Hebrew course 2.4
Learn Hebrew Verbs ~ Lesson 4
The Object of the Verb
By Jeff A. Benner
The object of the verb can be identified by a noun, proper name or a pronoun. In the sentence "Jacob helped a man" the noun "man" is the object of the verb. In "Jacob helped John" the proper name "John" is the object and in "Jacob helped him" the pronoun "him" is object of the verb. The object of the verb works the same way in Hebrew such as in the sentences עזר יעקב יוחנן (azar Ya’aqov Yohhanan) meaning "Jacob helped John." When the object of the verb is identified by a pronoun it may be written in two different ways. The word אתו (oto) means "him" and can be used for the object of the verb such as in the sentence עזר יעקב אתו (azar Ya’aqov oto) meaning "Jacob helped him." Or the suffix ו (o), also meaning "him," may be attached to the end of the verb such as in the sentence עזרו יעקב (azaro Ya’aqov) also meaning "Jacob helped him."
It is not uncommon for the verb, subject of the verb and the object of the verb to be written as one word in Hebrew. The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24) begins with the word יברכך (yevarekhekha) which is the verb ברכ (barak), meaning "to bless" with the prefix י (ye) identifying the subject of the verb as first person, masculine, singular - he and the suffix ך (kha) identifying the object of the verb as second person, masculine, singular - you. Therefore, the one word יברכך means "he will bless you."
Below is a list of the pronoun suffixes attached to a verb for the object of the verb. (These pronouns are also used as suffixes for nouns as well.)
Hebrew course 2.3
Learn Hebrew Verbs ~ Lesson 3
Verb Tenses
By Jeff A. Benner
Each Hebrew verb also identifies the tense of the verb. In English a verb can have three tenses - past, present or future. Examples of these would be "You cut a tree" (past), "You are cutting a tree" (present) and "You will cut a tree" (future). Biblical Hebrew only has two tenses - perfect and imperfect. While the three verb tenses in English are related to time, Biblical Hebrew verb tenses are related to action. The perfect tense is a completed action while the imperfect tense is an incomplete action.
As we have learned, the verb קצרתי identifies the subject of the verb as first person - "I" but, it also identifies the verb as "perfect tense," a completed action - "I cut." When the verb is written as אקצר the subject of the verb is also first person - "I" but, the tense is now "imperfect tense," an incomplete action and can be translated as "I am cutting a tree" (an action that has begun but not yet completed) or "I will cut a tree" (an action that has not yet begun).
Below is a chart for a few verb conjugations in the perfect and imperfect tense. Notice that when the added letters are at the end of the verb they are in the perfect tense but when they are at the beginning (and maybe at the end as well) they are in the imperfect tense. This can help you easily identify the tense of the verb.
These conjugations are the same for any verb (though there are some exceptions which we will cover in another lesson). The chart below are the same conjugations as the chart above for the verb דבר (dabar) meaning to "speak."
Below is a more detailed chart for all the conjugations for the verb qatsar in the perfect and imperfect tenses. By memorizing the various letters added to the root verb one can easily learn to identify the meaning of a verb. This chart is available in a PDF and Excel Spreadsheet (Hebrew Font required for the excell document). While additional verb forms will be learned in the upcoming lessons, about 90% of the verbs in the Hebrew Bible will use the forms listed in this chart.
The letter "ו (vav) is used as a prefix meaning "and." For instance, the word ועץ (v’ets) means "and a tree." This prefix can also be added to a verb such as in the sentence וקצרתי עץ (uqartsiy ets) which would mean "and I cut a tree." but, because the vav is prefixed to the verb it reverses the tense of the verb so, וקצרתי עץ would actually be "and I will cut a tree" (imperfect tense).
The sentence אקצר עץ (eq’tsar ets) means "I will cut a tree" but ואקצר עץ (ve’e'qatsar ets) means "and I cut a tree."
However, this is not a hard and fast rule. While the letter vav usually reverses the tense of the verb, it is not always the case and only the context of the phrase within the text will determine if the tense is reversed or not.
One other note, the negative particle לֹא (lo) precedes a verb to negate its action such as in the phrase לא קצר יעקב עץ which would be translated as "Jacob did not cut a tree."
Hebrew course 2.2
Learn Hebrew Verbs ~ Lesson 2
The Subject of the Verb
By Jeff A. Benner
The subject of the verb can be identified by a proper name, such as Jacob, or a pronoun such as in the phrase "he cut a tree" where the pronoun "he" is the subject of the verb. Instead of using a pronoun for the subject of the verb, the various conjugations of the Hebrew verb identify the subject of the verb. In the chart below are a few examples of verb conjugations for the verb qatsar.
The phrase קצרתי עץ (qatsarti ets) would mean "I cut a tree," קצרו עץ (qatsru ets) would mean "They cut a tree" and the phrase קצרה עץ (qatsrah ets) would mean "she cut a tree."
