Lesson 3 Hebrew Syllables

To comprehend Biblical Hebrew, we must know how syllables function

Initially, the Bible and other ancient documents were written without spaces. In addition to vowels, the ancient scribes and readers organically adopted a system of syllables and accents. They knew where one word ended and where the next began without needing to write it down.

What we call “Hebrew grammar” is truly an exciting journey into the system of spoken and written Hebrew, which had its formation thousands of years ago!

LESSON ITINERARY

  1. Learn the two basic concepts of Hebrew Syllables
  2. Learn the rules and terminology related to Hebrew Word Accents
  3. Know the Three Rules for Recognizing Silent Sheva
  4. Know the Four Rules for Recognizing Vocal Sheva
  5. Learn the primary Hebrew diphthong
  6. Understand Vowels and Syllable Preferences
  7. Learn three simple miscellaneous concepts: Qamets and Qamets Hatuf, Furtive Patach, Quiescent Alef

EQUIPMENT CHECK

Before continuing, can you describe the following concepts?

  • The vowels that are not letters, including their type (long, short, reduced) and class (a, e, i, o, u)
    • What is the Long A - \(\bar A\) vowel?
      • Qamets: קָ
    • What is the Short E - \(E\) vowel?
      • Seghol: קֶ
    • What is the Short A - \(A\) vowel?
      • Patach: קַ
  • The vowels that are letters, including which are the “irreducible long” type
    • What is the Long A - \(\hat A\) vowel letter not using י?
      • Qamets Hei: קָה
    • What is the Long E - \(\hat E\) vowel letter not using ה?
      • Tsere Yod: קֵי
    • What is the Long O - \(\hat O\) vowel letter not using ה?
      • Holem Vav: קוֹ
  • The difference between a Dagesh Forte and a Dagesh Lene
    • What is the Dagesh Forte Rule?
    • A Dagesh is a Forte if, and only if, it is preceded by a vowel that is not a Sheva