An investigation of conditional sentences in the Hebrew text of Isaiah
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
M. R. Spradlin
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
1991
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
184
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Th.D.
Body granting the degree
Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
Text preceding or following the note
1991
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Conditional sentences are present in almost every known language, and Hebrew is no exception. These "if-then" structures form an integral part of Hebrew syntax. A proper analysis of these forms is vital for accurate translation, exegesis, and interpretation. Although many Hebrew grammars contain sections of material on conditional sentences, these analyses often seem confusing and contradictory. This dissertation examines the conditional sentences found in the Book of Isaiah. A study is also made of conditional sentences in the dialects and languages of the Near East and how they compare with Biblical Hebrew. After examining the cultural and linguistic parameters of Hebrew conditional sentences, a structural pattern is proposed as an aid in analysis. An investigation is made of the components of conditional sentences, including the introductory particles, verbs, transitional particles, and clauses. The relationship of contextual factors as an aid in analyzing these types of sentences also appears. The conditional structures are classified and examined for syntactical conclusions. Finally, the findings of this study are collated and a system of conditional analysis is proposed. This method of analysis, called the "model system," has as its purpose to identify better the intended meaning of each clause within a conditional sentence. To aid in further research, six appendixes are incorporated into the dissertation. These appendixes detail the classification systems of various grammarians, list all of the conditional sentences in Isaiah, provide a glossary, list the conditional sentences by their introductory particle, list the nonconditional uses of , and classify each conditional sentence by the model system.