Yes I do remember the function of the participle. I think I stumbled mostly
on the translation rather than the meaning. I seem to still struggle with
translation even when I think I understand the meaning of the text.
Regards,
Chris Gummer.
-----Original Message-----
From: b-hebrew-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:b-hebrew-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of George Athas
Sent: Wednesday, 24 January 2007 1:20 PM
To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Genesis 12:3
Hi Chris (long time no see)!
I have never before read anything like the analysis offered by Isaac Fried.
I've never encountered a Hebrew reference (grammar or otherwise) which
analyses words in this way. The more conventional understanding, which
you'll find supported by most (if not all) Hebrew grammars, is along the
lines of Kelton Graham's and Karl Randolph's respective answers.
I have just one refinement to make. Since a participle is a verbal
*adjective*, it does not strictly speaking have *object* suffixes. Rather,
substantives (nouns, adjectives) ordinarily have possessive suffixes in
Hebrew. In this case, what you have is "your blessers" (remember the
-ing/-er function of a participle?). When you spell this out in a more
polished way, you get "the ones who bless you". So, in the end, the suffx
ends up functioning like an object.
Best Regards,
GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney)
1 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
Ph: (+61 2) 9577 9774