HEBREW DEFINITE ARTICLE (“The”)
This article is part of a series on Hebrew grammar, focusing on the use of “the” definite article “ha” ( ה ) in Hebrew. It covers various forms of the definite article, the absence of indefinite articles in Hebrew, proper nouns, indicating possession, the construct state, the vocative case, and the suffix definite article. The article also includes examples and practice drills to help improve Hebrew language skills and convey the intended meaning effectively.

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Hebrew Definite Article:
Hebrew Grammar Series (Part 6):

Introduction

The Hebrew language, like many other languages, uses articles to indicate the definiteness of a noun. In English, the definite article is “the” and the indefinite article is “a” or “an.” In Hebrew, the definite article is indicated by the word “ha” (הַ) for masculine nouns and “ha’” (הָ) for feminine nouns. The word “ha” or “ha'” is placed before the noun to indicate that it is definite and specific.

Hebrew Definite Article "הַ" "ha" ("the")

The definitive article “Ha” “הַ” in Hebrew. Hebrew for beginners
In this lesson, we will learn the correct use of the definite article הַ in Hebrew.

Featuring:
Hebrew with David [YouTube Channel]

Forms of the Definite Article

As mentioned earlier, the definite article in Hebrew is indicated by the word “ha” (הַ) for masculine nouns and “ha’” (הָ) for feminine nouns. It is important to note that the definite article also changes its form when used with plural nouns. For example, for masculine plural nouns the definite article is “ha-im” (הַאִים) and for feminine plural nouns the definite article is “ha-ot” (הָאֹתֹת).

When a definite noun is preceded by a preposition, the definite article is often omitted. For example, “in the city” would be “be’ir” (בְּעִיר) instead of “be’ha’ir” (בְּהָעִיר) in Hebrew.

Hebrew Definite Article

Learn Biblical Hebrew – The Definite Article | by eTeacherBiblical.com
Enjoy this video with Sigal Zohar from eTeacherBiblical.com and learn about the Hebrew definite article.

Featuring: Israel Institute of Biblical Studies [YouTube Channel]

The Absence of Indefinite Articles

It’s important to note that Hebrew does not have indefinite articles like “a” or “an” as in English, instead the absence of the definite article implies the noun is indefinite. For example, “adam” (אָדָם) alone means “a man” or “man.” Similarly, “ir” (עִיר) alone means “a city” or “city.”

Proper Nouns

It is also important to note that the definite article “ha” is not used with proper nouns, such as names of people or places. For example, in the sentence “I am going to the United States,” the word “United States” is a proper noun and therefore does not require the definite article “ha” in Hebrew.

Indicating Possession

The definite article can also be used to indicate possession in Hebrew. For example, “ha-yeled ha-ze” (הַיֶּלֶד הַזֶּה) means “this child” with “ha-yeled” (הַיֶּלֶד) meaning “the child” and “ha-ze” (הַזֶּה) meaning “this”.

The Construct State

Hebrew also has a construct state, which is used to indicate that one noun is dependent on or connected to another noun. The definite article is not used in this state, and the first noun is in the construct state and the second noun is in the absolute state. For example, “beit ha-knesset” (בֵּית הַכְּנֶסֶת) means “the house of the assembly” where “beit” (בֵּית) is in the construct state and “ha-knesset” (הַכְּנֶסֶת) is in the absolute state.

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The Vocative Case

Hebrew also has a vocative case which is used to address someone directly. The definite article is not used in this case and the noun is in the vocative state. For example, “Avi” (אָבִי) means “my father” where “Avi” is in the vocative state.

Suffix Definite Article

Hebrew also has a suffix definite article that is used to indicate possession. For example, “Avi” (אָבִי) means “my father” where “i” is a suffix definite article indicating possession.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the use of the definite article in Hebrew is important for accurately conveying the meaning of a sentence. It is used to indicate that the noun being referred to is specific and known to both the speaker and listener, and takes on different forms depending on the gender and number of the noun it is modifying.

It’s also important to note that Hebrew does not have indefinite articles like “a” or “an” as in English, instead the absence of the definite article implies the noun is indefinite.

