1
καὶ αὗται αἱ γενέσεις Ααρων καὶ Μωυσῆ ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐλάλησεν κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ ἐν ὄρει Σινα
And these are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day the LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai.
The formula αὗται αἱ γενέσεις is the LXX's standard rendering of אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת ('these are the generations'), the structuring superscription that segments Genesis and recurs here to open the Levitical census-narrative. The temporal frame ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ... ἐν ὄρει Σινα anchors the chapter's legislation to the Sinai revelation.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὗταιtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (fem. pl., agreeing with γενέσεις)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: the demonstrative αὗται heads the genealogical formula αὗται αἱ γενέσεις, rendering Hebrew אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת; the cataphoric 'these' points forward to the roll of names in vv. 2–3.
αἱtheNominativearticle (with γενέσεις)→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενέσειςgenerationsNominativepredicate nominative (subject complement of the verbless clause)→ participant prominenceγένεσις (pl. γενέσεις): 'origin / generation / family-record'; renders תּוֹלְדֹת; the term denotes a 'line of descendants' and, by extension, the account attached to it; the superscription introduces a genealogical-narrative unit (cf. Gen 2:4; 5:1; 6:9 LXX).
ΑαρωνAarongenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of Hebrew אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable in the LXX; Aaron is named before Moses though younger, because the chapter concerns the priesthood and the Levites placed under Aaron.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜωυσῆMosesGenitivegenitive of relationship (coordinate with Ααρων)→ relational specificationΜωυσῆς: transliteration of Hebrew מֹשֶׁה; declined in Rahlfs' LXX (gen. Μωυσῆ); the genitive 'of Aaron and Moses' makes both the brothers the heading of the genealogy, though only Aaron's line is then enumerated.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal).
ᾗwhichDativerelative pronoun (dat. fem. sg., modifying ἡμέρᾳ)→ participant reference or interestὅς, ἥ, ὅ: the relative ᾗ within the phrase ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ('in the day in which') is a Hebraizing temporal idiom rendering בְּיוֹם; the antecedent ἡμέρᾳ is attracted into the relative clause.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (within the relative phrase 'in the day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; the phrase ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐλάλησεν renders בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר, anchoring the genealogy to the moment of Sinai revelation.
ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωverb of the temporal relative clause→ constative aorist (single completed act of revelation)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר (Piel); the aorist fixes the genealogy's reference-point at the specific day of YHWH's Sinai address.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐλάλησεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; subject of the divine speech that grounds the whole chapter's legislation.
τῷtoDativearticle (with Μωυσῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative indirect object (recipient of speech)→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς: dative Μωυσῇ as the addressee of the divine speech; Moses is the mediator through whom the Levitical ordinances are given.
ἐνonpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'on'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
ὄρειmountainDativedative of place (locative: 'on the mountain')→ sphere or referenceὄρος: 'mountain'; renders הַר; ἐν ὄρει Σινα localizes the revelation at Sinai, the covenant mountain where the Levitical order is established.
ΣιναSinaiindeclinable place-name (in apposition to ὄρει)→ participant identificationΣινα: transliteration of Hebrew סִינַי; indeclinable in the LXX; the mountain of the Exodus theophany and law-giving.
2
καὶ ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν υἱῶν Ααρων πρωτότοκος Ναδαβ καὶ Αβιουδ Ελεαζαρ καὶ Ιθαμαρ
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: the firstborn Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
The naming-formula ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα ('these are the names') renders וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת and introduces the list anticipated by the γενέσεις heading. The four sons are given in birth order, with πρωτότοκος marking Nadab's primogeniture — a pointed term in a chapter that will turn on the firstborn.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταῦταtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (neut. pl., agreeing with ὀνόματα)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: cataphoric ταῦτα pointing forward to the four names that follow; the formula ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα renders אֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ὀνόματα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀνόματαnamesNominativepredicate nominative (subject complement of verbless clause)→ participant prominenceὄνομα (pl. ὀνόματα): 'name'; renders שֵׁם; the naming-list formula introduces the priestly sons whose roll grounds the Aaronic line.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship (the sons whose names follow)→ relational specificationυἱός (pl. υἱῶν): 'son'; renders בֵּן; 'the sons of Aaron' are the candidates of the Aaronic priesthood.
Ααρωνof Aarongenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; the priestly patriarch whose four sons are now enumerated.
πρωτότοκοςfirstbornNominativeappositional noun (marking Nadab's rank)→ participant prominenceπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; here it designates Nadab's primogeniture, a charged term in a chapter whose theme is the LORD's claim on every firstborn (cf. vv. 12–13, 40–51).
ΝαδαβNadabappositional proper noun (indeclinable, in apposition to πρωτότοκος)→ participant identificationΝαδαβ: transliteration of Hebrew נָדָב; Aaron's firstborn, who with Abihu dies for the strange-fire offense (v. 4; cf. Lev 10:1–2).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑβιουδAbihucoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑβιουδ: transliteration of Hebrew אֲבִיהוּא; Aaron's second son, who dies with Nadab (v. 4).
ΕλεαζαρEleazarcoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΕλεαζαρ: transliteration of Hebrew אֶלְעָזָר; Aaron's third son, who becomes chief of the Levites (v. 32) and succeeds to the high-priestly line.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΙθαμαρIthamarcoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙθαμαρ: transliteration of Hebrew אִיתָמָר; Aaron's fourth son; with Eleazar he ministers as priest (v. 4) and oversees the Gershonite and Merarite service (Num 4).
3
ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν υἱῶν Ααρων οἱ ἱερεῖς οἱ ἠλειμμένοι οὓς ἐτελείωσαν τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν ἱερατεύειν
These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whose hands they filled to serve as priests.
The verse repeats the naming-formula to add a qualifying apposition: Aaron's sons are οἱ ἱερεῖς οἱ ἠλειμμένοι ('the anointed priests') whose ordination is described by the Hebraism ἐτελείωσαν τὰς χεῖρας ('they filled the hands'), the LXX rendering of מִלֵּא יָד, the technical idiom for priestly consecration (cf. Exod 28:41; 29:9).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ταῦταtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (neut. pl.)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: resumptive ταῦτα reopening the naming-formula to qualify the sons as ordained priests.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ὀνόματα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀνόματαnamesNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceὄνομα: 'name'; the repeated formula frames the priestly identity of Aaron's line.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Aaron, now defined by their priestly office.
Ααρωνof Aarongenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; the priestly patriarch.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with ἱερεῖς, appositional)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱερεῖςpriestsNominativeappositional noun (defining the sons as priests)→ participant prominenceἱερεύς (pl. ἱερεῖς): 'priest'; renders כֹּהֵן; the apposition marks Aaron's sons as the ordained priesthood, distinct from the Levites who serve them.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with ἠλειμμένοι, attributive)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἠλειμμένοιanointedPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · ἀλείφωattributive participle (modifying ἱερεῖς)→ resultative perfect participle (settled state of consecration)ἀλείφω: 'anoint / smear with oil'; renders מָשַׁח; the perfect passive participle ἠλειμμένοι denotes the abiding state of having been anointed — their priestly consecration is a completed, standing fact (cf. the anointing of the priests, Exod 28:41; 30:30).
οὓςwhose / whomAccusativerelative pronoun (acc. masc. pl., object within the relative clause)→ participant referenceὅς: the relative οὕς introduces the ordination-clause; its referent is the priests, here construed as the persons whose 'hands were filled.'
ἐτελείωσανthey filled / consecratedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · τελειόωverb of the relative clause (idiom of ordination)→ constative aorist (the completed act of ordination)τελειόω: 'make complete / perfect / consecrate'; the phrase ἐτελείωσαν τὰς χεῖρας ('they perfected/filled the hands') is the LXX's calque of the Hebrew ordination idiom מִלֵּא יָד ('fill the hand'), the technical term for installing a priest into office (cf. Exod 29:9, 33; Lev 8:33); the same verb undergirds Hebrews' τελειόω of priestly perfecting.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with χεῖρας)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἐτελείωσαν (idiom: 'filled the hands')→ object specificationχείρ (pl. χεῖρας): 'hand'; renders יָד; within the ordination idiom 'fill the hands' the hands signify the priest's authorization to handle the holy offerings.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (modifying χεῖρας)→ relational specificationαὐτός: possessive genitive 'their (hands)'; the consecration is of the priests' own hands.
ἱερατεύεινto serve as priestsPres Act Inf · ἱερατεύωinfinitive of purpose (goal of the ordination)→ present infinitive (ongoing priestly ministry as the aim of consecration)ἱερατεύω: 'serve as priest / perform priestly office'; renders כִּהֵן (Piel); the infinitive of purpose states the goal of 'filling the hands' — ongoing priestly ministry; the same verb describes Zechariah's service in Luke 1:8.
4
καὶ ἐτελεύτησεν Ναδαβ καὶ Αβιουδ ἔναντι κυρίου προσφερόντων αὐτῶν πῦρ ἀλλότριον ἔναντι κυρίου ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ Σινα καὶ παιδία οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἱεράτευσεν Ελεαζαρ καὶ Ιθαμαρ μετ᾿ Ααρων τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῶν
And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children; and Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the presence of Aaron their father.
The verse recalls the death of Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:1–2) by the genitive-absolute προσφερόντων αὐτῶν πῦρ ἀλλότριον ('when they offered strange fire'); the double ἔναντι κυρίου ('before the LORD') frames both the death and the offense as occurring in the divine presence. The note παιδία οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς ('they had no children') explains why only Eleazar and Ithamar continue the priestly line — a genealogical consequence with covenantal weight.
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐτελεύτησενdiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τελευτάωmain verb (singular with compound subject, agreeing with nearer noun)→ constative aorist (completed event of death)τελευτάω: 'die / come to an end'; renders מוּת; the singular verb with the compound subject Ναδαβ καὶ Αβιουδ follows the common Greek/Hebrew pattern of agreement with the nearer subject; the death is the judicial outcome of the strange-fire offense (Lev 10).
ΝαδαβNadabsubject (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΝαδαβ: Aaron's firstborn; his death without offspring removes the firstborn from the priestly succession.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑβιουδAbihucoordinate subject (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑβιουδ: Aaron's second son, who dies with Nadab.
ἔναντιbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism rendering לִפְנֵי; the death occurs in the very presence of the LORD, underlining its cultic gravity.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the genitive with ἔναντι localizes the death in the divine presence.
προσφερόντωνofferingPres Act Ptcp Gen Masc Pl · προσφέρωgenitive absolute participle (temporal-causal: 'when/because they offered')→ imperfective present participle (action contemporaneous with the death)προσφέρω: 'bring near / offer (sacrifice)'; renders הִקְרִיב; the genitive absolute προσφερόντων αὐτῶν gives the circumstance of the death — the unauthorized offering; προσφέρω is the standard LXX cultic verb for presenting offerings (cf. Heb 5:1).
αὐτῶνtheyGenitivegenitive subject of the absolute construction→ relational specificationαὐτός: the genitive αὐτῶν is the subject of the genitive-absolute participle 'when they offered.'
πῦρfireAccusativedirect object of προσφερόντων→ object specificationπῦρ: 'fire'; renders אֵשׁ; the object of the illicit offering — fire taken from an unauthorized source (Lev 10:1).
ἀλλότριονstrange / alienAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πῦρ)→ object specificationἀλλότριος: 'belonging to another / strange / alien'; renders זָרָה; πῦρ ἀλλότριον is the 'strange fire' the LORD had not commanded (Lev 10:1); the adjective marks the offering as cultically illegitimate, cognate in theme with ὁ ἀλλογενής ('the outsider') of vv. 10, 38.
ἔναντιbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (repeated: locating the offense)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: the second ἔναντι κυρίου frames the offense itself as committed in the divine presence, intensifying its gravity.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle (with ἐρήμῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐρήμῳwildernessDativedative of place (locative: 'in the wilderness')→ sphere or referenceἔρημος: 'wilderness / desert'; renders מִדְבָּר; the wilderness of Sinai is the setting of the whole Numbers census.
Σιναof Sinaiindeclinable place-name (qualifying ἐρήμῳ)→ participant identificationΣινα: indeclinable; the wilderness of Sinai locates the events at the covenant mountain.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (adding the childlessness note)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παιδίαchildrenNominativesubject of the existential clause (οὐκ ἦν)→ participant prominenceπαιδίον (pl. παιδία): 'child / little one'; renders בָּנִים here; the note that they had no children explains the narrowing of the priestly line to Eleazar and Ithamar.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἦν)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: the negative of fact; with the existential ἦν it denies the existence of offspring.
ἦνwas / there wereImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίexistential verb (impersonal: 'there were no children to them')→ stative imperfect (continuing state of childlessness)εἰμί: 'be / exist'; the construction οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς ('there was not to them') is the Hebraizing dative of possession rendering לֹא הָיוּ לָהֶם — they had no children.
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative of possession (with ἦν: 'they had no children')→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: the dative of possession completes the Hebraizing existential construction.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (resuming the main narrative)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἱεράτευσενserved as priestsAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἱερατεύωmain verb (singular with compound subject)→ constative aorist (the assumed priestly service of the surviving sons)ἱερατεύω: 'serve as priest'; renders כִּהֵן; the singular verb with the compound subject Ελεαζαρ καὶ Ιθαμαρ again follows agreement with the nearer noun; the surviving sons carry on the priesthood.
ΕλεαζαρEleazarsubject (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΕλεαζαρ: Aaron's third son; with Ithamar he continues the priestly ministry and later becomes chief of the Levites (v. 32).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΙθαμαρIthamarcoordinate subject (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙθαμαρ: Aaron's fourth son, joint heir of the surviving priestly line.
μετ᾿with / in the presence ofpreposition + genitive (elided before vowel: 'in the presence of')→ spatial or relational framingμετά + genitive: 'with / in company with'; here 'in the presence of / under' Aaron, indicating that the sons ministered alongside and subordinate to their father.
ΑαρωνAarongenitive object of μετά (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; the high priest under whom Eleazar and Ithamar serve.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with πατρὸς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πατρὸςfatherGenitivegenitive in apposition to Ααρων ('Aaron their father')→ relational specificationπατήρ (gen. πατρός): 'father'; renders אָב; the apposition 'their father' underscores the dynastic continuity of the priesthood within Aaron's house.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of relationship (modifying πατρὸς)→ relational specificationαὐτός: possessive genitive 'their father.'
5
καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The recurring formula καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων (cf. vv. 11, 14, 44) marks each new divine instruction; the redundant participle λέγων ('saying') is the LXX's calque of the Hebrew לֵאמֹר introducing direct speech. Here it opens the commission of the Levites to Aaron (vv. 6–10).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (speech-introducing formula)→ constative aorist (single divine speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; the aorist introduces a fresh divine address; the whole formula structures the chapter's legal sections.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the speaker of the Levitic ordinances.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (recipient of speech)→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: accusative as the directional object of πρός; Moses is the mediator of the divine word.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ imperfective present participle (Hebraizing speech-marker)λέγω: the participle λέγων is the LXX's standard calque of the Hebrew infinitive לֵאמֹר ('saying'), a redundant marker introducing the content of direct discourse.
6
λαβὲ τὴν φυλὴν Λευι καὶ στήσεις αὐτοὺς ἐναντίον Ααρων τοῦ ἱερέως καὶ λειτουργήσουσιν αὐτῷ
Take the tribe of Levi and you shall set them before Aaron the priest, and they shall minister to him.
The aorist imperative λαβέ ('take') opens the commission; the future στήσεις ('you shall set') functions as a directive future (imperatival), and λειτουργήσουσιν ('they shall minister') uses the cultic verb λειτουργέω that gives English 'liturgy.' The Levites are 'set before Aaron the priest' — placed in subordinate service to the priesthood.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
λαβὲtakeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (divine imperative to Moses)→ ingressive aorist imperative (decisive command to act)λαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; renders לָקַח; the aorist imperative λαβέ commissions Moses to bring the tribe of Levi forward for presentation to Aaron.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with φυλὴν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλὴνtribeAccusativedirect object of λαβέ→ object specificationφυλή: 'tribe / clan'; renders מַטֶּה / שֵׁבֶט; the tribe of Levi is taken as a corporate whole to be dedicated to sanctuary service.
