Category Archives: Grammar

Biblical Hebrew Grammar

From Afar to Forever: Verb Forms and Covenant Love in Jeremiah 31:3

מֵרָחֹ֕וק יְהוָ֖ה נִרְאָ֣ה לִ֑י וְאַהֲבַ֤ת עֹולָם֙ אֲהַבְתִּ֔יךְ עַל־כֵּ֖ן מְשַׁכְתִּ֥יךְ חָֽסֶד׃ Contextual Introduction Jeremiah 31:3 is a centerpiece of hope within the so-called “Book of Consolation” (Jeremiah 30–33), where the prophet records YHWH’s promises of restoration after judgment. In stark contrast … Continue reading

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The Use of שֹׁולֵ֨חַ in Prophetic Commission Formulas

Introduction to Ezekiel 2:3 Ezekiel 2:3 is part of the divine commission of Ezekiel as a prophet to Israel. This verse marks the beginning of God’s charge to Ezekiel, in which He commands him to deliver a message to the … Continue reading

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“Is It Not for You to Know Justice?”: Infinitive Obligation and Rhetorical Syntax in Micah 3:1

Introduction to Micah 3:1: Addressing the Leaders of Yisra’el Micah 3:1 opens a sharp rebuke directed at the leaders of Yisra’el. The prophet confronts the רָאשֵׁי יַעֲקֹב (“chiefs of Yaʿaqov”) and קְצִינֵי בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל (“rulers of the house of Yisra’el”), … Continue reading

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Volition and Cohortatives in Prophetic Vision: Isaiah 2:3

Introduction to Isaiah 2:3: An Invitation to Ascend This verse from Isaiah envisions a universal pilgrimage to Zion where many peoples seek divine instruction. It is one of the most famous passages describing a future when nations voluntarily turn to … Continue reading

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The Construct Phrase “The Devotion of Your Youth” and Its Covenantal Significance in Jeremiah 2:2

Introduction to Jeremiah 2:2 Jeremiah 2:2 opens a prophetic lament recalling Israel’s early faithfulness to YHWH. The verse presents a divine remembrance of Israel’s loyalty during the Exodus, using the construct phrase חֶ֣סֶד נְעוּרַ֔יִךְ (“the devotion of your youth”). This … Continue reading

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“He Stirred Up His Spirit”: Divine Motivation and the Idiom הֵעִיר אֶת־רוּחֹו in Ezra 1:5

Introduction to Ezra 1:5: Awakening the Will to Rebuild Ezra 1:5 narrates a monumental moment in the return from exile: the divine stirring of human hearts to begin rebuilding the Temple. Central to this verse is the phrase הֵעִיר אֶת־רוּחֹו—“He … Continue reading

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“These Are Your Gods, O Yisra’el”: Construct Chains and Verbless Clauses in Exodus 32:4

Introduction to Exodus 32:4: Declaring the Calf Divine Exodus 32:4 stands as one of the most pivotal and tragic verses in the Hebrew Bible. After receiving gold from the people, Aharon crafts the infamous golden calf and presents it with … Continue reading

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“Remember Your Creator”: Urgency and Imperative Wisdom in Ecclesiastes 12:1

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 12:1: Memory Before the Days of Trouble Ecclesiastes 12:1 begins the final poetic crescendo of Qohelet, opening with a direct imperative: וּזְכֹר אֶת־בֹּורְאֶיךָ—“Remember your Creator.” It is a call not merely to mental recollection but to covenantal … Continue reading

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“Cast Your Bread”: Imperatives of Faith and Risk in Ecclesiastes 11:1

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 11:1: Wisdom in Motion Over the Waters Ecclesiastes 11:1 opens a new thematic section of Qohelet, blending wisdom with paradox, urging action amidst uncertainty. The imperative שַׁלַּ֥ח לַחְמְךָ֖ עַל־פְּנֵ֣י הַמָּ֑יִם—“Cast your bread upon the waters”—is a vivid, … Continue reading

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“Dead Flies in the Perfume”: The Disruptive Power of Minimal Folly in Ecclesiastes 10:1

Introduction to Ecclesiastes 10:1: Wisdom Spoiled by a Whisper of Folly This verse opens the tenth chapter of Ecclesiastes with a powerful metaphor: זְב֣וּבֵי מָ֔וֶת יַבְאִ֥ישׁ יַבִּ֖יעַ שֶׁ֣מֶן רֹוקֵ֑חַ—“Dead flies make the perfumer’s oil stink.” What follows is a moral … Continue reading

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