The Morphology and Semantics of Imperative and Cohortative Verbs in Deuteronomy 5:1

Introduction to Deuteronomy 5:1

Deuteronomy 5:1 introduces Moses’ second speech to the Israelites, preparing them to receive the repetition of the Ten Commandments. This verse contains a series of imperative and cohortative verbs, forming a didactic structure typical of covenantal instruction.

The verse consists of:

1. A direct address to the nation (וַיִּקְרָ֣א מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֒, “And Moses called to all Israel”).
2. An imperative command introducing the legal discourse (שְׁמַ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙, “Hear, O Israel”).
3. A sequence of cohortative and imperative verbs emphasizing obedience (וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם, “you shall learn”; וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם, “you shall keep”; לַעֲשֹׂתָֽם, “to do them”).

This study will analyze the morphology of imperatives and cohortatives, their syntactic roles, and their theological implications in covenantal discourse.

וַיִּקְרָ֣א מֹשֶׁה֮ אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם שְׁמַ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־הַחֻקִּ֣ים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֧ר אָנֹכִ֛י דֹּבֵ֥ר בְּאָזְנֵיכֶ֖ם הַיֹּ֑ום וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם אֹתָ֔ם וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם לַעֲשֹׂתָֽם׃

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. שְׁמַ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (shema Yisrael)
   • Root: שָׁמַע (“to hear, obey”)
   • Form: Qal imperative 2nd masculine singular
   • Translation: “Hear, O Israel”
   • Function: Imperative verb introducing the covenantal instruction, demanding attention and obedience.
2. וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם (ul’madtem)
   • Root: לָמַד (“to learn, teach”)
   • Form: Qal perfect 2nd masculine plural with vav-consecutive
   • Translation: “You shall learn”
   • Function: Cohortative form, expressing volitional action, urging the people to internalize the laws.
3. וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם (ush’martem)
   • Root: שָׁמַר (“to guard, keep”)
   • Form: Qal perfect 2nd masculine plural with vav-consecutive
   • Translation: “And you shall keep”
   • Function: Indicates an ongoing obligation to preserve and follow the laws.
4. לַעֲשֹׂתָֽם (la‘asotam)
   • Root: עָשָׂה (“to do, perform”)
   • Form: Qal infinitive construct with preposition לְ
   • Translation: “To do them”
   • Function: Final purpose clause, indicating that learning and guarding the laws must result in action.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Function of Imperatives in Covenant Speech

שְׁמַ֤ע (“Hear”) functions as a direct imperative, demanding obedience.

Common in covenantal discourse, seen also in Deuteronomy 6:4 (“Hear, O Israel…”).

The Use of Cohortatives for Instruction

וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם (“you shall learn”) and וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם (“you shall keep”) convey both instruction and encouragement.

Cohortative forms emphasize personal responsibility in obeying divine laws.

The Sequential Structure of Learning, Keeping, and Doing

First: “Learn” (internalizing knowledge)

Second: “Keep” (preserving in memory and practice)

Third: “Do” (active fulfillment of the law)

This sequence highlights the process of covenantal obedience in Hebrew thought.

Theological Implications of Imperatives in Covenant Teaching

1. Hearing as a Call to ObedienceThe imperative “Hear, O Israel” is not mere listening but a call to active obedience.
2. The Threefold Process of InternalizationWisdom and covenant law require learning, memorization, and action.
3. Covenant Obligations as an Ongoing CommitmentCohortatives reinforce continuous observance rather than a one-time act.

The Role of Imperatives and Cohortatives in Biblical Law

Deuteronomy 5:1 demonstrates the structured progression of divine instruction, where imperatives command attention and cohortatives guide the application of law. The threefold sequence of learning, keeping, and doing encapsulates the Biblical approach to obedience.

Thus, this verse serves as both a grammatical model of Hebrew imperatives and a theological foundation for covenantal faithfulness.