Λευιof Levigenitive of relationship (indeclinable, qualifying φυλὴν)→ participant identificationΛευι: transliteration of Hebrew לֵוִי; indeclinable in the LXX; the priestly-Levitic tribe set apart for the tabernacle.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
στήσειςyou shall set / presentFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb (directive future with imperatival force)→ imperatival future (command expressed as prediction)ἵστημι: 'set / cause to stand / present'; renders הֶעֱמִיד; the future στήσεις functions as a command (the Hebrew imperfect of instruction); to 'set them before Aaron' is to install the Levites in attendance on the priesthood.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of στήσεις (the Levites)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them'; the masculine plural refers to the men of the tribe of Levi.
ἐναντίονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in the presence of)→ spatial or relational framingἐναντίον: 'before / in the presence of'; Hebraism rendering לִפְנֵי; the Levites stand 'before Aaron,' i.e. at his disposal for service.
ΑαρωνAarongenitive object of ἐναντίον (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; the high priest to whom the Levites are subordinated.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with ἱερέως)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱερέωςpriestGenitivegenitive in apposition to Ααρων ('Aaron the priest')→ relational specificationἱερεύς (gen. ἱερέως): 'priest'; renders כֹּהֵן; the apposition 'Aaron the priest' marks the priestly office to which the Levites' service is directed.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λειτουργήσουσινthey shall ministerFut Act Indic 3 Pl · λειτουργέωmain verb (consequent future: the purpose of the presentation)→ predictive/telic future (the resulting ministry)λειτουργέω: 'render service / minister (cultically)'; renders שֵׁרֵת; the verb (whence English 'liturgy') designates the public, ordered service of the sanctuary; the Levites minister to Aaron, assisting the priesthood (cf. Heb 8:2,6 for the cognate λειτουργός).
αὐτῷto himDativedative indirect object of λειτουργήσουσιν (Aaron)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: dative 'to him' (Aaron); the Levites' ministry is rendered to the priest, not directly to the altar.
7
καὶ φυλάξουσιν τὰς φυλακὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἔναντι τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα τῆς σκηνῆς
And they shall keep his charges and the charges of the sons of Israel before the tent of witness, to do the works of the tabernacle.
The figura etymologica φυλάξουσιν τὰς φυλακάς ('they shall keep the keepings/charges') renders the Hebrew cognate construction שָׁמַר מִשְׁמֶרֶת, the technical idiom for guarding cultic duties; the Levites keep both Aaron's charge and the congregation's charge 'before the tent of witness' (σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου, the LXX's standard rendering of אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φυλάξουσινthey shall keep / guardFut Act Indic 3 Pl · φυλάσσωmain verb (continuing the Levites' duties)→ predictive future (ongoing custodial duty)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep / watch over'; renders שָׁמַר; with its cognate object φυλακάς it forms the technical idiom 'keep the charge' — guarding the sanctuary and its service from encroachment.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςcharges / watchesAccusativecognate accusative (direct object of φυλάξουσιν)→ object specificationφυλακή (pl. φυλακάς): 'guard / watch / charge / custody'; renders מִשְׁמֶרֶת; the cognate accusative with φυλάσσω calques the Hebrew figura etymologica שָׁמַר מִשְׁמֶרֶת; 'charges' here are assigned cultic responsibilities.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Aaron's charges)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his' (Aaron's); the Levites keep the charge committed to the high priest on his behalf.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςchargesAccusativecognate accusative (second object: the congregation's charge)→ object specificationφυλακή: the repeated 'charges' now of the whole congregation — the Levites guard the sanctuary on behalf of all Israel, sparing the laity from the lethal danger of approach (cf. v. 10).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship (the congregation)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ('the sons of Israel') is the standard LXX designation of the covenant people, here as those on whose behalf the Levites serve.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable; the covenant nation.
ἔναντιbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (location of service)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before / in front of'; the service is rendered at the front of the tent of witness.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; renders אֹהֶל / מִשְׁכָּן; the phrase σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ('tent of witness') is the LXX's regular rendering of אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד ('tent of meeting'), reading the Hebrew through עֵדוּת ('testimony').
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with μαρτυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουwitness / testimonyGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying σκηνῆς)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'testimony / witness'; renders עֵדוּת / מוֹעֵד; the tent is the place of the divine testimony (the tablets of the covenant) and of meeting between YHWH and Israel.
ἐργάζεσθαιto do / workPres Mid Inf · ἐργάζομαιinfinitive of purpose (the aim of the charge)→ imperfective present infinitive (ongoing labor of the sanctuary)ἐργάζομαι: 'work / labor / perform'; renders עָבַד; the infinitive of purpose specifies the goal of the charge — to carry out the ongoing works of the tabernacle.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with ἔργα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworksAccusativedirect object of ἐργάζεσθαι→ object specificationἔργον (pl. ἔργα): 'work / task / labor'; renders עֲבֹדָה; the 'works of the tabernacle' are the practical duties of setting up, dismantling, transporting and maintaining the sanctuary (detailed in Num 4).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive of relationship (the works belonging to the tabernacle)→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tabernacle'; the dwelling that the Levites' works maintain and serve.
8
καὶ φυλάξουσιν πάντα τὰ σκεύη τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ κατὰ πάντα τὰ ἔργα τῆς σκηνῆς
And they shall keep all the vessels of the tent of witness and the charges of the sons of Israel, according to all the works of the tabernacle.
The charge is extended from duties to objects: 'all the vessels' (πάντα τὰ σκεύη) of the tent. The verse rounds off the Levitic commission with the comprehensive κατὰ πάντα τὰ ἔργα ('according to all the works'), stressing the totality of their custodial responsibility.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φυλάξουσινthey shall keepFut Act Indic 3 Pl · φυλάσσωmain verb→ predictive future (custodial duty over the vessels)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep'; here the charge extends to the physical guardianship of the sanctuary equipment.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying σκεύη)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / every'; the totality of the tent's vessels falls under Levitic custody.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with σκεύη)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκεύηvessels / equipmentAccusativedirect object of φυλάξουσιν→ object specificationσκεῦος (pl. σκεύη): 'vessel / implement / equipment'; renders כֵּלִים; the sanctuary's furniture and utensils (enumerated by clan in vv. 25–37).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; the dwelling whose vessels are guarded.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with μαρτυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουwitnessGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying σκηνῆς)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'testimony / witness'; the tent of witness, as in v. 7.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςchargesAccusativecognate accusative (object: the congregation's charge)→ object specificationφυλακή: 'charge'; the Levites again keep the charge of the sons of Israel, mediating between the holy and the laity.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel as the congregation served.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm / standard)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to / in accordance with'; introduces the comprehensive measure of the charge.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἔργα)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; 'according to all the works' underscores the unlimited scope of Levitic duty.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with ἔργα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworksAccusativeobject of κατά (norm: 'according to all the works')→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / task'; the totality of the sanctuary's labors.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tabernacle'; the works belonging to the sanctuary.
9
καὶ δώσεις τοὺς Λευίτας Ααρων καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἱερεῦσιν δόμα δεδομένοι οὗτοί μοί εἰσιν ἀπὸ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ
And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons the priests as a gift; they are given to me from among the sons of Israel.
The Levites are formally 'given' to Aaron; the appositional δόμα δεδομένοι ('a gift, given ones') is an emphatic figura etymologica (δίδωμι twice over) rendering the Hebrew נְתֻנִם נְתֻנִם, the title 'Nethinim' for those dedicated to sanctuary service. The clause οὗτοί μοί εἰσιν ('they are mine') asserts YHWH's prior ownership: the Levites are his, then lent to the priests.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δώσειςyou shall giveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (directive future)→ imperatival future (command to assign the Levites)δίδωμι: 'give / grant'; renders נָתַן; the future of instruction commands Moses to make the formal donation of the Levites to the priesthood; the verb is picked up by the cognate δόμα δεδομένοι below.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with Λευίτας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of δώσεις→ object specificationΛευίτης (pl. Λευίτας): 'Levite'; renders לֵוִי; the members of the tribe of Levi, here given as a gift to the Aaronic priesthood.
Ααρωνto Aarondative indirect object (indeclinable: recipient of the gift)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; here functioning as dative (recipient); the Levites are given to Aaron the high priest.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςto theDativearticle (with υἱοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative indirect object (coordinate recipient with Ααρων)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; the Levites are given to Aaron and to his sons — the whole priestly house.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Aaron's sons)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his'; Aaron's sons, the priests.
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with ἱερεῦσιν, in apposition to υἱοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱερεῦσινpriestsDativedative in apposition to υἱοῖς ('to his sons the priests')→ sphere or referenceἱερεύς (dat. pl. ἱερεῦσιν): 'priest'; the apposition identifies Aaron's sons specifically as the priests who receive the Levites' service.
δόμαas a giftAccusativeaccusative of result / predicate (the Levites given 'as a gift')→ object specificationδόμα: 'gift / present'; renders מַתָּנָה / נְתֻנִים; with the participle δεδομένοι it forms the emphatic figura etymologica 'a gift, given,' rendering the Hebrew doubled נְתֻנִם, the title of those wholly dedicated to sanctuary service.
δεδομένοιgivenPerf Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · δίδωμιappositional participle (resumptive: 'given ones')→ resultative perfect participle (abiding state of being dedicated)δίδωμι: the perfect passive participle δεδομένοι ('having been given / given ones') denotes the settled status of the Levites as a permanent donation; together with δόμα it doubles the give-root, calquing the Hebrew נְתֻנִם נְתֻנִם (the 'Nethinim').
οὗτοίtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (of εἰσιν)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; the demonstrative resumes the Levites as subject of the ownership-clause 'they are mine.'
μοίto me / mineDativedative of possession (with εἰσιν: 'they are mine')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the emphatic dative μοί asserts YHWH's prior claim — the Levites belong to him before they are lent to the priests; this anticipates the substitution theme of vv. 12–13, 41, 45.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (with dative of possession)→ stative present (abiding ownership)εἰμί: 'be'; with the dative μοί it forms the possessive 'they are mine,' a stative assertion of YHWH's ownership of the Levites.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source / separation)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from / out of'; the Levites are taken 'from among' the sons of Israel — set apart from the laity for the LORD.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel from whom the Levites are separated.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation from which the Levites are drawn.
10
καὶ Ααρων καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ καταστήσεις ἐπὶ τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ φυλάξουσιν τὴν ἱερατείαν αὐτῶν καὶ πάντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν βωμὸν καὶ ἔσω τοῦ καταπετάσματος καὶ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς ὁ ἁπτόμενος ἀποθανεῖται
And Aaron and his sons you shall appoint over the tent of witness, and they shall keep their priesthood and all that pertains to the altar and within the veil; and the outsider who approaches shall die.
The fronted objects Ααρων καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτοῦ emphasize that the inner priestly service — the altar and 'within the veil' (ἔσω τοῦ καταπετάσματος) — belongs to Aaron's line alone. The verse closes with the apodictic sanction ὁ ἀλλογενὴς ὁ ἁπτόμενος ἀποθανεῖται ('the outsider who touches shall die'), the lethal boundary protecting the priestly office (repeated at v. 38).
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑαρωνAaronfronted accusative object (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; the high priest, set with his sons over the sanctuary.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with υἱοὺς)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativefronted direct object (coordinate with Ααρων)→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; Aaron's sons appointed with him over the sanctuary.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his'; Aaron's sons.
καταστήσειςyou shall appoint / setFut Act Indic 2 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb (directive future)→ imperatival future (command to install)καθίστημι: 'appoint / set / establish (in office)'; renders הִפְקִיד / הֶעֱמִיד; the future of instruction installs Aaron and his sons over the sanctuary; the same verb describes appointment to stewardship in the NT (cf. Matt 24:45).
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (authority over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + genitive: 'over / in charge of'; marks the priests' oversight of the tent of witness.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; the tent of witness over which the priests are appointed.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with μαρτυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουwitnessGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'testimony / witness'; the tent of witness.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φυλάξουσινthey shall keepFut Act Indic 3 Pl · φυλάσσωmain verb (the priests' guardianship of their office)→ predictive future (custodial duty over the priesthood)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep'; here the priests keep their own priesthood — the office is itself a charge to be guarded against profanation.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with ἱερατείαν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱερατείανpriesthoodAccusativedirect object of φυλάξουσιν→ object specificationἱερατεία: 'priesthood / priestly office'; renders כְּהֻנָּה; the priestly office reserved to Aaron's house; the term recurs in Luke 1:9 (Zechariah's priestly turn) and Heb 7:5.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the priesthood belonging to Aaron and his sons.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallAccusativesubstantival adjective (object: 'all the things')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; 'all that pertains to the altar' — the full range of altar-service reserved to the priests.
τὰthe thingsAccusativearticle (substantivizing the prepositional phrase)→ noun-phrase markingὁ, ἡ, τό: the neuter plural article substantivizes the following prepositional phrase: 'the things concerning the altar.'
κατὰconcerning / atpreposition + accusative (reference: 'pertaining to the altar')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: here distributive/referential, 'the things at/concerning the altar.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with βωμὸν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βωμὸνaltarAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationβωμός: 'altar'; renders מִזְבֵּחַ; the altar-service is the priests' exclusive domain (though βωμός is more often used in the LXX of pagan altars, here it denotes the sanctuary altar).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσωwithinadverb / improper preposition + genitive (location: 'inside')→ spatial or relational framingἔσω: 'within / inside'; with the genitive 'within the veil' designates the inner sanctuary — the most restricted holy space, entered only by the priesthood (cf. Heb 6:19; 9:3).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with καταπετάσματος)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καταπετάσματοςveilGenitivegenitive with ἔσω ('within the veil')→ relational specificationκαταπέτασμα: 'curtain / veil'; renders פָּרֹכֶת; the veil screening the Holy of Holies; its NT resonance is the temple veil torn at the crucifixion (Matt 27:51) and the 'new and living way' through it (Heb 10:20).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the sanction)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἀλλογενὴς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀλλογενὴςoutsider / foreignerNominativesubject of ἀποθανεῖται→ participant prominenceἀλλογενής: 'of another race / outsider'; renders זָר ('non-priest / layman') here, not 'foreigner' ethnically but anyone outside the Aaronic priesthood; the LXX term reappears strikingly in Luke 17:18 of the Samaritan leper, and is echoed in the temple-warning inscription (ἀλλογενῆ).
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (with ἁπτόμενος, attributive)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁπτόμενοςwho touches / approachesPres Mid Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ἅπτομαιattributive participle (modifying ἀλλογενὴς)→ imperfective present participle (the act of encroaching)ἅπτομαι: 'touch / lay hold of / approach'; renders קָרַב / נָגַע; the outsider who 'touches' the holy things or draws near to the priestly service transgresses the sacral boundary; the present participle generalizes ('anyone who touches').
ἀποθανεῖταιshall dieFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb (apodictic sanction)→ imperatival/legal future (mandated death-penalty)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; renders יוּמָת / מוּת; the future ἀποθανεῖται is the standard apodictic death-sentence formula ('he shall surely die'), guarding the sanctuary against lay encroachment; the same sanction closes v. 38.
11
καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The speech-formula recurs verbatim (cf. vv. 5, 14, 44), here opening the theological centerpiece of the chapter: the LORD's claim on the Levites in place of the firstborn (vv. 12–13).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (speech-introducing formula)→ constative aorist (single divine speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; introduces the substitution-charter that follows.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: accusative as directional object of πρός.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ imperfective present participle (Hebraizing speech-marker)λέγω: the participle λέγων calques the Hebrew לֵאמֹר introducing direct discourse.
12
καὶ ἐγὼ ἰδοὺ εἴληφα τοὺς Λευίτας ἐκ μέσου τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἀντὶ παντὸς πρωτοτόκου διανοίγοντος μήτραν παρὰ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ λύτρα αὐτῶν ἔσονται καὶ ἔσονται ἐμοὶ οἱ Λευῖται
And behold, I myself have taken the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel in place of every firstborn that opens the womb from the sons of Israel; they shall be their ransom, and the Levites shall be mine.
The emphatic ἐγὼ ἰδού ('I, behold') with the perfect εἴληφα ('I have taken') solemnly announces the divine act. The substitutionary ἀντί ('in place of') governs the whole theology: the Levites stand in for every πρωτότοκος διανοίγων μήτραν ('firstborn that opens the womb', the Hebrew פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם of Exod 13:2). The Levites become the λύτρα ('ransom') of Israel's firstborn and pass into YHWH's possession.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγὼINominativeemphatic subject pronoun→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic first-person pronoun stresses YHWH's personal initiative — it is the LORD himself who claims the Levites.
ἰδοὺbeholdpresentative interjection→ clausal contributionἰδού: 'behold / look'; renders הִנֵּה; a presentative particle marking the solemn announcement of a decisive divine act.
εἴληφαI have takenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (perfomative declaration)→ resultative/performative perfect (the standing fact of the taking)λαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; renders לָקַח; the perfect εἴληφα presents the taking as an accomplished, abiding fact — by divine decree the Levites already belong to YHWH; performative force ('I hereby take').
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with Λευίτας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of εἴληφα→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the tribe taken as YHWH's own in substitution for the firstborn.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation / source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: 'out of / from'; the Levites are taken 'from the midst of' Israel, set apart from the laity.
μέσουmidstGenitiveobject of ἐκ (idiomatic: 'from the midst of')→ relational specificationμέσος: 'middle / midst'; ἐκ μέσου renders מִתּוֹךְ ('from the midst of'), marking the Levites' separation out of the body of Israel.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel from whom the Levites are drawn.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of / in place of'; renders תַּחַת; the key substitutionary preposition of the chapter — the Levites take the place of the firstborn; the same ἀντί undergirds the NT ransom-theology (λύτρον ἀντὶ πολλῶν, Mark 10:45).
παντὸςeveryGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying πρωτοτόκου)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'every / all'; the substitution covers every single firstborn, none excepted.
πρωτοτόκουfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of ἀντί→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; the firstborn whom the Levites replace; the term's theological arc runs to Christ as πρωτότοκος (Col 1:15,18; Rom 8:29; Heb 1:6; 12:23).
διανοίγοντοςthat opensPres Act Ptcp Gen Masc/Neut Sg · διανοίγωattributive participle (modifying πρωτοτόκου)→ imperfective present participle (defining characteristic of the firstborn)διανοίγω: 'open thoroughly / open up'; renders פֶּטֶר (פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, 'that which opens the womb'); the phrase πρωτότοκον διανοῖγον μήτραν is the technical designation of the firstborn (Exod 13:2,12); the same idiom appears in Luke 2:23 (πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἅγιον τῷ κυρίῳ κληθήσεται).
μήτρανwombAccusativedirect object of διανοίγοντος→ object specificationμήτρα: 'womb'; renders רֶחֶם; the object of the firstborn-idiom 'that opens the womb' — the first issue of the womb belongs to the LORD.
παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + genitive: 'from / from beside'; reiterates the source — the firstborn drawn from the sons of Israel.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of παρά→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable.
λύτραransomNominativepredicate nominative (with ἔσονται)→ participant prominenceλύτρον (pl. λύτρα): 'ransom / price of release'; renders פִּדְיוֹם / כֹּפֶר; the Levites function as the redemption-price for Israel's firstborn; the lexeme grounds the biblical redemption vocabulary (λυτρόω, ἀπολύτρωσις, Mark 10:45; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 1:18).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of relationship (the firstborn's ransom)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Levites are the ransom belonging to / on behalf of the firstborn.
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (predicate: 'shall be their ransom')→ predictive future (the Levites' appointed function)εἰμί (fut. ἔσονται): 'be'; the future declares the Levites' divinely-assigned role as the ransom of the firstborn.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (predicate: 'shall be mine')→ predictive future (the Levites' transfer into divine possession)εἰμί: the repeated ἔσονται with ἐμοί asserts the Levites' new status as YHWH's possession (cf. v. 45).
ἐμοὶmineDativedative of possession (with ἔσονται: 'shall be mine')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the emphatic dative ἐμοί ('to me / mine') asserts YHWH's ownership of the Levites in exchange for the firstborn.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with Λευῖται)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευῖταιLevitesNominativesubject of ἔσονται→ participant prominenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the tribe that henceforth belongs to YHWH.
13
ἐμοὶ γὰρ πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐπάταξα πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτου ἡγίασα ἐμοὶ πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν Ισραηλ ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους ἐμοὶ ἔσονται ἐγὼ κύριος
For every firstborn is mine; in the day I struck every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified to myself every firstborn in Israel, from man to beast; they shall be mine; I am the LORD.
The explanatory γάρ grounds the substitution of v. 12 in the Passover: 'every firstborn is mine.' The temporal clause ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐπάταξα πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτου recalls the tenth plague (Exod 12:29), on the basis of which YHWH 'sanctified' (ἡγίασα, Exod 13:2) every firstborn in Israel, man and beast alike. The self-asseveration ἐγὼ κύριος ('I am the LORD') seals the claim with covenant authority.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
ἐμοὶmineDativedative of possession (fronted: 'mine is every firstborn')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the emphatic dative ἐμοί, fronted for stress, asserts YHWH's absolute ownership of every firstborn.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: 'for'; grounds the divine claim of v. 12 in the Passover-event narrated in this verse.
πᾶνeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'every'; the totality of the firstborn belongs to the LORD.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornNominativesubject (with implied copula: 'every firstborn [is] mine')→ participant prominenceπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; the object of YHWH's exclusive claim grounded in the Passover.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (temporal).
ᾗwhichDativerelative pronoun (within temporal phrase 'in the day in which')→ participant reference or interestὅς: the relative within ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ('in the day when'), a Hebraizing temporal idiom (cf. v. 1).
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; the day of the Passover-stroke against Egypt's firstborn (Exod 12:29).
ἐπάταξαI struckAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πατάσσωverb of the temporal relative clause→ constative aorist (the decisive Passover-stroke)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; renders הִכָּה (Hiphil of נכה); the aorist recalls the tenth plague — YHWH's smiting of all Egypt's firstborn — the event that founds his claim on Israel's firstborn.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; the stroke fell on every Egyptian firstborn.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of ἐπάταξα→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the firstborn of Egypt struck in the Passover.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
γῇlandDativedative of place (locative)→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land / earth'; renders אֶרֶץ; the land of Egypt, scene of the Passover-judgment.
Αἰγύπτουof EgyptGenitivegenitive of relationship (with γῇ: 'land of Egypt')→ relational specificationΑἴγυπτος: standard LXX form of Hebrew מִצְרַיִם; the place of bondage and of the firstborn-plague.
ἡγίασαI sanctified / set apartAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἁγιάζωmain verb (the consecration of Israel's firstborn)→ constative aorist (the act of consecration consequent on the Passover)ἁγιάζω: 'make holy / consecrate / set apart'; renders קִדֵּשׁ (Piel of קדשׁ); on the basis of the Passover YHWH consecrated to himself every firstborn in Israel (Exod 13:2, ἁγίασόν μοι πᾶν πρωτότοκον); the verb expresses dedication to exclusive divine ownership.
ἐμοὶto myselfDativedative of advantage (with ἡγίασα: 'sanctified to myself')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the dative ἐμοί marks the beneficiary — the firstborn are sanctified for YHWH's own possession.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; the consecration embraces every Israelite firstborn.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of ἡγίασα→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; Israel's firstborn, consecrated to the LORD.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
ΙσραηλIsraelobject of ἐν (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; 'in Israel' delimits the consecration to the covenant people.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: the merism ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους ('from man to beast') expresses totality — both human and animal firstborn belong to YHWH.
ἀνθρώπουmanGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (first pole of merism)→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: 'human being / man'; renders אָדָם; the human firstborn, first member of the merism.
ἕωςtoimproper preposition + genitive (end of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; closes the merism at the lower pole (animals).
κτήνουςbeastGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (second pole of merism)→ relational specificationκτῆνος: 'beast / cattle / livestock'; renders בְּהֵמָה; the animal firstborn, completing the 'man to beast' totality (cf. v. 41 for the Levites' cattle taken in place of the firstborn cattle).
ἐμοὶmineDativedative of possession (with ἔσονται)→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the emphatic dative reasserts YHWH's ownership: 'they shall be mine.'
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (predicate of possession)→ predictive future (settled divine ownership)εἰμί: 'be'; with ἐμοί asserts the firstborn's enduring belonging to YHWH.
ἐγὼINominativesubject of the self-asseveration (with implied copula)→ participant referenceἐγώ: the emphatic pronoun in the formula ἐγὼ κύριος ('I am the LORD'), the covenant self-identification that seals the divine claim.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativepredicate nominative (self-identification formula)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the formula ἐγὼ κύριος (אֲנִי יהוה) is the authoritative covenant signature affirming the binding force of the preceding word (cf. Lev 18–26 passim).
14
καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ Σινα λέγων
And the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
The speech-formula is here expanded with the locative ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ Σινα ('in the wilderness of Sinai'), localizing the muster-command at the Sinai encampment; it opens the section enumerating the Levite clans (vv. 15–20).
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (speech-introducing formula)→ constative aorist (single divine speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֶּר; introduces the census-command of vv. 15ff.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: accusative as directional object of πρός.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle (with ἐρήμῳ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐρήμῳwildernessDativedative of place (locative)→ sphere or referenceἔρημος: 'wilderness'; renders מִדְבָּר; the setting of the divine command.
Σιναof Sinaiindeclinable place-name (qualifying ἐρήμῳ)→ participant identificationΣινα: indeclinable; the wilderness of Sinai.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ imperfective present participle (Hebraizing speech-marker)λέγω: the participle λέγων calques the Hebrew לֵאמֹר.
15
ἐπίσκεψαι τοὺς υἱοὺς Λευι κατ᾿ οἴκους πατριῶν αὐτῶν κατὰ δήμους αὐτῶν κατὰ συγγενείας αὐτῶν πᾶν ἀρσενικὸν ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω ἐπισκέψασθε αὐτούς
Muster the sons of Levi by their ancestral houses, by their clans, by their kindreds; every male from a month old and upward you shall muster.
The aorist imperative ἐπίσκεψαι ('muster / number') introduces the technical census-vocabulary (ἐπισκέπτομαι / ἐπίσκεψις) that dominates the chapter. The threefold κατά-phrase (houses, clans, kindreds) prescribes the genealogical method; the criterion 'every male from a month old' (ἀπὸ μηνιαίου) differs from the war-census of Num 1 (from twenty years), since the Levites are counted as the LORD's possession, not as soldiers.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ἐπίσκεψαιmuster / numberAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (divine imperative to Moses)→ ingressive aorist imperative (command to conduct the census)ἐπισκέπτομαι: 'visit / inspect / muster / number'; renders פָּקַד; the technical verb for taking a military or census reckoning; its cognate noun ἐπίσκεψις ('mustering') recurs throughout the chapter (vv. 22, 34, 36, 39); the same root yields ἐπίσκοπος ('overseer') in later usage.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with υἱοὺς)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativedirect object of ἐπίσκεψαι→ object specificationυἱός: 'son'; 'the sons of Levi' — the tribe to be numbered.
Λευιof Levigenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΛευι: indeclinable; the priestly-Levitic tribe.
κατ᾿bypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: distributive 'by / according to'; introduces the genealogical units of the census.
οἴκουςhousesAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive: 'by houses')→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house / household'; the phrase οἶκοι πατριῶν ('ancestral houses') renders בֵּית אָבוֹת, the basic genealogical-administrative unit.
πατριῶνof fathers / ancestralGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying οἴκους)→ relational specificationπατριά: 'lineage / ancestral house / paternal line'; renders אָב (in בֵּית אָבוֹת); the larger family grouping.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the ancestral houses belonging to the Levites.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'by / according to'; second genealogical division.
δήμουςclansAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive: 'by clans')→ object specificationδῆμος: 'people-group / clan / district'; renders מִשְׁפָּחָה; the sub-tribal clan division (the named Levite clans of vv. 18–20).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the clans of the Levites.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'by / according to'; third genealogical division.
συγγενείαςkindreds / familiesAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive: 'by kindreds')→ object specificationσυγγένεια: 'kinship / family / relations'; renders the more immediate family grouping; the threefold houses–clans–kindreds covers the whole genealogical taxonomy.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the kindreds of the Levites.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀρσενικὸν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; the census embraces every male without exception.
ἀρσενικὸνmaleAccusativesubstantival adjective (object: the persons counted)→ object specificationἀρσενικός: 'male'; renders זָכָר; the criterion of the Levite census is maleness from a month old (not military age), since the count concerns dedication to the LORD, not warfare.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the phrase ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω ('from a month old and upward') sets the lower bound of the Levite census.
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (age-substantive)→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'of a month / a month old'; renders מִבֶּן־חֹדֶשׁ; the very young threshold reflects that the Levites substitute for the firstborn, who were the LORD's from the womb.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupward / aboveadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου: 'and upward')→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; renders מַעְלָה; completes the age-formula 'from a month old and upward.'
ἐπισκέψασθεmusterAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (plural imperative, resuming the command)→ ingressive aorist imperative (the census enjoined on Moses and Aaron together)ἐπισκέπτομαι: the plural ἐπισκέψασθε ('you [pl.] muster them') resumes the command, now addressed to Moses and Aaron jointly (cf. v. 16), framing the verse by inclusio with the opening ἐπίσκεψαι.
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object of ἐπισκέψασθε→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them'; the sons of Levi to be numbered.
16
καὶ ἐπεσκέψαντο αὐτοὺς Μωυσῆς καὶ Ααρων διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου ὃν τρόπον συνέταξεν αὐτοῖς κύριος
And Moses and Aaron mustered them by the voice of the LORD, in the manner the LORD commanded them.
The narrative records obedient execution: Moses and Aaron 'mustered them' (ἐπεσκέψαντο). The phrase διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου ('by the voice of the LORD') stresses divine warrant; the comparative ὃν τρόπον συνέταξεν ('in the manner he commanded') is a standard LXX obedience-formula (cf. vv. 42, 51).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπεσκέψαντοthey musteredAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (execution of the command)→ constative aorist (completed census-act)ἐπισκέπτομαι: 'muster / number'; the aorist ἐπεσκέψαντο reports the obedient carrying-out of the command given in v. 15.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἐπεσκέψαντο→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them'; the sons of Levi numbered.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject (compound, with Ααρων)→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: the mediator who, with Aaron, conducts the census.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑαρωνAaroncoordinate subject (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; co-agent of the census with Moses.
διὰby / throughpreposition + genitive (means / agency)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + genitive: 'through / by means of'; introduces the divine warrant for the census.
φωνῆςvoice / wordGenitivegenitive object of διά (means: 'by the voice')→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / sound / utterance'; renders עַל־פִּי ('according to the mouth/command of'); διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου ('by the voice of the LORD') marks the census as divinely commanded, not a human initiative (cf. v. 39, 51).
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of source (qualifying φωνῆς)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the voice that authorizes the census.
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (within the comparative phrase ὃν τρόπον)→ participant referenceὅς: the relative in the fixed phrase ὃν τρόπον ('in the manner which / just as'), a standard LXX comparative idiom.
τρόπονmanner / wayAccusativeadverbial accusative (manner: 'in the manner that')→ object specificationτρόπος: 'manner / way'; ὃν τρόπον is an adverbial accusative of manner, 'just as / in the way that'; the obedience-formula affirms exact compliance.
συνέταξενcommanded / orderedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συντάσσωverb of the comparative clause→ constative aorist (the prior divine command)συντάσσω: 'arrange / order / command'; renders צִוָּה; the verb of authoritative instruction; the comparative clause confirms that the census was done exactly as commanded.
αὐτοῖςthemDativedative indirect object of συνέταξεν→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'them'; Moses and Aaron, to whom the LORD gave the command.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of συνέταξεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the commander whose word is obeyed.
17
καὶ ἦσαν οὗτοι οἱ υἱοὶ Λευι ἐξ ὀνομάτων αὐτῶν Γεδσων Κααθ καὶ Μεραρι
And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
The verse names the three eponymous sons of Levi — Γεδσων (Gershon), Κααθ (Kohath), and Μεραρι (Merari) — whose clans structure the rest of the chapter (Gershonites vv. 21–26, Kohathites vv. 27–32, Merarites vv. 33–37). The phrase ἐξ ὀνομάτων αὐτῶν ('by their names') is a Hebraism (לְשֵׁמֹתָם) introducing the name-list.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἦσανwereImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (with predicate οἱ υἱοὶ Λευι)→ stative imperfect (genealogical statement)εἰμί: 'be'; the imperfect ἦσαν introduces the standing genealogical fact of Levi's three sons.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative subject→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; cataphoric, pointing to the three names that follow.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with υἱοὶ)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Levi, eponyms of the three Levite clans.
