An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax

waters).
Ps 30:2
Regarding the use of the Piel with such anthropomorphisms, Jenni comments:
“The Piel succeeds in leading the results back to YHWH without having to describe
more exactly the course of events. Naturally, a strict rule cannot be derived from
that.” 34
d Under the heading of direct-indirect action, as Jenni recognizes, the difference is not
the kind of action so much as the way in which the subject is related to the action. In
the Qal, he argues, the subject is directly involved in the action, while in the Piel the
subject is only indirectly involved in the bringing about of the action. In this action
the subject effects the resulting state through a person or instrument that may be
named or only implied. Here are some examples.
3a. ךְרֵ ָב ְשׁ םידִ קָּ ה ַ חוּר ַ And the east wind broke (Qal) you.
3b. ר ֵבּ ַשׁ תּ ְ םיד֑ ִ ק ָ חוּר ַ ְבּ
׃שׁי ִשׁ רְ תּ ַ תוֹיּנִ א ֳ
4a.
Ezek 27:26
You broke (Piel) with an east wind the ships of Tarshish.
Ps 48:8
תוֹרה ָ ם ָע ְק בּ־ל ִ ַע because they (the Ammonites) ripped open (Qal)
pregnant women
Amos 1:13
4b. ׃עַ קֵּ בַ תּ ְ םהי ֶ תֹר ֵ הָ ו ְ And you (Hazael) will rip open (Piel) their pregnant
women.
2 Kgs 8:12
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Concerning the difference between # 4a and # 4b Jenni comments:
In connection with the complaint of Amos the Ammonites themselves are named as actors;
the verb therefore stands in the Qal. On the other hand, Hazael will accomplish his predicted
atrocities not with his own hands but indirectly through his soldiers; therefore the resultative
verb in the Piel. 35
24.3.3 Other
a Traditionally, the uses of the Qal and Piel (a) to transmit action to one object (Qal)
versus numerous objects (Piel) or (b) for a single/simple movement (Qal) versus
successive movements (Piel) or (c) for occasional (Qal) versus professional (Piel)
activities were regarded as special nuances of the intensive notion of the Piel. Jenni
contends rather that these plural patterns are in keeping with his thesis that the Qal:
34
Jenni, Pi˓el, 137. Note ˒zr ‘to arm, gird,’ Qal of humans (reflexive?, passive?) in 1
Sam 2:4, Piel of God in Ps 18:33.
35
Jenni, Pi˓el, 143. Contrast škḥ Qal in Ps 44:25, where YHWH forgets, and škḥ Piel in
Lam 2:6, where it cannot be YHWH who forgets; so Ryder, D-Stem, 117.