"Hithpael Weak-Form Identification Drill" — Exercise

Chapter 35 — Hithpael Weak

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A 30-item identification and parsing exercise covering the four main Hithpael weak classes (III-he, I-guttural, Sibilant Metathesis, I-nun) plus Geminate and Strong forms. Part A (items 1–20) groups forms by class — five items per class — so students can build class-by-class recognition of the Hithpael's distinctive prefix patterns, especially the sibilant metathesis rule where the Hithpael ת swaps position with a sibilant R1, producing הִשְׁתַּ / וַיִּשְׁתַּ instead of the expected הִתְ / וַיִּתְ. Part B (items 21–30) presents forms from multiple classes in random order; students must identify the weak class first, then parse. Answer keys for both parts include the diagnostic marker for each form, and five discussion questions target the most challenging identification problems.

Sample Questions

Q1. 1 וַיִּתְגַּל Gen 9:21 ▶

A: Wayyiqtol 3ms גָּלָה — he uncovered himself; III-he apocopation: ה dropped; short patach under R2 (ג); standard וַיִּתְ Hithpael prefix

Q2. 2 הִתְגַּלֹּתִי 1 Sam 2:27 ▶

A: Perfect 1cs גָּלָה — did I reveal myself; 1cs suffix תִּי ; dagesh forte in R2 (ג); III-he root

Q3. 3 וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ Gen 18:2 ▶

A: Wayyiqtol 3ms שָׁחָה — he bowed down; both weak classes at work: sibilant metathesis ( שׁ + ת swapped → וַיִּשְׁתַּ ) AND III-he apocopation ( ה dropped)