Λευιof Levigenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΛευι: indeclinable; the tribal patriarch.
ἐξbypreposition + genitive (specification: 'by their names')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: 'from / by'; the phrase ἐξ ὀνομάτων αὐτῶν ('by their names') renders the Hebrew בִּשְׁמֹתָם, introducing an itemized name-list.
ὀνομάτωνnamesGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ→ relational specificationὄνομα: 'name'; the named enumeration of Levi's sons.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the names belonging to Levi's sons.
ΓεδσωνGershonappositional proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΓεδσων: transliteration of Hebrew גֵּרְשׁוֹן (Gershon); Levi's firstborn; his clan camps to the west and keeps the curtains (vv. 21–26).
ΚααθKohathappositional proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΚααθ: transliteration of Hebrew קְהָת (Kohath); the second son, ancestor of Moses and Aaron; his clan camps to the south and keeps the holy furniture (vv. 27–32).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜεραριMeraricoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜεραρι: transliteration of Hebrew מְרָרִי (Merari); the third son; his clan camps to the north and keeps the framework of the tabernacle (vv. 33–37).
18
καὶ ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν υἱῶν Γεδσων κατὰ δήμους αὐτῶν Λοβενι καὶ Σεμεϊ
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei.
The naming-formula introduces the two Gershonite sub-clans, Λοβενι (Libni) and Σεμεϊ (Shimei) — the constituent families whose census follows in vv. 21–22.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταῦταtheseNominativedemonstrative subject→ participant prominenceοὗτος: cataphoric 'these', pointing to the names that follow.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ὀνόματα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀνόματαnamesNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceὄνομα: 'name'; the naming-formula introduces the Gershonite sub-clans.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Gershon.
Γεδσωνof Gershongenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΓεδσων: indeclinable; Levi's firstborn, head of the Gershonite clan.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: distributive 'by / according to'; the clans are listed family by family.
δήμουςclansAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationδῆμος: 'clan / family group'; renders מִשְׁפָּחָה; the sub-clan units of Gershon.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the clans of the Gershonites.
ΛοβενιLibniappositional proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΛοβενι: transliteration of Hebrew לִבְנִי (Libni); a Gershonite sub-clan.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΣεμεϊShimeicoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣεμεϊ: transliteration of Hebrew שִׁמְעִי (Shimei); the second Gershonite sub-clan.
19
καὶ υἱοὶ Κααθ κατὰ δήμους αὐτῶν Αμραμ καὶ Ισσααρ Χεβρων καὶ Οζιηλ
And the sons of Kohath by their clans: Amram and Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
The four Kohathite sub-clans — Αμραμ (Amram, father of Moses and Aaron), Ισσααρ (Izhar), Χεβρων (Hebron), Οζιηλ (Uzziel) — are listed; from Amram descends the priestly line itself, giving Kohath its preeminent charge over the holiest furniture (v. 31).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Kohath, heads of the Kohathite sub-clans.
Κααθof Kohathgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΚααθ: indeclinable; the second son of Levi, ancestor of the priestly line.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: distributive 'by their clans.'
δήμουςclansAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationδῆμος: 'clan'; renders מִשְׁפָּחָה; the sub-clan units of Kohath.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the clans of the Kohathites.
ΑμραμAmramappositional proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑμραμ: transliteration of Hebrew עַמְרָם (Amram); father of Moses, Aaron and Miriam; his is the leading Kohathite sub-clan.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΙσσααρIzharcoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσσααρ: transliteration of Hebrew יִצְהָר (Izhar); a Kohathite sub-clan (Korah's father, Num 16).
ΧεβρωνHebroncoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΧεβρων: transliteration of Hebrew חֶבְרוֹן (Hebron); a Kohathite sub-clan (distinct from the city).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΟζιηλUzzielcoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΟζιηλ: transliteration of Hebrew עֻזִּיאֵל (Uzziel); a Kohathite sub-clan; father of the chief Elisaphan (v. 30).
20
καὶ υἱοὶ Μεραρι κατὰ δήμους αὐτῶν Μοολι καὶ Μουσι οὗτοί εἰσιν δῆμοι τῶν Λευιτῶν κατ᾿ οἴκους πατριῶν αὐτῶν
And the sons of Merari by their clans: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites by their ancestral houses.
The two Merarite sub-clans, Μοολι (Mahli) and Μουσι (Mushi), close the genealogical roster. The summary formula οὗτοί εἰσιν δῆμοι τῶν Λευιτῶν ('these are the clans of the Levites') rounds off the name-section (vv. 17–20) before the census proper begins at v. 21.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Merari.
Μεραριof Merarigenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜεραρι: indeclinable; the third son of Levi.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'by their clans.'
δήμουςclansAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationδῆμος: 'clan'; renders מִשְׁפָּחָה; the sub-clan units of Merari.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the clans of the Merarites.
ΜοολιMahliappositional proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜοολι: transliteration of Hebrew מַחְלִי (Mahli); a Merarite sub-clan.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΜουσιMushicoordinate proper noun (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜουσι: transliteration of Hebrew מוּשִׁי (Mushi); the second Merarite sub-clan.
οὗτοίtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (summary formula)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; anaphoric, summing up the clans just listed.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (summary statement)→ stative present (summarizing identification)εἰμί: 'be'; the present in the closing formula 'these are the clans of the Levites.'
δῆμοιclansNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the summary names the totality of Levite clans just enumerated.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with Λευιτῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive of relationship (the clans of the Levites)→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the tribe whose clan-structure is here summarized.
κατ᾿bypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: distributive 'by ancestral houses.'
οἴκουςhousesAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationοἶκος: 'house'; οἶκοι πατριῶν ('ancestral houses'), the genealogical units.
πατριῶνancestralGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying οἴκους)→ relational specificationπατριά: 'ancestral house / lineage'; renders אָב; the paternal line.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the ancestral houses of the Levites.
21
τῷ Γεδσων δῆμος τοῦ Λοβενι καὶ δῆμος τοῦ Σεμεϊ οὗτοι δῆμοι τοῦ Γεδσων
To Gershon belonged the clan of Libni and the clan of Shimei; these are the clans of Gershon.
The Gershonite census (vv. 21–26) opens with the dative of possession τῷ Γεδσων ('to/belonging to Gershon'), defining his two constituent clans (Libni, Shimei) before giving their number, camp and charge. The closing οὗτοι δῆμοι τοῦ Γεδσων is the standard summary tag.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
τῷtoDativearticle (with Γεδσων, dative of possession)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓεδσωνGershonDativedative of possession ('belonging to Gershon')→ sphere or referenceΓεδσων: here taking the article in the dative (τῷ Γεδσων), 'to/of Gershon'; the dative of possession heads the clan-listing.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the first Gershonite clan, that of Libni.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Λοβενι)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛοβενιLibniGenitivegenitive of relationship (the clan of Libni)→ relational specificationΛοβενι: with the article τοῦ Λοβενι, 'the clan of Libni'; a Gershonite sub-clan.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the second Gershonite clan, that of Shimei.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Σεμεϊ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΣεμεϊShimeiGenitivegenitive of relationship (the clan of Shimei)→ relational specificationΣεμεϊ: with the article, 'the clan of Shimei'; a Gershonite sub-clan.
οὗτοιtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (summary)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; anaphoric, summing up the two Gershonite clans.
δῆμοιclansNominativepredicate nominative (verbless summary)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; 'these are the clans of Gershon.'
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Γεδσων)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓεδσωνGershonGenitivegenitive of relationship (the clans of Gershon)→ relational specificationΓεδσων: with the article τοῦ Γεδσων, 'of Gershon'; the summary closes the clan-definition.
22
ἡ ἐπίσκεψις αὐτῶν κατὰ ἀριθμὸν παντὸς ἀρσενικοῦ ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω ἡ ἐπίσκεψις αὐτῶν ἑπτακισχίλιοι καὶ πεντακόσιοι
Their mustering, by the count of every male from a month old and upward — their mustering was seven thousand five hundred.
The census-noun ἐπίσκεψις ('mustering / numbering', cognate of ἐπισκέπτομαι) heads the result, with the criterion repeated from v. 15 (every male from a month old). The Gershonites number 7,500; the resumptive repetition ἡ ἐπίσκεψις αὐτῶν frames the number for emphasis.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἡtheNominativearticle (with ἐπίσκεψις)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπίσκεψιςmustering / numberingNominativesubject (the census-total)→ participant prominenceἐπίσκεψις: 'mustering / numbering / census'; the cognate noun of ἐπισκέπτομαι (v. 15); the technical term for the census-tally, recurring at vv. 34, 36, 39; renders פְּקֻדִים / מִפְקָד.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (the Gershonites')→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Gershonites' tally.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (norm: 'by the count')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to'; introduces the basis of the count.
ἀριθμὸνnumber / countAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationἀριθμός: 'number / count'; renders מִסְפָּר; the enumerated total of males.
παντὸςof everyGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying ἀρσενικοῦ)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'every'; the count includes every male.
ἀρσενικοῦmaleGenitivegenitive (the persons counted)→ relational specificationἀρσενικός: 'male'; renders זָכָר; the census-criterion.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the age-formula 'from a month old and upward.'
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'a month old'; renders מִבֶּן־חֹדֶשׁ; the lower bound of the Levite census.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupwardadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; completes the age-formula.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with ἐπίσκεψις, resumptive)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπίσκεψιςmusteringNominativesubject (resumptive repetition before the number)→ participant prominenceἐπίσκεψις: the resumptive repetition of the census-noun frames the total emphatically.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Gershonites'.
ἑπτακισχίλιοιseven thousandNominativepredicate (numeral: the total)→ participant prominenceἑπτακισχίλιοι: 'seven thousand'; the compound numeral (ἑπτάκις 'seven times' + χίλιοι 'thousand'); part of the Gershonite total of 7,500.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πεντακόσιοιfive hundredNominativepredicate (numeral, coordinate)→ participant prominenceπεντακόσιοι: 'five hundred'; completes the Gershonite census-total of 7,500.
23
καὶ υἱοὶ Γεδσων ὀπίσω τῆς σκηνῆς παρὰ θάλασσαν παρεμβαλοῦσιν
And the sons of Gershon shall camp behind the tabernacle, toward the sea.
The camp-position of Gershon is given: 'behind the tabernacle, toward the sea' (παρὰ θάλασσαν). In Israelite orientation, facing east, 'toward the sea' (the Mediterranean) means the west — the LXX rendering of יָמָּה (Hebrew 'seaward' = west). The verb παρεμβάλλω ('encamp') is the standard LXX military/camp term.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of παρεμβαλοῦσιν→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; the Gershonites as a camping unit.
Γεδσωνof Gershongenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΓεδσων: indeclinable; the Gershonite clan.
ὀπίσωbehindimproper preposition + genitive (position: 'behind')→ spatial or relational framingὀπίσω: 'behind / after'; renders אַחֲרֵי; the Gershonites camp behind (to the rear/west of) the tabernacle.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive object of ὀπίσω→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; the central sanctuary around which the Levite clans encamp.
παρὰtoward / besidepreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + accusative: 'beside / toward'; with θάλασσαν, 'seaward.'
θάλασσανseaAccusativeobject of παρά (direction: 'toward the sea' = westward)→ object specificationθάλασσα: 'sea'; renders יָם; in Israelite cardinal orientation 'seaward' (toward the Mediterranean) denotes the west; παρὰ θάλασσαν thus fixes the Gershonite camp on the western side.
παρεμβαλοῦσινthey shall campFut Act Indic 3 Pl · παρεμβάλλωmain verb (camp-assignment)→ directive future (prescribed camp-position)παρεμβάλλω: 'encamp / pitch camp / draw up'; renders חָנָה; the standard LXX verb for military/tribal encampment; its cognate noun παρεμβολή ('camp') figures in Heb 13:11–13.
24
καὶ ὁ ἄρχων οἴκου πατριᾶς τοῦ δήμου τοῦ Γεδσων Ελισαφ υἱὸς Λαηλ
And the chief of the ancestral house of the clan of Gershon was Eliasaph son of Lael.
Each clan's leader is named: the Gershonite chief (ἄρχων) is Eliasaph son of Lael. The title ἄρχων οἴκου πατριᾶς ('chief of the ancestral house') renders נְשִׂיא בֵית־אָב, the clan-prince responsible for the clan's service.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἄρχων)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχωνchief / rulerNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceἄρχων: 'ruler / chief / prince'; renders נָשִׂיא; the clan-leader responsible for organizing the Gershonite service; substantival use of the participle of ἄρχω, fully nominalized.
οἴκουof the houseGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying ἄρχων)→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house'; the ancestral house over which the chief presides.
πατριᾶςancestral / of the familyGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying οἴκου)→ relational specificationπατριά: 'ancestral house / lineage'; οἶκος πατριᾶς renders בֵּית אָב, the paternal household-unit.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with δήμου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δήμουclanGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationδῆμος: 'clan'; the Gershonite clan.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Γεδσων)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΓεδσωνGershonGenitivegenitive of relationship (the clan of Gershon)→ relational specificationΓεδσων: with the article, 'of Gershon.'
ΕλισαφEliasaphpredicate noun (the named chief, indeclinable)→ participant identificationΕλισαφ: transliteration of Hebrew אֶלְיָסָף (Eliasaph); the Gershonite chief.
υἱὸςsonNominativeappositional noun (filiation)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; in the patronymic formula 'son of Lael.'
ΛαηλLaelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable patronymic)→ participant identificationΛαηλ: transliteration of Hebrew לָאֵל (Lael); the father of the Gershonite chief Eliasaph.
25
καὶ ἡ φυλακὴ υἱῶν Γεδσων ἐν τῇ σκηνῇ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἡ σκηνὴ καὶ τὸ κάλυμμα καὶ τὸ κατακάλυμμα τῆς θύρας τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου
And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of witness was the tabernacle and the covering, and the screen of the door of the tent of witness,
The Gershonite φυλακή ('charge') comprises the soft furnishings of the sanctuary — the tabernacle-cloth itself (ἡ σκηνή), the covering (κάλυμμα), and the door-screen (κατακάλυμμα τῆς θύρας). The Gershonites carry the textile components, fitting their rearward camp.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with φυλακὴ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὴcharge / keepingNominativesubject (verbless clause: the assigned charge)→ participant prominenceφυλακή: 'charge / custody / keeping'; renders מִשְׁמֶרֶת; the specific objects committed to Gershonite custody and transport.
υἱῶνof the sonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Gershon, the responsible clan.
Γεδσωνof Gershongenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΓεδσων: indeclinable; the Gershonites.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle (with σκηνῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῇtentDativedative of place (locative)→ sphere or referenceσκηνή: 'tent'; the tent of witness, the sphere of Gershonite duty.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with μαρτυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουwitnessGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'testimony / witness'; the tent of witness.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with σκηνὴ, listing the charge)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνὴtabernacle (cloth)Nominativeappositional noun (first item of the charge)→ participant prominenceσκηνή: here the tabernacle proper — the fabric tent-structure (the ten curtains of Exod 26:1); the Gershonites carry the inner textile dwelling.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheNominativearticle (with κάλυμμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κάλυμμαcoveringNominativeappositional noun (second item of the charge)→ participant prominenceκάλυμμα: 'covering / veil'; renders מִכְסֶה; the outer covering over the tabernacle (Exod 26:14); the cognate of καλύπτω ('cover'); the term is used metaphorically of the 'veil' over the heart in 2 Cor 3:13–16.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheNominativearticle (with κατακάλυμμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατακάλυμμαscreen / hangingNominativeappositional noun (third item of the charge)→ participant prominenceκατακάλυμμα: 'screen / covering-curtain'; renders מָסָךְ; the hanging screen at the door of the tent; the intensive compound (κατά + κάλυμμα) denotes a full draping cover.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with θύρας)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θύραςdoorGenitivegenitive of relationship (the screen of the door)→ relational specificationθύρα: 'door / entrance'; renders פֶּתַח; the entrance of the tent, screened by the κατακάλυμμα.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent'; the tent of witness whose door is screened.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with μαρτυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουwitnessGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness'; the tent of witness.
