יֵֽלְכוּ֙ יֹֽנְקֹותָ֔יו וִיהִ֥י כַזַּ֖יִת הֹודֹ֑ו וְרֵ֥יחַֽ לֹ֖ו כַּלְּבָנֹֽון׃
His shoots shall spread, and his splendor shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like the Levanon.
Morphology
- יֵלְכוּ (yelᵊkhu) – Root: הָלַךְ (halakh); Form: Qal imperfect 3rd person masculine plural; Translation: “shall go forth” or “shall spread”; Notes: Describes the outward expansion and growth of Yisraʾel, likened to vigorous plant shoots extending in all directions.
- יֹנְקוֹתָיו (yonqotav) – Root: יָנַק (yanaq); Form: Noun feminine plural + suffix 3ms; Translation: “his shoots” or “his sucklings”; Notes: Refers to new offshoots or tender branches symbolizing new life and generational renewal under divine blessing.
- וִיהִי (vihi) – Root: הָיָה (hayah); Form: Conjunction וְ + Qal imperfect 3rd person masculine singular (jussive); Translation: “and shall be”; Notes: Expresses a continued blessing—Israel’s renewed vitality and beauty are a result of YHWH’s healing presence.
- כַּזַּיִת (ka-zayit) – Root: זַיִת (zayit); Form: Preposition כְּ + noun masculine singular; Translation: “like the olive tree”; Notes: The olive tree symbolizes endurance, fruitfulness, and divine favor—an emblem of Israel’s lasting covenant identity.
- הֹודֹו (hodo) – Root: הָדָר (hadar) / הוֹד (hod); Form: Noun masculine singular + suffix 3ms; Translation: “his splendor” or “his beauty”; Notes: Refers to majesty, dignity, or glory—reflecting Israel’s restored honor and radiance through YHWH’s blessing.
- וְרֵיחַ (ve-reyaḥ) – Root: רֵיחַ (reyaḥ); Form: Conjunction וְ + noun masculine singular; Translation: “and fragrance”; Notes: Suggests the pleasing aroma of righteousness and blessing—a metaphor for spiritual delight and divine favor.
- לוֹ (lo) – Root: —; Form: Preposition לְ + suffix 3ms; Translation: “to him” or “his”; Notes: Indicates possession—“his fragrance,” referring to the renewed spiritual appeal and grace of the restored people.
- כַּלְּבָנֹון (ka-Lebanon) – Root: לְבָנֹון (Levanon); Form: Preposition כְּ + proper noun masculine singular; Translation: “like the Lebanon”; Notes: Lebanon’s lush forests and aromatic cedars symbolize strength, beauty, and spiritual fragrance—imagery of abundant life and divine restoration.