Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 8ΑΡΙΘΜΟΙ Η′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

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

Theme

Numbers 8 falls into three movements: the mounting of the seven lamps to give light κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς λυχνίας ('toward the front of the lampstand,' vv.

Translation & textual notes

The Greek text of Numbers 8 follows the standard critical text of the Septuagint as established in the Rahlfs–Hanhart edition (Septuaginta, rev. ed. 2006), an ancient and public-domain text; the critical apparatus is not reproduced. Numbers 8 falls into three movements: the mounting of the seven lamps to give light κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς λυχνίας ('toward the front of the lampstand,' vv. 1–4), with the description of the hammered lampstand (λυχνία τορευτή) echoing the Tabernacle plans of Exod 25:31–40; the purification and ritual dedication of the Levites (vv. 5–22); and the regulation of the Levitical term of service (vv. 23–26). The central section is dense with cultic vocabulary distinctive to the LXX: ἀφαγνίζω / ἁγνισμός ('purify / purification,' v. 6–7, 21) and the cognate phrase ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ ('water of purification,' v. 7); the shaving of the whole body by a razor (ξυρὸν ἐπὶ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα) and the washing of garments; the laying-on of the congregation's hands (ἐπιθήσουσιν … τὰς χεῖρας, v. 10) which transfers and consecrates; and above all the wave-offering idiom applied to persons. The Hebrew tĕnûphāh ('wave offering') is rendered by the striking noun ἀπόδομα ('a thing given over,' vv. 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21), and the LORD's claim on the Levites is stated with the emphatic figura etymologica ἀπόδομα ἀποδεδομένοι ('given over as a thing-given-over,' v. 16) and ἀπόδομα δεδομένους (v. 19). This substitution theology is explicit: the Levites are taken ἀντὶ … πρωτοτόκων ('in place of the firstborn,' vv. 16, 18) whom the LORD claimed for himself on the day he struck Egypt's firstborn (v. 17; cf. Num 3:11–13), and they are given wholly to the LORD and then re-given to Aaron and his sons to do the service of the sons of Israel (ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα) and to make atonement for them (ἐξιλάσκεσθαι, v. 19). The final movement sets the term of Levitical labor from twenty-five years (ἀπὸ πεντεκαιεικοσαετοῦς) until fifty (ἀπὸ πεντηκονταετοῦς), after which a Levite withdraws from the main λειτουργία and only assists his brother in keeping watch (φυλάσσειν φυλακάς, vv. 23–26).

1

καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

New divine speech-act (main narrative)καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος
The standard LXX divine speech-formula καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων opens the chapter and recurs at vv. 5 and 23, segmenting Numbers 8 into its three divine oracles (the lamps, the Levites' purification, the term of service). The Hebraizing καί-parataxis and the redundant participle λέγων (rendering לֵאמֹר) are hallmarks of LXX legal-narrative prose.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction (Hebraizing καί-parataxis)→ 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 completed speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak / talk'; renders דִּבֵּר (Piel); the formula καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν is the standard LXX introduction to legislative divine speech throughout Numbers (cf. 1:1; 5:1; 6:1), marking each new commission.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: the standard LXX rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the nominative subject marks this as unmediated YHWH-speech directed to Moses as covenant mediator.
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: transliteration of Hebrew מֹשֶׁה; declined as a first/third-declension noun in Rahlfs' LXX (gen. Μωυσῆ, dat. Μωυσῇ, acc. Μωυσῆν); accusative here as the directional object of πρός.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ redundant participle of speech (Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר)λέγω: the present participle λέγων is the formulaic LXX rendering of the Hebrew infinitive לֵאמֹר ('saying'), pleonastically introducing the content of the divine word that follows.
2

λάλησον τῷ Ααρων καὶ ἐρεῖς πρὸς αὐτόν ὅταν ἐπιτιθῇς τοὺς λύχνους ἐκ μέρους κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς λυχνίας φωτιοῦσιν οἱ ἑπτὰ λύχνοι

Speak to Aaron and you shall say to him: When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light from the one side, toward the front of the lampstand.

Content of the first oracle (command to Aaron mediated through Moses)λάλησον τῷ Ααρων
The double imperative/future λάλησον … καὶ ἐρεῖς ('speak … and you shall say') is a Hebraizing formula of relayed command: Moses is to transmit YHWH's word to Aaron. The temporal ὅταν-clause with subjunctive ἐπιτιθῇς ('whenever you set up') governs the main clause φωτιοῦσιν οἱ ἑπτὰ λύχνοι, specifying the lamps' orientation toward the front of the lampstand (cf. Exod 25:37).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
λάλησονspeakAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαλέωmain verb (divine imperative to Moses)→ ingressive aorist imperative (commissioned speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דַּבֵּר (Piel); the aorist imperative frames the relaying of the command to Aaron as a single decisive act.
τῷthe (to)Dativearticle (with indeclinable Ααρων, marking dative)→ noun-phrase markingThe article τῷ supplies the dative case-marking for the indeclinable name Ααρων, a common LXX device for declining transliterated Hebrew names.
ΑαρωνAaronindirect object of λάλησον (indeclinable proper noun, dative by article)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of Hebrew אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable in the LXX, its case signalled by the accompanying article (here dative τῷ); Aaron the high priest is the addressee responsible for the lamps.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐρεῖςyou shall sayFut Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (future with imperatival force)→ imperatival future (continuing the relayed command)λέγω (fut. ἐρῶ): 'say'; the future ἐρεῖς with imperatival force renders the Hebrew weqatal וְאָמַרְתָּ; the pairing λάλησον … καὶ ἐρεῖς is a standard LXX formula for transmitting divine instruction to a third party.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction of speech)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of speech).
αὐτόνhimAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (= Aaron)→ participant referenceαὐτός: personal pronoun resuming Ααρων as the addressee of the relayed word.
ὅτανwhen / whenevertemporal conjunction (introducing subjunctive clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: 'when(ever)'; takes the subjunctive (ἐπιτιθῇς); here it specifies the recurring occasion of mounting the lamps, governing the main clause that follows.
ἐπιτιθῇςyou set up / mountPres Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐπιτίθημιverb of temporal subordinate clause→ iterative present subjunctive (action viewed as recurring)ἐπιτίθημι: 'place upon / set up / mount'; renders הֶעֱלָה ('cause to go up,' of kindling/raising lamps); the present subjunctive with ὅταν presents the mounting of the lamps as a repeated cultic action performed by Aaron.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λύχνουςlampsAccusativedirect object of ἐπιτιθῇς→ object specificationλύχνος: 'lamp'; renders נֵר; the seven lamps of the menorah (cf. Exod 25:37); these are the oil-lamps mounted on the branches of the lampstand within the holy place.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source/side)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source/side).
μέρουςside / partGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ ('from the side')→ relational specificationμέρος: 'part / side / region'; ἐκ μέρους renders מוּל ('opposite, in front'); the phrase indicates the direction from which the lamps cast their light toward the front face of the lampstand.
κατὰtoward / over againstpreposition + accusative (direction faced)→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ + accusative: 'toward / facing'; κατὰ πρόσωπον ('toward the face/front') is a LXX idiom rendering אֶל־מוּל פְּנֵי, fixing the orientation of the lamplight.
πρόσωπονfront / faceAccusativeaccusative object of κατά (idiomatic: 'toward the front')→ object specificationπρόσωπον: 'face / front / presence'; renders פָּנִים; κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς λυχνίας means the lamps are turned to illuminate the space before the lampstand.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λυχνίαςlampstandGenitivegenitive (of the lampstand)→ relational specificationλυχνία: 'lampstand / menorah'; renders מְנוֹרָה; the seven-branched golden lampstand of the holy place, described in detail at Exod 25:31–40; this verse links its lamps' orientation to the Tabernacle blueprint.
φωτιοῦσινshall give lightFut Act Indic 3 Pl · φωτίζωmain verb (apodosis of ὅταν-clause)→ predictive/prescriptive future (the lamps' required function)φωτίζω: 'give light / illuminate'; renders הֵאִיר; the future has prescriptive force — the seven lamps are to shine toward the front of the lampstand; the Attic-style contract future φωτιοῦσιν is characteristic of the LXX.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑπτὰsevenNominativenumeral (attributive, modifying λύχνοι)→ measure or countἑπτά: 'seven'; indeclinable cardinal numeral; renders שִׁבְעָה; the seven lamps of the menorah carry rich symbolic weight in later tradition (cf. Zech 4:2; Rev 1:12).
λύχνοιlampsNominativesubject of φωτιοῦσιν→ participant prominenceλύχνος: 'lamp'; the seven lamps are the subject — they, mounted by Aaron, give the prescribed light toward the front of the lampstand.
3

καὶ ἐποίησεν οὕτως Ααρων ἐκ τοῦ ἑνὸς μέρους κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς λυχνίας ἐξῆψεν τοὺς λύχνους αὐτῆς καθὰ συνέταξεν κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ

And Aaron did so: from the one side, toward the front of the lampstand, he lit its lamps, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Execution report (compliance with the command of v. 2)καὶ ἐποίησεν οὕτως Ααρων
The compliance formula καὶ ἐποίησεν οὕτως ('and he did so') followed by καθὰ συνέταξεν κύριος ('just as the LORD commanded') is the standard LXX pattern for reporting obedient execution of a divine instruction (cf. Exod 7:6; 40:16). Aaron's act mirrors the command of v. 2 verbatim in its spatial phrasing.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐποίησενdidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (execution report)→ constative aorist (completed act of obedience)ποιέω: 'do / make'; renders עָשָׂה; in compliance formulae καὶ ἐποίησεν οὕτως the verb reports exact obedience to the preceding command.
οὕτωςso / thusadverb of manner (anaphoric to the command)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus / in this way'; renders כֵּן; the adverb points back to the instruction of v. 2, affirming that Aaron's action matched it precisely.
ΑαρωνAaronsubject (indeclinable proper noun, nominative by context)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; here the nominative subject who carries out the command concerning the lamps.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source/side)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source/side).
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑνὸςoneGenitiveattributive numeral (modifying μέρους: 'the one side')→ relational specificationεἷς, μία, ἕν (gen. ἑνός): 'one'; renders אֶחָד; ἐκ τοῦ ἑνὸς μέρους ('from the one side') specifies the single direction of the lamplight, matching the command's ἐκ μέρους.
μέρουςside / partGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationμέρος: 'part / side'; see v. 2; the phrase locates the lamps' light as cast from one side toward the lampstand's front.
κατὰtowardpreposition + accusative (direction faced)→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'toward'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction faced).
πρόσωπονfront / faceAccusativeaccusative object of κατά→ object specificationπρόσωπον: see v. 2; κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς λυχνίας repeats the command's orientation verbatim, marking exact compliance.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λυχνίαςlampstandGenitivegenitive (of the lampstand)→ relational specificationλυχνία: see v. 2; 'lampstand / menorah.'
ἐξῆψενhe lit / kindledAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐξάπτωmain verb (Aaron's lighting of the lamps)→ constative aorist (single completed cultic act)ἐξάπτω: 'kindle / light up'; renders הֶעֱלָה; the compound ἐξ- intensifies ('set fully alight'); Aaron lights the lamps of the menorah, fulfilling the command of v. 2 in concrete cultic action.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λύχνουςlampsAccusativedirect object of ἐξῆψεν→ object specificationλύχνος: see v. 2; 'lamps.'
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession (the lampstand's lamps)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its' (fem., referring to λυχνία); τοὺς λύχνους αὐτῆς = 'its lamps,' the lamps belonging to the lampstand.
καθὰjust ascomparative conjunction (introducing compliance clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθά: 'just as / according as'; renders כַּאֲשֶׁר; introduces the standard obedience formula confirming that Aaron acted exactly as the LORD had commanded.
συνέταξενcommanded / orderedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συντάσσωverb of comparative clause (the divine command)→ constative aorist (the prior completed command)συντάσσω: 'arrange / command / instruct'; renders צִוָּה; a favourite LXX verb in compliance formulae (καθὰ συνέταξεν κύριος), referring back to the issuing of the divine order.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of συνέταξεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the LORD as the source of the command Moses transmitted to Aaron.
τῷthe (to)Dativearticle (dative with Μωυσῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative indirect object of συνέταξεν (recipient of the command)→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς (dat. Μωυσῇ): the LORD commanded Moses, who relayed the instruction to Aaron — the chain of mediation completed in this verse.
4

καὶ αὕτη ἡ κατασκευὴ τῆς λυχνίας στερεὰ χρυσῆ ὁ καυλὸς αὐτῆς καὶ τὰ κρίνα αὐτῆς στερεὰ ὅλη κατὰ τὸ εἶδος ὃ ἔδειξεν κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ οὕτως ἐποίησεν τὴν λυχνίαν

And this was the construction of the lampstand: solid gold, its stem and its lilies — solid, the whole of it — according to the pattern which the LORD showed Moses; so he made the lampstand.

