An In-Depth Exploration of Dual Forms in Ancient and Modern Usage
In the realm of Hebrew grammar, some feminine nouns ending in ־ִים (–im) in their plural forms possess two distinct construct forms. For instance, the plural form "שָׁנִים" (shanim, years) can have the construct forms "שְׁנֵי" (shnei) and "שְׁנוֹת" (shnot). These forms are well-documented in biblical texts, as seen in "שְׁנֵי חיי שרה" (the years of Sarah’s life) from Genesis 23:1, and "שְׁנוֹת דור ודור" (the years of generation to generation) from Deuteronomy 32:7.
For the noun "נָשִׁים" (nashim, women), the construct form in the Bible is "נְשֵׁי" (n’shei), as in "נְשֵׁי למך" (the wives of Lamech) from Genesis 4:23. This form is prevalent in rabbinic literature and subsequent writings, whereas the construct form "נְשׁוֹת" (n’shot) is very rare.
Unlike "שנים" (shanim) and "נשים" (nashim), which have a single plural form and two construct forms, the word "מִלָּה" (mila, word) exhibits two plural forms. In the Bible, we find "מִילִּים" (milim), with its construct form "מִלֵּי" (milei), such as "מִלַּי," "מִלֶּיךָ," "מִלֵּיהֶם" (not "מִלּוֹתַי" and so on). In the languages of the Mishnah and the Middle Ages, the plural form "מִלּוֹת" (milot) appears, resulting in the construct form "מִלּוֹת־" (milot-).
In modern Hebrew, speakers seem to prefer construct forms ending in ־וֹת (–ot): "שְׁנוֹת חיים" (shnot chayim, years of life), "נְשׁוֹת השוטרים" (n’shot ha-shotrim, the wives of the policemen), "מִלּוֹת סיום" (milot siyyum, concluding words). Nevertheless, using the forms "שְׁנֵי־," "נְשֵׁי־," and "מִלֵּי־" remains entirely acceptable.
Hebrew grammar continues to offer fascinating insights into the language’s history and its evolution, providing learners and enthusiasts with a deeper appreciation of its richness and complexity.
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