Hebrew grammar

A Literary and Grammatical Analysis of Esther 1

by Jason Corn

The purpose of this paper is to examine the first chapter of Esther with the goal of gaining an understanding of the... more The purpose of this paper is to examine the first chapter of Esther with the goal of gaining an understanding of the introduction to this literary creation, and this will be done through a literary, grammatical analysis.The thesis of this paper is that, through the use of verbal tenses and literary devices such as characterization and plot, the first chapter of Esther holds important details for the interpretation of the rest of the book.

The Transmission in Medieval Manuscripts of al-Kitab al-Kafi by the Karaite Abu al-Faraj Harun ibn al-Faraj

by Maria Angeles Gallego

Journal of Semitic Studies. Supplement 13 (2001), pp. 151-178.

Origen y evolución del lenguaje según el gramático y exegeta caraíta Abu al-Farag Harun ibn al-Farag

by Maria Angeles Gallego

Review: Yoo-ki Kim, The Function of the Tautological Infinitive in Classical Biblical Hebrew

by Scott Callaham

Hebrew Studies 52 (2011): 416-419.

A Linguistic Introduction to the Origins and Characteristics of Early Mishnaic Hebrew as it Relates to Biblical Hebrew

by William R. Osborne

Old Testament Essays 24/1 (2011): 159-172

Scholarship has failed to clearly establish the linguistic relationship between Mishnaic Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew.... more Scholarship has failed to clearly establish the linguistic relationship between Mishnaic Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. This article serves as an introduction to the problem by: (1) discussing the diachronic development of Mishnaic Hebrew, (2) providing a synchronic linguistic analysis of Mishnaic Hebrew in relation to Biblical Hebrew, and (3) offering direction for future research. The discussion highlights the proposal that Mishnaic Hebrew developed alongside Biblical Hebrew as a popular oral language that was later significantly influenced by Aramaic. The present study shows the non-systematic relationship between Biblical Hebrew and Mishnaic Hebrew, and therefore concludes that students of Biblical Hebrew must exercise caution in looking to Mishnaic Hebrew to interpret the Old Testament

Omnipresent in Narratives, Disputed among Grammarians: Some Contributions to the Understanding of wayyiqtol and their Underlying Paradigms

by Gard Granerød

Published in Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 121 (2009), 418-434.

The author discusses some recent contributions to the question of the syntactical function of the wayyiqtol form (the... more The author discusses some recent contributions to the question of the syntactical function of the wayyiqtol form (the so-called impf. cons.) which is characteristic for Biblical Hebrew narratives (Waltke/O'Connor and Joüon/Muraoka on the one hand and Niccacci on the other). He considers particularly the linguistic paradigms that underlie the contributions (»comparative linguistics« and »textual linguistics«). He criticizes the etymological explanation offered by Waltke/O'Connor, at the same time arguing that Niccacci's textual linguistic model should be modified. Finally, he tentatively suggests using the predominantly paratactic syntax of the LXX narratives as a model for modern bible translations. Accordingly, the monotonous chains of wayyiqtol initial clauses in the Hebrew narratives should be rendered by coordinated clauses in the modern target languages.

Key words:
wayyiqtol, textual linguistics, Niccacci, translation theory

The Paronomastic Infinitive Construction as a Modality-Focusing Device: Evidence from Qatal Verbs

by Scott Callaham

Zeitschrift für Althebraistik 21-24 (2008-2011): 9-30.

Passive Paradox: Demoted Agent Promotion in Biblical Hebrew

by Scott Callaham

Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 124 (2012): 89-97.