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.

Antithetical Parallelism and Object-Verb Inversion in Prophetic Woe Oracles

Introduction to Isaiah 5:20 This verse forms part of a series of woe oracles in Isaiah 5 that denounce moral perversion and societal corruption. It presents a poetic and rhetorical list of accusations against those who invert moral categories. The verse features antithetical parallelism, where one concept is juxtaposed with its opposite, and also displays instances of object-verb inversion for poetic emphasis. This lesson will focus on the use of semantic inversion and syntactic order variation to deliver prophetic condemnation. הֹ֣וי הָאֹמְרִ֥ים לָרַ֛ע טֹ֖וב וְלַטֹּ֣וב רָ֑ע שָׂמִ֨ים חֹ֤שֶׁךְ לְאֹור֙ וְאֹ֣ור לְחֹ֔שֶׁךְ שָׂמִ֥ים מַ֛ר לְמָתֹ֖וק וּמָתֹ֥וק לְמָֽר׃ Analysis of Key Words and Structures הֹ֣וי (hoy) – “Woe!”… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Antithetical Parallelism and Object-Verb Inversion in Prophetic Woe Oracles

The Hebrew Verb הָיָה: To Be, Become, or Happen

The Hebrew verb הָיָה (root: ה־י־ה) is one of the most essential and frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible. It means “to be,” “to become,” “to happen,” or “to exist.” It expresses states of being, identity, transformation, and occurrence. Though simple in form, its theological and grammatical importance is immense—especially in divine names like יְהוָה (YHWH), which is related etymologically to this root. Unlike many verbs, הָיָה lacks a Qal participle and present-tense forms in biblical Hebrew. Instead, presence is usually implied or expressed with particles or suffixes.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb הָיָה: To Be, Become, or Happen

Let It Come! — Jussives, Sarcasm, and the Grammar of Provocation

הָאֹמְרִ֗ים יְמַהֵ֧ר יָחִ֛ישָׁה מַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ לְמַ֣עַן נִרְאֶ֑ה וְתִקְרַ֣ב וְתָבֹ֗ואָה עֲצַ֛ת קְדֹ֥ושׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וְנֵדָֽעָה׃ The Voice of the Scoffer Isaiah 5:19 places us in the mouth of the arrogant: those who dare the God of Yisra’el to act, mocking divine delay and justice. But the verse doesn’t merely quote their defiance — it mirrors it in grammar. The Hebrew is laced with jussive verbs, cohortative structures, and rhetorical inversion. Their words are arranged in commands, not prayers — in provocations, not petitions. The syntax is deliberate: the scoffer disguises rebellion as eagerness, and grammar becomes the very vessel of blasphemy.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Let It Come! — Jussives, Sarcasm, and the Grammar of Provocation

The Hebrew Verb דָּרַשׁ: To Seek, Inquire, Investigate, or Preach

The Hebrew verb דָּרַשׁ (root: ד־ר־שׁ) has a wide and rich semantic range. It fundamentally means “to seek” or “to inquire,” but its usage expands into contexts of: Seeking or inquiring after someone or something (including God). Studying or investigating deeply, especially Scripture or law. Preaching, interpreting, or expounding—as seen in Rabbinic Hebrew. This verb is central to the development of midrash (מִדְרָשׁ), meaning “interpretation” or “exposition.” It appears frequently in the Bible, especially in Deuteronomy, Psalms, and prophetic literature.   Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּרַשׁ (“to seek, inquire, interpret”) Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular דָּרַשְׁתִּי 2nd person masculine singular דָּרַשְׁתָּ 2nd person feminine singular דָּרַשְׁתְּ 3rd person masculine singular דָּרַשׁ 3rd person feminine singular דָּרְשָׁה 1st person plural דָּרַשְׁנוּ 2nd person masculine plural דְּרַשְׁתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural דְּרַשְׁתֶּן 3rd person plural דָּרְשׁוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular דּוֹרֵשׁ Feminine singular דּוֹרֶשֶׁת Masculine plural דּוֹרְשִׁים Feminine plural דּוֹרְשׁוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶדְרֹשׁ 2nd person masculine singular תִּדְרֹשׁ 2nd person feminine singular תִּדְרְשִׁי 3rd person masculine singular יִדְרֹשׁ 3rd person feminine singular תִּדְרֹשׁ 1st person plural נִדְרֹשׁ 2nd person masculine plural תִּדְרְשׁוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּדְרֹשְׁנָה 3rd person plural יִדְרְשׁוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular דְּרֹשׁ 2nd person feminine singular דִּרְשִׁי 2nd person masculine plural דִּרְשׁוּ 2nd person feminine plural דְּרֹשְׁנָה   Usage in Scripture Deuteronomy 4:29 – וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּם מִשָּׁם אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וּמָצָאתָ כִּי תִדְרְשֶׁנּוּ “You will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him, if you search after Him…” Amos 5:4 – דִּרְשׁוּנִי וִחְיוּ “Seek Me and live.”… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb דָּרַשׁ: To Seek, Inquire, Investigate, or Preach

