Among the intriguing morphological features of Biblical Hebrew are two seemingly small, yet grammatically significant elements: the paragogic nun (נוּן פרגוגית) and the cohortative heh (ה’ ההוראה). While each occurs within verb conjugation, their syntactic distribution and functional load differ substantially. Understanding these suffixes provides insights into modality, emphasis, and stylistic nuance in Biblical Hebrew.
1. Paragogic Nun (נ פרגוגית)
The paragogic nun is a non-etymological nun (נ) appended to the end of certain imperfect verb forms—typically 2nd and 3rd person masculine plural—especially in older or more poetic Hebrew.
Examples:
וְיָרְשׁוּ — “and they shall inherit”
וְיָרְשֻׁן — “and they shall inherit” (with paragogic nun)
Both forms have the same basic meaning, but the second includes an extra nun.
Forms Affected:
- 2mp imperfect (e.g., תִּירְשׁוּן instead of תִּירְשׁוּ)
- 3mp imperfect (e.g., יִרְשׁוּן instead of יִרְשׁוּ)
Function and Interpretation:
There is some scholarly debate, but several functions have been proposed:
| Proposed Function | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Adds rhetorical or modal emphasis | יִשְׁמְרוּן — “they shall surely keep” |
| Stylistic Archaism | Reflects older or poetic forms | Found in Deuteronomy and Psalms |
| Modality | Sometimes linked to voluntative or jussive meaning | יָקֻמוּן — “may they arise” |
Important Note:
Paragogic נ is never obligatory, and its omission does not typically alter the core grammatical function of the verb. It adds nuance, not necessity.
2. Cohortative Heh (ה ההוראה)
The cohortative heh is a suffix (typically ה or rarely ָה) appended to 1st person singular imperfect verbs to express volition, resolve, desire, or self-exhortation.
Example Forms:
אֵ֫לְכָה — “let me go” / “I will go”
אָשׁ֫וּבָה — “let me return”
אָשִׁ֫ירָה — “let me sing”
Function and Interpretation:
The cohortative heh modifies the force of the verb. Though it uses the imperfect form, the suffix shifts its nuance from future to volitional.
| Form | Type | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| אֵלְכָה | 1cs cohortative | “Let me go” | Expression of intent |
| אָשִׁירָה | 1cs cohortative | “Let me sing” | Liturgical praise |
| אָבוֹאָה | 1cs cohortative | “Let me come” / “I wish to come” | Polite request or strong desire |
Semantics of the Cohortative:
- Intentional: “I will go” (with determination)
- Exhortative: “Let me go” (to others)
- Desiderative: “I wish to go”
Notes on Translation:
Modern English lacks a direct equivalent. Translators often rely on modals (“let me,” “may I,” “I will”) based on context and tone.
3. Comparison Table: Paragogic Nun vs. Cohortative Heh
| Feature | Paragogic Nun | Cohortative Heh |
|---|---|---|
| Attached To | 2mp / 3mp imperfect verbs | 1cs imperfect verbs |
| Grammatical Person | 2nd / 3rd person plural | 1st person singular |
| Function | Emphasis, poetic style, possibly modality | Volition, self-command, polite request |
| Obligatoriness | Optional | Optional, but often significant |
| Usage Domain | Poetic, legal, archaic prose | Narrative, liturgy, personal speech |
Morphology with Intent
The paragogic nun and cohortative heh reflect the beauty of Hebrew’s verbal system—where subtle suffixes convey not only person and number, but also intent, resolve, and rhetorical force. These forms bridge morphology and semantics, revealing how even a single letter can affect meaning, tone, and theological emphasis in Biblical narrative and poetry.
