Enumerated Devotion: Syntax of Sacrifice in Numbers 7:23

וּלְזֶ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֮ בָּקָ֣ר שְׁנַיִם֒ אֵילִ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַתּוּדִ֣ים חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה כְּבָשִׂ֥ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֖ה חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה זֶ֛ה קָרְבַּ֥ן נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר׃
(Numbers 7:23)

And for the sacrifice of the peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five year-old lambs. This was the offering of Nethanel son of Zuar.

Parataxis and Worship Syntax

This verse belongs to the ceremonial register of Numbers 7, where offerings from the tribal leaders are presented with almost ritualistic repetition. Syntactically, it employs parataxis—the stacking of phrases without overt coordination—to create a solemn rhythm and emphasize abundance.

1. וּלְזֶ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים – “And for the sacrifice of peace offerings”
   • The initial conjunction וּלְ continues the offering list from previous verses, marking syntactic continuity.
   • זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים is a construct phrase with a definite article on the genitive noun (“the peace offerings”), identifying a particular kind of communal and voluntary sacrifice.
2. בָּקָ֣ר שְׁנַיִם – “two oxen”
   • This is an appositional phrase—noun + number—with no verb needed, typical of cultic enumeration.
   • Word order is reversed from expected modern syntax (“two oxen”), consistent with Biblical Hebrew poetic or ritual style.
3. אֵילִ֤ם חֲמִשָּׁה – “five rams”
   • Same appositional structure, with no conjunction between items.
   • This lack of coordination (asyndeton) enhances the solemn list-like quality.
4. עַתּוּדִ֣ים חֲמִשָּׁה – “five male goats”
5. כְּבָשִׂ֥ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֖ה חֲמִשָּׁ֑ה – “five lambs a year old”
   • בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה modifies כְּבָשִׂים to indicate age and suitability for offering.
   • This expansion within the noun phrase breaks the otherwise repetitive pattern slightly—marking this item as particularly significant.
6. זֶ֛ה קָרְבַּ֥ן נְתַנְאֵ֖ל בֶּן־צוּעָֽר – “This was the offering of Nethanel son of Tsuʿar”
   • Final summarizing clause.
   • זֶה קָרְבַּן is a demonstrative + noun construction that marks a conclusion.
   • The full name נְתַנְאֵל בֶּן־צוּעָר ends the verse with identity and attribution.

Liturgical Syntax and Repetition

This verse reflects a liturgical-syntactic structure used across Numbers 7:

– No verbs: All phrases are verbless nominal sentences.
– Parataxis: Listing through juxtaposition, not coordination.
– Apposition: Noun + numeral format repeated rhythmically.
– Deferral of attribution: The donor’s name is syntactically separated from the offerings—held until the end for liturgical impact.

Priestly Economy of Words

Though repetitive, the syntax is precise and reverent:

– It mirrors the procedural flow of ritual.
– It allows easy memorization and recitation.
– It conveys generosity through accumulation.

Syntactic Solemnity

This verse’s structure emphasizes not only what was given, but how faithfully it was recorded. Through its syntax, it transforms what could be a dull inventory into a record of holy participation—sacrifice framed by syntax, devotion crystallized in clauses.