Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.

The Use of Narrative Verb Forms in Job 11:1

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Job 11:1 Job 11:1 introduces a speech by צֹפַר הַנַּעֲמָתִי (Tsofar ha-Na‘amati), one of Job’s friends. The verse consists of two key verbs, וַיַּעַן (vayya‘an, “and he answered”) and וַיֹּאמַר (vayyo’mer, “and he said”), both of which follow the standard Biblical Hebrew narrative verb structure. These forms are part of the wayyiqtol sequence, which is crucial for the flow of Biblical narrative. וַ֭יַּעַן צֹפַ֥ר הַֽנַּעֲמָתִ֗י וַיֹּאמַֽר׃ Analysis of Key Words/Phrases 1. וַיַּעַן (vayya‘an) – “And he answered” 2. צֹפַר הַנַּעֲמָתִי (Tsofar ha-Na‘amati) – “Tsofar the Na‘amathite” 3.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on The Use of Narrative Verb Forms in Job 11:1

The Use of Construct Chains in Nehemiah 10:33

Posted on October 1, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Nehemiah 10:33 Nehemiah 10:33 describes various offerings and sacrifices in the context of temple service. The verse contains multiple construct chains (smikhut), a fundamental grammatical feature in Biblical Hebrew. These construct chains indicate possessive or descriptive relationships between nouns. Understanding their structure is crucial for accurate translation and interpretation of the verse. לְלֶ֣חֶם הַֽמַּעֲרֶ֡כֶת וּמִנְחַ֣ת הַתָּמִ֣יד וּלְעֹולַ֣ת הַ֠תָּמִיד הַשַּׁבָּתֹ֨ות הֶחֳדָשִׁ֜ים לַמֹּועֲדִ֗ים וְלַקֳּדָשִׁים֙ וְלַ֣חַטָּאֹ֔ות לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְכֹ֖ל מְלֶ֥אכֶת בֵּית־אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ Analysis of Key Words/Phrases Several construct chains appear in this verse, each demonstrating different nuances of noun relationships.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on The Use of Construct Chains in Nehemiah 10:33

The Cohortative Verb and Prophetic Invitation in Isaiah 2:3

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Isaiah 2:3 Isaiah 2:3 is part of a prophetic vision describing the nations streaming to Zion to learn the ways of YHWH. The verse contains cohortative verbs, which express exhortation, encouragement, or collective determination. The phrase “Let us go up to the mountain of YHWH” is central to the theme of universal pilgrimage and divine instruction. Additionally, the parallel structure between walking and learning reflects the Hebraic connection between obedience and revelation. This study will analyze the syntax of cohortative verbs, the parallelism of divine instruction and ethical walking, and the theological significance of Zion as the source of Torah.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on The Cohortative Verb and Prophetic Invitation in Isaiah 2:3

In the Wake of the Unsearchable — Cycles of Negation and the Collapse of Wisdom

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
וְרָאִיתִי֮ אֶת־כָּל־מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה הָאֱלֹהִים֒ כִּי֩ לֹ֨א יוּכַ֜ל הָאָדָ֗ם לִמְצֹוא֙ אֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֶׂה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשָׂ֣ה תַֽחַת־הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ בְּ֠שֶׁל אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲמֹ֧ל הָאָדָ֛ם לְבַקֵּ֖שׁ וְלֹ֣א יִמְצָ֑א וְגַ֨ם אִם־יֹאמַ֤ר הֶֽחָכָם֙ לָדַ֔עַת לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִמְצֹֽא׃ Stepping into the Paradox Ecclesiastes 8:17 is a labyrinth of pursuit and limitation. The Preacher looks into the works of God and arrives not at discovery, but at layered frustration. Though man toils to know, and though even the wise claim understanding, the grammar undoes them all. The verse is built on repeated negations, fractured causality, and recursive syntax — a structure that mirrors the theological message: human limitation in the face of divine action.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on In the Wake of the Unsearchable — Cycles of Negation and the Collapse of Wisdom

The Imperative Verb and Direct/Indirect Objects in Exodus 33:1

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Exodus 33:1 Exodus 33:1 occurs after the sin of the golden calf, when YHWH commands Moshe to lead the Israelites toward the Promised Land. The verse contains an imperative verb, several direct and indirect objects, and a relative clause modifying the divine promise to the patriarchs. The use of the imperative לֵךְ (“Go!”) and the command to ascend (עֲלֵה) conveys urgency and divine authority. Additionally, the repetition of אֲשֶׁר introduces relative clauses that define the people and the covenantal land.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Comments Off on The Imperative Verb and Direct/Indirect Objects in Exodus 33:1

Prophetic Judgment Unfolded: Future Imperfects and Consequence Chains in Amos 7:17

