιπές με
May the LORD send upon you want and famine and consumption upon everything to which you put your hand, whatever you do, until he utterly destroys you and until he makes you perish quickly, because of your evil practices, in that you forsook me.
The curse on every undertaking — the exact dark counterpart of the blessing on the works of the hand (v. 8, 12). The triad ἔνδεια / ἐκλιμία / ἀνάλωσις ('want / famine / wasting') and the ἕως ἄν … ἕως ἄν construction ('until he destroys … until he ruins') introduce the relentless, total destruction-language that recurs through the curse-catalogue. The cause is named explicitly: ἐγκατέλιπές με ('you forsook me') — covenant abandonment.
Word-by-word analysis· 41 words
ἐξαποστείλαιmay he sendAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἐξαποστέλλωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked: 'may the LORD send')ἐξαποστέλλω: 'send out / send forth'; the intensified compound (ἐξ-απο-) of the blessing-verb ἀποστείλαι (v. 8) — now sending calamity rather than blessing.
κύριόςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; YHWH himself is the agent of the covenant-sanctions.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνδειανwantAccusativedirect object of ἐξαποστείλαι→ object specificationἔνδεια: 'want / lack / need'; renders מְאֵרָה ('curse') here understood as destitution; the first of the destroying triad.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκλιμίανfamineAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationἐκλιμία: 'famine / starvation' (a rare LXX word, intensive of λιμός); renders מְהוּמָה ('confusion / panic'); the second of the triad.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀνάλωσινconsumptionAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationἀνάλωσις: 'consuming / using up / wasting'; renders מִגְעֶרֶת ('rebuke'); the third of the destroying triad — a wasting away.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (extent)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (extent).
πάνταeverythingAccusativesubstantival adjective (object of ἐπί)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / everything'; the curse falls on every undertaking — the dark mirror of v. 8's blessing on every undertaking.
οὗto whichGenitiverelative adverb (genitive: 'wherever')→ relational specificationοὗ: relative adverb, genitive of ὅς; 'everything to which you put your hand'.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (indefinite relative)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: marks the indefinite relative clause.
ἐπιβάλῃςyou putAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐπιβάλλωverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctiveἐπιβάλλω: 'put / lay'; ἐπιβάλλειν τὴν χεῖρα ('put one's hand to') renders מִשְׁלַח יָד — every enterprise, here cursed (cf. v. 8 blessed).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖράhandAccusativedirect object of ἐπιβάλῃς→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; the instrument of labor.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὅσαwhateverAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ποιήσῃς)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as many as / whatever'; the comprehensive scope — every act Israel attempts.
ἐὰνevermodal particle (with subjunctive: indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: here = ἄν, marking the indefinite relative ('whatever you may do').
ποιήσῃςyou doAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ποιέωverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctiveποιέω: 'do / make'; every endeavor falls under the curse.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; introduces the terminus of the curse — total destruction; the doubled ἕως ἄν construction recurs throughout the curse-list (vv. 21, 24, 45, 48, 51, 61).
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξολεθρεύσῃhe utterly destroysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐξολεθρεύωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (total destruction as terminus)ἐξολεθρεύω: 'utterly destroy / extirpate'; renders שָׁמַד/הִשְׁמִיד; the strong LXX verb of total annihilation, a leitmotif of the curse-catalogue.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: the second of the doubled 'until' clauses, intensifying the certainty of ruin.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπολέσῃhe makes perishAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀπόλλυμιverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (ruin as terminus)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy / ruin / make perish'; renders אָבַד (Hiphil); paired with ἐξολεθρεύω for emphatic finality.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).
τάχειquicklyDativedative of manner (ἐν τάχει = 'quickly')→ sphere or referenceτάχος: 'speed'; ἐν τάχει = 'quickly / speedily'; renders מַהֵר; the swiftness of the ruin heightens its terror.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + acc.: 'because of'; introduces the cause of the curse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πονηρὰevilAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἐπιτηδεύματα)→ object specificationπονηρός: 'evil / wicked'; renders רֹעַ; the moral quality of Israel's deeds that provokes the curse.
ἐπιτηδεύματάpracticesAccusativeobject of διά (cause)→ object specificationἐπιτήδευμα: 'practice / pursuit / deed'; renders מַעֲלָל ('deed / doing'); a favorite LXX term for habitual conduct, esp. evil conduct.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
διότιbecausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastδιότι: 'because / for the reason that'; introduces the root cause — abandonment of YHWH.
ἐγκατέλιπέςyou forsookAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐγκαταλείπωverb of causal clause→ constative aorist (the act of covenant abandonment)ἐγκαταλείπω: 'abandon / forsake'; renders עָזַב; the fundamental covenant-breach — Israel forsaking YHWH — that grounds the entire curse-catalogue.
μεmeAccusativedirect object (YHWH, first person — note the shift into divine voice)→ participant referenceἐγώ (acc.): 'me'; the abrupt first-person ('you forsook me') momentarily merges Moses' voice with YHWH's own — the offended covenant Lord.
21
προσκολλήσαι κύριος εἰς σὲ τὸν θάνατον ἕως ἂν ἐξαναλώσῃ σε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς εἰς ἣν σὺ εἰσπορεύῃ ἐκεῖ κληρονομῆσαι αὐτήν
May the LORD make the pestilence cleave to you, until he consumes you off the land into which you are entering there to inherit it.
θάνατος ('death') here renders Hebrew דֶּבֶר ('pestilence'), the LXX's standard equivalence; the verb προσκολλάω ('glue / cleave to') makes the plague cling inescapably until it consumes Israel off the very land she enters to inherit — a bitter irony against the inheritance-promise.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
προσκολλήσαιmay he make cleaveAor Act Opt 3 Sg · προσκολλάωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)προσκολλάω: 'glue to / cause to cling'; renders דָּבַק (Hiphil); the plague is made to adhere to Israel inescapably.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction of attachment)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of attachment).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of εἰς→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of εἰς.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θάνατονpestilenceAccusativedirect object of προσκολλήσαι→ object specificationθάνατος: 'death'; here renders דֶּבֶר ('pestilence / plague') — the LXX regularly uses θάνατος for the deadly epidemic (cf. Jer 14:12; Ezek 5:12).
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the curse runs to total consumption.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξαναλώσῃhe consumes utterlyAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐξαναλίσκωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (total consumption)ἐξαναλίσκω: 'consume utterly / use up completely'; renders כָּלָה (Piel); the double compound intensifies — the pestilence devours Israel entirely off the land.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of separation→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; the very land Israel enters to inherit — the curse uproots her from it.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εἰσπορεύῃ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, accusative feminine agreeing with γῆς.
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you'.
εἰσπορεύῃyou are enteringPres Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰσπορεύομαιverb of relative clause→ progressive present (the imminent entry)εἰσπορεύομαι: 'enter / go in'; renders בּוֹא; the present pictures the entry as already underway.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (resumptive, Hebraizing)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; the resumptive 'there' (εἰς ἣν … ἐκεῖ) is a Hebraism rendering the resumptive adverb שָׁמָּה after a relative.
κληρονομῆσαιto inheritAor Act Inf · κληρονομέωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (purpose of entry)κληρονομέω: 'inherit / take possession of'; renders יָרַשׁ; the purpose of entry was inheritance — here tragically undone by the curse.
αὐτήνitAccusativedirect object of κληρονομῆσαι→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'it' — the land.
22
πατάξαι σε κύριος ἀπορίᾳ καὶ πυρετῷ καὶ ῥίγει καὶ ἐρεθισμῷ καὶ φόνῳ καὶ ἀνεμοφθορίᾳ καὶ τῇ ὤχρᾳ καὶ καταδιώξονταί σε ἕως ἂν ἀπολέσωσίν σε
May the LORD strike you with distress and fever and chill and irritation and slaughter and blight and pallor; and they shall pursue you until they destroy you.
The first of four πατάξαι ('may he strike') imprecations (vv. 22, 27, 28, 35), each unleashing a cluster of afflictions. Here a sevenfold list of bodily and agricultural plagues, which then become personified pursuers (καταδιώξονται) hunting Israel to destruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
πατάξαιmay he strikeAor Act Opt 3 Sg · πατάσσωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; renders נָכָה (Hiphil); the leitmotif verb of the disease-curses (vv. 22, 27, 28, 35), recalling the plague-strikes on Egypt.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἀπορίᾳdistressDativedative of instrument (means of striking)→ sphere or referenceἀπορία: 'perplexity / want / distress'; renders שַׁחֶפֶת ('wasting / consumption'); the LXX reads the disease as a debilitating destitution.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πυρετῷfeverDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceπυρετός: 'fever / burning heat'; renders קַדַּחַת ('fever'); a classic disease-curse.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ῥίγειchillDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceῥῖγος: 'cold / shivering'; renders דַּלֶּקֶת ('inflammation') — though here the LXX seems to render a febrile shivering; the cold/heat pairing (fever and chill) evokes malarial sickness.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐρεθισμῷirritationDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceἐρεθισμός: 'irritation / provocation / inflammation'; renders חַרְחֻר ('burning heat / fiery fever'); a fierce inflammatory disease.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φόνῳslaughterDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceφόνος: 'murder / slaughter / killing'; renders חֶרֶב ('sword'); the LXX reads the sword's effect — violent death — as part of the curse-cluster.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνεμοφθορίᾳblightDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceἀνεμοφθορία: 'blasting by wind / blight' (a rare LXX compound, ἄνεμος + φθορά); renders שִׁדָּפוֹן ('scorching / blasting'); the hot wind that withers crops — an agricultural curse amid the bodily ones.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὤχρᾳpallorDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceὤχρα: 'paleness / yellowish hue / jaundice'; renders יֵרָקוֹן ('mildew / paleness'); the sickly pallor of disease (and the yellowing of blighted grain).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταδιώξονταίthey shall pursueFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · καταδιώκωmain verb (the afflictions personified as pursuers)→ predictive future (the relentless pursuit)καταδιώκω: 'pursue closely / hunt down'; renders רָדַף; the diseases become personified pursuers chasing Israel to destruction (cf. v. 45).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the pursuit runs to destruction.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπολέσωσίνthey destroyAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἀπόλλυμιverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (destruction as terminus)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy / ruin'; renders אָבַד (Hiphil); the diseases hunt Israel until they annihilate her.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
23
καὶ ἔσται σοι ὁ οὐρανὸς ὁ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς σου χαλκοῦς καὶ ἡ γῆ ἡ ὑποκάτω σου σιδηρᾶ
And the sky over your head shall be bronze to you, and the earth beneath you iron.
One of the most memorable curse-images: the heavens χαλκοῦς ('bronze') — sealed shut, giving no rain — and the earth σιδηρᾶ ('iron') — hard, unyielding, sterile. The exact inversion of v. 12's opened heavenly treasury. (The MT reverses the metals — bronze sky, iron earth — and so does the LXX here.)
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of state)→ predictive future (the drought-state)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; the future of the cursed cosmic condition.
σοιto youDativedative of disadvantage→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): 'to/for you' — the sky becomes bronze against Israel.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανὸςskyNominativesubject→ participant prominenceοὐρανός: 'sky / heaven'; renders שָׁמַיִם; here sealed like bronze — the dark inversion of v. 12's opened treasury.
ὁtheNominativearticle (attributive, with ὑπέρ-phrase)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑπὲρoverpreposition + genitive (position)→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (position).
κεφαλῆςheadGenitivegenitive object of ὑπέρ→ relational specificationκεφαλή: 'head'; 'the sky over your head' — the oppressive nearness of the sealed heaven.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
χαλκοῦςbronzeNominativepredicate adjective (with οὐρανός)→ participant prominenceχαλκοῦς: 'made of bronze / brazen'; renders נְחֹשֶׁת; the metaphor for a rainless, impenetrable sky.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆearthNominativesubject (of implied ἔσται)→ participant prominenceγῆ: 'earth / ground'; renders אֶרֶץ; here hard as iron, sterile and unworkable.
ἡtheNominativearticle (attributive, with ὑποκάτω-phrase)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑποκάτωbeneathimproper preposition + genitive (position)→ spatial or relational framingὑποκάτω: 'beneath / under'; renders תַּחַת; 'the earth beneath you' — the iron ground underfoot.
σουyouGenitivegenitive object of ὑποκάτω→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ὑποκάτω.
σιδηρᾶironNominativepredicate adjective (with γῆ)→ participant prominenceσιδηροῦς: 'made of iron'; renders בַּרְזֶל; the metaphor for hard, unyielding, infertile ground.
24
δῴη κύριος τὸν ὑετὸν τῇ γῇ σου κονιορτόν καὶ χοῦς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβήσεται ἐπὶ σέ ἕως ἂν ἐκτρίψῃ σε καὶ ἕως ἂν ἀπολέσῃ σε
May the LORD give the rain of your land as dust; and dust shall come down from heaven upon you, until it grinds you down and until it destroys you.
The drought-curse intensified: instead of rain, dust (κονιορτός) falls — a vivid image of dust-storms in a parched land. The optative δῴη (a poetic form of δίδωμι) governs; χοῦς ('dust / dirt') descending from heaven completes the inversion of the rain-blessing (v. 12).
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
δῴηmay he giveAor Act Opt 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)δίδωμι: 'give'; the poetic aorist optative δῴη; renders יִתֵּן (jussive); YHWH gives 'rain' that is only dust.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑετὸνrainAccusativedirect object of δῴη→ object specificationὑετός: 'rain'; renders מָטָר; the rain that ought to bless (v. 12) is now turned to dust.
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇlandDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land'; the land that receives dust instead of rain.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
κονιορτόνdustAccusativepredicate accusative (the rain turned to dust)→ object specificationκονιορτός: 'dust / cloud of dust'; renders אָבָק; the rain becomes a powder — agricultural ruin and the image of dust-storms.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χοῦςdustNominativesubject of καταβήσεται→ participant prominenceχοῦς: 'dust / loose earth'; renders עָפָר; falling 'from heaven' it parodies the rain that should descend as blessing.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationοὐρανός: 'heaven / sky'; the source from which dust, not rain, descends.
καταβήσεταιshall come downFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · καταβαίνωmain verb (the dust descends)→ predictive future (the descent of dust)καταβαίνω: 'come down / descend'; renders יָרַד; the dust descends as a perverse parody of rain.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σέyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the doubled 'until' clauses again (cf. v. 20).
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκτρίψῃit grinds downAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐκτρίβωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (the wearing-down)ἐκτρίβω: 'rub out / wear away / destroy'; renders שָׁמַד (Niphal); the dust 'grinds' Israel down to nothing.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: the second 'until' clause, emphatic finality.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπολέσῃit destroysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀπόλλυμιverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (ruin as terminus)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy / ruin'; paired with ἐκτρίβω for finality.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
25
δῴη σε κύριος ἐπικοπὴν ἐναντίον τῶν ἐχθρῶν σου ἐν ὁδῷ μιᾷ ἐξελεύσῃ πρὸς αὐτοὺς καὶ ἐν ἑπτὰ ὁδοῖς φεύξῃ ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῶν καὶ ἔσῃ ἐν διασπορᾷ ἐν πάσαις ταῖς βασιλείαις τῆς γῆς
May the LORD give you up to slaughter before your enemies; by one road you shall go out against them, and by seven roads you shall flee from before them; and you shall be a dispersion among all the kingdoms of the earth.
The precise inversion of the victory-blessing of v. 7: there the enemy came by one road and fled by seven; now Israel goes out by one road and flees by seven. The verse coins the curse-term διασπορά ('dispersion / Diaspora') — Israel becoming a horror scattered ἐν πάσαις ταῖς βασιλείαις ('among all kingdoms'), the prophetic exile-vocabulary in seed form.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
δῴηmay he giveAor Act Opt 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)δίδωμι: 'give'; the poetic optative δῴη; 'give you up to slaughter' renders נָתַן … נִגָּף ('give over as smitten').
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐπικοπὴνslaughterAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement: 'give you up as a slaughter')→ object specificationἐπικοπή: 'a cutting down / defeat / slaughter'; renders נִגָּף ('smitten / routed'); Israel given over to be cut down before her foes.
ἐναντίονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: 'before / in the presence of'; renders לִפְנֵי.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθρῶνenemiesGenitivegenitive object of ἐναντίον→ relational specificationἐχθρός: 'enemy'; renders אֹיֵב; the foes before whom Israel is now routed (cf. v. 7, reversed).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (route)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (route).
ὁδῷroadDativedative of route→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'road'; renders דֶּרֶךְ; the single approach road — now Israel's, in confident advance turned to rout.
μιᾷoneDativeattributive numeral→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν: 'one'; the single road of advance.
ἐξελεύσῃyou shall go outFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιmain verb (Israel's advance)→ predictive future (the doomed sortie)ἐξέρχομαι: 'go out'; renders יָצָא; Israel goes out by one road — exactly as the enemy did in v. 7, the roles reversed.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'against'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (hostile direction).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeobject of πρός→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them' — the enemies.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (antithesis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (route)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (route).
ἑπτὰsevenattributive numeral (indeclinable)→ measure or countἑπτά: 'seven'; renders שֶׁבַע; the sevenfold flight — now Israel's panicked rout (cf. v. 7, reversed).
ὁδοῖςroadsDativedative of route→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'road'; the seven roads of scattered flight.
φεύξῃyou shall fleeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · φεύγωmain verb (Israel's rout)→ predictive future (the panicked flight)φεύγω: 'flee'; renders נוּס; the verb of the enemy's flight in v. 7, now Israel's.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source of flight)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source of flight).
προσώπουfaceGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: ἀπὸ προσώπου renders מִפְּנֵי ('from before').
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of state)→ predictive future (the dispersion)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; 'you shall be a dispersion' — the future of scattered exile.
ἐνin / aspreposition + dative (state)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: here of state/condition — 'in (a state of) dispersion'.
διασπορᾷdispersionDativedative of state (predicate)→ sphere or referenceδιασπορά: 'scattering / dispersion / Diaspora'; renders זַעֲוָה ('horror / object of trembling'); the LXX coins here the great exile-term διασπορά — Israel scattered as a horror among the kingdoms.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πάσαιςallDativeattributive adjective (with βασιλείαις)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; the universal scope of the scattering.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βασιλείαιςkingdomsDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceβασιλεία: 'kingdom'; renders מַמְלָכָה; the kingdoms of the earth among which Israel becomes a scattered horror.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivepartitive genitive (with βασιλείαις)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'; the kingdoms 'of the earth' — universal dispersion.
26
καὶ ἔσονται οἱ νεκροὶ ὑμῶν κατάβρωμα τοῖς πετεινοῖς τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τοῖς θηρίοις τῆς γῆς καὶ οὐκ ἔσται ὁ ἀποσοβῶν
And your corpses shall be food for the birds of heaven and for the beasts of the earth, and there shall be none to frighten them away.
The horror of the unburied corpse — given as κατάβρωμα ('food') to scavenging birds and beasts, with no one to drive them off (ὁ ἀποσοβῶν). Denial of burial was among the gravest of ancient indignities; the image recurs in the prophets (Jer 7:33; 34:20) and is echoed in Revelation 19:17–18.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσονταιshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of state)→ predictive future (the corpses' fate)εἰμί (fut. pl.): 'be'; the corpses 'shall be' food for scavengers.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νεκροὶcorpsesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceνεκρός: 'dead (body) / corpse'; renders נְבֵלָה ('carcass'); the slain of Israel left unburied.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (note shift to plural)→ relational specificationσύ (gen. pl.): 'your' — the address momentarily turns plural.
