Chapter 6 - Hebrew Prepositions

Question 1

What are the three main types of Hebrew prepositions?

Answer 1

1. Independent Prepositions
2. Maqqef Prepositions
3. Inseparable Prepositions

Question 2

What is an Independent Preposition?

Answer 2

An independent preposition is the most common type of Hebrew preposition. It functions as a stand-alone word and is found directly before it’s object.

Question 3

What is a Maqqef Preposition?

Answer 3

The maqqef preposition is one that belongs to a certain group of prepositions which adjoin their object by use of a raised horizontal stroke (a maqqef).

Question 4

What is an Inseparable Preposition?

Answer 4

An inseparable preposition is one that is prefixed directly onto the subject word.

Question 5

Name the 3 inseparable prepositions!

Answer 5

1. בְּ (in, by, with)
2. לְ (to, for)
3. כְּ (like, as, according to)

Question 6

How do inseparable prepositions usually appear?

Answer 6

Their default and most common form is with a vocal shewa. They appear in this form before most consonants.

Question 7

How do inseparable prepositions appear when placed before a reduced vowel?

Answer 7

The preposition is spelled with the short vowel that corresponds with the reduced vowel in the opening syllable of the original word.

Question 8

How do inseparable prepositions appear when placed before a letter with a Vocal Shewa?

Answer 8

The Shewa turns into a Hireq. (This is because you can’t have 2 contiguous shevas at the start of a word).

Question 9

What happens to an inseparable preposition placed before a: אֲ?

Answer 9

The Shewa turns into a Pathach, corresponding to the Hateph Pathach at the start of the original word.

Question 10

What happens to an inseparable preposition placed before a: אֱ?

Answer 10

The Shewa turns into a Seghol, corresponding to the Hateph Seghol at the start of the original word.

Question 11

What happens to an inseparable preposition placed before a: אֳ?

Answer 11

The Shewa turns into a Quamets Hatuf, corresponding to the Hateph Quamets at the start of the original word.

Question 12

What happens to an inseparable preposition placed before a: בְּ?

Answer 12

The Shewa turns into a Hireq because of the Vocal Shewa at the start of the original word.

Question 13

What happens to the inseparable preposition when it is placed before a definite article?

Answer 13

1. The pathach (or other vowel) and the Dagesh Forte are kept.
2. The consonant of the conjunction replaces the ה of the definite article