| 28. Linguistic Exegesis The verse comprises two coordinated clauses. It begins with the noun semamit {שְׂ֭מָמִית | śə-mā-mîṯ} ‘lizard’ followed by the instrumental phrase beyadayim {בְּיָדַ֣יִם | bə-yā-ḏā-yim} ‘with hands,’ which functions as an instrument complement to the verb tetappes {תְּתַפֵּ֑שׂ | ṯə-ta-pēś} ‘she takes hold.’ The conjunction vehi {וְ֝הִ֗יא | wə-hīʾ} ‘and she’ marks the second clause, where the prepositional phrase beheikhlei melekh {בְּהֵ֣יכְלֵי | bə-hêi-ḵlê} ‘in palaces of king’ indicates location. The adversative nuance is rendered by the conjunction “yet,” linking the creature’s ability to grasp to its exalted dwelling, thereby highlighting a paradoxical contrast. |