Hebrew Syntax [Paperback]

Ronald J. Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0802022189 | ISBN-13: 978-0802022189 | Edition: 2nd

Although the morphology and lexicon of Hebrew are reasonably well understood, its syntax has long been a neglected area of study. Syntax, the relationship of words to one another, forms, together with morphology, the material of grammar. Its relative importance varies according to the language considered. This is particularly true of word order, for when an inflected language loses its case endings, word order assumes many of the functions of the former cases. This outline by Professor Williams re-emphasizes the significance of word order in Hebrew. Developed over fifteen years in a formal course on Hebrew syntax at the University of Toronto, it treats the syntax of the noun, the verb, particles and clauses, with a selection of illustrative examples. Its contents are based on classical Hebrew prose, but some account is also taken of the deviations in later prose and poetry. In this new edition English translations have been provided for all Hebrew phrases and sentences, and the bibliography has been expanded.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

RONALD J. WILLIAMS is Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Egyptology in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, University of Toronto.

Product Details

• Paperback: 122 pages
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press; 2nd edition (November 5, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802022189
• ISBN-13: 978-0802022189
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,081,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good, inexpensive reference work, April 19, 2000

By 

I. Gould (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hebrew Syntax (Paperback)

Reference work and inexpensive are seldom found together when speaking of quality materials on Biblical Hebrew, but Williams' work is well worthy of such a title. This short paperback covers the syntax of nouns, verbs, particles and clauses, discussing the basic syntactical functions of each. The examples, though sometimes unclear, are sufficient, and specific Scripture passages can be referenced with the index provided in the back. Perhaps of greatest practical value in this work is the index of particles and prepositions located on the last page. It is difficult to find a good discussion of particles and prepositions outside of major reference grammars, so this is a welcome addition.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, January 13, 2002

By 

S. Blackwelder "fountain pen daily user" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hebrew Syntax (Paperback)

This gem is easy on the wallet, unintimidating and useful. After you've struggled through some Hebrew Bible passages and consulted this and other reference grammars, read this one cover-to-cover and then you'll have an easier time reading the others.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cheap, Excellent Syntax book, January 25, 2006

By 

Danny "dannyza" (JHB, South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hebrew Syntax (Paperback)

Students of any language will know, its one thing to know the different parts of a language - verbs and nouns, but quite another to put them together.

This great little book does just that, and does it logically with good clear examples, in an often under-studied field.

Syntax is usually left at the end when everyone has learnt all the other pieces and to put them together. However, this approach can mislead one to believe one understands how Hebrew and the language work.

This book teaches by example and shows carefully how a particular part of speech is utilised in the actual text.

It is cheap and is very useful.

I would have given it a five-star rating, but the text-quality is poor, and the Hebrew is sometimes difficult to read in the old-typewriter style of print.

All the Hebrew is translated.