Introduction to Numbers 28:31
This verse concludes instructions for daily offerings during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, referring to the regular burnt offering (עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד), its grain offering, and drink offerings. What stands out grammatically is the clause: תְּמִימִ֥ם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶ֖ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם. This clause contains an unusual subject–predicate structure, where a plural predicate precedes its compound and somewhat elliptical subject, linked by conjunction. This lesson examines how Biblical Hebrew handles subject-predicate agreement in coordinated noun phrases, particularly when the subject follows and is distributed between multiple noun elements.
מִלְּבַ֞ד עֹלַ֧ת הַתָּמִ֛יד וּמִנְחָתֹ֖ו תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ תְּמִימִ֥ים יִהְיוּ־לָכֶ֖ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם׃
Analysis of Key Words and Structures
- מִלְּבַ֞ד (milvad) – Preposition meaning “apart from” or “besides,” introducing an exception clause.
- עֹלַ֧ת הַתָּמִ֛יד (ʿolat hattamid) – Construct phrase, “the regular burnt offering.” עֹלָה in construct with the definite noun הַתָּמִיד creates a definite phrase.
- וּמִנְחָתֹ֖ו (uminḥatō) – “And its grain offering,” coordinated with the previous phrase by וּ־. The suffix ־ֹו refers back to עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד.
- תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ (taʿasu) – Qal imperfect 2nd person masculine plural verb from עשׂה, “you shall do/make.” Addresses the people directly.
- תְּמִימִ֥ם (temimim) – Plural adjective meaning “perfect, unblemished.” It appears in the predicate position before its subject, a reversal from typical prose order.
- יִהְיוּ־לָכֶ֖ם (yihyu lakhem) – Qal imperfect 3mp from היה (“to be”), “they shall be for you.” The verb is plural, awaiting a compound plural subject.
- וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם (veniskēhem) – “And their drink offerings.” This is the coordinated noun that completes the subject initiated by the plural predicate. וְ־ links it to the implied earlier elements. The suffix ־הֶם refers to the sacrifices mentioned previously.
Subject–Predicate Agreement and Elliptical Coordination
In standard Biblical Hebrew syntax, the predicate typically follows the subject, especially in nominal clauses. However, poetry and liturgical or legal prose frequently reverse this order for rhetorical emphasis. In this verse, we find a predicate-fronted clause:
תְּמִימִ֥ם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶ֖ם
“Perfect shall they be for you.”
Here, the adjective תְּמִימִ֥ם acts as the fronted predicate. The verb יִהְיוּ is third person masculine plural, anticipating a plural subject, which does not appear until the final word: וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם.
This creates a syntactic delay or postponement of the subject, which is common in stylized or elevated Hebrew. The plural nature of יִהְיוּ and תְּמִימִים suggests that more than one element is included. While נִסְכֵּיהֶם (“their libations”) is the only noun stated, it is grammatically plural and refers to multiple components of the offering complex, likely encompassing עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד and מִנְחָתוֹ as understood subjects through the suffix ־הֶם.
Thus, the syntax exhibits:
– Predicate-fronting (first word: תְּמִימִ֥ם)
– Verbal-predicate agreement with a delayed plural subject
– Elliptical coordination, where part of the subject is implied from context (especially via possessive suffixes)
This structure emphasizes the quality of perfection (תְּמִימִים) over the substance of the offering, suitable for liturgical exhortation.
Why Postponed Subjects Enhance Theological Emphasis in Hebrew Sacrificial Law
The syntax of Numbers 28:31 demonstrates how Hebrew leverages delayed subjects and predicate-first constructions to prioritize theological or ritual significance. By placing תְּמִימִ֥ם at the head of the clause, the focus shifts immediately to the requirement of perfection—not merely what is offered, but how it is offered.
The grammatical agreement between the plural predicate and delayed subject reinforces that all elements of the offering—burnt, grain, and drink—must meet this standard. The coordination through suffixes and elision of full noun repetition reflects the efficient, compressed style of sacrificial legislation.
Thus, the grammar not only transmits rules but also conveys ritual gravity: every component, even those named only obliquely, must be perfect. In this way, Hebrew syntax aligns form with meaning, where structure enhances sanctity.
