The Niphal stem in Biblical Hebrew primarily conveys passive, reflexive, or reciprocal action, often acting as the counterpart to the active Qal stem. It is used when the subject is the recipient of the action (e.g., “was written”) or when the action is self-directed (e.g., “to protect oneself”). The Niphal can also express a middle voice, where the subject is both acting and being acted upon. Additionally, it occasionally conveys a sense of becoming or coming into a state (e.g., “to become known”). Understanding the Niphal is vital for interpreting passages in the Tanakh, as it frequently appears in contexts emphasizing actions done to or by the subject.
Characteristics of the Niphal Stem
1. Passive Voice
The Niphal often functions as the passive counterpart to the Qal stem, describing actions performed on the subject.
Example: כָּתַב (katav, “he wrote” – Qal) vs. נִכְתַּב (nikhtav, “it was written” – Niphal).
2. Reflexive Voice
The Niphal can indicate that the subject performs an action upon itself.
Example: נִשְׁמַר (nishmar, “he guarded himself”).
3. Reciprocal Voice
In some cases, the Niphal expresses actions performed mutually between two or more parties.
Example: נִלְחַם (nilkham, “they fought each other”).
4. Middle Voice
Occasionally, the Niphal conveys an action where the subject is both acting and being acted upon.
5. Intransitive or “Resultative” Meaning
The Niphal can also describe a change of state or becoming something, often carrying a sense of intransitivity.
Example: נוֹדַע (noda, “it became known”).
Niphal Formation
1. Prefixes and Suffixes
The Niphal prefix form is often marked by the addition of נִ (ni-). The perfect tense uses נִ with a characteristic vowel pattern.
2. Characteristic Features
The first root letter is typically doubled in some forms (dagesh in the second consonant). It often includes a hireq (ִ◌) vowel under the prefix and a patach (ַ◌) or qamets (ָ◌) vowel in other positions.
3. Examples of Conjugations in the Niphal Stem
| Tense/Aspect | Example Verb (שׁמר – “to guard”) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect | נִשְׁמַר (nishmar) | “He was guarded” |
| Imperfect | יִשָּׁמֵר (yishamer) | “He will be guarded” |
| Imperative | הִשָּׁמֵר (hishamer) | “Be guarded!” |
| Infinitive | הִשָּׁמֵר (hishamer) | “To be guarded” |
| Participle | נִשְׁמָר (nishmar) | “Being guarded” |
Examples of the Niphal Stem in the Tanakh
1. Passive Use
Genesis 2:4: בְּיוֹם עֲשׂוֹת יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶרֶץ וְשָׁמָיִם (beyom asot Adonai Elohim eretz v’shamayim – “on the day the LORD God made the earth and the heavens”).
The Niphal of עשה (asah, “to make”) appears here as נַעֲשֶׂה (na’aseh, “it was made”).
2. Reflexive Use
Exodus 19:15: הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם עַלּוֹת בָּהָר (hishameru lachem alot bahar – “Be careful not to go up the mountain”).
The Niphal of שמר (shamar, “to guard”) expresses self-guarding or caution.
3. Reciprocal Use
Judges 15:9: וַיִּלָּחֲמוּ בִיהוּדָה (vayillakhamu bi-Yehudah – “They fought against Judah”).
The verb נִלְחַם (nilkham, “they fought”) implies reciprocal action.
4. Change of State
Isaiah 6:3: וַיִּקָּרֵא זֶה אֶל זֶה (vayikkare zeh el zeh – “And one called to another”).
The Niphal verb נִקְרָא (nikra, “it was called”) indicates a state of being summoned or named.
Key Insights into the Niphal Stem
- The meaning of the Niphal often depends on context, as the same form can express passive, reflexive, or reciprocal action.
- Some verbs appear predominantly in the Niphal stem, especially when describing changes of state or conditions (e.g., נוֹדַע – “to become known”).
- Many Niphal verbs carry significant theological weight, describing divine actions or conditions brought about by God.
- Comparing the Niphal to the Qal, Piel, and Hiphil stems helps highlight nuances of voice and action.
Practice with the Niphal Stem
1. Translate the following verses, focusing on the Niphal verbs:
- Genesis 12:2: נִבְרְכוּ (nivrekhu, “will be blessed”).
- Psalm 119:18: גָּלֵה (galeh, “be opened”).
2. Identify the stem and function of the Niphal verb in these sentences:
- “The book was written.”
- “He protected himself from harm.”
