| 28. Linguistic Exegesis The verse features two parallel prohibitions introduced by the negator lo {לֹא | lo} with the Qal imperfect tittenu {תִתְּנוּ | tit-te-nu}, creating a strong negative command pattern. The prepositional phrases bi-vsar-khem {בִּבְשַׂרְכֶם | bi-v-sar-khem} and ba-khem {בָּכֶ֑ם | ba-khem} delimit internal flesh and external body as the loci of the bans. The hendiadys u-kto-vet qa‘aqa‘ {וּכְתֹבֶת קֽ͏ַעֲקַ֔ע | u-kto-vet qa-a-qa} merges writing and engraving into a single tattoo concept. The closing a-ni yə-ho-wāh {אֲנִי יְהוָֽה | a-ni yə-ho-wāh} self-declaration functions as a covenantal authority formula. |