Lesson 35 The וְ Conjunction The Predicators of Existence: אֵין and יֵשׁ

1. Lesson 35Theוְ ConjunctionThe Predicators of Existence: אֵיןand יֵשׁ

2. In Hebrew 131, we learned that the וְconjunction can be translated as a variety of English conjunctions: and, but, or, also, or even. In each case, the וְconjunction connects two clauses. Theוְ Conjunction There are two primary types of relationships between clauses connected with the וְconjunction: conjunctive and disjunctive. The rules regarding conjunctive and disjunctive clauses are somewhat complicated. For the purposes of Hebrew 132, we will focus on the instances when it is most appropriate to translate theוְconjunction as and, but, or, also, or even.

3. Conjunctive relationship: The conjunctive relationship is sequential. The action of the first clause comes before the action of the second clause either logically or temporally. In English we might say, “I went to the store, and I bought some bread.” The action of the first clause, “I went to the store,” occurs before the action of the second clause, “I bought some bread.” Theוְ Conjunction Disjunctive relationship: The disjunctive relationship is non-sequential. The relationship between the two clauses is not based on a logical or temporal order. In English we might say, “I went to the store, and they went to the park.” The action of the first clause and the action of the second clause are not sequential. Non-action clauses, which feature a but or another disjunction are also disjunctive. For example, “She was tired, but there was no time to rest.” The first clause (she was tired) and the second clause (there was no time to rest) are not actions and do not follow a sequential order.

4. The best way to distinguish between a conjunctive and disjunctive relationship is to examine the word order immediately after the וְ conjunction. A conjunctive relationship always has a verb immediately after the וְconjunction. A disjunctive relationship rarely has a verb immediately after the וְconjunction. Theוְ Conjunction Negative clauses that begin with לֹא are disjunctive. For example: We will now examine types of clauses within the conjunctive and disjunctive categories.

5. Conjunctive clauses fit into two categories: narrative sequences and imperative sequences. Narrative sequences have one of the following three patterns: Theוְ Conjunction Remember that to determine if a clause is conjunctive or disjunctive, we look at the clause after the וְconjunction. A non-verbal clause can be part of a conjunctive sequence if it precedes the וְconjunction. Therefore, non-verbal clause- וְ-perfect is defined as a conjunctive relationship. Non-verbal clauses can refer to the near future. In these cases, a non-verbal clause followed by a perfect clause imitates the imperfect- וְ-perfect pattern and is classified as conjunctive.

6. Despite some overlapping, the following four categories cover the most common uses of disjunctive clauses. Contrastive: The clauses are in contrast to each other. Usually “but” is the best translation of the וְ conjunction between contrastive clauses. For example: Theוְ Conjunction Circumstantial: The second clause describes circumstances prior to or contemporary with events of the first clause. For example: Explanatory: The clause breaks the narrative to provide needed information. For example: Initial or Terminative: The clause indicates the beginning or ending of an episode. Often chapter divisions in the Hebrew Bible begin with a terminative disjunctive clause that introduces a new episode.

7. Confused? The disjunctive clause types can be confusing. For now, just focus on when it is most appropriate to translate the וְ conjunction as and, but, or, also, or even. Theוְ Conjunction

8. אֵין is a predicator of non-existence, translating with the meaning of “there is not.” For example: אֵיןמֶלֶךְwhich translates to “there is no king.” The Predicators of Existence: אֵיןand יֵשׁ יֵשׁ is a predicator of existence, meaning “there is.” For example: יֵשׁ אִישׁwhich translates to “there is a man.” אֵיןandיֵשׁ are without tense and while acting similar to a verb, they are not verbs. Both can be inflected for gender and number with the inclusion of a pronominal suffix. The use of pronominal suffixes is common for אֵין but rare for יֵשׁ.

9. אֵיןwith a pronominal suffix has three common usages. 1. With a pronominal or nominal subject, אֵיןnegates existence. For example: The Predicators of Existence: אֵיןand יֵשׁ 2. With a participial predicate, אֵין negates the predicate. For example: 3. Less common, אֵיןnegates the adverbial or adjectival predicate. For example: Most forms of יֵשׁ with a pronominal suffix are found after אִם(if). For example: