Hebrew vowel signs represent a range of sounds, but they do not fully capture nuances of vowel length and quality, making it essential to understand each vowel’s character. The first class (A-sounds) includes Qameṣ (long or tone-lengthened â), Pathaḥ (short ă), and Segôl (a variant of a or ĕ). The second class (I/E-sounds) features long and short i (with or without Yod), long ē from diphthong ay, Sērē (tone-lengthened ē from ĭ), and Segôl used as a reduced or helping vowel. The third class (U/O-sounds) includes long û (Shûreq/Qibbûṣ), short ŭ, and various forms of ô and ō from contractions or tone lengthening. A summary table categorizes these vowels by class and quantity, with Shewa representing extreme reduction across all classes. Special attention is given to distinguishing Qameṣ (long â) from Qameṣ-ḥaṭuph (short ŏ), which are graphically identical but differ in syllabic context and phonetic value. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate reading and interpretation of Biblical Hebrew.
Although Hebrew writing employs numerous vowel signs, they do not fully express all the nuanced modifications of vowel sounds, especially regarding vowel length and brevity. A closer understanding of each vowel’s character and value—its length, shortness, and changeability—is essential.
I. First Class: A-Sound
1. Qameṣ (ָ )
(1) The essentially long â (as in Arabic ָא), not readily shortened and never completely lost, e.g., כּתָב kəthâbh, “writing”. Rarely followed by Aleph, e.g., רָאשׁ (2 Samuel 12).
(2) The tone-lengthened â derived from short ă, especially under the influence of tone, occurs in both open syllables (e.g., לְךָ, קָטַל) and closed syllables (e.g., יָד, כּוֹכָב). In closed syllables, the vowel must carry the tone (e.g., עוּלָם). Tone shift (as in construct forms) often leads to the use of ַ or ְ.
2. Pathaḥ (ַ )
Short ă appears primarily in closed syllables. In seemingly open syllables (e.g., נַחַל), the syllable was historically closed. Rarely, ă appears with Aleph, but usually becomes â in open syllables (cf. above).
3. Segôl (ֶ )
Often a modification of a, seen in both accented (e.g., קֶרֶן) and unaccented syllables (e.g., אֶרֶץ). It may also reflect an original ă or ĕ, especially in pausal forms (e.g., פֶרִי).
II. Second Class: I- and E-Sounds
4. Long ḭ (ִי)
Usually marked with Yod, but also written defectively. Examples: צַדִּק, יִרָא.
5. Short ḭ (ִ )
Found in sharpened or toneless closed syllables (e.g., מִזְמוֹר). Commonly attenuated from ă (e.g., דִּבְרֵי).
6. Long ē (ֵי)
Derived from ay (e.g., הֵיכָל). Also written defectively (e.g., עֵנֵי).
7. Sērē (ֵ )
Represents tone-lengthened ē from original ĭ (e.g., סֵפֶר, שֵנָה). Commonly used with Metheg in secondary tone syllables (e.g., שְאֵלָתִי).
8. Segôl as I/E Class
Derived from ĭ, replacing lost tone-long ē or as a helping vowel (e.g., יִגֶל).
III. Third Class: U- and O-Sounds
9. U-Sounds
(1) Long û: וּ (Shûreq) or ֻ (Qibbûṣ), e.g., גְּבוּל, יְמֻּתוּן.
(2) Short ŭ: In sharpened or closed syllables (e.g., שֻּלחָן).
10. O-Sounds
(1) Contracted ô from aw (e.g., עֹלָה).
(2) Long ô from original â via obscuring (e.g., שֱלֶוּם).
(3) Tone-long ō from ŭ, common in tone or pre-tone open syllables (e.g., קֹדֶשׁ).
(4) Qameṣ-ḥaṭuph (ָ) for ŏ, appearing in toneless closed syllables (e.g., כָּל).
11. Summary Table of Vowel Quantity
| First Class (A) | Second Class (I/E) | Third Class (U/O) |
|---|---|---|
| ָ (original â) | ֵי (ē from ay) | וּ (û) |
| ָ (tone-long â from ă) | ֵ (tone-long ē from ĭ) | ֹ (tone-long ō from ŭ) |
| ַ (short ă) | ִ (short ĭ) | ֻ (short ŭ) |
| ְ (Shewa) = extreme reduction in all classes | ||
12. Qameṣ vs. Qameṣ-ḥaṭuph
Both are usually marked identically (ָ), although they differ phonetically. Beginners may distinguish them by syllable type:
- ָ is short (Qameṣ-ḥaṭuph) in toneless closed syllables, especially when followed by Shewa (e.g., חָכְמָה), or Dagesh forte (e.g., חָנֵּני).
- When followed by Metheg or in open syllables, ָ is likely long (Qameṣ), e.g., אָכְלָ.
Some cases show apparent ָ in open syllables that are best interpreted as ŏ (short o), e.g., פָעַלְךָ. Jewish grammarians sometimes treat these as long, but comparative evidence suggests they should be read as short or reduced vowels.
