Biblical Hebrew’s three-tiered number system—singular, dual, and plural—is more than a grammatical tool; it’s a theological and poetic compass. The dual form, reserved for paired entities like יָדַ֫יִם (hands) or עֵינַ֫יִם (eyes), captures symmetry and intentionality, while plural forms like אֱלֹהִים and צְדָקוֹת evoke majesty, abstraction, or divine intensity. Hebrew’s treatment of number threads through syntax and construct chains, morphing endings to express possession or emphasis. Even irregularities such as אָבוֹת and חַיִּים invite reflection on covenant lineage and existential vitality. To grasp number is to read Scripture not just with precision—but with poetic sensitivity to how Israel measured meaning.
1. The Tripartite Number System
Biblical Hebrew distinguishes three grammatical numbers:
- Singular – referring to one item.
- Dual – referring to two items, often used for naturally paired objects (e.g., eyes, hands).
- Plural – referring to three or more items.
Unlike English, which has only singular and plural, Hebrew’s tripartite system allows nuanced expression in grammar and poetry.
2. Singular
The singular form is the lexical base form of most nouns:
- סֵ֫פֶר – book
- מֶ֫לֶךְ – king
- תּוֹרָה – law
These nouns carry inherent gender and agree with verbs and adjectives accordingly.
3. Dual
The dual form refers specifically to two of something. It usually ends in ־ַיִם:
- יָדַ֫יִם – two hands
- עֵינַ֫יִם – two eyes
- י֫וֹמַיִם – two days
- שְׁנָתַ֫יִם – two years
Notably, certain nouns like שָׁמַ֫יִם (heavens) and מַ֫יִם (waters) appear in dual form but behave grammatically as plural.
Dual construct forms typically retain the same ending ־ַיִם and do not shift to a construct form with ־ֵי. This distinguishes them from the construct forms of plural nouns.
4. Plural
The plural indicates three or more entities and uses different endings for masculine and feminine:
- Masculine: ־ִים (e.g., סְפָרִים – books)
- Feminine: ־וֹת (e.g., תּוֹרוֹת – laws)
There are irregularities:
- חַיִּים – a masculine noun with a plural form that may function abstractly (“life”)
- אָבוֹת – a masculine noun with a feminine-looking plural ending
5. Grammatical Agreement and Number
Verbs, adjectives, and demonstratives agree with the noun’s number:
- אָמַר (he said) vs. אָמְרוּ (they said)
- טוֹב (good, masc. sg.) vs. טוֹבִים (good, masc. pl.)
- זֶה (this) vs. אֵ֫לֶּה (these)
6. Construct State and Number
Nouns retain their number when in the construct state (used in possessive chains), but forms may change:
- Masculine plural: סְפָרִים → סִפְרֵי
- Feminine plural: תּוֹרוֹת remains תּוֹרוֹת in construct
- Dual nouns: generally do not change form in the construct state, retaining ־ַיִם (e.g., יָדַ֫יִם remains יָדַ֫יִם)
7. Semantic and Stylistic Effects of Number
Biblical Hebrew uses plural forms for:
- Majesty: אֱלֹהִים (plural form for God)
- Abstraction: צְדָקוֹת (acts of righteousness)
- Intensification: חַיִּים (life as a force, vitality)
8. Number in Poetry and Parallelism
Poetic parallelism may use variation in number for stylistic effect, especially between singular and plural forms, to match rhythm, emphasis, or structure.
9. Mastering Number in Biblical Hebrew
To gain fluency:
- Memorize irregular noun forms early
- Practice parsing in context
- Pay attention to construct chains and how number interacts with them
Mastery of number enriches comprehension of Hebrew prose and poetry.
A Language of Measure and Meaning
Understanding number in Biblical Hebrew is more than grammar—it offers insight into how ancient Israel described creation, relationships, and even time. From singular eternity to plural majesty, Hebrew uses number to convey layered meaning.
