Transcript Lesson 39

Niphal: Geminates and Hollow
Niphal: Geminates
Geminate Niphal verbs are poorly attested in the Hebrew Bible, and distinguishing between Qal and Niphal
geminate forms can be difficult.
For example, the Niphal perfect 3ms of ‫סבב‬is ‫נָסַ ב‬, which is identical to the Qal 3ms perfect for
review of the entire paradigm helps distinguish the characteristics of the Niphal geminate.
‫נסב‬.
A
Note the dagesh in the second root consonant in the Niphal geminate forms with a suffix. The dagesh
represents the third root consonant, which is identical to the second root consonant—in this case a bet.
For example: (3mp imperfect)
‫יִסַ ּבּו‬
or (3cp perfect)
‫נְסַ ּבּו‬
Note the dagesh in the first root consonant of the Niphal forms with a prefix. The dagesh represents the
assimilated nun of the Niphal prefix.
For example: (2fs imperfect)
‫תִ סַ ּבִ י‬
or (fp participle)
‫נְסַ ּבוֹת‬
Niphal: Hollow
It is critical to recognize the hollow verb root to ensure the proper identification of the Niphal form;
otherwise, students might mistake the prefixed nun as the first root consonant. Notice that the original
middle consonant vav is visible in each conjugation. The presence of the vav helps identify the verb as a
hollow.
Notice that some perfect conjugations (2ms, 2fs, 1cs, 1cp) change the second root full holem to a shureq.
For example: (2ms perfect) ָָ‫נְכּונוֹת‬
The 2fp imperative form of ‫ כון‬is not attested.