26
καὶ τὰ ἱστία τῆς αὐλῆς καὶ τὸ καταπέτασμα τῆς πύλης τῆς αὐλῆς τῆς οὔσης ἐπὶ τῆς σκηνῆς καὶ τὰ κατάλοιπα πάντων τῶν ἔργων αὐτοῦ
and the hangings of the court, and the curtain of the gate of the court that is around the tabernacle, and all the rest of its works.
The Gershonite charge extends to the court enclosure: the hangings (ἱστία) of the court, the gate-curtain (καταπέτασμα τῆς πύλης), and 'all the rest of its works.' All the textile screening of both tent and court falls to Gershon, completing their soft-furnishings portfolio.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ἱστία)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱστίαhangings / curtainsNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceἱστίον (pl. ἱστία): 'hanging / sail-cloth / curtain'; renders קְלָעִים; the linen hangings forming the walls of the tabernacle court (Exod 27:9).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with αὐλῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐλῆςcourtGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationαὐλή: 'court / courtyard / enclosure'; renders חָצֵר; the enclosed court surrounding the tabernacle.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheNominativearticle (with καταπέτασμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καταπέτασμαcurtain / screenNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceκαταπέτασμα: 'curtain / screen'; here the screen at the gate of the court (rendering מָסָךְ); the same word denotes the inner veil at v. 10, but context distinguishes the outer gate-screen here.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with πύλης)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πύληςgateGenitivegenitive of relationship (the gate of the court)→ relational specificationπύλη: 'gate'; renders שַׁעַר; the entrance-gate of the court, screened by the καταπέτασμα.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with αὐλῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐλῆςcourtGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationαὐλή: 'court'; the courtyard whose gate is screened.
τῆςwhichGenitivearticle (with οὔσης, attributive participle)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
οὔσηςbeing / that isPres Act Ptcp Gen Fem Sg · εἰμίattributive participle (modifying αὐλῆς: 'the court that is around')→ imperfective present participle (the court's standing position)εἰμί (ptcp. οὖσα): 'being'; the articular participle τῆς οὔσης ἐπὶ τῆς σκηνῆς describes the court 'that is around/by the tabernacle' — locating the enclosure surrounding the tent.
ἐπὶaround / bypreposition + genitive (position)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + genitive: 'on / by / around'; the court encloses and abuts the tabernacle.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tabernacle'; the tent enclosed by the court.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with κατάλοιπα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατάλοιπαrest / remainderNominativesubstantival adjective (catch-all item of the charge)→ participant prominenceκατάλοιπος: 'remaining / left over'; the neuter plural substantive 'all the remaining things' covers any further textile-related works of the Gershonites; renders the comprehensive 'all its service.'
πάντωνof allGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying ἔργων)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of remaining works.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with ἔργων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργωνworksGenitivegenitive (partitive: 'the rest of all the works')→ relational specificationἔργον: 'work / task'; the Gershonite duties associated with these furnishings.
αὐτοῦitsGenitivegenitive of possession (the tabernacle's / the charge's works)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its'; referring to the service connected with the court and tent.
27
τῷ Κααθ δῆμος ὁ Αμραμις καὶ δῆμος ὁ Σααρις καὶ δῆμος ὁ Χεβρωνις καὶ δῆμος ὁ Οζιηλις οὗτοί εἰσιν δῆμοι τοῦ Κααθ
To Kohath belonged the Amramite clan and the Izharite clan and the Hebronite clan and the Uzzielite clan; these are the clans of Kohath.
The Kohathite census (vv. 27–32) opens like the Gershonite, with the dative τῷ Κααθ and the four gentilic clan-names — Αμραμις (Amramite), Σααρις (Izharite), Χεβρωνις (Hebronite), Οζιηλις (Uzzielite) — formed with the LXX adjectival suffix -ις. The summary οὗτοί εἰσιν δῆμοι τοῦ Κααθ closes the definition.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
τῷtoDativearticle (with Κααθ, dative of possession)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΚααθKohathDativedative of possession→ sphere or referenceΚααθ: with the article τῷ Κααθ, 'to/of Kohath'; heads the Kohathite clan-listing.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the first Kohathite clan.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with Αμραμις, attributive)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΑμραμιςAmramiteNominativegentilic adjective (the Amramite clan)→ participant prominenceΑμραμις: gentilic adjective from Αμραμ (Amram), 'Amramite'; the clan of Amram, father of Moses and Aaron; the -ις suffix forms the clan-adjective.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the second Kohathite clan.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with Σααρις)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΣααριςIzhariteNominativegentilic adjective (the Izharite clan)→ participant prominenceΣααρις: gentilic adjective from Ισσααρ (Izhar), 'Izharite'; the clan of Izhar.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the third Kohathite clan.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with Χεβρωνis)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΧεβρωνιςHebroniteNominativegentilic adjective (the Hebronite clan)→ participant prominenceΧεβρωνις: gentilic adjective from Χεβρων (Hebron), 'Hebronite'; the clan of Hebron.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the fourth Kohathite clan.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with Οζιηλις)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΟζιηλιςUzzieliteNominativegentilic adjective (the Uzzielite clan)→ participant prominenceΟζιηλις: gentilic adjective from Οζιηλ (Uzziel), 'Uzzielite'; the clan of Uzziel.
οὗτοίtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (summary)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; anaphoric summary of the four Kohathite clans.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (summary statement)→ stative present (summarizing identification)εἰμί: 'be'; 'these are the clans of Kohath.'
δῆμοιclansNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the totality of Kohathite clans.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Κααθ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΚααθKohathGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationΚααθ: with the article, 'of Kohath.'
28
κατὰ ἀριθμὸν πᾶν ἀρσενικὸν ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω ὀκτακισχίλιοι καὶ ἑξακόσιοι φυλάσσοντες τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν ἁγίων
By the count, every male from a month old and upward: eight thousand six hundred, keeping the charges of the holy things.
The Kohathite total is 8,600, the largest of the three clans. The participial phrase φυλάσσοντες τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν ἁγίων ('keeping the charges of the holy things') anticipates v. 31: the Kohathites guard the holiest furniture — a charge of supreme cultic gravity (and danger, cf. Num 4:15, 18–20).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (norm)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to'; 'by the count.'
ἀριθμὸνnumber / countAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationἀριθμός: 'number / count'; renders מִסְפָּר; the enumerated total.
πᾶνeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀρσενικὸν)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'every'; the count includes every male.
ἀρσενικὸνmaleNominativesubstantival adjective (the persons counted)→ participant prominenceἀρσενικός: 'male'; renders זָכָר; the census-criterion.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the age-formula 'from a month old.'
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'a month old'; renders מִבֶּן־חֹדֶשׁ; the lower census bound.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupwardadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; completes the age-formula.
ὀκτακισχίλιοιeight thousandNominativepredicate (numeral)→ participant prominenceὀκτακισχίλιοι: 'eight thousand'; the compound numeral; part of the Kohathite total of 8,600.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἑξακόσιοιsix hundredNominativepredicate (numeral, coordinate)→ measure or countἑξακόσιοι: 'six hundred'; completes the Kohathite total of 8,600.
φυλάσσοντεςkeeping / guardingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · φυλάσσωcircumstantial participle (defining the Kohathite charge)→ imperfective present participle (ongoing custodial duty)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep'; the participle describes the Kohathites as the keepers of the most holy objects; with the cognate φυλακάς it again forms the 'keep the charge' idiom.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςchargesAccusativecognate accusative (object of φυλάσσοντες)→ object specificationφυλακή: 'charge / custody'; the charges of the holy things committed to Kohath.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with ἁγίων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁγίωνholy thingsGenitivegenitive of relationship (the charges of the holy things)→ relational specificationἅγιος (subst. neut. pl. τὰ ἅγια): 'holy things / sanctuary'; renders קֹדֶשׁ / מִקְדָּשׁ; the Kohathites guard the most sacred furniture (ark, table, lampstand, altars, v. 31).
29
οἱ δῆμοι τῶν υἱῶν Κααθ παρεμβαλοῦσιν ἐκ πλαγίων τῆς σκηνῆς κατὰ λίβα
The clans of the sons of Kohath shall camp at the side of the tabernacle, toward the south.
The Kohathites camp on the south side of the tabernacle (κατὰ λίβα, 'toward the southwest/south wind'). λίψ is the LXX term for the southwest, here rendering the Hebrew תֵּימָנָה ('southward').
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
οἱtheNominativearticle (with δῆμοι)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δῆμοιclansNominativesubject of παρεμβαλοῦσιν→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the Kohathite clans as a camping unit.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Kohath.
Κααθof Kohathgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΚααθ: indeclinable; the Kohathite clan.
παρεμβαλοῦσινthey shall campFut Act Indic 3 Pl · παρεμβάλλωmain verb (camp-assignment)→ directive future (prescribed camp-position)παρεμβάλλω: 'encamp'; renders חָנָה; the Kohathites pitch on the south side.
ἐκat / onpreposition + genitive (position)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: with πλαγίων, 'on the side(s) of'; an idiom of lateral position.
πλαγίωνsideGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (idiom: 'at the side')→ relational specificationπλάγιος (subst. neut. pl. τὰ πλάγια): 'side / flank'; ἐκ πλαγίων ('at the side / flank') renders עַל יֶרֶךְ / צַד; the lateral position of the camp relative to the tabernacle.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tabernacle'; the central sanctuary.
κατὰtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'toward / in the direction of'; with λίβα, 'southward.'
λίβαsouthAccusativeobject of κατά (direction: 'toward the south')→ object specificationλίψ (acc. λίβα): 'southwest wind / south'; renders תֵּימָן / נֶגֶב; the LXX cardinal term locating the Kohathite camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
30
καὶ ὁ ἄρχων οἴκου πατριῶν τῶν δήμων τοῦ Κααθ Ελισαφαν υἱὸς Οζιηλ
And the chief of the ancestral house of the clans of Kohath was Elisaphan son of Uzziel.
The Kohathite chief is Elisaphan (Elzaphan) son of Uzziel — from the Uzzielite clan (v. 27). He is named at Lev 10:4 as one who carried out the bodies of Nadab and Abihu, linking this leadership-notice back to vv. 2–4.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἄρχων)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχωνchief / rulerNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceἄρχων: 'ruler / chief'; renders נָשִׂיא; the Kohathite clan-leader.
οἴκουof the houseGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house'; the ancestral house over which the chief presides.
πατριῶνancestral / of familiesGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying οἴκου)→ relational specificationπατριά: 'ancestral house'; renders אָב; the paternal household.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with δήμων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δήμωνclansGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationδῆμος: 'clan'; the clans of Kohath.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Κααθ)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΚααθKohathGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationΚααθ: with the article, 'of Kohath.'
ΕλισαφανElisaphanpredicate noun (the named chief, indeclinable)→ participant identificationΕλισαφαν: transliteration of Hebrew אֱלִיצָפָן (Elizaphan/Elzaphan); the Kohathite chief; cf. Lev 10:4, where he removes the corpses of Nadab and Abihu.
υἱὸςsonNominativeappositional noun (filiation)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; in the patronymic 'son of Uzziel.'
ΟζιηλUzzielgenitive of relationship (indeclinable patronymic)→ participant identificationΟζιηλ: transliteration of Hebrew עֻזִּיאֵל (Uzziel); father of Elisaphan and eponym of the Uzzielite clan (v. 19).
31
καὶ ἡ φυλακὴ αὐτῶν ἡ κιβωτὸς καὶ ἡ τράπεζα καὶ ἡ λυχνία καὶ τὰ θυσιαστήρια καὶ τὰ σκεύη τοῦ ἁγίου ὅσα λειτουργοῦσιν ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ τὸ κατακάλυμμα καὶ πάντα τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν
And their charge was the ark and the table and the lampstand and the altars and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all their works.
The Kohathite φυλακή is the holiest furniture: the ark (κιβωτός), the table (of presence), the lampstand (λυχνία), the altars (incense and burnt-offering), the sanctuary vessels, and the inner screen. These are the objects of the Holy Place and Holy of Holies — the most sacred and most dangerous charge (cf. Num 4:15, where the Kohathites must not touch the holy things on pain of death).
Word-by-word analysis· 32 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with φυλακὴ)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὴchargeNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceφυλακή: 'charge / custody'; the holy objects committed to the Kohathites.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Kohathites' charge.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with κιβωτὸς)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κιβωτὸςarkNominativeappositional noun (first item of the charge)→ participant prominenceκιβωτός: 'ark / chest'; renders אֲרוֹן; the ark of the covenant, holiest object of the sanctuary; the same word denotes Noah's ark (Gen 6) and underlies Heb 9:4.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with τράπεζα)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τράπεζαtableNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceτράπεζα: 'table'; renders שֻׁלְחָן; the table of the bread of the Presence (Exod 25:23–30; Heb 9:2).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with λυχνία)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λυχνίαlampstandNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceλυχνία: 'lampstand'; renders מְנוֹרָה; the seven-branched menorah (Exod 25:31–40); the term recurs in Rev 1:12,20.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with θυσιαστήρια)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θυσιαστήριαaltarsNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceθυσιαστήριον (pl. θυσιαστήρια): 'altar (of sacrifice)'; renders מִזְבֵּחַ; the LXX's preferred term for the legitimate Israelite altar (over βωμός); the plural here covers both the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with σκεύη)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκεύηvesselsNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceσκεῦος: 'vessel / implement'; renders כְּלִי; the sacred utensils used in the sanctuary service.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with ἁγίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁγίουsanctuary / holy placeGenitivegenitive of relationship (the vessels of the sanctuary)→ relational specificationἅγιος (subst. τὸ ἅγιον): 'sanctuary / holy place'; renders קֹדֶשׁ; the holy place whose vessels these are.
ὅσαwith which / whateverAccusativerelative pronoun (object within the relative clause)→ participant referenceὅσος: 'as much as / whatever'; the relative ὅσα introduces 'the things with which they minister' — the utensils of service.
λειτουργοῦσινthey ministerPres Act Indic 3 Pl · λειτουργέωverb of the relative clause→ customary present (habitual cultic service)λειτουργέω: 'minister / serve (cultically)'; the present describes the ongoing priestly service performed with these vessels.
ἐνwith / inpreposition + dative (instrumental)→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: instrumental 'with / by means of'; the vessels are the instruments of ministry.
αὐτοῖςthemDativedative of instrument (with λειτουργοῦσιν)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'them'; the vessels with which the priests minister.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸtheNominativearticle (with κατακάλυμμα)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατακάλυμμαscreen / veilNominativeappositional noun (item of the charge)→ participant prominenceκατακάλυμμα: 'screen / covering'; here the inner veil screening the holy things, part of the Kohathite charge (the Kohathites cover the holy furniture with the veil for transport, Num 4:5).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἔργα)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the comprehensive catch-all of Kohathite duties.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ἔργα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworksNominativeappositional noun ('all their works')→ participant prominenceἔργον: 'work / task'; the totality of services connected with the holy furniture.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Kohathites' works.
32
καὶ ὁ ἄρχων ἐπὶ τῶν ἀρχόντων τῶν Λευιτῶν Ελεαζαρ ὁ υἱὸς Ααρων τοῦ ἱερέως καθεσταμένος φυλάσσειν τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν ἁγίων
And the chief over the chiefs of the Levites was Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, appointed to keep the charges of the holy things.
Set within the Kohathite section (Eleazar's own clan-line), the verse names the chief-of-chiefs: Eleazar son of Aaron, the superlative ἄρχων ἐπὶ τῶν ἀρχόντων ('ruler over the rulers') of all the Levites. The perfect participle καθεσταμένος ('having been appointed') marks his settled commission to oversee the keeping of the holy things — the priestly supervision of Levitic service (cf. Num 4:16).
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἄρχων)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχωνchief / rulerNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceἄρχων: 'ruler / chief'; here the supreme Levite officer, set over the individual clan-chiefs.
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (authority over)→ spatial or relational framingἐπί + genitive: 'over'; the phrase ἄρχων ἐπὶ τῶν ἀρχόντων ('ruler over the rulers') is a Hebraizing superlative of rank.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with ἀρχόντων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀρχόντωνchiefsGenitivegenitive object of ἐπί→ relational specificationἄρχων (gen. pl. ἀρχόντων): 'ruler / chief'; the clan-leaders over whom Eleazar presides.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with Λευιτῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive of relationship (chiefs of the Levites)→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the whole tribe over whose chiefs Eleazar is set.
