In Biblical Hebrew, ellipsis—intentional omission of verbs, subjects, objects, or clauses—is not a lapse but a literary device that compresses meaning and elevates nuance. From verbless declarations like יְהוָה רֹעִי to parallelism where one verb governs multiple lines, the language trusts context and rhythm to carry thought. Divine speech employs ellipsis to assert authority (וְעָשִׂיתִי), while rhetorical questions omit for urgency (מִי לַיהוָה אֵלָי). This stylistic restraint invites reflection, shifts theological focus, and underscores Hebrew’s reverent cadence—where sacred silence speaks volumes.
Saying More by Saying Less
Biblical Hebrew frequently omits words—verbs, subjects, objects, or even entire clauses—without sacrificing clarity. This intentional omission, known as ellipsis, is a powerful tool of compression, poetic nuance, and theological focus. Unlike modern languages that rely heavily on explicit grammatical structures, Biblical Hebrew often lets context, rhythm, and parallelism fill the gaps.
Types of Ellipsis in Biblical Hebrew
1. Verbal Ellipsis
Sometimes a verb is stated once and governs multiple clauses. This is common in parallelism.
Example:
מִלִּפְנֵי אֲדוֹן חוּלִי אָרֶץ מִלִּפְנֵי אֱלֹהַּ יַעֲקֹב (Psalm 114:7)
“Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, before the God of Yaʿaqov.”
The verb חוּלִי appears only once but governs both clauses.
2. Subject Ellipsis
Narratives frequently omit the subject in sequential clauses using the wayyiqtol (consecutive imperfect) chain, assuming it from previous context.
Example:
וַיַּעַל מִשָּׁם הָהָרָה… וַיִּבֶן שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ (Genesis 12:8)
“And he went up from there to the hill… and built there an altar.”
The subject “Avram” is understood from earlier context (v.7) but is not repeated.
3. Object Ellipsis
Direct objects are sometimes omitted when they are understood from context. This draws the reader into the interpretive process.
Example 1:
וְלָקַחְתִּי (Genesis 21:30)
“And I took [them].”
The object (“the lambs”) is implied from the previous verse.
Example 2:
כִּי עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי (Genesis 22:12)
“For now I know [that you fear Elohim].”
The object of knowing is inferred from the clause that follows.
4. Clausal Ellipsis
Entire clauses may be left out when parallel structure or poetic compression allows for the meaning to be preserved.
Example:
יִתֶּן־לְךָ כִלְבָבֶךָ / וְכָל־עֲצָתְךָ יְמַלֵּא (Psalm 20:4)
“May He give you according to your heart / and all your counsel may He fulfill.”
In poetic structure, the verb from the second clause governs both, but only appears in one, demonstrating clausal ellipsis.
5. Pronoun and Verb Ellipsis in Nominal Clauses
Verbless clauses are common, especially in poetry and theology. They omit both verb “to be” and often pronouns.
Example:
יְהוָה רֹעִי (Psalm 23:1)
“YHWH [is] my shepherd.”
No verb is present, but the relationship is clear.
Special Functions and Literary Impact
Divine Self-Assertion with Ellipsis
Omitting the object or verb emphasizes YHWH’s authority and power.
אֲנִי יְהוָה דִּבַּרְתִּי וְעָשִׂיתִי (Ezekiel 17:24)
“I am YHWH, I have spoken, and I have done [it].”
The object of “I have done” is left unstated—it is too obvious or too profound to name.
Rhetorical Ellipsis in Questions
Interrogatives often omit key parts to generate emotional urgency.
Example:
מִי לַיהוָה אֵלָי (Exodus 32:26)
“Who [is] for YHWH? [Come] to me!”
The verb “come” is implied; the ellipsis adds urgency and intensity.
Alternative Example: 1 Samuel 9:9
הֲלוֹא
Used rhetorically to imply a fuller proposition such as “Is it not [the case]…?” without stating it fully.
Theological and Poetic Implications
Ellipsis is not merely stylistic—it is theological. By omitting expected words, the Hebrew Bible:
- Invites Reflection: The reader is called to fill in the gaps, deepening engagement.
- Creates Ambiguity: Sometimes the missing element has more than one possible referent, opening layers of interpretation.
- Draws Focus: By removing the verb or object, what remains gains weight and gravity.
- Elevates Poetry: Ellipsis aligns with parallelism, meter, and terseness central to Hebrew poetry.
Sacred Silence
In the sacred text of the Tanakh, what is unsaid can speak as powerfully as what is spoken. The strategic use of ellipsis reveals a language of reverence, restraint, and resonance. Whether evoking mystery, compressing meaning, or emphasizing divine agency, Biblical Hebrew’s omissions teach us to listen to the quiet between the words.
