An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax

הדָ ֵעה־ל ָ ָכּ
Num 15:35
c The infinitive absolute םוגר is bracketed with the main verb תמוי as an adverbial
accusative, qualifying how the action will be performed, and at the same time it is
bracketed with both its own subject and object.
d The infinitive absolute and infinitive construct are distinguished in part by their
syntax. Although both are used in ways associated with both verbs and nouns, they
differ in the following respects.[Page 583]
a. Only the infinitive absolute regularly takes the place of a finite verb.
b. Only the infinitive construct is regularly used with a preposition.
c. Only the infinitive construct can take a pronominal suffix.
d. If the subject of the verbal action expressed by the infinitive absolute is stated, it is
always an independent noun; with the infinitive construct it may be a pronominal
suffix.
e. The infinitive absolute is used much less rarely than the infinitive construct in the
most frequent uses of the noun, namely, as a subject in the nominative function, as a
genitive, or in the accusative function.
The infinitive absolute also takes the place of other parts of speech in a clause
besides those of the noun and verb; notably it serves as an adverb. 15 It can be used as
a word of command and even functions where we expect an infinitive construct. We
broadly classify the uses of the infinitive absolute by these parts of speech: 16
a. as a noun, especially as an absolute or adverbial complement (35.3)
b. as a frozen adverb (35.4)
c. as a word of command (35.5.1)
d. as a finite verb (35.5.2)
e. as a participle (35.5.3) f: as an infinitive construct (35.5.4)
Within these broad classifications according to word classes we can specify its
more precise values.
e Before turning to these species, we need to note further that the infinitive absolute is
not normally negated; a negative particle, where needed, is normally placed before the
finite verb.
2. ןוֹ ֲע דקֹפּ ֵ הקֶּ נְי ַ אֹ ל הקֵּ נַ ְ
ו Yet he will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.
Exod 34:7
15 The distinction between an independent adverb (cf. 39.3) and an “ad-verbial” use is
most nearly obscured with the infinitive.
16 Bergsträsser cites some instances where the influence of the infinitive absolute on
the meaning of the sentence can perhaps no longer be perceived (GB 2.63 [012f]).
While it is true that the nuance of the form is sometimes slight (and difficult to
translate, but that is another matter), the instances cited by him can be understood
along the lines sketched out here.