Page:Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (1910 Kautzsch-Cowley edition).djvu/371

 Rem. The subject is sometimes added to the infinitive absolute when it takes the place of the finite verb, e.g., , , , , , ,. So, probably, also in, , although here according to  might also be taken as an object with a passive verb; cf. . In, 33 the subject follows an infinitive absolute which is co-ordinated with an infinitive construct, see above, e.

1. The infinitive construct, like the infinitive absolute, may also represent a nomen verbale, but of a much more flexible character than the infinitive absolute (cf. ). Its close relation with nouns properly so called is especially seen in the readiness with which the infinitive construct may be used for any case whatever; thus,

(a) As the nominative of the subject, e.g., literally, not good is the being of man in his separation; , , , , , 24 (but cf. 21:9  in the same statement);  prop. there is not a coming near unto thee, but the text is probably corrupt. With a feminine predicate,,.

(b) As genitive, e.g. ;, , ,. This equally includes, according to, all those cases in which the infinitive construct depends on a preposition (see below, d) [and Driver, , § 206].

(c) As accusative of the object, e.g.  (I know not how to go out and come in);, , , ,  (even with ), ,  (cf. for the use of the infinitive absolute as object, ); as accusative with a verb expressing fullness,.

2. The construction of the infinitive with prepositions (as in Greek, ἐν τῷ εἶναι, διὰ τὸ εἶναι, &c.) may usually be resolved in English into the finite verb with a conjunction, e.g., i.e. if (as soon as) he meets him;  ;  ;  ;  and his eyes were dim , i.e. so that he could not see.

This use of the infinitive construct is especially frequent in connexion with or  to express time-determinations (in English resolved into a temporal clause, as above the combination of the infinitive with  or  is resolved into a causal clause), especially after  (see the