Chapter Ten: Hebrew Weak Verbs

10

10

10.1

10.1

A verb in the Hebrew language comes in a unit of three consonants.

A verb in the Hebrew language comes in a unit of three consonants.

Known as the root (

Known as the root (

ׁ

ש

שֶ

ׁ

ֶ

ר

ר

ו

ֹ

ו

ֹ

ׁׁ

ש

ש

), it is onto this tri-consonantal array various

), it is onto this tri-consonantal array various

pairs of default vowels are to be added to configure the verbal root to

pairs of default vowels are to be added to configure the verbal root to

perform different function of a

perform different function of a verb: the Infinitive Absolute, the Infinitive

verb: the Infinitive Absolute, the Infinitive

Construct, the Participles, the Perfect Tense, the Imperative, the Jussive

Construct, the Participles, the Perfect Tense, the Imperative, the Jussive

or the Cohortative or the Imperfect Tense and so on.

or the Cohortative or the Imperfect Tense and so on.

10.2

10.2

In Hebrew, verbs could be a strong verb or a weak verb. A strong verb

In Hebrew, verbs could be a strong verb or a weak verb. A strong verb

is a verb which does not contain guttural or weak consonants in its

is a verb which does not contain guttural or weak consonants in its

spelling at the root level or in the Perfect Tense third person masculine

spelling at the root level or in the Perfect Tense third person masculine

singular.

singular.

10.3

10.3

The base vowel format of each verb type would be clearly seen in the

The base vowel format of each verb type would be clearly seen in the

Infinitive Absolute of each

Infinitive Absolute of each

ן

ןי

יי

ינ

נב

ב

as the Infinitive Absolute is not inflected

as the Infinitive Absolute is not inflected

for gender, number or person. Default vowels for the Qal Infinitive

for gender, number or person. Default vowels for the Qal Infinitive

Absolute would take the dyads of [

Absolute would take the dyads of [

ֹ

ו

ו

ֹ

+

+

○

○

ָ

ָ

]

]

(

(

א

אֵ

ֵ

ל

לָ

מ

מ

ָ

ם

םָ

ָ

ל

ל

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וח

ח

+

+

ץ

ץֶ

ֶ

מ

מָ

ָ

ק

ק

), duplicating

), duplicating

the vowels in the word:

the vowels in the word:

ר

רֹ

ֹ

ו

וק

קָ

ָ

מ

מ

infinitive,

infinitive,

which vowel medley would be

which vowel medley would be

Hebrew Weak Verbs

Hebrew Weak Verbs

How to Understand Hebrew Weak Verbs

How to Understand Hebrew Weak Verbs

       םם        שש        בב        ךך        וו        רר        בב    S    S    t    t  e  e    f    f    f    f  e  e  n  n    H    H  a  a   n   n    J    J  a  a  n  n   u   u   a   a   r   r   y   y    2    2    0    0    1    1    1    1  r  r   e   e   v   v    i    i  s  s  e  e    d    d . .

used in Qal weak verbs as well. The Infinitive Construct could be termed

used in Qal weak verbs as well. The Infinitive Construct could be termed

the shortened form of the Infinitive Absolute. In some Passive

the shortened form of the Infinitive Absolute. In some Passive

binyanim 

binyanim 

which might not have a sample of the Infinitive Absolute in the Hebrew

which might not have a sample of the Infinitive Absolute in the Hebrew

Bible, the Infinitive Construct could be used, or both might share the

Bible, the Infinitive Construct could be used, or both might share the

same vowel format.

same vowel format.

10.4

10.4

A Hebrew verb is called a weak verb when it carried in its

A Hebrew verb is called a weak verb when it carried in its

tri-consonantal root in the Perfect Tense third person masculine singular

consonantal root in the Perfect Tense third person masculine singular

one or more guttural consonants (

one or more guttural consonants (

ע

ע

,

,

ח

ח

,

,

ה

ה

,

,

א

א

), or often also known as

), or often also known as

the laryngeals. Verbs begin with or consist of any one of another four

the laryngeals. Verbs begin with or consist of any one of another four

consonants, namely: [

consonants, namely: [

נ

ּ

נ

ּ

]

]

(

(

ן

ןּּו

ונ

נ

)

)

,[

,[

י

י

]

]

(

(

ד

ד

ו

וי

ֹ

ֹ

י

)

)

,[

,[

ו

ו

]

]

(

(

ו

וָ

ו

ָ

ו

) (the

) (the

נ

נו

וי

י

group) and [

group) and [

ר

ר

]

]

(

(

ׁ  

ׁ  

ש

שי

יֵ

ֵ

ר

ר

) which behaves like a laryngeal, also are grouped under the weak

) which behaves like a laryngeal, also are grouped under the weak

verb category.

verb category.

10.5

10.5

Monosyllable verbs and stative verbs are two more members of the weak

Monosyllable verbs and stative verbs are two more members of the weak

verb category alongside a handful of special irregular verbs.

verb category alongside a handful of special irregular verbs.