Descriptive aside (the lampstand's construction, closing the lamp-section)καὶ αὕτη ἡ κατασκευὴ
A descriptive parenthesis closes the lamp-section: αὕτη ἡ κατασκευή ('this is the construction') introduces a nominal description of the menorah as solid hammered gold (στερεὰ χρυσῆ), built κατὰ τὸ εἶδος ('according to the pattern') the LORD showed Moses — an explicit cross-reference to Exod 25:31–40 and to the Sinai blueprint motif (τὸ εἶδος / תַּבְנִית).
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὕτηthisNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of nominal clause)→ participant referenceοὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο: 'this'; the feminine αὕτη agrees with κατασκευή; αὕτη ἡ κατασκευή ('this is the construction') is a descriptive formula introducing the account of the lampstand's make.
ἡtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατασκευὴconstruction / makeNominativepredicate nominative (subject of the nominal clause)→ participant prominenceκατασκευή: 'construction / structure / workmanship'; renders מַעֲשֶׂה ('work, fashioning'); refers to the manner in which the lampstand was fabricated.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λυχνίαςlampstandGenitivegenitive (of the lampstand)→ relational specificationλυχνία: 'lampstand / menorah'; see v. 2.
στερεὰsolidNominativepredicate adjective (describing the lampstand)→ participant prominenceστερεός: 'solid / hard / firm'; renders מִקְשָׁה ('hammered work, of one piece'); the lampstand was beaten from a single solid mass of gold, not assembled from parts (cf. Exod 25:31).
χρυσῆgoldenNominativepredicate adjective (material)→ participant prominenceχρυσοῦς (fem. χρυσῆ): 'made of gold'; renders זָהָב; the menorah is pure gold, befitting its place in the holy place before the veil.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καυλὸςstem / shaftNominativesubject (apposition: the central stem)→ participant prominenceκαυλός: 'stalk / stem / shaft'; renders יָרֵךְ ('base, central shaft'); the central column of the lampstand from which the branches extend (Exod 25:31).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession (the lampstand's stem)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its' (fem., of the lampstand).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κρίναlilies / blossomsNominativesubject (apposition: the floral ornaments)→ participant prominenceκρίνον (pl. κρίνα): 'lily / blossom'; renders פֶּרַח ('flower') or the lily-ornaments of the menorah; the lampstand's branches were decorated with cups shaped like almond-blossoms and lily-work (Exod 25:33–34).
αὐτῆςitsGenitivegenitive of possession→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'its' (fem., of the lampstand).
στερεὰsolidNominativepredicate adjective (repeated emphasis)→ participant prominenceστερεός: see above; the repetition στερεὰ … στερεὰ ὅλη stresses that the entire lampstand — stem and ornaments alike — was of one solid hammered piece.
ὅληwhole / entireNominativepredicate adjective (totalizing: 'the whole of it')→ participant prominenceὅλος: 'whole / entire'; renders כֻּלָּהּ; στερεὰ ὅλη ('solid, the whole of it') underlines the unity of the workmanship — the menorah is a single beaten mass.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm/standard)→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ + accusative: 'according to'; κατὰ τὸ εἶδος ('according to the pattern') invokes the Sinai-blueprint motif (cf. Exod 25:40 κατὰ τὸν τύπον).
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἶδοςpattern / formAccusativeaccusative object of κατά (the shown pattern)→ object specificationεἶδος: 'form / appearance / pattern'; renders מַרְאֶה / תַּבְנִית; the divinely shown 'pattern' is the heavenly blueprint Moses received on Sinai, to which the earthly lampstand must conform (Exod 25:9, 40).
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔδειξεν, antecedent εἶδος)→ participant referenceὅς, ἥ, ὅ: relative pronoun; neuter accusative ὅ agrees with τὸ εἶδος and serves as object of ἔδειξεν.
ἔδειξενshowedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δείκνυμιverb of relative clause (the divine showing of the pattern)→ constative aorist (the past Sinai revelation)δείκνυμι: 'show / point out / reveal'; renders הֶרְאָה; the verb recalls the showing of the Tabernacle pattern to Moses on the mountain (Exod 25:9, 40), grounding the lampstand's legitimacy in divine revelation.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἔδειξεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the LORD himself revealed the pattern.
τῷthe (to)Dativearticle (dative with Μωυσῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative indirect object of ἔδειξεν (recipient of the revelation)→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς (dat. Μωυσῇ): Moses received the pattern on Sinai; the lampstand was built to match what he was shown.
οὕτωςso / thusadverb of manner (resumptive)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus'; resumes after the relative clause, affirming that the lampstand was made exactly according to the shown pattern.
ἐποίησενhe madeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (the making of the lampstand)→ constative aorist (completed act of fabrication)ποιέω: 'make'; renders עָשָׂה; the (impersonal/Bezalel) subject made the lampstand 'thus,' i.e., in conformity to the divinely shown pattern.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λυχνίανlampstandAccusativedirect object of ἐποίησεν→ object specificationλυχνία: 'lampstand / menorah'; the finished object, made to match the Sinai blueprint, closes the lamp-section.
5

καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

New divine speech-act (second oracle: the Levites)καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος
The speech-formula repeats from v. 1, opening the second and central oracle of the chapter — the purification and dedication of the Levites (vv. 5–22). The formulaic seam marks a clean topical transition from the lamps to the Levitical rite.
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 completed speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֵּר; the formula opens the second divine oracle of the chapter, concerning the Levites.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of the Tetragrammaton יהוה; the unmediated divine speaker.
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: transliteration of מֹשֶׁה; accusative as directional object of πρός.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ redundant participle of speech (Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר)λέγω: the formulaic participle λέγων renders Hebrew לֵאמֹר, introducing the content of the oracle that follows.
6

λαβὲ τοὺς Λευίτας ἐκ μέσου υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ ἀφαγνιεῖς αὐτούς

Take the Levites from among the sons of Israel, and you shall purify them.

Opening command of the Levite-oracle (set apart and purify)λαβὲ τοὺς Λευίτας
The oracle opens with the imperative λαβέ ('take') and the future ἀφαγνιεῖς ('you shall purify'), establishing the two governing actions of the whole rite: separation from Israel and ritual purification. The verb ἀφαγνίζω (rare, intensive compound of ἁγνίζω) names the cleansing that vv. 7–13 unpack in detail.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
λαβὲtakeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (divine imperative to Moses)→ ingressive aorist imperative (begin the action of setting apart)λαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; renders לָקַח; the aorist imperative λαβέ commands Moses to set the Levites apart from the rest of Israel — the first step of their dedication.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of λαβέ→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; renders לֵוִי; the members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for the service of the Tabernacle in place of the firstborn (Num 3); the chapter's central subject.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ μέσου: 'from the midst of'; a separation idiom (rendering מִתּוֹךְ) stressing that the Levites are extracted from within the body of Israel.
μέσουmidstGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (idiomatic: 'from the midst')→ relational specificationμέσος: 'middle / midst'; ἐκ μέσου υἱῶν Ισραηλ ('from the midst of the sons of Israel') marks the Levites' separation from the wider community.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (partitive/relationship: 'of the sons')→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ('sons of Israel') is the standard LXX designation for the people of Israel (rendering בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל).
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable; here the genitive 'of Israel' modifying υἱῶν.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀφαγνιεῖςyou shall purifyFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀφαγνίζωmain verb (future with imperatival force)→ prescriptive future (commanded purification)ἀφαγνίζω: 'purify / cleanse ceremonially'; an intensive compound (ἀπό + ἁγνίζω) rendering טִהֵר; the term names the entire purification rite detailed in vv. 7–13; cognate with ἁγνισμός ('purification') and the ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ of v. 7.
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object of ἀφαγνιεῖς (= the Levites)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' resuming τοὺς Λευίτας as the object of purification.
7

καὶ οὕτως ποιήσεις αὐτοῖς τὸν ἁγνισμὸν αὐτῶν περιρρανεῖς αὐτοὺς ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ καὶ ἐπελεύσεται ξυρὸν ἐπὶ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα αὐτῶν καὶ πλυνοῦσιν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν καὶ καθαροὶ ἔσονται

And thus you shall do to them for their purification: you shall sprinkle them with water of purification, and a razor shall pass over their whole body, and they shall wash their garments, and they shall be clean.

