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A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax
At the heart of biblical interpretation is the need to read the Bible's "syntax" (the way words, clauses, and sentences relate to each other). The growing demands on theological education have made it difficult for students of the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament) to master the intermediate-level skills required to interpret the syntax of the Bible's original language. A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax defines the fundamental syntactical features of the Hebrew Bible, and illustrates each feature with at least one example, extracted from the Bible itself and accompanied with English translation.
228 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2003
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116 people want to read
About the author
Bill T. Arnold
32books15followersBill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Encountering the Book of Genesis, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax, and a commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel. He is also the coauthor (with Bryan E. Beyer) of Encountering the Old Testament.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 21, 2021
Very useful.
February 13, 2021
Bill Arnold is a Methodist minister and scholar. He currently sits as the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He received his PhD at Hebrew Union College and has written a number of books. These are primarily on Old Testament issues, ranging from Encountering the Book of Genesis, to Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. He also is a prolific source on scholarly issues relating to the Ancient Near East and grammatical issues of Biblical Hebrew, as demonstrated in the current volume and his contributions to publications such as Windows to the Ancient World of the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel’s History: An Introduction to Issues and Sources. While Arnold was primarily responsible for the second edition of the current volume, his partner, John Choi (1975-2015) also holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East from Hebrew Union College. Choi also taught Hebrew and Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. Among his notable works include Tradition at Odds: Reception of the Pentateuch in Biblical and Second Temple Period Literature and the current volume on Hebrew syntax.
The main thesis behind the authors� work is to “help the reader grasp the building blocks of BH� the syntactical specifics that constitute meaning.� Furthermore, this is to be accomplished in an “easily understood� way. In other words, the purpose of the book is to help the intermediate Hebrew student begin to understand the preliminary art of syntactical relationships in Biblical Hebrew without being overly cumbersome in the theory of these said relationships. This guide, then, is for the student who is at the end of their first or second year of Hebraic studies and who can competently parse verbs and know a wide berth of vocabulary.
The methodology of the authors comes in four separate parts: first, the syntactical relationship of nouns in Biblical Hebrew (6�44). The section speaks specifically about how Biblical Hebrew has nominative, genitive, and accusative cases much like modern English and ancient Greek. Unlike Greek, these are not spelled out in the nouns; however, there are a number of indicators that suggest the different cases. This first section ends with a discussion on nouns of apposition, adjectives, determination, and numbers. Altogether, this section dissects how to understand nouns in the greater sentence structure and constitutes more advanced theory than learned in elementary Hebrew. Second, verbs (45�106). The introduction asks students to understand verbs in terms of aspect than tense (46). The remainder of the chapter focuses in on specific stems and their general meanings. For example, the pi’el stem can be regarded as bringing about a state, while the Ni’phal represents the “middle� voice. The authors then trace the various circumstances in which these verbs have been seen in Biblical Hebrew. Finally, the chapter ends with modals (e.g., jussive, imperative, and cohortative), nonfinites (e.g., infinitive construct, infinitive absolute, and the participle) and other miscellaneous verb formations (e.g., Wayyitol/Weqatal, etc.). The third section is on particles (109�173). These include prepositions, such as אל and יען, adverbs, conjunctions, particles of existence/nonexistence, and relative particles. The objective of this chapter is to see how these common particles interact with nouns and verbs that they are attached to. For example, whether the preposition is spatial or temporal (e.g., the difference between “behind� or “after�). Finally, the last section ties all of these together to form an extended dialogue on clauses and sentences (174�204). This section analyzes sentence structure as a whole to see how clauses are organized in Biblical Hebrew. For example, the sentence, “Sally went to the store and bought some supplies� contains two different clauses. This discussion remains relevant for the purpose of syntax as it helps the student transition from translating individual words/verbs into seeing a more complete whole. The back portion of the book contains several helpful charts (e.g., Appendix A and B) and a Scripture index.
