| 7. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the vav-consecutive verb venatata {וְנָתַתָּ֥ | ve-nā-ṭaṯ-tā} ‘and you shall put’, framing the imperative instruction. This is followed by the prepositional phrase al hamaarekhet {עַל־הַמַּעֲרֶכֶת | ʿal ha-ma-ʿa-rə-ḵeṯ} ‘upon the arrangement’, specifying placement. The noun phrase levonah zakkah {לְבֹנָה זַכָּה | lə-vo-nā za-kkā} ‘pure frankincense’ uses an absolute adjective to emphasize ritual purity. The coordinating vav in vehayetah {וְהָיְתָ֤ה | ve-hā-ye-tā} ‘and it shall be’ links the incense to its cultic function. The infinitival expression lallechem leazkarah {לַלֶּחֶם לְĝasְכָּרָה | la-le-ḥem lə-ʾaz-ka-rā} ‘for the bread as a memorial-portion’ employs two prepositions to articulate purpose and association. Finally, the appositional phrase ishsheh laYHWH {אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה | ʾish-še la-yə-hō-wāh} ‘a fire-offering to the LORD’ classifies the act within the sacrificial system. The parallel structure underscores the dual identity of the frankincense—as integral to the showbread and simultaneously as a distinct offering to God. |