Category Archives: Grammar

The Hebrew language is more than just a tool for communication; it is a gateway to understanding the depths of the Bible, the history of the Jewish people, and the roots of Western civilization. Studying Hebrew offers profound rewards, from gaining insight into the sacred texts to connecting with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Here’s why learning Hebrew is a journey worth taking. 1. Understand the Bible in Its Original Language The Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, was written in Biblical Hebrew, a language rich with nuance and depth.… Learn Hebrew

Cardinal numbers in Biblical Hebrew are grammatically intricate and semantically rich, interacting with gender, definiteness, and syntax in ways that differ markedly from English. Numbers 1–10 show gender agreement, with 3–10 exhibiting gender polarity—using the opposite gender form of the noun they modify. Numbers like שְׁנֵי (“two of”) and שְׁלוֹשֶׁת (“three of”) often appear in construct state before definite nouns. Compound numbers from 11–19 align with the noun’s gender, while numbers 20 and above follow more regular patterns, typically preceding plural nouns.… Learn Hebrew

Hebrew is a Semitic language with a rich history and a unique structure. It is written from right to left and uses an alphabet consisting of 22 letters. The language is primarily composed of three-letter roots, which form the basis for verbs, nouns, and adjectives. Hebrew verbs are conjugated according to person, gender, number, and tense. The language also features a system of vowel points called “nikkud” that aid in pronunciation but are often omitted in modern writing. Understanding Hebrew grammar opens the door to a deeper appreciation of its literary, historical, and religious texts.… Learn Hebrew

In Biblical Hebrew, suffix pronouns (כִּנּוּיִים חֲבוּרִים) serve as critical grammatical tools, attaching to both nouns and verbs to express possession, direct objects, and sometimes even indirect relations. Unlike English, where pronouns are usually separate words (e.g., “his,” “them”), Biblical Hebrew incorporates them directly onto the end of words. This article explores the forms, functions, and syntactic behaviors of suffix pronouns as they relate to both nominal and verbal structures, revealing their essential role in Biblical expression and style. Overview of Suffix Pronouns Suffix pronouns are bound forms of personal pronouns that attach to nouns, prepositions, and verbs.… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew וְ (vav) functions in two distinct grammatical roles: as a simple conjunctive linking words or clauses without altering verb tense, and as a consecutive particle that shifts verbal aspect to drive narrative sequence. The conjunctive vav, pronounced with a shewa, coordinates elements like “father and mother” or parallel poetic lines. In contrast, the vav consecutive alters the verb it precedes—wayyiqtol (וַיִּקטֹל) transforms an imperfect into a narrative past, while weqatal (וְקָטַל) shifts a perfect into a future or modal sense.… Learn Hebrew