10.6

10.6

Strictly speaking, it is not necessary though not redundant to separate the

Strictly speaking, it is not necessary though not redundant to separate the

Hebrew verbs into a category known as the weak verbs. The only matter

Hebrew verbs into a category known as the weak verbs. The only matter

related to the weak verbs would be the need to adjust the vocal shewa

related to the weak verbs would be the need to adjust the vocal shewa

[

[

ְ

ְ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ע

ענ

נ

א

או

וו

וש

ש

)

)

, given by default, coming beneath any

, given by default, coming beneath any

one of the gutturals:

one of the gutturals:

,

,

ר

ר

,

,

ע

ע

,

,

ח

ח

,

,

ה

ה

,

,

א

א

whenever one or more of these consonants shows up in a

whenever one or more of these consonants shows up in a

verb in whichever position in the root. These consonants could not carry

verb in whichever position in the root. These consonants could not carry

the [

the [

ְ

ְ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ע

ענ

נ

א

או

וו

וש

ש

)

)

, and therefore the composite shewa (

, and therefore the composite shewa (

א

אָ

ָ

ו

וְְׁ

ׁ

ש

ש

ף

ףָ

ָ

ט

טֲ

ֲ

ח

ח

) must

) must

be used; and the laryngeals do not accept doubling, thus compensatory

be used; and the laryngeals do not accept doubling, thus compensatory

lengthening of the vowel beneath the preceding consonant or virtual

lengthening of the vowel beneath the preceding consonant or virtual

doubling with rejection of 

doubling with rejection of 

ש

שג

גד

ד

but not lengthening the preceding vowel

but not lengthening the preceding vowel

must come to play. For verbs which contained

must come to play. For verbs which contained

ה

ה”

”נ

נו

וי

י

in the root, these

in the root, these

consonants would go through assimilation (or abdicated), transformed,

consonants would go through assimilation (or abdicated), transformed,

or become quiescent; and the brace of default vowels beneath all the

or become quiescent; and the brace of default vowels beneath all the

eight of them would also go through another type of changes such as

eight of them would also go through another type of changes such as

vowel reduction, compensatory lengthening, or propretonic reduction

vowel reduction, compensatory lengthening, or propretonic reduction

of the head vowel. The rules that govern each procedure are rather

of the head vowel. The rules that govern each procedure are rather

_בבךך

וו רר בב ff ff ee nn HH aa nn JJ aa nn uu aa rr yy 22 00 11 11 rr ee vv ii ss ee dd ..

10.7

10.7

Types of Hebrew Verbs

Types of Hebrew Verbs

a.

a.

The

The Strong

Strong Verbs

Verbs

The most prominent way to classify the Hebrew verb is called

The most prominent way to classify the Hebrew verb is called

the

the

Shlemin 

Shlemin 

class (

class (

ם

םי

יִִמ

מַ

לְְׁ

ל

ַ

ׁ

ש

ש

), which means

), which means

complete.

complete.

Verbs in

Verbs in

this class, as a rule, do not contain any of these consonants: ,

this class, as a rule, do not contain any of these consonants: ,

א

א

,

,ע

ע

,

,

ח

ח

,

,

ה

ה

or any of these:

or any of these:

ר

ר

,

,

י

י

,

,

ו

ו

,

,

נ

נ

, the

, the

נ

נו

וי

י

group. In all verbal

group. In all verbal

forms, sometimes referred to as strong verbs, verbs of this

forms, sometimes referred to as strong verbs, verbs of this

class retain all consonants of the root during conjugation and

class retain all consonants of the root during conjugation and

pluralization. The Strong verbs are regular verbs. These verbs

pluralization. The Strong verbs are regular verbs. These verbs

are the most commonly used verbs in Hebrew.

are the most commonly used verbs in Hebrew.

b.

b.

The

The Weak

Weak

Verbs

Verbs

Verbs which contained one or more of these consonants: ,

Verbs which contained one or more of these consonants: ,

א

א

,

,ע

ע

,

,

ח

ח

,

,

ה

ה

or any of these:

or any of these:

ר

ר

,

,

ו

ו

,

,

י

י

,

,

נ

נ

are classified as weak verbs

are classified as weak verbs

and all weak verbs would be named after the position these

and all weak verbs would be named after the position these

consonants sit in the verbal root according to the sequence of 

consonants sit in the verbal root according to the sequence of 

ל

לע

עפ

פ

(

(

←←

read from right to left).

read from right to left).

10.8

10.8

Nomenclature

Nomenclature

Nomenclature presents quite a bit of confusion to the student. Scholars

Nomenclature presents quite a bit of confusion to the student. Scholars

seemed are loath to resolve this

seemed are loath to resolve this obstacle. Given below in the Table below

obstacle. Given below in the Table below

showed different systems of nomenclature, all the same, they meant the

showed different systems of nomenclature, all the same, they meant the

same thing.

same thing.

a. Among the weak consonants, [

a. Among the weak consonants, [

ה

ה

]

]

(

(

א

אֵ

ֵ

ה

ה

) and [

) and [

ח

ח

]

]

(

(

ת

תי

יֵ

ֵ

ח

ח

) are

) are

known as strong laryngeals; [

known as strong laryngeals; [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ף

ףֶ

ֶ

ל

לָ

ָ

א

א

) and [

) and [

ר

ר

]

]

(

(

שי

ׁ  

ש

ׁ  

יֵ

ֵ

ר

ר

) are the

) are the

weak laryngeals; whereas [

weak laryngeals; whereas [

ע

ע

] (

] (

ן

ןִִי

יַ

ַ

ע

ע

) is a variable, but more often

) is a variable, but more often

weak.

weak.

b.

b.

