Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Rolf Furuli <furuli AT online.no>]

Dear Randall,




>  For generic definition, I'm happy
> with calling perfective "complete, presenting the whole event" and
> calling imperfective "incomplete, looking at an event without
> presenting its endpoints". Obviously, this is insufficient because the
> most common use, but not exclusive use, of imperfective in the past is
> to refer to iterative, habitual events. Cf. Gen 29:1-3. (Of course, I
> put wayyiqtol in the "perfective" group along with most Semitists,
> something that you do not do.) And in future contexts most yiqtol
> seem to refer to events that are treated as complete 'perfective' events.


Thank you for your definition.  I agree with you that your definition 
is insufficient.  If I understand you correctly, I see two basic 
problems, that are intertwined:

1) The definition is not connected with verb forms, that is, each of 
the four or five Hebrew conjugations listed by grammars cannot be 
said to be either perfective or imperfective.

2) The application of the terms "perfective" and "imperfective" is 
strictly subjective, and there are nothing that can be used as 
controls.

I use one passage as an illustration, namely, Isaiah 9:5, 6. The text 
is from NIV:

9:6.For to us a child is born (QATAL),  to us a son is given (QATAL), 
and the government will be (WAYYIQTOL) on his shoulders. And he will 
be called (WAYYIQTOL) Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting 
Father, Prince of Pease.

9:7. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end 
(nominal clause). He will reign (added) on David's throne and over 
his kingdom, establishing ( inf. constr.) and upholding it ( inf. 
constr.) with justice and and righteousness from that time on and 
forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish (YIQTOL) this.

There are  two QATALs, two WAYYIQTOLs, two infinitive coconstructs, 
and the one YIQTOL, Can you please analyze each verb and tell us 
whether it is imperfective or perfective? And can you tell us the 
basis for your analysis in each case?  Can infinite forms be said to 
be perfective or imperfective?

BTW.  I will translate all the finite verbs with simple future.

Also, please make some comments on my point 2) above. Have I 
understood you correctly, or are there  controls that can be used as 
a quality assurance in connection with your interpretations?


Best regards,


Rolf Furuli