13.12 Step 5: \(V_S\) is accented in Finite verbs

As we introduced in Lesson 12, verbs that have “person” designation are called Finite verbs

  • Perfect, Imperfect, Imperative, Cohortative, Jussive are FINITE
  • Infinitive Construct, Infinitive Absolute, Participle are NON-FINITE because they do not have “person”
  • The \(V_S\) is accented in Finite verbs, when possible
    • As we said in the previous lesson, \(V_S\) usually = \(V_2\)102
  • Take a look at this table again and note where the accent lands
  • Exceptions:
    • 3FS and 3CP - a Sheva/reduced vowel is NEVER accented
    • 2MS and 2FP - The “heavy sufformatives” will draw the accent like a magnet

EXCEPTIONS

  • When \(V_S\) is a Sheva or Hateph vowel:
    • Sheva/reduced vowels never take an accent
    • In the Perfect, we will see this in QP3fs and QP3cp
  • When the verb has a “heavy sufformative”
    • A heavy sufformative takes the accent
    • There are two heavy sufformatives in Hebrew: 2mp - תֶּ֫ם and 2fp - תֶּ֫ן
  • When the verb has a pronominal suffix (Lesson 19)
  • When \(V_S\) is not one of the final two syllables

  1. Exceptions, particulalry with biconsonantal/hollow verbs will be discussed in the weak verb sections)↩︎