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- “And the Fish Died and the Nile Stank”: A Hebrew Lesson from Egypt’s First Plague
- The Subtle Grammar of Possession in Biblical Hebrew
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The Hebrew Verb זָחַל: To Crawl, Creep, or Slither
The Hebrew verb זָחַל (root: ז־ח־ל) means “to crawl,” “to creep,” or “to slither.” It is used to describe slow, gliding, or low-to-the-ground motion, particularly that of reptiles, insects, or creeping creatures. In a figurative sense, it may also imply approaching with fear, trembling, or humility.
This root is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible and appears mostly in poetic or prophetic contexts. It is often associated with creatures that move close to the ground and is thematically related to reverence or trembling in the presence of the divine.… Learn Hebrew