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Amos 7:17 לָכֵ֞ן כֹּה־אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֗ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֞ בָּעִ֤יר תִּזְנֶה֙ וּבָנֶ֤יךָ וּבְנֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ בַּחֶ֣רֶב יִפֹּ֔לוּ וְאַדְמָתְךָ֖ בַּחֶ֣בֶל תְּחֻלָּ֑ק וְאַתָּ֗ה עַל־אֲדָמָ֤ה טְמֵאָה֙ תָּמ֔וּת וְיִ֨שְׂרָאֵ֔ל גָּלֹ֥ה יִגְלֶ֖ה מֵעַ֥ל אַדְמָתֹֽו׃ Divine Introduction: לָכֵן כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה לָכֵן (“therefore”) signals consequence or divine response. כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה (“thus said YHWH”) is a standard prophetic formula introducing an oracle. אָמַר — Qal perfect 3ms of א־מ־ר, highlighting completed divine speech It sets the tone for a sequence of irreversible, divinely decreed judgments. Public Disgrace and Death: אִשְׁתְּךָ בָּעִיר תִּזְנֶה אִשְׁתְּךָ (“your wife”) is the subject, addressed directly to the priest Amaziah.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Prophetic Judgment Unfolded: Future Imperfects and Consequence Chains in Amos 7:17

Proverbs 17:27 – Construct Chains and Elliptical Parallelism

Posted on July 2, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
חֹושֵׂ֣ךְ אֲ֭מָרָיו יֹודֵ֣עַ דָּ֑עַת וְקַר־֝ר֗וּחַ אִ֣ישׁ תְּבוּנָֽה׃ One who restrains his words knows knowledge, and one who is cool of spirit is a man of understanding. Explanation of Feature This verse from Proverbs 17:27 showcases two poetic and grammatical features: 1. Construct chains (סְמִיכוּת), such as אִישׁ תְּבוּנָה (“a man of understanding”), where one noun modifies another in a genitive-like relationship. 2. Elliptical parallelism, in which the second clause mirrors the first but omits repeated grammatical elements, allowing readers to supply them from context.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Proverbs 17:27 – Construct Chains and Elliptical Parallelism

Military Metaphors and Temporal Expressions in Biblical Hebrew

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Job 7:1 Job 7:1 employs military imagery and time-based expressions to describe human existence. The phrase “הֲלֹא־צָבָ֣א לֶאֱנֹ֣ושׁ עַל־אָ֑רֶץ” (“Is not man’s life a struggle on earth?”) draws on the metaphor of a soldier’s service, equating life with hardship and labor. Additionally, the phrase “וְכִימֵ֖י שָׂכִ֣יר יָמָֽיו” (“and like the days of a hired worker are his days”) compares human life to that of a hired laborer, emphasizing its transience and toil. הֲלֹא־צָבָ֣א לֶאֱנֹ֣ושׁ עַל־אָ֑רֶץ וְכִימֵ֖י שָׂכִ֣יר יָמָֽיו Analysis of Key Words/Phrases הֲלֹא (halo) Form: Interrogative particle Translation: “Is it not?”… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Comments Off on Military Metaphors and Temporal Expressions in Biblical Hebrew

Temporal Clauses and Chronological Markers in Biblical Hebrew

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to 1 Kings 6:1 1 Kings 6:1 provides a precise chronological marker, situating the construction of Solomon’s Temple in relation to the Exodus from Egypt. This verse is significant because it demonstrates how Biblical Hebrew expresses time through temporal clauses, specific numerical expressions, and verb structures. The phrase “וַיְהִ֣י בִשְׁמֹונִ֣ים שָׁנָ֣ה וְאַרְבַּ֣ע מֵאֹ֣ות שָׁנָ֡ה” (“And it was in the 480th year”) highlights the Hebrew method of expressing ordinal chronology. 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׃ Analysis of Key Words/Phrases וַיְהִ֣י (vay’hi) Root: הָיָה (“to be”) Form: Conjugated verb, Qal wayyiqtol, 3rd masculine singular Translation: “And it was” Notes: A common temporal marker introducing a narrative or event.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Comments Off on Temporal Clauses and Chronological Markers in Biblical Hebrew

The Grammar of Absence: The Particle אֵין in Nominal Clauses

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Biblical Hebrew
וְעַתָּ֕ה הֵנִ֨יחַ יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהַ֛י לִ֖י מִסָּבִ֑יב אֵ֣ין שָׂטָ֔ן וְאֵ֖ין פֶּ֥גַע רָֽע׃ Biblical Hebrew often surprises us not just with what is said—but with what is not. The verse above, from 1 Kings 5:18 (Hebrew versification), contains a seemingly simple phrase: אֵין שָׂטָן וְאֵין פֶּגַע רָע. But hidden in these words is a rich grammatical phenomenon: the syntax of negation in verbless clauses using the existential particle אֵין. This article explores how Biblical Hebrew expresses non-existence, the distinction between אֵין and לֹא, and the special structure of negative nominal clauses.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on The Grammar of Absence: The Particle אֵין in Nominal Clauses
  1. Biblical Hebrew Pages:
  3. 1
  4. ...
  5. 60
  6. 61
  7. 62
  8. 63
  9. 64
  10. 65
  11. 66
  12. ...
  13. 75