κατάβρωμαfoodNominativepredicate nominative (with ἔσονται)→ participant prominenceκατάβρωμα: 'that which is devoured / food / prey'; renders מַאֲכָל ('food'); the intensified compound (κατα-βιβρώσκω) stresses being wholly devoured.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πετεινοῖςbirdsDativedative of advantage (the scavengers)→ sphere or referenceπετεινόν: 'bird / winged creature'; renders עוֹף; the birds of prey that feed on the unburied.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive (sphere: 'of the sky')→ relational specificationοὐρανός: 'heaven / sky'; 'the birds of heaven' — the sky-scavengers.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θηρίοιςbeastsDativedative of advantage→ sphere or referenceθηρίον: 'wild beast'; renders בְּהֵמָה; the wild animals that devour the unburied dead.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive (sphere)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'; 'the beasts of the earth'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ 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 (existential)→ predictive future (the absence of any defender)εἰμί (fut.): existential 'there shall be (none)' — no one to protect the dead.
ὁthe oneNominativearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀποσοβῶνfrightening awayPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ἀποσοβέωsubstantival participle (subject of ἔσται: 'the one who scares off')→ present participle (the absent action of driving off)ἀποσοβέω: 'scare away / drive off'; renders מַחֲרִיד ('one who frightens away'); the substantival participle — there is no one left even to shoo the scavengers from the corpses.
27
πατάξαι σε κύριος ἐν ἕλκει Αἰγυπτίῳ ἐν ταῖς ἕδραις καὶ ψώρᾳ ἀγρίᾳ καὶ κνήφῃ ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαί σε ἰαθῆναι
May the LORD strike you with the boil of Egypt in the seat, and with wild scab and itch, so that you cannot be healed.
The diseases of Egypt now fall on Israel — the ἕλκος Αἰγύπτιον ('Egyptian boil', the sixth plague of Exod 9:9–11) — together with tumors, wild scab, and itch, declared incurable (ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαι ἰαθῆναι). The Exodus is reversed: the plagues that fell on the oppressor now fall on the covenant-breaker.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
πατάξαιmay he strikeAor Act Opt 3 Sg · πατάσσωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; renders נָכָה; the second πατάξαι-imprecation, now unleashing the diseases of Egypt.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrument)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: instrumental 'with', a Hebraism (בְּ) for the means of striking.
ἕλκειboilDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceἕλκος: 'sore / ulcer / boil'; renders שְׁחִין; the festering boil — the sixth Egyptian plague (Exod 9:9), now turned against Israel.
Αἰγυπτίῳof EgyptDativeattributive adjective (with ἕλκει)→ sphere or referenceΑἰγύπτιος: 'Egyptian'; renders מִצְרַיִם; the 'Egyptian boil' explicitly names the plague of Exodus, marking the reversal of the Exodus deliverance.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location on the body)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location on the body).
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἕδραιςseat / tumorsDativedative of location (on the body)→ sphere or referenceἕδρα: 'seat / fundament'; renders עֳפָלִים/טְחֹרִים ('tumors / hemorrhoids'); affliction in the lower body, as with the Philistines of 1 Sam 5–6.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ψώρᾳscabDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceψώρα: 'scab / mange / itch-disease'; renders גָּרָב ('scab / scurvy'); a chronic skin affliction.
ἀγρίᾳwildDativeattributive adjective (with ψώρᾳ)→ sphere or referenceἄγριος: 'wild / savage'; intensifies — a fierce, untamed form of the disease.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κνήφῃitchDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceκνήφη: 'itch / itching-scab' (a rare word); renders חָרֶס ('itch / scurvy'); the irritating skin-disease completing the cluster.
ὥστεso thatresult conjunction (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastὥστε: 'so that / with the result that'; introduces the result clause of incurability.
μὴnotnegative particle (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δύνασθαίto be ablePres Mid Inf · δύναμαιinfinitive of result→ present infinitive (the resulting inability)δύναμαι: 'be able'; the result-infinitive — the disease is so severe that healing is impossible.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
ἰαθῆναιto be healedAor Pass Inf · ἰάομαιcomplementary infinitive (with δύνασθαι)→ aorist passive infinitive (the impossible healing)ἰάομαι: 'heal / cure'; renders רָפָא; the passive 'be healed' — denied; the incurability marks the curse as terminal.
28
πατάξαι σε κύριος παραπληξίᾳ καὶ ἀορασίᾳ καὶ ἐκστάσει διανοίας
May the LORD strike you with madness and blindness and derangement of mind.
The third πατάξαι-imprecation turns from the body to the mind: παραπληξία ('madness'), ἀορασία ('blindness'), and ἔκστασις διανοίας ('derangement / bewilderment of mind'). The triad of mental affliction sets up the image of groping at noon (v. 29). Paul echoes this language of blindness/hardening in Rom 11:8–10.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
πατάξαιmay he strikeAor Act Opt 3 Sg · πατάσσωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; the third πατάξαι-imprecation, now afflicting the mind.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
παραπληξίᾳmadnessDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceπαραπληξία: 'madness / insanity' (lit. 'being struck aside'); renders שִׁגָּעוֹן ('madness'); the mind struck off balance.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀορασίᾳblindnessDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceἀορασία: 'blindness / inability to see'; renders עִוָּרוֹן ('blindness'); the same word used of the Sodomites struck blind (Gen 19:11) — here both physical and mental darkness (cf. the groping of v. 29).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκστάσειderangementDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceἔκστασις: 'displacement / bewilderment / amazement'; renders תִּמָּהוֹן ('bewilderment / confusion'); a standing-outside-oneself, mental disorientation.
διανοίαςof mindGenitiveobjective/descriptive genitive (with ἐκστάσει)→ relational specificationδιάνοια: 'mind / understanding / intellect'; renders לֵבָב ('heart / mind'); ἔκστασις διανοίας = derangement of the understanding.
29
καὶ ἔσῃ ψηλαφῶν μεσημβρίας ὡσεὶ ψηλαφήσαι ὁ τυφλὸς ἐν τῷ σκότει καὶ οὐκ εὐοδώσει τὰς ὁδούς σου καὶ ἔσῃ τότε ἀδικούμενος καὶ διαρπαζόμενος πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας καὶ οὐκ ἔσται σοι ὁ βοηθῶν
And you shall be groping at midday, as a blind man gropes in the darkness, and he shall not prosper your ways; and you shall then be wronged and plundered all the days, and there shall be no one to help you.
The blindness of v. 28 made vivid: Israel gropes (ψηλαφῶν) at noon (μεσημβρίας) like a blind man in the dark — the brightest hour rendered as deepest night. The periphrastic ἔσῃ + participle (Hebraizing) stresses the continual state. Perpetual wronging and plunder follow, with no helper (ὁ βοηθῶν), a refrain repeated at v. 31.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίauxiliary of periphrastic construction (with ψηλαφῶν)→ predictive future (continual state)εἰμί (fut.): the periphrastic ἔσῃ + participle (Hebraizing) expresses a continual condition — 'you shall be groping'.
ψηλαφῶνgropingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ψηλαφάωpredicate participle (periphrastic with ἔσῃ)→ present participle (ongoing groping)ψηλαφάω: 'feel / grope / touch'; renders מָשַׁשׁ ('grope'); the groping of the blind — used also of seeking God in Acts 17:27.
μεσημβρίαςat middayGenitivegenitive of time (at noon)→ relational specificationμεσημβρία: 'midday / noon'; renders צָהֳרַיִם; the brightest hour, when sight should be surest, rendered as darkness — the horror of the curse.
ὡσεὶascomparative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastὡσεί: 'as / like / as if'; renders כַּאֲשֶׁר; introduces the simile of the blind man.
ψηλαφήσαιgropesAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ψηλαφάωverb of comparative clause (potential optative)→ potential optative (the blind man's typical groping)ψηλαφάω: the optative in the simile — 'as a blind man might grope'; the repetition of the verb binds Israel's plight to the blind man's.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τυφλὸςblind manNominativesubject of ψηλαφήσαι→ participant prominenceτυφλός: 'blind'; renders עִוֵּר; the blind man groping in the dark — the image of Israel's helpless confusion.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκότειdarknessDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceσκότος: 'darkness'; renders אֲפֵלָה; the darkness in which the blind grope — here it is noon.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὐοδώσειhe shall prosperFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐοδόωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the failure of every venture)εὐοδόω: 'make prosperous / give success'; renders צָלַח (Hiphil); the subject may be impersonal/God — Israel's ways will not succeed; nothing she undertakes prospers.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδούςwaysAccusativedirect object of εὐοδώσει→ object specificationὁδός: 'way / road'; here 'your ways' = Israel's undertakings, none of which prosper.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίauxiliary of periphrastic construction→ predictive future (continual state)εἰμί (fut.): periphrastic with the following participles — 'you shall be (continually) wronged and plundered'.
τότεthentemporal adverb→ adverbial qualificationτότε: 'then'; renders אַךְ ('only / surely') here as a temporal marker of the condition.
ἀδικούμενοςbeing wrongedPres Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ἀδικέωpredicate participle (periphrastic)→ present passive participle (continual victimization)ἀδικέω: 'wrong / treat unjustly'; renders עָשַׁק/גָּזַל ('oppress / rob'); Israel as the perpetual victim of injustice.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διαρπαζόμενοςbeing plunderedPres Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · διαρπάζωpredicate participle (periphrastic)→ present passive participle (continual plundering)διαρπάζω: 'plunder / spoil / seize as booty'; renders גָּזַל; Israel continually robbed, with none to deliver.
πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἡμέρας)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; 'all the days' = continually, without respite.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativeaccusative of duration (extent of time)→ object specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας = 'all the days / continually'; the unending duration of the oppression.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ 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 (existential)→ predictive future (the absence of any helper)εἰμί (fut.): existential 'there shall be (none)'.
σοιfor youDativedative of advantage→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): 'for you' — no one will help.
ὁthe oneNominativearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βοηθῶνhelpingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · βοηθέωsubstantival participle (subject of ἔσται: 'the one who helps')→ present participle (the absent helper)βοηθέω: 'help / come to aid'; renders מוֹשִׁיעַ ('savior / deliverer'); the refrain οὐκ ἔσται ὁ βοηθῶν ('there will be no helper') marks total abandonment (repeated v. 31).
30
γυναῖκα λήμψῃ καὶ ἀνὴρ ἕτερος ἕξει αὐτήν οἰκίαν οἰκοδομήσεις καὶ οὐκ οἰκήσεις ἐν αὐτῇ ἀμπελῶνα φυτεύσεις καὶ οὐ τρυγήσεις αὐτόν
You shall take a wife, and another man shall have her; you shall build a house, and you shall not dwell in it; you shall plant a vineyard, and you shall not gather its fruit.
The classic 'futility curses' (cf. the inverse 'antithetical blessings' of war-exemption, Deut 20:5–7): every labor and hope is begun but never enjoyed — betrothal, building, planting — each cut off by another. The threefold pattern (take/another has; build/not dwell; plant/not harvest) is a fixed treaty-curse form; cf. Amos 5:11; Zeph 1:13.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
γυναῖκαwifeAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ→ object specificationγυνή: 'woman / wife'; renders אִשָּׁה; the betrothed/married wife taken by another — the first futility-curse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb→ predictive future (the doomed betrothal)λαμβάνω: 'take'; γυναῖκα λαμβάνειν = 'take a wife / marry'; renders אָרַשׂ/לָקַח.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative sense)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀνὴρmanNominativesubject of ἕξει→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: 'man / husband'; renders אִישׁ; another man who takes the wife.
ἕτεροςanotherNominativeattributive adjective (with ἀνήρ)→ participant prominenceἕτερος: 'another / a different'; the rival who possesses what Israel built her hopes upon.
ἕξειshall haveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (the rival's possession)→ predictive future (the loss of the wife)ἔχω: 'have / hold / possess'; renders שָׁגַל ('lie with / ravish') — the LXX softens to 'have'; the wife is taken by the enemy.
αὐτήνherAccusativedirect object of ἕξει→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'her' — the wife.
οἰκίανhouseAccusativedirect object of οἰκοδομήσεις→ object specificationοἰκία: 'house / dwelling'; renders בַּיִת; the house built but never inhabited — the second futility-curse.
οἰκοδομήσειςyou shall buildFut Act Indic 2 Sg · οἰκοδομέωmain verb→ predictive future (the doomed building)οἰκοδομέω: 'build'; renders בָּנָה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἰκήσειςyou shall dwellFut Act Indic 2 Sg · οἰκέωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denied enjoyment)οἰκέω: 'dwell / inhabit'; renders יָשַׁב; the house is built but never lived in.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
αὐτῇitDativeobject of ἐν (the house)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'it' — the house.
ἀμπελῶναvineyardAccusativedirect object of φυτεύσεις→ object specificationἀμπελών: 'vineyard'; renders כֶּרֶם; the vineyard planted but never harvested — the third futility-curse (cf. v. 39).
φυτεύσειςyou shall plantFut Act Indic 2 Sg · φυτεύωmain verb→ predictive future (the doomed planting)φυτεύω: 'plant'; renders נָטַע.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τρυγήσειςyou shall gatherFut Act Indic 2 Sg · τρυγάωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denied harvest)τρυγάω: 'gather (ripe fruit) / harvest grapes'; renders חָלַל ('begin to use / make common'); the vintage never enjoyed.
αὐτόνitAccusativedirect object of τρυγήσεις (the vineyard)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'it' — the vineyard (masc., agreeing with ἀμπελῶνα).
31
ὁ μόσχος σου ἐσφαγμένος ἐναντίον σου καὶ οὐ φάγῃ ἐξ αὐτοῦ ὁ ὄνος σου ἡρπασμένος ἀπὸ σοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἀποδοθήσεταί σοι τὰ πρόβατά σου δεδομένα τοῖς ἐχθροῖς σου καὶ οὐκ ἔσται σοι ὁ βοηθῶν
Your calf shall be slaughtered before you, and you shall not eat of it; your donkey shall be seized from you and shall not be restored to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and there shall be no one to help you.
The futility-pattern continues with the livestock: calf slaughtered but not eaten, donkey seized and never returned, sheep given to enemies. The perfect passive participles (ἐσφαγμένος, ἡρπασμένος, δεδομένα) function as predicates ('is slaughtered', 'is seized', 'are given'). The refrain οὐκ ἔσται σοι ὁ βοηθῶν ('no one to help', cf. v. 29) closes the verse.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μόσχοςcalfNominativesubject (predicate participle ἐσφαγμένος)→ participant prominenceμόσχος: 'calf / young bull'; renders שׁוֹר ('ox'); slaughtered before its owner's eyes but not eaten by him.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐσφαγμένοςslaughteredPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · σφάζωpredicate participle (periphrastic, copula implied: 'is slaughtered')→ perfect passive participle (the completed, abiding slaughter)σφάζω: 'slay / slaughter (esp. ritually)'; renders טָבַח; the calf butchered before the owner who will not taste it.
ἐναντίονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in sight of)→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: 'before / in the sight of'; renders לְעֵינֶיךָ ('before your eyes') — the cruelty of watching.
σουyouGenitivegenitive object of ἐναντίον→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive object of ἐναντίον.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φάγῃyou shall eatFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denied meal)ἐσθίω (fut. φάγομαι): 'eat'; renders אָכַל; the owner will not eat of his own slaughtered calf.
ἐξof / frompreposition + genitive (partitive)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (partitive).
αὐτοῦitGenitivepartitive genitive (the calf)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'it' — the calf.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνοςdonkeyNominativesubject (predicate participle ἡρπασμένος)→ participant prominenceὄνος: 'donkey / ass'; renders חֲמוֹר; seized and never restored.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἡρπασμένοςseizedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ἁρπάζωpredicate participle (copula implied: 'is seized')→ perfect passive participle (the completed seizure)ἁρπάζω: 'snatch / seize by force / carry off'; renders גָּזַל; the donkey forcibly taken.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
σοῦyouGenitivegenitive of separation→ relational specificationσοῦ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of separation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποδοθήσεταίshall be restoredFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the donkey never returned)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give back / restore'; renders שׁוּב (Hiphil); the donkey will not be returned.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρόβατάsheepNominativesubject (predicate participle δεδομένα)→ participant prominenceπρόβατον: 'sheep'; renders צֹאן; given over to the enemies.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
δεδομέναgivenPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Neut Pl · δίδωμιpredicate participle (copula implied: 'are given')→ perfect passive participle (the completed handing-over)δίδωμι: 'give'; the perfect passive — the sheep already handed over to the enemy.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθροῖςenemiesDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the recipients of the plundered flock.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ 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 (existential)→ predictive future (no helper)εἰμί (fut.): existential 'there shall be (none)'.
σοιfor youDativedative of advantage→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'for you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of advantage.
ὁthe oneNominativearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βοηθῶνhelpingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · βοηθέωsubstantival participle (subject of ἔσται)→ present participle (the absent helper)βοηθέω: 'help'; the refrain οὐκ ἔσται ὁ βοηθῶν repeated from v. 29 — total helplessness.
32
οἱ υἱοί σου καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες σου δεδομέναι ἔθνει ἑτέρῳ καὶ οἱ ὀφθαλμοί σου βλέψονται σφακελίζοντες εἰς αὐτά καὶ οὐκ ἰσχύσει ἡ χείρ σου
Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another nation, and your eyes shall look, wasting away for them, and your hand shall have no strength.
The futility-curse reaches the children: sons and daughters given to a foreign nation while the parents watch, eyes 'wasting away' (σφακελίζοντες) with longing, powerless to act (οὐκ ἰσχύσει ἡ χείρ). The image of failing eyes that look in vain returns at v. 65 (ἐκλείποντας ὀφθαλμούς).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοίsonsNominativesubject (predicate participle δεδομέναι)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן; the sons handed to a foreign people.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγατέρεςdaughtersNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; renders בַּת; the daughters likewise given away.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
δεδομέναιgivenPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Fem Pl · δίδωμιpredicate participle (copula implied: 'are given')→ perfect passive participle (the completed handing-over)δίδωμι: 'give'; the feminine plural agrees with the nearer subject θυγατέρες; the children handed to a foreign nation (captivity, cf. v. 41).
ἔθνειto a nationDativedative indirect object→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: 'nation'; renders עַם; the foreign people who receive the captive children.
ἑτέρῳanotherDativeattributive adjective (with ἔθνει)→ sphere or referenceἕτερος: 'another / different'; a strange nation, not Israel's own.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμοίeyesNominativesubject of βλέψονται→ participant prominenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; renders עַיִן; the parents' eyes that look on helplessly.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
βλέψονταιshall lookFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · βλέπωmain verb (the eyes look on)→ predictive future (the helpless watching)βλέπω: 'look / see'; renders רָאָה; the eyes watch the children carried off, unable to intervene.
σφακελίζοντεςwasting awayPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · σφακελίζωcircumstantial participle (manner: 'in a state of wasting')→ present participle (the ongoing failing of sight)σφακελίζω: 'be convulsed / pine / waste away (with longing)'; renders כָּלָה ('fail / be consumed', of eyes); the eyes fail and grow dim with hopeless yearning for the lost children.
εἰςfor / towardpreposition + accusative (direction of longing)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of longing).
