Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

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Hebrew Tenses

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Biblical Hebrew

The Nature of Tense in Hebrew Verbs The designation of the term tense in the context of Hebrew verbs is a misnomer that has long led to misunderstandings regarding the function of the Hebrew verbal system. Unlike Indo-European languages, where … Continue reading →

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Clause Structure and Theological Expression in Esther 4:3

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Biblical Hebrew

Introduction: Contextual and Literary Setting of Esther 4:3 Esther 4:3 captures the moment of national crisis in the Persian diaspora, following Haman’s genocidal decree against the Jews. The verse is positioned within the narrative tension that prompts Esther’s eventual intervention. … Continue reading →

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The Use of the Cohortative and Jussive in Saul’s Final Request in 1 Samuel 31:4

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Biblical Hebrew

Introduction to 1 Samuel 31:4 1 Samuel 31:4 records the tragic final moments of King Saul, where he commands his armor-bearer to kill him, fearing humiliation at the hands of the Philistines. This verse features the cohortative and jussive verb … Continue reading →

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Volitional Modality and Antithetical Parallelism in Psalm 25:3

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Biblical Hebrew

Introduction to Psalm 25:3: Volition, Shame, and Contrast in Hebrew Poetry Psalm 25:3 presents a theological contrast between two groups: those who קִוּוּ (“wait” or “hope”) for YHWH, and those who act treacherously. The grammatical structure distinguishes these groups by … Continue reading →

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Perfect Aspect and Divine Judgment in Isaiah 13:11: The Grammar of Prophetic Certainty

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Biblical Hebrew

Introduction: Oracular Certainty in the Context of Global Judgment Isaiah 13 forms part of the so-called “Oracles Against the Nations,” focusing here on Babylon. Verse 11 stands as a divine pronouncement of cosmic justice, where YHWH himself announces judgment on … Continue reading →

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Repetition, Aspect, and Poetic Judgment in Psalm 96:13

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Biblical Hebrew

Introduction: Eschatological Expectation in Liturgical Poetry Psalm 96 celebrates the kingship of YHWH and His coming judgment over all the earth. The final verse, 96:13, brings the psalm to a climax with a powerful prophetic declaration, repeated for emphasis: לִפְנֵ֤י … Continue reading →

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1 Kings 6:1 – Temporal Clauses and Construct State in Date Formulas

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Biblical Hebrew

וַיְהִ֣י בִשְׁמֹונִ֣ים שָׁנָ֣ה וְאַרְבַּ֣ע מֵאֹ֣ות שָׁנָ֡ה לְצֵ֣את בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל מֵאֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַיִם֩ בַּשָּׁנָ֨ה הָרְבִיעִ֜ית בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ זִ֗ו ה֚וּא הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י לִמְלֹ֥ךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיִּ֥בֶן הַבַּ֖יִת לַיהוָֽה׃ And it came to be, in the four hundred and Read more […]

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Hebrew Words You Should Know

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Biblical Hebrew

List of Hebrew words you need to know in order to read the Hebrew Bible and Modern Hebrew. גַּם – also מיִ – who מַה, מָה, מֱה – what אֵיפֹה – where מָתַי – when מַדּוּעַ – why אֵיזֶה – which (m.s.) אֵיזוֹ – which (f.s.) ?אֶת … Continue reading →

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The Influence of Heart and the Hifil Verb הִשִּׁיאֶ֔ךָ in Obadiah 1:3

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Biblical Hebrew

Introduction to Obadiah 1:3 Obadiah 1:3 continues the prophetic judgment against Edom, emphasizing its arrogance and false sense of security. The verse contains several significant grammatical elements, including the noun זְדֹ֤ון (zedon, “pride”), the Hifil verb הִשִּׁיאֶ֔ךָ (hishi’ekha, “has deceived … Continue reading →