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Hebrew 101: Lesson 10
Semantics of Verb Paradigm Related Roots
Understanding how different binyanim (verb paradigms) change the meaning of the same root.
Example: Root ש-ב-ר (SH-B-R) - "Breaking"
| Binyan | Hebrew | Meaning | Semantic Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paal | שָׁבַר | broke | Simple active |
| Niphal | נִשְׁבַּר | was broken | Passive |
| Piel | שִׁבֵּר | shattered | Intensive |
| Hiphil | הִשְׁבִּיר | caused to break | Causative |
| Hitpael | הִשְׁתַּבֵּר | broke down (emotionally) | Reflexive |
Semantic Patterns
Each binyan tends to have characteristic meanings:
- Niphal - passive or reflexive actions
- Piel - intensive or repetitive actions
- Hiphil - causing someone else to do something
- Hitpael - reflexive or reciprocal actions