לְבֵנִ֥ים נָפָ֖לוּ וְגָזִ֣ית נִבְנֶ֑ה שִׁקְמִ֣ים גֻּדָּ֔עוּ וַאֲרָזִ֖ים נַחֲלִֽיף׃
Bricks have fallen, but we will build with hewn stone; sycamores have been cut down, but cedars we will replace them with.
Morphology
- לְבֵנִ֥ים (levenim) – Root: לבן; Form: Noun feminine plural; Translation: “bricks”; Notes: Clay building material, symbolizing fragile human constructions.
- נָפָ֖לוּ (naflu) – Root: נפל; Form: Qal perfect 3rd person plural; Translation: “have fallen”; Notes: Refers to destruction, possibly by invasion or judgment.
- וְגָזִ֣ית (ve-gazit) – Root: גזז; Form: Conjunction + noun feminine singular; Translation: “but hewn stone”; Notes: Superior material, indicating prideful rebuilding effort.
- נִבְנֶ֑ה (nivne) – Root: בנה; Form: Nifal imperfect 1st person plural; Translation: “we will build”; Notes: Passive-reflexive, implying determination to restore stronger.
- שִׁקְמִ֣ים (shiqmim) – Root: שׁקם; Form: Noun masculine plural; Translation: “sycamores”; Notes: Common trees, often used symbolically for modest provision.
- גֻּדָּ֔עוּ (guddaʿu) – Root: גדע; Form: Pual perfect 3rd person plural; Translation: “have been cut down”; Notes: Signifies loss or destruction.
- וַאֲרָזִ֖ים (va-ʾarazim) – Root: ארז; Form: Conjunction + noun masculine plural; Translation: “but cedars”; Notes: Cedars were prized for their strength and majesty.
- נַחֲלִֽיף (naḥalif) – Root: חלף; Form: Hifil imperfect 1st person plural; Translation: “we will replace”; Notes: Indicates defiant human resolution to rebuild stronger despite judgment.