αὐτάthemAccusativeobject of εἰς (the children)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them' (neuter, of the children, τέκνα implied).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἰσχύσειshall have strengthFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἰσχύωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the powerlessness)ἰσχύω: 'be strong / have power / be able'; renders אֵל-יָד ('no power in the hand'); the hand has no strength to rescue — utter helplessness.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χείρhandNominativesubject of ἰσχύσει→ participant prominenceχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the powerless hand, idiom for inability to act.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
33
τὰ ἐκφόρια τῆς γῆς σου καὶ πάντας τοὺς πόνους σου φάγεται ἔθνος ὃ οὐκ ἐπίστασαι καὶ ἔσῃ ἀδικούμενος καὶ τεθραυσμένος πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας
The produce of your land and all your labors a nation which you do not know shall eat up, and you shall be wronged and crushed all the days.
The fruit of Israel's labor consumed by ἔθνος ὃ οὐκ ἐπίστασαι ('a nation you do not know') — the unknown invader who recurs at vv. 36, 49. The verse closes with the refrain of perpetual oppression (ἀδικούμενος καὶ τεθραυσμένος πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας), echoing v. 29.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκφόριαproduceAccusativedirect object of φάγεται (fronted)→ object specificationἐκφόριον: 'produce / yield (carried out from the field)'; renders פְּרִי ('fruit'); the harvest of the land, here devoured by strangers.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; renders אֲדָמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταςallAccusativeattributive adjective (with πόνους)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of Israel's toil.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόνουςlaborsAccusativedirect object of φάγεται (coordinate)→ object specificationπόνος: 'toil / labor / the fruit of labor'; renders יְגִיעַ ('produce of toil'); all that Israel has worked for, eaten by the invader.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
φάγεταιshall eat upFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (the nation devours)→ predictive future (the consuming of the produce)ἐσθίω (fut. φάγομαι): 'eat / devour'; renders אָכַל; the foreign nation consumes Israel's harvest.
ἔθνοςa nationNominativesubject of φάγεται→ participant prominenceἔθνος: 'nation'; renders עַם; the unknown invading people.
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐπίστασαι)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter accusative agreeing with ἔθνος.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπίστασαιyou knowPres Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐπίσταμαιverb of relative clause→ stative present (the unfamiliarity of the nation)ἐπίσταμαι: 'know / understand / be acquainted with'; renders יָדַע; 'a nation you do not know' — the alien, strange invader (cf. vv. 36, 49).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίauxiliary of periphrastic construction→ predictive future (continual state)εἰμί (fut.): periphrastic with the participles — 'you shall be (continually) wronged and crushed'.
ἀδικούμενοςbeing wrongedPres Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ἀδικέωpredicate participle (periphrastic)→ present passive participle (continual victimization)ἀδικέω: 'wrong / oppress'; the repeated refrain (cf. v. 29).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τεθραυσμένοςcrushedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · θραύωpredicate participle (periphrastic)→ perfect passive participle (the abiding broken state)θραύω: 'break / shatter / crush'; renders רָצַץ/עָשַׁק; the perfect marks a settled condition of being broken down.
πάσαςallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἡμέρας)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; 'all the days' = continually.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἡμέραςdaysAccusativeaccusative of duration→ object specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας = 'continually'.
34
καὶ ἔσῃ παράπληκτος διὰ τὰ ὁράματα τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν σου ἃ βλέψῃ
And you shall be mad because of the sights of your eyes which you shall see.
The mental affliction of v. 28 (παραπληξία) realized: Israel becomes παράπληκτος ('mad / crazed') from the horrors her own eyes witness (cf. the children carried off, v. 32). Trauma-induced derangement — the sights drive her out of her mind.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of state)→ predictive future (the maddened state)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; 'you shall be mad' — the resultant condition.
παράπληκτοςmadNominativepredicate adjective (with ἔσῃ)→ participant prominenceπαράπληκτος: 'struck aside / crazed / mad'; cognate with παραπληξία (v. 28); renders מְשֻׁגָּע ('mad'); driven insane by horror.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + acc.: 'because of'; the cause of the madness — what the eyes behold.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁράματαsightsAccusativeobject of διά (cause)→ object specificationὅραμα: 'sight / vision / thing seen'; renders מַרְאֶה ('sight'); the horrifying scenes witnessed (cf. v. 67).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμῶνeyesGenitivegenitive (source: 'sights of your eyes')→ relational specificationὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; 'the sights of your eyes' = what the eyes are forced to behold.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of βλέψῃ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter accusative plural agreeing with ὁράματα.
βλέψῃyou shall seeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · βλέπωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the inescapable seeing)βλέπω: 'see / look'; renders רָאָה; the sights Israel is forced to witness.
35
πατάξαι σε κύριος ἐν ἕλκει πονηρῷ ἐπὶ τὰ γόνατα καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς κνήμας ὥστε μὴ δύνασθαί σε ἰαθῆναι ἀπὸ ἴχνους τῶν ποδῶν σου ἕως τῆς κορυφῆς σου
May the LORD strike you with an evil boil on the knees and on the legs, so that you cannot be healed, from the sole of your feet to the crown of your head.
The fourth and last πατάξαι-imprecation: an evil boil (ἕλκος πονηρόν, cf. v. 27) spreading over the whole body, ἀπὸ ἴχνους τῶν ποδῶν ἕως τῆς κορυφῆς ('from the sole of the feet to the crown of the head') — a head-to-toe merism for total affliction (cf. Job 2:7; Isa 1:6), again declared incurable.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
πατάξαιmay he strikeAor Act Opt 3 Sg · πατάσσωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; the fourth πατάξαι-imprecation, returning to the boil of v. 27.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (instrument)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: instrumental 'with'.
ἕλκειboilDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceἕλκος: 'sore / boil / ulcer'; renders שְׁחִין (cf. v. 27); the festering boil now spreading over the whole body.
πονηρῷevilDativeattributive adjective (with ἕλκει)→ sphere or referenceπονηρός: 'evil / malignant / grievous'; renders רָע; a virulent, malignant sore.
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location).
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γόναταkneesAccusativeobject of ἐπί (location)→ object specificationγόνυ: 'knee'; renders בֶּרֶךְ; the boil afflicting the knees.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location).
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κνήμαςlegsAccusativeobject of ἐπί (location)→ object specificationκνήμη: 'lower leg / shin'; renders שׁוֹק; the boil on the legs.
ὥστεso thatresult conjunction (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastὥστε: 'so that'; introduces the result of incurability (cf. v. 27).
μὴnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δύνασθαίto be ablePres Mid Inf · δύναμαιinfinitive of result→ present infinitive (the resulting inability)δύναμαι: 'be able'; the result-infinitive — healing is impossible.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as accusative subject of the infinitive.
ἰαθῆναιto be healedAor Pass Inf · ἰάομαιcomplementary infinitive (with δύνασθαι)→ aorist passive infinitive (the denied healing)ἰάομαι: 'heal'; renders רָפָא; the incurability of the boil (cf. v. 27).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (starting point of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό … ἕως: the head-to-foot merism of total affliction (cf. Isa 1:6).
ἴχνουςsoleGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationἴχνος: 'footprint / sole / track'; renders כַּף ('sole'); the sole of the foot — lowest point of the body-merism.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποδῶνfeetGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationπούς: 'foot'; renders רֶגֶל; 'the sole of your feet'.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (end-point of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'up to / as far as'; the upper limit of the body-merism.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κορυφῆςcrownGenitivegenitive object of ἕως→ relational specificationκορυφή: 'top / crown (of the head)'; renders קָדְקֹד ('crown of the head'); highest point of the body-merism — affliction covers the whole person.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
36
ἀπαγάγοι κύριός σε καὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντάς σου οὓς ἐὰν καταστήσῃς ἐπὶ σεαυτόν εἰς ἔθνος ὃ οὐκ ἐπίστασαι σὺ καὶ οἱ πατέρες σου καὶ λατρεύσεις ἐκεῖ θεοῖς ἑτέροις ξύλοις καὶ λίθοις
May the LORD lead you away, and your rulers whom you may set over yourself, to a nation which you do not know, neither you nor your fathers; and you shall serve there other gods, wood and stones.
The first explicit exile-curse: deportation of king and people to an unknown nation, and the bitter irony that the apostasy Israel chose at home (v. 14) becomes her enforced condition abroad — serving 'other gods, wood and stones' (θεοῖς ἑτέροις ξύλοις καὶ λίθοις). The phrase ξύλοις καὶ λίθοις ('wood and stones') is the prophetic scorn-formula for lifeless idols (cf. v. 64; Jer 2:27; Ezek 20:32).
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
ἀπαγάγοιmay he lead awayAor Act Opt 3 Sg · ἀπάγωmain verb (optative of imprecation)→ volitive optative (the curse invoked)ἀπάγω: 'lead away / carry off'; renders יוֹלֵךְ ('cause to go'); the verb of deportation into exile (cf. v. 37).
κύριόςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχοντάςrulersAccusativedirect object (coordinate with σε)→ object specificationἄρχων: 'ruler / leader / king'; renders מֶלֶךְ ('king'); even Israel's own appointed rulers are carried into exile.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of καταστήσῃς)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, masculine accusative plural agreeing with ἄρχοντας.
ἐὰνevermodal particle (with subjunctive: indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: here = ἄν, marking the indefinite relative ('whom you may set').
καταστήσῃςyou setAor Act Subj 2 Sg · καθίστημιverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctiveκαθίστημι: 'set / appoint / establish'; renders שִׂים/קוּם; ironically the same verb of v. 13 (καθίστημι εἰς κεφαλήν) — the rulers Israel sets up are themselves deported.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + accusative (authority)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (authority).
σεαυτόνyourselfAccusativereflexive object of ἐπί→ object specificationσεαυτοῦ: reflexive 'yourself'; the rulers Israel sets over herself.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction of exile)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of exile).
ἔθνοςa nationAccusativeobject of εἰς (place of exile)→ object specificationἔθνος: 'nation'; the unknown nation to which Israel is deported.
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐπίστασαι)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter accusative agreeing with ἔθνος.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπίστασαιyou knowPres Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐπίσταμαιverb of relative clause→ stative present (the nation's strangeness)ἐπίσταμαι: 'know'; renders יָדַע; 'a nation which neither you nor your fathers knew' — the alien place of exile.
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic, in apposition)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you' — 'neither you nor your fathers'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατέρεςfathersNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceπατήρ: 'father'; renders אָב; the ancestors who likewise never knew this nation.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λατρεύσειςyou shall serveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · λατρεύωmain verb (forced idolatry)→ predictive future (the enforced apostasy)λατρεύω: 'serve / worship (cultically)'; renders עָבַד; the apostasy Israel chose (v. 14) becomes her enforced lot in exile.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; renders שָׁם; in the land of exile.
θεοῖςgodsDativedative object of λατρεύσεις→ sphere or referenceθεός: 'god'; pl. 'gods'; λατρεύω takes the dative of the one served.
ἑτέροιςotherDativeattributive adjective (with θεοῖς)→ sphere or referenceἕτερος: 'other'; θεοὶ ἕτεροι — the fixed phrase for idols (cf. v. 14).
ξύλοιςwoodDativedative in apposition (the material of the idols)→ sphere or referenceξύλον: 'wood / timber'; renders עֵץ; 'wood and stones' — the prophetic scorn-formula for lifeless idols (cf. v. 64; Jer 2:27).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λίθοιςstonesDativedative in apposition→ sphere or referenceλίθος: 'stone'; renders אֶבֶן; the stone idols — dead matter, contrasted with the living God.
37
καὶ ἔσῃ ἐκεῖ ἐν αἰνίγματι καὶ παραβολῇ καὶ διηγήματι ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν εἰς οὓς ἂν ἀπαγάγῃ σε κύριος ἐκεῖ
And you shall be there a riddle and a proverb and a byword among all the nations into which the LORD shall lead you away.
Exile brings infamy: Israel becomes αἴνιγμα / παραβολή / διήγημα ('a riddle / a proverb / a tale') — an object of perplexed scorn among her captors. The triple synonym renders the Hebrew שַׁמָּה מָשָׁל וּשְׁנִינָה ('a horror, a proverb, and a byword'); the same fate is pronounced over the temple in 1 Kgs 9:7.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of state)→ predictive future (the state of infamy)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; 'you shall be a byword' — Israel's degraded reputation in exile.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; in the land of exile.
ἐνas / inpreposition + dative (predicate state)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: of state — 'you shall be (as) a riddle'; a Hebraism (לְ).
αἰνίγματιa riddleDativedative of state (predicate)→ sphere or referenceαἴνιγμα: 'riddle / dark saying'; renders שַׁמָּה ('horror / astonishment'); Israel becomes a baffling object of scorn.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παραβολῇa proverbDativedative of state (predicate)→ sphere or referenceπαραβολή: 'comparison / proverb / byword'; renders מָשָׁל ('proverb / taunt'); a cautionary tale on others' lips.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διηγήματιa bywordDativedative of state (predicate)→ sphere or referenceδιήγημα: 'narrative / tale / story'; renders שְׁנִינָה ('taunt / byword'); Israel's downfall told and retold as a cautionary tale.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πᾶσινallDativeattributive adjective (with ἔθνεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; the universal scope of the scattering.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔθνεσινnationsDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: 'nation'; the peoples among whom Israel is scattered and mocked.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
οὓςwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἀπαγάγῃ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, masculine accusative plural agreeing with ἔθνεσιν (constructio ad sensum).
ἂν(particle)modal particle (indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: marks the indefinite relative clause.
ἀπαγάγῃshall lead awayAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀπάγωverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (the deportation)ἀπάγω: 'lead away / carry off'; the deportation-verb (cf. v. 36).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (resumptive, Hebraizing)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: resumptive 'there' after the relative — a Hebraism (שָׁמָּה).
38
σπέρμα πολὺ ἐξοίσεις εἰς τὸ πεδίον καὶ ὀλίγα εἰσοίσεις ὅτι κατέδεται αὐτὰ ἡ ἀκρίς
Much seed you shall carry out into the field, and little shall you gather in, because the locust shall devour it.
The first of three pest-curses (locust v. 38, worm v. 39, rust v. 42): much sown, little reaped, because the locust (ἀκρίς) devours the crop. The much/little antithesis (πολύ … ὀλίγα) is the signature of the futility-curse.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
σπέρμαseedAccusativedirect object of ἐξοίσεις (fronted)→ object specificationσπέρμα: 'seed'; renders זֶרַע; the sowing-seed carried out to the field.
πολὺmuchAccusativeattributive adjective (with σπέρμα)→ object specificationπολύς: 'much / great'; the abundance sown, contrasted with the little reaped.
ἐξοίσειςyou shall carry outFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐκφέρωmain verb→ predictive future (the sowing)ἐκφέρω: 'carry out / bring forth'; renders יָצָא (Hiphil); to carry seed out to the field for sowing.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πεδίονfieldAccusativeobject of εἰς→ object specificationπεδίον: 'plain / open field'; renders שָׂדֶה; the cultivated field.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὀλίγαlittleAccusativeobject of εἰσοίσεις (substantival)→ object specificationὀλίγος: 'little / few'; the meager harvest gathered — the antithesis of πολύ.
εἰσοίσειςyou shall gather inFut Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰσφέρωmain verb (negated harvest)→ predictive future (the failed harvest)εἰσφέρω: 'bring in / carry in'; renders אָסַף; to bring in the harvest — but only a little.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the cause — the locust.
κατέδεταιshall devourFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεσθίωverb of causal clause→ predictive future (the locust's devastation)κατεσθίω: 'devour / eat up completely'; renders חָסַל ('consume'); the intensive κατα- stresses total consumption.
αὐτὰitAccusativedirect object of κατέδεται (the seed/crop)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'it / them' (neuter, of the seed/crop).
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀκρίςlocustNominativesubject of κατέδεται→ participant prominenceἀκρίς: 'locust'; renders אַרְבֶּה; the eighth Egyptian plague (Exod 10), now turned against Israel's fields.
39
ἀμπελῶνα φυτεύσεις καὶ κατεργᾷ καὶ οἶνον οὐ πίεσαι οὐδὲ εὐφρανθήσῃ ἐξ αὐτοῦ ὅτι καταφάγεται αὐτὰ ὁ σκώληξ
A vineyard you shall plant and cultivate, and wine you shall not drink nor be gladdened from it, because the worm shall devour them.
The vineyard-futility of v. 30 made specific: planted and tended (κατεργᾷ), yet no wine to drink or gladden the heart, because the worm (σκώληξ) devours the vines. The mention of wine 'gladdening' (εὐφρανθήσῃ) anticipates v. 47's charge that Israel failed to serve YHWH ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἀμπελῶναvineyardAccusativedirect object of φυτεύσεις→ object specificationἀμπελών: 'vineyard'; renders כֶּרֶם; planted and worked but yielding no wine.
φυτεύσειςyou shall plantFut Act Indic 2 Sg · φυτεύωmain verb→ predictive future (the planting)φυτεύω: 'plant'; renders נָטַע.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατεργᾷyou shall cultivateFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · κατεργάζομαιmain verb→ predictive future (the tending)κατεργάζομαι: 'work / cultivate / accomplish'; renders עָבַד ('till'); the labor of tending the vineyard — all in vain.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἶνονwineAccusativedirect object of πίεσαι (fronted)→ object specificationοἶνος: 'wine'; renders יַיִן; the fruit of the vineyard never enjoyed.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πίεσαιyou shall drinkFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · πίνωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denied drink)πίνω: 'drink'; renders שָׁתָה; no wine to drink from one's own vineyard.
οὐδὲnorcoordinating negative→ clausal contributionοὐδέ: 'nor'.
εὐφρανθήσῃyou shall be gladdenedFut Pass Indic 2 Sg · εὐφραίνωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denied gladness)εὐφραίνω: 'gladden / cheer'; pass. 'rejoice / be glad'; renders אָגַר ('gather') here understood as enjoyment; wine that should gladden the heart (Ps 104:15) brings no joy.
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
αὐτοῦitGenitivegenitive of source (the vineyard/wine)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'it' — the vineyard (or its wine).
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the cause — the worm.
καταφάγεταιshall devourFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεσθίωverb of causal clause→ predictive future (the worm's devastation)κατεσθίω: 'devour / eat up'; renders אָכַל ('eat', here of the worm); total consumption of the vines.
αὐτὰthemAccusativedirect object of καταφάγεται (the vines/grapes)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them' (neuter, of the vines/grapes).
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκώληξwormNominativesubject of καταφάγεται→ participant prominenceσκώληξ: 'worm / grub / maggot'; renders תּוֹלַעַת/זָחַל; the vine-worm that destroys the grapes (the same word as the undying worm of Isa 66:24).
40
ἐλαῖαι ἔσονταί σοι ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις σου καὶ ἔλαιον οὐ χρίσῃ ὅτι ἐκρυήσεται ἡ ἐλαία σου
Olive trees you shall have in all your borders, and you shall not anoint yourself with oil, because your olive shall drop off.
The olive-futility completes the triad of vine/grain/oil — the staple agricultural goods of the land. Olive trees everywhere, yet no oil to anoint with, because the fruit drops off before maturing (ἐκρυήσεται). Wine, grain, and oil — the threefold blessing of the land (Deut 7:13) — are each denied.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἐλαῖαιolive treesNominativesubject of ἔσονται→ participant prominenceἐλαία: 'olive tree / olive'; renders זַיִת; the olive trees that fill the land but yield no usable oil.
ἔσονταίshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of possession)→ predictive future (the olives' presence)εἰμί (fut. pl.): 'be / belong'; ἔσονταί σοι = 'you shall have' (dative of possession).
