"Hithpael Semantic Function Sorting" — Exercise

Chapter 34 — Hithpael Strong

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A 25-item classification exercise drawn from Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, and Psalms. Students read a Hithpael form with its conjugation, root, reference, and contextual gloss, then classify it as one of BBH §34.2's four semantic functions: Intensive-Reflexive (IR), Reciprocal (RC), Iterative (IT), or Simple Action (SA). The exercise emphasizes the dominant Intensive-Reflexive function while ensuring students encounter all four categories. Four discussion questions focus on the most analytically challenging items: the repeated Iterative use of הָלַךְ, the exegetically contested הִתְבָּרֲכוּ formula, the distinction between Reciprocal and collective/joint action against a third party, and the reflexive coloring added by the Hithpael of חָזַק and הָלַל.

Sample Questions

Q1. 1 מִתְהַלֵּךְ Participle ms הָלַךְ Gen 3:8 "walking about" IR RC IT SA

A: IT — Iterative — Same verb and pattern as BBH's own Iterative example (§34.2.3); “walking about” marks extended, repeated motion, not a single reflexive act

Q2. 2 וַיִּתְחַבֵּא Wayyiqtol 3ms חָבָא Gen 3:8 "he hid himself" IR RC IT SA

A: IR — Intensive-Reflexive — Same root as BBH's own Intensive-Reflexive example ( הִתְחַבְּאוּ , §34.2.1); the subject hides HIMSELF

Q3. 3 וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ Wayyiqtol 3ms הָלַךְ Gen 5:22 "he walked about" IR RC IT SA

A: IT — Iterative — Same root/pattern as item 1 — repeated walking about, matching BBH's paradigm example