23.5 Syntax of the Imperfect

Like the Perfect, the Imperfect without the ו consecutive is NOT NORMALLY the first word in a clause. Below is an “S-V-O” verse we looked at earlier

• יְהוָה יִמְלֹךְ לְעֹלָם וָעֶד
  • Adonai shall reign forever and ever (Ex 15:18)

The consecutive Imperfect is the first word in a clause. This is the most common form in Hebrew narrative.

• וַיֹּאמֶר הַנָּחָשׁ אֶל־הָאִשָּׁה
  • The serpent said to the woman (Gen 3:4)

A volitional imperfect (Cohortative and Jussive, each without the Vav consecutive) is usually the first word in the clause.

• נַעֲשֶׂה אָדָם בְּצַלְמֵנוּ
  • Let us make man in our image (Gen 1:26)

Note without understanding the significance of word placement, these words all follow the Imperfect paradigm. The key to accurate translation is word order and whether or not there is the ו consecutive prefix.