Category Archives: Grammar

Hebrew and Aramaic are two closely related Northwest Semitic languages that have played significant roles in the history of the ancient Near East and the development of religious texts, including the Bible and the Targums. Both languages emerged from the same linguistic family and influenced each other over centuries, shaping the way religious, legal, and everyday texts were written and transmitted. They were spoken across vast regions, including Israel, Mesopotamia, and parts of Persia, and became integral to the cultural and spiritual identities of various peoples.… Learn Hebrew

The construct state in Biblical Hebrew is a grammatical feature that indicates a relationship between two or more nouns, often translated into English as a possessive or genitive construction (e.g., “the king’s house” or “the house of the king”). This feature is essential for understanding Hebrew syntax, as it frequently appears throughout the Hebrew Bible.   What is the Construct State? In Biblical Hebrew, nouns can appear in two primary forms: the absolute state and the construct state. The absolute state is the standard, unmarked form of a noun, while the construct state signals that a noun is connected to another noun that follows it, forming a genitive (possessive) relationship.… Learn Hebrew

The prefix conjugation in Biblical Hebrew, often labeled as the yiqtol form, is one of the most versatile and complex aspects of the language’s verbal system. Unlike English, which relies on tenses to indicate time (past, present, future), Biblical Hebrew primarily focuses on aspect — describing whether an action is completed or incomplete, rather than when it occurs. This conjugation is used to express incomplete, ongoing, or habitual actions, as well as potentiality, wishes, and commands. Definition and Basic Structure The prefix conjugation is formed by adding specific prefixes to the root of a verb, indicating person, number, and gender.… Learn Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, verbs are built from roots typically consisting of three consonants, known as radicals. When the middle radical is a guttural consonant—א (aleph), ה (he), ח (chet), or ע (ayin)—it can affect the vocalization and structure of the verb, particularly in the participle form. This guide clarifies how guttural letters influence participle formation and highlights the distinction between participles and the present tense in Biblical Hebrew. 1. The Participle in Biblical Hebrew In Biblical Hebrew, the participle is a verbal adjective.… Learn Hebrew

Prepositions are essential in Biblical Hebrew, serving to connect nouns, pronouns, and phrases, and clarifying relationships such as direction, location, time, and purpose. Unlike in English, many prepositions in Biblical Hebrew attach directly to the words they modify, often influencing their form through vowel changes or suffixes. This guide explores the function, forms, and uses of prepositions in Biblical Hebrew. 1. Simple Prepositions in Biblical Hebrew Simple prepositions are basic, standalone words or prefixes that indicate relationships between words. In Biblical Hebrew, many of these prepositions are prefixed directly to nouns.… Learn Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, pluralization is a fundamental aspect of grammar that influences the form and function of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Unlike English, which typically adds -s or -es to create plurals, Biblical Hebrew employs specific suffixes that vary depending on the gender of the noun. Understanding these patterns is essential for accurate reading and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. 1. Basic Plural Endings in Biblical Hebrew Nouns in Biblical Hebrew are generally pluralized by adding specific suffixes that correspond to their gender.… Learn Hebrew

The verb is the cornerstone of Biblical Hebrew grammar, serving as the primary component in conveying action, state, and time. Unlike English, which relies heavily on word order, Biblical Hebrew expresses meaning through verb conjugations that indicate tense, aspect, mood, gender, number, and person. This guide explores the structure, patterns, and functions of verbs in Biblical Hebrew, providing essential insights for understanding and interpreting the Hebrew Bible. 1. The Root System in Biblical Hebrew Verbs At the heart of every Biblical Hebrew verb lies a root, typically composed of three consonants, known as a triliteral root.… Learn Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, the masculine plural plays a critical role in the language’s grammatical structure. It affects not only nouns but also adjectives, pronouns, and verbs, influencing how sentences are constructed and interpreted. This guide explores the formation, usage, and significance of the masculine plural in Biblical Hebrew, highlighting key examples and grammatical rules. Forming the Masculine Plural in Biblical Hebrew The masculine plural is typically formed by adding the suffix -ים (-im) to the singular form of a masculine noun.… Learn Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, understanding how definiteness and indefiniteness are expressed is crucial for accurate interpretation and translation. Unlike English, which uses both definite (the) and indefinite (a, an) articles, Biblical Hebrew employs a different system. This guide explores how definiteness and indefiniteness are conveyed in Biblical Hebrew, with examples and explanations. The Definite Article in Biblical Hebrew Biblical Hebrew has a definite article equivalent to the English word the. It is represented by the prefix הַ (ha-), which is attached directly to the beginning of the noun.… Learn Hebrew

Biblical Hebrew employs distinct pluralization patterns that affect nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and verbs. Unlike English, which typically adds “-s” or “-es” to pluralize, Hebrew uses specific endings to denote gender and number. This guide explores the formation, usage, and nuances of plural forms in Biblical Hebrew. Basic Plural Endings In Biblical Hebrew, plural forms are created using suffixes that reflect the gender of the noun: Masculine Plural: The suffix -ים (-im) is used for masculine nouns. סֵפֶר (sefer) – “book” → סְפָרִים (sefarim) – “books” מֶלֶךְ (melekh) – “king” → מְלָכִים (melakhim) – “kings” Feminine Plural: The suffix -וֹת (-ot) is used for feminine nouns.… Learn Hebrew