equally well be represented by a substantive of kindred stem.[1] In Is 29 the substantive intensifying the verb is found along with the infinitive absolute.
[x] 5. Instead of the infinitive absolute immediately connected with the finite verb, an infinitive construct form appears (cf. § 73 d), in Nu 23 (גַּם קֹב; cf. Ru 2 גַּם שֹׁל); Jer 50 (רִיב יָרִיב); Pr 23 (בִּין תָּבִין). In the last instances the infinitive is probably assimilated to the imperfect, like the infinitive Niphʿal in the forms noticed in § 51 k and note.—Cf. also 2 K 3 וַיָּבֹ֫אוּ בֹא וְהַכּוֹת (read so with the LXX) before א, hence, no doubt due to the dislike of a hiatus; so in ψ 50, Neh 1 (הֲבֹל), all in rapid style; after the verb, Jos 7, unless הַֽעֲבֵיר is intended.
[y] 4. Finally the infinitive absolute sometimes appears as a substitute for the finite verb, either when it is sufficient simply to mention the verbal idea (see z), or when the hurried or otherwise excited style intentionally contents itself with this infinitive, in order to bring out the verbal idea in a clearer and more expressive manner (see aa).
[z] (a) The infinitive absolute as the continuation of a preceding finite verb. In the later books especially it often happens that in a succession of several acts only the first (or sometimes more) of the verbs is inflected, while the second (or third, &c.) is added simply in the infinitive absolute. Thus after several perfects, Dn 9 (cf. verse 11) we have sinned ... and have transgressed thy law, וִסוֹר and have turned aside (prop. a turning aside took place); so after a perfect Ex 36 (?), 1 S 2, Is 37, Jer 14, 19, Hag 1 (four infinitives), Zc 3 (but read with Wellhausen, after the LXX, וְהַלְבִּ֫שׁוּ אֹתוֹ), 7:5, Ec 8, 9, Est 3, 9, 16, 18, 12:6 ff., Neh 9, 13, 1 Ch 5, 2 Ch 28;[2] after the perfect consecutive, Zc 12; after the perfect frequentative 1 K 9 (unless וְהִקְטִיר be intended); after the simple imperfect, Lv 25, Nu 30, Jer 32 (three infinitives), 36:23, 1 Ch 21; after a cohortative, Jos 9; after the imperfect consecutive, Gn 41 (as a continuation of וַיַּרְכֵּב); Ex 8, Ju 7, Jer 37, Neh 8, 1 Ch 16, 2 Ch 7; with אוֹ or after the jussive, Dt 14, Est 2, 6; after the imperative, Is 37b, Am 4f.; after the participle, Hb 2 (strengthened by אַף, and regarded, like the participle itself, as an adverbial accusative); Est 8.
[aa] (b) At the beginning of the narrative, or at least of a new section of it. The special form of the finite verb which the infinitive absolute represents must be determined from the context. The infinitive
- ↑ On these substantives (and on the use of the infinitive absolute generally as absolute object, see above, m), cf. the schema etymologicum treated in connexion with the government of the verb in § 117 p, q.
- ↑ In Ez 7 a perfect appears to be continued by means of an infinitive construct; but the text is quite corrupt; Cornill reads תִּקְעוּ תָקוֹעַ הָכִ֫ינוּ הָכֵן.
