Identifying and interpreting Infinitival clauses

Infinitival Clauses in Biblical Hebrew

Identification of Infinitives

Infinitives in Biblical Hebrew can exist in two forms: infinitive construct and infinitive absolute.
The infinitive construct is the simpler form and usually conveys the basic idea of the verb without any reference to tense, mood, or subject.
The infinitive absolute is used less frequently, and its purpose is typically for emphasis or intensification of the verb’s basic meaning.
In some cases, the infinitive construct might take a suffix to indicate the subject or object of the action.

Usage of Infinitival Clauses

Infinitival clauses often function as a kind of subordinate clause, providing additional information related to a main clause.
This can be used to indicate purpose, result, time, or manner among other possible relationships to the main clause.
For example, an infinitival clause can be used to explain why (purpose) something happened, what happened as a result (result), when it happened (time), or how it happened (manner).

### Interpretation of Infinitival Clauses

Infinitives in Biblical Hebrew do not indicate tense or mood. Therefore, the meaning of the infinitive should be determined by context and its relationship to the main clause.
But remember, infinitives do contain inherent verbal meaning. So, the basic meaning of the verb is always a good starting point for interpretation.
The use of prepositions with infinitives can often help to clarify their function in the sentence.
If an infinitive construct has a suffix, the suffix can be key to identifying the subject or object of the infinitive’s action.
Understanding and identifying infinitival clauses can often unlock a deeper understanding of Biblical Hebrew text, providing more nuanced interpretation of verb actions, relationships, and contexts.

Infinitive Absolute for Intensification

The infinitive absolute is used to intensify the basic meaning of the verb, often for dramatic emphasis, certainty, or completion of an action.
If the infinitive absolute is used with a finite verb of the same root, it typically works to intensify that verb’s action.
An infinitive absolute can stand alone as a complete sentence, usually to express a strong command or exclamation.

Remember, the use of infinitival clauses in Biblical Hebrew is highly versatile, and can greatly enrich the meaning of a sentence or passage. With diligent study and practice, you’ll become adept at identifying these constructions and understanding their function in the text.