Specification of the purification rite (the three cleansing acts)καὶ οὕτως ποιήσεις
The cataphoric οὕτως ('thus') announces the rite that follows in three coordinated acts: sprinkling with ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ ('water of purification'), shaving the whole body with a razor (ξυρὸν ἐπὶ πᾶν τὸ σῶμα), and washing the garments — culminating in the declaration καθαροὶ ἔσονται ('they shall be clean'). The cluster ἁγνισμόν … ἁγνισμοῦ … καθαροί saturates the verse with purity-vocabulary.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὕτωςthus / in this wayadverb of manner (cataphoric: anticipating the rite)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus'; renders כֹּה / כֵּן; here cataphoric, pointing forward to the purification procedure spelled out in the rest of the verse.
ποιήσειςyou shall doFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (prescriptive instruction)→ prescriptive future (commanded ritual action)ποιέω: 'do / make'; renders עָשָׂה; the future of instruction governs the whole rite — 'thus you shall do to them.'
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative of advantage (the Levites for whom the rite is done)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'to them,' the Levites who are the beneficiaries of the purification.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁγνισμὸνpurificationAccusativeaccusative of respect / inner object ('for their purification')→ object specificationἁγνισμός: 'purification / ceremonial cleansing'; renders the cultic sense of טָהֳרָה / חַטָּאת-rites; cognate with ἀφαγνίζω (v. 6) and with ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ below; a key term of the chapter, denoting the rite that fits the Levites for sacred service.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (their purification)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their.'
περιρρανεῖςyou shall sprinkleFut Act Indic 2 Sg · περιρραίνωmain verb (first cleansing act)→ prescriptive future (commanded sprinkling)περιρραίνω: 'sprinkle around / besprinkle'; renders הִזָּה; the compound περι- denotes thorough sprinkling over the person; the rite uses the ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ to cleanse the Levites.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of περιρρανεῖς→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites being sprinkled.
ὕδωρwaterAccusativeaccusative of means/content (with what they are sprinkled)→ object specificationὕδωρ: 'water'; ὕδωρ ἁγνισμοῦ ('water of purification') renders מֵי חַטָּאת ('water of sin-cleansing'); the purifying water — likely related to the ash-water rite of Num 19 — is the cleansing medium applied to the Levites.
ἁγνισμοῦof purificationGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the water)→ relational specificationἁγνισμός: see above; the genitive ἁγνισμοῦ qualifies ὕδωρ as 'purification-water,' the distinctive cleansing agent of the rite.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (next cleansing act)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπελεύσεταιshall pass over / come uponFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπέρχομαιmain verb (second cleansing act: shaving)→ prescriptive future (the razor's required passage)ἐπέρχομαι: 'come upon / go over'; renders עָבַר ('pass over'); the idiom ἐπελεύσεται ξυρὸν ἐπί ('a razor shall pass over') describes the ritual shaving of the entire body, a sign of total bodily purification (cf. the cleansed leper, Lev 14:8–9).
ξυρὸνrazorNominativesubject of ἐπελεύσεται→ participant prominenceξυρόν: 'razor'; renders תַּעַר; the razor passing over the whole body shaves off all hair — a dramatic, total cleansing marking the Levites' fitness for sacred duty.
ἐπὶover / uponpreposition + accusative (extent over the body)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'over'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (extent over the body).
πᾶνall / wholeAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying σῶμα: 'whole body')→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / every / whole'; πᾶν τὸ σῶμα ('the whole body') stresses the completeness of the shaving — no part of the body is exempt.
τὸtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σῶμαbodyAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (extent of shaving)→ object specificationσῶμα: 'body'; renders בָּשָׂר ('flesh'); the shaving of the whole body symbolizes a comprehensive bodily purification preparatory to dedicated service.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (their body)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (third cleansing act)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πλυνοῦσινthey shall washFut Act Indic 3 Pl · πλύνωmain verb (third cleansing act: laundering)→ prescriptive future (commanded washing)πλύνω: 'wash / launder (clothing)'; renders כִּבֵּס; distinct from λούω ('bathe the body'); the washing of garments is a standard component of OT purification rites (cf. Exod 19:10; Lev 11:25).
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱμάτιαgarmentsAccusativedirect object of πλυνοῦσιν→ object specificationἱμάτιον: 'garment / cloak'; renders בֶּגֶד; the laundering of garments completes the threefold cleansing (sprinkling, shaving, washing).
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (their garments)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their.'
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result clause)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καθαροὶcleanNominativepredicate adjective (with ἔσονται: 'they shall be clean')→ participant prominenceκαθαρός: 'clean / pure'; renders טָהוֹר; the declarative καθαροὶ ἔσονται ('they shall be clean') states the rite's result — the Levites attain ceremonial purity, the precondition for sacred service.
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (with predicate καθαροί)→ future of resultant state (achieved purity)εἰμί (fut. ἔσομαι): 'be'; the future copula declares the resultant state — having undergone the rite, the Levites will be in a condition of ritual cleanness.
8

καὶ λήμψονται μόσχον ἕνα ἐκ βοῶν καὶ τούτου θυσίαν σεμιδάλεως ἀναπεποιημένην ἐν ἐλαίῳ καὶ μόσχον ἐνιαύσιον ἐκ βοῶν λήμψῃ περὶ ἁμαρτίας

And they shall take one young bull from the herd, and with it a grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil; and a yearling bull from the herd you shall take for a sin offering.

Provision of the offerings accompanying the riteκαὶ λήμψονται μόσχον
The purification requires sacrificial provision: a young bull with a grain offering (θυσία σεμιδάλεως) of fine flour mixed with oil, and a second bull περὶ ἁμαρτίας ('for a sin offering'). The shift from third-person plural λήμψονται ('they shall take,' the Levites) to second-person singular λήμψῃ ('you shall take,' Moses) reflects the layered agency of the rite.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λήμψονταιthey shall takeFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb (the Levites provide the offerings)→ prescriptive future (commanded provision)λαμβάνω: 'take / receive'; renders לָקַח; the future middle λήμψονται (Hellenistic spelling with intrusive μ) commands the Levites to procure the sacrificial animals.
μόσχονyoung bull / calfAccusativedirect object of λήμψονται→ object specificationμόσχος: 'calf / young bull'; renders פַּר ('bull'); the first animal serves for the burnt offering (cf. v. 12, εἰς ὁλοκαύτωμα).
ἕναoneAccusativeattributive numeral (modifying μόσχον)→ measure or countεἷς, μία, ἕν (acc. ἕνα): 'one'; specifies a single young bull.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
βοῶνcattle / herdGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ ('from the herd')→ relational specificationβοῦς (gen. pl. βοῶν): 'ox / cattle'; ἐκ βοῶν ('from the cattle/herd') specifies the bull's provenance as the domestic herd.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τούτουof this / with itGenitivegenitive (accompaniment: the offering belonging with the bull)→ relational specificationοὗτος: 'this'; the genitive τούτου ('of/with this one') links the grain offering to the bull as its accompanying cereal portion (cf. the standard pairing of bull + flour-and-oil, Num 15:8–9).
θυσίανoffering / sacrificeAccusativedirect object (the grain offering)→ object specificationθυσία: 'sacrifice / offering'; here the cereal/grain offering (מִנְחָה), the flour-and-oil portion accompanying the animal sacrifice.
σεμιδάλεωςof fine flourGenitivegenitive of material (the offering's substance)→ relational specificationσεμίδαλις: 'fine wheat flour'; renders סֹלֶת; the high-grade flour used for cereal offerings (cf. Lev 2:1).
ἀναπεποιημένηνmixed / preparedPerf Pass Part Acc Sg Fem · ἀναποιέωattributive participle (modifying θυσίαν)→ perfect participle of resultant state (flour already kneaded with oil)ἀναποιέω: 'work up / knead / mix thoroughly'; renders בָּלוּל ('mingled'); the perfect passive participle denotes the flour as already prepared by being kneaded with oil — the standard cereal-offering preparation.
ἐνin / withpreposition + dative (means/admixture)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (means/admixture).
ἐλαίῳoilDativedative of means (mixed with oil)→ sphere or referenceἔλαιον: 'olive oil'; renders שֶׁמֶן; the oil kneaded into the fine flour is integral to the cereal offering (Lev 2:4–5).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second animal)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μόσχονbull / calfAccusativedirect object of λήμψῃ (second animal)→ object specificationμόσχος: 'calf / young bull'; the second animal, designated for the sin offering (περὶ ἁμαρτίας).
ἐνιαύσιονyearling / a year oldAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying μόσχον)→ object specificationἐνιαύσιος: 'a year old / yearling'; renders בֶּן־בָּקָר (a young bovine); specifies the age of the second animal designated for the sin offering.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
βοῶνcattle / herdGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ ('from the herd')→ relational specificationβοῦς: see above; the second bull likewise comes from the herd.
λήμψῃyou shall takeFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (Moses takes the second animal)→ prescriptive future (commanded provision, now addressed to Moses)λαμβάνω: 'take'; the second-person singular λήμψῃ shifts the agency to Moses, who is to take the sin-offering bull — the alternation with λήμψονται (3 pl.) reflects the shared responsibility of Moses and the Levites in the rite.
περὶfor / concerningpreposition + genitive (purpose: 'for a sin offering')→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ ἁμαρτίας: 'for sin / as a sin offering'; a fixed LXX idiom rendering לְחַטָּאת, designating the animal as the purification/sin sacrifice.
ἁμαρτίαςsinGenitivegenitive object of περί (the sin-offering purpose)→ relational specificationἁμαρτία: 'sin'; in the phrase περὶ ἁμαρτίας it denotes the sin offering (חַטָּאת) by metonymy — the sacrifice that deals with sin/impurity, here purifying the Levites for service.
9

καὶ προσάξεις τοὺς Λευίτας ἔναντι τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ συνάξεις πᾶσαν συναγωγὴν υἱῶν Ισραηλ

And you shall bring the Levites before the tent of meeting, and you shall gather together the whole congregation of the sons of Israel.

Staging of the rite: presentation before the tent and the assemblyκαὶ προσάξεις τοὺς Λευίτας
The two futures προσάξεις … συνάξεις ('you shall bring … you shall gather') set the public stage for the dedication: the Levites are brought ἔναντι τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου ('before the tent of meeting'), and the whole congregation is assembled as witnesses and participants in the hand-laying that follows (v. 10).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προσάξειςyou shall bringFut Act Indic 2 Sg · προσάγωmain verb (presentation of the Levites)→ prescriptive future (commanded presentation)προσάγω: 'bring near / present'; renders הִקְרִיב; a quasi-technical cultic term for presenting persons or offerings before the sanctuary; here the Levites are brought forward as the offering to be dedicated.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of προσάξεις→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; see v. 6; the Levites are themselves the 'offering' presented before the tent.
ἔναντιbefore / in front ofpreposition + genitive (location of presentation)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before / in the presence of'; renders לִפְנֵי; a key spatial term in this chapter, marking the sacred locus where the Levites are presented.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ 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; ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ('the tent of meeting/witness') is the standard LXX designation of the desert sanctuary.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουof witness / meetingGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the tent)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'testimony / witness'; renders מוֹעֵד ('appointed meeting') — the LXX construes the Hebrew as 'witness/testimony,' yielding σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ('tent of witness'), the standard rendering of אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
συνάξειςyou shall gatherFut Act Indic 2 Sg · συνάγωmain verb (assembling the congregation)→ prescriptive future (commanded assembly)συνάγω: 'gather together / assemble'; renders הִקְהִיל / אָסַף; the whole congregation is convened to witness and participate in the dedication — the laying-on of hands (v. 10) is a corporate act.
πᾶσανall / wholeAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying συναγωγήν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'all / whole'; πᾶσαν συναγωγήν ('the whole congregation') stresses that all Israel, not merely representatives, participates in dedicating the Levites.
συναγωγὴνcongregation / assemblyAccusativedirect object of συνάξεις→ object specificationσυναγωγή: 'congregation / assembly'; renders עֵדָה; the gathered community of Israel that acts corporately in the rite by laying hands on the Levites.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (of the sons of Israel)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; υἱῶν Ισραηλ defines the congregation as the assembly of all Israel.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
10

καὶ προσάξεις τοὺς Λευίτας ἔναντι κυρίου καὶ ἐπιθήσουσιν οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοὺς Λευίτας

And you shall bring the Levites before the LORD, and the sons of Israel shall lay their hands upon the Levites.

