Biblical Hebrew conveys commands, requests, and prohibitions primarily through two verb forms: the imperative and the jussive. The imperative addresses second-person subjects directly and is used for clear, forceful directives, often in legal or divine contexts (e.g., “Remember the Sabbath”). The jussive, by contrast, expresses third-person or first-person plural volition, often appearing in poetic or prophetic texts to convey wishes, decrees, or permissions (e.g., “Let there be light”). Prohibitions are marked by different negatives: אַל for immediate, direct commands and לֹא for general moral or legal prohibitions. These forms not only reflect grammatical distinctions but also shape the theological and rhetorical tone of Scripture, distinguishing between divine authority, poetic creation, and covenantal law.
Commanding in Biblical Hebrew: Two Verb Forms, One Function
Biblical Hebrew uses two primary verb forms to express commands, exhortations, and prohibitions: the imperative and the jussive. Though both serve the general function of expressing volition — whether directed from a superior to a subordinate (as in commands) or from one peer to another (as in requests or permissions) — they differ in form, subject, and nuance. Understanding their distinct grammatical features and functional overlap is essential to interpreting the force of speech in both divine and human contexts.
The Imperative Form: Direct Command to the Second Person
Definition:
The imperative form is used to express direct commands to second-person subjects. It is formed by removing the personal prefix from the yiqtol (imperfect) form and sometimes shortening the stem vowel.
Examples:
- שְׁמַע (“hear!”) — masculine singular
- שִׁמְעוּ (“hear!”) — masculine plural
- כְּתֹב (“write!”)
Usage:
- Used for strong, unambiguous directives.
- Common in divine speech (“You shall…”) and legal texts.
- Appears in narratives when one character commands another.
Examples in Context:
- זָכ֛וֹר אֶת־י֥וֹם הַשַּׁבָּ֖ת — “Remember the Sabbath day” (Exodus 20:8)
- לֵךְ־לְךָ֛ מֵאַרְצְךָ — “Go from your country” (Genesis 12:1)
The Jussive Form: Expressing Third-Person (and Sometimes First-Person) Volition
Definition:
The jussive is a subjunctive-like form that expresses commands, wishes, or permissions concerning the third person — and occasionally the first person plural. It uses a shortened form of the imperfect (yiqtol) verb.
Examples:
- יֵלֵךְ — “let him go”
- נֵלְכָה — “let us go” (cohortative; closely related to jussive)
Usage:
- Used to express third-person commands or divine decrees.
- Often appears in prophetic texts and poetry.
- Used in requests, permissions, or exhortations.
Examples in Context:
- יְהִי אוֹר — “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3)
- אַל־יְהִי כָזָב בְּפִיךָ — “Let there be no falsehood in your mouth”
Comparative Table: Imperative vs. Jussive
| Feature | Imperative | Jussive |
|---|---|---|
| Person | Second person only | Third person (also first person plural) |
| Form | Shortened form of yiqtol (no prefix) | Shortened yiqtol with altered endings |
| Function | Command, order, or request | Wish, decree, or indirect command |
| Example | שְׁמַע — “hear!” | יֵלֵךְ — “let him go” |
| Common Contexts | Law, direct address, divine command | Creation narrative, poetry, prophetic vision |
Prohibitions: Negative Commands
Biblical Hebrew uses different negative particles to express prohibitions depending on whether the imperative or jussive is used.
1. Imperative + אַל
Used to prohibit specific actions in direct address:
- אַל־תִּירָא — “Do not fear”
- אַל־תִּשְׁלַח יָדְךָ — “Do not stretch out your hand”
2. Jussive + לֹא
Used for general moral or legal prohibitions:
- לֹא תִּרְצָח — “You shall not murder”
- לֹא יִהְיֶה לְךָ — “There shall not be to you [other gods]”
Distinction:
- אַל = immediate, specific, often in dialogue
- לֹא = timeless, general, legal/moral
Discourse and Theological Function
The imperative and jussive are not merely grammatical tools — they serve major roles in shaping the tone, authority, and intent of speech in the Hebrew Bible.
- Imperatives express direct divine authority (“Obey!”), often linked to covenantal obligations.
- Jussives allow for poetic beauty, nuance, and expression of divine will (“Let it be…”).
- Negative jussives are key to understanding biblical law and ethical structures.
Example: Creation Commands vs. Sinai Commands
- Creation (Genesis 1): Uses jussives — “Let there be light.”
- Sinai (Exodus 20): Uses imperatives and negative jussives — “Do not steal,” “Honor your father and mother.”
Commanding the Cosmos, Shaping the Covenant
In Biblical Hebrew, the imperative and jussive forms give structure to how people and even creation respond to the divine voice. Whether through “Go!”, “Let there be…”, or “You shall not…”, these verbs shape prophetic visions, covenantal laws, royal decrees, and poetic prayers. Mastering their forms and uses is essential not only for grammar but also for entering the rhythm of command, permission, and plea that animates the Hebrew Scriptures.