The subject of the verb within each conjugation identifies person (first, second or third), gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). The conjugation of the verb in קצרה עץ (qats’rah ets) identifies the subject as third person, feminine, singular - she. In קצרו עץ (qatsru ets) the subject is identified as third person, masculine plural - they (masc).
It is also common in Biblical Hebrew to include a noun or proper noun for the subject of the verb. In the sentence קצרה שרה עץ (qats’rah Sarah ets) the verb qats’rah identifies the subject of the verb as third person, feminine, singular. The proper noun Sarah specifically identifies the subject of the verb. Also note that in Hebrew subject of the verb follows the verb, unlike English where it precedes the verb.
Hebrew course 2.1
Learn Hebrew Verbs ~ Lesson 1
Introduction to Hebrew Verbs
By Jeff A. Benner
The Hebrew script used in these lessons are the internet Hebrew Unicodes and are best viewed with the David.ttf font uploaded to your fonts folder.
Before learning the structure of Biblical Hebrew verbs we need to understand a few grammatical terms used to describe parts of a sentence. In the phrase "Jacob cut a tree" the verb is "cut." A verb describes action. The word "Jacob" is the subject of the verb, or the one who is performing the action. The word "tree" is the object of the verb, or the one the action is being imparted upon.
Hebrew verbs work much in the same manner. The Hebrew translation of "Jacob cut a tree" would be קצר יעקב עץ (qatsar ya’aqov ets). The word קצר (qatsar) is the verb meaning to "cut" (more literally "to cut short" such as cutting off a branch or to harvest). The word יעקב (ya’aqov) is Jacob and is the subject of the verb. Also notice that in Hebrew the subject of the verb follows the verb rather than precedes it like in English. The word עץ (ets) is the object of the verb and means "a tree" (there is no Hebrew word for "a," instead it is implied).
Each Hebrew verb identifies;
-
Person (first, second or third) of the subject of the verb
-
Gender (masculine or feminine) of the subject of the verb
-
Number (singular or plural) of the subject of the verb
-
Tense (perfect or imperfect) of the verb
-
And sometimes the gender and number of the object of the verb
This PDF file is a list of the 100 most frequent Biblical Hebrew verb roots. You will notice that no vowel pointings are associated with these verbs. This is because the vowel pointings of a verb will depend on its conjugation (subject, tense, mood and voice). For pronuncing these unconjugated verbs simply use the "ah" vowel between each consonant. For instance, the verb קצר (Q-Ts-R) would be qatsar. I recommend making flash cards for each of these. Write the Hebrew on one side and the English on the other. Take them with you everywhere and when you have time pull them out and go through them to build your Hebrew vocabulary.
In the following lessons we will explore these various forms of Hebrew verbs.
Hebrew course 13
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet ~ Lesson 12
By Jeff A. Benner
Now that you have completed the previous lessons, you may begin putting what you have learned to use. Below are the first five verses of Genesis chapter one for your reading practice.
Genesis 1:1-5
The audio for this passage will first be read very slowly then followed by a reading of a normal pace. 
Congratulations
You have completed all twelve lessons. At this point you have the ability to read the Bible in its original language. Your next step is to practice your reading skill, build your vocabulary and begin learning word and sentence structure.
We recommend four books;
Hebrew Bible: With a Bible in the Hebrew language you can practice your reading and take the first steps to reading the Bible in its original language.
Prayer Book Hebrew The Easy Way: While this book is written to aid the Jewish student in learning to read the Sidur (Prayerbook), it is an excellent book for the non-Jew as well because of its ability to teach word and sentence structure.
Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon: This lexicon will greatly assist the Hebrew student learn Hebrew prefixes, suffixes, roots and vocabulary.
Learn Biblical Hebrew: Includes a revised version of the Hebrew lessons on this site as well as charts and dictionaries to assist the new Hebrew student in Biblical Reading.
The Ancient Hebrew Research Center Web Site has some resources that will assist you with your continued reading practices and vocabulary including a Dictionary which lists all the Hebrew words used twenty five times or more in the Bible.
Hebrew course 12
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet ~ Lesson 11
By Jeff A. Benner
Consonants
The "gimel" is pronounced "g" as in game.
The "samech" is pronounced "s" as in sand.
Notes
-
Vocabulary word #1 is pronounced "Kol" (coal), not "Kal" as it appears. The "a" vowel is pronounced "o" in this word. This same word can be found in Genesis 1:26 below, third line and the third word, where it is prefixed by the letters vav (meaning ‘and’) and beyt (meaning ‘in’). This word is pronounced uv-khol and means "and in all."
Practice
.1
.2
.3Vocabulary
All
.1Man
.2Bird
.3Fish
.4Sentences
Genesis 1:26
Copyright © 1999-2007 Ancient Hebrew Research Center
Hebrew Course 10
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet ~ Lesson 9
By Jeff A. Benner
Consonants
The "chet" is pronounced "ch" as in the German name Bach.
