Specifics of using prepositions and conjunctions in Hebrew texts

Prepositions in Hebrew Texts

Prepositions in Biblical Hebrew are attachable to the noun they govern, forming a single word. For example, בְּ (be, in) + שָׂדֶה (sadeh, field) = בַּשָּׂדֶה (basadeh, in the field).
Some prepositions can double as adverbs when used without an object. For instance, בְּתוֹךְ (betoch) means both “in the middle of” and “among” when used as a preposition, but “inside” when used as an adverb.
Hebrew prepositions often carry a broad range of meanings that depend on context.
Certain prepositions can be combined with personal pronouns, forming prepositional pronouns. For example, עִמִּי (immi) means “with me”.

Conjunctions in Hebrew Texts

The most common conjunction in Biblical Hebrew is וְ, typically translated as “and”. It connects sentences, clauses, words and even letters.
Unlike English, וְ (vav) can also reverse the tense of the verb it precedes. This is called the “vav-reversive”, “vav-conversive” or “vav-consecutive”.
Other conjunctions include אָז (then), כִּי (because, when, that), אוֹ (or), and אִם (if).
Some conjunctions, like the aforementioned כִּי, exhibit a wide range of uses. Context and comparison with other texts can help discern meaning.

Prepositional and Conjunctional Phrases

Some prepositional and conjunctional meanings are conveyed through compound forms or phrases. For instance, מִן + כִּי (min + ki) is equivalent to “from the time that” or “since”, and בֵּין + ובין (ben + uvein) means “between…and…”.
Be aware of less common forms like מִבַּל־ (mibal-) “because”, literally “from not”.
Understanding and recognising these combinations is vital for accurate translation.

In summary, prepositions and conjunctions are foundational components of Biblical Hebrew syntax. Their various forms and functions allow for nuanced expression and intricate connections between ideas.