ΕλεαζαρEleazarpredicate noun (the named chief, indeclinable)→ participant identificationΕλεαζαρ: indeclinable; Aaron's third son (vv. 2, 4); his supreme oversight prefigures his succession to the high priesthood (Num 20:25–28).
ὁtheNominativearticle (with υἱὸς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱὸςsonNominativeappositional noun (filiation)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; Eleazar as son of Aaron, linking the Levite-oversight to the high-priestly house.
Ααρωνof Aarongenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; Eleazar's father, the high priest.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (with ἱερέως)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱερέωςpriestGenitivegenitive in apposition to Ααρων ('Aaron the priest')→ relational specificationἱερεύς (gen. ἱερέως): 'priest'; identifies Aaron's priestly office, underscoring that Levite oversight belongs to the priestly line.
καθεσταμένοςappointedPerf Mid/Pass Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · καθίστημιpredicate participle (describing Eleazar's settled commission)→ resultative perfect participle (abiding state of appointment)καθίστημι: 'appoint / set in office'; the perfect passive participle καθεσταμένος ('having been appointed / standing appointed') denotes Eleazar's settled commission over the sanctuary-keepers; the same verb describes priestly appointment in Heb 5:1; 7:28; 8:3.
φυλάσσεινto keepPres Act Inf · φυλάσσωinfinitive of purpose (the aim of the appointment)→ imperfective present infinitive (ongoing oversight)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep'; the infinitive of purpose states the object of Eleazar's appointment — to oversee the keeping of the holy things; with the cognate φυλακάς it again forms the 'keep the charge' idiom.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςchargesAccusativecognate accusative (object of φυλάσσειν)→ object specificationφυλακή: 'charge'; the charges of the holy things, over which Eleazar exercises priestly oversight.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with ἁγίων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁγίωνholy thingsGenitivegenitive of relationship (the charges of the holy things)→ relational specificationἅγιος (subst. τὰ ἅγια): 'holy things / sanctuary'; the sacred objects whose keeping Eleazar supervises.
33
τῷ Μεραρι δῆμος ὁ Μοολι καὶ δῆμος ὁ Μουσι οὗτοί εἰσιν δῆμοι Μεραρι
To Merari belonged the Mahlite clan and the Mushite clan; these are the clans of Merari.
The Merarite census (vv. 33–37) opens like the others, with the dative τῷ Μεραρι and the two clan-names, Μοολι (Mahli) and Μουσι (Mushi); the closing οὗτοί εἰσιν δῆμοι Μεραρι rounds off the definition (here without the article on the final Μεραρι).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
τῷtoDativearticle (with Μεραρι, dative of possession)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜεραριMerariDativedative of possession→ sphere or referenceΜεραρι: with the article τῷ Μεραρι, 'to/of Merari'; heads the Merarite clan-listing.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the first Merarite clan.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with Μοολι)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜοολιMahliteNominativegentilic noun (the Mahlite clan)→ participant prominenceΜοολι: from Hebrew מַחְלִי (Mahli); the Mahlite clan of Merari (v. 20).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δῆμοςclanNominativesubject (coordinate)→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the second Merarite clan.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with Μουσι)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜουσιMushiteNominativegentilic noun (the Mushite clan)→ participant prominenceΜουσι: from Hebrew מוּשִׁי (Mushi); the Mushite clan of Merari (v. 20).
οὗτοίtheseNominativedemonstrative subject (summary)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; anaphoric summary of the two Merarite clans.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (summary statement)→ stative present (summarizing identification)εἰμί: 'be'; 'these are the clans of Merari.'
δῆμοιclansNominativepredicate nominative→ participant prominenceδῆμος: 'clan'; the totality of Merarite clans.
Μεραριof Merarigenitive of relationship (indeclinable, anarthrous)→ participant identificationΜεραρι: indeclinable; here without the article, 'of Merari.'
34
ἡ ἐπίσκεψις αὐτῶν κατὰ ἀριθμόν πᾶν ἀρσενικὸν ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω ἑξακισχίλιοι καὶ πεντήκοντα
Their mustering by the count, every male from a month old and upward: six thousand fifty.
The Merarite census, with the standard criterion, yields 6,050 — the smallest clan. The three clan-totals (7,500 + 8,600 + 6,050) sum to 22,150, slightly exceeding the round figure of 22,000 given in v. 39; the rabbis and commentators note the discrepancy (the 'extra' 300 being themselves firstborn Levites who could not redeem others).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἡtheNominativearticle (with ἐπίσκεψις)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπίσκεψιςmusteringNominativesubject (the census-total)→ participant prominenceἐπίσκεψις: 'mustering / numbering'; the census-tally noun (cf. v. 22).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Merarites' tally.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (norm)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to'; 'by the count.'
ἀριθμόνnumber / countAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationἀριθμός: 'number / count'; the enumerated total.
πᾶνeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀρσενικὸν)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'every'; every male counted.
ἀρσενικὸνmaleNominativesubstantival adjective (the persons counted)→ participant prominenceἀρσενικός: 'male'; the census-criterion.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the age-formula.
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'a month old'; the lower census bound.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupwardadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; completes the age-formula.
ἑξακισχίλιοιsix thousandNominativepredicate (numeral)→ participant prominenceἑξακισχίλιοι: 'six thousand'; the compound numeral; part of the Merarite total of 6,050.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πεντήκονταfiftypredicate (indeclinable numeral, coordinate)→ measure or countπεντήκοντα: 'fifty'; indeclinable numeral; completes the Merarite total of 6,050.
35
καὶ ὁ ἄρχων οἴκου πατριῶν τοῦ δήμου τοῦ Μεραρι Σουριηλ υἱὸς Αβιχαιλ ἐκ πλαγίων τῆς σκηνῆς παρεμβαλοῦσιν πρὸς βορρᾶν
And the chief of the ancestral house of the clan of Merari was Suriel son of Abihail; at the side of the tabernacle they shall camp, toward the north.
The verse combines leadership and camp for Merari: the chief is Suriel son of Abihail, and the Merarites camp on the north side (πρὸς βορρᾶν). With Gershon (west), Kohath (south) and Merari (north), the three Levite clans surround three sides of the tabernacle, leaving the east for Moses and Aaron (v. 38).
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἄρχων)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄρχωνchiefNominativesubject (verbless clause)→ participant prominenceἄρχων: 'ruler / chief'; the Merarite clan-leader.
οἴκουof the houseGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationοἶκος: 'house'; the ancestral house.
πατριῶνancestralGenitivegenitive of relationship (qualifying οἴκου)→ relational specificationπατριά: 'ancestral house'; renders אָב.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with δήμου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δήμουclanGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationδῆμος: 'clan'; the Merarite clan.
τοῦofGenitivearticle (with Μεραρι)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜεραριMerariGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationΜεραρι: with the article, 'of Merari.'
ΣουριηλSurielpredicate noun (the named chief, indeclinable)→ participant identificationΣουριηλ: transliteration of Hebrew צוּרִיאֵל (Zuriel); the Merarite chief.
υἱὸςsonNominativeappositional noun (filiation)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; in the patronymic 'son of Abihail.'
ΑβιχαιλAbihailgenitive of relationship (indeclinable patronymic)→ participant identificationΑβιχαιλ: transliteration of Hebrew אֲבִיחַיִל (Abihail); father of the Merarite chief Suriel.
ἐκat / onpreposition + genitive (position)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: with πλαγίων, 'on the side of'; lateral position.
πλαγίωνsideGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (idiom: 'at the side')→ relational specificationπλάγιος: 'side / flank'; ἐκ πλαγίων, 'at the side of' the tabernacle (cf. v. 29).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tabernacle'; the central sanctuary.
παρεμβαλοῦσινthey shall campFut Act Indic 3 Pl · παρεμβάλλωmain verb (camp-assignment)→ directive future (prescribed camp-position)παρεμβάλλω: 'encamp'; the Merarites pitch on the north side.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)→ spatial or relational framingπρός + accusative: 'toward'; with βορρᾶν, 'northward.'
βορρᾶνnorthAccusativeobject of πρός (direction: 'toward the north')→ object specificationβορρᾶς (acc. βορρᾶν): 'north / north wind'; renders צָפוֹן; locates the Merarite camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
36
ἡ ἐπίσκεψις ἡ φυλακὴ υἱῶν Μεραρι τὰς κεφαλίδας τῆς σκηνῆς καὶ τοὺς μοχλοὺς αὐτῆς καὶ τοὺς στύλους αὐτῆς καὶ τὰς βάσεις αὐτῆς καὶ πάντα τὰ σκεύη αὐτῶν καὶ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν
The oversight and charge of the sons of Merari: the capitals of the tabernacle and its bars and its pillars and its bases, and all their furnishings and their works,
The Merarite charge is the heavy structural framework: the capitals/frames (κεφαλίδες), bars (μοχλοί), pillars (στύλοι) and bases (βάσεις) of the tabernacle. Where Gershon carried the textiles and Kohath the holy furniture, Merari bears the timber and metal skeleton — the load-bearing components (cf. Num 4:31–32, transported on wagons).
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
ἡtheNominativearticle (with ἐπίσκεψις)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπίσκεψιςoversightNominativesubject (here in the sense of assigned oversight/charge)→ participant prominenceἐπίσκεψις: 'mustering / oversight'; here paired with φυλακή to denote the assigned area of Merarite responsibility (the structural elements).
ἡtheNominativearticle (with φυλακὴ, in apposition)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὴchargeNominativeappositional noun (the Merarite charge)→ participant prominenceφυλακή: 'charge / custody'; the structural objects committed to the Merarites.
υἱῶνof the sonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Merari.
Μεραριof Merarigenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΜεραρι: indeclinable; the Merarites.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with κεφαλίδας)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κεφαλίδαςcapitals / framesAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationκεφαλίς: 'capital / head-piece'; renders the structural frame-heads (Hebrew קְרָשִׁים/'boards' or the capitals); the diminutive of κεφαλή ('head'); the top fittings of the tabernacle frame.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtabernacleGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tabernacle'; the tent whose frame the Merarites carry.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with μοχλοὺς)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μοχλοὺςbarsAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationμοχλός: 'bar / cross-bar / bolt'; renders בְּרִיחִם; the horizontal bars locking the tabernacle frames together (Exod 26:26–29).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession (the tabernacle's bars)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its'; belonging to the tabernacle.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with στύλους)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στύλουςpillarsAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationστῦλος: 'pillar / column'; renders עַמּוּדִים; the upright posts of the tabernacle and court; the term is used metaphorically of the church's 'pillars' (Gal 2:9) and the believer as a στῦλος (Rev 3:12).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its'; the tabernacle's pillars.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with βάσεις)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βάσειςbases / socketsAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationβάσις: 'base / pedestal / socket'; renders אֲדָנִים; the silver sockets into which the pillars and frames were set (Exod 26:19); literally 'that on which one steps' (cf. βαίνω).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its'; the tabernacle's bases.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying σκεύη)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the totality of the structural fittings.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with σκεύη)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκεύηfurnishings / fittingsAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationσκεῦος: 'implement / fitting'; here the hardware of the frame (pegs, fastenings, tools).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the fittings belonging to these structural parts.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with ἔργα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworksAccusativeappositional accusative ('their works')→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / task'; the Merarite duties of assembling and transporting the framework.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Merarites' works.
37
καὶ τοὺς στύλους τῆς αὐλῆς κύκλῳ καὶ τὰς βάσεις αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς πασσάλους καὶ τοὺς κάλους αὐτῶν
and the pillars of the court round about, and their bases, and the pegs, and their cords.
The Merarite charge extends from the tabernacle frame to the surrounding court: the pillars of the court 'round about' (κύκλῳ), their bases, and the tent-pegs (πασσάλους) and cords (κάλους) that anchor the whole structure. Merari thus bears the entire load-bearing and anchoring system.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with στύλους)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στύλουςpillarsAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationστῦλος: 'pillar / column'; the posts of the surrounding court (Exod 27:10–17).
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with αὐλῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αὐλῆςcourtGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationαὐλή: 'court / courtyard'; the enclosure whose pillars Merari maintains.
κύκλῳround aboutadverb (dative of manner: 'all around')→ clausal contributionκύκλῳ: 'round about / in a circle'; an adverbial dative (from κύκλος, 'circle'); the pillars stand around the whole perimeter of the court.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with βάσεις)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βάσειςbasesAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationβάσις: 'base / socket'; the sockets of the court-pillars.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the pillars' bases.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with πασσάλους)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πασσάλουςpegs / stakesAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationπάσσαλος: 'peg / stake / pin'; renders יְתֵדֹת; the tent-pegs anchoring the tabernacle and court (Exod 27:19).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with κάλους)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κάλουςcords / ropesAccusativeappositional accusative (item of the charge)→ object specificationκάλως: 'rope / cord / cable'; renders מֵיתָרִים; the guy-ropes securing the pegs and tent (Exod 35:18); together pegs and cords complete the anchoring system.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the cords belonging to the pegs/pillars.
38
καὶ οἱ παρεμβάλλοντες κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἀπ᾿ ἀνατολῆς Μωυσῆς καὶ Ααρων καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ φυλάσσοντες τὰς φυλακὰς τοῦ ἁγίου εἰς τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς ὁ ἁπτόμενος ἀποθανεῖται
And those camping in front of the tent of witness, on the east, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charges of the sanctuary as the charge of the sons of Israel; and the outsider who approaches shall die.
The fourth side — the east, the place of honor before the entrance — is occupied by Moses, Aaron and his sons, who keep the sanctuary-charge on behalf of all Israel. The verse closes by repeating the apodictic sanction of v. 10 verbatim (ὁ ἀλλογενὴς ὁ ἁπτόμενος ἀποθανεῖται), framing the whole camp-arrangement with the death-penalty guarding the holy.
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
παρεμβάλλοντεςcampingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · παρεμβάλλωsubstantival participle (subject: 'those who camp')→ imperfective present participle (their camping position)παρεμβάλλω: 'encamp'; the articular participle οἱ παρεμβάλλοντες ('those camping') identifies the occupants of the east side.
κατὰin front ofpreposition + accusative (position: 'facing')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: in the idiom κατὰ πρόσωπον, 'in front of / facing'; the most honored position, before the tabernacle entrance.
πρόσωπονface / frontAccusativeobject of κατά (idiom: 'before the face of')→ object specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / front / presence'; renders פָּנִים; κατὰ πρόσωπον ('before the front of') locates the camp at the tabernacle's entrance-side.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with σκηνῆς)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent'; the tent of witness.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with μαρτυρίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουwitnessGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness'; the tent of witness.
ἀπ᾿from / onpreposition + genitive (direction, elided before vowel)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; with ἀνατολῆς, 'on the east side.'
ἀνατολῆςeast / sunriseGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (direction: 'from the east')→ relational specificationἀνατολή: 'rising (of the sun) / east'; renders מִזְרָח / קֵדְמָה; the east is the honored entrance-side; the term carries messianic resonance as 'dayspring/dawn' (ἀνατολή, Luke 1:78; cf. Zech 3:8 LXX).
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativepredicate noun (the named occupants)→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: the mediator, camped with the priests at the place of honor.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑαρωνAaronpredicate noun (coordinate, indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; the high priest, camped on the east.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱtheNominativearticle (with υἱοὶ)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativepredicate noun (coordinate)→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; Aaron's sons, the priests, camped with him.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his'; Aaron's sons.
φυλάσσοντεςkeepingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · φυλάσσωcircumstantial participle (defining the priestly duty)→ imperfective present participle (ongoing custodial duty)φυλάσσω: 'guard / keep'; the priests keep the sanctuary-charge on behalf of Israel; with cognate φυλακάς, the 'keep the charge' idiom.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςchargesAccusativecognate accusative (object of φυλάσσοντες)→ object specificationφυλακή: 'charge'; the charges of the sanctuary kept by the priests.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with ἁγίου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁγίουsanctuaryGenitivegenitive of relationship (the charge of the sanctuary)→ relational specificationἅγιος (subst. τὸ ἅγιον): 'sanctuary / holy place'; the holy precinct the priests guard.