σοιto youDativedative of possession→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): possessive dative — 'you shall have olive trees'.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πᾶσιallDativeattributive adjective (with ὁρίοις)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; throughout the whole territory.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁρίοιςbordersDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceὅριον: 'boundary / territory'; renders גְּבוּל; 'all your borders' = the whole land.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαιονoilAccusativeinstrumental/object accusative with χρίσῃ→ object specificationἔλαιον: 'olive oil'; renders שֶׁמֶן; the oil for anointing, never to be had.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χρίσῃyou shall anointFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · χρίωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denied anointing)χρίω: 'anoint / smear'; renders סוּךְ ('anoint oneself'); the middle = anoint oneself; no oil to anoint with — a sign of joylessness and want (anointing being a mark of well-being).
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the cause.
ἐκρυήσεταιshall drop offFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐκρέωverb of causal clause→ predictive future (the premature fall of the fruit)ἐκρέω: 'flow out / fall off / drop'; renders נָשַׁל ('cast / drop'); the olive fruit falls prematurely before yielding oil.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐλαίαoliveNominativesubject of ἐκρυήσεται→ participant prominenceἐλαία: 'olive (fruit/tree)'; here the olive fruit that drops off before ripening.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
41
υἱοὺς καὶ θυγατέρας γεννήσεις καὶ οὐκ ἔσονταί σοι ἀπελεύσονται γὰρ ἐν αἰχμαλωσίᾳ
Sons and daughters you shall beget, and they shall not be yours, for they shall go away into captivity.
The bitterest futility-curse: children born only to be lost (cf. v. 32). The γάρ-clause names the cause — αἰχμαλωσία ('captivity') — the exile-word that gathers up the deportation-curses (cf. vv. 36–37) and looks ahead to vv. 64–68.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativedirect object of γεννήσεις→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן; the sons born only to be taken captive.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θυγατέραςdaughtersAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; renders בַּת; the daughters likewise lost.
γεννήσειςyou shall begetFut Act Indic 2 Sg · γεννάωmain verb→ predictive future (the begetting)γεννάω: 'beget / bear'; renders יָלַד; children produced, but not kept.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adversative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσονταίshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (negated possession)→ predictive future (the loss of the children)εἰμί (fut. pl.): 'be'; οὐκ ἔσονταί σοι = 'they shall not be yours' — the children no longer belong to the parents.
σοιyoursDativedative of possession→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): possessive dative — 'yours'.
ἀπελεύσονταιthey shall go awayFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀπέρχομαιmain verb (of γάρ-clause)→ predictive future (the going into captivity)ἀπέρχομαι: 'go away / depart'; renders הָלַךְ; the children go off into captivity.
γὰρforcausal particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: 'for'; introduces the reason the children are not kept — captivity.
ἐνintopreposition + dative (state/condition)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (state/condition).
αἰχμαλωσίᾳcaptivityDativedative of state (ἐν αἰχμαλωσίᾳ = 'into captivity')→ sphere or referenceαἰχμαλωσία: 'captivity / state of being a prisoner of war'; renders שְׁבִי; the exile-word, gathering up the deportation-curses (cf. vv. 36, 64).
42
πάντα τὰ ξύλινά σου καὶ τὰ γενήματα τῆς γῆς σου ἐξαναλώσει ἡ ἐρυσίβη
All your trees and the produce of your land the rust shall consume.
The third pest-curse (after locust and worm): rust/blight (ἐρυσίβη) consuming both the orchard-trees (ξύλινα) and the field-produce (γενήματα). The verb ἐξαναλώσει ('utterly consume', cf. v. 21) underscores total loss of the land's yield.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ξύλινα)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of the trees consumed.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ξύλινάtreesAccusativedirect object of ἐξαναλώσει (fronted)→ object specificationξύλινος: 'wooden / of wood'; here substantival 'your trees / woody plants'; renders עֵץ ('tree'); the orchard-trees blighted by rust.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενήματαproduceAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationγένημα: 'produce / fruit'; the crops of the field, consumed along with the trees.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; renders אֲדָמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐξαναλώσειshall consume utterlyFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξαναλίσκωmain verb (the rust consumes)→ predictive future (total consumption)ἐξαναλίσκω: 'consume utterly / use up'; renders יְרֵשׁ ('take possession') here understood as devouring; the double compound stresses complete destruction (cf. v. 21).
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐρυσίβηrustNominativesubject of ἐξαναλώσει→ participant prominenceἐρυσίβη: 'rust / mildew / blight (of grain)'; renders צְלָצַל ('whirring locust') or שִׁדָּפוֹן; the cereal-blight that destroys the harvest (cf. Amos 4:9; Hag 2:17).
43
ὁ προσήλυτος ὅς ἐστιν ἐν σοί ἀναβήσεται ἐπὶ σὲ ἄνω ἄνω σὺ δὲ καταβήσῃ κάτω κάτω
The sojourner who is among you shall rise above you higher and higher, but you shall descend lower and lower.
The social order is overturned: the resident alien (προσήλυτος), who in the blessing-order stood below Israel, now rises ἄνω ἄνω ('higher and higher') while Israel sinks κάτω κάτω ('lower and lower'). The emphatic doubled adverbs (a Hebraism, מַעְלָה מָּעְלָה / מַטָּה מָּטָּה) dramatize the total reversal — the inverse of v. 13's 'above and not beneath'.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προσήλυτοςsojournerNominativesubject of ἀναβήσεται→ participant prominenceπροσήλυτος: 'sojourner / resident alien / proselyte'; renders גֵּר; the foreigner dwelling in Israel — normally the dependent, now the dominant.
ὅςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐστιν)→ participant referenceὅς: relative pronoun, nominative masculine.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of relative clause→ stative present (the alien's dwelling)εἰμί: 'be'; 'who is among you' — the alien resident in Israel's midst.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
σοίyouDativeobject of ἐν→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): 'among you'.
ἀναβήσεταιshall riseFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀναβαίνωmain verb (the alien ascends)→ predictive future (the alien's ascent)ἀναβαίνω: 'go up / ascend / rise'; renders עָלָה; the alien rises above Israel — social inversion.
ἐπὶabovepreposition + accusative (superiority)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'above'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (superiority).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
ἄνωhigheradverb of place (intensified by repetition)→ clausal contributionἄνω: 'up / above'; the doubled ἄνω ἄνω renders the Hebrew emphatic מַעְלָה מָּעְלָה ('higher and higher').
ἄνωhigheradverb of place (emphatic repetition)→ clausal contributionἄνω: the repetition intensifies — the alien rises ever higher.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject (antithesis)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you', setting up the contrast — 'but you'.
δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: adversative, marking the contrast.
καταβήσῃyou shall descendFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · καταβαίνωmain verb (Israel sinks)→ predictive future (Israel's descent)καταβαίνω: 'go down / descend / sink'; renders יָרַד; Israel sinks ever lower — the inverse of v. 13.
κάτωloweradverb of place (intensified by repetition)→ clausal contributionκάτω: 'down / below'; the doubled κάτω κάτω renders the Hebrew emphatic מַטָּה מָּטָּה ('lower and lower').
κάτωloweradverb of place (emphatic repetition)→ clausal contributionκάτω: the repetition intensifies — Israel sinks ever lower.
44
οὗτος δανιεῖ σοι σὺ δὲ τούτῳ οὐ δανιεῖς οὗτος ἔσται κεφαλή σὺ δὲ ἔσῃ οὐρά
He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, but you shall be the tail.
The precise inversion of the blessing-climax (vv. 12–13): there Israel lent and did not borrow, was head and not tail; now the alien lends to Israel, and the alien is the head while Israel is the tail. The two clauses mirror the two blessings exactly, sealing the reversal of the whole blessing-order.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὗτοςheNominativesubject (the alien of v. 43)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this one / he' — the resident alien now dominant.
δανιεῖshall lendFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δανείζωmain verb (the alien as creditor)→ predictive future (the alien lends)δανείζω: 'lend'; renders לָוָה (Hiphil); the alien becomes Israel's creditor — the inverse of v. 12.
σοιto youDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject (antithesis)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you'.
δὲbutadversative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: adversative.
τούτῳto himDativedative indirect object (fronted)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος (dat.): 'to him' — the alien; the fronting emphasizes the contrast.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δανιεῖςyou shall lendFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δανείζωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (Israel never the creditor)δανείζω: 'lend'; Israel will not lend to the alien — the inverse of v. 12's economic supremacy.
οὗτοςheNominativesubject→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'he' — the alien, now the head.
ἔσταιshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of status)→ predictive future (the alien's headship)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; 'he shall be the head'.
κεφαλήheadNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceκεφαλή: 'head'; renders רֹאשׁ; the alien is now the head — the inverse of v. 13.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject (antithesis)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you'.
δὲbutadversative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: adversative.
ἔσῃyou shall beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of status)→ predictive future (Israel's subordination)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; 'you shall be the tail'.
οὐράtailNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceοὐρά: 'tail'; renders זָנָב; Israel reduced to the tail — the exact inverse of v. 13.
45
καὶ ἐλεύσονται ἐπὶ σὲ πᾶσαι αἱ κατάραι αὗται καὶ καταδιώξονταί σε καὶ καταλήμψονταί σε ἕως ἂν ἐξολεθρεύσῃ σε καὶ ἕως ἂν ἀπολέσῃ σε ὅτι οὐκ εἰσήκουσας τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ σου φυλάξαι τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ δικαιώματα αὐτοῦ ὅσα ἐνετείλατό σοι
And all these curses shall come upon you and pursue you and overtake you, until he utterly destroys you and until he makes you perish, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his ordinances which he commanded you.
A summarizing recapitulation that gathers up the curse-catalogue (echoing v. 15) and explicitly states the cause: disobedience to the voice of YHWH. The curses 'come, pursue, and overtake' (ἐλεύσονται, καταδιώξονται, καταλήμψονται) — three verbs of relentless pursuit — to total destruction. This verse opens the section culminating in the eagle-nation and the siege.
Word-by-word analysis· 43 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλεύσονταιshall comeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιmain verb (curses personified)→ predictive future (the curses' arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the curses 'come upon' Israel (cf. v. 15).
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjective (with κατάραι)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole catalogue of curses.
αἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατάραιcursesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκατάρα: 'curse'; renders קְלָלָה; the recapitulating reference to the whole curse-list.
αὗταιtheseNominativedemonstrative (with κατάραι)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; deictic.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταδιώξονταίshall pursueFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · καταδιώκωmain verb (the curses as pursuers)→ predictive future (relentless pursuit)καταδιώκω: 'pursue closely'; renders רָדַף; the curses hunt Israel down (cf. v. 22).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταλήμψονταίshall overtakeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · καταλαμβάνωmain verb (the curses overtake)→ predictive future (the curses overtake)καταλαμβάνω: 'seize / overtake'; renders נָשַׂג; the curses overtake Israel (cf. v. 15) — the dark mirror of the blessings 'finding' Israel (v. 2).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the doubled 'until' clauses again (cf. vv. 20, 24).
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξολεθρεύσῃhe utterly destroysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐξολεθρεύωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (total destruction)ἐξολεθρεύω: 'utterly destroy'; the leitmotif verb of annihilation (cf. v. 20).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: the second 'until' clause.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπολέσῃhe makes perishAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀπόλλυμιverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (ruin as terminus)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy / ruin'; paired with ἐξολεθρεύω for finality.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the cause of the curses.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσήκουσαςyou obeyedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · εἰσακούωverb of causal clause→ constative aorist (the failure to obey)εἰσακούω: 'heed / obey'; renders שָׁמַע; the disobedience that triggers the curses.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of εἰσήκουσας→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; the covenant idiom for the LORD's commandments.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
φυλάξαιto keepAor Act Inf · φυλάσσωepexegetic infinitive (explaining the obedience refused)→ aorist infinitive (the observance not rendered)φυλάσσω: 'keep / observe'; renders שָׁמַר; the keeping of the commandments which Israel refused.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐντολὰςcommandmentsAccusativeobject of φυλάξαι→ object specificationἐντολή: 'commandment'; renders מִצְוָה.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δικαιώματαordinancesAccusativeobject of φυλάξαι (coordinate)→ object specificationδικαίωμα: 'statute / ordinance / requirement'; renders חֻקָּה/מִשְׁפָּט; the legal decrees of the covenant.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὅσαwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐνετείλατο)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as many as / which'; relative quantitative.
ἐνετείλατόhe commandedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of relative clause→ constative aorist (the giving of the commandments)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command'; renders צִוָּה; the commandments YHWH gave.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
46
καὶ ἔσται ἐν σοὶ σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα καὶ ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος
And they shall be among you a sign and a wonder, and among your seed forever.
The curses themselves become σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα ('signs and wonders') — a bitter inversion of the σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα of the Exodus (cf. Deut 6:22), which there displayed YHWH's saving power against Egypt but here display his judgment upon his own people, ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος ('forever') upon the seed.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (predicate of state)→ predictive future (the abiding sign)εἰμί (fut.): 'be'; the singular verb with the neuter plural subject (σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα), normal Greek concord.
ἐνamong / onpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): 'among/on you'.
σημεῖαsignsNominativesubject (predicate)→ participant prominenceσημεῖον: 'sign'; renders אוֹת; here the curses are a 'sign' — a bitter inversion of the Exodus signs (Deut 6:22).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τέραταwondersNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceτέρας: 'wonder / portent / marvel'; renders מוֹפֵת; the curses as a portent — the Exodus phrase σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα turned against Israel.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρματίseedDativeobject of ἐν→ sphere or referenceσπέρμα: 'seed / offspring'; renders זֶרַע; the curses extend to the descendants.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕωςto / untilpreposition + genitive (temporal extent)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος = 'forever'.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶνοςage / foreverGenitivegenitive of time (with ἕως)→ relational specificationαἰών: 'age / eternity'; renders עוֹלָם; ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος = 'forever' — the perpetuity of the sign upon the seed.
47
ἀνθ᾿ ὧν οὐκ ἐλάτρευσας κυρίῳ τῷ θεῷ σου ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καὶ ἀγαθῇ καρδίᾳ διὰ τὸ πλῆθος πάντων
Because you did not serve the LORD your God with gladness and a good heart, on account of the abundance of all things.
A profound theological turn: the root sin is not mere disobedience but the failure to serve YHWH ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καὶ ἀγαθῇ καρδίᾳ ('with gladness and a good heart') in the midst of abundance — ingratitude amid plenty. The verse sets up the lex talionis of v. 48: ungrateful non-service of YHWH becomes enforced service of enemies.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἀνθ᾿becausepreposition + genitive (cause: ἀνθ᾿ ὧν = 'because')→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of / in return for'; the idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ('in return for which / because') renders תַּחַת אֲשֶׁר ('because').
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (with ἀντί: causal)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive plural in the causal idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλάτρευσαςyou servedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · λατρεύωverb of causal clause→ constative aorist (the failure to serve)λατρεύω: 'serve / worship'; renders עָבַד; the failure to serve YHWH joyfully — the deeper root of the curse.
κυρίῳthe LORDDativedative object of ἐλάτρευσας→ sphere or referenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; λατρεύω takes the dative of the one served.
τῷtheDativearticle→ 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.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (manner).
εὐφροσύνῃgladnessDativedative of manner→ sphere or referenceεὐφροσύνη: 'gladness / joy / good cheer'; renders שִׂמְחָה; the joyful disposition that should mark covenant service (cf. v. 39's denied gladness).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀγαθῇgoodDativeattributive adjective (with καρδίᾳ)→ sphere or referenceἀγαθός: 'good'; renders טוֹב; a 'good heart' = wholehearted, glad devotion.
καρδίᾳheartDativedative of manner→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵבָב; the seat of disposition — service was to flow from a glad heart.
διὰon account ofpreposition + accusative (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + acc.: 'on account of / because of'.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλῆθοςabundanceAccusativeobject of διά (cause)→ object specificationπλῆθος: 'multitude / abundance'; renders רֹב; 'the abundance of all things' — the very plenty that should have prompted grateful joy became the occasion of complacent ingratitude.
πάντωνof all thingsGenitivepartitive genitive (with πλῆθος)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of the blessings enjoyed yet unacknowledged.
48
καὶ λατρεύσεις τοῖς ἐχθροῖς σου οὓς ἐπαποστελεῖ κύριος ἐπὶ σέ ἐν λιμῷ καὶ ἐν δίψει καὶ ἐν γυμνότητι καὶ ἐν ἐκλείψει πάντων καὶ ἐπιθήσει κλοιὸν σιδηροῦν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλόν σου ἕως ἂν ἐξολεθρεύσῃ σε
And you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD shall send against you, in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in lack of all things; and he shall put an iron collar upon your neck until he utterly destroys you.
The poetic justice of v. 47: because Israel would not serve (λατρεύω) YHWH in glad abundance, she will serve (λατρεύω) her enemies in hunger, thirst, nakedness, and want — the deprivation of 'all things' answering the 'abundance of all things' (v. 47). The κλοιὸς σιδηροῦς ('iron collar/yoke') is the image of total subjugation, picked up by Jeremiah (Jer 28:13–14).
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λατρεύσειςyou shall serveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · λατρεύωmain verb (enforced service)→ predictive future (the enforced servitude)λατρεύω: 'serve'; the same verb as v. 47 — the ungrateful non-service of YHWH becomes enforced service of enemies (lex talionis).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθροῖςenemiesDativedative object of λατρεύσεις→ sphere or referenceἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the foes Israel is forced to serve.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐπαποστελεῖ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, masculine accusative plural agreeing with ἐχθροῖς.
ἐπαποστελεῖshall send againstFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπαποστέλλωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the sending of the enemy)ἐπαποστέλλω: 'send against / send upon'; the double compound (ἐπ-απο-) marks hostile dispatch — YHWH sends the enemy against Israel.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'against'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (hostile direction).
σέyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
λιμῷhungerDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceλιμός: 'hunger / famine'; renders רָעָב; the first of the four deprivations of the servitude.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
δίψειthirstDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceδίψος: 'thirst'; renders צָמָא; the second deprivation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
γυμνότητιnakednessDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceγυμνότης: 'nakedness'; renders עֵירֹם; the third deprivation — utter destitution.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
ἐκλείψειlackDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceἔκλειψις: 'failing / lack / want'; renders חֹסֶר; ἐν ἐκλείψει πάντων ('in want of all things') answers διὰ τὸ πλῆθος πάντων ('amid the abundance of all things', v. 47).
πάντωνof all thingsGenitiveobjective genitive (with ἐκλείψει)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; total want — the deliberate echo and inversion of v. 47's 'abundance of all things'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπιθήσειshall putFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιτίθημιmain verb (the imposition of the yoke)→ predictive future (the yoking)ἐπιτίθημι: 'put upon / lay on / impose'; renders נָתַן; the enemy imposes the iron yoke.
κλοιὸνcollarAccusativedirect object of ἐπιθήσει→ object specificationκλοιός: 'collar / yoke (for the neck)'; renders עֹל ('yoke'); the iron collar of total subjugation (cf. Jer 28:13–14).
σιδηροῦνironAccusativeattributive adjective (with κλοιόν)→ object specificationσιδηροῦς: 'of iron'; renders בַּרְזֶל; the iron yoke — unbreakable bondage (recalling the iron earth of v. 23).
