Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Polycarp66 AT aol.com]

In a message dated 1/18/2003 9:52:34 AM Eastern Standard Time, watts-westmaas AT zonnet.nl writes:

> OK – Can someone explain the phenomenen why in Hebrew the following
> construction is employed?
>
> 'PaKoD' before the actual verb proper – in many instances (Gen 50:24 and
> 25, Ex 3:16 given for referece) and such as in 1 Sam 20:6 the verb
> 'NiSHoL' before 'NiSHAL')


This is a combination of infinitive absolute of verb X + verb X.  It is used to indicate the definiteness or sureness of that which is stated.  Thus it is not simply, "God will watch over you", but "God will most definitely watch over you."

gfsomsel