εἰςfor / aspreposition + accusative (purpose / on behalf of)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + accusative: here 'for / as / on behalf of'; the priests' sanctuary-keeping serves as the charge owed by all Israel — they discharge it representatively.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (with φυλακὰς)→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακὰςchargesAccusativeobject of εἰς (the charge of the sons of Israel)→ object specificationφυλακή: 'charge'; the charge that belongs to all Israel, here discharged by the priests on their behalf.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (introducing the sanction)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheNominativearticle (with ἀλλογενὴς)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀλλογενὴςoutsiderNominativesubject of ἀποθανεῖται→ participant prominenceἀλλογενής: 'of another race / outsider'; renders זָר; here, as at v. 10, anyone outside the Aaronic priesthood; the repeated sanction frames the camp-arrangement.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (with ἁπτόμενος)→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁπτόμενοςwho approaches / touchesPres Mid Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · ἅπτομαιattributive participle (modifying ἀλλογενὴς)→ imperfective present participle (the act of encroaching)ἅπτομαι: 'touch / approach'; the outsider who touches the holy things transgresses the sacral boundary (cf. v. 10).
ἀποθανεῖταιshall dieFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb (apodictic sanction)→ imperatival/legal future (mandated death-penalty)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; the apodictic death-sentence formula guarding the sanctuary, repeated verbatim from v. 10.
39
πᾶσα ἡ ἐπίσκεψις τῶν Λευιτῶν οὓς ἐπεσκέψατο Μωυσῆς καὶ Ααρων διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου κατὰ δήμους αὐτῶν πᾶν ἀρσενικὸν ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδες
All the mustering of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered by the voice of the LORD according to their clans, every male from a month old and upward, was twenty-two thousand.
The summative πᾶσα ἡ ἐπίσκεψις ('the whole mustering') gives the round total of all the Levites: 22,000. This figure (δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδες) is the pivot of the chapter, for it is set against the 22,273 firstborn (v. 43) to yield the 273 surplus needing redemption (v. 46). The obedience-formula διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου recurs from v. 16.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
πᾶσαallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἐπίσκεψις)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / whole'; the total muster, summing the three clans.
ἡtheNominativearticle (with ἐπίσκεψις)→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπίσκεψιςmusteringNominativesubject (the grand total)→ participant prominenceἐπίσκεψις: 'mustering / census'; here the comprehensive Levite total.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with Λευιτῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive of relationship (the muster of the Levites)→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the whole tribe numbered.
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐπεσκέψατο)→ participant referenceὅς: the relative οὕς introduces the clause specifying who conducted the count.
ἐπεσκέψατοnumbered / musteredAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπισκέπτομαιverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (the completed census)ἐπισκέπτομαι: 'muster / number'; the aorist (singular with compound subject) recalls the obedient census of v. 16.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject of the relative clause (compound)→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: co-agent of the census.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑαρωνAaroncoordinate subject (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; co-agent of the census.
διὰbypreposition + genitive (means / agency)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + genitive: 'through / by'; the divine warrant for the census.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of διά→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / command'; διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου ('by the voice of the LORD'), the obedience-formula of v. 16.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (distributive)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: distributive 'by their clans.'
δήμουςclansAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationδῆμος: 'clan'; the count organized clan by clan.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the Levites' clans.
πᾶνeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying ἀρσενικὸν)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'every'; every male counted.
ἀρσενικὸνmaleNominativesubstantival adjective (the persons counted)→ participant prominenceἀρσενικός: 'male'; the census-criterion.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the age-formula.
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'a month old'; the lower census bound.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupwardadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; completes the age-formula.
δύοtwonumeral (part of the total: 'two and twenty thousand')→ measure or countδύο: 'two'; in the compound number 22,000 (δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδες).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (indeclinable)→ measure or countεἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable; with δύο and χιλιάδες forms 22,000.
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativepredicate noun (numeral substantive: 'thousands')→ participant prominenceχιλιάς (pl. χιλιάδες): 'thousand / a group of a thousand'; the Levite total of 22,000 — the round figure set against the 22,273 firstborn of v. 43 (the slight excess of the clan-sums, 22,150, over 22,000 has occasioned much comment).
40
καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων ἐπίσκεψαι πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἄρσεν τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω καὶ λαβὲ τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἐξ ὀνόματος
And the LORD said to Moses, saying, 'Muster every firstborn male of the sons of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number by name.'
A second census is now commanded: not of the Levites but of Israel's firstborn, by the same age-criterion (ἀπὸ μηνιαίου). The double imperative ἐπίσκεψαι ... λαβέ ('muster ... take the number') and the phrase ἐξ ὀνόματος ('by name') prescribe an individual, named enumeration — the basis for the head-for-head substitution that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (speech-introducing formula)→ constative aorist (single speech-act)λέγω: 'say'; the aorist εἶπεν (here, rather than ἐλάλησεν) introduces the firstborn-census command.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: accusative as directional object of πρός.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ imperfective present participle (Hebraizing speech-marker)λέγω: the participle λέγων calques the Hebrew לֵאמֹר.
ἐπίσκεψαιmusterAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (divine imperative)→ ingressive aorist imperative (command to conduct the firstborn census)ἐπισκέπτομαι: 'muster / number'; the same imperative as v. 15, now turned to the firstborn rather than the Levites.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; every firstborn included.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of ἐπίσκεψαι→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; the firstborn now counted for redemption against the Levites.
ἄρσενmaleAccusativeappositional adjective (specifying πρωτότοκον: 'firstborn male')→ object specificationἄρσην (neut. ἄρσεν): 'male'; renders זָכָר; specifies that only male firstborn are counted (the firstborn that opens the womb, cf. v. 12).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the firstborn of the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the same age-formula as the Levite census, ensuring a like-for-like comparison.
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'a month old'; the lower bound, matching v. 15.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupwardadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; completes the age-formula.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λαβὲtakeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (second imperative)→ ingressive aorist imperative (command to record the count)λαμβάνω: 'take'; λαβὲ τὸν ἀριθμόν ('take the number') renders שָׂא אֶת־מִסְפַּר, the idiom for recording a census-tally.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with ἀριθμὸν)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀριθμὸνnumberAccusativedirect object of λαβὲ→ object specificationἀριθμός: 'number / count'; the tally of the firstborn to be recorded.
ἐξbypreposition + genitive (specification: 'by name')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: 'from / by'; ἐξ ὀνόματος ('by name') prescribes an individual, named enumeration.
ὀνόματοςnameGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ→ relational specificationὄνομα: 'name'; the count is to be made name by name, person by person — a precise individual register.
41
καὶ λήμψῃ τοὺς Λευίτας ἐμοί ἐγὼ κύριος ἀντὶ πάντων τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ τὰ κτήνη τῶν Λευιτῶν ἀντὶ πάντων τῶν πρωτοτόκων ἐν τοῖς κτήνεσιν τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ
And you shall take the Levites for me — I am the LORD — in place of all the firstborn of the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the cattle of the sons of Israel.
The substitution is now enacted: Moses is to 'take the Levites for me' in place of all Israel's firstborn, and the Levites' cattle in place of the firstborn cattle. The double ἀντί structure (people and beasts) matches the merism of v. 13 (man and beast); the parenthetical ἐγὼ κύριος reasserts divine authority over the exchange.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (directive future)→ imperatival future (command to effect the substitution)λαμβάνω (fut. λήμψῃ): 'take / receive'; the future of instruction commands Moses to designate the Levites as YHWH's substitutes for the firstborn.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with Λευίτας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; taken as the LORD's possession in place of the firstborn.
ἐμοίfor meDativedative of advantage (the Levites taken for YHWH)→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the dative ἐμοί marks YHWH as the beneficiary — the Levites are taken for himself.
ἐγὼINominativesubject of the parenthetical self-asseveration→ participant referenceἐγώ: in the formula ἐγὼ κύριος ('I am the LORD'), asserting authority over the substitution.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativepredicate nominative (self-identification)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the covenant signature (cf. v. 13).
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of'; renders תַּחַת; the substitutionary preposition — Levites for firstborn.
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying πρωτοτόκων)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; the substitution covers all the firstborn.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with πρωτοτόκων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωτοτόκωνfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of ἀντί→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the firstborn for whom the Levites substitute.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the firstborn of the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (extending to cattle)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with κτήνη)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτήνηcattleAccusativedirect object (second object of λήμψῃ)→ object specificationκτῆνος (pl. κτήνη): 'beast / cattle'; renders בְּהֵמָה; the Levites' livestock taken in place of the firstborn livestock of Israel — extending the substitution to the animal realm (cf. v. 13).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with Λευιτῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive of possession (the Levites' cattle)→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the cattle belonging to the Levites.
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution, second occurrence)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of'; the substitution applied to the firstborn cattle.
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying πρωτοτόκων)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; all the firstborn cattle.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with πρωτοτόκων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωτοτόκωνfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of ἀντί→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the firstborn among the cattle.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere: 'among the cattle')→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: 'among / in'; locates the firstborn within the herds.
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with κτήνεσιν)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτήνεσινcattleDativeobject of ἐν (the cattle of Israel)→ sphere or referenceκτῆνος (dat. pl. κτήνεσιν): 'beast / cattle'; the livestock of Israel, among which the firstborn are reckoned.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the cattle of the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
42
καὶ ἐπεσκέψατο Μωυσῆς ὃν τρόπον ἐνετείλατο κύριος πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ
And Moses mustered, in the manner the LORD commanded, every firstborn among the sons of Israel.
Moses obediently musters the firstborn, the obedience-formula ὃν τρόπον ἐνετείλατο κύριος ('in the manner the LORD commanded') again affirming exact compliance (cf. vv. 16, 51). The count's result is given in v. 43.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπεσκέψατοmusteredAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπισκέπτομαιmain verb (execution of the command)→ constative aorist (completed firstborn census)ἐπισκέπτομαι: 'muster / number'; the aorist reports Moses' obedient counting of the firstborn.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: the agent of the firstborn census.
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (within the comparative phrase ὃν τρόπον)→ participant referenceὅς: the relative in ὃν τρόπον ('in the manner that').
τρόπονmannerAccusativeadverbial accusative (manner)→ object specificationτρόπος: 'manner / way'; ὃν τρόπον, the obedience-formula 'just as.'
ἐνετείλατοcommandedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of the comparative clause→ constative aorist (the prior divine command)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command / charge / enjoin'; renders צִוָּה; the verb of authoritative instruction; the comparative clause confirms exact compliance.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of ἐνετείλατο→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the commander.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; every firstborn counted.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of ἐπεσκέψατο→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the object of the census.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: 'among'; the firstborn among the sons of Israel.
τοῖςtheDativearticle (with υἱοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativeobject of ἐν→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
43
καὶ ἐγένοντο πάντα τὰ πρωτότοκα τὰ ἀρσενικὰ κατὰ ἀριθμὸν ἐξ ὀνόματος ἀπὸ μηνιαίου καὶ ἐπάνω ἐκ τῆς ἐπισκέψεως αὐτῶν δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδες τρεῖς καὶ ἑβδομήκοντα καὶ διακόσιοι
And all the firstborn males, by the count of names from a month old and upward, from their mustering, were twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.
The firstborn total is 22,273 (δύο καὶ εἴκοσι χιλιάδες τρεῖς καὶ ἑβδομήκοντα καὶ διακόσιοι). Set against the 22,000 Levites (v. 39), this yields the 273 surplus firstborn for whom no Levite-substitute exists — the crux that triggers the monetary redemption of vv. 46–51.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐγένοντοwere / came toAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb (census-result)→ constative aorist (the resultant total)γίνομαι: 'become / come to be / amount to'; the aorist ἐγένοντο introduces the firstborn tally — 'they amounted to.'
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκα)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all'; the whole body of firstborn.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with πρωτότοκα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωτότοκαfirstbornNominativesubject of ἐγένοντο→ participant prominenceπρωτότοκος (neut. pl. πρωτότοκα): 'firstborn'; the firstborn counted.
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ἀρσενικὰ, attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀρσενικὰmaleNominativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκα: 'the male firstborn')→ participant prominenceἀρσενικός: 'male'; specifies that only male firstborn are tallied.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (norm)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to'; 'by the count.'
ἀριθμὸνnumberAccusativeobject of κατά→ object specificationἀριθμός: 'number / count'; the enumerated total.
ἐξbypreposition + genitive (specification: 'by name')→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: 'by'; ἐξ ὀνόματος ('by name'), the individual register prescribed in v. 40.
ὀνόματοςnameGenitivegenitive object of ἐξ→ relational specificationὄνομα: 'name'; the named, individual enumeration.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; the age-formula.
μηνιαίουa month oldGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό→ relational specificationμηνιαῖος: 'a month old'; the lower census bound.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupwardadverb (with ἀπὸ μηνιαίου)→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; completes the age-formula.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: 'from'; 'from their mustering' — the count produced by the census.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle (with ἐπισκέψεως)→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐπισκέψεωςmusteringGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationἐπίσκεψις: 'mustering / census'; the firstborn count from which the figure derives.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the firstborn's mustering.
δύοtwonumeral (part of 22,273)→ measure or countδύο: 'two'; in 'two and twenty thousand.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (indeclinable)→ measure or countεἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable.
χιλιάδεςthousandNominativenumeral substantive ('thousands')→ participant prominenceχιλιάς: 'thousand'; 22,000 of the firstborn total.
τρεῖςthreeNominativenumeral (part of 273)→ measure or countτρεῖς: 'three'; with seventy and two hundred forms the surplus 273.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἑβδομήκονταseventynumeral (indeclinable, part of 273)→ measure or countἑβδομήκοντα: 'seventy'; indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διακόσιοιtwo hundredNominativenumeral (part of 273)→ participant prominenceδιακόσιοι: 'two hundred'; completing the firstborn total of 22,273; the 273 in excess of the 22,000 Levites are the surplus to be redeemed (v. 46).
44
καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
The speech-formula recurs (cf. vv. 5, 11, 14) to open the final section: the instructions for redeeming the 273 surplus firstborn (vv. 45–51).
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλάλησενspokeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (speech-introducing formula)→ constative aorist (single divine speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; introduces the redemption-instructions.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
ΜωυσῆνMosesAccusativeaccusative object of πρός→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: accusative as directional object of πρός.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Sg · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ imperfective present participle (Hebraizing speech-marker)λέγω: the participle λέγων calques the Hebrew לֵאמֹר.
45
λαβὲ τοὺς Λευίτας ἀντὶ πάντων τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ τὰ κτήνη τῶν Λευιτῶν ἀντὶ τῶν κτηνῶν αὐτῶν καὶ ἔσονται ἐμοὶ οἱ Λευῖται ἐγὼ κύριος
Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites in place of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine; I am the LORD.
The substitution of v. 41 is restated as a direct imperative (λαβέ), with the same double ἀντί (people and cattle), the possession-formula ἔσονται ἐμοὶ οἱ Λευῖται ('the Levites shall be mine', cf. v. 12), and the covenant signature ἐγὼ κύριος. This sets up the arithmetic problem the following verses resolve.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
λαβὲtakeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (divine imperative)→ ingressive aorist imperative (command to effect the substitution)λαμβάνω: 'take'; the aorist imperative commands Moses to designate the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with Λευίτας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of λαβὲ→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; taken in place of the firstborn.
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of'; the substitutionary preposition (cf. vv. 12, 41).
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying πρωτοτόκων)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; all the firstborn.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with πρωτοτόκων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωτοτόκωνfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of ἀντί→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the firstborn replaced by the Levites.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the firstborn of the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (extending to cattle)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with κτήνη)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτήνηcattleAccusativedirect object (second object of λαβέ)→ object specificationκτῆνος (pl. κτήνη): 'beast / cattle'; the Levites' livestock taken for the firstborn cattle.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with Λευιτῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites' cattle.
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution, second occurrence)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of'; the firstborn cattle replaced by the Levites' cattle.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with κτηνῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κτηνῶνcattleGenitivegenitive object of ἀντί→ relational specificationκτῆνος (gen. pl. κτηνῶν): 'beast / cattle'; the firstborn cattle of Israel.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (Israel's cattle)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their'; the firstborn cattle belonging to the Israelites.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (predicate: 'shall be mine')→ predictive future (settled divine possession)εἰμί (fut. ἔσονται): 'be'; with ἐμοί asserts the Levites' belonging to YHWH (cf. v. 12).
