| 20. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the conjunction ki {כִּי | kî} introducing a causal clause, followed by the verb yada {יָדַע | yā·ḏa‘} in a Qal perfect expressing self-awareness. The noun phrase avdekha {עַבְדְּךָ | ‘aḇ·dā·ḵā} “your servant” conveys humility. A second ki {כִּי | kî} introduces an embedded clause with chatati {חָטָאתִי | ḥā·ṭā·’tî} “I have sinned.” The particle vehinebati {וְהִנֵּה־בָאתִי | wə·hinnê·bā·’tî} shifts focus to the present, reinforced by hayom {הַיּוֹם | ha·yôm} “today.” The adjective rishon {רִאשׁוֹן | rî·’šôn} specifies sequence. The construct chain beit yosef {בֵּית יוֹסֵף | bêyt yō·sep̄} identifies tribal affiliation. The infinitives laredet {לָרֶדֶת | lā·re·ḏêṯ} and likrat {לִקְרַאת | liq·rā·’ṯ} express purpose “to go down to meet.” The closing address adoni hamelech {אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ | ’ă·dô·nî ham·me·lēḵ} functions as a respectful royal title. |