וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיִּתֵּ֨ן מֹשֶׁ֤ה מִן־הַדָּם֙ עַל־תְּנ֤וּךְ אָזְנָם֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֤הֶן יָדָם֙ הַיְמָנִ֔ית וְעַל־בֹּ֥הֶן רַגְלָ֖ם הַיְמָנִ֑ית וַיִּזְרֹ֨ק מֹשֶׁ֧ה אֶת־הַדָּ֛ם עַל־הַֽמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב׃ (Leviticus 8:24)
And he brought near the sons of Aharon, and Moshe put some of the blood on the lobe of their right ear, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot; and Moshe sprinkled the blood on the altar all around.
Clause Structure
This verse unfolds in a sequence of ritual actions, marked by the repetitive use of wayyiqtol verbs to show step-by-step progression:
- וַיַּקְרֵב אֶת־בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן – “And he brought near the sons of Aharon.”
- וַיִּתֵּן מֹשֶׁה מִן־הַדָּם… – “And Moshe put some of the blood…”
- וַיִּזְרֹק מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַדָּם… – “And Moshe sprinkled the blood…”
Each clause is carefully linked in parataxis, reflecting the ritual’s measured and deliberate pace.
Key Phrases and Syntax
| Phrase | Syntax | Function |
|---|---|---|
| וַיַּקְרֵב | Wayyiqtol Qal 3ms | Marks the start of a new ritual action: presentation of Aharon’s sons. |
| וַיִּתֵּן מֹשֶׁה | Wayyiqtol Qal 3ms + subject | Specifies agent (Moshe) and initiates the blood application. |
| מִן־הַדָּם | Prepositional phrase | Indicates the ritual material taken (some of the blood). |
| עַל־תְּנוּךְ אָזְנָם הַיְמָנִית | Prepositional phrase | Location: right ear lobe of the priests. |
| וְעַל־בֹּהֶן יָדָם הַיְמָנִית | Prepositional phrase | Location: right thumb, symbolizing consecrated service. |
| וְעַל־בֹּהֶן רַגְלָם הַיְמָנִית | Prepositional phrase | Location: right big toe, symbolizing consecrated walk. |
| וַיִּזְרֹק מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַדָּם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ סָבִיב | Wayyiqtol verb + accusative object + locative phrase | Closes the action: sprinkling around the altar, completing consecration. |
Syntactic Observations
– The repetition of וְעַל (“and upon”) creates rhythmic parallelism, giving solemnity to each blood application.
– The triplet of body parts—ear, hand, foot—follows a top-to-bottom sequence, symbolizing hearing, acting, and walking in consecrated service.
– The final verb וַיִּזְרֹק transitions the focus from the individual priests to the communal altar, widening the scope of sanctification.
Liturgical Syntax and Theological Resonance
The verse’s syntax mirrors the theology of ordination:
– Wayyiqtol sequencing reflects ordered obedience in ritual.
– Repetition of anatomical loci embodies holistic consecration—mind, labor, and walk devoted to YHWH.
– Closing action at the altar integrates individual consecration into corporate worship.
A Grammar of Holiness
Leviticus 8:24 is a liturgy of syntax as much as of ritual. Its careful wayyiqtol sequence, rhythmic repetition, and climactic conclusion embody the movement from individual ordination to communal sanctity. Through grammar and structure, the verse itself enacts the holiness it describes.