ἐμοὶmineDativedative of possession→ participant reference or interestἐγώ: the emphatic dative ἐμοί, 'the Levites shall be mine.'
οἱtheNominativearticle (with Λευῖται)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευῖταιLevitesNominativesubject of ἔσονται→ participant prominenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the tribe that belongs to YHWH.
ἐγὼINominativesubject of the self-asseveration (with implied copula)→ participant referenceἐγώ: in the formula ἐγὼ κύριος ('I am the LORD'), sealing the command.
κύριοςthe LORDNominativepredicate nominative (self-identification)→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the covenant signature affirming the binding force of the word.
46
καὶ τὰ λύτρα τριῶν καὶ ἑβδομήκοντα καὶ διακοσίων οἱ πλεονάζοντες παρὰ τοὺς Λευίτας ἀπὸ τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ
And as for the ransom of the two hundred seventy-three, those who exceed the Levites among the firstborn of the sons of Israel,
Here the redemption-crux is stated: the 273 firstborn 'who exceed the Levites' (οἱ πλεονάζοντες παρὰ τοὺς Λευίτας) have no Levite-substitute and so require a monetary ransom (λύτρα). The verb πλεονάζω ('be in excess') quantifies the shortfall between 22,000 Levites and 22,273 firstborn.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with λύτρα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λύτραransomAccusativeaccusative of respect (anticipating v. 47: 'as for the ransom')→ object specificationλύτρον (pl. λύτρα): 'ransom / redemption-price'; renders פִּדְיוֹם; here the monetary ransom required for the 273 firstborn who lack a Levite-substitute; the lexeme anchors NT redemption theology (λύτρον, Mark 10:45; ἀντίλυτρον, 1 Tim 2:6).
τριῶνof threeGenitivegenitive (part of 273: the persons ransomed)→ relational specificationτρεῖς (gen. τριῶν): 'three'; part of the surplus 273.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἑβδομήκονταseventynumeral (indeclinable, part of 273)→ measure or countἑβδομήκοντα: 'seventy'; indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (joining numerals)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διακοσίωνtwo hundredGenitivenumeral (genitive, part of 273)→ relational specificationδιακόσιοι (gen. διακοσίων): 'two hundred'; completing the surplus 273.
οἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλεονάζοντεςexceeding / in excessPres Act Ptcp Nom Masc Pl · πλεονάζωsubstantival participle ('those who are in excess')→ imperfective present participle (the state of surplus)πλεονάζω: 'be more / abound / exceed'; the participle οἱ πλεονάζοντες ('those who exceed') names the 273 firstborn beyond the number of the Levites; the verb's NT use is of grace 'abounding' (Rom 5:20; 6:1).
παρὰbeyond / overpreposition + accusative (comparison: 'in excess of')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + accusative: 'beyond / more than'; in comparative sense, the firstborn exceeding the Levites in number.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with Λευίτας)→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativeobject of παρά (the standard of comparison)→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the 22,000 against whom the firstborn surplus is measured.
ἀπὸfrom / amongpreposition + genitive (partitive: 'among the firstborn')→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from / among'; the surplus drawn from the firstborn of Israel.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with πρωτοτόκων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωτοτόκωνfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (partitive)→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the firstborn from whom the surplus 273 come.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the firstborn of the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
47
καὶ λήμψῃ πέντε σίκλους κατὰ κεφαλήν κατὰ τὸ δίδραχμον τὸ ἅγιον λήμψῃ εἴκοσι ὀβολοὺς τοῦ σίκλου
you shall take five shekels a head; by the holy didrachm you shall take it — twenty obols to the shekel.
The redemption-rate is fixed: five shekels per head (πέντε σίκλους κατὰ κεφαλήν), reckoned by the sanctuary standard — the 'holy didrachm,' where one shekel equals twenty obols (gerahs). The five-shekel price is the standard firstborn-redemption fee (cf. Num 18:16; Lev 27:6).
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (directive future)→ imperatival future (command to collect the ransom)λαμβάνω (fut. λήμψῃ): 'take / receive'; the future of instruction commands the collection of the redemption-silver.
πέντεfivenumeral (indeclinable, modifying σίκλους)→ measure or countπέντε: 'five'; indeclinable; the five-shekel redemption-rate per head.
σίκλουςshekelsAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ→ object specificationσίκλος: 'shekel'; transliteration/loan from Hebrew שֶׁקֶל; the standard weight-unit of silver; five shekels is the firstborn-redemption price (Num 18:16).
κατὰper / bypreposition + accusative (distributive: 'per head')→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: distributive 'per / a head'; κατὰ κεφαλήν, 'per head / each.'
κεφαλήνheadAccusativeobject of κατά (distributive: 'per head')→ object specificationκεφαλή: 'head'; κατὰ κεφαλήν is the distributive idiom 'per head / per person,' specifying the rate as individual.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (standard / norm)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to'; the reckoning is by the sanctuary standard.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with δίδραχμον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δίδραχμονdidrachm / double-drachmaAccusativeobject of κατά (the monetary standard)→ object specificationδίδραχμον: 'double drachma / didrachm'; the LXX's Greek equivalent for the shekel-weight standard; here τὸ δίδραχμον τὸ ἅγιον renders שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ ('the sanctuary shekel'); the same term names the temple-tax in Matt 17:24.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἅγιον, attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅγιονholyAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying δίδραχμον: 'the holy didrachm')→ object specificationἅγιος: 'holy'; the 'holy' (sanctuary) standard renders הַקֹּדֶשׁ — the official weight maintained at the sanctuary, distinct from common commercial weights.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (resumptive directive future)→ imperatival future (restating the command with the conversion-rate)λαμβάνω: the repeated λήμψῃ resumes the command to introduce the shekel-to-obol conversion.
εἴκοσιtwentynumeral (indeclinable, modifying ὀβολοὺς)→ measure or countεἴκοσι: 'twenty'; indeclinable; twenty obols make one shekel.
ὀβολοὺςobolsAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ (the conversion-unit)→ object specificationὀβολός: 'obol'; the LXX rendering of גֵּרָה (gerah); the smallest silver weight-unit; twenty obols = one sanctuary shekel (cf. Exod 30:13; Lev 27:25).
τοῦto theGenitivearticle (with σίκλου)→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σίκλουshekelGenitivegenitive of value/standard ('twenty obols to the shekel')→ relational specificationσίκλος: 'shekel'; the genitive specifies the conversion — twenty obols constitute one shekel by the sanctuary standard.
48
καὶ δώσεις τὸ ἀργύριον Ααρων καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς αὐτοῦ λύτρα τῶν πλεοναζόντων ἐν αὐτοῖς
And you shall give the silver to Aaron and to his sons, as the ransom of those who are in excess among them.
The redemption-silver (τὸ ἀργύριον) is to be given to Aaron and his sons as the ransom (λύτρα) of the surplus firstborn. The priestly recipients confirm that the redemption-money accrues to the priesthood, supporting the sanctuary service (cf. Num 18:15–16).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δώσειςyou shall giveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (directive future)→ imperatival future (command to hand over the silver)δίδωμι (fut. δώσεις): 'give'; the future of instruction directs the redemption-silver to the priests.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἀργύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀργύριονsilver / moneyAccusativedirect object of δώσεις→ object specificationἀργύριον: 'silver / money'; renders כֶּסֶף; the redemption-silver collected from the surplus firstborn; the term (in its plural ἀργύρια) names Judas' thirty pieces (Matt 26:15).
Ααρωνto Aarondative indirect object (indeclinable: recipient)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; here functioning as dative recipient of the silver.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςto theDativearticle (with υἱοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative indirect object (coordinate recipient)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; Aaron's sons, co-recipients of the redemption-money.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his'; Aaron's sons.
λύτραransomAccusativeaccusative in apposition to τὸ ἀργύριον (the silver as ransom)→ object specificationλύτρον (pl. λύτρα): 'ransom'; the silver functions as the redemption-price of the surplus firstborn.
τῶνof the (ones)Genitivearticle (with πλεοναζόντων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλεοναζόντωνthose in excessPres Act Ptcp Gen Masc Pl · πλεονάζωsubstantival participle (genitive: 'of the surplus ones')→ imperfective present participle (the state of surplus)πλεονάζω: 'be in excess / exceed'; the genitive participle 'of those exceeding' = the surplus 273 firstborn (cf. v. 46).
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere: 'among them')→ spatial or relational framingἐν + dative: 'among'; the surplus reckoned among the firstborn.
αὐτοῖςthemDativeobject of ἐν (the firstborn body)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'them'; the firstborn among whom the surplus is found.
49
καὶ ἔλαβεν Μωυσῆς τὸ ἀργύριον τὰ λύτρα τῶν πλεοναζόντων εἰς τὴν ἐκλύτρωσιν τῶν Λευιτῶν
And Moses took the silver, the ransom of those in excess, for the redemption of the Levites.
Moses obediently collects the ransom-silver. The compound noun ἐκλύτρωσις ('full redemption / ransoming-out') is a strong term — the surplus firstborn are 'redeemed out' by the silver, since the Levites (numbering 273 fewer) could not cover them. The phrase frames the transaction as a true redemption-payment.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαβενtookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (execution of the command)→ constative aorist (completed collection)λαμβάνω: 'take'; the aorist reports Moses' obedient collection of the redemption-silver.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: the agent who collects the ransom.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἀργύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀργύριονsilverAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν→ object specificationἀργύριον: 'silver / money'; the redemption-silver.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with λύτρα, in apposition)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λύτραransomAccusativeaccusative in apposition to ἀργύριον→ object specificationλύτρον (pl. λύτρα): 'ransom'; the silver as redemption-price.
τῶνof the (ones)Genitivearticle (with πλεοναζόντων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλεοναζόντωνthose in excessPres Act Ptcp Gen Masc Pl · πλεονάζωsubstantival participle (genitive: 'of the surplus ones')→ imperfective present participle (the state of surplus)πλεονάζω: 'be in excess'; the surplus 273 firstborn whose ransom the silver constitutes.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + accusative: 'for / unto'; the purpose of the collection — redemption.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (with ἐκλύτρωσιν)→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκλύτρωσινredemption / ransomingAccusativeobject of εἰς (the purpose of the silver)→ object specificationἐκλύτρωσις: 'full redemption / ransoming-out'; the intensive compound (ἐκ + λυτρόω) denotes complete redemption by payment; the silver effects the 'redeeming-out' of the surplus firstborn whom the Levites could not cover; cognate with the NT ἀπολύτρωσις (Rom 3:24; Eph 1:7).
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with Λευιτῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive of relationship (the redemption connected with the Levites' count)→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the redemption supplements the Levite-substitution where the Levites fell short by 273.
50
παρὰ τῶν πρωτοτόκων τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἔλαβεν τὸ ἀργύριον χιλίους τριακοσίους ἑξήκοντα πέντε σίκλους κατὰ τὸν σίκλον τὸν ἅγιον
From the firstborn of the sons of Israel he took the silver: one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, by the holy shekel.
The total redemption-sum is given: 1,365 shekels — exactly 273 firstborn × 5 shekels — confirming the arithmetic of the crux (vv. 43, 46–47). The figure is reckoned 'by the holy shekel' (κατὰ τὸν σίκλον τὸν ἅγιον), the sanctuary standard of v. 47.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + genitive: 'from'; the silver collected from the firstborn.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with πρωτοτόκων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πρωτοτόκωνfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of παρά (source)→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the source of the redemption-silver.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (with υἱῶν)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive of relationship→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the firstborn of the sons of Israel.
Ισραηλof Israelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: indeclinable; the covenant nation.
ἔλαβενhe tookAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (collection of the sum)→ constative aorist (completed collection)λαμβάνω: 'take'; Moses took the silver — the aorist reports the completed transaction.
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with ἀργύριον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀργύριονsilverAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβεν→ object specificationἀργύριον: 'silver / money'; the redemption-sum.
χιλίουςone thousandAccusativenumeral (modifying σίκλους)→ object specificationχίλιοι: 'thousand'; part of the total 1,365 shekels.
τριακοσίουςthree hundredAccusativenumeral (coordinate)→ object specificationτριακόσιοι: 'three hundred'; part of 1,365.
ἑξήκονταsixtynumeral (indeclinable, coordinate)→ measure or countἑξήκοντα: 'sixty'; indeclinable; part of 1,365.
πέντεfivenumeral (indeclinable, coordinate)→ measure or countπέντε: 'five'; completing the total of 1,365 shekels (= 273 × 5).
σίκλουςshekelsAccusativeaccusative in apposition to ἀργύριον (the sum in shekels)→ object specificationσίκλος: 'shekel'; the unit of the redemption-sum; 1,365 shekels precisely redeems the 273 surplus firstborn at five shekels each.
κατὰbypreposition + accusative (standard)→ spatial or relational framingκατά + accusative: 'according to'; reckoned by the sanctuary standard.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with σίκλον)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σίκλονshekelAccusativeobject of κατά (the standard)→ object specificationσίκλος: 'shekel'; the standard shekel by which the sum is reckoned.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle (with ἅγιον, attributive)→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅγιονholyAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying σίκλον: 'the holy shekel')→ object specificationἅγιος: 'holy'; the sanctuary shekel-standard (cf. v. 47), distinct from common commercial weights.
51
καὶ ἔδωκεν Μωυσῆς τὰ λύτρα τῶν πλεοναζόντων Ααρων καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς αὐτοῦ διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου ὃν τρόπον συνέταξεν κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ
And Moses gave the ransom of those in excess to Aaron and to his sons, by the voice of the LORD, in the manner the LORD commanded Moses.
The chapter closes with the completed obedience: Moses gives the ransom-silver to Aaron and his sons. The double obedience-formula — διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου ('by the voice of the LORD') and ὃν τρόπον συνέταξεν κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ ('as the LORD commanded Moses') — forms an inclusio with v. 16, framing the whole census-and-redemption narrative under the seal of exact divine compliance.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔδωκενgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (final execution of the command)→ constative aorist (completed delivery)δίδωμι: 'give'; the aorist reports Moses' obedient handing-over of the ransom-silver to the priests, completing the command of v. 48.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: the obedient mediator who completes the transaction.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (with λύτρα)→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λύτραransomAccusativedirect object of ἔδωκεν→ object specificationλύτρον (pl. λύτρα): 'ransom'; the redemption-silver of the surplus firstborn, now delivered to the priesthood.
τῶνof the (ones)Genitivearticle (with πλεοναζόντων)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλεοναζόντωνthose in excessPres Act Ptcp Gen Masc Pl · πλεονάζωsubstantival participle (genitive: 'of the surplus ones')→ imperfective present participle (the state of surplus)πλεονάζω: 'be in excess'; the surplus 273 firstborn whose ransom is given to the priests.
Ααρωνto Aarondative indirect object (indeclinable: recipient)→ participant identificationΑαρων: indeclinable; here functioning as dative recipient of the ransom.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςto theDativearticle (with υἱοῖς)→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative indirect object (coordinate recipient)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; Aaron's sons, co-recipients of the ransom.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his'; Aaron's sons.
διὰbypreposition + genitive (means / agency)→ spatial or relational framingδιά + genitive: 'through / by'; the divine warrant for the transaction.
φωνῆςvoiceGenitivegenitive object of διά→ relational specificationφωνή: 'voice / command'; διὰ φωνῆς κυρίου, the obedience-formula recurring from vv. 16, 39.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive of source→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה.
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (within the comparative phrase ὃν τρόπον)→ participant referenceὅς: the relative in ὃν τρόπον ('in the manner that').
τρόπονmannerAccusativeadverbial accusative (manner)→ object specificationτρόπος: 'manner / way'; ὃν τρόπον, the obedience-formula 'just as,' forming an inclusio with v. 16.
συνέταξενcommandedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συντάσσωverb of the comparative clause→ constative aorist (the prior divine command)συντάσσω: 'arrange / order / command'; renders צִוָּה; the comparative clause confirms that the whole transaction was carried out exactly as commanded (cf. v. 16).
κύριοςthe LORDNominativesubject of συνέταξεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the commander whose word is obeyed.
τῷtoDativearticle (with Μωυσῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative indirect object of συνέταξεν→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς: dative Μωυσῇ as the addressee of the command; the chapter ends, as it began (v. 1), with the LORD's word to Moses.