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (location).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τράχηλόνneckAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ object specificationτράχηλος: 'neck'; renders צַוָּאר; the neck under the yoke — the posture of the conquered.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the yoke remains until destruction.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξολεθρεύσῃhe utterly destroysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐξολεθρεύωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (total destruction)ἐξολεθρεύω: 'utterly destroy'; the leitmotif verb of annihilation.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
49
ἐπάξει κύριος ἐπὶ σὲ ἔθνος μακρόθεν ἀπ᾿ ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς ὡσεὶ ὅρμημα ἀετοῦ ἔθνος ὃ οὐκ ἀκούσῃ τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ
The LORD shall bring upon you a nation from afar, from the end of the earth, like the swoop of an eagle, a nation whose language you shall not understand.
The great invasion-curse: YHWH brings a nation 'from the end of the earth', swooping ὡσεὶ ὅρμημα ἀετοῦ ('like the rush of an eagle') — the eagle-simile of the conqueror (cf. Jer 48:40; 49:22; Hab 1:8), applied in Israel's memory to Assyria and Babylon. The unintelligible language (φωνῆς αὐτοῦ) marks the utter alienness of the conqueror (cf. Isa 28:11; 33:19).
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἐπάξειshall bring uponFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπάγωmain verb (YHWH brings the invader)→ predictive future (the bringing of the nation)ἐπάγω: 'bring upon / lead against'; renders נָשָׂא ('lift/bring'); the compound ἐπ- marks hostile imposition — YHWH himself summons the invader.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; YHWH is sovereign even over the pagan conqueror.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (hostile direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (hostile direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
ἔθνοςa nationAccusativedirect object of ἐπάξει→ object specificationἔθνος: 'nation'; renders גּוֹי; the distant invading people.
μακρόθενfrom afaradverb of place (source)→ clausal contributionμακρόθεν: 'from afar / from a distance'; renders מֵרָחוֹק; the remoteness underscores the strangeness and terror of the invader.
ἀπ᾿frompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἀπ᾿: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
ἐσχάτουthe endGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationἔσχατος: 'last / farthest / extreme'; substantival 'the extremity'; renders קָצֶה; 'from the end of the earth' — the farthest horizon.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive (with ἐσχάτου)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'; 'the end of the earth'.
ὡσεὶlikecomparative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastὡσεί: 'like / as'; introduces the eagle-simile.
ὅρμημαswoopAccusativeaccusative of comparison (the manner of attack)→ object specificationὅρμημα: 'onset / rush / violent impulse'; renders דָּאָה ('swoop / dart down'); the sudden plummeting attack of a bird of prey.
ἀετοῦof an eagleGenitivegenitive (with ὅρμημα)→ relational specificationἀετός: 'eagle / vulture'; renders נֶשֶׁר; the eagle as the standard image of the swift, irresistible conqueror (cf. Jer 48:40; Hab 1:8).
ἔθνοςa nationAccusativeaccusative in apposition (resumptive)→ object specificationἔθνος: the resumptive repetition introduces the further description — the unintelligible language.
ὃwhoseAccusativerelative pronoun (loose accusative of respect)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter; 'a nation whose voice…' — a loose construction with the genitive φωνῆς following.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀκούσῃyou shall understandFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἀκούωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the incomprehension)ἀκούω: 'hear / understand'; here 'understand (a language)'; renders שָׁמַע (in the sense of comprehending speech); the alien tongue is unintelligible (cf. Isa 33:19).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςlanguageGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούσῃ→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / sound / language'; renders לָשׁוֹן ('tongue/language'); the strange speech of the conqueror.
αὐτοῦitsGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its' — the nation's.
50
ἔθνος ἀναιδὲς προσώπῳ ὅστις οὐ θαυμάσει πρόσωπον πρεσβύτου καὶ νέον οὐκ ἐλεήσει
A nation shameless of face, who shall not respect the person of an old man nor pity the young.
The invader described in its pitilessness: ἀναιδὲς προσώπῳ ('fierce / shameless of face'), showing no deference to the aged (πρεσβύτης) and no mercy to the young (νέον). The merism old/young = sparing no one; the brutality of total war.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἔθνοςa nationAccusativeaccusative in apposition (to ἔθνος of v. 49)→ object specificationἔθνος: 'nation'; the continuing description of the eagle-nation.
ἀναιδὲςshamelessAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἔθνος)→ object specificationἀναιδής: 'shameless / impudent / fierce'; renders עַז ('fierce / strong'); ἀναιδὲς προσώπῳ ('hard of face') = ruthless, brazen.
προσώπῳof faceDativedative of respect (with ἀναιδές)→ sphere or referenceπρόσωπον: 'face'; dative of respect — 'fierce in countenance'; renders פָּנִים.
ὅστιςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of θαυμάσει)→ participant referenceὅστις: 'who / whoever'; the generic relative introducing the nation's character.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θαυμάσειshall respectFut Act Indic 3 Sg · θαυμάζωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the lack of deference)θαυμάζω: 'wonder at / admire / show regard'; the idiom θαυμάζειν πρόσωπον ('show partiality / respect the person') renders נָשָׂא פָנִים ('lift the face'); the invader shows no deference to age.
πρόσωπονthe personAccusativedirect object of θαυμάσει (idiom: 'respect the person')→ object specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / person'; in the idiom θαυμάζειν πρόσωπον = 'show partiality / respect'.
πρεσβύτουof an old manGenitivegenitive (whose person is not respected)→ relational specificationπρεσβύτης: 'old man / elder'; renders זָקֵן; the aged, normally honored, here shown no respect.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νέονthe youngAccusativedirect object of ἐλεήσει (substantival)→ object specificationνέος: 'young / youth'; renders נַעַר; the young, normally pitied, here shown no mercy — the old/young merism = no one spared.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλεήσειshall pityFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐλεέωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the lack of mercy)ἐλεέω: 'have mercy / pity'; renders חָנַן; the invader pities neither old nor young.
51
καὶ κατέδεται τὰ ἔκγονα τῶν κτηνῶν σου καὶ τὰ γενήματα τῆς γῆς σου ὥστε μὴ καταλιπεῖν σοι σῖτον οἶνον ἔλαιον τὰ βουκόλια τῶν βοῶν σου καὶ τὰ ποίμνια τῶν προβάτων σου ἕως ἂν ἀπολέσῃ σε
And it shall devour the offspring of your cattle and the produce of your land, so as to leave you no grain, wine, oil, the herds of your oxen, or the flocks of your sheep, until it destroys you.
The invader consumes all the goods of the land — livestock-young, crops, grain, wine, oil, herds, flocks — leaving nothing (ὥστε μὴ καταλιπεῖν), a comprehensive plunder that strips Israel bare. The triad σῖτον οἶνον ἔλαιον ('grain, wine, oil') is the standard summary of the land's staples (Deut 7:13; 11:14).
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατέδεταιshall devourFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεσθίωmain verb (the nation devours)→ predictive future (total consumption)κατεσθίω: 'devour / eat up'; renders אָכַל; the invader consumes the land's whole produce.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔκγοναoffspringAccusativedirect object→ object specificationἔκγονον: 'offspring'; here the young of the livestock.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτηνῶνcattleGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκτῆνος: 'beast / livestock'; renders בְּהֵמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενήματαproduceAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationγένημα: 'produce / fruit'; the crops of the land.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; renders אֲדָמָה.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὥστεso asresult conjunction (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastὥστε: 'so as / with the result that'; introduces the result — nothing left.
μὴnotnegative particle (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταλιπεῖνto leaveAor Act Inf · καταλείπωinfinitive of result→ aorist infinitive (the leaving of nothing)καταλείπω: 'leave behind / leave remaining'; renders שָׁאַר (Hiphil); the invader leaves Israel nothing.
σοιyouDativedative of disadvantage→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative of disadvantage.
σῖτονgrainAccusativedirect object of καταλιπεῖν→ object specificationσῖτος: 'grain / wheat'; renders דָּגָן; first of the staple triad.
οἶνονwineAccusativedirect object (asyndeton)→ object specificationοἶνος: 'wine'; renders תִּירוֹשׁ; second of the staple triad.
ἔλαιονoilAccusativedirect object (asyndeton)→ object specificationἔλαιον: 'olive oil'; renders יִצְהָר; third of the staple triad (grain, wine, oil — Deut 7:13).
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βουκόλιαherdsAccusativedirect object→ object specificationβουκόλιον: 'herd of cattle'; the cattle-herds plundered.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βοῶνoxenGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationβοῦς: 'ox'; renders בָּקָר.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποίμνιαflocksAccusativedirect object→ object specificationποίμνιον: 'flock'; the sheep-flocks plundered.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προβάτωνsheepGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationπρόβατον: 'sheep'; renders צֹאן.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the plunder runs to Israel's destruction.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπολέσῃit destroysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀπόλλυμιverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (destruction as terminus)ἀπόλλυμι: 'destroy / ruin'; the invader strips and destroys.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
52
καὶ ἐκτρίψῃ σε ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσίν σου ἕως ἂν καθαιρεθῶσιν τὰ τείχη σου τὰ ὑψηλὰ καὶ τὰ ὀχυρά ἐφ᾿ οἷς σὺ πέποιθας ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ σου καὶ θλίψει σε ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσίν σου αἷς ἔδωκέν σοι κύριος ὁ θεός σου
And it shall crush you in all your cities, until your high and strong walls in which you trusted are thrown down throughout all your land; and it shall afflict you in all your cities which the LORD your God gave you.
The invasion becomes a siege: the eagle-nation presses Israel in every city until even the high, fortified walls in which she trusted are torn down. The phrase ἐφ᾿ οἷς σὺ πέποιθας ('in which you trusted') indicts misplaced security in fortifications rather than YHWH. This siege-frame sets up the cannibalism-horror of vv. 53–57.
Word-by-word analysis· 45 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκτρίψῃit shall crushAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐκτρίβωmain verb (continuing the curse, subjunctive of future force)→ constative aorist subjunctive (the crushing siege)ἐκτρίβω: 'rub out / wear down / crush'; renders צָרַר (Hiphil, 'besiege / press hard'); the invader grinds Israel down in her cities.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πάσαιςallDativeattributive adjective (with πόλεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; every city besieged.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεσίνcitiesDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city'; renders עִיר; the fortified cities under siege.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the siege runs until the walls fall.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καθαιρεθῶσινare thrown downAor Pass Subj 3 Pl · καθαιρέωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist passive subjunctive (the demolition)καθαιρέω: 'take down / demolish / tear down'; renders יָרַד (Hiphil, 'bring down'); the walls demolished.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τείχηwallsNominativesubject of καθαιρεθῶσιν→ participant prominenceτεῖχος: 'wall / city-wall'; renders חוֹמָה; the defensive walls, now demolished.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὰtheNominativearticle (attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὑψηλὰhighNominativeattributive adjective (with τείχη)→ participant prominenceὑψηλός: 'high / lofty'; renders גָּבֹהַּ; the high walls — symbol of security, now breached.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle (attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀχυράstrongNominativeattributive adjective (with τείχη)→ participant prominenceὀχυρός: 'fortified / strong'; renders בְּצוּרָה; the fortified walls Israel trusted in.
ἐφ᾿inpreposition + dative (object of trust)→ spatial or relational framingἐφ᾿: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (object of trust).
οἷςwhichDativerelative pronoun (object of πέποιθας)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative, dative plural; the walls in which Israel trusted.
σὺyouNominativeemphatic subject→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you' — the misplaced trust is Israel's own.
πέποιθαςyou have trustedPerf Act Indic 2 Sg · πείθωverb of relative clause→ perfect (settled reliance: 'you have put — and kept — your trust')πείθω (perf. πέποιθα): 'trust / rely on / be confident'; renders בָּטַח; the perfect denotes settled reliance — Israel trusted the walls rather than YHWH (cf. Jer 5:17).
ἐπ᾿inpreposition + dative (resumptive, Hebraizing)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί: the resumptive ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῖς after the relative οἷς is a Hebraism (pleonastic resumption).
αὐτοῖςthemDativeresumptive pronoun (Hebraism, with πέποιθας)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: resumptive 'them' — redundant after οἷς, a calque of the Hebrew resumptive pronoun.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjective (with γῇ)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; throughout the whole land.
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῇlandDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land'; the whole land overrun by the siege.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θλίψειshall afflictFut Act Indic 3 Sg · θλίβωmain verb (the besieging affliction)→ predictive future (the affliction of the siege)θλίβω: 'press / afflict / oppress'; renders צוּר/צָרַר ('besiege'); the siege-pressure that drives Israel to the horrors of vv. 53–57; cognate with θλῖψις ('tribulation').
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πάσαιςallDativeattributive adjective (with πόλεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; every city afflicted.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεσίνcitiesDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city'; the cities under siege.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
αἷςwhichDativerelative pronoun (object of ἔδωκεν, dat. by attraction)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative, dative by attraction to πόλεσιν.
ἔδωκένgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιverb of relative clause→ constative aorist (the land-gift)δίδωμι: 'give'; the bitter irony — the very cities YHWH gave as gift become the scenes of the siege.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἔδωκεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
53
καὶ φάγῃ τὰ ἔκγονα τῆς κοιλίας σου κρέα υἱῶν σου καὶ θυγατέρων σου ὅσα ἔδωκέν σοι κύριος ὁ θεός σου ἐν τῇ στενοχωρίᾳ σου καὶ ἐν τῇ θλίψει σου ᾗ θλίψει σε ὁ ἐχθρός σου
And you shall eat the offspring of your womb, the flesh of your sons and your daughters, which the LORD your God gave you, in your distress and in your affliction with which your enemy shall afflict you.
The gravest and most harrowing of all covenant-curses: in the extremity of the siege Israel eats τὰ ἔκγονα τῆς κοιλίας — 'the offspring of the womb', explicitly κρέα υἱῶν καὶ θυγατέρων ('the flesh of sons and daughters'). The terrible irony: the children 'which the LORD your God gave you' (the fertility-blessing of v. 4) are consumed. This horror is recorded as fulfilled in the siege of Samaria (2 Kgs 6:28–29) and Jerusalem (Lam 2:20; 4:10), and was tragically realized again in 70 AD. To be annotated soberly as the ultimate covenant sanction.
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φάγῃyou shall eatFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐσθίωmain verb (the cannibalism)→ predictive future (the horror of the siege)ἐσθίω (fut. φάγομαι): 'eat'; renders אָכַל; the unthinkable — eating one's own children, the lowest depth of the siege's extremity.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔκγοναoffspringAccusativedirect object of φάγῃ→ object specificationἔκγονον: 'offspring'; renders פְּרִי ('fruit'); 'the offspring of your womb' — the very children of the fertility-blessing (v. 4), now consumed.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κοιλίαςwombGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκοιλία: 'womb'; renders בֶּטֶן; the deliberate echo of v. 4 makes the horror a direct undoing of the blessing.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
κρέαfleshAccusativeaccusative in apposition (to ἔκγονα)→ object specificationκρέας: 'flesh / meat'; renders בָּשָׂר; the stark apposition spells out what 'the offspring of the womb' means here — the flesh of sons and daughters.
υἱῶνof sonsGenitivegenitive (of the flesh)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θυγατέρωνof daughtersGenitivegenitive (of the flesh)→ relational specificationθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; renders בַּת.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὅσαwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔδωκεν)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as many as / which'; relative quantitative, neuter plural agreeing with ἔκγονα.
ἔδωκένgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιverb of relative clause→ constative aorist (the gift of the children)δίδωμι: 'give'; the bitter irony — the children YHWH gave as blessing are devoured (cf. v. 11).
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἔδωκεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στενοχωρίᾳdistressDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceστενοχωρία: 'narrowness / distress / anguish' (lit. 'a tight place'); renders מָצוֹר/מָצוֹק ('siege / straits'); the crushing pressure of the siege; Paul uses the word for affliction (Rom 2:9; 8:35).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θλίψειafflictionDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceθλῖψις: 'pressure / affliction / tribulation'; renders מָצוֹק; the affliction of the siege (cf. θλίβω, v. 52); a key NT word for tribulation.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ᾗwith whichDativerelative pronoun (cognate dative with θλίψει)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative, dative; the cognate construction ᾗ θλίψει ('with which he shall afflict') is a Hebraism intensifying the affliction.
θλίψειshall afflictFut Act Indic 3 Sg · θλίβωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the enemy's affliction)θλίβω: 'press / afflict'; renders צוּק (Hiphil); the enemy's siege-affliction.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθρόςenemyNominativesubject of θλίψει→ participant prominenceἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the besieging foe.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
54
ὁ ἁπαλὸς ἐν σοὶ καὶ ὁ τρυφερὸς σφόδρα βασκανεῖ τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα τὴν ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ καταλελειμμένα τέκνα ἃ ἂν καταλειφθῇ
The tender man among you and the very delicate one shall begrudge with his eye his brother and the wife in his bosom and the remaining children who are left,
The depravity of the famine deepens: even the most refined and gentle man (ὁ ἁπαλὸς … ὁ τρυφερὸς σφόδρα), normally tender-hearted, will look with grudging, evil eye (βασκανεῖ τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ) upon his own brother, wife, and surviving children — unwilling to share the dreadful 'food' of v. 55. The reversal of natural affection is itself part of the curse's horror.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁπαλὸςtenderNominativesubstantival adjective (subject)→ participant prominenceἁπαλός: 'soft / tender / delicate'; renders רַךְ; the gentle, refined man — whose tenderness makes his coming brutality the more shocking.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): 'among you'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τρυφερὸςdelicateNominativesubstantival adjective (subject, coordinate)→ participant prominenceτρυφερός: 'delicate / luxurious / dainty'; renders עָנֹג; the man accustomed to luxury and ease.
σφόδραveryadverb of degree (intensifying τρυφερός)→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'exceedingly / very'; renders מְאֹד; intensifies the refinement, sharpening the contrast with his cruelty.
βασκανεῖshall begrudgeFut Act Indic 3 Sg · βασκαίνωmain verb (the grudging look)→ predictive future (the grudging of the flesh)βασκαίνω: 'look with the evil eye / envy / grudge'; the idiom βασκαίνειν τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ ('grudge with the eye') renders רָעַע עֵין ('the eye is evil toward'); he grudges the flesh even to his nearest (cf. Gal 3:1 for βασκαίνω of malevolent influence).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμῷeyeDativedative of instrument (the grudging eye)→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the 'evil eye' of grudging — the seat of envy and unwillingness to share.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφὸνbrotherAccusativedirect object of βασκανεῖ (the one grudged)→ object specificationἀδελφός: 'brother'; renders אָח; even his own brother he will not share with.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γυναῖκαwifeAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationγυνή: 'wife'; renders אִשָּׁה; the wife of his bosom, normally most cherished.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with ἐν-phrase)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόλπῳbosomDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceκόλπος: 'bosom / lap'; renders חֵיק; 'the wife of his bosom' = the most intimately beloved (cf. Deut 13:6).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καταλελειμμέναremainingPerf Pass Ptcp Acc Neut Pl · καταλείπωattributive participle (with τέκνα)→ perfect passive participle (the children still surviving)καταλείπω: 'leave behind / leave remaining'; the perfect participle — the children who yet survive the famine.
τέκναchildrenAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationτέκνον: 'child'; renders בָּנִים; the surviving children, also grudged.
ἃwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of καταλειφθῇ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter plural agreeing with τέκνα.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: marks the indefinite relative clause.
