Binyan Huf’al is the passive counterpart of Binyan Hif’il. It describes situations where the subject undergoes an action that someone else caused. In other words, the subject receives the result of a causative verb.
What Does Huf’al Do?
This binyan shows that someone or something was made to do or experienced an action initiated by another. For example:
- From the root ק־ו־ם (“to rise”), the Hif’il form הֵקִים means “he raised” or “he established.”
In Huf’al, הֻקַּם means “he was raised” or “he was established.” - From the root י־צ־א (“to go out”), the Hif’il form הוֹצִיא means “he brought out.”
In Huf’al, הוּצָא means “he was brought out.” - From the root ע־מ־ד (“to stand”), the Hif’il form הֶעֱמִיד means “he positioned” or “he caused to stand.”
In Huf’al, הֻעֳמַד means “he was positioned” or “he was made to stand.”
These examples show how Huf’al verbs reflect passive causation. The subject doesn’t act but is affected by someone else’s action.
Huf’al verbs typically begin with הֻ־ and include a u-vowel in the first syllable. This pattern helps distinguish them from other binyanim.
Why It Matters
Huf’al is essential for expressing passive causative ideas in Hebrew. It appears in formal, historical, and narrative contexts – especially in Biblical texts. Recognizing this binyan helps learners understand when the subject is being acted upon, not acting.