Exodus 5:18 – Imperative Commands and Passive Verb Usage

וְעַתָּה֙ לְכ֣וּ עִבְד֔וּ וְתֶ֖בֶן לֹא־יִנָּתֵ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם וְתֹ֥כֶן לְבֵנִ֖ים תִּתֵּֽנּוּ׃ So now, go, work! And straw shall not be given to you, but the quota of bricks you must give. Explanation of Feature This verse from Exodus 5:18 contains: 1. Imperative verbs: לְכוּ (“Go!”) and עִבְדוּ (“Work!”), direct commands in the second person plural form. 2. A passive verb in the imperfect: יִנָּתֵן (“shall be given”) using the Nifʿal binyan. 3. A concessive structure: although no straw is provided, the required production remains unchanged.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Exodus 5:18 – Imperative Commands and Passive Verb Usage

The Hebrew Verb דָּרַס: To Trample, Tread Down, or Crush

The Hebrew verb דָּרַס (root: ד־ר־ס) means “to trample,” “to tread down,” or “to crush underfoot.” It conveys the sense of forceful stepping, often violent in nature. In the Tanakh, it is used in both literal and figurative contexts, particularly in poetry and prophecy where trampling symbolizes conquest, judgment, or desecration. This verb appears in the Qal stem (active), with strong connotations of domination and destruction.   Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּרַס (“to trample, tread down”) Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular דָּרַסְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular דָּרַסְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular דָּרַסְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular דָּרַס 3rd person feminine singular דָּרְסָה 1st person plural דָּרַסְנוּ 2nd person masculine plural דְּרַסְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural דְּרַסְתֶּן 3rd person plural דָּרְסוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular דּוֹרֵס Feminine singular דּוֹרֶסֶת Masculine plural דּוֹרְסִים Feminine plural דּוֹרְסוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶדְרֹס 2nd person masculine singular תִּדְרֹס 2nd person feminine singular תִּדְרְסִי 3rd person masculine singular יִדְרֹס 3rd person feminine singular תִּדְרֹס 1st person plural נִדְרֹס 2nd person masculine plural תִּדְרְסוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּדְרֹסְנָה 3rd person plural יִדְרְסוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular דְּרֹס 2nd person feminine singular דִּרְסִי 2nd person masculine plural דִּרְסוּ 2nd person feminine plural דְּרֹסְנָה   Usage in Scripture Psalm 7:6 – וְעוֹרָה לְאֵלַי מִשְׁפָּט צִוִּיתָ (While not using the verb directly here, Psalms often express imagery of trampling in battle or judgment.)… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb דָּרַס: To Trample, Tread Down, or Crush

Exodus 5:17 – Repetition for Emphasis and Causal עַל־כֵּן (“Therefore”)

