Category Archives: Grammar

Biblical Hebrew Grammar

The Use of the Hiphil Imperfect in 1 Samuel 27:11

1 Samuel 27:11 וְאִ֨ישׁ וְאִשָּׁ֜ה לֹֽא־יְחַיֶּ֣ה דָוִ֗ד לְהָבִ֥יא גַת֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר פֶּן־יַגִּ֥דוּ עָלֵ֖ינוּ לֵאמֹ֑ר כֹּֽה־עָשָׂ֤ה דָוִד֙ וְכֹ֣ה מִשְׁפָּטֹ֔ו כָּל־הַ֨יָּמִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָשַׁ֖ב בִּשְׂדֵ֥ה פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃ Introduction to the Verse 1 Samuel 27:11 contains a Hiphil imperfect verb, which is key to understanding David’s … Continue reading

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Hebrew Tenses

The Nature of Tense in Hebrew Verbs The designation of the term tense in the context of Hebrew verbs is a misnomer that has long led to misunderstandings regarding the function of the Hebrew verbal system. Unlike Indo-European languages, where … Continue reading

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Clause Structure and Theological Expression in Esther 4:3

Introduction: Contextual and Literary Setting of Esther 4:3 Esther 4:3 captures the moment of national crisis in the Persian diaspora, following Haman’s genocidal decree against the Jews. The verse is positioned within the narrative tension that prompts Esther’s eventual intervention. … Continue reading

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The Use of the Cohortative and Jussive in Saul’s Final Request in 1 Samuel 31:4

Introduction to 1 Samuel 31:4 1 Samuel 31:4 records the tragic final moments of King Saul, where he commands his armor-bearer to kill him, fearing humiliation at the hands of the Philistines. This verse features the cohortative and jussive verb … Continue reading

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Volitional Modality and Antithetical Parallelism in Psalm 25:3

Introduction to Psalm 25:3: Volition, Shame, and Contrast in Hebrew Poetry Psalm 25:3 presents a theological contrast between two groups: those who קִוּוּ (“wait” or “hope”) for YHWH, and those who act treacherously. The grammatical structure distinguishes these groups by … Continue reading

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Perfect Aspect and Divine Judgment in Isaiah 13:11: The Grammar of Prophetic Certainty

Introduction: Oracular Certainty in the Context of Global Judgment Isaiah 13 forms part of the so-called “Oracles Against the Nations,” focusing here on Babylon. Verse 11 stands as a divine pronouncement of cosmic justice, where YHWH himself announces judgment on … Continue reading

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Repetition, Aspect, and Poetic Judgment in Psalm 96:13

Introduction: Eschatological Expectation in Liturgical Poetry Psalm 96 celebrates the kingship of YHWH and His coming judgment over all the earth. The final verse, 96:13, brings the psalm to a climax with a powerful prophetic declaration, repeated for emphasis: לִפְנֵ֤י … Continue reading

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The Influence of Heart and the Hifil Verb הִשִּׁיאֶ֔ךָ in Obadiah 1:3

Introduction to Obadiah 1:3 Obadiah 1:3 continues the prophetic judgment against Edom, emphasizing its arrogance and false sense of security. The verse contains several significant grammatical elements, including the noun זְדֹ֤ון (zedon, “pride”), the Hifil verb הִשִּׁיאֶ֔ךָ (hishi’ekha, “has deceived … Continue reading

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The Use of the Participle and Passive Constructions in Obadiah 1:2

Introduction to Obadiah 1:2 Obadiah 1:2 is part of a divine declaration against Edom, emphasizing its diminished status among the nations. This verse contains notable grammatical features, including the passive participle בָּזוּי (bazui, “despised”), the Qal perfect נְתַתִּיךָ (netattikha, “I … Continue reading

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The Use of Imperative and Interrogative Constructions in Joel 1:2

Introduction to Joel 1:2 Joel 1:2 begins with a prophetic call to attention, addressing both the elders (הַזְּקֵנִים) and the inhabitants of the land (יֹושְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ). This verse employs imperative verbs (שִׁמְעוּ, הַאֲזִינוּ) to command the audience to listen, followed … Continue reading

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