Investigating the Constellation, Functionality, and Semantics of Biblical Hebrew Finite Conjugations in the Psalms of Lament

Most approaches to the study of the biblical Hebrew verbal system focus on the semantic values of verbal forms. However, the outcomes are not pleasing when applied to the text because of varied inconsistencies exposed in Hebrew Bible translations. This article discusses the constellation, functions, and semantics of finite conjugations in the elements of the psalms of lament. Using the discourse analysis and text-linguistic theories of Niccacci and Longacre as a theoretical basis, the study employs a genre analysis approach to investigate the constellation, functionality, and semantic nuance of finite conjugations in the psalms of lament. This involves identifying and describing every constituent element of the psalms of lament, investigation of dominant verbal conjugation(s), and a discussion of the functionality and semantic value of the conjugation(s) in each element. After analyzing the data, the study found a clear interplay between genre and the verbal system, as certain verbal conjugations are preferred in specific elements of the psalms of lament.