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר נִרְפִּ֥ים אַתֶּ֖ם נִרְפִּ֑ים עַל־כֵּן֙ אַתֶּ֣ם אֹֽמְרִ֔ים נֵלְכָ֖ה נִזְבְּחָ֥ה לַֽיהוָֽה׃ And he said, “You are idle! Idle! Therefore you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to YHWH.’” Explanation of Feature This verse from Exodus 5:17 demonstrates two key grammatical and rhetorical features: 1. Repetition for emphasis – the phrase נִרְפִּים אַתֶּם נִרְפִּים (“you are idle, idle!”) repeats the same verb to heighten accusation and intensity. 2. The use of עַל־כֵּן (“therefore”) as a causal connector, introducing the consequence or result of a perceived condition.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on Exodus 5:17 – Repetition for Emphasis and Causal עַל־כֵּן (“Therefore”)

The Hebrew Verb דָּרַךְ: To Tread, March, or Bend (a Bow)

The Hebrew verb דָּרַךְ (root: ד־ר־ךְ) means “to tread,” “to march,” “to step,” or “to bend (a bow).” It is used in a range of contexts from walking or trampling upon something, to preparing a weapon for battle. In poetic and prophetic passages, it often carries connotations of judgment, readiness for war, or movement through a land. This verb appears primarily in the Qal stem (active) and also in the Hiphil (causative) with the meaning “to cause to tread” or “to guide.”… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb דָּרַךְ: To Tread, March, or Bend (a Bow)

“Solomon Sent to Ḥiram”: Syntax of Royal Initiative and Diplomatic Speech in 1 Kings 5:16

Introduction: Covenant Kingship and Political Dialogue 1 Kings 5:16 p introduces a pivotal moment of international diplomacy: King Shelomoh initiates correspondence with King Ḥiram of Tsor (Tyre) to request assistance in building the temple. The verse is brief, yet the syntax establishes a formal and royal tone, using standard diplomatic conventions rooted in prophetic narrative style: וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אֶל־חִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר׃ And Shelomoh sent to Ḥiram, saying: This succinct verse serves as the formulaic opening of a longer unit of royal correspondence (vv.… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Comments Off on “Solomon Sent to Ḥiram”: Syntax of Royal Initiative and Diplomatic Speech in 1 Kings 5:16

The Hebrew Verb דָּקַר: To Pierce, Stab, or Thrust Through

The Hebrew verb דָּקַר (root: ד־ק־ר) means “to pierce,” “to stab,” or “to thrust through” with a sharp object. It is a vivid verb often used in military, prophetic, and poetic contexts, usually involving spears, swords, or sharp weapons. It conveys a violent or fatal action and is frequently found in descriptions of death, judgment, or warfare. This verb appears primarily in the Qal binyan (simple active stem) and occasionally in the Niphal (passive) or Pual stems.   Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּקַר (“to pierce, stab”) Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular דָּקַרְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular דָּקַרְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular דָּקַרְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular דָּקַר 3rd person feminine singular דָּקְרָה 1st person plural דָּקַרְנוּ 2nd person masculine plural דְּקַרְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural דְּקַרְתֶּן 3rd person plural דָּקְרוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular דּוֹקֵר Feminine singular דּוֹקֶרֶת Masculine plural דּוֹקְרִים Feminine plural דּוֹקְרוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶדְקֹר 2nd person masculine singular תִּדְקֹר 2nd person feminine singular תִּדְקְרִי 3rd person masculine singular יִדְקֹר 3rd person feminine singular תִּדְקֹר 1st person plural נִדְקֹר 2nd person masculine plural תִּדְקְרוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּדְקֹרְנָה 3rd person plural יִדְקְרוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular דְּקֹר 2nd person feminine singular דִּקְרִי 2nd person masculine plural דִּקְרוּ 2nd person feminine plural דְּקֹרְנָה   Usage in Scripture Zechariah 12:10 – וְהִבִּיטוּ אֵלַי אֵת אֲשֶׁר־דָּקָרוּ “They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced.”… Learn Hebrew
Posted in Vocabulary | Tagged | Comments Off on The Hebrew Verb דָּקַר: To Pierce, Stab, or Thrust Through