וְאוּלָ֗ם בַּעֲב֥וּר זֹאת֙ הֶעֱמַדְתִּ֔יךָ בַּעֲב֖וּר הַרְאֹתְךָ֣ אֶת־כֹּחִ֑י וּלְמַ֛עַן סַפֵּ֥ר שְׁמִ֖י בְּכָל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
(Exodus 9:16)
But indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to stand, to show you My power, and so that My name may be declared throughout all the earth.
Setting the Stage: The Syntax of Sovereign Intent
This verse, spoken by YHWH through Moshe to Parʿo, encapsulates one of the most theologically loaded syntactic constructions in the Torah. Unlike many narrative clauses that maintain the classic Verb–Subject–Object (VSO) order, this verse is purposefully layered with subordinating phrases and clauses that reflect divine intention and rhetorical emphasis. In this article, we explore how syntactic arrangement is marshaled to convey divine sovereignty, judgment, and the spread of YHWH’s fame.
Clause Structure: Purpose Within Purpose
The verse contains multiple subordinated clauses introduced by particles of purpose or result:
– וְאוּלָ֗ם functions as an adversative discourse marker, introducing contrast with what came before.
– בַּעֲבוּר זֹאת הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ introduces the first clause: “For this reason I have caused you to stand.”
– Then follows בַּעֲבוּר הַרְאֹתְךָ אֶת־כֹּחִי — a purpose clause embedded within a purpose clause.
– Finally, וּלְמַעַן סַפֵּר שְׁמִי בְּכָל־הָאָרֶץ closes the sequence with a climactic telic clause: “so that My name might be declared in all the earth.”
This nesting of purposive structures is a classic case of hypotaxis — a deep stacking of dependent clauses, rarely this dense in narrative Hebrew. It reflects not only syntactic complexity but a theological layering: every act has purpose, and each purpose culminates in the declaration of the divine Name.
Word Order: Function over Formula
The main clause הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ (“I have caused you to stand”) follows a Verb–Object–Subject pattern, as is typical in Hebrew. But the presence of fronted prepositional phrases like בַּעֲבוּר זֹאת and לְמַעַן סַפֵּר alters the expected sequence.
This fronting serves several purposes:
– It signals emphasis on divine purpose over the act itself.
– It contributes to rhetorical heightening — building drama and divine authority.
– It shifts thematic focus from what is happening to why it is happening.
Verbal Syntax: Causing to Stand
The verb הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ is Hiphil perfect 1cs + 2ms suffix: “I caused you to stand.” The causative binyan Hiphil is essential here — Parʿo’s continued existence is not accidental. His life is preserved intentionally, syntactically bound to divine volition.
In contrast, הַרְאֹתְךָ is a Hiphil infinitive construct with 2ms suffix: “to show you.” Its dependence on the preceding בַּעֲבוּר connects purpose to action syntactically and semantically.
Prepositions of Purpose: Double Deployment
This verse uses two distinct particles of purpose:
1. בַּעֲבוּר — “in order that” or “for the sake of”
2. לְמַעַן — “so that”
Though they are often synonymous, their double use here allows syntactic progression:
– The first clause (בַּעֲבוּר) explains immediate divine action: Parʿo is preserved.
– The second clause (לְמַעַן) reveals the universal eschatological goal: the glory of YHWH’s name throughout the world.
This telic layering—from immediate cause to ultimate purpose—is syntactically elegant and theologically profound.
Emphasis and Focus: Lexical and Structural
Repetition of בַּעֲבוּר amplifies the weight of divine intent. The doubling is not superfluous but structurally deliberate, creating rhythm and tension. Likewise, the fronted clause לְמַעַן סַפֵּר takes on climactic focus, reserving the most global and theological point for last.
Additionally, the inclusion of the object marker אֵת in אֶת־כֹּחִי flags the direct object explicitly — emphasizing not just any act, but the specific display of divine power.
Discourse Flow: The Syntax of Theodicy
Within its narrative frame, this verse justifies divine forbearance. Syntax becomes apologetic: Parʿo is not let off the hook, but raised up by divine choice for divine display. The progression of nested purposes mirrors the divine patience and strategy.
The rhythm of the verse, driven by subordinated clauses and final emphasis on the Name, allows the syntax itself to preach — demonstrating that divine actions are never arbitrary but eternally calculated.
Table of Syntactic Elements
| Element | Hebrew Phrase | Syntactic Role | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adversative Marker | וְאוּלָם | Discourse connector | Signals contrast; emphasizes divine purpose |
| Purpose Clause 1 | בַּעֲבוּר זֹאת הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ | Subordinate purpose clause | Explains Parʿo’s preservation |
| Infinitive Clause | בַּעֲבוּר הַרְאֹתְךָ אֶת־כֹּחִי | Nested purpose clause | Shows divine intent to reveal power |
| Final Telic Clause | וּלְמַעַן סַפֵּר שְׁמִי | Ultimate purpose | Declares the goal: global glorification of YHWH |
The Syntactic Staircase to Glory
This verse from Exodus 9:16 constructs a theological ladder through syntax: preservation leads to revelation, which leads to proclamation. Each clause is a step, and the verbs, particles, and word order are the rails guiding us upward.
By nesting purpose within purpose, employing fronted prepositions, repeating key causal markers, and ending with universal telos, the Hebrew syntax becomes a vehicle of theology — a tightly woven structure through which divine sovereignty is not only asserted but enacted. Through structure alone, the verse echoes YHWH’s message: every moment, even the rise of the wicked, can serve the holy proclamation of His name.