Category Archives: Grammar

Biblical Hebrew Grammar

The Cohortative Verb and Prophetic Invitation in Isaiah 2:3

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 … Continue reading

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

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 … Continue reading

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Proverbs 17:27 – Construct Chains and Elliptical Parallelism

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: … Continue reading

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Military Metaphors and Temporal Expressions in 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 … Continue reading

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Temporal Clauses and Chronological Markers in 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 … Continue reading

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The Plural Construct Chain in Isaiah 65:7

Introduction to Isaiah 65:7 Isaiah 65:7 is part of a prophetic pronouncement in which YHWH declares judgment upon Israel for their past and ongoing iniquities. The verse highlights collective responsibility by linking the sins of the current generation with those … Continue reading

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Judges 17:4 – Sequential Wayyiqtol Verbs and Gendered Agreement

וַיָּ֥שֶׁב אֶת־הַכֶּ֖סֶף לְאִמֹּ֑ו וַתִּקַּ֣ח אִמֹּו֩ מָאתַ֨יִם כֶּ֜סֶף וַתִּתְּנֵ֣הוּ לַצֹּורֵ֗ף וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֨הוּ֙ פֶּ֣סֶל וּמַסֵּכָ֔ה וַיְהִ֖י בְּבֵ֥ית מִיכָֽיְהוּ׃ And he returned the silver to his mother, and his mother took two hundred pieces of silver and gave it to the silversmith, and he … Continue reading

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The Meaning and Function of יָדַע (“To Know”) in Genesis 4:1

Introduction to Genesis 4:1 Genesis 4:1 describes the conception and birth of Qayin (Cain), the first recorded human birth in the Bible. The verse begins with the phrase וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם יָדַ֖ע אֶת־חַוָּ֣ה אִשְׁתֹּ֑ו (“And the man knew Chavvah his wife”), using … Continue reading

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Disjointed Subject–Predicate Agreement in Coordinated Clauses

Introduction to Numbers 28:31 This verse concludes instructions for daily offerings during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, referring to the regular burnt offering (עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד), its grain offering, and drink offerings. What stands out grammatically is the clause: תְּמִימִ֥ם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶ֖ם … Continue reading

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Paronomastic Promises: Volition, Aspect, and Divine Self-Oath in Genesis 26:3

Introduction to Genesis 26:3: The Language of Divine Reassurance In this pivotal moment, YHWH reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant to Yitsḥaq during a time of famine and geographical uncertainty. The verse contains a fascinating blend of imperative, cohortative, imperfect, and paronomasia—a … Continue reading

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