Whenever there is more than one we

Whenever there is more than one weak consonant present in

ak consonant present in

the root of a verb, it is known as doubly weak verb, mostly the

the root of a verb, it is known as doubly weak verb, mostly the

first and the last consonant of the verb. Doubly weak verbs are

first and the last consonant of the verb. Doubly weak verbs are

to be classified according to the abaft weak consonant in the

to be classified according to the abaft weak consonant in the

sequence of occurrence.

sequence of occurrence.

       םם        שש        בב        ךך            וו        רר        בב       S      S             t      t             e      e              f       f        f       f       e      e       n       n        H       H       a      a              n       n       J      J             a      a              n       n        u       u             a      a              r       r        y       y             2      2       0      0              1       1        1       1        r       r       e      e              v      v              i      i       s      s             e      e             d      d              .       .      

10.9

10.9

Classification of the Weak Verbs

Classification of the Weak Verbs

Each weak verb has a technical name. The name is dependent on which

Each weak verb has a technical name. The name is dependent on which

position in the root the weak consonant appears and it is by the technical

position in the root the weak consonant appears and it is by the technical

name the weak verbs are classified.

name the weak verbs are classified.

10.10

10.10

There are only three groups or types of weak verbs, and each may contain

There are only three groups or types of weak verbs, and each may contain

a few members. Weak verbs are classified and named after the position

a few members. Weak verbs are classified and named after the position

of the weak consonant in which it occurs in the root following the

of the weak consonant in which it occurs in the root following the

consecution of the Hebrew word

consecution of the Hebrew word

ל

לע

עפ

פ

, used as a matter of convenience,

, used as a matter of convenience,

(some sort of mnemonic effect), reading from right to left.

(some sort of mnemonic effect), reading from right to left.

10.12

10.12

A verb which begins with [

A verb which begins with [

י

י

]

]

(

(

ד

ד

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וי

י

) or [

) or [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ף

ףֶ

ֶ

ל

לָ

ָ

א

א

) are therefore referred

) are therefore referred

to as “Peh-Aleph” (

to as “Peh-Aleph” (

א

א”

”פ

פ

), “Peh-Yod”(

), “Peh-Yod”(

י

י”

”פ

פ

), “Peh-Nun” (

), “Peh-Nun” (

נ

נ”

”פ

פ

), “Peh-

), “Peh-

בב

ךך וו רר בב ff ff ee nn HH aa nn JJ aa nn uu aa rr yy 22 00 11 11 rr ee vv ii ss ee dd ..

T

Tr

ra

ad

di

it

ti

io

on

na

al

l

M

Mo

od

de

er

rn

n

2

2

M

Mo

od

de

er

rn

n

1

1

H

He

eb

br

re

ew

w

P

Pe

e

G

Gu

ut

tt

tu

ur

ra

al

l

I

I

G

Gu

ut

tt

tu

ur

ra

al

l

_I-

_I-

ע

ע

 _/ 

 _/ 

ח

ח

ע

ע

 _/ 

 _/ 

ח

ח”

”פ

פ

P

Pe

e

’

’A

Al

le

ep

ph

h

I

I

A

Al

le

ep

ph

h

_I-

_I-

א

א



א

א”

”

פ

פ

P

Pe

e

N

Nu

un

n

I

I

N

Nu

un

n

_I-

_I-

נ

נ



נ

נ”

”

פ

פ

P

Pe

e

V

Va

av

v/

/P

Pe

e

Yo

Y

od

d

I

I

V

Va

av

v/

/I

I

y

yo

od

d

_I-

_I-

י

י

 _/ 

 _/ 

ו

ו

י

י

 _/ 

 _/ 

ו

ו”

”פ

פ

‘

‘A

Ay

yi

in

n

G

Gu

ut

tt

tu

ur

ra

al

l

I

II

I

G

Gu

ut

tt

tu

ur

ra

al

l

_II-

_II-

ע

ע

 _/ 

 _/ 

ח

ח

ע

ע

 _/ 

 _/ 

ח

ח”

”ע

ע

‘Ayin Vav/‘Ayin

‘Ayin Vav/‘Ayin

Yod

Yod

II Vav/II

II Vav/II

Yod/ 

Yod/ 

(Hollow

(Hollow

Verb)

Verb)

II-II-

י

י

 / 

 / 

ו

ו

(Hollow verb

(Hollow verb

or Biconsonatal

or Biconsonatal

verb)

verb)

י

י

 / 

 / 

ו

ו”

”ע

ע

Double ‘Ayin

Double ‘Ayin

Geminate

Geminate

Verb

Verb

Geminate verb

Geminate verb

ע

ע”

”ע

ע

L

La

am

me

ed

d

G

Gu

ut

tt

tu

ur

ra

al

l

I

II

II

I

G

Gu

ut

tt

tu

ur

ra

al

l

_III-

_III-

ע

ע

 _/ 

 _/ 

ח

ח

ע

ע

 _/ 

 _/ 

ח

ח”

”ל

ל

L

La

am

me

ed

d

’

’A

Al

le

ep

ph

h

I

II

II

I

A

Al

le

ep

ph

h

_III-

_III-

א

א



א

א”

”

ל

ל

L

Guttural” (

Guttural” (

ג

ג”

”פ

פ

)

)

