2006-The Biblical Hebrew Verbal System in Poetry (original) (raw)

The paper develops a verbal theory for understanding the functions of verbal forms in Biblical Hebrew (BH) poetry, suggesting that these forms, like in prose, have precise functions and operate under similar principles. It emphasizes the distinction between linear communication in prose and segmental communication in poetry, arguing for a more nuanced interpretation of verbal forms in poetic texts. The study posits that BH poetry exhibits a dramatic character, celebrating events rather than simply narrating them, and it underscores the importance of contextual analysis in translating and interpreting verbal forms.