| 30. Linguistic Exegesis Hebrew employs lamed-prefixed participles to frame both passive and active engagement with wine. The first phrase lame’acharim {לַֽמְאַחֲרִים | laməʾaḥārîm} ‘to those who linger’ uses a Piel participle for habitual delay, while the second labba’im {לַבָּאִים | labbāʾîm} ‘to those who go’ uses a Qal participle to denote purposeful movement. The maqqef in al-hayayin {עַל־הַיָּיִן | ʿal-hayyāyin} binds the preposition and noun into one unit, emphasizing prolonged involvement. The infinitive laḥqôr {לַחְקֹר | laḥqôr} introduces a purpose clause specifying investigation of mimsaḵ {מִמְסָךְ | mimsāḥ} ‘mixed wine,’ highlighting both intent and temptation. This parallel structure underscores the progression from lingering over wine to actively seeking stronger mixtures. |