(

(

ג

ג

=

=

ת

תי

יִִנ

נ

ֹ

ֹ

ו

ור

רְְג

ג

= guttural), and so on. A sample of weak

= guttural), and so on. A sample of weak

verbs in each class is given in the following Table:

verbs in each class is given in the following Table:

 Example of Weak Verbs:

 Example of Weak Verbs:

10.13

10.13

I

I. The

. The

"

"פ

פ

(

(

א

אֵ

פ

פ

ֵ

ּ

ּ

)

)

Class Verbs

Class Verbs

A Hebrew verb begins with a weak consonant in

A Hebrew verb begins with a weak consonant in

the first position of the root in the Perfect Tense

the first position of the root in the Perfect Tense

third person masculine singular (or using the

third person masculine singular (or using the

Infinitive Construct) is called Peh Guttural (

Infinitive Construct) is called Peh Guttural (

ג

ג”

”פ

פ

)

)

verbs. There are four or five members under this

verbs. There are four or five members under this

family. It is also known as First Guttural verb,

family. It is also known as First Guttural verb,

       םם        שש        בב        ךך            וו        רר        בב       S      S             t      t             e      e              f       f        f       f       e      e       n       n        H       H       a      a              n       n       J      J             a      a              n       n        u       u             a      a              r       r        y       y             2      2       0      0              1       1        1       1        r       r       e      e              v      v              i      i       s      s             e      e             d      d              .       .      

V

Ve

er

rb

b

c

cl

la

as

ss

s

P

Po

os

si

it

ti

io

on

ns

s

"

"

ל

ל

-

-3rd 3rd

"

"

ע

ע

-

-2nd 2nd

"

"

פ

פ

-

-1st 1st

root

root

This is a

This is a

א

א"

"פ

פ

verb

verb

ד

ד



מ

מ



א

א



ד

ד

מ

מ

א

א

This is a

This is a

ע

ע/

/ח

ח"

"ע

ע or

 or ג

ג"

"ע

ע

verb

verb

(also II-guttural verb)

(also II-guttural verb)

ל

ל



ע

ע



פ

פ



ל

ל

ע

ע

פ

פ

This is a

This is a

נ

נ

"

"

פ

פ

 / 

 / 

ה

ה

"

"

ל

ל

verb

verb

(also a doubly weak verb)

(also a doubly weak verb)

ה

ה



ט

ט



נ

נ



ה

ה

ט

ט

נ

נ

This is a

This is a

נ

נ"

"פ

פ

verb

verb

ן

ן



ת

ת



נ

נ



ן

ן

ת

ת

נ

נ

This is a

This is a

א

א"

"ל

ל

verb

verb

א

א



צ

צ



מ

מ



א

א

צ

צ

מ

מ

This is a

This is a

ע

ע"

"ח

ח

 / 

 / 

ע

ע

or

or

ג

ג"

"ע

ע

verb

verb

(II-guttural)

(II-guttural)

ך

ך



ר

ר



ב

ב



ך

ך

ר

ר

ב

ב

This is a

This is a

ו

ו

 / 

 / 

י

י

"

"

פ

פ

verb

verb

ב

ב



ש

ש



י

י



ב

ב

ש

ש

י

י

This is a

This is a

ע

ע"

"ח

ח

 / 

 / 

ע

ע

or

or

ג

ג"

"ע

ע

verb

verb

ר

ר



ח

ח



ב

ב



ר

ר

ח

ח

ב

ב

This is a

This is a

ה

ה"

"ל

ל

verb

verb

(also a doubly weak verb)

(also a doubly weak verb)

ה

ה



א

א



ר

ר



ה

ה

א

א

ר

ר

This is a

This is a

י

י"

"

פ

פ



v

ve

er

rb

b

ב

ב



ט

ט



י

י



ב

ב

ט

ט

י

י

This is a Hollow verb

This is a Hollow verb

א

א



ו

ו



ב

ב



ו

וב

ב

א

א

_{ֹ }

_{ֹ }

This is a Geminate verb

This is a Geminate verb

ב

ב



ב

ב



ס

ס



ב

ב

ב

ב

ס

ס

א

א"

"פ

פ

verbs

verbs

ר

רַ

ַ

מ

מָ

ָ

א

א

say 

say 

ל

לַ

ַ

כ

כָ

ָ

א

א

eat 

eat 

ה

הַ

ַ

ב

בָ

ָ

א

א

be willing 

be willing 

ה

הָ

ָ

פ

פָ

ָ

א

א

bake 

bake 

ז

זַ

ַ

ח

חָ

ָ

א

א

seize 

seize 

ד

דַ

ַ

ב

בָ

ָ

א

א

 perish 

 perish 

"

"פ

פ

are different names of the same verb type. Members of 

are different names of the same verb type. Members of 

"

"פ

פ

(

(

א

אֵ

ֵ

ּ

ּ

פ

פ

) verbs

) verbs

included the following groups:

included the following groups:

a.

a.

Pe-Alef 

Pe-Alef 

(

(

א

א”

”פ

פ

),

),

(e.g.

(e.g.

ל

לַ

כָ

כ

ַ

ָ

א

א

,

,

ד

דַ

ַ

ב

בָ

ָ

א

א

). There are only six members

). There are only six members

in

in

א

א”

”פ

פ

class in used in the

class in used in the

ך

ך”

”נ

נת

ת

, as shown in the Table above.