καταλειφθῇmay be leftAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · καταλείπωverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist passive subjunctive (whichever survive)καταλείπω: 'leave remaining'; the passive — 'whichever children are left alive'; the singular verb with neuter plural subject is regular Greek.
55
ὥστε δοῦναι ἑνὶ αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῶν σαρκῶν τῶν τέκνων αὐτοῦ ὧν ἂν κατέσθῃ διὰ τὸ μὴ καταλειφθῆναι αὐτῷ μηθὲν ἐν τῇ στενοχωρίᾳ σου καὶ ἐν τῇ θλίψει σου ᾗ ἂν θλίψωσίν σε οἱ ἐχθροί σου ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσίν σου
so that he will not give to one of them any of the flesh of his children which he devours, because nothing is left to him, in your distress and in your affliction with which your enemies shall afflict you in all your cities.
The result-clause spells out the grudging of v. 54: so depraved is the famine that he will not give even one of his kin a portion of the flesh of his own children which he devours, because nothing else remains (διὰ τὸ μὴ καταλειφθῆναι … μηθέν). The siege-distress refrain (στενοχωρία … θλῖψις) is repeated from v. 53.
Word-by-word analysis· 40 words
ὥστεso thatresult conjunction (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastὥστε: 'so that / with the result that'; introduces the result of the grudging.
δοῦναιto giveAor Act Inf · δίδωμιinfinitive of result (with implied negation from context)→ aorist infinitive (the refusal to share)δίδωμι: 'give'; here in the sense 'so as not to give' (the grudging of v. 54 carries the negation) — he will not share the flesh.
ἑνὶto oneDativedative indirect object (numeral)→ sphere or referenceεἷς: 'one'; 'to one of them' — not even to a single kinsman.
αὐτῶνof themGenitivepartitive genitive (of the brother/wife/children)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'them' — the brother, wife, and children of v. 54.
ἀπὸof / frompreposition + genitive (partitive)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (partitive).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σαρκῶνfleshGenitivepartitive genitive (object of δοῦναι)→ relational specificationσάρξ: 'flesh'; renders בָּשָׂר; the flesh of his own children, which he will not even share.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τέκνωνchildrenGenitivegenitive (whose flesh)→ relational specificationτέκνον: 'child'; the man's own children, devoured.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of κατέσθῃ, gen. by attraction)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive by attraction to σαρκῶν/τέκνων.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: marks the indefinite relative.
κατέσθῃhe devoursPres Act Subj 3 Sg · κατεσθίωverb of indefinite relative clause→ present subjunctive (the ongoing devouring)κατεσθίω (κατέσθω): 'devour / eat up'; renders אָכַל; the flesh he himself is consuming.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative articular infinitive (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ τό + inf.: 'because' — a causal articular-infinitive construction.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with infinitive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μὴnotnegative particle (with infinitive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταλειφθῆναιto be leftAor Pass Inf · καταλείπωarticular infinitive (causal)→ aorist passive infinitive (the having-nothing-left)καταλείπω: 'leave remaining'; 'because nothing is left to him' — the cause of his grudging is utter destitution.
αὐτῷto himDativedative of possession (with the infinitive)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'to him' — nothing remains to him.
μηθὲνnothingAccusativesubject of the infinitive (accusative: 'nothing')→ object specificationμηθείς (= μηδείς): 'nothing / no one'; the Hellenistic form with -θ-; 'nothing at all is left him'.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στενοχωρίᾳdistressDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceστενοχωρία: 'distress / siege-straits'; the repeated siege-refrain (cf. v. 53).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θλίψειafflictionDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceθλῖψις: 'affliction / tribulation'; the siege-affliction (cf. v. 53).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ᾗwith whichDativerelative pronoun (cognate dative with θλίψωσιν)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative, dative; the cognate construction ᾗ … θλίψωσιν, a Hebraism.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: with the subjunctive in the relative clause.
θλίψωσίνshall afflictAor Act Subj 3 Pl · θλίβωverb of relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (the enemies' affliction)θλίβω: 'press / afflict'; the enemies' siege-affliction (note plural here vs. singular ἐχθρός in v. 53).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθροίenemiesNominativesubject of θλίψωσιν→ participant prominenceἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the besieging foes.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πάσαιςallDativeattributive adjective (with πόλεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; every besieged city.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεσίνcitiesDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city'; the cities under siege.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
56
καὶ ἡ ἁπαλὴ ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ ἡ τρυφερὰ σφόδρα ἧς οὐχὶ πεῖραν ἔλαβεν ὁ ποὺς αὐτῆς βαίνειν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς διὰ τὴν τρυφερότητα καὶ διὰ τὴν ἁπαλότητα βασκανεῖ τῷ ὀφθαλμῷ αὐτῆς τὸν ἄνδρα αὐτῆς τὸν ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ αὐτῆς καὶ τὸν υἱὸν καὶ τὴν θυγατέρα αὐτῆς
And the tender and very delicate woman among you, whose foot has not ventured to walk upon the ground because of her delicacy and tenderness, shall begrudge with her eye her husband in her bosom, and her son and her daughter,
The parallel to vv. 54–55, now of the gentlewoman so delicate she would not set her foot to the ground — yet she too, in the famine, will grudge to her own husband, son, and daughter the flesh of her newborn (v. 57). The extremity is measured by the refinement undone: the most pampered becomes the most monstrous. The verse runs on into v. 57.
Word-by-word analysis· 46 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁπαλὴtenderNominativesubstantival adjective (subject, feminine)→ participant prominenceἁπαλός: 'soft / tender / delicate'; renders רַךְ; the gentle, refined woman — the feminine counterpart of v. 54.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν (note plural)→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat. pl.): 'among you' — the address shifts to plural.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τρυφερὰdelicateNominativesubstantival adjective (subject, coordinate)→ participant prominenceτρυφερός: 'delicate / luxurious / dainty'; renders עָנֹג; the woman of luxury and ease.
σφόδραveryadverb of degree→ clausal contributionσφόδρα: 'exceedingly / very'; renders מֵהִתְעַנֵּג; intensifies her refinement.
ἧςwhoseGenitiverelative pronoun (possessive: 'whose foot')→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive feminine; 'whose foot…'.
οὐχὶnotemphatic negative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχί: emphatic 'not'; strengthens the negation — she would by no means set foot on the ground.
πεῖρανattemptAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν (idiom: 'made trial')→ object specificationπεῖρα: 'trial / attempt / experience'; the idiom πεῖραν λαμβάνειν ('make trial / venture') renders נִסְּתָה ('she ventured / tried'); her foot never even ventured to touch the ground.
ἔλαβενtook / venturedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωverb of relative clause (idiom with πεῖραν)→ constative aorist (the never-venturing)λαμβάνω: 'take'; in the idiom πεῖραν λαμβάνειν = 'attempt / try'; her foot never tried to walk on the bare earth (cf. Heb 11:29, 36 for the same idiom).
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποὺςfootNominativesubject of ἔλαβεν→ participant prominenceπούς: 'foot'; renders רֶגֶל; the foot too delicate ever to touch the ground.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
βαίνεινto walkPres Act Inf · βαίνωcomplementary infinitive (with πεῖραν ἔλαβεν)→ present infinitive (the act of treading)βαίνω: 'walk / step / go'; the act of setting foot on the ground that she never attempted.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (location).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςgroundGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth / ground'; the bare ground her foot never touched.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + acc.: 'because of'.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τρυφερότηταdelicacyAccusativeobject of διά (cause)→ object specificationτρυφερότης: 'delicacy / daintiness / luxuriousness'; renders רֹךְ/עֹנֶג; the cause of her never walking — her pampered softness.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'because of'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (cause).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁπαλότηταtendernessAccusativeobject of διά (cause)→ object specificationἁπαλότης: 'softness / tenderness / delicacy'; the paired cause with τρυφερότης — her extreme refinement, now to be undone by the horror.
βασκανεῖshall begrudgeFut Act Indic 3 Sg · βασκαίνωmain verb (the grudging look)→ predictive future (the grudging of the flesh)βασκαίνω: 'grudge / look with the evil eye'; the same verb as v. 54 — even she grudges the dreadful 'food' to her own family.
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμῷeyeDativedative of instrument→ sphere or referenceὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the grudging 'evil eye' (cf. v. 54).
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄνδραhusbandAccusativedirect object of βασκανεῖ→ object specificationἀνήρ: 'man / husband'; renders אִישׁ; even her own husband she grudges.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with ἐν-phrase)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόλπῳbosomDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceκόλπος: 'bosom'; renders חֵיק; 'the husband of her bosom' — the most intimate (cf. v. 54).
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸνsonAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; renders בֵּן; her own son grudged.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυγατέραdaughterAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationθυγάτηρ: 'daughter'; renders בַּת; her own daughter grudged.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
57
καὶ τὸ χόριον αὐτῆς τὸ ἐξελθὸν διὰ τῶν μηρῶν αὐτῆς καὶ τὸ τέκνον ὃ ἂν τέκῃ καταφάγεται γὰρ αὐτὰ διὰ τὴν ἔνδειαν πάντων κρυφῇ ἐν τῇ στενοχωρίᾳ σου καὶ ἐν τῇ θλίψει σου ᾗ θλίψει σε ὁ ἐχθρός σου ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσίν σου
and even the afterbirth that comes out from between her thighs, and the child whom she shall bear — for she shall eat them secretly for lack of all things, in your distress and in your affliction with which your enemy shall afflict you in all your cities.
The deepest depth of the curse-catalogue: the delicate woman secretly (κρυφῇ) devours her own afterbirth and newborn child for sheer lack (διὰ τὴν ἔνδειαν πάντων). The secrecy intensifies the horror — even the bond of motherhood is destroyed by the famine. This closes the cannibalism-section (vv. 53–57), the gravest of all covenant sanctions, recorded as historically realized in 2 Kgs 6:28–29 and Lam 4:10.
Word-by-word analysis· 44 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (climactic)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χόριονafterbirthAccusativedirect object of καταφάγεται (fronted)→ object specificationχόριον: 'afterbirth / placenta'; renders שִׁלְיָה; the most shocking object — even the afterbirth is devoured in the extremity.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive, with participle)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐξελθὸνcoming outAor Act Ptcp Acc Neut Sg · ἐξέρχομαιattributive participle (with χόριον)→ aorist participle (the emergence at birth)ἐξέρχομαι: 'come out / go forth'; the afterbirth that issues from the body at birth.
διὰthrough / betweenpreposition + genitive (passage)→ spatial or relational framingδιὰ: meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (passage).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μηρῶνthighsGenitivegenitive object of διά→ relational specificationμηρός: 'thigh'; renders רֶגֶל ('legs'); 'from between her thighs' — the graphic detail of childbirth.
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτῆς: meaning 'her'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τέκνονchildAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationτέκνον: 'child'; renders בֵּן; the newborn child, devoured along with the afterbirth.
ὃwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of τέκῃ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter accusative agreeing with τέκνον.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (indefinite)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: with the subjunctive in the relative clause.
τέκῃshe may bearAor Act Subj 3 Sg · τίκτωverb of indefinite relative clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (the bearing)τίκτω: 'bear / give birth'; renders יָלַד; the child she bears — and devours.
καταφάγεταιshe shall devourFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · κατεσθίωmain verb (of γάρ-clause)→ predictive future (the secret devouring)κατεσθίω: 'devour / eat up completely'; renders אָכַל; the unspeakable act stated plainly.
γὰρforcausal particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: 'for'; explains why she grudges (v. 56) — because she secretly consumes them herself.
αὐτὰthemAccusativedirect object of καταφάγεται→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them' — the afterbirth and the child.
διὰfor / because ofpreposition + accusative (cause)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + acc.: 'because of'.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔνδειανlackAccusativeobject of διά (cause)→ object specificationἔνδεια: 'want / lack / need'; renders חֹסֶר; the total destitution of the siege drives the horror (cf. v. 48).
πάντωνof all thingsGenitiveobjective genitive (with ἔνδειαν)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; lack of everything — total famine.
κρυφῇsecretlyadverb of manner→ clausal contributionκρυφῇ: 'secretly / in hiding'; renders בַּסֵּתֶר; the secrecy deepens the horror — she hides even from her own family the dreadful 'meal'.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στενοχωρίᾳdistressDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceστενοχωρία: 'distress / siege-straits'; the repeated refrain (cf. vv. 53, 55).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (circumstance).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θλίψειafflictionDativedative of circumstance→ sphere or referenceθλῖψις: 'affliction / tribulation'; the siege-affliction (cf. vv. 53, 55).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ᾗwith whichDativerelative pronoun (cognate dative with θλίψει)→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative, dative; cognate construction (Hebraism).
θλίψειshall afflictFut Act Indic 3 Sg · θλίβωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the enemy's affliction)θλίβω: 'press / afflict'; the enemy's siege-affliction (cf. v. 53).
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθρόςenemyNominativesubject of θλίψει→ participant prominenceἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the besieging foe (cf. v. 53).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
πάσαιςallDativeattributive adjective (with πόλεσιν)→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: 'all'; every besieged city.
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόλεσίνcitiesDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceπόλις: 'city'; the cities under siege.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
58
ἐὰν μὴ εἰσακούσητε ποιεῖν πάντα τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ νόμου τούτου τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ φοβεῖσθαι τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ἔντιμον καὶ τὸ θαυμαστὸν τοῦτο κύριον τὸν θεόν σου
If you will not obey, to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, to fear this honored and wonderful name, the LORD your God,
A renewed conditional protasis (ἐὰν μή, cf. v. 15) opening the chapter's final, intensifying movement (vv. 58–68). The reference to τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ ('the things written in this book') and to fearing τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ἔντιμον ('the honored Name') marks the climactic seriousness — the whole written Torah and the reverence due the divine Name are at stake.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (with μή)→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: 'if'; ἐὰν μή = 'if … not', the renewed negative condition.
μὴnotnegative particle (in protasis)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates the protasis.
εἰσακούσητεyou obeyAor Act Subj 2 Pl · εἰσακούωverb of protasis→ constative aorist subjunctive (failure to obey)εἰσακούω: 'heed / obey'; renders שָׁמַע; the disobedience condition restated.
ποιεῖνto doPres Act Inf · ποιέωcomplementary infinitive (with εἰσακούσητε)→ present infinitive (ongoing performance)ποιέω: 'do'; renders עָשָׂה; the obedient doing of the law's words.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ῥήματα)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the whole law, not part.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ῥήματαwordsAccusativeobject of ποιεῖν→ object specificationῥῆμα: 'word / saying / matter'; renders דָּבָר; the words of the Torah.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νόμουlawGenitivegenitive (of the law)→ relational specificationνόμος: 'law'; renders תּוֹרָה; the Deuteronomic Torah, here referred to as a written book.
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative (with νόμου)→ relational specificationοὗτος: 'this'; deictic — the present law-book.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with participle)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γεγραμμέναwrittenPerf Pass Ptcp Acc Neut Pl · γράφωattributive participle (with ῥήματα)→ perfect passive participle (the abiding written record)γράφω: 'write'; the perfect participle τὰ γεγραμμένα ('the things written') emphasizes the fixed, permanent written Torah (cf. the NT formula 'it is written').
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βιβλίῳbookDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceβιβλίον: 'book / scroll'; renders סֵפֶר; the written law-scroll.
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative (with βιβλίῳ)→ participant reference or interestοὗτος: 'this'; the present book.
φοβεῖσθαιto fearPres Mid Inf · φοβέομαιcomplementary infinitive (parallel to ποιεῖν)→ present infinitive (the reverence due)φοβέομαι: 'fear / reverence'; renders יָרֵא; the fear of the Name = the reverent worship and obedience owed to YHWH.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνομαnameAccusativeobject of φοβεῖσθαι→ object specificationὄνομα: 'name'; renders שֵׁם; the Name of YHWH, the locus of his revealed presence and glory.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔντιμονhonoredAccusativeattributive adjective (with ὄνομα)→ object specificationἔντιμος: 'honored / precious / esteemed'; renders נִכְבָּד ('glorious / honored'); the Name worthy of all honor.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θαυμαστὸνwonderfulAccusativeattributive adjective (with ὄνομα)→ object specificationθαυμαστός: 'wonderful / marvelous / awesome'; renders נוֹרָא ('fearful / awesome'); the Name that inspires awe.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (with ὄνομα)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; the Name now being named.
κύριονthe LORDAccusativeaccusative in apposition (naming the Name)→ object specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the Name itself — the Tetragrammaton — set in apposition to ὄνομα.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεόνGodAccusativeapposition to κύριον→ object specificationθεός: 'God'; the covenant formula κύριος ὁ θεός σου in apposition to the Name.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
59
καὶ παραδοξάσει κύριος τὰς πληγάς σου καὶ τὰς πληγὰς τοῦ σπέρματός σου πληγὰς μεγάλας καὶ θαυμαστάς καὶ νόσους πονηρὰς καὶ πιστὰς
then the LORD will make your plagues extraordinary, and the plagues of your seed — great and wonderful plagues, and evil and lasting diseases.
The apodosis to v. 58: YHWH will παραδοξάσει ('make extraordinary / wondrous') the plagues — a striking word-play, for the same Name is θαυμαστόν ('wonderful', v. 58) and the plagues θαυμαστάς ('wonderful', v. 59). The diseases are πισταί ('faithful / lasting'), i.e. chronic and unrelenting. The verb παραδοξάζω echoes its use of the Exodus distinction (Exod 8:22; 11:7), now in judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶthen / andapodotic conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: apodotic 'then', introducing the consequence after the protasis of v. 58.
παραδοξάσειshall make extraordinaryFut Act Indic 3 Sg · παραδοξάζωmain verb (the intensifying of the plagues)→ predictive future (the wondrous intensification)παραδοξάζω: 'make extraordinary / make wondrous / distinguish'; renders פָּלָא (Hiphil, 'make wonderful'); the same verb that marked YHWH's Exodus-distinction between Israel and Egypt (Exod 8:22; 11:7) now intensifies Israel's plagues — God's wonder-working turned to judgment.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πληγάςplaguesAccusativedirect object of παραδοξάσει→ object specificationπληγή: 'blow / plague / stroke'; renders מַכָּה; the same word used of the Egyptian plagues — now Israel's own.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πληγὰςplaguesAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationπληγή: 'plague'; the plagues extended to the descendants.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σπέρματόςseedGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσπέρμα: 'seed / offspring'; renders זֶרַע; the plagues fall on the seed as well (cf. v. 46).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
πληγὰςplaguesAccusativeaccusative in apposition (resumptive)→ object specificationπληγή: the resumptive repetition introduces the qualifying adjectives.
μεγάλαςgreatAccusativeattributive adjective (with πληγάς)→ object specificationμέγας: 'great / severe'; renders גְּדֹלוֹת; plagues of immense severity.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θαυμαστάςwonderfulAccusativeattributive adjective (with πληγάς)→ object specificationθαυμαστός: 'wonderful / astonishing'; renders נֶאֱמָנוֹת here understood as extraordinary; the deliberate echo of τὸ θαυμαστόν (v. 58) — the wonderful Name brings wonderful (terrible) plagues.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νόσουςdiseasesAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationνόσος: 'disease / sickness'; renders חֳלָיִם; chronic illnesses.
