Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Initial Consonant Clusters in Biblical Hebrew
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:24:58 +1000
I think that by ‘initial consonant cluster’ Jim is referring to two
consonants (not separated by a vowel) occupying the first place within the
same syllable. In other words, the syllable would be of CCvC type.
To answer your question, Jim, yes the number two, שְׁתַּיִם, does preserve an
initial consonant cluster. The dagesh lene in the taw demonstrates that this
is the case. It is an unusual occurrence in Masoretic Hebrew for this to
happen, but there it is. Usually, Masoretic Hebrew seeks to separate such
consonant clusters with a vowel or vocal shewa. This is one instance where it
does not happen.
A little more common, but still not prevalent, is ultimate consonant
clustering of the CvCC type. Witness the final syllable in Qal Qatal 2fs
forms of regular verbs: קָטַלְתְּ.
GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au