, as shown in the Table above.

These six verbs receive different head vowel during inflection

These six verbs receive different head vowel during inflection

in the Qal

in the Qal

binyan 

binyan 

.

.

b.

b.

Pe

Pe

-Guttural

-Guttural

(

(

ת

תי

ינ

נו

ור

רג

ג”

”פ

פ

or

or

ע

ע/

/ח

ח”

”פ

פ

), (e.g.

), (e.g.

ד

דַ

ַ

מ

מָ

ָ

ע

ע

,

,

ק

קַ

ַ

ז

זָ

ָ

ח

ח

). Verbs

). Verbs

under this group begin with ,

under this group begin with ,

ח

ח

,

,

ע

ע

or

or

ר

ר

. Other verbs beginning

. Other verbs beginning

with [

with [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ף

ףֶ

לָ

ל

ֶ

ָ

א

א

) which are not a member of 

) which are not a member of 

א

א”

”פ

פ

class are to be

class are to be

classified under

classified under

Pe-Guttural 

Pe-Guttural class as these aleph-first verbs are

class as these aleph-first verbs are

to be conjugated like

to be conjugated like

ע

ע/

/ח

ח”

”פ

פ

verbs.

verbs.

c.

c.

Pe-Nun

Pe-Nun

(

(

נ

נ”

”פ

פ

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

לַ

ל

פ

פָ

ַ

ָ

נ

נ

_ׁ,

_ׁ,

ש

שַ

גָ

ַ

ג

ָ

נ

נ

). All verbs begin with [

). All verbs begin with [

נ

נ

]

]

(

(

ן

ן

ּ

ּ

ו

ונ

נ

)

)

as well as a few other irregular verbs:

as well as a few other irregular verbs:

ח

חק

קל

ל

,

,

ך

ךל

לח

ח

,

,

ן

ןת

תנ

נ

—only

—only

a handful of these—are also grouped under this category. In

a handful of these—are also grouped under this category. In

some Hebrew grammar books, a

some Hebrew grammar books, a

נ

נ”

”פ

פ

verb is also known as

verb is also known as

נ

נ”

”פ

פ

י

יַ

ַ

ר

רְְס

סַ

ַ

ח

ח

, which means

, which means

נ

נ”

”פ

פ

verb but with a missing first [

verb but with a missing first [

נ

נ

]

] (

(

ן

ן

ּ

ּ

ו

ונ

נ

).

).

d.

d.

Pe-Yod 

Pe-Yod 

(

(

י

י”

”פ

פ

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

ב

בַ

ַ

ט

טָ

ָ

י

י

): there are

): there are

only six or seven members in

only six or seven members in

י

י”

”פ

פ

class, thus known as true

class, thus known as true

י

י”

”פ

פ

verbs,

verbs,

as shown in the Table.

as shown in the Table.

e

e. Pe-Yod/Vav

. Pe-Yod/Vav

(

(Pe-Yod 

Pe-Yod 

based on

based on

Pe- 

Pe- 

Vav 

Vav 

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

א

אַ

ַ

ר

רָ

י

י

ָ

_ׁ,

_ׁ,

ש

שַ

ַ

ר

רָ

ָ

י

י

). Verbs under

). Verbs under

this group actually begin with a

this group actually begin with a

[

[

ו

ו

]

]

(

(

ו

וָ

ָ

ו

ו

) but ended up in [

) but ended up in [

י

י

]

]

(

(

ד

ד

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וי

י

)

)

initial in the Perfect Tense third

initial in the Perfect Tense third

person singular masculine—try compare it with the Infinitive

person singular masculine—try compare it with the Infinitive

Construct of the verb. More appropriately these verbs should

Construct of the verb. More appropriately these verbs should

be known as

be known as

י

י/

/ו

ו”

”פ

פ

verbs.

verbs.

בב ךך וו רר בב ff ff ee nn HH aa nn JJ aa nn uu aa rr yy 22 00 11 11 rr ee vv ii ss ee dd ..

י

י

”

”

פ

פ

verbs

verbs

ׁ

ׁ

ש

שֵ

ֵ

ב

בָ

ָ

י

י

to be dry 

to be dry 

ק

קֵ

ֵ

נ

נָ

ָ

י

י

to suck 

to suck 

ר

רַ

ַ

ׁ

ׁ

ש

שָ

ָ

י

י

to be straight 

to be straight 

ב

בַ

ַ

ט

טָ

ָ

י

י

to be good 

to be good 

ץ

ץַ

ַ

ק

קָ

ָ

י

י

to wake up 

to wake up 

ל

לַ

ַ

ל

לָ

ָ

י

י

to groan 

to groan 

ר

10.14

10.14

II

II

The

The

[

[

ע

ע

]

]

(

(

ן

ןִִ

י

יַ

ַ

ע

ע

)

)

Class Verbs.

Class Verbs.

a.

a.

The

The

Ayin 

Ayin 

-Guttural

-Guttural

(

(

ג

ג”

”ע

ע

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

ר

רַ

חָ

ח

ַ

ָ

ּ

ּ

ב

ב ,

 ,ך

ךַ

רָ

ר

ַ

ָ

ּ

ּ

ב

ב

) verbs. Verbs under

) verbs. Verbs under

this class would have a guttural in the middle or

this class would have a guttural in the middle or

’

’ע

ע

position of 

position of 

the root.

the root.

b.

b.