πονηρὰςevilAccusativeattributive adjective (with νόσους)→ object specificationπονηρός: 'evil / grievous / malignant'; renders רָעִים; virulent diseases.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πιστὰςlastingAccusativeattributive adjective (with νόσους)→ object specificationπιστός: 'faithful / reliable / lasting'; renders נֶאֱמָנִים ('faithful / persistent'); the diseases are 'faithful' — i.e. chronic, persistent, unrelenting; a grim irony, for YHWH's faithfulness here works the curse.
60
καὶ ἐπιστρέψει ἐπὶ σὲ πᾶσαν τὴν ὀδύνην Αἰγύπτου τὴν πονηράν ἣν διευλαβοῦ ἀπὸ προσώπου αὐτῶν καὶ κολληθήσονται ἐν σοί
And he will bring back upon you all the evil pain of Egypt, of which you were afraid before them, and they will cleave to you.
The Exodus-reversal made explicit: YHWH brings back (ἐπιστρέψει) upon Israel the very ὀδύνη Αἰγύπτου ('pain of Egypt') — the plagues she once dreaded as God's instrument against her oppressors — and now they cling (κολληθήσονται) to her. The deliverance from Egypt is run in reverse; what saved Israel now destroys her.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπιστρέψειshall bring backFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιστρέφωmain verb (the bringing back)→ predictive future (the return of the plagues)ἐπιστρέφω: 'turn back / bring back / return'; renders שׁוּב (Hiphil); the plagues of Egypt brought back upon Israel — the Exodus reversed.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σὲyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσὲ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ὀδύνην)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the whole catalogue of Egypt's afflictions.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀδύνηνpainAccusativedirect object of ἐπιστρέψει→ object specificationὀδύνη: 'pain / anguish / suffering'; renders מַדְוֶה ('disease / sickness'); the painful plagues of Egypt.
Αἰγύπτουof EgyptGenitivegenitive (the pain belonging to Egypt)→ relational specificationΑἴγυπτος: 'Egypt'; renders מִצְרַיִם; the plagues associated with Egypt — now Israel's.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πονηράνevilAccusativeattributive adjective (with ὀδύνην)→ object specificationπονηρός: 'evil / grievous'; renders רָע; the dreadful character of the Egyptian plagues.
ἣνof whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of διευλαβοῦ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, accusative feminine agreeing with ὀδύνην.
διευλαβοῦyou were afraid ofImpf Mid Indic 2 Sg · διευλαβέομαιverb of relative clause→ imperfect (the past, continual dread)διευλαβέομαι: 'be wary of / dread / fear greatly'; renders יָגֹר ('dread'); the imperfect recalls Israel's past dread of the Egyptian plagues — which now overtake her.
ἀπὸbefore / frompreposition + genitive (source of fear)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ προσώπου: 'before / in the face of', a Hebraism (מִפְּנֵי).
προσώπουfaceGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / presence'; 'before them' = in the presence of the Egyptian afflictions.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive of possession (the plagues)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'them' — the Egyptian afflictions.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κολληθήσονταιshall cleaveFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · κολλάωmain verb (the plagues cling)→ predictive future (the clinging of the plagues)κολλάω: 'glue / join / cleave to'; renders דָּבַק; the plagues cling inseparably to Israel (cf. προσκολλάω, v. 21).
ἐνtopreposition + dative (attachment)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (attachment).
σοίyouDativeobject of ἐν (the one to whom they cling)→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat.): 'to you' — the plagues cleave to Israel.
61
καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν καὶ πᾶσαν πληγὴν τὴν μὴ γεγραμμένην ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου τούτου ἐπάξει κύριος ἐπὶ σέ ἕως ἂν ἐξολεθρεύσῃ σε
And also every sickness and every plague which is not written in the book of this law the LORD will bring upon you, until he utterly destroys you.
The curse exceeds even its own catalogue: beyond the plagues written 'in this book' (v. 58), YHWH will bring also every unrecorded sickness and plague — the curse is open-ended, not exhausted by the written list. This 'more than is written' marks the boundlessness of the judgment, running ἕως ἂν ἐξολεθρεύσῃ ('until he utterly destroys you').
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶand alsocoordinate conjunction (additive)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: 'and also' — adding the unwritten to the written plagues.
πᾶσανeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (with μαλακίαν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every / all'; the totality of unrecorded sicknesses.
μαλακίανsicknessAccusativedirect object of ἐπάξει (fronted)→ object specificationμαλακία: 'weakness / sickness / infirmity'; renders חֳלִי; bodily debility — the NT uses it of the illnesses Jesus heals (Matt 4:23; 9:35).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶσανeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (with πληγήν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; every unrecorded plague.
πληγὴνplagueAccusativedirect object (coordinate)→ object specificationπληγή: 'blow / plague'; renders מַכָּה; every affliction not in the book.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with participle)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: negates the participle — 'not written'.
γεγραμμένηνwrittenPerf Pass Ptcp Acc Fem Sg · γράφωattributive participle (with πληγήν)→ perfect passive participle (the written record)γράφω: 'write'; τὴν μὴ γεγραμμένην ('not written') — the curse exceeds the written catalogue (contrast τὰ γεγραμμένα, v. 58).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βιβλίῳbookDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceβιβλίον: 'book / scroll'; the law-scroll (cf. v. 58).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νόμουlawGenitivegenitive (of the law)→ relational specificationνόμος: 'law'; renders תּוֹרָה.
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative (with νόμου)→ relational specificationοὗτος: 'this'.
ἐπάξειshall bringFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπάγωmain verb (the bringing of the plagues)→ predictive future (the bringing upon)ἐπάγω: 'bring upon'; renders עָלָה (Hiphil); YHWH brings the unwritten plagues upon Israel (cf. v. 49).
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
σέyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί→ participant referenceσέ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunction (with ἄν + subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastἕως ἄν: 'until'; the curse runs to destruction.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἂν: meaning '(particle)'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξολεθρεύσῃhe utterly destroysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐξολεθρεύωverb of temporal clause→ constative aorist subjunctive (total destruction)ἐξολεθρεύω: 'utterly destroy'; the leitmotif verb of annihilation.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
62
καὶ καταλειφθήσεσθε ἐν ἀριθμῷ βραχεῖ ἀνθ᾿ ὧν ὅτι ἦτε ὡσεὶ τὰ ἄστρα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ τῷ πλήθει ὅτι οὐκ εἰσηκούσατε τῆς φωνῆς κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν
And you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven in multitude, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God.
The reversal of the patriarchal promise: Israel, once as numberless as τὰ ἄστρα τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ('the stars of heaven', Gen 15:5; 22:17), is reduced ἐν ἀριθμῷ βραχεῖ ('to a small number'). The cause is again disobedience to the voice of YHWH. The 'remnant' motif here is judgment, though the prophets will transmute it into hope (Isa 10:22, cited at Rom 9:27).
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταλειφθήσεσθεyou shall be leftFut Pass Indic 2 Pl · καταλείπωmain verb (the decimation)→ predictive future (the reduction to a remnant)καταλείπω: 'leave behind / leave remaining'; renders שָׁאַר (Niphal); Israel reduced to a small surviving remnant.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (state)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (state).
ἀριθμῷnumberDativedative of respect (in number)→ sphere or referenceἀριθμός: 'number'; renders מְתֵי ('men / few in number'); ἐν ἀριθμῷ βραχεῖ = 'few in number'.
βραχεῖfewDativeattributive adjective (with ἀριθμῷ)→ sphere or referenceβραχύς: 'short / small / few'; renders מְעָט; the small remnant left.
ἀνθ᾿whereaspreposition + genitive (in the causal/contrastive idiom)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of / in return for'; ἀνθ᾿ ὧν = 'whereas / because' (here contrastive).
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (in the idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive plural in the idiom ἀνθ᾿ ὧν.
ὅτιthatconjunction (epexegetic, with ἀνθ᾿ ὧν)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'that / because'; here pleonastic with ἀνθ᾿ ὧν, a Hebraizing redundancy.
ἦτεyou wereImpf Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίverb of contrastive clause→ imperfect (the former multitudinous state)εἰμί (impf.): 'be'; the imperfect recalls Israel's former vast numbers.
ὡσεὶascomparative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastὡσεί: 'as / like'; introduces the star-comparison.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄστραstarsNominativepredicate (comparison)→ participant prominenceἄστρον: 'star'; renders כּוֹכָב; 'as the stars of heaven' — the patriarchal multitude-promise (Gen 15:5; 22:17), here recalled in its tragic reversal.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive (of the stars)→ relational specificationοὐρανός: 'heaven / sky'; 'the stars of heaven'.
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλήθειin multitudeDativedative of respect→ sphere or referenceπλῆθος: 'multitude / great number'; renders רֹב; 'in multitude' — Israel's former vast number, now decimated.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because'; introduces the reason for the decimation.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσηκούσατεyou obeyedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰσακούωverb of causal clause→ constative aorist (the failure to obey)εἰσακούω: 'heed / obey'; renders שָׁמַע; the recurring cause — disobedience to YHWH's voice.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of εἰσηκούσατε→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice'; the covenant idiom for the LORD's commandments.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive possessor→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodGenitiveapposition to κυρίου→ relational specificationθεοῦ: meaning 'God'; it serves as apposition to κυρίου.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (plural)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (plural).
63
καὶ ἔσται ὃν τρόπον εὐφράνθη κύριος ἐφ᾿ ὑμῖν εὖ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς καὶ πληθῦναι ὑμᾶς οὕτως εὐφρανθήσεται κύριος ἐφ᾿ ὑμῖν ἐξολεθρεῦσαι ὑμᾶς καὶ ἐξαρθήσεσθε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς εἰς ἣν ὑμεῖς εἰσπορεύεσθε ἐκεῖ κληρονομῆσαι αὐτήν
And it shall be, just as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good and to multiply you, so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you; and you shall be removed from the land into which you are entering there to inherit it.
The most theologically arresting verse of the curse-catalogue: ὃν τρόπον … οὕτως ('just as … so') sets a symmetry between YHWH's past joy (εὐφράνθη) in blessing and his future joy (εὐφρανθήσεται) in destroying. The anthropopathic 'rejoicing to destroy' expresses the wholehearted, unreluctant character of the divine judgment when the covenant is wholly broken — to be read soberly within the prophetic theology of God's righteous wrath (cf. Ezek 5:13; and the counter-note of Ezek 18:23, 33:11).
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (frame opener)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιit shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (frame-setter)→ predictive future (sets the comparison)εἰμί (fut.): καὶ ἔσται framing the comparison that follows.
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (with τρόπον: 'just as')→ participant referenceὅς: relative; ὃν τρόπον … οὕτως ('just as … so') is the comparative correlative.
τρόπονmannerAccusativeaccusative of manner (with ὅν)→ object specificationτρόπος: 'manner / way'; ὃν τρόπον renders כַּאֲשֶׁר ('just as').
εὐφράνθηrejoicedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · εὐφραίνωverb of comparative clause→ constative aorist (the past divine joy in blessing)εὐφραίνω: 'gladden'; pass. 'rejoice'; renders שׂוּשׂ ('exult'); YHWH's joy in doing Israel good — the same verb whose denial to Israel (v. 47) provoked the curse.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐφ᾿overpreposition + dative (object of joy)→ spatial or relational framingἐφ᾿: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (object of joy).
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐπί→ participant reference or interestσύ (dat. pl.): 'over you'.
εὖwelladverb (with ποιῆσαι: 'to do good')→ clausal contributionεὖ: 'well'; εὖ ποιῆσαι = 'to do good / treat well'; renders הֵיטִיב.
ποιῆσαιto doAor Act Inf · ποιέωinfinitive of purpose/respect (with εὐφράνθη)→ aorist infinitive (the doing of good)ποιέω: 'do / make'; εὖ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς = 'to do you good'.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of ποιῆσαι→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ποιῆσαι.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πληθῦναιto multiplyAor Act Inf · πληθύνωinfinitive (coordinate)→ aorist infinitive (the multiplying)πληθύνω: 'multiply'; renders רָבָה (Hiphil); the blessing of increase (cf. v. 11), now to be reversed.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πληθῦναι→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of πληθῦναι.
οὕτωςsoadverb (correlative with ὃν τρόπον)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'so / thus'; the correlative completing 'just as … so'.
εὐφρανθήσεταιshall rejoiceFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · εὐφραίνωmain verb (the future divine joy in judgment)→ predictive future (the divine joy in destruction)εὐφραίνω: 'rejoice'; the same verb as the blessing-joy — now of judgment; the terrible symmetry of God's wholehearted action (cf. Ezek 5:13).
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐφ᾿overpreposition + dative (object of joy)→ spatial or relational framingἐφ᾿: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (object of joy).
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐπί→ participant reference or interestὑμῖν: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐπί.
ἐξολεθρεῦσαιto destroyAor Act Inf · ἐξολεθρεύωinfinitive of purpose/respect (with εὐφρανθήσεται)→ aorist infinitive (the destroying)ἐξολεθρεύω: 'utterly destroy'; the leitmotif verb — the object of the divine 'joy' in judgment.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of ἐξολεθρεῦσαι→ participant referenceὑμᾶς: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as object of ἐξολεθρεῦσαι.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξαρθήσεσθεyou shall be removedFut Pass Indic 2 Pl · ἐξαίρωmain verb (the uprooting)→ predictive future (the removal from the land)ἐξαίρω: 'lift out / remove / take away'; renders נָסַח ('pluck up'); Israel uprooted from the land — the exile (cf. v. 21).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (separation).
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςlandGenitivegenitive of separation→ relational specificationγῆ: 'land'; the promised land from which Israel is uprooted.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εἰσπορεύεσθε)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, accusative feminine agreeing with γῆς.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativeemphatic subject→ participant referenceσύ (nom. pl.): emphatic 'you'.
εἰσπορεύεσθεyou are enteringPres Mid Indic 2 Pl · εἰσπορεύομαιverb of relative clause→ progressive present (the imminent entry)εἰσπορεύομαι: 'enter'; renders בּוֹא; the bitter irony — uprooted from the very land now being entered (cf. v. 21).
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place (resumptive, Hebraizing)→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: resumptive 'there' after the relative (Hebraism, שָׁמָּה).
κληρονομῆσαιto inheritAor Act Inf · κληρονομέωinfinitive of purpose→ aorist infinitive (the purpose of entry)κληρονομέω: 'inherit / possess'; renders יָרַשׁ; the inheritance-purpose tragically undone (cf. v. 21).
αὐτήνitAccusativedirect object of κληρονομῆσαι→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'it' — the land.
64
καὶ διασπερεῖ σε κύριος ὁ θεός σου εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἀπ᾿ ἄκρου τῆς γῆς ἕως ἄκρου τῆς γῆς καὶ δουλεύσεις ἐκεῖ θεοῖς ἑτέροις ξύλοις καὶ λίθοις οὓς οὐκ ἠπίστω σὺ καὶ οἱ πατέρες σου
And the LORD your God will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth, and you shall serve there other gods, wood and stones, which neither you nor your fathers knew.
The great scattering-curse: διασπερεῖ ('he will scatter', the verb behind διασπορά, v. 25) εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ('among all the nations'), from one end of the earth to the other — the worldwide Diaspora. There Israel serves 'wood and stones' (cf. v. 36), the idolatry she chose now her enforced lot. This verse stands behind the NT use of διασπορά (John 7:35; Jas 1:1; 1 Pet 1:1).
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διασπερεῖshall scatterFut Act Indic 3 Sg · διασπείρωmain verb (the scattering)→ predictive future (the worldwide dispersion)διασπείρω: 'scatter / disperse (as seed)'; renders פּוּץ (Hiphil); the verb behind διασπορά (v. 25) — the worldwide scattering of Israel.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ 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 possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
εἰςamongpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἔθνη)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the universal scope of the scattering.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔθνηnationsAccusativeobject of εἰς→ object specificationἔθνος: 'nation'; renders גּוֹי; the nations among whom Israel is scattered.
ἀπ᾿frompreposition + genitive (starting point of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό … ἕως: the end-to-end merism of total dispersion.
ἄκρουendGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationἄκρον: 'tip / extremity / end'; renders קָצֶה; one end of the earth.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive (of the earth)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'.
ἕωςtopreposition + genitive (end-point of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'to / as far as'; the other extreme of the earth.
ἄκρουendGenitivegenitive object of ἕως→ relational specificationἄκρον: 'end'; the other end — 'from one end of the earth to the other' = total dispersion.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive (of the earth)→ relational specificationγῆ: 'earth'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δουλεύσειςyou shall serveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δουλεύωmain verb (the enforced idolatry)→ predictive future (the service of idols)δουλεύω: 'serve / be enslaved to'; renders עָבַד; the enforced service of idols in exile (cf. λατρεύσεις, v. 36).
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; in the lands of dispersion.
θεοῖςgodsDativedative object of δουλεύσεις→ sphere or referenceθεός: 'god'; pl. 'gods'; δουλεύω takes the dative of the one served.
ἑτέροιςotherDativeattributive adjective (with θεοῖς)→ sphere or referenceἕτερος: 'other'; θεοὶ ἕτεροι — the fixed phrase for idols (cf. vv. 14, 36).
ξύλοιςwoodDativedative in apposition (the material of the idols)→ sphere or referenceξύλον: 'wood'; renders עֵץ; 'wood and stones' — the scorn-formula for lifeless idols (cf. v. 36).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λίθοιςstonesDativedative in apposition→ sphere or referenceλίθος: 'stone'; renders אֶבֶן; the stone idols — dead matter (cf. v. 36).
οὓςwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἠπίστω)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, masculine accusative plural agreeing with θεοῖς.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠπίστωyou knewImpf Mid Indic 2 Sg · ἐπίσταμαιverb of relative clause→ imperfect (the former non-acquaintance)ἐπίσταμαι: 'know / be acquainted with'; renders יָדַע; gods Israel and her fathers never knew (cf. vv. 33, 36).
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic, in apposition)→ participant referenceσύ: emphatic 'you' — 'neither you nor your fathers'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατέρεςfathersNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceπατήρ: 'father'; the ancestors who likewise never knew these gods.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
65
ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἐκείνοις οὐκ ἀναπαύσει σε οὐδ᾿ οὐ μὴ γένηται στάσις τῷ ἴχνει τοῦ ποδός σου καὶ δώσει σοι κύριος ἐκεῖ καρδίαν ἀθυμοῦσαν καὶ ἐκλείποντας ὀφθαλμοὺς καὶ τηκομένην ψυχήν
But even among those nations he will give you no rest, nor shall there be a resting-place for the sole of your foot; and the LORD will give you there a despairing heart and failing eyes and a wasting soul.
Exile brings no relief but unceasing dread: no rest, no resting-place for the foot (an echo of Gen 8:9, the dove finding nowhere to alight). YHWH gives instead καρδίαν ἀθυμοῦσαν ('a despairing heart'), ἐκλείποντας ὀφθαλμούς ('failing eyes'), and τηκομένην ψυχήν ('a wasting soul') — the interior anguish of the exile, the psychological depth of the curse.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλά: 'but'; marks the contrast — not even exile brings respite.
καὶevenadverbial (ascensive: 'even')→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: ascensive 'even' — even among those nations.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔθνεσινnationsDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: 'nation'; the nations of exile.
ἐκείνοιςthoseDativedemonstrative (with ἔθνεσιν)→ sphere or referenceἐκεῖνος: 'those'; the nations of dispersion (v. 64).
οὐκnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀναπαύσειshall give restFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναπαύωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the denial of rest)ἀναπαύω: 'give rest / cause to rest'; renders רָגַע (Hiphil); no rest in exile — the restlessness of the wanderer.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
οὐδ᾿norcoordinating negative→ clausal contributionοὐδέ: 'nor'.
