Page:Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (1910 Kautzsch-Cowley edition).djvu/343

 Rem. In passages like, , , the context shows that the imperfect corresponds rather to our present. In such sentences the perfect also is naturally used in referring to completed actions, e.g., , ,.

(4) In negative sentences to express actions, &c., which cannot or should not happen, e.g. ;  deeds  that ought not to be done (cf. above, g);.

(5) In conditional clauses (the modus conditionalis corresponding to the Latin present or imperfect conjunctive) both in the protasis and apodosis, or only in the latter,  (or had to walk)... I fear (or I would fear) no evil;  though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me. After a perfect in the protasis, e.g. . Very frequently also in an apodosis, the protasis to which must be supplied from the context, e.g. but as for me, I would seek unto God (were I in thy place);, 16, , ,. However, some of the imperfects in these examples are probably intended as jussive forms. Cf. .

The cohortative, i.e. according to, the 1st pers. sing. or plur. of the imperfect lengthened by the ending, represents in general an endeavour directed expressly towards a definite object. While the corresponding forms of the indicative rather express the mere announcement that an action will be undertaken, the cohortative lays stress on the determination underlying the action, and the personal interest in it.

Its uses may be divided into—

1. The cohortative standing alone, or co-ordinated with another cohortative, and frequently strengthened by the addition of the particle :

(a) To express self-encouragement, e.g.  So especially as the result of inward deliberation (in soliloquies), e.g.,  (rarely so used after ,  let me not look...! ), and also as a more or less emphatic statement of a fixed determination, e.g.  I will sing ...! ,. Cf. also now let me die (I am willing to die),