Niphal (Niph˓al)

1. The essential characteristic of this conjugation consists in a prefix to the stem. This exists in two forms: (a) the (probably original) prepositive nă, as in the Hebrew perfect and participle, although in the strong verb the ă is always attenuated to ĭ: נִקְטַל‎ for original nă-qăṭăl, participle נִקְטָל‎, infinitive absolute sometimes נִקְטוֹל‎; (b) the (later) proclitic in (as in all the forms of the corresponding Arabic conjugation vii. ˒inqătălă), Read more [...]
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Pronominal Suffixes

1. The independent principal forms of the personal pronoun (the separate pronoun), given in the preceding section, express only the nominative. The accusative and genitive are expressed by forms, usually shorter, joined to the end of verbs, nouns, and particles (pronominal suffixes or simply suffixes); e.g. הוּ‎ (toneless) and וֹ‎ (from āhû) eum and eius, קְטַלְתִּ֫יהוּ‎ I have killed him (also קְטַלְתִּיו‎), קְטַלְתָּ֫הוּ‎ or (with āhû contracted Read more [...]
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Adverbs תואר הפועל

The Hebrew term for adverb is תואר הפועל. 1. Primitive adverbs are those of negation, לא not = οὐ, ουκ, אל = μη, אין there (is) not, and some few others of place and time, as שׁם there then. These adverbs may at least for grammatical purposes be regarded as primitive, even if it be possible to trace them to other roots, particularly pronominal roots. 2.  Examples of other parts of speech which, without any change of form, are used adverbially are: (a)  Substantives Read more [...]
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Biblical Hebrew Grammar: Qal Perfect in Genesis 1:1

Introduction Verse in Focus Grammar Topic Morphology Analysis Syntax Notes Additional Examples Practice Exercises Introduction This Biblical Hebrew grammar lesson focuses on the Qal Perfect verb form as seen in Genesis 1:1. The Qal Perfect is often used to express completed actions and is one of the foundational verb stems in Biblical Hebrew. Verse in Focus: Genesis 1:1 בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֵת Read more [...]
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Biblical Hebrew Grammar: Wayyiqtol and Construct Chains in Genesis 2:7

Overview Hebrew Verse Literal Translation Morphological Analysis Syntax and Word Order The Wayyiqtol Verb Form Construct Chains and Word Pairs Theological and Linguistic Insights Exercises Summary Overview This in-depth Biblical Hebrew lesson is based solely on the Hebrew of Genesis 2:7. It explores two key grammatical features foundational to Biblical Hebrew: the wayyiqtol verb form, which expresses narrative past tense, and the construct chain, which binds Read more [...]
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Verbal Patterns In Hebrew

The Structure of Hebrew Verbs: An In-Depth Exploration Hebrew is a language rich in structure and meaning, and one of its most fascinating aspects is the way verbs are formed. Every Hebrew verb (פועל) is constructed by inserting a three- or four-consonant root (שורש) into specific verbal patterns known as binyanim (בינינים), a term meaning "buildings" or "constructions." These binyanim serve as frameworks that shape the verb’s meaning, voice, and grammatical function. Most Hebrew Read more [...]
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Shalom Aleikhem

Shalom Aleikhem (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם)! Shalom aleikhem is a traditional greeting in Hebrew-language. It means "Peace be upon you."  The appropriate response should be "Aleikhem shalom" (עֲלֵיכֶם  שָׁלוֹם) or "Upon you be peace." The Beautiful Meaning Behind "Shalom Aleikhem" If you’ve ever greeted someone in Hebrew, chances are you’ve heard or used the phrase Shalom Aleikhem (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם). More than just a simple "hello," this traditional Read more [...]
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