Joseph: Thanks for this description. I never heard of Diethelm Michel before, so thank you for referencing his explanation.
One thing I have noticed is that when the Yiqtol is used in the optative or subjunctive mood, then following Qatals are used to indicate what the results will be. I think he would include this pattern in his “way” #2 listed below. One reason I found this interesting is because, independently of him, I have come to similar conclusions. Karl W. Randolph. 2010/12/8 Joseph Justiss <[email protected]> > > As some of you are aware, Diethelm Michel's study of the verb… > > > As typical for the qatal we have found that it cites self-important facts > which have no inherent connection to their setting. Frequently now the qatal > is being used in a construction which adds an explanatory fact to something > previously described. Therefore it explains. Usually the qatal in that case > is tacked on by means of a ו, but also it can be used asyndetically. > > He further summarizes as follows: > > The qatal recounts an action which is in no dependence, which is > self-important. This is shown in three ways. > > 1. If a qatal is isolated or stands at the beginning of a clause it > states a fact. > 2. If a qatal syndetically or asyndetically connects to a yiqtol or > participle it does not continue this, but presents an explanatory fact > beside it. > 3. If many qatals stand beside each other asyndetically they do not > indicate an action progression, but rather they list equally important > facts. > > It is number 2 which concerns us in this discussion. In Gen 43:9 Judah > pledges himself as security for Benjamin with yiqtols then he switches to > weqatals to explain exactly what he means by his pledge. The weqatals do > not add new information. They explain the preceding yiqtols--just like > Michel's theory teaches. > > The same thing happens again in 43:14. Jacob expresses a desire that the > man (Joseph) have mercy on the brothers with a yiqtol then he explains what > having mercy would look like, i.e. "may he set your other brother and > benjamin free." So the weqatal also expresses desire in a sense. So the > difference between the verbs here is not one of tense or mood. The qatal > functions here to further clarify Jacob's preceding expression of desire. > > What do you all think? > > Joseph Justiss > _______________________________________________ b-hebrew mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-hebrew
