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  • From: Rolf Furuli <furuli AT online.no>
  • To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Opinions on J. Wash Watts "A Survey of Syntax in the Hebrew Old Testament
  • Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2011 08:54:32 +0100


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







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