Each of these sections contains, more or less, similar material: first the subject is introduced (e.g., nouns, verbs, etc.). These introductions are never cumbersome and always direct the reader to a methodology, the reason behind their particular choices of interpretation in the debate, and the scholarship that supports their decisions. The following sections are labeled in a numeric outline. For example, Nouns comprise chapter 2, but 2.1 speaks about the nominative case; 2.2 the genitive case, etc. This organization is helpful for reference purposes. Furthermore, the authors give numerous and specific examples from the Hebrew Bible of each concept they introduce. The reader is never left without evidence from the source text to connect to. This is the basic pattern that occurs throughout the book.
The authors have written a helpful intermediate Hebrew syntax textbook and as a result, there is much to celebrate in this volume. First, this book represents one of the most efficient manuals for reference because of its ease of use. Whatever specific question one may have, it can be easily found in the aforementioned numeric system (broken down even further with particulars, e.g., genitive of superlative is 2.2.13). Additionally, the authors help the intermediate student begin to see the forest from the trees. While beginning Hebrew grammars stress parsing verbs, understanding the relationship of nouns, vocabulary, and other grammatical concepts, this volume assumes that the student has already received this training. As a result, the focus is on not only seeing additional nuances of these grammatical forms, but also to begin seeing the text as a more cohesive unit. The section on clauses and sentences, in particular, is enlightening in this regard. Finally, the appendix is helpful in a number of different ways. Both charts represent and easy-to-use guide on verb forms.
Overall, this book should be essential in any serious student of Biblical Hebrew. The reference material alone gives it an advantage over other intermediate works focusing on syntax. It is well-researched and accessible to the intermediate student. The authors accomplish their purpose in constructing a book that is both challenging and helpful for the student who is transitioning from individual words to clauses, sentences, and dialogues.
The main thesis behind the authors� work is to “help the reader grasp the building blocks of BH� the syntactical specifics that constitute meaning.� Furthermore, this is to be accomplished in an “easily understood� way. In other words, the purpose of the book is to help the intermediate Hebrew student begin to understand the preliminary art of syntactical relationships in Biblical Hebrew without being overly cumbersome in the theory of these said relationships. This guide, then, is for the student who is at the end of their first or second year of Hebraic studies and who can competently parse verbs and know a wide berth of vocabulary.
The methodology of the authors comes in four separate parts: first, the syntactical relationship of nouns in Biblical Hebrew (6�44). The section speaks specifically about how Biblical Hebrew has nominative, genitive, and accusative cases much like modern English and ancient Greek. Unlike Greek, these are not spelled out in the nouns; however, there are a number of indicators that suggest the different cases. This first section ends with a discussion on nouns of apposition, adjectives, determination, and numbers. Altogether, this section dissects how to understand nouns in the greater sentence structure and constitutes more advanced theory than learned in elementary Hebrew. Second, verbs (45�106). The introduction asks students to understand verbs in terms of aspect than tense (46). The remainder of the chapter focuses in on specific stems and their general meanings. For example, the pi’el stem can be regarded as bringing about a state, while the Ni’phal represents the “middle� voice. The authors then trace the various circumstances in which these verbs have been seen in Biblical Hebrew. Finally, the chapter ends with modals (e.g., jussive, imperative, and cohortative), nonfinites (e.g., infinitive construct, infinitive absolute, and the participle) and other miscellaneous verb formations (e.g., Wayyitol/Weqatal, etc.). The third section is on particles (109�173). These include prepositions, such as אל and יען, adverbs, conjunctions, particles of existence/nonexistence, and relative particles. The objective of this chapter is to see how these common particles interact with nouns and verbs that they are attached to. For example, whether the preposition is spatial or temporal (e.g., the difference between “behind� or “after�). Finally, the last section ties all of these together to form an extended dialogue on clauses and sentences (174�204). This section analyzes sentence structure as a whole to see how clauses are organized in Biblical Hebrew. For example, the sentence, “Sally went to the store and bought some supplies� contains two different clauses. This discussion remains relevant for the purpose of syntax as it helps the student transition from translating individual words/verbs into seeing a more complete whole. The back portion of the book contains several helpful charts (e.g., Appendix A and B) and a Scripture index.
