| 23. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with a rhetorical question introduced by hayahafokh {הֲיַהֲפֹךְ | ha-ya-ha-pōḵ}, expressing the inability to alter innate characteristics. It juxtaposes the Cushite {kushi | kû-shî}, representing an ethnic identity, and his skin {oro | ʿō-rō} as an immutable physical trait. The parallel clause pairs the leopard {namer | na-mēr} with its spots {khavarburotav | ḥa-var-bu-ro-ṯāv} in synonymous structure. The term gam-atem tukhelu {גַּם־אַתֶּם תּוּכְל֣וּ | gam-ʾa-tem tû-kə-lû} shifts the challenge to the audience, highlighting moral incapacity. The phrase leheitiv limudei hara {לְהֵיטִיב לִמֻּדֵי הָרֵעַ | lə-hê-tîḇ li-mu-dê ha-rē-aʿ} employs a Hiphil infinitive construct followed by a passive participle construct to convey a habitual disposition. Hebrew parallelism and rhetorical questioning underscore the point that deep-seated nature resists simple change. English translation preserves the metaphorical imagery and maintains rhetorical force. |