Word die partikel asjer as inleidingspartikel in voorwaardelike sinne in bybelse Hebreeus gebruik?

Abstract

In different studies of the syntax of Biblical Hebrew it is accepted that the particle asjer can be used to introduce the protases of conditional sentences. Only a few examples are usually given. In the study of Friedrich (1884) a large number of examples are listed. Many of these examples could, however, just as well be regarded as relative constructions. In this article the possible use of this particle as conditional particle is investigated in the books Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. The possible cases in legal and narrative contexts are studied separately. There are quite a number of instances where the particle is used as conditional particle. This use is more frequent in legal contexts, in the case of casuistic laws. An interpretation of this use is given using Transformational Grammar.