| 7. Linguistic Exegesis The narrative verb vayyomer {וַיֹּאמַר | wayyōʾmar} employs the wayyiqtol form to introduce direct speech and propel the narrative. The prohibitive formula al-na {אַל־נָא | ʾal-nāʾ} combines negation with a request marker to convey a polite yet urgent command. The vocative akhai {אַחַי | ʾaḥay} invokes fraternal solidarity before the moral injunction. The Hifil imperfect form tareu {תָּרֵעוּ | tārēʿû}, functioning as a jussive prohibition, directs the addressees not to engage in wrongful behavior, reflecting a Hebrew emphasis on personal moral responsibility. |