Page:Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (1910 Kautzsch-Cowley edition).djvu/454

 of a separation, distinction or superiority of one person or thing from or over others. This is evident in such cases as something (to prefer it) before something else, e.g., cf. (also, ); it is also seen in examples like  (other) children; 29:30, ,.

2. A somewhat different idea underlies the use of after adjectives, or intransitive verbs possessing an attributive sense, when the thought to be expressed is that the quality is too little or too much in force for the attainment of a particular aim or object, e.g.   (i.e. too little) for you to...? ; after an intransitive verb, e.g.  I am too insignificant  for all the mercies (I am not worthy of...), &c.; cf. also the expressions, , , ; , ; , ; , ; , ; , ; , ; , , and very frequently (and, consequently, inconceivable or unattainable), , , , , ; in   in the same sense is followed by .—This use is especially seen in the numerous instances in which the attribute is followed by  with an infinitive e.g.  the brazen altar... was  (to be able to receive) the burnt offering, cf. , too great for them to dwell together; after verbs, e.g., ,. Finally, cf. , followed by the infinitive, it is enough (prop. too much) for you to..., meaning ye have... long enough, ; cf. and ( followed by a substantive).

In all these instances expresses either the removal of a thing from a person, or the severance of the person from some aim or object; cf. also the expression (prop. there shall not be cut off from them anything which, &c.), (,.

3. The attributive idea, on which logically depends, must sometimes, in consequence of a pregnant use of the  (see the analogous examples in ), be supplied from the context, e.g.   were more numerous than those at Jerusalem, &c.;  worse than a thorn hedge;  lighter than a breath;  clearer than the noonday;  better than, &c.