| 35. Linguistic Exegesis The Hebrew phrase bayom harishon {בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן | bā-yôm hā-rî-ʾōn} functions as a temporal marker “on the first day.” The construct-chain miqrāʾ-qōdeš {מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ | miqrāʾ-qō-deš} forms a nominal unit denoting a summoned holy convocation. The expression kol me-le-ʾe-ḵet ʿă-vo-dāh {כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה | kôl me-le-ʾe-ḵeṯ ʿă-vo-dāh} “all work of service” uses a construct indicating total exclusion. The negative particle lo {לֹא | lōʾ} with the Qal imperfect taʿasu {תַעֲשׂוּ | ṯa-ʿă-sû} yields a firm prohibition “you shall not do.” The sequence foregrounds the festival context by leading with the temporal clause, followed by the designated assembly, and culminating in the inclusive ban on service, highlighting communal rest. |