Page:Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (1910 Kautzsch-Cowley edition).djvu/421

 multiplication of the idea of the stem may be clearly seen, is (c) the pluralis excellentiae or pluralis maiestatis.

Examples of (a): Plurals of local extension to denote localities in general, but especially level surfaces (the surface-plural), since in them the idea of a whole composed of innumerable separate parts or points is most evident, as  heaven (cf. also  of heaven,, ; elsewhere ); ;  (the broad surface of the sea) poetically for ;  (prop. the side turned towards any one, then) surface in general, usually face; , , , &c.,  ; also , ;  (of a river); ,  (also ) distance, ,  (unless, with Dillmann, it is to be explained in the sense of double bed, i.e. torus),  , and  , , , dwelling (perhaps also , in passages like ). The last four belong, however, to poetic style, and are better reckoned amongst the plurals of amplification treated under –. So perhaps (, ; but, , &c., in the singular); probably, however,  (prop. strata) refers to a number of coverings or pillows.

The plural of extension is used to denote a lengthened period of time in (everlasting ages).

Rem. The plural of extension includes also a few examples which were formerly explained as simply poetic plurals, e.g.  (ready) for me, i.e. the place where there are many of them (as it were the graveyard) is my portion,, ; cf. .

Of (b): the tolerably numerous abstract plurals, mostly of a particular form (qeṭûlîm, qiṭṭûlîm, &c.), may be divided into two classes. They sum up either the conditions or qualities inherent in the idea of the stem, or else the various single acts of which an action is composed. Cf. for the first class, and, , ; , ; ,  (only in ),  (the abstract idea of the qualities of a living being); , ,.

There are also a number of plurals, found almost exclusively in poetry (sometimes along with the singular), which are evidently intended to intensify the idea of the stem (plural of amplification), as, ; (as well as ) and ;  (according to , only in the construct state plural or with suffixes = the happiness of), happy;  (complete) prosperity, ;   and  , &c. (keen) understanding; (true) counsel, ;   and