Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online

Conditional Syntax and Communal Anthropology in Ecclesiastes 4:11

Introduction: Companionship, Survival, and the Poetics of Two Ecclesiastes 4:11 sits within a poetic unit (vv. 9–12) extolling the benefits of companionship over isolation. The passage uses practical imagery to promote shared life and mutual aid. This verse, in particular, … Continue reading

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Tagged | Comments Off on Conditional Syntax and Communal Anthropology in Ecclesiastes 4:11

The Hebrew Verb בָּכָה: To Weep or Cry

The Hebrew verb בָּכָה (root: ב-כ-ה) means “to weep,” “to cry,” or “to lament.” It is one of the most emotive verbs in the Hebrew Bible and appears frequently in narratives, poetry, and laments to express sorrow, mourning, or intense … Continue reading

Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb בָּכָה: To Weep or Cry

Measuring Judgment: Distributive Syntax and Temporal Framing in Ezekiel 4:10

Introduction: Symbolic Acts and the Grammar of Famine In Ezekiel 4, the prophet performs symbolic actions that embody the coming siege and judgment upon Yerushalayim. Verse 10 forms part of YHWH’s instructions for Ezekiel’s food rationing during his enacted siege, … Continue reading

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Tagged | Comments Off on Measuring Judgment: Distributive Syntax and Temporal Framing in Ezekiel 4:10

Standing in the Midst: Participles, Command Chains, and Theological Transition in Joshua 4:10

Introduction: Narrative Suspension and Liturgical Obedience at the Jordan Joshua 4:10 presents a narrative interlude during the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, emphasizing the role of the priests and the obedience to divine command mediated through Moshe and Yehoshua. … Continue reading

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Tagged | Comments Off on Standing in the Midst: Participles, Command Chains, and Theological Transition in Joshua 4:10

The Hebrew Verb בִּין: To Understand, Discern, or Perceive

The Hebrew verb בִּין (root: ב-י-ן) is a hollow verb meaning “to understand,” “to discern,” “to consider,” or “to perceive with insight.” It is a central concept in biblical wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, where understanding (בִּינָה) is prized alongside … Continue reading

Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb בִּין: To Understand, Discern, or Perceive

Perception, Predicate Structure, and the Recognition of Holiness in 2 Kings 4:9

Introduction: Hospitality, Discernment, and the Prophetic Figure 2 Kings 4:9 records the words of the Shunammite woman as she speaks to her husband regarding the prophet Elisha. Her declaration serves as the turning point for their household’s hospitality and the … Continue reading

Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Perception, Predicate Structure, and the Recognition of Holiness in 2 Kings 4:9

The Hebrew Verb בָּטֵל: To Cease, Be Idle, or Be Nullified

The Hebrew verb בָּטֵל (root: ב-ט-ל) means “to cease,” “to be idle,” “to become null,” or “to be ineffective.” It conveys the idea of stopping an action or rendering something void or powerless. In biblical Hebrew, this verb appears both … Continue reading

Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb בָּטֵל: To Cease, Be Idle, or Be Nullified

Conditional Syntax and the Language of Belief in Exodus 4:8

Introduction: Signs, Skepticism, and Theological Assurance Exodus 4:8 captures a divine anticipation of Israel’s skeptical response to Moshe’s mission. God provides Moshe with miraculous signs and predicts their effects using a conditional structure that weaves together belief, hearing, and persuasion. … Continue reading

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Tagged | Comments Off on Conditional Syntax and the Language of Belief in Exodus 4:8

The Hebrew Verb בָּטַח: To Trust, Rely Upon, or Be Confident

The Hebrew verb בָּטַח (root: ב-ט-ח) means “to trust,” “to be confident,” or “to rely upon.” It is one of the most important and frequently used words in biblical Hebrew for expressing faith, security, and dependence—especially on YHWH. The verb … Continue reading

Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb בָּטַח: To Trust, Rely Upon, or Be Confident

Imperative Syntax and the Economics of Wisdom in Proverbs 4:7

Introduction: Wisdom as Commodity and Command Proverbs 4:7 is a pivotal statement in the wisdom tradition, combining instructional tone with poetic parallelism. It exhorts the learner to prioritize wisdom above all possessions, using the language of acquisition and possession. The … Continue reading

Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Imperative Syntax and the Economics of Wisdom in Proverbs 4:7