Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Lee R. Martin" <lmartin AT vol.com>]

Bryan Rocine wrote:

>
> forward.  However, I think only one, Jon 1:4, is a clear example of an
> X-qatal which moves forward the story time.  We are therefore still able to
> interpret the others as simultaneous, etc.

Dear Bryan,
I would have to disagree.  Jonah 1:4 is just like all the other X-Qatals.   
The
X-qatal clause is background, showing the origin or cause of the storm.  The 
x-qatal
is simultaneous with the storm.
" When Yahweh hurled a great wind on the sea, a great tempest arose on the 
sea."  The
verse could be translated this way: "A great tempest came on the sea, when 
Yahweh
hurled a great wind on the sea ...." The hurling of wind and the coming of 
the tempest
are one and the same event, viewed from two perspectives.  The X-qatal  is a
subordinate clause.  Subordinate clauses often present new information, but 
cannot
advance the story.
--

Lee R. Martin
Pastor, Prospect Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
Instructor in Hebrew and Old Testament
Church of God Theological Seminary
http://www.earth.vol.com/~lmartin/