Niphal Stem Mastery
The Niphal stem is a versatile and essential part of Biblical Hebrew, providing tools to understand passive, reflexive, and reciprocal actions. Mastery of its forms and functions enhances one’s ability to interpret the Tanakh with precision, revealing nuances in texts that describe divine acts, human interactions, and changes of state. Through careful study and practice, learners can deepen their appreciation for the richness of Biblical Hebrew and its theological and linguistic depth.
Insights on the Niphal Stem in Biblical Hebrew
1. Historical Development of the Niphal Stem
The Niphal stem historically derives from the root combination of the prefix נ (nun) with the Qal stem. Over time, the Niphal developed as a distinct verb form in Biblical Hebrew. The prefix נ (nun) initially functioned to indicate a reflexive or passive action, eventually becoming integral to the Niphal morphology.
2. Usage in Theological Contexts
The Niphal frequently appears in theological and liturgical contexts to describe actions performed by God or events unfolding under divine will. This is especially significant in prophetic literature, where it highlights God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His decrees.
Example: נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה (nishba Adonai, “The LORD has sworn”) – Isaiah 45:23.
3. Double Niphal Verbs
Some verbs appear almost exclusively in the Niphal stem and carry a specific or idiomatic meaning unique to this form. These verbs are often intransitive or describe states of being.
Example: נוֹשַׁע (nosha, “was saved” or “received deliverance”) – Exodus 14:30.
4. Interaction with Negation
When negated, the Niphal stem can indicate an action that cannot or will not occur, often with theological implications.
Example: לֹא יִשָּׁכַח (lo yishakhach, “It will not be forgotten”) – Deuteronomy 31:21.
5. Extended Reflexive and Middle Voice Uses
While the Niphal often reflects self-directed action, it can also express an “internal” or middle voice nuance where the subject and the action are intertwined.
Example: נִחָם (nikham, “he comforted himself” or “he regretted”) – Genesis 6:6.
6. Participial Forms and Adjectival Usage
The Niphal participle is commonly used adjectivally to describe a subject in a particular state. These forms can be translated into English as adjectives or phrases using “being” or “having been.”
Example: נִבְחָרִים (nivkharim, “chosen ones”) – Judges 20:16.
7. Rare and Idiomatic Niphal Verbs
Certain Niphal verbs convey specific idiomatic meanings, often unrelated to their Qal counterparts. These usages are crucial for understanding the text’s nuance.
Example: נִכְרַת (nikhrat, “was cut off” or “destroyed”) – Genesis 9:11. Here, the Niphal implies a covenantal or divine severance.
8. Semantic Overlap with Other Stems
The Niphal shares some functions with the Pual and Hophil stems, particularly in expressing passive or reciprocal meanings. However, the Niphal is more versatile, often carrying nuances not present in the other stems.
Example of Distinction:
- Niphal: נִבְרַךְ (nivrak, “he was blessed”).
- Pual: בֹּרַךְ (borak, “he was blessed”) – the latter is more restricted in its usage.
9. Interaction with Prepositions
Niphal verbs frequently pair with specific prepositions to refine or extend their meaning. This is particularly evident in reflexive and reciprocal usages.
Example: נִשְׁמַע לְ (nishma l’, “was heard by” or “listened to”) – Deuteronomy 1:43.
10. Niphal in Poetic Literature
The Niphal stem is prevalent in Hebrew poetry, where it emphasizes divine action, passive occurrences, or reflective states. Its use contributes to the poetic parallelism and thematic depth of the Psalms and prophetic texts.
Example: נִבְהַלְתָּ (nivhaltah, “you were dismayed”) – Psalm 104:29.
11. Frequency in Biblical Texts
The Niphal stem is the second most common verb form in Biblical Hebrew after the Qal. Its frequency reflects its importance in expressing non-active voice nuances in narratives, laws, and prophecies.
12. Advanced Parsing and Analysis
For students of Biblical Hebrew, recognizing irregular forms of the Niphal and understanding their root transformations (e.g., weak roots, guttural letters) is critical. Weak verbs in the Niphal often show vowel or consonant changes that differ from standard paradigms.
Example: יִוָּדַע (yivvada, “it will become known”) – Genesis 44:16.
Niphal Stem Uses
The Niphal stem’s passive, reflexive, reciprocal, and idiomatic uses make it a rich and multifaceted aspect of Biblical Hebrew. Whether describing divine action, human interaction, or changes of state, the Niphal provides depth to the language, enhancing our understanding of the Tanakh. Mastering its forms and subtleties is essential for any serious student of Biblical Hebrew.
