The Hebrew infinitive, especially in its absolute form, is a grammatical powerhouse that transcends mere verbal function, serving as a bridge between syntax, rhetoric, and theology. Whether intensifying a command (“he shall surely die”), conveying purpose (“to keep the way of YHWH”), or evoking moral obligation (“to do what is good and right”), the infinitive injects emphasis, solemnity, and poetic resonance into Biblical discourse. Its flexibility allows it to reinforce aspect, replace finite verbs, and shape prophetic tone, making it not just a tool of grammar but a vessel of theological and literary depth.
The Grammatical Essence of the Infinitive in Biblical Hebrew
The infinitive in Biblical Hebrew represents a non-finite verb form that retains verbal properties while functioning in nominal, adverbial, and even rhetorical capacities. There are two primary forms: the infinitive construct and the infinitive absolute. Both forms play distinct roles in syntax, and their semantic range broadens considerably when used outside straightforward infinitival phrases. This article explores the intricate and sometimes unexpected uses of the infinitive, examining how Hebrew leverages its flexibility for emphasis, aspectual nuance, and discourse cohesion.
Overview of the Infinitive Construct and Absolute
| Form | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive Construct | Appears with prepositions or pronominal suffixes; more syntactically integrated | Complements verbs, expresses purpose, temporal relation, result |
| Infinitive Absolute | Standalone form, often from the Qal or Piʿel stems; lacks syntactic dependence | Used for emphasis, aspectual reinforcement, coordination with finite verbs |
Infinitive Absolute for Verbal Reinforcement
One of the most distinctive uses of the infinitive absolute is in verbal reinforcement, where it precedes or follows a finite verb of the same root. This creates a construction that intensifies the action or asserts its certainty. This form does not simply repeat but strengthens the verbal idea through parallelism.
כִּי־מֹ֣ת יָמ֔וּת
This example exhibits the infinitive absolute מוֹת paired with the imperfect יָמוּת, commonly translated as “he shall surely die.” The doubling stresses inevitability, often in legal or divine pronouncements. This form may function as an emphatic future or modal assertion (certainty or obligation), particularly in juridical discourse.
Infinitive Absolute as Imperative Equivalent
In certain contexts, the infinitive absolute stands alone without a finite verb, conveying a command or strong exhortation. Its force rivals or exceeds that of the imperative, especially in poetic or prophetic registers.
זָכ֣וֹר אֶת־י֣וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת
Here, זָכוֹר (infinitive absolute of זָכַר) is used as an imperative: “Remember the Sabbath day.” This usage gives a timeless, weighty quality to the command, often used in covenantal or liturgical passages.
Infinitive Construct with Prepositions: Purpose and Result
The infinitive construct often appears in prepositional phrases that denote purpose (לְ), time (בְּ, כְּ), or consequence. These constructions function adverbially, modifying the verb and supplying circumstantial information.
לִשְׁמֹ֣ר אֶת־דְּרַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה
The phrase לִשְׁמֹר conveys purpose: “to keep the way of YHWH.” It modifies a preceding verb (e.g., “I chose him… to keep”), typical of explanatory or telic infinitives.
Another temporal use:
בְּשִׁבְתָּ֣ם שָׁ֔ם
Here, the preposition בְּ with the infinitive שֶׁבֶת (“in their dwelling”) forms a temporal clause: “when they were dwelling there.”
Infinitive Construct with Pronominal Suffixes
Infinitive constructs can take pronominal suffixes, usually indicating the subject or object of the infinitive. This is particularly frequent in legal, didactic, or narrative prose.
בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֖ בַדֶּֽרֶךְ
The form לֶכְתְּךָ includes the 2ms suffix, yielding “when you walk on the way.” The possessive suffix here identifies the subject of the verbal idea embedded in the infinitive, giving the clause a personal and situational nuance.
Double Infinitives and Poetic Intensification
In rare poetic settings, two infinitive absolutes can appear in parallel, without a finite verb. This construction is stylistically powerful, creating rhythmic intensity and semantic depth.
רְדֹ֣ף תִּשַּׂ֔ג וְתַשֵּׂ֥ג תַּצִּ֖יל
Here, the initial forms רְדֹף and תִּשַּׂג may involve infinitives (or imperatives), working in chiastic parallelism with the finite verbs. While this borders on the poetic and interpretively complex, such patterns underscore how the infinitive enhances the rhetorical tone of the Hebrew line.
Substitution of the Infinitive Construct for Finite Verbs
In several instances, especially in narrative or legal contexts, the infinitive construct with a preposition takes the place of what in other languages would be a finite verb, typically when subordinating or connecting clauses.
כְּדַבֵּר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶֽׁה
Instead of using a perfect or imperfect form for “spoke,” this construction with כְּ + infinitive (“as YHWH spoke to Moshe”) introduces a circumstantial or comparative clause, with a nuanced temporal or causal overlay.
Discourse Function of Infinitives in Prophetic Literature
In prophetic literature, infinitives—especially absolutes—are deployed for rhetorical momentum. They may introduce or underscore divine speech, judicial accusations, or covenantal decrees. Their abstracted form and lack of tense reference allow them to float above the narrative frame and create a mood of solemnity or dramatic emphasis.
שָׁמ֖וֹעַ תִּשְׁמְע֣וּן
This construction—infinitive absolute followed by a finite verb—can be translated “you shall surely listen,” but the prophetic implication may carry an ironic or foreboding tone: “You surely listen… do you?” This exemplifies how infinitives interact with discourse expectations, where structure and tone interlace.
The Infinitive as a Tool of Theological Modality
Infinitive absolutes are sometimes used in modal contexts, signaling necessity, obligation, or moral certainty. These uses arise particularly in covenantal declarations or ethical teachings. Because the infinitive transcends tense, it lends itself to modal generalization.
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת אֶת־הַטּ֖וֹב וְאֶת־הַיָּשָֽׁר
“To do what is good and right”—this use of the infinitive construct with לְ indicates moral purpose or ethical obligation. Such constructions proliferate in Deuteronomic and prophetic texts, forming the backbone of divine instruction.
The Infinitive as Grammatical and Poetic Bridge
The Hebrew infinitive, particularly in its absolute form, is a powerful and polyvalent element in Biblical Hebrew. It resists confinement to rigid syntactic roles and instead opens a spectrum of meaning through emphasis, modality, temporal nuance, and poetic artistry. Far from being a mere verbal noun, the infinitive in Biblical Hebrew participates actively in the unfolding of discourse, law, prophecy, and liturgy. Its strategic deployment—whether reinforcing a threat, enacting a promise, or invoking ethical duty—cements it as a uniquely Semitic vehicle for conveying intensity and subtlety alike.