οὐby no meansemphatic double negative (with μή)→ participant referenceοὐ μή: the emphatic double negative + subjunctive = 'by no means / certainly not'.
μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive)→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: part of the emphatic οὐ μή construction.
γένηταιshall there beAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of emphatic negation (οὐ μή + subjunctive)→ aorist subjunctive (emphatic denial)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be'; with οὐ μή = 'there shall by no means be' a resting-place.
στάσιςa resting-placeNominativesubject of γένηται→ participant prominenceστάσις: 'standing / a place to stand / rest'; renders מָנוֹחַ ('resting-place'); no firm footing — an echo of the dove of Gen 8:9 (LXX ἀνάπαυσις).
τῷtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἴχνειsoleDativedative of advantage (for the sole)→ sphere or referenceἴχνος: 'footprint / sole / track'; renders כַּף; 'the sole of your foot' — no place to set it down (cf. v. 35; Gen 8:9).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποδόςfootGenitivegenitive (descriptive)→ relational specificationπούς: 'foot'; renders רֶגֶל.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δώσειshall giveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (the giving of anguish)→ predictive future (the gift of dread)δίδωμι: 'give'; the terrible irony — YHWH 'gives' not blessing but anguish of soul.
σοιyouDativedative indirect object→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as dative indirect object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; in exile.
καρδίανheartAccusativedirect object of δώσει→ object specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵב; the despairing heart given in exile.
ἀθυμοῦσανdespairingPres Act Ptcp Acc Fem Sg · ἀθυμέωattributive participle (with καρδίαν)→ present participle (the ongoing despondency)ἀθυμέω: 'be disheartened / despair / lose courage'; renders רַגָּז ('trembling / anxious'); a 'trembling, despairing heart' — the same word Paul uses in exhortation at Col 3:21.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκλείπονταςfailingPres Act Ptcp Acc Masc Pl · ἐκλείπωattributive participle (with ὀφθαλμούς)→ present participle (the ongoing failing of sight)ἐκλείπω: 'fail / give out / grow dim'; renders כִּלָּיוֹן ('failing / longing'); eyes that fail with hopeless looking (cf. v. 32).
ὀφθαλμοὺςeyesAccusativedirect object of δώσει (coordinate)→ object specificationὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; renders עַיִן; the failing, longing eyes.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τηκομένηνwastingPres Pass Ptcp Acc Fem Sg · τήκωattributive participle (with ψυχήν)→ present passive participle (the ongoing wasting away)τήκω: 'melt / waste away / pine'; renders דְּאָבוֹן ('pining / despair'); the soul melting away in grief.
ψυχήνsoulAccusativedirect object of δώσει (coordinate)→ object specificationψυχή: 'soul / life'; renders נֶפֶשׁ; the wasting, despairing soul — the interior depth of the exile-curse.
66
καὶ ἔσται ἡ ζωή σου κρεμαμένη ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν σου καὶ φοβηθήσῃ ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτὸς καὶ οὐ πιστεύσεις τῇ ζωῇ σου
And your life shall be hanging in suspense before your eyes, and you shall be afraid day and night, and you shall have no confidence in your life.
The exile's existential terror: life 'hangs' (κρεμαμένη) before one's eyes, suspended and uncertain, never secure; fear by day and night; no confidence even of surviving the next moment (οὐ πιστεύσεις τῇ ζωῇ). The image of life hanging in the balance is the curse's portrait of total insecurity.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσταιshall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίauxiliary of periphrastic construction (with κρεμαμένη)→ predictive future (the suspended state)εἰμί (fut.): periphrastic with κρεμαμένη — 'your life shall be hanging'.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζωήlifeNominativesubject→ participant prominenceζωή: 'life'; renders חַיִּים; one's very existence, held in suspense.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
κρεμαμένηhangingPres Mid Ptcp Nom Fem Sg · κρεμάννυμιpredicate participle (periphrastic with ἔσται)→ present participle (the ongoing suspension)κρεμάννυμι: 'hang / suspend'; renders תָּלָא ('hang'); life 'hanging' before the eyes = held in constant, precarious suspense.
ἀπέναντιbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in front of)→ spatial or relational framingἀπέναντι: 'opposite / before / in front of'; renders מִנֶּגֶד; life dangling visibly before one's own eyes.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμῶνeyesGenitivegenitive object of ἀπέναντι→ relational specificationὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; 'before your eyes' — the constant visibility of one's peril.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φοβηθήσῃyou shall be afraidFut Pass Indic 2 Sg · φοβέομαιmain verb (the ceaseless fear)→ predictive future (the unending dread)φοβέομαι: 'fear / be afraid'; renders פָּחַד; ceaseless terror, day and night.
ἡμέραςby dayGenitivegenitive of time (within which)→ relational specificationἡμέρα: 'day'; genitive of time — 'by day'.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νυκτὸςby nightGenitivegenitive of time→ relational specificationνύξ: 'night'; genitive of time — 'by night'; day and night = continually.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πιστεύσειςyou shall trustFut Act Indic 2 Sg · πιστεύωmain verb (negated)→ predictive future (the absence of confidence)πιστεύω: 'trust / have confidence / believe'; renders אָמַן (Hiphil); no confidence even of living — never sure of surviving the next hour.
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζωῇlifeDativedative object of πιστεύσεις→ sphere or referenceζωή: 'life'; πιστεύειν τῇ ζωῇ = 'be confident of one's life / survival'.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
67
τὸ πρωὶ ἐρεῖς πῶς ἂν γένοιτο ἑσπέρα καὶ τὸ ἑσπέρας ἐρεῖς πῶς ἂν γένοιτο πρωί ἀπὸ τοῦ φόβου τῆς καρδίας σου ἃ φοβηθήσῃ καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ὁραμάτων τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν σου ὧν ὄψῃ
In the morning you shall say, 'Would it were evening!' and in the evening you shall say, 'Would it were morning!' because of the fear of your heart with which you shall fear, and because of the sights of your eyes which you shall see.
The psychological nadir of the curse: each moment so unbearable that one longs for the opposite — in the morning craving evening, in the evening craving morning (πῶς ἂν γένοιτο, 'would that it were…'). The cause is the terror of the heart and the horrors the eyes have seen (cf. vv. 34, 65–66). A masterful portrait of trauma — the present is intolerable in every form.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with adverbial πρωί: 'in the morning')→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωὶin the morningadverb of time (substantivized by article)→ clausal contributionπρωί: 'early / in the morning'; renders בֹּקֶר; the article makes it temporal — 'in the morning'.
ἐρεῖςyou shall sayFut Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (the cry of longing)→ predictive future (the cry of despair)λέγω (fut. ἐρῶ): 'say'; renders אָמַר; the cry of one who cannot bear the present moment.
πῶςhow / would thatinterrogative adverb (in wish-construction)→ clausal contributionπῶς: 'how?'; πῶς ἂν γένοιτο ('how might it become…') = the idiom of yearning, 'would that it were…'; renders מִי יִתֵּן ('who would give…').
ἂν(particle)modal particle (with potential optative)→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: with the optative expresses potentiality/wish.
γένοιτοit might beAor Mid Opt 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of wish-clause (potential optative)→ potential optative (the longing wish)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be'; the potential optative γένοιτο in the yearning idiom — 'would that evening were here!'
ἑσπέραeveningNominativesubject of γένοιτο→ participant prominenceἑσπέρα: 'evening'; renders עֶרֶב; the evening longed for in the morning.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἑσπέρας: 'in the evening')→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑσπέραςin the eveningGenitivegenitive of time (substantivized)→ relational specificationἑσπέρα: 'evening'; τὸ ἑσπέρας = 'in the evening' (genitive of time).
ἐρεῖςyou shall sayFut Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (the cry of longing)→ predictive future (the cry of despair)λέγω (fut. ἐρῶ): 'say'; the reversed cry — now longing for morning.
πῶςhow / would thatinterrogative adverb (in wish-construction)→ clausal contributionπῶς: the yearning idiom repeated.
ἂν(particle)modal particle→ discourse linkage or contrastἄν: with the optative.
γένοιτοit might beAor Mid Opt 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of wish-clause (potential optative)→ potential optative (the longing wish)γίνομαι: the potential optative — 'would that morning were here!'
πρωίmorningadverb/noun (subject of γένοιτο: 'morning')→ clausal contributionπρωί: 'morning'; the morning longed for in the evening — the unbearable present in either direction.
ἀπὸbecause ofpreposition + genitive (cause)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: here causal, 'because of' (a Hebraism, מִן).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φόβουfearGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (cause)→ relational specificationφόβος: 'fear / terror'; renders פַּחַד; the dread of the heart that makes every hour unbearable.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίαςheartGenitivegenitive (source of the fear)→ relational specificationκαρδία: 'heart'; renders לֵבָב; the seat of the terror.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ἃwith whichAccusativerelative pronoun (cognate/internal accusative with φοβηθήσῃ)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, neuter plural; loose internal accusative — 'the things you shall fear' / 'wherewith you shall fear'.
φοβηθήσῃyou shall fearFut Pass Indic 2 Sg · φοβέομαιverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the dread)φοβέομαι: 'fear'; the dread that fills the heart (cf. v. 66).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπὸbecause ofpreposition + genitive (cause)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: causal 'because of'.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁραμάτωνsightsGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (cause)→ relational specificationὅραμα: 'sight / vision / spectacle'; renders מַרְאֶה; the horrors the eyes are forced to behold (cf. v. 34).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀφθαλμῶνeyesGenitivegenitive (source: 'sights of your eyes')→ relational specificationὀφθαλμός: 'eye'; the eyes that witness the horrors.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession.
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of ὄψῃ, gen. by attraction)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive by attraction to ὁραμάτων.
ὄψῃyou shall seeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · ὁράωverb of relative clause→ predictive future (the inescapable seeing)ὁράω (fut. mid. ὄψομαι): 'see'; renders רָאָה; the sights Israel is forced to witness (cf. v. 34).
68
καὶ ἀποστρέψει σε κύριος εἰς Αἴγυπτον ἐν πλοίοις καὶ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ ᾗ εἶπα οὐ προσθήσεσθε ἔτι ἰδεῖν αὐτήν καὶ πραθήσεσθε ἐκεῖ τοῖς ἐχθροῖς ὑμῶν εἰς παῖδας καὶ παιδίσκας καὶ οὐκ ἔσται ὁ κτώμενος
And the LORD will bring you back to Egypt in ships, by the way of which I said, 'You shall never see it again'; and there you shall be sold to your enemies as male and female slaves, and there shall be no one to buy.
The crowning reversal that closes the curse-catalogue: YHWH brings Israel ἀποστρέψει ('back') to Egypt — the house of bondage from which the Exodus delivered her — by the very road God swore she would never travel again (cf. Deut 17:16; Exod 14:13). There she is offered for sale as slaves, but so worthless and so glutted the market that οὐκ ἔσται ὁ κτώμενος ('there is no buyer') — the ultimate degradation: not even worth purchasing. The Exodus is entirely undone.
Word-by-word analysis· 34 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποστρέψειshall bring backFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποστρέφωmain verb (the return to Egypt)→ predictive future (the Exodus reversed)ἀποστρέφω: 'turn back / bring back / return'; renders שׁוּב (Hiphil); the bitterest reversal — back to the house of bondage.
σεyouAccusativedirect object→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as direct object.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction).
ΑἴγυπτονEgyptAccusativeobject of εἰς (place of return)→ object specificationΑἴγυπτος: 'Egypt'; renders מִצְרַיִם; the house of bondage, to which Israel is returned — the Exodus undone.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (means)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (means).
πλοίοιςshipsDativedative of means→ sphere or referenceπλοῖον: 'ship / boat'; renders אֳנִיּוֹת; transported back to Egypt 'in ships' — perhaps as slave-cargo; a stark image of the reversed Exodus (no Red Sea deliverance, but a sea-voyage into bondage).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνbypreposition + dative (route)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (route).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδῷwayDativedative of route→ sphere or referenceὁδός: 'way / road'; renders דֶּרֶךְ; the road back to Egypt — the one God swore Israel would never travel again (Deut 17:16).
ᾗof whichDativerelative pronoun (with εἶπα: 'concerning which')→ participant reference or interestὅς: relative, dative; 'the way concerning which I said'.
εἶπαI saidAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωverb of relative clause (divine first person)→ constative aorist (the prior divine word)λέγω: 'say'; the first-person εἶπα ('I said') is YHWH's own voice — the prior oath that Israel should not return to Egypt (cf. Exod 14:13; Deut 17:16).
οὐnotnegative particle→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προσθήσεσθεyou shall againFut Mid Indic 2 Pl · προστίθημιmain verb of the quoted oath (Hebraic idiom for 'again')→ predictive future (the never-again)προστίθημι: 'add / do again'; the idiom οὐ προσθήσεσθε … ἰδεῖν ('you shall not add to see' = 'you shall never see again') renders the Hebrew לֹא תֹסִיף ('you shall not continue / do again').
ἔτιagain / anymoretemporal adverb→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet / anymore'; reinforces the 'never again'.
ἰδεῖνto seeAor Act Inf · ὁράωcomplementary infinitive (with προσθήσεσθε)→ aorist infinitive (the seeing forbidden)ὁράω: 'see'; the seeing of Egypt that God swore would never recur — now, in judgment, reversed.
αὐτήνitAccusativedirect object of ἰδεῖν (Egypt or the way)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'it' — Egypt (or the road to it).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πραθήσεσθεyou shall be soldFut Pass Indic 2 Pl · πιπράσκωmain verb (the selling into slavery)→ predictive future (the enslavement)πιπράσκω: 'sell'; renders מָכַר (Hithpael, 'offer yourselves for sale'); Israel offered for sale as slaves in Egypt — the people once redeemed from slavery now re-enslaved.
ἐκεῖthereadverb of place→ adverbial qualificationἐκεῖ: 'there'; in Egypt.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθροῖςenemiesDativedative indirect object (to whom sold)→ sphere or referenceἐχθρός: 'enemy'; the foes who would buy Israel as slaves.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession (plural)→ relational specificationὑμῶν: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as genitive of possession (plural).
εἰςaspreposition + accusative (predicate: 'as slaves')→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: predicative 'as / for' (Hebraism, לְ).
παῖδαςmale slavesAccusativepredicate accusative (with πραθήσεσθε)→ object specificationπαῖς: 'servant / slave / boy'; renders עֲבָדִים; the men sold as male slaves.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παιδίσκαςfemale slavesAccusativepredicate accusative (coordinate)→ object specificationπαιδίσκη: 'maidservant / female slave'; renders שְׁפָחוֹת; the women sold as female slaves.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle→ 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 (existential)→ predictive future (the absence of any buyer)εἰμί (fut.): existential 'there shall be (none)'.
ὁthe oneNominativearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτώμενοςbuyingPres Mid Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · κτάομαιsubstantival participle (subject of ἔσται: 'the one who buys')→ present participle (the absent buyer)κτάομαι: 'acquire / get / buy'; renders קֹנֶה ('buyer'); the final degradation — Israel offered as slaves, yet so worthless and so abundant in the market that no one even buys; the lowest depth of the curse, closing the catalogue.
69
οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι τῆς διαθήκης οὓς ἐνετείλατο κύριος Μωυσῇ στῆσαι τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ ἐν γῇ Μωαβ πλὴν τῆς διαθήκης ἧς διέθετο αὐτοῖς ἐν Χωρηβ
These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the sons of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which he made with them at Horeb.
A narratorial colophon closing the curse-catalogue (numbered 29:1 in English Bibles). It formally identifies all the foregoing as οἱ λόγοι τῆς διαθήκης ('the words of the covenant') which YHWH commanded Moses to make ἐν γῇ Μωαβ ('in the land of Moab'), distinguished (πλήν) from the Horeb/Sinai covenant. The Moab covenant is thus a renewal and supplement of Sinai — the verse functions as a hinge between the law-code (chs. 12–28) and the covenant-renewal ceremony (chs. 29–30).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (predicate construction)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; deictic, pointing back over the whole covenant-discourse just concluded.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λόγοιwordsNominativepredicate nominative (with οὗτοι)→ participant prominenceλόγος: 'word'; renders דָּבָר; 'the words of the covenant' = the whole law-and-sanction discourse.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διαθήκηςcovenantGenitivegenitive (of the covenant)→ relational specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant / testament / disposition'; renders בְּרִית; the LXX's standard rendering — chosen over συνθήκη ('compact between equals') because the covenant is a sovereign disposition; the key term of biblical covenant-theology (cf. its NT use, Heb 8–9).
οὓςwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐνετείλατο)→ participant referenceὅς: relative, masculine accusative plural agreeing with λόγοι.
ἐνετείλατοcommandedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιmain verb (the divine charge to Moses)→ constative aorist (the commissioning)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command / enjoin'; renders צִוָּה; YHWH's charge to Moses to make the covenant.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the covenant Lord and author.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative indirect object (the one commanded)→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς: transliteration of מֹשֶׁה; declined as a Greek noun (dat. Μωυσῇ); the covenant mediator.
στῆσαιto make / establishAor Act Inf · ἵστημιcomplementary infinitive (with ἐνετείλατο)→ aorist infinitive (the establishing of the covenant)ἵστημι: 'set up / establish'; the idiom στῆσαι διαθήκην ('establish a covenant') renders הֵקִים בְּרִית; to ratify the covenant.
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative (with whom the covenant is made)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ('the sons of Israel') renders בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל — the covenant people.
ΙσραηλIsraelindeclinable proper noun (genitive sense: 'of Israel')→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable in the LXX; the covenant nation.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
γῇlandDativedative of location→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land'; renders אֶרֶץ; the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, where the covenant-renewal is made.
ΜωαβMoabindeclinable proper noun (genitive sense: 'of Moab')→ participant identificationΜωαβ: transliteration of מוֹאָב; indeclinable; the land of Moab — the setting of Deuteronomy, on the threshold of the promised land.
πλὴνbesidesimproper preposition + genitive (exception/addition)→ spatial or relational framingπλήν: 'besides / except / apart from'; renders מִלְּבַד; the Moab covenant is 'besides' (in addition to / distinct from) the Horeb covenant — a renewal, not a replacement.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διαθήκηςcovenantGenitivegenitive object of πλήν→ relational specificationδιαθήκη: 'covenant'; the Horeb (Sinai) covenant, distinct from the Moab covenant here ratified.
ἧςwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of διέθετο, gen. by attraction)→ relational specificationὅς: relative, genitive by attraction to διαθήκης.
διέθετοhe madeAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · διατίθημιverb of relative clause→ constative aorist (the prior covenant at Horeb)διατίθημι: 'arrange / dispose / make (a covenant)'; the cognate of διαθήκη; the idiom διατίθεσθαι διαθήκην ('make a covenant') renders כָּרַת בְּרִית ('cut a covenant'); the Horeb covenant previously established.
αὐτοῖςwith themDativedative (with whom the Horeb covenant was made)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'them' — the sons of Israel at Horeb (the same people, the prior generation at Sinai).
ἐνatpreposition + dative (location)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'at'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (location).
ΧωρηβHorebindeclinable proper noun (location: 'at Horeb')→ participant identificationΧωρηβ: transliteration of חֹרֵב (Horeb); indeclinable; the Deuteronomic name for Mount Sinai, where the first covenant was made (Exod 19–24); the Moab covenant renews and supplements it.