The corporate laying-on of hands (transfer/consecration)καὶ προσάξεις τοὺς Λευίτας
The central consecratory gesture: ἐπιθήσουσιν … τὰς χεῖρας ('they shall lay hands'). In the sacrificial system the laying-on of hands identifies the offerer with the offering (cf. Lev 1:4); here the whole congregation lays hands on the Levites, designating them as Israel's substitute offering — the people's representatives given over to the LORD in place of the firstborn (vv. 16–18).
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προσάξειςyou shall bringFut Act Indic 2 Sg · προσάγωmain verb (presentation, now before the LORD)→ prescriptive future (commanded presentation)προσάγω: see v. 9; here the presentation is heightened — the Levites are brought ἔναντι κυρίου ('before the LORD'), the immediate divine presence at the sanctuary.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of προσάξεις→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; see v. 6.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (location: the divine presence)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before / in the presence of'; ἔναντι κυρίου ('before the LORD') locates the rite in the immediate divine presence, intensifying v. 9's ἔναντι τῆς σκηνῆς.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the Levites are presented before the LORD himself — the dedication is ultimately to him.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπιθήσουσινshall layFut Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιτίθημιmain verb (the congregation's hand-laying)→ prescriptive future (commanded consecratory gesture)ἐπιτίθημι: 'place upon / lay on'; renders סָמַךְ ('lean/lay hands'); the laying-on of hands (ἐπιθήσουσιν … τὰς χεῖρας) is the consecratory transfer-gesture of the sacrificial cult (Lev 1:4; 3:2), here performed corporately upon the Levites as Israel's substitute offering.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐπιθήσουσιν→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ ('the sons of Israel') — the whole congregation, acting through its members, performs the hand-laying.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἐπιθήσουσιν→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; renders יָד; the laying-on of hands signifies identification and transfer — Israel designates the Levites as their offering and representatives before the LORD.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (their hands)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their.'
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (the object of the gesture)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (the object of the gesture).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί (recipients of the hand-laying)→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites receive the congregation's hands, becoming the dedicated substitute on Israel's behalf.
11

καὶ ἀφοριεῖ Ααρων τοὺς Λευίτας ἀπόδομα ἔναντι κυρίου παρὰ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ ἔσονται ὥστε ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα κυρίου

And Aaron shall set apart the Levites as a wave-offering before the LORD from the sons of Israel, and they shall be his, so as to do the works of the LORD.

Aaron presents the Levites as the wave-offering (ἀπόδομα)καὶ ἀφοριεῖ Ααρων
The key cultic term ἀπόδομα ('a thing given over,' rendering Hebrew tĕnûphāh, 'wave offering') is here applied to persons: Aaron 'separates' (ἀφοριεῖ) the Levites as Israel's wave-offering before the LORD. The purpose clause ὥστε ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα κυρίου ('so as to do the works of the LORD') states their dedicated function: the service of the sanctuary.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀφοριεῖshall set apartFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφορίζωmain verb (Aaron's presentation of the Levites)→ prescriptive future (commanded act of dedication)ἀφορίζω: 'separate / set apart / dedicate'; renders הֵנִיף ('wave/elevate as an offering'); the LXX construes the wave-offering gesture as a 'setting apart' — Aaron consecrates the Levites as the wave-offering on Israel's behalf.
ΑαρωνAaronsubject (indeclinable proper noun, nominative by context)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; the high priest performs the presentation of the wave-offering.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of ἀφοριεῖ→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites are the wave-offering Aaron presents.
ἀπόδομαwave-offering / a thing given overAccusativeaccusative in apposition / predicate (the Levites as ἀπόδομα)→ object specificationἀπόδομα: 'a thing given over / gift presented'; the LXX's distinctive rendering of תְּנוּפָה ('wave offering'); the term (from ἀποδίδωμι, 'give back/over') frames the Levites as a gift handed over to the LORD — a wave-offering made not of grain or animals but of persons; recurs at vv. 13, 15, 16, 19, 21.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (location: the divine presence)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before'; the wave-offering is made ἔναντι κυρίου, in the LORD's presence.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the recipient before whom the Levites are presented.
παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source: 'from the sons of Israel')→ spatial or relational framingπαρά + genitive: 'from (the side of)'; παρὰ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ marks the Levites as the offering drawn from Israel — given by the people to the LORD.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of παρά→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the Levites are the wave-offering given from among the sons of Israel.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (purpose/result: 'they shall be [his], so as to...')→ future of dedicated state (belonging to the LORD)εἰμί (fut. ἔσομαι): 'be'; the absolute ἔσονται ('they shall be') implies belonging to the LORD (cf. ἔσονται ἐμοί, v. 14) — the Levites now exist as the LORD's own for sacred service.
ὥστεso as toconjunction (introducing infinitive of purpose/result)→ discourse linkage or contrastὥστε: 'so as to / so that'; with the infinitive ἐργάζεσθαι it expresses the purpose/result of the dedication — that the Levites perform the sanctuary service.
ἐργάζεσθαιto do / to performPres Mid Infin · ἐργάζομαιcomplementary infinitive (with ὥστε: purpose of dedication)→ present infinitive of ongoing serviceἐργάζομαι: 'work / labor / perform'; renders עָבַד ('serve'); ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα is the recurring phrase for the Levites' liturgical labor in the sanctuary (cf. vv. 15, 19).
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworks / serviceAccusativedirect object of ἐργάζεσθαι (cognate accusative)→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / task / service'; renders עֲבֹדָה; τὰ ἔργα κυρίου ('the works of the LORD') denotes the cultic duties of the Tabernacle entrusted to the Levites.
κυρίουof the LORDGenitivegenitive (defining the works as the LORD's service)→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the works belong to the LORD — sacred service performed for him at the sanctuary.
12

οἱ δὲ Λευῖται ἐπιθήσουσιν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς τῶν μόσχων καὶ ποιήσει τὸν ἕνα περὶ ἁμαρτίας καὶ τὸν ἕνα εἰς ὁλοκαύτωμα κυρίῳ ἐξιλάσασθαι περὶ αὐτῶν

And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bulls, and he shall offer the one for a sin offering and the one for a whole burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for them.

The Levites' own hand-laying and the sacrifices of atonementοἱ δὲ Λευῖται
The δέ marks a turn to the Levites' own action: just as Israel laid hands on the Levites (v. 10), the Levites now lay hands on the bulls — a chain of identification. The two bulls are offered, one περὶ ἁμαρτίας ('as a sin offering') and one εἰς ὁλοκαύτωμα ('as a whole burnt offering'), the purpose being ἐξιλάσασθαι περὶ αὐτῶν ('to make atonement for them').
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲand / butnarrative continuative (post-positive, marking the shift of agent)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: post-positive particle; here a mild continuative marking the turn from Aaron/Israel's action to the Levites' own hand-laying on the sacrificial animals.
ΛευῖταιLevitesNominativesubject of ἐπιθήσουσιν→ participant prominenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; now the Levites themselves act as offerers, laying hands on the bulls.
ἐπιθήσουσινshall layFut Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιτίθημιmain verb (the Levites' hand-laying on the bulls)→ prescriptive future (commanded sacrificial gesture)ἐπιτίθημι: 'lay upon'; see v. 10; the Levites lay hands on the bulls' heads, identifying with the animals that will be sacrificed for their atonement — paralleling Israel's hand-laying on the Levites.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἐπιθήσουσιν→ object specificationχείρ: 'hand'; the hand-laying transfers the Levites' identification to the sacrificial victims.
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (object of the gesture)→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (object of the gesture).
τὰςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κεφαλὰςheadsAccusativeaccusative object of ἐπί→ object specificationκεφαλή: 'head'; renders רֹאשׁ; the hands are laid specifically on the heads of the bulls, the locus of the identifying transfer in the sacrificial rite (Lev 1:4).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μόσχωνof the bullsGenitivegenitive of possession (the bulls' heads)→ relational specificationμόσχος: 'calf / young bull'; the two bulls of v. 8, here the recipients of the Levites' hand-laying.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποιήσειhe shall offer / makeFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (offering the sacrifices)→ prescriptive future (commanded offering)ποιέω: 'make / do / offer'; in cultic contexts ποιέω + sacrifice = 'offer / perform (a sacrifice)'; renders עָשָׂה; the singular subject (Aaron/the priest) offers the two bulls.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἕναoneAccusativesubstantival numeral (object: 'the one [bull]')→ measure or countεἷς (acc. ἕνα): 'one'; τὸν ἕνα … τὸν ἕνα ('the one … the one') distributes the two bulls between the sin offering and the burnt offering.
περὶforpreposition + genitive (purpose: sin offering)→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ ἁμαρτίας: 'for a sin offering'; see v. 8.
ἁμαρτίαςsinGenitivegenitive object of περί (sin-offering purpose)→ relational specificationἁμαρτία: 'sin'; here by metonymy the sin offering (חַטָּאת) for which the first bull is designated.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἕναoneAccusativesubstantival numeral (object: 'the other [bull]')→ measure or countεἷς: 'one'; the second of the two bulls, designated for the burnt offering.
εἰςfor / aspreposition + accusative (purpose: burnt offering)→ spatial or relational framingεἰς + accusative: 'for / as'; εἰς ὁλοκαύτωμα ('for a whole burnt offering') renders לְעֹלָה, designating the second bull's sacrificial purpose.
ὁλοκαύτωμαwhole burnt offeringAccusativeaccusative object of εἰς (the burnt-offering purpose)→ object specificationὁλοκαύτωμα: 'whole burnt offering'; renders עֹלָה; the sacrifice wholly consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to the LORD.
κυρίῳto the LORDDativedative of recipient (the offering is made to the LORD)→ sphere or referenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the dative κυρίῳ marks the LORD as the recipient of the burnt offering.
ἐξιλάσασθαιto make atonementAor Mid Infin · ἐξιλάσκομαιinfinitive of purpose (the goal of the sacrifices)→ aorist infinitive of purpose (effecting atonement)ἐξιλάσκομαι: 'make atonement / propitiate / expiate'; renders כִּפֶּר; the standard LXX atonement-verb; the sacrifices are offered to make atonement for the Levites, purifying them for their dedicated service (cf. v. 19, ἐξιλάσκεσθαι περὶ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ).
περὶfor / on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (beneficiary of atonement)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + genitive: 'concerning / on behalf of'; ἐξιλάσασθαι περὶ αὐτῶν ('to make atonement for them') marks the Levites as the beneficiaries of the atoning sacrifices.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of περί (the Levites atoned for)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites for whom atonement is made.
13

καὶ στήσεις τοὺς Λευίτας ἔναντι κυρίου καὶ ἔναντι Ααρων καὶ ἔναντι τῶν υἱῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀποδώσεις αὐτοὺς ἀπόδομα ἔναντι κυρίου

And you shall set the Levites before the LORD and before Aaron and before his sons, and you shall give them over as a wave-offering before the LORD.

Formal presentation and giving-over of the Levitesκαὶ στήσεις τοὺς Λευίτας
The Levites are 'stationed' (στήσεις) before the threefold presence — the LORD, Aaron, and Aaron's sons — and then 'given over' (ἀποδώσεις) as ἀπόδομα. The verb ἀποδίδωμι ('give back/over') is cognate with ἀπόδομα, making the gift-language explicit: the Levites are handed over to the LORD as Israel's wave-offering.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
στήσειςyou shall set / stationFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb (stationing the Levites)→ prescriptive future (commanded positioning)ἵστημι: 'set / stand / station'; renders הֶעֱמִיד; the Levites are formally positioned before the LORD and the priests for their giving-over.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of στήσεις→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; see v. 6.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (first member of the threefold presence)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before'; the triple ἔναντι (LORD, Aaron, his sons) sets the Levites within the full priestly-divine presence.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (second member)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (second member).
ΑαρωνAarongenitive object of ἔναντι (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; the Levites are presented before the high priest to whom they will be given (v. 19).
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (third member)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (third member).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι (Aaron's sons, the priests)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ααρων are the priests (Eleazar, Ithamar, etc.) alongside whom the Levites will serve.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Aaron's sons)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his,' referring to Aaron.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποδώσειςyou shall give overFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (giving over as wave-offering)→ prescriptive future (commanded act of dedication)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give back / hand over / render'; cognate with ἀπόδομα; the verb makes the wave-offering of persons explicit as a 'handing over' of the Levites to the LORD; recurs at vv. 15, 19, 21.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἀποδώσεις→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites given over.
ἀπόδομαwave-offering / a thing given overAccusativeaccusative in apposition (the Levites as ἀπόδομα)→ object specificationἀπόδομα: 'a thing given over / wave offering'; see v. 11; the figura etymologica ἀποδώσεις … ἀπόδομα ('you shall give over … as a thing-given-over') intensifies the gift-theology.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (location: the divine presence)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before'; the giving-over is made in the LORD's presence.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the LORD before whom the Levites are given over.
14

καὶ διαστελεῖς τοὺς Λευίτας ἐκ μέσου υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ ἔσονται ἐμοί

And you shall separate the Levites from among the sons of Israel, and they shall be mine.