The

The

Ayin-Vav 

Ayin-Vav 

and

and

Ayin-Yod 

Ayin-Yod 

or

or

biconsonantal 

biconsonantal 

or

or

Hollow verb 

Hollow verb 

(e.g.

(e.g.

ת

תּּו

ומ

מ

,

,

ם

םּּו

וק

ק

,

,

א

א

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וּּב

ב

,

,

ם

םי

יִִׂ 

ׂ 

ש

ש

,

,

ש

ׂ 

ש

ׂ 

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וּּב

ב

). Verbs of this class come

). Verbs of this class come

under the category of Hollow verbs, which usually is treated

under the category of Hollow verbs, which usually is treated

separately in grammar textbooks as monosyllable verbs.

separately in grammar textbooks as monosyllable verbs.

c.

c.

The Double-

The Double-

Ayin 

Ayin 

or

or

Ayin-Ayin 

Ayin-Ayin 

or

or

Geminate Verb 

Geminate Verb 

(e.g.

(e.g.

ב

בב

בס

ס

)

)

(doubling of consonant of the last, pillion syllable.). Like wise,

(doubling of consonant of the last, pillion syllable.). Like wise,

these verbs occupy a separate section in grammar textbooks.

these verbs occupy a separate section in grammar textbooks.

The main feature of these verbs would be the two identical last

The main feature of these verbs would be the two identical last

consonants in the root, which would be visible mostly in the

consonants in the root, which would be visible mostly in the

Infinitive Absolute and Active voice

Infinitive Absolute and Active voice

binyanim 

binyanim 

.

.

10.15

10.15

III

III

The

The

'

'ל

ל

(

(

ד

דֶ

מ

מ

ֶ

֫

֫

ָ

ָ

ל

ל

)

)

Class Verbs

Class Verbs

a.

a.

The

The

Lamed 

Lamed 

-Guttural

-Guttural

(

(

ג

ג”

”ל

ל

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

ע

עַ

מָ

מ

ַ

ָ

ׁ

ׁ

ש

ש

,

,

חַ

ח

ַ

ל

ל

ׁׁ

ָ

ָ

ש

ש

) verbs. These verbs

) verbs. These verbs

would have a guttural as the astern consonant of the root so much

would have a guttural as the astern consonant of the root so much

so that these verbs carry a

so that these verbs carry a

ב

ָ

ב

ָ

ּ

ּ

ו

ונ

נְְ

ּ

ּ

ג

ג

ח

חַ

ת

תָ

ּ

ּ

ַ

ָ

ּ

ּ

֫

֫

פ

פ

(

(

  pathach furtive 

  pathach furtive 

) beneath

) beneath

the last consonant, mostly [

the last consonant, mostly [

ע

ע

] and [

] and [

ח

ח

] in the Infinitives.

] in the Infinitives.

b.

b.

The

The

Lamed-Alef 

Lamed-Alef 

(

(

א

א”

”ל

ל

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

אָ

א

ָ

צ

צָ

ָ

מ

מ

) verbs end in the

) verbs end in the

ף

ףל

לא

א

letter,

letter,

which could not be given any vowel, but the preceding vowel

which could not be given any vowel, but the preceding vowel

is commissioned with a [

is commissioned with a [

ָ

ָ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ץ

ץמ

מק

ק

) in the Perfect Tense third

) in the Perfect Tense third

person singular masculine.

person singular masculine.

c.

c.

The

The

Lamed-He 

Lamed-He 

(

(

ה

ה”

”ל

ל

) (e.g.

) (e.g.

ה

הָ

ָ

ל

לָ

ָ

ּ

ּ

ג

ג

) verbs share much features akin

) verbs share much features akin

to the

to the

א

א”

”ל

ל

verbs where the astern

verbs where the astern

ה

ה

could not be assigned a

could not be assigned a

vowel, hence the preceding vowel is given an immutable [

vowel, hence the preceding vowel is given an immutable [

ָ

ָ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ץ

ץמ

מק

ק

) in the Perfect Tense third person singular masculine.

) in the Perfect Tense third person singular masculine.

       םם        שש        בב        ךך                    וו        רר        בב       S      S             t      t             e      e              f       f        f       f       e      e              n       n        H       H       a      a              n       n       J      J             a      a              n       n        u       u             a      a              r       r        y       y             2      2       0      0              1       1       1       1        r       r       e      e              v      v              i      i       s      s             e      e             d      d              .       .      

10.16

10.16

IV

IV

Special Irregular verbs

Special Irregular verbs

(e.g.

(e.g.

ן

ןַ

ַ

ת

תָ

נ

נ

ָ

,

,

ח

חַ

ַ

ק

קָ

ָ

ל

ל

,

,

ְ

ְ

ך

ךַ

ַ

ל

לָ

ָ

ה

ה

,

,

ה

הָ

ָ

י

יָ

ָ

ה

ה

). A handful of these

). A handful of these

verbs are found in use in the

verbs are found in use in the

ך

ך”

”נ

נת

ת

which could not be easily grouped

which could not be easily grouped

into anyone of the main groups of weak verbs. They are individual verb

into anyone of the main groups of weak verbs. They are individual verb

of the irregular type.

of the irregular type.

10.17

10.17

Conjugation of the weak verbs: How does it work.