Each of these sections contains, more or less, similar material: first the subject is introduced (e.g., nouns, verbs, etc.). These introductions are never cumbersome and always direct the reader to a methodology, the reason behind their particular choices of interpretation in the debate, and the scholarship that supports their decisions. The following sections are labeled in a numeric outline. For example, Nouns comprise chapter 2, but 2.1 speaks about the nominative case; 2.2 the genitive case, etc. This organization is helpful for reference purposes. Furthermore, the authors give numerous and specific examples from the Hebrew Bible of each concept they introduce. The reader is never left without evidence from the source text to connect to. This is the basic pattern that occurs throughout the book.
The authors have written a helpful intermediate Hebrew syntax textbook and as a result, there is much to celebrate in this volume. First, this book represents one of the most efficient manuals for reference because of its ease of use. Whatever specific question one may have, it can be easily found in the aforementioned numeric system (broken down even further with particulars, e.g., genitive of superlative is 2.2.13). Additionally, the authors help the intermediate student begin to see the forest from the trees. While beginning Hebrew grammars stress parsing verbs, understanding the relationship of nouns, vocabulary, and other grammatical concepts, this volume assumes that the student has already received this training. As a result, the focus is on not only seeing additional nuances of these grammatical forms, but also to begin seeing the text as a more cohesive unit. The section on clauses and sentences, in particular, is enlightening in this regard. Finally, the appendix is helpful in a number of different ways. Both charts represent and easy-to-use guide on verb forms.
Overall, this book should be essential in any serious student of Biblical Hebrew. The reference material alone gives it an advantage over other intermediate works focusing on syntax. It is well-researched and accessible to the intermediate student. The authors accomplish their purpose in constructing a book that is both challenging and helpful for the student who is transitioning from individual words to clauses, sentences, and dialogues.
August 13, 2024
This is an amazing reference guide to all things related to Hebrew syntax. I wouldn't recommend buying this digitally because I will use this to frequently flip through and study a particle, clause, etc. The second ed is up to date and worth the ~$40 investment
January 7, 2019
If one can’t understand syntax of a text, then they can’t get to the meaning of the text. When that text is the Hebrew Bible, small syntactic differences can change the meaning of the text significantly. In A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (2nd edition), authors Bill Arnold and the late John Choi have written a remarkable work that details the depth and complexity of Biblical Hebrew, and adds to the readers understanding of the text.
The book is an advanced reference and it assumes the readers has a fundamental understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology (sounds in languages) and morphology (study of word, how they are formed, and their relationship to other words in the same language).
Achieving a deep-level reading of the Hebrew Bible requires an understanding of the syntactical relationships. The book helps the reader grasp the building blocks of biblical Hebrew, which are the syntactical specifics that constitute meaning.
The book is divided into 4 areas, each detailing: nouns, verbs, particles, & clauses and sentences. The chapter on particles is particularly interesting, as the authors details the different types of prepositions, adverbs, conjunctions, relative particles and more; and details almost 50 examples.
The authors are not Talmudists, and their interpretations are therefore strictly linguistical and interpretive, but lack the level of interpretation only a person versed in the Talmud can bring. For example, in their discussion of the Hebrew restrictive adverb ach, they don’t have the Talmud’s interpretation when dealing with Passover eve, that the word comes to divide.
The book is more of a reference, and is not exactly a page-turner. But for those looking to understand the depth, and appreciate the complexity of Biblical Hebrew, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax is a fascinating read
The book is an advanced reference and it assumes the readers has a fundamental understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology (sounds in languages) and morphology (study of word, how they are formed, and their relationship to other words in the same language).