The decisive separation and the LORD's claimκαὶ διαστελεῖς τοὺς Λευίτας
The terse climax of the dedication: διαστελεῖς ('you shall set apart') from among Israel, with the emphatic divine claim ἔσονται ἐμοί ('they shall be mine'). The first-person ἐμοί introduces the direct divine ownership that grounds the substitution theology of vv. 16–18 — the Levites belong to the LORD in place of the firstborn.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διαστελεῖςyou shall separate / set apartFut Act Indic 2 Sg · διαστέλλωmain verb (the decisive separation)→ prescriptive future (commanded separation)διαστέλλω: 'separate / set apart / distinguish'; renders הִבְדִּיל; a stronger separation-verb than ἀφορίζω, marking the definitive setting-apart of the Levites from the rest of Israel for the LORD's possession.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of διαστελεῖς→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; see v. 6.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ μέσου: 'from the midst of'; see v. 6; the separation idiom is repeated, framing the Levites' extraction from Israel as a deliberate divine claim.
μέσουmidstGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (idiomatic: 'from the midst')→ relational specificationμέσος: 'middle / midst'; ἐκ μέσου υἱῶν Ισραηλ echoes v. 6, bracketing the dedication-rite with the language of separation.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (of the sons of Israel)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the Levites are separated from the body of Israel.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (result)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσονταιthey shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (with predicate ἐμοί: 'they shall be mine')→ future of dedicated possession (belonging to the LORD)εἰμί (fut. ἔσομαι): 'be'; ἔσονται ἐμοί ('they shall be mine') states the LORD's direct ownership of the Levites — the theological heart of the chapter (cf. Num 3:12).
ἐμοίmine / to meDativedative of possession (with ἔσονται: 'they shall be mine')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): the emphatic dative of possession marks the LORD's exclusive claim on the Levites — they belong to him, set apart from all Israel.
15

καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα εἰσελεύσονται οἱ Λευῖται ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ καθαριεῖς αὐτοὺς καὶ ἀποδώσεις αὐτοὺς ἔναντι κυρίου

And after these things the Levites shall go in to do the works of the tent of meeting; and you shall purify them and give them over before the LORD.

Transition to active service (consequence of the dedication)καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα
The temporal μετὰ ταῦτα ('after these things') marks the rite's culmination in active service: once purified and given over, the Levites enter (εἰσελεύσονται) to perform τὰ ἔργα τῆς σκηνῆς. The verse recapitulates purification (καθαριεῖς) and giving-over (ἀποδώσεις), summarizing the whole rite before its theological grounding in vv. 16–18.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingμετά + accusative: 'after'; μετὰ ταῦτα ('after these things') is a standard LXX temporal formula marking narrative succession — here the move from dedication to active service.
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativeaccusative object of μετά→ object specificationοὗτος: 'these things,' the preceding purification and dedication rites.
εἰσελεύσονταιshall go in / enterFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (entry into service)→ predictive future (the Levites' entry upon duty)εἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; renders בּוֹא; the Levites now enter the sanctuary to take up their liturgical service — the goal of the whole rite (cf. v. 22, εἰσῆλθον).
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευῖταιLevitesNominativesubject of εἰσελεύσονται→ participant prominenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; see v. 6.
ἐργάζεσθαιto do / performPres Mid Infin · ἐργάζομαιinfinitive of purpose (with εἰσελεύσονται)→ present infinitive of ongoing serviceἐργάζομαι: 'work / perform'; see v. 11; the purpose of their entry is to perform the sanctuary's works.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworks / serviceAccusativedirect object of ἐργάζεσθαι→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / service'; see v. 11; here τὰ ἔργα τῆς σκηνῆς — the cultic labor of the tent of meeting.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῆςtentGenitivegenitive (of the tent)→ relational specificationσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; see v. 9.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουof witness / meetingGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the tent)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness / testimony'; see v. 9; ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ('tent of witness').
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καθαριεῖςyou shall purify / cleanseFut Act Indic 2 Sg · καθαρίζωmain verb (recapitulating the purification)→ prescriptive future (commanded cleansing)καθαρίζω: 'cleanse / purify / make clean'; renders טִהֵר; cognate with καθαρός (v. 7); a near-synonym of ἀφαγνίζω (v. 6), recapitulating the purification that fits the Levites for service.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of καθαριεῖς→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites cleansed.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποδώσειςyou shall give overFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (recapitulating the giving-over)→ prescriptive future (commanded dedication)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give over / hand over'; see v. 13; recapitulates the wave-offering giving-over of the Levites before the LORD.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἀποδώσεις→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites given over.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before'; the giving-over is made in the LORD's presence.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
16

ὅτι ἀπόδομα ἀποδεδομένοι οὗτοί μοί εἰσιν ἐκ μέσου υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἀντὶ τῶν διανοιγόντων πᾶσαν μήτραν πρωτοτόκων πάντων ἐκ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ εἴληφα αὐτοὺς ἐμοί

For they are given over to me as a thing wholly given over from among the sons of Israel; in place of those that open every womb, the firstborn of all from the sons of Israel, I have taken them for myself.

Causal ground: the substitution theology statedὅτι ἀπόδομα ἀποδεδομένοι
The ὅτι-clause supplies the theological ground for the whole rite. The emphatic figura etymologica ἀπόδομα ἀποδεδομένοι ('given over as a thing-given-over,' noun + cognate perfect participle) renders the Hebrew nĕtûnîm nĕtûnîm and stresses total, settled donation. The Levites are taken ἀντί ('in place of') the firstborn who open every womb — the substitution that grounds Israel's whole Levitical economy (cf. Num 3:12–13).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (introducing the ground)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / for'; renders כִּי; introduces the theological rationale for the Levites' dedication — they are the LORD's because given in place of the firstborn.
ἀπόδομαa thing given overNominativepredicate noun (with εἰσιν: 'they are a thing-given-over')→ participant prominenceἀπόδομα: 'a thing given over / gift'; see v. 11; here in a figura etymologica with the cognate participle ἀποδεδομένοι, rendering the Hebrew emphatic נְתֻנִים נְתֻנִים ('wholly given').
ἀποδεδομένοιgiven over / handed overPerf Pass Part Nom Pl Masc · ἀποδίδωμιpredicate participle (with εἰσιν; cognate with ἀπόδομα)→ perfect participle of settled state (a completed, abiding donation)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give over / hand over'; the perfect passive participle ἀποδεδομένοι denotes a completed and abiding gift — the Levites stand permanently 'given over'; the noun+participle figura etymologica (ἀπόδομα ἀποδεδομένοι) renders the Hebrew infinitive-absolute-like emphasis 'wholly given.'
οὗτοίtheseNominativesubject (demonstrative: the Levites)→ participant prominenceοὗτος: 'these'; resumes the Levites as the subject of the predication.
μοίto me / mineDativedative of possession/recipient (given to me)→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. μοι): the dative marks the LORD as recipient — the Levites are given over to him (cf. ἐμοί, v. 14).
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula (linking subject and predicate)→ stative present (abiding condition)εἰμί: 'be'; the present εἰσιν asserts the Levites' settled status as the LORD's given-over possession.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation/source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ μέσου: 'from the midst of'; see v. 6.
μέσουmidstGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationμέσος: 'midst'; the Levites are given from the midst of Israel.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (of the sons of Israel)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; υἱῶν Ισραηλ.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
ἀντὶin place of / instead ofpreposition + genitive (substitution)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'instead of / in place of'; renders תַּחַת; the key substitution-preposition — the Levites are taken in exchange for the firstborn (cf. vv. 17–18; Num 3:12, 41).
τῶνthe (ones)Genitivearticle (substantivizing the participle)→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διανοιγόντωνopening / that openPres Act Part Gen Pl Masc · διανοίγωsubstantival participle (genitive object of ἀντί)→ present participle of characteristic action ('the womb-opening ones')διανοίγω: 'open thoroughly / open up'; the idiom διανοίγον μήτραν ('that opens the womb') renders פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, the technical phrase for the firstborn (Exod 13:2, 12); the substantival participle designates all firstborn males.
πᾶσανeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying μήτραν)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; πᾶσαν μήτραν ('every womb') universalizes the firstborn idiom — every womb-opening male.
μήτρανwombAccusativedirect object of διανοιγόντων→ object specificationμήτρα: 'womb'; renders רֶחֶם; in the firstborn-formula διανοίγον μήτραν the womb-opener is the firstborn whom the LORD claims.
πρωτοτόκωνfirstbornGenitivegenitive in apposition (defining the womb-openers as firstborn)→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; in apposition to τῶν διανοιγόντων, identifying the womb-openers as the firstborn whom the Levites replace.
πάντωνof allGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying πρωτοτόκων)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'all'; πρωτοτόκων πάντων ('the firstborn of all') stresses the comprehensive scope of the substitution — the Levites stand in for every firstborn in Israel.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + genitive (source).
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ (the firstborn from Israel)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the firstborn drawn from the sons of Israel.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
εἴληφαI have takenPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (the LORD's claim on the Levites)→ perfect of abiding result (a completed taking with present effect)λαμβάνω: 'take'; the perfect εἴληφα ('I have taken') stresses the abiding effect of the LORD's claim — the Levites have been and remain taken for himself, in place of the firstborn (cf. v. 18, ἔλαβον).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of εἴληφα→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites taken by the LORD.
ἐμοίfor myselfDativedative of advantage/possession ('for myself')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): 'for myself'; the emphatic dative restates the LORD's exclusive claim — he has taken the Levites for his own.
17

ὅτι ἐμοὶ πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν υἱοῖς Ισραηλ ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐπάταξα πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτῳ ἡγίασα αὐτοὺς ἐμοὶ

For every firstborn among the sons of Israel is mine, from human to beast; on the day I struck every firstborn in the land of Egypt I consecrated them for myself.

