An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax

a The combination of l + infinitive construct is common in a variety of uses. 26 Some
are similar to those of the infinitive without preposition, while others are specialized
along the lines of infinitive clauses with בּ, כּ , and other prepositions. The special role
of this combination is indicated by the non-raphe status of the opening of the second
syllable, liḵtoḇ not liḵṯoḇ.
b The combination can be found in any nominal role in a clause. 27 In a nominative
frame, it is usually used as a subject, in verbless clauses (## 1–2) or in clauses with
היה (## 3–4).
1.
הוהי ֑ ַל תוֹדֹה ְל בוֹט To praise YHWH is good.
2. ם ֶכיני ֵ ֵע ְבּ ער ַ םאִ וְ
הוהי־תא ֶ דֹב ֲע ַל
3. התְי ָ ה ָ הוהי תאֵ ִמ י ִכּ
ם ָבּ ל־ת ִ א ֶ קזֵּ חַ ְל
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4.
ךְ ֶל ֶמּ ֫ הַ ֵמ התְי ָ ה ָ אֹ ל י ִכּ
ר ֵנ ְבא־ת ַ א ֶ תימִ הָ ְל
Ps 92:2
If it is evil in your eyes to worship YHWH…
Josh 24:1–5
Because from YHWH was the hardening (of) their heart
(i.e., because YHWH hardened)…
Josh 11:20
the killing (of) Abner was not from the king
2 Sam 3:37
Infinitives with l can also serve as verbal complements, supplying a verb to
“complete” the main finite verb (## 5–9). Some finite verbs generally govern
complements in ל (e.g., ארי, # 5), while others can govern infinitives with or without
ל (e.g., ןאמ, # 6; cf. 36.2.1d). Rarely an infinitive with ל serves as an adverbial after
a noun (## 10–11). 28
5. ר ַעוֹ ֫
6.
֑צ ְבּ ת ֶב ֶשׁ ֫ ָל א ֵ
םחֵ ַנתְ הִ ְל ןאֵ ָמְ י ַ
7. שׁיאִ ה ָ ץֹפּחַי ְ אֹ ל־םאִ וְ
וֹתּ֑ ְמ ִבְ י־תא ֶ תחַ קַ֫ ָל
8. תוֹשׂ ֲע ַל עַ ֵ
רָי He was afraid to stay in Zoar.
Gen 19:30
ו He refused to be comforted.
Gen 37:35
If a man does not want to marry his brother’s widow…
Deut 25:7
דוֹי one who knows [how] to work in gold and silver
26 See 1. Soisalon-Soinenen, “Der Infinitivus constructus mit ל im Hebräischen,”
Vetus Testamentum 22 (1972) 82–90; cf. n. 22 on late Biblical Hebrew.
27 Except in a genitive role.
28 This use may be blurred with the epexegetical use.