Additionally, when a definite noun is preceded by a preposition, the definite article is often omitted. The definite article can also be used to indicate possession, as well as being omitted in the construct state, the vocative case, and when used as a suffix.

Proper nouns do not require the definite article “ha” in Hebrew.

By understanding these various forms and uses of the definite article, one can improve their Hebrew language skills and effectively convey the intended meaning in their communication.

Book Recommendations:

These books provide a comprehensive and in-depth look at Hebrew grammar and are suitable for both beginner and advanced learners of the language.

“Modern Hebrew: An Essential Grammar” by Lewis Glinert
This book provides a comprehensive and user-friendly guide to modern Hebrew grammar, including nouns, verbs, sentence structure, and more. It is perfect for both beginner and advanced learners of Hebrew.
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“A Reference Grammar of Modern Hebrew” by Edna Amir Coffin and Shmuel Bolozky
This book offers a detailed and in-depth look at the grammar of modern Hebrew, including information on nouns, verbs, sentence structure, and more. It is ideal for advanced students and scholars of Hebrew.
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“Hebrew: A Language Course” by Ora Brand
This three-volume course is the ideal Hebrew program for English-speaking high school college and adult education students. The only entry requirement is the ability to recognize Hebrew letters and to read basic words.
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Remember that practice is key to mastering Hebrew grammar, and these books are great resources to help you practice and improve your understanding of the language.

HEBREW WRITING PRACTICE
Learn how to write the letters of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet (alphabet) in both BLOCK and SCRIPT.
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The First Hebrew Primer [Book] - The Adult Beginners Path to Biblical Hebrew

THE FIRST HEBREW PRIMER [Paperback]
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HEBREW LANGUAGE DRILLS
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THE AARONIC BLESSING
The LORD bless you and keep you
May the LORD shine His Face upon you
And be gracious unto you;
May the LORD look upon you
And give you peace.
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HATIKVA (THE HOPE)
Israeli National Anthem
The lyrics of "Hatikvah" in Hebrew:

כל עוד בלבב פנימה
נפש יהודי הומייה
ולפאתי מזרח קדימה עין לציון צופיה.

עוד לא אבדה תקוותינו
התקווה בת שנות אלפיים
להיות עם חופשי בארצנו ארץ ציון וירושלים

The Lyrics of "Hatikva" in English:

As long as Jewish spirit,
Yearns deep in the heart,
With eyes turned East,
Looking towards Zion.

Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope of two millennia,
To be a free people in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

An English transliteration:

Kol od baleivav penimah
Nefesh yehudi homiyah,
Ulfa’atey mizrah kadimah,
Ayin letsiyon tsofiyah;

Od lo avdah tikvateinu,
Hatikvah bat shenot al payim,
Lihyot am hofshi be’artzeinu,
Eretz tziyon veyerushalayim.

FROM A POEM TO A SONG...
How “Hatikvah” (The Hope) Became Israel’s National Anthem
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Israel PROVES there is a God
This interview is about the miraculous story of how a people and their language survived against all odds for thousands of years.
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"Living Waters" is the second song on the highly acclaimed 'A Pure Heart' album released by Sarah which includes global favorite 'Gadol Adonai'.
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עוֹמֶק אַהֲבַת יֵשׁוּעַ
"The Depth of Yeshua's Love" is a popular Hebrew-language worship song that is often sung in Messianic Jewish and Christian communities.
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THE REVIVAL OF THE HEBREW LANGUAGE
One night in 1875, a young Jewish man had a vision...

"Suddenly, as if lightning struck, an incandescent light radiated before my eyes, and I was transported to the passage of the Jordan, where the children of Israel crossed into the Promised Land, and a great voice rang in my ears...

"The Return Of The People
To The Language And The Land."

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ELIEZER BEN-YEHUDA'S LIFE AND LEGACY
(A Film by ICEJ-Germany)
This film follows the footsteps and main junctions in Eliezer Ben-Yehuda’s life. The visionary man whose life long devotion revived the Hebrew language, turning it from a language that until then had been used only in writing and prayers into a modern spoken one.
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