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Recent Articles
- Volitive Forms and Rhetorical Irony in Zephaniah 3:7: A Grammatical Theology of Rejected Correction
- The Hebrew Verb בּוֹא: To Come, Enter, or Arrive
- The Syntax of Legal Hypotheticals and Priestly Responsibility in Leviticus 4:3
- The Semantics and Theology of the Nifʿal Imperfect in Isaiah 4:3
- The Hebrew Verb בָּהַל: To Terrify or Alarm
- Comparative Particles and Temporal Subordination in Qohelet’s Reasoning
- Exodus 4:2 – Interrogative Pronoun and Demonstrative Use of מַה־זֶּה
- Deuteronomy 4:1 – Imperative, Infinitive Purpose, and Participial Construction
- Double Wayyiqtol Narrative Framing in Dialogic Introductions
- The Conjunction וְהֵן: Conditional Clauses with Assertive Function in Biblical Hebrew
- Dislocation and Apposition: Royal Titling in Biblical Hebrew
- The Hebrew Verb בָּדַק: To Examine or Inspect
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The Hebrew Verb אָסַף: To Gather or Collect
The verb אָסַף (root: א-ס-ף) means “to gather,” “to collect,” or “to assemble.” It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in both literal and figurative contexts: gathering people, collecting objects, or even being “gathered to one’s ancestors” (a euphemism for death).
It is most commonly found in the Qal and Niphal binyanim:
Qal: to gather, to collect, to bring in
Niphal: to be gathered (often used in passive or reflexive senses)
This verb plays a significant Read more [...]
Poetic Word Order and Fronting in Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Job 28:3
Job 28:3 forms part of a poetic discourse reflecting on human attempts to search out hidden things. What makes this verse grammatically compelling is its poetic word order and the fronting of key words for emphasis. This lesson focuses on how word order variations, especially fronting in poetic texts, function syntactically and stylistically in Biblical Hebrew to highlight abstract and theological concepts.
קֵ֤ץ שָׂ֤ם לַחֹ֗שֶׁךְ וּֽלְכָל־֭תַּכְלִית Read more [...]
Cause and Comparison in Prophetic Narrative: The Syntax of 2 Chronicles 28:3
Introduction to 2 Chronicles 28:3: Imitation of the Nations and Divine Displeasure
This verse documents a horrific act: the burning of children as sacrifices in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom by a king of Judah, mirroring the abominations of the surrounding nations. The grammar of this clause involves the use of a causal verb followed by a comparative structure, specifically the syntax of כְּתוֹעֲבוֹת (“like the abominations of...”) which frames the action in moral and theological comparison. Read more [...]
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The Hebrew Verb אָמַר: To Say, Speak, or Declare
The Hebrew verb אָמַר is one of the most common and essential verbs in the Hebrew Bible, occurring over 5,000 times. It means “to say,” “to speak,” or “to declare,” and is typically used in the Qal binyan. It is used both for divine speech (e.g., “And God said...”) and human speech, making it a core tool for conveying direct discourse and communication.
This verb appears in nearly every genre of biblical literature—narrative, poetry, prophecy, and law. Because of its high Read more [...]
Coordinated Prepositions and Syntactic Stacking in Jeremiah 27:3
Introduction to Jeremiah 27:3: A Diplomatic Web of Judgments
This verse from Jeremiah sets the stage for a prophetic message delivered not only to Judah but to neighboring kingdoms through a dramatic diplomatic gesture. The verse is packed with repeated prepositional phrases and coordinated titles, showing how Hebrew can use syntactic stacking and repetition for rhetorical power. In this grammar lesson, we’ll focus on the use of preposition stacking and coordination—how the preposition אֶל Read more [...]
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Sequential Action and Leadership: The Wayyiqtol Chain in Judges 3:27
Introduction to Judges 3:27: Trumpets, Terrain, and Tactical Leadership
This verse describes the pivotal moment when Ehud, after escaping from Eglon, mobilizes the Israelites by sounding the shofar in the hill country of Ephraim. The structure of this verse is particularly notable for its use of wayyiqtol (וַיִּקטֹל) forms, a staple of Hebrew narrative grammar that links actions in succession. This grammar lesson explores how the sequence of verbs reflects not only temporal order but also Read more [...]
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Internal Monologue and Root-Derived Wordplay in Obadiah 1:3
Introduction to Obadiah 1:3: The Language of Arrogance and Illusion
Obadiah 1:3 confronts the arrogant mindset of Edom, using highly expressive Hebrew grammar to portray internal thought, deceptive self-assurance, and false elevation. The verse employs reflexive causative verbs and embeds internal monologue syntax into poetic prophecy. This lesson explores the intricate grammar that builds the illusion of invincibility in the heart of Edom.
זְדֹ֤ון לִבְּךָ֙ הִשִּׁיאֶ֔ךָ Read more [...]
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Temporal Clauses and Narrative Framing in Numbers 26:1
Introduction to Numbers 26:1: Marking Time After Crisis
This verse opens the chapter detailing the second wilderness census. It sets the context with a temporal clause and then presents a divine speech formula addressed to both Moshe and Eleʿazar. The syntax reveals the transition from plague to restoration and organization. This lesson will examine the grammatical features used to introduce divine discourse following a national calamity.
וַיְהִ֖י אַחֲרֵ֣י הַמַּגֵּפָ֑ה Read more [...]
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The Hebrew Verb אִמֵּץ: To Strengthen and Encourage
The Hebrew verb אִמֵּץ (from the root א-מ-ץ) means “to strengthen,” “to make firm,” or “to encourage.” It appears primarily in the Piel binyan, where it takes on an intensive or causative meaning. The verb is used both in literal contexts (e.g., strengthening hands or arms) and figurative contexts (e.g., encouraging the heart, giving courage).
In the Hebrew Bible, it often appears in moments of transition, fear, or divine encouragement. The most famous usage is in God’s Read more [...]
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Negative Imperatives and Prohibitions in Leviticus 26:1
Introduction to Leviticus 26:1: Syntax of Covenant Prohibitions
Leviticus 26:1 opens the chapter of blessings and curses with a firm reminder of Israel’s exclusive devotion to YHWH. The verse is structured as a series of prohibitions using negative imperatives, paired with objects of idolatrous worship. This lesson will focus on the syntax of prohibition, the use of לֹא with different verb forms, and the consistent employment of covenantal identification through grammar.
לֹֽא־תַעֲשׂ֨וּ Read more [...]
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