When a dagesh appears in the "Kaph", it is pronounced "k" as in kick. When a dagesh does not appear in the letter it is pronounced "ck" as in the German name Bach.
The final "kaph" has the same pronunciations as the "kaph". While most words end with a consonant, the final "kaph" will usually be followed by a vowel.
Vowels
The Qubbuts. This vowel is pronounced "u" as in tune.
Notes
-
When the "ah" vowel appears under the letter "chet", the two sounds trade places. The second word in line 2 of the practice section is pronounced "ko’ach" not "kocha". This is unique only to this letter and vowel combination when it appears at the end of a word.
Practice
.1
.2
.3
Vocabulary
Yes, So 
.1
Grass, Herb 
.2
Tree, Wood 
.3
Sentences
Genesis 1:5
Copyright © 1999-2007 Ancient Hebrew Research Center
Hebrew course 11
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet ~ Lesson 10
By Jeff A. Benner
Consonants
The "zayin" is pronounced "z" as in zebra.
When a dagesh appears in the "pey", it is pronounced "p" as in pet. When a dagesh does not appear in the letter it is pronounced "ph" as in phone.
The pronunciation of the final "pey" is the same as the "pey".
Vowels
A combination of the Sheva and the Qamats. The vowel works the same as the "sheva" with a pronunciation of "a" as in father, when placed under the first consonant of the word.
Practice
.1
.2
.3
Vocabulary
Which, Who 
.1
Make, Do (m) 
.2
Face 
.3
Sentences
Genesis 1:11
Hebrew course 9
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet ~ Lesson 8
By Jeff A. Benner
Consonants
The "tsade" is pronounced "ts" as in pots.
The final "tsade" is the form used when the letter appears at the end of a word and is also pronounced "ts".
The "quph" is pronounced "q" as in quiet.
Vowels
A combination of the Sheva and the Patahh. The vowel works the same as the "sheva" with a pronunciation of "a" as in father, when placed under the first consonant of the word.
Notes
-
The first word in Genesis 1:14 below is vay-yo-mer, the dagesh present in the letter yud doubles it.
-
The first word in the second line of Gensis 1:14 is leh-hav-diyl. The dagesh inside the dalet is common but it is not doubled and has no impact on how the letter is pronounced.
Practice
.1
.2
.3
Vocabulary
Exist (m) 
.1
Land 
.2
Sentences
Genesis 1:14
Copyright © 1999-2007 Ancient Hebrew Research Center
Hebrew course 8
Learn the Hebrew Alphabet ~ Lesson 7
By Jeff A. Benner
Consonants
The "Tav" is pronounced "t" as in tune. A dagesh may appear in the letter but will not change the sound of the letter.
The "dalet" is pronounced "d" as in dig.
Vowels
A combination of the Segol and Sheva vowels. This vowel is pronounced "eh" as in elephant, but it is pronounced very softly.
The Hholam. This vowel is a dot which appears at the top and just to the left of the letter instead of beneath it and is pronounced "o" as in open.
Notes
-
The Hebrew word for Moses (Vocabulary word #1) appears to be missing a vowel after the "mem". Since Hebrew requires a vowel after each consonant, the vowel is the "o" placed above the letter "Shin". The dot over the right leg of the letter "Shin" and the vowel "o" are in the same place.
-
The "et" (Vocabulary word #3) precedes a direct object of the verb and is rarely translated into English. For example, if I said "I made the dinner", the direct object is "the dinner" because "the" comes before "dinner". In this case the Hebrew word "et" would precede "the dinner" in Hebrew. If I said "I made a dinner", the "et" would not precede it since "dinner" in this sentence is not a direct object.
-
An exception to the rule requiring the C-V-C-V pattern is the word "reshiyt" (Vocabulary word #8). The aleph does not always require a vowel after it.
-
The dagesh will commonly be found in some letters such as the shin (see sentence #2) and the tav (see sentence #5). In the Sephardic pronunciation these dagesh have no impact on the pronunciation and can be ignored.
Practice
.1
.2
.3
Vocabulary
Moses 
.1
God, gods 
.2
Precedes the direct object of the verb 
.3
Gave (m) 
.4
Sabbath 
.5
Teaching 
.6
To us 
.7
Beginning 
.8
Student (m) 
.9
Student (f) 
.10
Study (m) 
.11
Study (f) 
.12
Sentences
Peaceful Sabbath. 
.1
And they will keep the Sabbath. 
.2
Moses gave to us the Torah. 
.3
In [the] beginning God created. 
.4
A student studies the Torah. 
.5
A student studies Torah. 
.6
Copyright © 1999-2007 Ancient Hebrew Research Center
Powered by FireStats