| 14. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with an absolute noun tahpukhot {תַּהְפֻּכוֹת | tahpûqōṯ} ‘perversions’ as the subject, followed by a prepositional phrase b'libbo {בְּלִבּ֗וֹ | bĕlîbbô} indicating internal disposition. The participle choresh {חֹרֵשׁ | ḥōrêš} introduces ongoing action, with ra {רָע | rāʿ} as its object. The construct chain b'khol-et {בְּכָל־עֵת | bĕḵōl-ʿêṯ} marks continuous time. The Piel imperfect yeshalleach {יְשַׁלֵּֽחַ | yešallēaḥ} takes midyanim {מִדְיָנִים | midyânîm} to highlight the resulting spread of strife. The coordinated tricolon structure underscores a movement from inner corruption to outward conflict. |