Conjugation of the weak verbs: How does it work.

During conjugation, the presence of a weak consonant will demand

During conjugation, the presence of a weak consonant will demand

changes to the vowels, shift of accent, movement of the weak consonant

changes to the vowels, shift of accent, movement of the weak consonant

and

and

ש

שג

גד

ד

or no

or no

ש

שג

גד

ד

, which may invoke compensatory lengthening the

, which may invoke compensatory lengthening the

vowel of the preceding consonant or virtually lengthening which rejects

vowel of the preceding consonant or virtually lengthening which rejects

the

the

ש

שג

גד

ד

without lengthening the vowel under the preceding consonant

without lengthening the vowel under the preceding consonant

or syllable, and at certain point a helping vowel might be called to duty.

or syllable, and at certain point a helping vowel might be called to duty.

These changes of vowel during inflexion follow a set of fixed rules.

These changes of vowel during inflexion follow a set of fixed rules.

These rules could be easily learned and understood.

These rules could be easily learned and understood.

10.18

10.18

The

The

א

א"ֵ

"ֵּ

ּ

פ

פ

(

(

ף

ףֶ

ֶ

ל

לָ

א־

א

ָ

־א

אֵ

ֵ

ּ

ּ

פ

פ

) or I-

) or I-

א

א

verbs

verbs

a.

a.

Only six

Only six

verbs beginning

verbs beginning

with [

with [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ף

ףֶ

ֶ

ל

לָ

ָ

א

א

)

)

would be classified under this category.

would be classified under this category.

The rest of the verbs beginning with [

The rest of the verbs beginning with [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ף

ףֶ

ֶ

ל

לָ

ָ

א

א

) outside these six will be conjugated

) outside these six will be conjugated

as

as

ע

ע/

/ח

ח"

"פ

פ

(

(

תי

ת

ינ

נו

ור

רג

ג"

"פ

פ

) verbs, hence they

) verbs, hence they

would be placed under that group.

would be placed under that group.

b. Only in the Qal stem would the vowels of 

b. Only in the Qal stem would the vowels of 

these

these

א

א"ֵ

"ֵּ

ּ

פ

פ

verbs be affected in conjugation.

verbs be affected in conjugation.

When these verbs assume other stem, they would be inflected

When these verbs assume other stem, they would be inflected

according to the strong verb pattern of each

according to the strong verb pattern of each

binyan 

binyan 

.

.

c.

c.

There

There are,

are, however,

however, a fe

a fe

w firs

w first-

t-

א

א

words which would have both

words which would have both

the strong and quiescent form:

the strong and quiescent form:

ז

זח

חא

א

it seized 

it seized 

,

,

ף

ףס

סא

א

to gather 

to gather 

,

,

ף

ףל

לא

א

to learn, to be familiar with 

to learn, to be familiar with 

, etc.

, etc.

_בבךך

וו רר בב ff ff ee nn HH aa nn JJ aa nn uu aa rr yy 22 00 11 11 rr ee vv ii ss ee dd ..

א

א"

"פ

פ

verbs

verbs

ר

רַ

ַ

מ

מָ

ָ

א

א

say 

say 

ל

לַ

ַ

כ

כָ

ָ

א

א

eat 

eat 

ה

הַ

ַ

ב

בָ

ָ

א

א

bewilling 

bewilling 

ה

הָ

ָ

פ

פָ

ָ

א

א

bake 

bake 

ז

זַ

ַ

ח

חָ

ָ

א

א

seize 

seize 

ד

דַ

ַ

ב

בָ

ָ

א

א

 perish 

 perish 

d.

d.

All

All of

of these

these six

six

א

א"ֵ

"ֵּ

ּ

פ

פ

verbs are given in the Table above.

verbs are given in the Table above.

e. The default vowels of the Qal Infinitive Absolute of these

e. The default vowels of the Qal Infinitive Absolute of these

six verbs would be similar to the regular, strong verb, like

six verbs would be similar to the regular, strong verb, like

the vowels in:

the vowels in:

ר

ר

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וק

קָ

ָ

מ

מ

, while the [

, while the [

ו

ו

ֹ

ֹ

]

]

(

(

א

אל

למ

מ

ם

םל

לו

וה

ה

) is written as

) is written as

[

[

ֹ

ֹ

ֹ

ֹ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ר

רס

סח

ח

ם

םל

לו

וה

ה

), as

), as

ז

ז

חָ

ח

ֹ

ֹ

ָ

א

א

to seize, to hold fast 

to seize, to hold fast 

: the Infinitive

: the Infinitive

construct for this word would be:

construct for this word would be:

ז

ז

ֹ

ֹ

ח

חֲ

ֲ

א

א

. The Infinitive Absolute

. The Infinitive Absolute

of the others would be:

of the others would be:

ר

ר

ֹ

ֹ

מ

מָ

ָ

א

א

, which could be written as

, which could be written as

ר

ר

ו

ומ

ֹ

ֹ

מָ

ָ

א

א

(

(

ר

ר

ֹ

ֹ

מ

מֱ

ֱ

א

א

),

),

ל

ל

ֹ

ֹ

כ

כָ

ָ

א

א

(

(

ל

ל

ֹ

ֹ

כ

כֱ

ֱ

א

א

),

),

ה

ה

בָ

ֹ

ב

ֹ

ָ

א

א

(

(

ה

ה

ב

בֱ

ֹ

ֹ

ֱ

א

א

),

),

ה

ה

פ

פָ

ֹ

ֹ

ָ

א

א

(

(

ה

ה

ֹ

ֹ

פ

פֱ

א

א

ֱ

),

),

ד

ד

ֹ

ֹ

ב

בָ

ָ

א

א

(

(

ד

ד

ֹ

ֹ

ב

בֲ

ֲ

א

א

),

),

f.

f.

