Essential Biblical Hebrew Lexicon

General Introduction

The Biblical Hebrew lexicon is essentially the vocabulary of the Hebrew language as used in the Hebrew Bible.
It comprises an extensive range of words, covering different themes and topics.
This lexicon is a valuable tool for understanding biblical texts and exploring their historical, literary, and theological dimensions.

Frequently Used Words

Basic words such as אָב (father), אֵם (mother),בֵּן (son),בַּת (daughter), and אֱלֹהִים (God) are fundamental to building your lexicon.
Common verbs are crucial, including עָשָׂה (to do, make), אָכַל (to eat), שָׁתָה (to drink), שָׁמַע (to hear), and רָאָה (to see).
Familiarise yourself with frequently used adjectives like טוֹב (good), רַע (bad/evil), גָּדוֹל (big), קָטֹן (small), and רַב (many).

Aspect of Verbs

Hebrew verbs are mostly about aspect (completed action versus incomplete action) rather than tense.
The perfect aspect (frequently viewed as ‘past tense’) indicates completed action.
The imperfect aspect (often seen as ‘future tense’) indicates incomplete action.
Recognise the importance of verb stems, known as binyanim. They convey the voice of the verb (active, passive, reflexive) and often carry additional nuances of meaning.

Idioms and Word Formation

Hebrew uses a number of idiomatic expressions. For example, ‘to uncover the ear’ is to reveal information.
Understanding the root-based nature of Hebrew word formation is essential. The majority of words come from three-letter roots, with their meaning shaped by the vowel pattern and use of prefixes, suffixes, and infixes.
Recognising the patterns, or “mishkalim”, used to form different kinds of nouns from these roots is also crucial.

Practice and Use

Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of biblical texts will assist in expanding your lexical repertoire.
Multiple forms of a word should be learnt. Forms like the singular, plural, masculine, feminine, past tense, future tense, and imperative of a verb will give you a well-rounded understanding.
Make use of flashcards for memorising, quizzes to check your retention, and practice translations to test your understanding of a text’s context.

Remember: mastering the Biblical Hebrew lexicon is not just about memorising words, but also about understanding how words function within the language. Deepen your understanding of syntax, grammar, context, and culture to enrich your understanding of the Hebrew Bible.