Hebrew Verb - Past Tense - Page 3 of 3

In Hebrew, the verb “to be” is expressed using forms of the verb הָיָה (hayah), meaning “was.” Unlike English, Hebrew

Huf’al is the passive counterpart of Hif’il. In the past tense, it describes actions that were caused to happen to

Pu’al is the passive counterpart of Pi’el. In the past tense, it describes actions that were done to the subject

Pa’al is the most basic and common binyan in Hebrew. In the past tense, it expresses direct, active actions performed

Nif’al is the passive counterpart of Pa’al. In the past tense, it describes actions that happened to the subject- either

Hitpa’el is the reflexive binyan in Hebrew. In the past tense, it describes actions that the subject performed on itself,

Hif’il is the causative binyan in Hebrew. In the past tense, it describes actions that the subject caused to happen

Pi’el is an expressive and active binyan. In the past tense, it continues to convey intensive, repetitive, or causative actions.

In Biblical Hebrew, the past tense verb – known as the perfect form – is the backbone of biblical narrative.

In Hebrew, the past tense is used to describe actions that have already happened. Unlike English, Hebrew verbs in the