The default vowel

The default vowels of the Qal

s of the Qal

Infinitive Construct

Infinitive Construct

for these

for these

six verbs would be a combination of 

six verbs would be a combination of 

[

[

ֹ

ֹ

ֹ

ֹ

○

○

+

+

○

ֱ

○

ֱ

]

]

ם

םָ

ָ

ל

ל

וח

ו

ֹ

ֹ

ח

+

+

ל

ל

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וג

גֶ

ס

ֶ

ס

ף

ףַ

ַ

ט

טֲ

ֲ

ח

ח

)

)

ר

רֵ

ֵ

ס

סָ

ָ

ח

ח

) with one or two exceptions.

) with one or two exceptions.

g.

g.

The rationale i

The rationale is that as a ge

s that as a ge

neral rule when a

neral rule when a vocal shewa [

vocal shewa [

ְ

ְ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ע

ענ

נ

א

או

וו

וש

ש

)

)

is supposed to be placed under the first position of 

is supposed to be placed under the first position of 

the root, (e.g. Qal infinitive Construct, Qal Imperative, Qal

the root, (e.g. Qal infinitive Construct, Qal Imperative, Qal

Cohortative, Qal Jussive and Qal Imperfect), only the laryngeal

Cohortative, Qal Jussive and Qal Imperfect), only the laryngeal

(,

(,

ר

ר

,

,

ע

ע

,

,

ה

ה

,

,

ח

ח

,

,

א

א

) which is sitting atop of it would cause the [

) which is sitting atop of it would cause the [

ְ

ְ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ע

ענ

נ

א

או

וו

וש

ש

)

)

to be changed to a composite shewa (

to be changed to a composite shewa (

א

או

וו

וש

ש

ף

ףת

תח

ח

)

)

according to the preference of each consonant for the choice

according to the preference of each consonant for the choice

of which type of composite shewa would be chosen, for these

of which type of composite shewa would be chosen, for these

gutturals could not sustain the [

gutturals could not sustain the [

ְ

ְ

○

○

]

]

(

(

ענ

ע

נ

א

או

וו

וש

ש

)

)

beneath them, like

beneath them, like

the way a normal Qal Infinitive Construct does. Interestingly,

the way a normal Qal Infinitive Construct does. Interestingly,

the Qal Infinitive Construct for the

the Qal Infinitive Construct for the

ש

שר

רו

וש

ש

:

:

ר

רס

סא

א

could be

could be

expressed as

expressed as

ר

ר

ֹ

ֹ

ס

סְְא

אֶ

ֶ

ל

ל

(Numbers 30:3, Psalm 105:22, Psalm 149:

(Numbers 30:3, Psalm 105:22, Psalm 149:

8).

8).

h. In the case of these six verbs, the head [

h. In the case of these six verbs, the head [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ףֶ

ף

ֶ

ל

לָ

ָ

א

א

), a weak

), a weak

consonant which preferred the vowel [

consonant which preferred the vowel [

ֶ

○

○

ֶ

] (

] (

ל

ל

וג

ֹ

ו

ֹ

גֶ

ֶ

ס

ס

) to be assigned

) to be assigned

under it whenever it sits at the

under it whenever it sits at the

"

"פ

פ

position in the Qal Infinitive

position in the Qal Infinitive

Construct, Qal Imperative, Qal Imperfect, Qal Jussive, Qal

Construct, Qal Imperative, Qal Imperfect, Qal Jussive, Qal

Cohortative or vaw conversive, thus it would schlep a composite

Cohortative or vaw conversive, thus it would schlep a composite

shewa [

shewa [

○

ֱ

○

ֱ

]

]

(

(

ל

ל

ֹ

ֹ

ו

וג

גֶ

ס

ֶ

ס

ף

ףַ

ַ

ט

טֲ

ֲ

ח

ח

) beneath it, for instant

) beneath it, for instant

to eat 

to eat 

would be

would be

ל

לֹ

ֹ

כ

כֱ

ֱ

א

אֶ

ֶ

ל

ל

;

;

to speak 

to speak 

would be

would be

ר

רֹ

ֹ

מ

מֱ

ֱ

א

אֶ

ֶ

ל

ל

. In addition, only one of 

. In addition, only one of 

the [

the [

א

א

]

]

(

(

ףֶ

ף

ֶ

ל

לָ

ָ

א

א

) is to be shown up in the first person common

) is to be shown up in the first person common

singular

singular

I will eat 

I will eat 

, which expression under usual condition is

, which expression under usual condition is

       םם        שש        בב        ךך            וו        רר        בב       S      S             t      t             e      e              f       f        f       f       e      e       n       n        H       H       a      a              n       n       J      J             a      a              n       n        u       u             a      a              r       r        y       y             2      2       0      0              1       1        1       1        r       r       e      e              v      v              i      i       s      s             e      e             d      d              .       .