Deeper ground: the LORD's claim on the firstborn since the Exodusὅτι ἐμοὶ πᾶν πρωτότοκον
A second ὅτι-clause grounds the substitution in salvation history: every firstborn in Israel, human and animal (ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους), belongs to the LORD because on the day he struck Egypt's firstborn (the tenth plague) he consecrated (ἡγίασα) Israel's firstborn to himself (Exod 13:2, 15). The Levites' donation thus rests on the Passover deliverance.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
ὅτιfor / becausecausal conjunction (introducing the deeper ground)→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: 'because / for'; renders כִּי; introduces the historical-theological basis of the LORD's claim on the firstborn.
ἐμοὶmine / to meDativedative of possession (predicate: 'is mine')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): the fronted emphatic dative ('mine') stresses the LORD's prior ownership of every firstborn in Israel.
πᾶνeveryNominativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'every'; πᾶν πρωτότοκον ('every firstborn') universalizes the divine claim.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornNominativesubject (predicate nominative with implied copula)→ participant prominenceπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; renders בְּכוֹר; the neuter πρωτότοκον is collective, covering both human and animal firstborn.
ἐνamong / inpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative object of ἐν ('among the sons')→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; ἐν υἱοῖς Ισραηλ ('among the sons of Israel') delimits the sphere of the divine claim.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (start of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό … ἕως: 'from … to'; a merism (ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους, 'from human to beast') encompassing all firstborn, human and animal alike.
ἀνθρώπουhuman / manGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (first pole of merism)→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: 'human being / man'; renders אָדָם; the human pole of the firstborn-merism.
ἕωςto / as far aspreposition + genitive (end of merism)→ spatial or relational framingἕως: 'until / as far as'; completes the merism reaching to the animal pole.
κτήνουςbeast / cattleGenitivegenitive object of ἕως (second pole of merism)→ relational specificationκτῆνος: 'beast / domestic animal'; renders בְּהֵמָה; the animal pole — all firstborn livestock also belong to the LORD (Exod 13:12).
ᾗon which / in the (day)Dativerelative pronoun (dative of time, with ἡμέρᾳ)→ participant reference or interestὅς (dat. fem. ᾗ): relative pronoun; ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ('on the day on which') is a dative-of-time idiom rendering בְּיוֹם, fixing the consecration to the day of the Egyptian plague.
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedative of time (with relative ᾗ: 'on the day')→ sphere or referenceἡμέρα: 'day'; renders יוֹם; the temporal anchor — the day of the tenth plague when Egypt's firstborn were struck and Israel's were claimed.
ἐπάταξαI struckAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πατάσσωverb of relative-temporal clause (the Egyptian plague)→ constative aorist (the past plague-event)πατάσσω: 'strike / smite'; renders הִכָּה; the standard LXX verb for the smiting of Egypt's firstborn (Exod 12:12, 29) — the salvation-historical event grounding the claim on Israel's firstborn.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying πρωτότοκον)→ object specificationπᾶς: 'every'; πᾶν πρωτότοκον — every Egyptian firstborn struck in the plague.
πρωτότοκονfirstbornAccusativedirect object of ἐπάταξα→ object specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the Egyptian firstborn struck on the night of 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: 'in the land')→ sphere or referenceγῆ: 'land / earth'; ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτῳ ('in the land of Egypt'), the site of the plague.
ΑἰγύπτῳEgyptDativedative in apposition to γῇ (land of Egypt)→ sphere or referenceΑἴγυπτος: standard LXX form of מִצְרַיִם; the place where the firstborn were struck.
ἡγίασαI consecrated / set apart as holyAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἁγιάζωmain verb (the consecration of Israel's firstborn)→ constative aorist (the act of consecration on that day)ἁγιάζω: 'make holy / consecrate / set apart'; renders הִקְדִּישׁ; on the day the firstborn of Egypt died, the LORD consecrated Israel's firstborn to himself (Exod 13:2) — the basis for the Levitical substitution.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἡγίασα (Israel's firstborn)→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the firstborn of Israel consecrated to the LORD.
ἐμοὶfor myselfDativedative of advantage/possession ('for myself')→ participant reference or interestἐγώ (dat. ἐμοί): 'for myself'; the consecration is to the LORD's own possession — bracketing the verse with the opening ἐμοί.
18

καὶ ἔλαβον τοὺς Λευίτας ἀντὶ παντὸς πρωτοτόκου ἐν υἱοῖς Ισραηλ

And I have taken the Levites in place of every firstborn among the sons of Israel.

The substitution stated plainly: Levites for firstbornκαὶ ἔλαβον τοὺς Λευίτας
The substitution is now stated baldly: ἔλαβον τοὺς Λευίτας ἀντὶ παντὸς πρωτοτόκου ('I took the Levites in place of every firstborn'). This is the pivot of the whole Levitical institution (cf. Num 3:12, 41, 45): the tribe of Levi is the LORD's chosen exchange for the firstborn he claimed at the Exodus.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔλαβονI tookAor Act Indic 1 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (the LORD's taking of the Levites)→ constative aorist (the decisive act of substitution)λαμβάνω: 'take'; the aorist ἔλαβον ('I took') states the completed act of taking the Levites as the substitute for the firstborn (cf. perfect εἴληφα, v. 16, stressing abiding result; here the simple aorist of accomplished fact).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of ἔλαβον→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites taken as the LORD's substitute for the firstborn.
ἀντὶin place ofpreposition + genitive (substitution)→ spatial or relational framingἀντί: 'in place of / instead of'; see v. 16; the substitution-preposition at the heart of the Levitical economy.
παντὸςeveryGenitiveattributive adjective (modifying πρωτοτόκου)→ relational specificationπᾶς: 'every'; παντὸς πρωτοτόκου ('every firstborn') marks the comprehensive scope of the exchange.
πρωτοτόκουfirstbornGenitivegenitive object of ἀντί (the replaced firstborn)→ relational specificationπρωτότοκος: 'firstborn'; the firstborn of Israel for whom the Levites are substituted.
ἐνamong / inpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative object of ἐν ('among the sons')→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; ἐν υἱοῖς Ισραηλ delimits the sphere of the substitution.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
19

καὶ ἀπέδωκα τοὺς Λευίτας ἀπόδομα δεδομένους Ααρων καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς αὐτοῦ ἐκ μέσου υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἐν τῇ σκηνῇ τοῦ μαρτυρίου καὶ ἐξιλάσκεσθαι περὶ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ καὶ οὐκ ἔσται ἐν τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ προσεγγίζων πρὸς τὰ ἅγια

And I have given the Levites as a gift, given over to Aaron and his sons from among the sons of Israel, to do the works of the sons of Israel in the tent of meeting and to make atonement for the sons of Israel; so that there shall be no plague among the sons of Israel when they draw near to the holy things.

The re-gift: Levites given to Aaron for service and atonementκαὶ ἀπέδωκα τοὺς Λευίτας
The climax of the substitution theology: having taken the Levites for himself, the LORD now re-gives them (ἀπέδωκα … ἀπόδομα δεδομένους — noun plus cognate participle, 'given as a thing-given') to Aaron and his sons. Their twofold function is stated by parallel infinitives: ἐργάζεσθαι τὰ ἔργα ('to do the works') and ἐξιλάσκεσθαι ('to make atonement'). The protective rationale follows: so that no plague (cf. προσεγγίζων πρὸς τὰ ἅγια) strike Israel when the unauthorized approach the holy things.
Word-by-word analysis· 43 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέδωκαI have given overAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (the LORD's re-gift of the Levites)→ constative aorist (the act of giving the Levites to Aaron)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give over / hand over / render'; cognate with ἀπόδομα; having taken the Levites (v. 18), the LORD now hands them over as a gift to Aaron and the priests — the double movement of taking-then-giving.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταςLevitesAccusativedirect object of ἀπέδωκα→ object specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites given as a gift to Aaron.
ἀπόδομαa gift / a thing given overAccusativeaccusative in apposition (the Levites as ἀπόδομα)→ object specificationἀπόδομα: 'a thing given over / gift'; see v. 11; the figura etymologica ἀπέδωκα … ἀπόδομα δεδομένους ('I gave … as a thing-given, given') triply underscores the gift-character of the Levites.
δεδομένουςgiven / handed overPerf Pass Part Acc Pl Masc · δίδωμιpredicate participle (modifying Λευίτας; cognate with ἀπόδομα)→ perfect participle of settled state (a completed, abiding gift)δίδωμι: 'give'; the perfect passive participle δεδομένους ('given over,' rendering נְתוּנִם) reinforces ἀπόδομα — the Levites stand permanently given to Aaron and his sons (cf. Num 3:9).
ΑαρωνAarondative recipient (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; the high priest to whom the Levites are given.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςthe (to)Dativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative recipient (parallel to Ααρων: the priests)→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Aaron (the priests) share with him the gift of the Levites' service.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Aaron's sons)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his,' Aaron's.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)→ spatial or relational framingἐκ μέσου: 'from the midst of'; see v. 6; the Levites are given from among Israel.
μέσουmidstGenitivegenitive object of ἐκ→ relational specificationμέσος: 'midst.'
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (of the sons of Israel)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; υἱῶν Ισραηλ.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
ἐργάζεσθαιto do / performPres Mid Infin · ἐργάζομαιinfinitive of purpose (first function of the Levites)→ present infinitive of ongoing serviceἐργάζομαι: 'work / perform'; see v. 11; the first purpose of the gift — that the Levites perform the service the sons of Israel owe in the sanctuary.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργαworks / serviceAccusativedirect object of ἐργάζεσθαι→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / service'; τὰ ἔργα τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ — the cultic service owed by Israel, now discharged by the Levites on their behalf.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (whose works: the sons of Israel's)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the works belong to the sons of Israel — the Levites act in their stead.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῇtentDativedative object of ἐν (locative: 'in the tent')→ sphere or referenceσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; see v. 9; the locus of the Levites' service.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουof witness / meetingGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the tent)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness / testimony'; see v. 9.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction (second function)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξιλάσκεσθαιto make atonementPres Mid Infin · ἐξιλάσκομαιinfinitive of purpose (second function of the Levites)→ present infinitive of ongoing functionἐξιλάσκομαι: 'make atonement / propitiate'; see v. 12; the second purpose of the gift — the Levites' service makes atonement for Israel (here in the broad sense of shielding the people through proper cultic mediation).
περὶfor / on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (beneficiary of atonement)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + genitive: 'on behalf of'; the atonement is made for the sons of Israel.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Israel are the beneficiaries of the Levitical atonement.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
καὶand / so thatcoordinate conjunction (result/purpose)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: here introducing the protective result — the Levitical mediation prevents the danger that follows.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἔσται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: 'not'; negates the existence of the threatened plague among Israel.
ἔσταιthere shall beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential: 'there shall be no...')→ future of assured result (the danger averted)εἰμί (fut. ἔσται): 'be / there shall be'; the existential future with οὐκ assures that, through the Levites' mediation, no destroying plague will break out among Israel (cf. Num 1:53; 18:5).
ἐνamong / inpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
τοῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοῖςsonsDativedative object of ἐν ('among the sons')→ sphere or referenceυἱός: 'son'; the sphere within which the plague is averted.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
προσεγγίζων(one) drawing near / approachingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · προσεγγίζωsubstantival participle (subject: 'one who approaches')→ present participle of attempted/characteristic action ('an approacher')προσεγγίζω: 'draw near / approach'; renders קָרַב; the substantival participle denotes the unauthorized person who approaches the holy things — the very danger the Levites' mediated service guards against (cf. Num 1:51; 18:22), implying 'no plague when [an unauthorized one] draws near' / 'so that none approach.'
πρὸςto / towardpreposition + accusative (direction of approach)→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + accusative (direction of approach).
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἅγιαholy things / sanctuaryAccusativeaccusative object of πρός (the holy things approached)→ object specificationἅγιος (neut. pl. τὰ ἅγια): 'holy things / sanctuary'; renders הַקֹּדֶשׁ; the sacred precincts and objects whose unauthorized approach brings lethal danger — the Levites' mediated service shields Israel from it.
20

καὶ ἐποίησεν Μωυσῆς καὶ Ααρων καὶ πᾶσα συναγωγὴ υἱῶν Ισραηλ τοῖς Λευίταις καθὰ ἐνετείλατο κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν οὕτως ἐποίησαν αὐτοῖς οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ

And Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the sons of Israel did to the Levites just as the LORD had commanded Moses concerning the Levites; thus the sons of Israel did to them.

