Tag Archives: Exodus 4:30

Speaking and Showing: Sequential Actions and Demonstrative Syntax in Exodus 4:30

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Biblical Hebrew
Exodus 4:30 וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֚ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיַּ֥עַשׂ הָאֹתֹ֖ת לְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם׃ Main Speech Act: וַיְדַבֵּר אַהֲרֹן וַיְדַבֵּר (“and he spoke”) is a Piel wayyiqtol 3ms of ד־ב־ר (“to speak”), showing intensive verbal communication. אַהֲרֹן (“Aaron”) is the clear subject. This verb form moves the narrative forward sequentially, highlighting Aaron’s role as the mouthpiece. Object of Speech: אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֵת marks the definite direct object. כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים (“all the words”) — a full and faithful recounting אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה — relative clause “which YHWH had spoken to Moses” (past action, Qal perfect 3ms of ד־ב־ר) Aaron’s speech faithfully transmits divine instruction received by Moses.… Learn Hebrew
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When Speech Echoes and Signs Confirm: Binyanim That Bridge God and People

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Biblical Hebrew
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֚ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיַּ֥עַשׂ הָאֹתֹ֖ת לְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם׃ (Exodus 4:30) And Aharon spoke all the words which YHWH had spoken to Moshe and he did the signs before the eyes of the people Introduction: Transmitting Authority Through Verbs This verse narrates the moment Aharon becomes Moshe’s spokesperson before the people of Israel. It includes verbal forms that don’t just report speech and action but mirror divine transmission, human obedience, and visual demonstration. Each verb operates within a carefully chosen binyan, communicating the flow of revelation to representation.… Learn Hebrew
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