וַתָּבֹ֤וא הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ אֶל־שָׁא֔וּל וַתֵּ֖רֶא כִּי־נִבְהַ֣ל מְאֹ֑ד וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו הִנֵּ֨ה שָׁמְעָ֤ה שִׁפְחָֽתְךָ֙ בְּקֹולֶ֔ךָ וָאָשִׂ֤ים נַפְשִׁי֙ בְּכַפִּ֔י וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙ אֶת־דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ אֵלָֽי׃
1 Samuel 28:21 provides us with an excellent example of one of the most distinctive features of Biblical Hebrew grammar: the wayyiqtol verb form. This narrative verse contains multiple wayyiqtol verbs that demonstrate how Hebrew expresses sequential action in narrative texts.
Understanding the Wayyiqtol Form
The wayyiqtol (וַיִּקְטֹל) is a unique Hebrew verbal form used primarily in narrative texts to indicate consecutive past actions. It is formed by combining the waw consecutive (וַ) prefix with the yiqtol (imperfect) form of the verb.
In our verse, we can identify several wayyiqtol forms:
- וַתָּבֹ֤וא (wattavo) – “And she came”
- וַתֵּ֖רֶא (wattere) – “And she saw”
- וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wattomer) – “And she said”
- וָאָשִׂ֤ים (wa’asim) – “And I placed”
- וָֽאֶשְׁמַע֙ (wa’eshma) – “And I listened”
Morphological Structure of Wayyiqtol
Each wayyiqtol verb consists of three main components:
- וַ – The waw consecutive prefix, usually with a pataḥ vowel
- Prefix letter – Marks person, gender, and number
- Verb root – The core meaning of the verb
For example, in וַתָּבֹ֤וא (wattavo, “and she came”):
- וַ (waw consecutive) – Signals sequential past action
- תָּ (tav prefix) – Indicates 3rd person feminine singular
- בֹ֤וא (bo) – Root meaning “to come”
Syntactic Function: Narrative Sequencing
Wayyiqtol forms are used extensively in Biblical narrative to indicate sequences of actions. Each wayyiqtol verb moves the narrative forward, connecting events chronologically.
- וַתָּבֹ֤וא הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ אֶל־שָׁא֔וּל – “And the woman came to Saul”
- וַתֵּ֖רֶא כִּי־נִבְהַ֣ל מְאֹ֑ד – “And she saw that he was greatly terrified”
- וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו – “And she said to him…”
Wayyiqtol vs. Weqatal
Wayyiqtol verbs express sequential past actions, while weqatal verbs express sequential future or modal actions.
| Verbal Form | Example | Typical Function |
|---|---|---|
| Wayyiqtol | וַתָּבֹ֤וא | Sequential past narrative |
| Qatal | שָׁמְעָ֤ה | Completed past action |
| Yiqtol | תָּבוֹא | Future or habitual action |
| Weqatal | וְשָׁמַעְתָּ | Sequential future/consequential |
Historical Development of Wayyiqtol
The wayyiqtol form likely developed from an earlier Semitic preterite verb form. Similar constructions are found in Akkadian and Ugaritic, suggesting that wayyiqtol originated from a preterite conjugation with a prefixed waw.
Translating Wayyiqtol into English
Because English lacks a direct equivalent for wayyiqtol, translators typically render it using simple past verbs with coordinating conjunctions.
“Then the woman came to Saul and saw that he was terrified, and she said to him, ‘Behold, your servant has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hands and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.'”
Practical Application: Reading Biblical Narratives
To recognize wayyiqtol verbs in Biblical texts:
- Look for verbs with a waw consecutive prefix
- Note their role in advancing the narrative
- Observe when wayyiqtol chains are interrupted, as this often signals background information
The Engine of Hebrew Narrative: Understanding Wayyiqtol
Understanding wayyiqtol forms enhances our ability to read and interpret Biblical Hebrew narratives. These verbs provide the backbone of narrative sequencing, ensuring that events unfold in a logical and cohesive manner.
