| 11. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with unemaltem {וּנְמַלְתֶּם | unemaltem}, a Qal perfect with prefixed vav functioning as an imperative directive. The particle et {אֵת | ʾēt} signals the definite object, leading into the construct phrase besar orlatkhem {בְּשַׂר עָרְלַתְכֶם | bəśar ʿorlaṯḵem}, linking flesh with your foreskin. The subsequent wayyiqtol-like clause vehayah {וְהָיָה | wəhāyāh} introduces the result clause, connecting to leot {לְאוֹת | ləʾôt}, which designates a ritual sign of ongoing significance. The noun berit {בְּרִית | bərît} identifies the covenant, and the paired prepositional phrases beyni uveineikhem {בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם | bēnî ûvēnêḵem} emphasize the bilateral relationship. The translations preserve Hebrew coordination and causative-result structure with “distinguishing mark” and “act will stand as a sign” reflecting the original emphasis. |