Biblical Hebrew Forum

["K Randolph" <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>]

Kenneth:

Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on
if one emphasizes the group or the individuals in the group. The same
with a grouping of objects, though usually with the plural, less
commonly with the singular.

Given that, the seventy sevens are being taken as a group, as
indicated by the singular verb.

Karl W. Randolph.

On 10/2/06, kenneth greifer <greifer AT hotmail.com> wrote:
> Why is the verb singular in Dan 9:24 "70 weeks are decided"? I looked at
> other quotes with time periods and verbs, but honestly, I am not sure if
> they are plural or singular. Exodus 7:25, Genesis 50:3, Dan 9:2, Dan 10:3,
> Jeremiah 25:12, and Jeremiah 29:10. Someone told me that 70 weeks could be
> treated as a singular for some reason, but I am wondering if it is just a
> mistake.
>
> Sincerely,
> Kenneth Greifer