Execution report: the command carried out (compliance formula)καὶ ἐποίησεν Μωυσῆς
The execution of the whole Levite-oracle, framed by the double compliance formula καθὰ ἐνετείλατο κύριος … οὕτως ἐποίησαν ('just as the LORD commanded … thus they did'). The full subject — Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation — matches the corporate participation commanded in vv. 9–10; the resumptive οὕτως ἐποίησαν αὐτοῖς underscores exact obedience.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐποίησενdidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (execution report; sg. with compound subject)→ constative aorist (completed act of obedience)ποιέω: 'do'; renders עָשָׂה; the singular verb with a compound subject (Moses, Aaron, the congregation) is normal Greek/Hebraizing concord when the verb precedes the subjects.
ΜωυσῆςMosesNominativesubject (first member)→ participant prominenceΜωυσῆς: transliteration of מֹשֶׁה; first of the three subjects who carry out the command.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ΑαρωνAaronsubject (second member; indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; here a nominative subject.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶσαall / wholeNominativeattributive adjective (modifying συναγωγή)→ participant prominenceπᾶς: 'all / whole'; πᾶσα συναγωγή ('the whole congregation') stresses the corporate participation of all Israel in the rite, as commanded in v. 9.
συναγωγὴcongregationNominativesubject (third member)→ participant prominenceσυναγωγή: 'congregation / assembly'; see v. 9; the whole community acts together with Moses and Aaron.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive (of the sons of Israel)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; συναγωγὴ υἱῶν Ισραηλ — the congregation of Israel.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
τοῖςthe (to)Dativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταιςLevitesDativedative (to/for the Levites: indirect object of ἐποίησεν)→ sphere or referenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the recipients of the action — the rite is done 'to/for the Levites.'
καθὰjust ascomparative conjunction (compliance formula)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθά: 'just as'; renders כַּאֲשֶׁר; introduces the standard obedience formula.
ἐνετείλατοcommandedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐντέλλομαιverb of comparative clause (the divine command)→ constative aorist (the prior command)ἐντέλλομαι: 'command / enjoin'; renders צִוָּה; a near-synonym of συντάσσω (v. 3), referring to the LORD's instruction concerning the Levites.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of ἐνετείλατο→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה; the source of the command.
τῷthe (to)Dativearticle (dative with Μωυσῇ)→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΜωυσῇMosesDativedative indirect object of ἐνετείλατο→ sphere or referenceΜωυσῆς (dat. Μωυσῇ): the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites.
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic of the command)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + genitive: 'concerning / about'; περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν specifies the subject-matter of the command.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the command concerned the Levites.
οὕτωςthus / soadverb of manner (resumptive compliance marker)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus'; renders כֵּן; the resumptive 'thus they did' completes the compliance formula, affirming exact obedience.
ἐποίησανthey didAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (resumptive execution statement)→ constative aorist (completed obedience)ποιέω: 'do'; the plural resumes the compound subject, restating that the rite was carried out exactly as commanded.
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative (to/for them: the Levites)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'to them,' the Levites.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubject of ἐποίησαν→ participant prominenceυἱός: 'son'; οἱ υἱοὶ Ισραηλ — the sons of Israel, restated as the corporate agent of obedience.
ΙσραηλIsraelgenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΙσραηλ: transliteration of יִשְׂרָאֵל; indeclinable.
21

καὶ ἡγνίσαντο οἱ Λευῖται καὶ ἐπλύναντο τὰ ἱμάτια καὶ ἀπέδωκεν αὐτοὺς Ααρων ἀπόδομα ἔναντι κυρίου καὶ ἐξιλάσατο περὶ αὐτῶν Ααρων ἀφαγνίσασθαι αὐτούς

And the Levites purified themselves and washed their garments; and Aaron gave them over as a wave-offering before the LORD, and Aaron made atonement for them to purify them.

Execution detail: the Levites' self-purification and Aaron's presentationκαὶ ἡγνίσαντο οἱ Λευῖται
The execution narrated with the very verbs of the command: ἡγνίσαντο (middle of ἁγνίζω, 'purified themselves'; cf. ἁγνισμός v. 7), ἐπλύναντο τὰ ἱμάτια ('washed their garments'; cf. πλυνοῦσιν v. 7), ἀπέδωκεν … ἀπόδομα ('gave over as a wave-offering'; cf. vv. 11, 13), ἐξιλάσατο ('made atonement'; cf. v. 12), and the closing infinitive ἀφαγνίσασθαι ('to purify'; cf. ἀφαγνιεῖς v. 6) — the rite enacted in full.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡγνίσαντοpurified themselvesAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἁγνίζωmain verb (the Levites' self-purification)→ constative aorist (completed act; reflexive middle)ἁγνίζω (mid. ἡγνίσαντο): 'purify (oneself)'; renders הִתְחַטֵּא / הִתְקַדֵּשׁ; the middle voice marks the Levites' self-purification, fulfilling the ἁγνισμός commanded in v. 7.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευῖταιLevitesNominativesubject of ἡγνίσαντο→ participant prominenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites who purify themselves.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπλύναντοwashedAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · πλύνωmain verb (washing of garments)→ constative aorist (completed act; middle of personal interest)πλύνω (mid. ἐπλύναντο): 'wash (one's own garments)'; see v. 7; the middle voice indicates the Levites washed their own clothing, completing the cleansing rite.
τὰtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἱμάτιαgarmentsAccusativedirect object of ἐπλύναντο→ object specificationἱμάτιον: 'garment'; see v. 7; the washed clothing of the purified Levites.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπέδωκενgave overAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (Aaron's presentation of the Levites)→ constative aorist (completed act of dedication)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give over / hand over'; see v. 13; Aaron enacts the wave-offering presentation commanded earlier — giving the Levites over before the LORD.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object of ἀπέδωκεν→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites given over.
ΑαρωνAaronsubject (indeclinable proper noun, nominative by context)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; the high priest who presents the wave-offering.
ἀπόδομαwave-offering / a thing given overAccusativeaccusative in apposition (the Levites as ἀπόδομα)→ object specificationἀπόδομα: 'a thing given over / wave offering'; see v. 11; the enacted wave-offering of the Levites.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (location)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before'; the presentation is made in the LORD's presence.
κυρίουthe LORDGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι→ relational specificationκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξιλάσατοmade atonementAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐξιλάσκομαιmain verb (Aaron's act of atonement)→ constative aorist (completed act of atonement)ἐξιλάσκομαι: 'make atonement / propitiate'; see v. 12; Aaron enacts the atonement for the Levites that fits them for service.
περὶfor / on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (beneficiary)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + genitive: 'on behalf of'; the atonement is made for the Levites.
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of περί (the Levites atoned for)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites.
ΑαρωνAaronsubject (restated; indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: the repetition of the subject Aaron emphasizes the high priest as the agent of both presentation and atonement.
ἀφαγνίσασθαιto purifyAor Mid Infin · ἀφαγνίζωinfinitive of purpose (the goal of the atonement)→ aorist infinitive of purpose (effecting purification)ἀφαγνίζω: 'purify / cleanse'; see v. 6; the closing infinitive ἀφαγνίσασθαι αὐτούς ('to purify them') brackets the Levite-rite, echoing the opening command ἀφαγνιεῖς (v. 6) — the atonement is for the purpose of purifying the Levites for service.
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object of ἀφαγνίσασθαι→ participant referenceαὐτός: 'them,' the Levites purified.
22

καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα εἰσῆλθον οἱ Λευῖται λειτουργεῖν τὴν λειτουργίαν αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ σκηνῇ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἔναντι Ααρων καὶ ἔναντι τῶν υἱῶν αὐτοῦ καθὼς συνέταξεν κύριος τῷ Μωυσῇ περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν οὕτως ἐποίησαν αὐτοῖς

And after these things the Levites went in to perform their service in the tent of meeting before Aaron and before his sons; just as the LORD had charged Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

Culmination: the Levites enter upon their service (closing the section)καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα εἰσῆλθον
The Levite-section closes as it was foretold (v. 15): μετὰ ταῦτα εἰσῆλθον … λειτουργεῖν τὴν λειτουργίαν ('after these things they went in to perform their service'). The cognate-accusative λειτουργεῖν τὴν λειτουργίαν ('to minister the ministry') and the closing compliance formula καθὼς συνέταξεν … οὕτως ἐποίησαν seal the obedient fulfillment of the whole oracle.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (temporal)→ spatial or relational framingμετά + accusative: 'after'; μετὰ ταῦτα ('after these things') echoes v. 15, marking the transition to the Levites' active service.
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativeaccusative object of μετά→ object specificationοὗτος: 'these things,' the completed purification and dedication.
εἰσῆλθονwent in / enteredAor Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (the Levites' entry upon service)→ constative aorist (completed entry into service)εἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; see v. 15 (εἰσελεύσονται); the aorist εἰσῆλθον reports the fulfillment — the Levites entered to take up their duties.
οἱtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευῖταιLevitesNominativesubject of εἰσῆλθον→ participant prominenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the Levites entering upon service.
λειτουργεῖνto minister / servePres Act Infin · λειτουργέωinfinitive of purpose (with εἰσῆλθον)→ present infinitive of ongoing ministryλειτουργέω: 'minister / perform public/cultic service'; renders שֵׁרֵת; a more specifically liturgical term than ἐργάζομαι, fitting the Levites' sacred ministry; source of English 'liturgy.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λειτουργίανservice / ministryAccusativecognate accusative (direct object of λειτουργεῖν)→ object specificationλειτουργία: 'ministry / cultic service'; renders עֲבֹדָה; the cognate-accusative λειτουργεῖν τὴν λειτουργίαν ('to minister the ministry') is an emphatic Hebraizing construction stressing the fullness of their dedicated service.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (their service)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their,' the Levites' appointed ministry.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῇtentDativedative object of ἐν (locative)→ sphere or referenceσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; see v. 9; the place of the Levites' ministry.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουof witness / meetingGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the tent)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness / testimony'; see v. 9.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (under priestly oversight)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before / in the presence of'; the Levites serve ἔναντι Ααρων, under the oversight of the priests (cf. v. 19, given to Aaron and his sons).
ΑαρωνAarongenitive object of ἔναντι (indeclinable proper noun)→ participant identificationΑαρων: transliteration of אַהֲרֹן; indeclinable; the Levites minister under Aaron's priestly authority.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔναντιbeforepreposition + genitive (second member)→ spatial or relational framingἔναντι: 'before'; also before Aaron's sons, the priests.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
υἱῶνsonsGenitivegenitive object of ἔναντι (Aaron's sons)→ relational specificationυἱός: 'son'; the sons of Aaron, the priests, alongside whom the Levites serve.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Aaron's sons)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his,' Aaron's.
καθὼςjust ascomparative conjunction (compliance formula)→ discourse linkage or contrastκαθώς: 'just as / according as'; renders כַּאֲשֶׁר; introduces the closing obedience formula.
συνέταξενcharged / commandedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · συντάσσωverb of comparative clause (the divine command)→ constative aorist (the prior command)συντάσσω: 'arrange / command'; see v. 3; the LORD's command concerning the Levites, now fulfilled.
κύριοςLORDNominativesubject of συνέταξεν→ participant prominenceκύριος: rendering of יהוה.
τῷthe (to)Dativearticle (dative 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 (dat. Μωυσῇ): the LORD charged Moses concerning the Levites.
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic of the command)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + genitive: 'concerning'; περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν, the subject-matter of the command.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the command concerned the Levites.
οὕτωςso / thusadverb of manner (resumptive compliance marker)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus'; the resumptive 'so they did' completes the compliance formula closing the Levite-section.
ἐποίησανthey didAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (resumptive execution statement)→ constative aorist (completed obedience)ποιέω: 'do'; the closing 'so they did to them' affirms full obedience to the divine command concerning the Levites.
αὐτοῖςto themDativedative (to/for them: the Levites)→ participant reference or interestαὐτός: 'to them,' the Levites.
23

καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

New divine speech-act (third oracle: the term of service)καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος
The speech-formula (cf. vv. 1, 5) opens the third and final oracle of the chapter, regulating the Levitical term of service (vv. 23–26). The formulaic seam cleanly segments the chapter's last unit.
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 completed speech-act)λαλέω: 'speak'; renders דִּבֵּר; opens the third oracle, on the Levitical term of service.
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 (recipient of speech)→ object specificationΜωυσῆς: transliteration of מֹשֶׁה; accusative as directional object of πρός.
λέγωνsayingPres Act Part Nom Sg Masc · λέγωcircumstantial participle (introducing direct speech)→ redundant participle of speech (Hebraism rendering לֵאמֹר)λέγω: the formulaic λέγων renders Hebrew לֵאמֹר, introducing the content of the final oracle.
24

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν ἀπὸ πεντεκαιεικοσαετοῦς καὶ ἐπάνω εἰσελεύσονται ἐνεργεῖν ἐν τῇ σκηνῇ τοῦ μαρτυρίου

This is what concerns the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to be active in the tent of meeting.

