Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

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The Differences Between Hebrew and Aramaic

Hebrew and Aramaic are two closely related Northwest Semitic languages that have played significant roles in the history of the ancient Near East and the development of religious texts, including the Bible and the Targums. Both languages emerged from the … Continue reading

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Ketib and Qere: Textual Variants and Oral Tradition in the Masoretic Hebrew Bible

The Masoretic Hebrew Bible stands as one of the most meticulously preserved texts in human history, serving as the authoritative scriptural foundation for Judaism. Among its many intricate features, the system of Ketib (כְּתִיב, “what is written”) and Qere (קְרֵי, … Continue reading

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The Notation of Ketib and Qere in the Masoretic Manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible

The Masoretic Text (MT) of the Hebrew Bible is a product of meticulous textual preservation efforts by Jewish scribes known as the Masoretes. A unique feature of the MT is the system of Ketib (כתיב) and Qere (קרי) notations, which … Continue reading

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The Construct State in Biblical Hebrew: Structure and Significance

The construct state in Biblical Hebrew is a grammatical feature that indicates a relationship between two or more nouns, often translated into English as a possessive or genitive construction (e.g., “the king’s house” or “the house of the king”). This … Continue reading

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The Prefix Conjugation (Imperfect) in Biblical Hebrew: Nuances and Usage

The prefix conjugation in Biblical Hebrew, often labeled as the yiqtol form, is one of the most versatile and complex aspects of the language’s verbal system. Unlike English, which relies on tenses to indicate time (past, present, future), Biblical Hebrew … Continue reading

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The Cessation of Hebrew as a Popular Language Among Jews

Hebrew, one of the world’s oldest and most storied languages, holds a unique and revered place in the annals of human history. Originating in the ancient Near East, Hebrew has been intimately tied to the cultural, religious, and literary traditions … Continue reading

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Petuchah (פ) and Setumah (ס): The Hidden Structure of the Torah

The Torah is more than just a sacred text filled with divine commandments and historical narratives; it is also a meticulously crafted manuscript, preserved with precision by generations of scribes. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Torah’s structure … Continue reading

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The Participle Form of Verbs with Guttural Middle Radicals in Biblical Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, verbs are built from roots typically consisting of three consonants, known as radicals. When the middle radical is a guttural consonant—א (aleph), ה (he), ח (chet), or ע (ayin)—it can affect the vocalization and structure of the … Continue reading

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The Preposition in Biblical Hebrew

Prepositions are essential in Biblical Hebrew, serving to connect nouns, pronouns, and phrases, and clarifying relationships such as direction, location, time, and purpose. Unlike in English, many prepositions in Biblical Hebrew attach directly to the words they modify, often influencing … Continue reading

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The Plural of the Noun in Biblical Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, pluralization is a fundamental aspect of grammar that influences the form and function of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Unlike English, which typically adds -s or -es to create plurals, Biblical Hebrew employs specific suffixes that vary depending … Continue reading

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