Biblical Hebrew conveys impersonal meaning through existential particles like יֵשׁ (“there is”) and אֵין (“there is not”), as well as third-person masculine singular verbs (e.g., נֶאֱמַר – “it was said”) that function without a defined subject. These constructions enable the language to express general truths, obligations, or possibilities using infinitives, modal terms such as צָרִיךְ (“must”), and passive verbs. Though Hebrew lacks an overt impersonal voice, its flexible syntactic strategies—especially in law, prophecy, and wisdom literature—allow it to communicate abstract ideas and impersonal conditions with striking economy and theological depth.
Impersonal Expressions in Biblical Hebrew: An Overview
Biblical Hebrew lacks a dedicated grammatical category equivalent to the “impersonal voice” in Indo-European languages, such as “it is said” or “there is.” However, the language expresses impersonal constructions through a combination of syntactic positioning, existential particles, and third-person masculine singular verbs. These forms enable Hebrew to express existence, necessity, possibility, and general truths without explicitly naming a subject.
This article focuses on key constructions such as יֵשׁ (“there is”), אֵין (“there is not”), and related verbal forms that appear with no concrete subject but carry functional or logical significance.
יֵשׁ and אֵין: Existential Particles with Verbal Force
The words יֵשׁ (“there is”) and אֵין (“there is not”) are existential particles. While they are not true verbs morphologically, they function with the semantic force of impersonal verbs. They indicate the existence or absence of an entity, fact, or condition.
| Form | Function | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| יֵשׁ | Existence (affirmative) | יֵשׁ אֱלֹהִים | “There is a God” |
| אֵין | Non-existence (negative) | אֵין מַיִם | “There is no water” |
These expressions function without any verbal inflection. They are invariant and always followed by a noun or clause serving as the logical subject.
Third Person Masculine Singular Verbs as Impersonal Forms
In Biblical Hebrew, verbs in the third person masculine singular form are often used impersonally. This includes verbs like נֶאֱמַר (“it was said”) or יֵעָשֶׂה (“it shall be done”). These forms allow Hebrew to express actions or statements without identifying a specific subject.
וַיֵּאָמֶר אֶל־מֹשֶׁה
“And it was said to Moshe” (without naming the speaker explicitly)
כְּמוֹ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר
“As it is said…”
These examples reflect passive impersonal usage, where the third masculine singular verb stands in for “it.”
Impersonal Future and Modal Constructions
Biblical Hebrew also employs the yiqtol (imperfect) form impersonally to express general truths or hypothetical situations, especially in laws and wisdom literature.
יֵעָשֶׂה כָּזֹאת
“Such a thing shall be done” — impersonal future passive
יִתֵּן הָאֱלֹהִים
“May God give [it]” — optative mood; sometimes with elided or general object
Additionally, modal verbs like צָרִיךְ (“must, ought”), though not true verbs, function impersonally in legal or prescriptive language:
צָרִיךְ לֵאמֹר
“It must be said”
These forms reflect necessity or obligation without a concrete subject.
Infinitive Constructs in Impersonal Clauses
Hebrew often uses the infinitive construct with impersonal force, especially when coupled with modal or aspectual particles:
לֵאמֹר
“To say” — commonly used in narrative transitions (impersonal introduction)
לִשְׁמֹר
“To keep” — when used after verbs of command or desire without personal attribution
These forms convey generality or universality, often signaling custom, instruction, or process.
Negative Existential Clauses Using אֵין and Related Forms
The negative existential אֵין combines with prepositional phrases and verbs to express impersonal denial:
אֵין כָּמוֹךָ
“There is none like you”
אֵין נִכְנָסִים
“No one enters” — passive or impersonal plural
Other negative particles such as לֹא may also create impersonal clauses when followed by third-person verbs:
לֹא נִשְׁמַע
“It shall not be heard” — general impersonal negation
Summary of Impersonal Voice Strategies
| Form | Function | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| יֵשׁ | Affirmative existence | יֵשׁ מַיִם | “There is water” |
| אֵין | Negative existence | אֵין מֶלֶךְ | “There is no king” |
| 3ms verb (passive) | General or unknown subject | נֶאֱמַר | “It was said” |
| Infinitive construct | Non-finite impersonal action | לֵאמֹר | “To say” |
| Modal (צָרִיךְ) | Necessity or obligation | צָרִיךְ לַעֲשׂוֹת | “It must be done” |
Expressing the Impersonal Without a Subject
Biblical Hebrew achieves impersonal expression through particles (יֵשׁ, אֵין), passive verb forms, infinitives, and modal constructions. While it lacks an explicit “impersonal voice” as a morphologically marked category, the language demonstrates remarkable syntactic flexibility. Whether affirming existence, voicing obligation, or stating impersonal truths, these constructions allow Hebrew to express meaning without specifying an agent—a style deeply embedded in biblical narrative, law, and wisdom literature.
