Suffix Paragogic Nun¶
Summary¶
The paragogic נ (nun) suffix can only attach to a finite verb, and its meaning is unknown.
Article¶
This suffix is an unexplained feature of Biblical Hebrew grammar with no discernible meaning or function.
Form¶
The paragogic נ (nun) is a simple consonant appearing either as a suffix or an infix. When appearing as a suffix, it stands at the end of the word, following the verb conjugation ending (as in the examples below). When appearing as an infix, the paragogic נ (nun) is usually represented by a daghesh forte inside the initial letter of a pronominal suffix.
Examples¶
שָֽׁמְע֥וּ עַמִּ֖ים יִרְגָּז֑וּן |
shame’u ‘ammim yirgazun |
They-will-hear peoples they-will-tremble |
The peoples will hear, and they will tremble |
כַּקָּטֹ֤ן כַּגָּדֹל֙ תִּשְׁמָע֔וּן |
kaqqaton kaggadol tishma’un |
like-the-small like-the-great you-will-hear |
you will hear the small and the great alike |
תִּתֵּ֣ן לָ֭הֶם יִלְקֹט֑וּן |
titten lahem yilqotun |
You-give to-them they-gather |
When you give to them, they gather |