An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax

the utterance contains two separate topics (subjects), each with its own comment
(predicates). The two clauses together constitute a sentence, a term we discuss
below. When a sentence consists of only one clause it is called a “simple
sentence”; when it consists of more than one clause it is called a “compound” or
“complex” sentence, depending on how the clauses within the sentence are joined
(38.1).
e In addition to subject and predicate the clause may include modifiers of either of
these elements, and conjunctions may show a clause’s relationship to other clauses
or sentences. Modifiers or complements may be either necessary (nuclear) or
omissible (peripheral); they may be adjectival or adverbial.
4.4 Subject
4.4.1 Expressions of the Subject
a A noun, noun equivalent, or complex nominal construction may express the
topic. A part of speech other than a noun that functions in a clause as a noun is
called a noun equivalent. Here are examples of a substantive or noun equivalent
functioning as a grammatical subject.
1.
2.
3.
4.
(1) Substantive (8.3)
(2) Pronoun (16.3.2)
(3) Adjective (14.3.3)
(4) Participle (37.2)
םוּר ָע הָיהָ שׁחָ ָנּהַ וְ
Now the serpent was crafty.
Gen 3:1
ךְבּ־ל ָ ָשׁ מִ ְ י אוּהוְ He will rule over you.
Gen 3:16
ערָ ֵמ רסָ ו ְ ארָי ֵ ם ָכחָ (The) wise (one) fears and turns from evil.
Prov 14:16
תוּמתָ התָ ֵמּ הַ
The dying (one) will die.
Zech 11:9