5.3 Translate the Vav Conjunction

The Vav conjunction serves many different purposes in Hebrew beyond “and”

• Some of these can be translated into English
• Other times there is no direct English translation; these uses can be more like “stage directions” in a play that the directors and actors see in the script but are not read aloud
• When translating the Vav, we must make sure our translation both fits the context of the passage and is readable in English
  • Most often, it merely means “and”, but other options can include then, and then, but, also, even, together with, that is
    
  • Occasionally, the best option is to leave it untranslated
• When we were learning English, we had it drilled into us that we should never begin sentences with “and” or have multiple “and” clauses in a sentence
  • We were told these are “run-on sentences”, and they were to be avoided
• Hebrew LOVES to start sentences with “and”, and is just fine with run-on sentences!
• As you advance in Hebrew, you will enjoy seeing how the Bible authors employ the Vav at the beginning of a sentence or clause to evoke different meanings
  • For example, when added to a verb, it usually serves to continue or advance the narrative
  • When added to a non-verb, it is often those stage directions we mentioned: a contrast, a scene shift, or a parenthetical comment
• It’s safe to say, there is a LOT packed in to this little letter ו!

TRANSLATION TIPS

• As you are starting out in Hebrew, go ahead and start your translation of the Vav Conjunction with “And”, but remember to be flexible
• Another word, such as “but” or “then” might make more sense depending on the context of the passage
• Many times for smooth English, we will need to leave the Vav untranslated