"Hithpael Semantic Function Sorting (Weak Roots)" — Exercise

Chapter 35 — Hithpael Weak

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A 20-item classification exercise using weak-root Hithpael forms drawn from Genesis, Ezra, Jeremiah, Samuel, and other OT books. Students classify each form as Reflexive (R), Reciprocal (Re), Intensive/Iterative (I), or Simple Action (SA). The exercise emphasizes the dominant Reflexive function (14/20 items) while ensuring students encounter the Simple Action category (4 items: פלל and נבא, whose Hithpael meanings have lexicalized) and the Intensive category (2 items: רגז, חנן). All forms are from weak roots, reinforcing the phonological patterns of Ch35: III-ה (גלה, שׁחה, ענה), sibilant metathesis (שׁחה, צדק), geminate (הלל), and I-guttural (חנן). Four discussion questions focus on the sibilant-metathesis forms of שׁחה, the lexicalization of הִתְפַּלֵּל, the passive-reflexive ambiguity of הִתְנַחֵם, and the theological contrast between הִתְבָּרֵךְ and הִצְטַדֵּק.

Sample Questions

Q1. 1 הִתְגַּלָּה Perfect 3ms גלה Gen 35:7 "God revealed himself" R Re I SA

A: R — Reflexive — “God revealed HIMSELF” — explicit reflexive object in the gloss

Q2. 2 הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה Perfect 3ms שׁחה Gen 22:5 "we will worship / bow down" R Re I SA

A: R — Reflexive — Bowing down is a reflexive posture — the subject bows HIMSELF down

Q3. 3 הִתְהַלֵּל Perfect 3ms הלל Jer 9:23 "let him not boast" R Re I SA

A: R — Reflexive — Boasting/praising oneself — the subject exalts HIMSELF