“Yat” and the Marking of Definiteness: The Syntax of Direct Objects in Targum Onkelos

בְּקַדְמִין בְּרָא יְיָ יָת שְׁמַיָּא וְיָת אַרְעָא

In the beginning, the LORD created the heavens and the earth

Opening Focus: Why Study יָת?

In Biblical Aramaic, and especially in Targum Onkelos, the particle יָת (yat) plays a critical grammatical role. It marks definite direct objects, a feature not found in the same way in Biblical Hebrew. The verse בְּקַדְמִין בְּרָא יְיָ יָת שְׁמַיָּא וְיָת אַרְעָא (Genesis 1:1 in Targum Onkelos) beautifully demonstrates this phenomenon, containing two uses of יָת that frame the syntax of the act of creation.

This article explores how יָת functions grammatically, morphologically, and semantically, and why its use in this foundational verse sets the tone for Targumic rendering throughout the Torah.

Morphology of יָת

Form and Derivation

– יָת is an indeclinable particle.
– It is not derived from a verbal or nominal root and functions solely as a syntactic marker.
– Unlike pronominal suffixes, it does not change form based on number, gender, or person.

Relation to Hebrew Syntax

Hebrew does not use a direct object marker that distinguishes definiteness structurally (aside from the accusative marker אֵת, which does not indicate definiteness explicitly). Aramaic, however, reserves יָת precisely for that function: it marks that the object is definite, not indefinite or generic.

Syntax: Position and Behavior

Clause Structure in Genesis 1:1

– Verb: בְּרָא (“created” – Peal perfect masculine singular)
– Subject: יְיָ (YHWH, the LORD)
– Direct Objects: יָת שְׁמַיָּא and וְיָת אַרְעָא

Key Syntactic Observations

1. Preverbal Position: The verb בְּרָא precedes its subject and object, following the typical Aramaic verb–subject–object (VSO) order.
2. Definiteness Marking: Both שְׁמַיָּא (“the heavens”) and אַרְעָא (“the earth”) are preceded by יָת, confirming their definiteness.
3. Coordination with וְ: The second object is introduced with וְ but still retains its own יָת, reaffirming that each object is independently definite.

Without יָת?

If the Targum had said merely בְּרָא יְיָ שְׁמַיָּא וְאַרְעָא, this would have introduced ambiguity. The objects might be understood as indefinite or even adverbial, an outcome the Targum resolutely avoids.

Semantics: What Does יָת Add?

Precision and Specificity

By marking both שְׁמַיָּא and אַרְעָא with יָת, the Targum ensures that the reader understands these as specific entities: the heavens and the earth known and intended by YHWH—not just generic skies and land.

Contrast with Indefinites

If we had instead בְּרָא יָת שְׁמַיִּין (non-pointed) with no definite article or marker, it could mean “he created some heavens.” יָת removes this ambiguity.

Echo of Hebrew אֵת?

While often aligned functionally with the Hebrew accusative marker אֵת, יָת in Aramaic is more semantically loaded: it doesn’t just mark the object—it affirms its definite identity.

Discourse Perspective: Opening the Targum with יָת

Stylistic Intent of the Targumist

The double use of יָת in the first line of the Targum sets a stylistic precedent. Throughout the Targum, the particle becomes a faithful indicator of object definiteness and concrete interpretive commitment.

– In Genesis 1:1, this is not just a description of creation, but the assertion of the creation of those specific, cosmically significant things.

Theological Implication

In Targumic theology, YHWH does not create in vague or abstract ways. Every act is purposeful. By marking יָת שְׁמַיָּא and יָת אַרְעָא, the Targum proclaims the divine intentionality and cosmic scope of the act of creation.

Comparative Table: יָת in Use

Echoes of יָת in Aramaic Grammar

The presence of יָת in Genesis 1:1 is not accidental, nor merely ornamental. It reflects a deeply Aramaic way of structuring reality through grammar. By explicitly marking what is known, definite, and intended, יָת asserts grammatical control over the narrative world. Unlike Hebrew, which often relies on context to determine definiteness, Aramaic prefers to say it outright.

This small word reveals the inner workings of Targumic theology, syntax, and interpretation—offering clarity where Hebrew is implicit and laying grammatical rails upon which sacred narrative rides.