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- The Swift Flight of Life: Syntax and Poetic Motion in Job 9:25
- Fear and Syntax in Giveʿon: Nested Clauses and Theological Strategy in Joshua 9:24
- Wayyiqtol Verbs, Ruach Imagery, and Political Betrayal in Judges 9:23
- Imperatives, Prophetic Syntax, and Stark Imagery in Jeremiah 9:22
- From Ashes to Dust: The Golden Calf in Hebrew Fire and Greek Fragmentation
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- From Dispersion to Destiny: Hebrew “נָפְצָה” and Greek “διεσπάρησαν” in Dialogue
- Wisdom Above Weapons: The Fragility of Goodness in Hebrew and Greek
- Between Offering and Altar: The Grain Sacrifice in Hebrew and Greek
- Grammar Wielded for Glory: The Syntax of Divine Purpose in Exodus 9:16
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The Hebrew Verb הָיָה: To Be, Become, or Happen
The Hebrew verb הָיָה (root: ה־י־ה) is one of the most essential and frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible. It means “to be,” “to become,” “to happen,” or “to exist.” It expresses states of being, identity, transformation, and occurrence. Though simple in form, its theological and grammatical importance is immense—especially in divine names like יְהוָה (YHWH), which is related etymologically to this root.
Unlike many verbs, הָיָה lacks a Qal participle and present-tense forms in biblical Hebrew. Instead, presence is usually implied or expressed with particles or suffixes.… Learn Hebrew