Heading and entry-age of Levitical serviceτοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν
A summary heading (τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ περὶ τῶν Λευιτῶν, 'this is the matter concerning the Levites') introduces the rule of service. The entry-age is set ἀπὸ πεντεκαιεικοσαετοῦς καὶ ἐπάνω ('from twenty-five years and upward'); the LXX's twenty-five differs from the thirty of Num 4:3, reflecting the distinct stages of apprenticeship and full duty in the priestly tradition.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
τοῦτόthisNominativedemonstrative pronoun (subject of nominal clause)→ participant referenceοὗτος: 'this'; τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ περὶ … ('this is the matter concerning …') is a heading-formula introducing a regulation.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (in the heading-formula)→ stative present (introducing the regulation)εἰμί: 'be'; the copula in the heading-formula linking τοῦτο to the rule that follows.
τὸthe (matter)Nominativearticle (substantivizing the prepositional phrase: 'the thing concerning')→ noun-phrase markingThe neuter article τό substantivizes the following περί-phrase ('the [matter] concerning the Levites'), a common Greek idiom.
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (topic)→ spatial or relational framingπερί + genitive: 'concerning'; the rule pertains to the Levites.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευιτῶνLevitesGenitivegenitive object of περί→ relational specificationΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the subject of the regulation.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (lower age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; ἀπὸ … καὶ ἐπάνω ('from … and upward') sets the minimum age for entry into service.
πεντεκαιεικοσαετοῦςtwenty-five years oldGenitivegenitive of age (object of ἀπό)→ relational specificationπεντεκαιεικοσαετής: 'twenty-five years old'; a compound numeral-adjective (πέντε + καί + εἴκοσι + ἔτος) rendering בֶּן־חָמֵשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה; the LXX entry-age (25) for Levitical service, distinct from the 30 of Num 4:3.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπάνωupward / aboveadverb (extending the age-range: 'and upward')→ clausal contributionἐπάνω: 'above / upward'; renders וָמַעְלָה; καὶ ἐπάνω ('and upward') opens the age-range from twenty-five years and beyond.
εἰσελεύσονταιthey shall go in / enterFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰσέρχομαιmain verb (entry into service)→ prescriptive future (the rule of entry)εἰσέρχομαι: 'go in / enter'; see vv. 15, 22; here the prescriptive future setting the age at which Levites enter active duty.
ἐνεργεῖνto be active / to workPres Act Infin · ἐνεργέωinfinitive of purpose (with εἰσελεύσονται)→ present infinitive of ongoing activityἐνεργέω: 'be active / work / be at work'; renders עָבַד (here, active labor); a near-synonym of ἐργάζομαι and λειτουργέω, denoting the Levites' active service in the sanctuary.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῇtentDativedative object of ἐν (locative)→ sphere or referenceσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; see v. 9; the locus of the Levites' active service.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουof witness / meetingGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the tent)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness / testimony'; see v. 9.
25

καὶ ἀπὸ πεντηκονταετοῦς ἀποστήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς λειτουργίας καὶ οὐκ ἐργᾶται ἔτι

And from fifty years old he shall withdraw from the service and shall work no longer.

Upper age-limit: retirement from the main serviceκαὶ ἀπὸ πεντηκονταετοῦς
The upper limit: ἀπὸ πεντηκονταετοῦς ('from fifty years') the Levite ἀποστήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς λειτουργίας ('shall withdraw from the service') and οὐκ ἐργᾶται ἔτι ('shall work no longer'). The retirement is from the heavy labor (cf. v. 26, where he still assists in guarding); fifty is the age of release from active Levitical duty.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (upper age-limit)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; ἀπὸ πεντηκονταετοῦς ('from fifty years') sets the age of retirement from active service.
πεντηκονταετοῦςfifty years oldGenitivegenitive of age (object of ἀπό)→ relational specificationπεντηκονταετής: 'fifty years old'; compound numeral-adjective (πεντήκοντα + ἔτος) rendering בֶּן־חֲמִשִּׁים שָׁנָה; the age at which a Levite is released from the main λειτουργία (cf. Num 4:3, also 50 as upper limit).
ἀποστήσεταιhe shall withdraw / stand backFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀφίστημιmain verb (withdrawal from service)→ prescriptive future (the rule of retirement)ἀφίστημι (mid. ἀποστήσεται): 'withdraw / stand away / desist'; renders שׁוּב ('return/cease'); the Levite withdraws from the burden of active service at fifty.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation: from the service)→ spatial or relational framingἀπό: 'from'; marks separation from the λειτουργία.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λειτουργίαςservice / ministryGenitivegenitive object of ἀπό (the service withdrawn from)→ relational specificationλειτουργία: 'ministry / service'; see v. 22; here specifically the active, laborious ministry from which the fifty-year-old Levite retires.
καὶandcoordinate conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐργᾶται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: 'not'; negates further labor.
ἐργᾶταιhe worksPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb (with οὐκ … ἔτι: 'works no longer')→ gnomic/durative present (the settled rule of non-labor)ἐργάζομαι (contracted ἐργᾶται): 'work / labor'; see v. 11; οὐκ ἐργᾶται ἔτι ('he works no longer') states the retired Levite's release from the heavy labor of service.
ἔτιstill / longeradverb (temporal: 'no longer')→ clausal contributionἔτι: 'still / yet / longer'; with οὐκ it yields 'no longer' — the retired Levite ceases the laborious service.
26

καὶ λειτουργήσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ σκηνῇ τοῦ μαρτυρίου φυλάσσειν φυλακάς ἔργα δὲ οὐκ ἐργᾶται οὕτως ποιήσεις τοῖς Λευίταις ἐν ταῖς φυλακαῖς αὐτῶν

And his brother shall minister in the tent of meeting, to keep the watches; but he shall do no labor. Thus you shall do to the Levites in their watches.

Assisting role after retirement; closing instructionκαὶ λειτουργήσει ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ
After fifty the retired Levite still 'ministers' in a reduced capacity — φυλάσσειν φυλακάς ('to keep the watches,' a cognate-accusative idiom) — but ἔργα … οὐκ ἐργᾶται ('does no [heavy] labor'). The chapter closes with the second-person directive οὕτως ποιήσεις ('thus you shall do'), sealing the regulation of the Levitical watches and the whole chapter.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
καὶandnarrative conjunction→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λειτουργήσειshall minister / assistFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λειτουργέωmain verb (the reduced, assisting ministry)→ prescriptive future (the rule of post-retirement assistance)λειτουργέω: 'minister / serve'; see v. 22; here the retired Levite still 'ministers' in a supporting role — guarding rather than performing the heavy labor.
ὁtheNominativearticle→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδελφὸςbrotherNominativesubject of λειτουργήσει→ participant prominenceἀδελφός: 'brother'; renders אָח; here the fellow-Levite — the retired man assists his brothers (or: continues alongside them) in the lighter duty of keeping watch.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship (his brother)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'his'; the retired Levite's fellow.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (locative).
τῇtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σκηνῇtentDativedative object of ἐν (locative)→ sphere or referenceσκηνή: 'tent / tabernacle'; see v. 9; the place of the assisting ministry.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μαρτυρίουof witness / meetingGenitivegenitive of quality (defining the tent)→ relational specificationμαρτύριον: 'witness / testimony'; see v. 9.
φυλάσσεινto keep / guardPres Act Infin · φυλάσσωinfinitive of purpose (the assisting task)→ present infinitive of ongoing dutyφυλάσσω: 'guard / keep watch'; renders שָׁמַר; the cognate-accusative φυλάσσειν φυλακάς ('to keep the watches') is a Hebraizing idiom (rendering שָׁמַר מִשְׁמֶרֶת) for the duty of guarding the sanctuary — the lighter task left to the retired Levite.
φυλακάςwatches / guard-dutiesAccusativecognate accusative (direct object of φυλάσσειν)→ object specificationφυλακή: 'watch / guard / charge'; renders מִשְׁמֶרֶת; the cognate-accusative construction φυλάσσειν φυλακάς emphasizes the guarding-charge of the Levites (cf. Num 1:53; 3:7).
ἔργαworks / laborAccusativedirect object of ἐργᾶται (fronted for contrast)→ object specificationἔργον: 'work / labor'; see v. 11; here the heavy labor the retired Levite no longer performs — fronted before the verb for emphatic contrast with the guarding-duty he retains.
δὲbutadversative particle (post-positive)→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: 'but'; the mild adversative contrasts the retained watch-keeping with the relinquished heavy labor.
οὐκnotnegative particle (with ἐργᾶται)→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: 'not'; negates the heavy labor.
ἐργᾶταιhe works / doesPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb (with ἔργα … οὐκ: 'does no labor')→ gnomic/durative present (the settled rule)ἐργάζομαι (contracted ἐργᾶται): 'work / labor'; see v. 25; ἔργα δὲ οὐκ ἐργᾶται ('but he does no [heavy] labor') distinguishes the retired Levite's guarding from active service.
οὕτωςthus / soadverb of manner (summary directive)→ adverbial qualificationοὕτως: 'thus'; renders כֵּן; οὕτως ποιήσεις ('thus you shall do') closes the regulation with a directive to Moses.
ποιήσειςyou shall doFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (closing directive to Moses)→ prescriptive future (commanded ordering of the watches)ποιέω: 'do'; the closing prescriptive future directs Moses to order the Levites' service according to this rule of watches.
τοῖςthe (to)Dativearticle→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ΛευίταιςLevitesDativedative (to/for the Levites)→ sphere or referenceΛευίτης: 'Levite'; the recipients of the directive concerning their watches.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition + dative (sphere).
ταῖςtheDativearticle→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φυλακαῖςwatches / chargesDativedative object of ἐν (the sphere of their watches)→ sphere or referenceφυλακή: 'watch / charge'; see above; ἐν ταῖς φυλακαῖς αὐτῶν ('in their watches') closes the chapter on the ordering of the Levites' guard-duties.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession (their watches)→ relational specificationαὐτός: 'their,' the Levites' appointed watches.