The Root System of Hebrew Words

The Root System of Hebrew Words

Hebrew words are derived out of the many Hebrew root words (parent, child and adopted roots), as demonstrated in the graphic below.

Derived from the parent root לך (LK) are two child roots, הלך (HLK) and לאך (LAK), and one adopted root, מלך (MLK). The child הלך is formed by adding the letter ה (H) to the beginning of the parent, the child לאך by adding the letter א (A) in the middle and the adopted by adding the letter מ (M) to the beginning.

Hebrew roots can be used as a verb or a noun. In English, a verb is a word of "action" and a noun is a "person, place or thing," something void of action. In Hebrew, a verb is a word for the "action" of "a persona, place or thing," and a noun is a word for "a person, place or thing" in "action." As an example, the root מלך (MLK) can mean "the rule of the king" as a verb, or "the king who rules" as a verb (Strong's #4427), or "the king who rules" as a noun (Strong's #4428).

Other words are derived out of the child and parent roots by adding specific letters to the roots. As an example, the noun מלכה (MLKH, Strong's #4436) is formed by adding the letter ה (H) to the end of the root and means "the female king who rules" or "queen," and the noun מלכות (MLKUT, Strong's #4438) is formed by adding the letters ות (UT) to the end of the root and means "the region ruled by the king" or "kingdom."

Once we understand how to properly interpret and define Hebrew words based on their relationships to their roots and the culture in which the words were used, we can then properly interpret Biblical passages from a Hebraic perspective.

And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:6)

Our normal understanding of the word "keep" within this verse is to "obey," however this is not the case. The Hebrew verb used here is שמר (shamar, Strong's #8104), which literally means "to guard" or "to protect."

They will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me and break my covenant. (Deuteronomy 31:20)

Similarly, our normal understanding of "break" within this verse is to "disobey," but again this is not the case. The Hebrew verb here is פרר (parar, Strong's #6565) and means "to trample underfoot."

The "keeping" or "breaking" of the commandments of God is not about obedience and disobedience; it is about one's attitude toward them. Will we guard and protect them as we would our family, or will we throw them on the ground and trample them as we would garbage?

Masterclass #15: How to Define Hebrew Words

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About Hebrew Roots and Words

  • The Root System of Hebrew Words
  • Explaining the Morphology of Hebrew Words2
  • Hebrew Morphology of mi’mo’a’tso’tey
  • Can we trust the nikkudot?2
  • Pronunciation of Hebrew Words
  • Hebrew Words Found in English Words

How to Define Hebrew Words

  • Importance of studying Hebrew Words
  • Hebrew Word Study: How and Why
  • Defining Words in the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon
  • Redefining Biblical Hebrew Words
  • Literal and Figurative Meanings
  • Hebrew Names
  • A problematic word in Psalm 9:1
  • Hebrew Words of Unknown Meaning

Using the Bible to Define Words

  • Defining the English Word
  • Defining a Word by Context
  • Bible Translation Comparison
  • Defining Words through Parallels
  • Context of the Root Word

Quiz

  • Quiz: How to Define Hebrew Words