In Biblical Hebrew, there are seven main verb patterns, often referred to as binyanim (בִּנְיָנִים), each with its own specific conjugation rules and nuances of meaning. These verb patterns are derived from the root of the verb, which typically consists of three consonants. Each pattern represents a different form or aspect of the action conveyed by the verb. Below is a detailed explanation of each of the seven binyanim in Biblical Hebrew:

1. Pa'al (Qal) — The Simple/Basic Verb Pattern

The Pa'al (also known as Qal) is the most basic and common verb pattern. It typically represents simple, direct actions or states. The Pa'al is used for the majority of regular (active) verbs in Biblical Hebrew.

  • Usage: Describes a simple, straightforward action or state.

  • Conjugation: The verb root is used without much modification except for standard tense conjugations.

  • Example:

    • כָּתַב (kā-ṯav) – "he wrote"

    • שָׁלוֹם (sha-lom) – "he was peaceful" (state)

2. Nif'al — The Passive/Reflexive Verb Pattern

The Nif'al verb pattern often expresses the passive form of a Pa'al verb or a reflexive action (where the subject performs the action upon itself). The Nif'al verb is typically used when the subject undergoes the action or the action reflects back upon the subject.

  • Usage:

    • Passive (the action is done to the subject).

    • Reflexive (the subject performs an action on itself).

  • Conjugation: The Nif'al verb generally has a prefix of נִ (ni) and often changes the vowel structure of the root.

  • Example:

    • נִכְתַּב (nik-ṭav) – "he was written" (passive)

    • נִשְׁמַע (nish-maʿ) – "he was heard" (passive)

    • נִפְגַּע (nif-ga) – "he was injured" (reflexive)

3. Pi'el — The Intensive/Intensive Active Verb Pattern

The Pi'el verb pattern typically indicates a more intensive or frequent action than the corresponding Pa'al verb. Pi'el verbs are often used to describe actions that are done repeatedly, intensely, or with greater effort.

  • Usage:

    • Intensive (an intensified form of the action).

    • Frequent (action is repeated or habitual).

  • Conjugation: The root typically adds a doubling of the middle consonant and has specific vowel patterns like ִ (short vowel) in the first syllable.

  • Example:

    • דִּבֵּר (di-ber) – "he spoke" (more intense than Pa'al)

    • קִטֵּל (ki-ṭel) – "he killed" (intensive form)

4. Pu'al — The Passive of Pi'el

The Pu'al pattern is the passive counterpart to the Pi'el pattern. If a Pi'el verb is intense or frequent, the corresponding Pu'al verb expresses a passive or receptive action.

  • Usage:

    • Passive (involves the subject being acted upon in an intensified way).

  • Conjugation: The verb has the prefix פְּ (pe) and vowel changes from Pi'el. It typically corresponds to the passive form of the Pi'el verb.

  • Example:

    • דֻּבַּר (du-bar) – "it was spoken" (passive of Pi'el "to speak intensively")

    • קֻטַּל (ku-tal) – "it was killed" (passive of Pi'el "to kill intensively")

5. Hif'il — The Causative Verb Pattern

The Hif'il verb pattern generally conveys a causative meaning. That is, the subject causes someone or something to do the action of the root verb. It can also express an intensive or frequent action but with an added causative aspect.

  • Usage:

    • Causative (the subject causes the action to be done).

    • Sometimes it can express an intensive action.

  • Conjugation: The root verb typically begins with the prefix הִ (hi) and has specific vowel patterns. In causative forms, the subject makes something happen.

  • Example:

    • הִכְתִּיב (hik-tiv) – "he caused to write" ("he dictated")

    • הִפְּסִיק (hip-sik) – "he stopped" (causing a cessation)

6. Ho'efel — The Intensive Causative Verb Pattern

The Ho'efel pattern is a relatively rare but important verb form in Biblical Hebrew. It indicates an intensive causative action—where the subject causes the action in an intense or emphatic manner.

  • Usage:

    • Intensive and causative (the subject causes the action in an intense or emphatic way).

  • Conjugation: The verb typically starts with the prefix הוֹ (ho) and contains an intensified middle consonant.

  • Example:

    • הוֹסִיף (ho-sif) – "he added" (intensive causative)

    • הוֹעִיל (ho-il) – "he benefited" (intensive causative)

7. Hitpa'el — The Reflexive Intensive Verb Pattern

The Hitpa'el verb pattern is often a reflexive or reciprocal action, but with an intensive nuance. This means that the subject performs the action upon themselves or with others, often with a stronger or more intentional focus.

  • Usage:

    • Reflexive (the subject does something to itself).

    • Reciprocal (the subject and another perform the action to each other).

    • Intensive (the action is emphasized or repeated).

  • Conjugation: The verb generally has the prefix הִתְ (hit) and often changes the vowel structure.

  • Example:

    • הִתְפַּלֵּל (hit-pa-lel) – "he prayed" (reflexive)

    • הִתְבַּצֵּע (hit-ba-tzeʿ) – "he acted decisively" (intensive reflexive)

These seven binyanim represent different shades of meaning and actions in Biblical Hebrew, ranging from simple actions to complex, reflexive, causative, and intensive forms. Understanding these patterns allows you to recognize and interpret a wide variety of verb forms in Biblical Hebrew texts.