The Function of Paragogic נ and Cohortative ה

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.

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.
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