Biblical Hebrew infinitives aren’t just grammatical filler—they’re powerhouses of meaning and structure. The construct form often tags along with prepositions to express timing, purpose, or means, weaving coherence into legal codes and narrative arcs. The absolute form, on the other hand, stamps emphasis into the sentence, often repeating the root verb for dramatic force—“you shall surely die,” for instance, is no mere threat. Translators must tread carefully: these forms carry theological weight and stylistic nuance that go far beyond a simple “to do” equivalent. They shape the rhythm, clarity, and solemnity of Hebrew’s most pivotal moments.
Infinitives in Action: Bridging Verbs and Syntax
Infinitives in Biblical Hebrew are not only verbal nouns but powerful syntactic devices that link actions, convey purposes, and intensify statements. Unlike English infinitives that usually translate as “to do,” Hebrew infinitives manifest either as construct or absolute forms. Understanding how these forms function within real Hebrew sentences allows for more precise translation and interpretation. This article explores the syntactic roles and translation strategies for infinitives across various sentence types.
Infinitive Construct in Sentence Structure
The infinitive construct often appears with a preposition and expresses purpose, time, means, or result. It typically functions as a subordinate clause or verbal complement. These forms are essential to the coherence and flow of Hebrew narrative and legal prose.
| Hebrew Phrase | Function | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת־הָעָם | Purpose | “to judge the people” |
| בְּשִׁבְתּוֹ עַל־הַכִּסֵּא | Temporal | “when he sat on the throne” |
| כְּבֹא הַמֶּלֶךְ | Temporal | “when the king came” |
| לִשְׁמֹעַ בְּקוֹל יְהוָה | Purpose / Result | “to obey the voice of YHWH” |
| בְּשִׁמְעָם אֶת־הַקּוֹל | Means / Temporal | “when they heard the voice” |
Translation of infinitive constructs usually involves subordinating conjunctions like “to,” “when,” or “by” depending on the preposition used and the semantic role in context.
Infinitive Absolute for Emphasis and Certainty
The infinitive absolute emphasizes the certainty or intensity of a verbal action. It often appears in combination with a finite verb of the same root, though occasionally stands alone or with a coordinating verb. Its role is frequently adverbial.
| Hebrew Construction | Function | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| מוֹת תָּמוּת | Intensification | “you shall surely die” |
| שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע | Assurance | “you shall indeed listen” |
| אָכֹל תֹּאכֵל | Permission / Emphasis | “you may surely eat” |
| שָׁבוֹעַ תִּשְׁבַּע | Legal Emphasis | “you shall surely swear” |
| הָלוֹךְ וְקָרָאתָ | Directive / Intensified Command | “surely go and call” |
Translating these forms into English often requires the use of modal adverbs: “surely,” “indeed,” “certainly,” or “by all means.” The repetition is not redundant—it reflects an intensification idiomatically conveyed in Hebrew grammar.
Combining Infinitives with Other Clauses
Infinitives often operate within compound clauses, framing actions as background, purpose, or result. For example:
- וַיֵּשֶׁב מֹשֶׁה לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת־הָעָם – “And Moshe sat to judge the people.”
- וַיֵּצֵא לִקְרָאתוֹ – “And he went out to meet him.”
These infinitives express why or how the main verb occurred. Such constructions are translated smoothly with “to + verb” or “in order to.”
Ambiguity and Contextual Flexibility in Translation
Infinitives can blur categories and overlap with nouns, adverbs, or even verbal complements. Context is crucial:
- לָשֶׁבֶת – can mean “to sit,” “to dwell,” or “for sitting,” depending on usage.
- בְּשִׁמְעֲךָ – can mean “when you heard,” or “by your hearing.”
Translators must evaluate prepositions, syntax, and discourse context to determine how best to render each infinitive phrase. Literal translations may obscure the nuance, while overly dynamic renderings risk erasing the original verbal architecture.
Infinitives as Rhetorical and Theological Tools
Beyond grammar, infinitives carry theological weight. In divine speeches and prophetic oracles, infinitive absolutes mark irrevocable decree or intensified promise. In covenantal texts, infinitive constructs often introduce purpose clauses tied to obedience or disobedience.
- שָׁמוֹר תִּשְׁמְרוּן אֶת־מִצְוֹתָי – “you shall surely keep My commandments”
- לְהַעֲבִיר אֶת־הַמַּלְכוּת – “to remove the kingship”
These constructions embed imperatives, covenants, and judgments within the very structure of Hebrew syntax.
Translational Sensitivity and Interpretation
Understanding infinitives in Biblical Hebrew demands more than lexical substitution. It requires syntactic awareness and theological discernment. Whether conveying obligation, permission, or divine resolve, infinitives often mark the hinge points of Hebrew discourse. Their function in a sentence is not merely mechanical—it is central to meaning.
