The vast majority of Hebrew words (verbs, nouns, and adjectives) have three consonants as their root letters.
Let's examine some words with the root letters: db[

Word Type

Hebrew Word

Meaning

Noun

d,b,[

slave, servant;
worshipper (of G_d)

Noun

h'dAb][

work, occupation;
worship, divine service

Noun

h'Dub][

household, body of servants

Adjective

yitWd.b;[

slavish, servile

Verb

dAb][;l

to work, till;
to serve, worship

Verb

deB;[.l

to work over, adapt

Verb

dyib][;h.l

to employ;
to compel to work

Verb

deB;[.tih.l

to be employed;
to be compelled to work


Can you see the three root letters in each word? Notice that the infinitive form of the verbs start with the letter, l. This is always the case.


Back to Table of Contents