Achieving a deep-level reading of the Hebrew Bible requires an understanding of the syntactical relationships. The book helps the reader grasp the building blocks of biblical Hebrew, which are the syntactical specifics that constitute meaning.
The book is divided into 4 areas, each detailing: nouns, verbs, particles, & clauses and sentences. The chapter on particles is particularly interesting, as the authors details the different types of prepositions, adverbs, conjunctions, relative particles and more; and details almost 50 examples.
The authors are not Talmudists, and their interpretations are therefore strictly linguistical and interpretive, but lack the level of interpretation only a person versed in the Talmud can bring. For example, in their discussion of the Hebrew restrictive adverb ach, they don’t have the Talmud’s interpretation when dealing with Passover eve, that the word comes to divide.
The book is more of a reference, and is not exactly a page-turner. But for those looking to understand the depth, and appreciate the complexity of Biblical Hebrew, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax is a fascinating read
February 22, 2023
Good guide to breaking down what is going on in Biblical Hebrew Scriptures. The text is easy to understand as a student. A minor gripe, is to why some categories need to be distinguished was not explained well in some chapters. For example; the distinction between “perception� and “immediate perception� is not completely clear, as the example from 1 Kgs 3:21 in the book shows. (pg 159-160).
April 27, 2025
A very helpful guide to a more robust understanding of Hebrew that isn’t as massive a tome as some others.
At times, the writing style felt unnecessarily dense. The same thing could have been said in 2 clearer sentences instead of 1 very technical one. So, for that, it drops a star.
But, my main takeaway is that I understand more about the Hebrew language, and that is well worth the read!
At times, the writing style felt unnecessarily dense. The same thing could have been said in 2 clearer sentences instead of 1 very technical one. So, for that, it drops a star.
But, my main takeaway is that I understand more about the Hebrew language, and that is well worth the read!
January 30, 2025
A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax serves as an excellent complement to broader grammar texts and study tools. It is a vital addition to my corpus of BH materials and I highly recommend it to anyone ready to advance their study of BH syntax.
January 29, 2019
I only read right to left now
February 18, 2023
A helpful and clear guide to the Syntax of Biblical Hebrew.
June 17, 2023
Useful as a reference, but not very helpful just to read through as it was assigned to me.
July 26, 2024
A to the point grammar for reference, review, and intermediate Hebrew.
October 10, 2024
Extremely useful resource for anyone trying to improve their Hebrew. This doesn't replace a grammar, but really helps to clarify and further explain concepts
November 13, 2024
Very helpful reference for Hebrew syntax� not a page turner, to say the least.
Read for class, did not read a part of this but that’s life. Still marking it as done.
Read for class, did not read a part of this but that’s life. Still marking it as done.
November 18, 2024
A helpful guide, but it is a ton of information. Summary charts would have been extremely helpful at the end of each section.
June 28, 2014
If you want an grammar that reviews the various ways that Biblical Hebrew forms meaning, this is superb. It is not an introduction to the language or a primer - there are no paradigms, no notes on orthography, no vocabulary. Its a great quick reference grammar for the various basic ways that different tenses, particles, etc. are used to generate nuances of meaning. Solid, with brief notes directing the reader to longer and more exhaustive grammars when necessary. Excellent charts at the end differentiating the Qal, Piel, and Hiphil stems. Easy to read, and plenty of examples for how compact it is.
April 5, 2016
Excellent resource. Concise and clear. This is the grammar book we use at Covenant Seminary. At our school it's NT counterpart is the Daniel Wallace "Beyond the Basics." In comparison, Wallace's work is much more thorough for being a comparable work. Arnold and Choi is easy to navigate and is a respected resource to use in exegetical work and for that it is worthy of my shelf space.
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August 20, 2008Reference Book
July 24, 2011
Unfortunately, more 19th century philology.
November 24, 2013
Good review for intermediate Hebrew!
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