In Biblical Hebrew, numbers do far more than count—they narrate, legislate, and elevate. From the poetic cadence of “seven days” to the legal precision of “the tenth year,” numerals shape the grammatical scaffolding of the text. Cardinal numbers (especially 3–10) famously play with gender polarity, while ordinals follow nouns in temporal and narrative expressions. Construct chains tighten relationships between number and noun, hinging definiteness on the second term. Whether it’s פַּעֲמַיִם (“twice”) signaling repetition or שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם (“two by two”) invoking divine order, Hebrew numerals are syntactic instruments as much as semantic markers—each instance enriching the theological and literary texture of the canon.
Counting in Biblical Hebrew: A Complex Relationship Between Form and Function
Numerals in Biblical Hebrew are more than tools for counting—they are deeply embedded in the grammatical fabric of the language. They interact dynamically with gender, number, definiteness, and word order, especially in contexts like narrative, law, and poetry. This article explores cardinal, ordinal, distributive, and multiplicative numerals and how they function syntactically in authentic biblical settings.
Types of Numerals in Biblical Hebrew
| Category | Example | Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Numbers | שְׁנֵי אֲנָשִׁים | “Two men” | Gender agreement is direct for 1–2; reversed for 3–10 |
| Ordinal Numbers | הַיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן | “The first day” | Ordinals agree in gender and follow the noun |
| Distributive | שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם | “Two by two” | Used for grouping or sequences |
| Multiplicative | פַּעֲמַיִם | “Twice” | Usually formed with dual endings or as adverbs |
Gender Polarity in Numbers 3–10
A hallmark of Hebrew numerals is gender polarity in the numbers 3 through 10:
- With masculine nouns, the numeral appears in its feminine form.
- With feminine nouns, the numeral appears in its masculine form.
Examples:
- שְׁלֹשָׁה אֲנָשִׁים — “three men”
- שְׁלוֹשׁ נָשִׁים — “three women”
This inversion does not apply to:
- Numbers 1–2, which match gender directly
- Numbers 11 and up, which follow normal agreement patterns
Word Order in Numeral Constructions
The typical word order in Hebrew depends on the numeral type:
- For cardinal numbers 3–10 (non-construct): Numeral + Plural Noun
- For ordinal numbers: Noun + Ordinal (both usually definite)
Examples:
- חֲמֵשׁ עָרוֹת — “five cities”
- הַשָּׁנָה הָעֲשִׂירִית — “the tenth year”
For the number one (אֶחָד / אַחַת), the numeral usually follows the noun:
- דֶּרֶךְ אֶחָת — “one way”
Construct Chains with Numerals
Cardinal numerals from 3–10 often take a construct form when governing another noun. This construct relationship affects spelling and vocalization.
Example:
- שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים — “three days” (construct form of “three”)
Key features of numeral construct chains:
- The construct form is phonologically altered (e.g., שְׁלֹשָׁה → שְׁלֹשֶׁת)
- The definiteness of the entire phrase depends on the second noun (e.g., שִׁבְעַת הַיָּמִים — “the seven days”)
Definiteness in Numeral Phrases
Definiteness interacts differently depending on the numeral type and structure:
- Cardinal numerals (3–10) do not carry definiteness themselves; the phrase’s definiteness is determined by the second noun in the construct chain.
- Ordinal numerals typically match the definiteness of the noun and follow it.
Examples:
- שִׁבְעַת הַיָּמִים — “the seven days” (definite phrase via second noun)
- הַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי — “the seventh day” (both noun and ordinal are definite)
Ordinals in Temporal Expressions
Ordinal numbers are common in expressions of time, sequence, or reign. These often appear in prepositional phrases and follow standard word order.
Examples:
- וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הָרְבִיעִי — “And it was on the fourth day”
- בַּשָּׁנָה הָרְבִיעִית לְהֹושֵׁעַ — “In the fourth year of Hoshea”
This confirms the noun + ordinal pattern in both narrative and legal texts.
Syntax That Counts
The syntax of numerals in Biblical Hebrew is governed by logic that is both morphological and syntactical. Understanding gender polarity, construct forms, definiteness, and ordinal placement is essential for proper interpretation. From the seven days of creation to the twelve tribes of Yisraʾel, every number not only quantifies but qualifies the narrative—offering theological, literary, and structural significance.
