TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ix

Abbreviations and Conventions x

Introduction 1

Phonology 2
Distributed by
Scholars Press A. The Vowels 2

PO Box 5207 B. The Consonants 3

Missoula, Montana 59806 C. Stress 5

D. Root and Pattern 5

E. The Ethiopic Alphabet 6

F. Special Phonological Rules 7

INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL ETHIOPIC G. Manuscript Errors and Normalization 13

by 1.1 Absence of Definite and Indefinite Articles 15

Thomas O. Lambdin 1.2 Prepositions 15

1.3 Third Person Forms of the Verb (Perfect) 15

2.1 Noun Plurals 18

2.2 Syntax (Verb plus Noun Subject) 18

3.1 Noun Plurals (cont.) 21

Copyright © 1978 3.2 Collectives 21

The President and Fellows of Harvard College 4.1 The Construct State 23

5.1 Gender 26

5.2 Number 27

5.3 Some Demonstrative Adjectives 27

6.1 The Personal Pronouns (Independent Form) 29

6.2 Non-verbal Sentences with a Nominal Predicate 29

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
6.3 The Plural Demonstratives 30

Lambdin, Thomas Oden. 7.1 The Accusative Case 33

Introduction to Classical Ethiopic (Ge'ez)
7.2 Word Order in a Verbal Clause 33

(Harvard Semitic studies; v. 24 ISSN 0147· 7.3 The Accusative of Goal 33

9342)
Bibliography: p. 7.4 The Accusative Forms of the Demonstratives 34
1. Ethiopic language-Grammar. I. Harvard
8.1 Interrogative Pronouns and Adjectives 36
University. Semitic Museum. II. Title. III. Series:
Harvard Semitic series; v. 24. 8.2 Interrogative Adverbs 36
PJ9023.L3 492'.8 78-12895
8.3 The Particles -nu and -hu 36
ISBN 0-89130-263-8
8.4 The Remote Demonstratives 37
Printed in the United Stut('H or Alll('rim
8.5 Accusative of Time 37
1 2 (l 4 fi
10.1 Prepositions with Pronominal Suffixes 44 27 . 1 Causative Verbs: CG (cont.) 117
10.2 The waldu la-negus Construction 44 27.2 Causative Verbs: CD, CL, CQ 118
10 . 3 JteZZ- 45 27.3 General Remarks on the Verbal System 118
11 . 1 Types of Verbs 49 28 . 1 Ba- with Pronominal Suffixes 122
11.2 The Full Inflection o f the Perfect 50 28 . 2 Ba- Indicating Possession 122
12 . 1 The Perfect: Roots II-Guttural 53 28 . 3 Bo(tu) Indicating Existence 123
13.1 The Perfect: Roots III-Guttural 56 28 . 4 Bo za- as the Equivalent of an Indefinite Pronoun 123
13 . 2 The Perfect with Object Suffixes 56 28 . 5 'Albo .. . za'enbala: Only 123
14 . 1 The Perfect: Roots III-W!Y 60 29 . 1 Interrogatives with' za- 128
15.1 The Perfect: Roots II-W!Y 63 29 . 2 Indefinite Pronouns 128
15.2 The Perfect with Object Suffixes (cont.) 63 29.3 'Akko 129
15 . 3 The qatalo la-negus Construction 64 30.1 The Infinitive: Form 134
16.1 Adjectives 68 30.2 The Infinitive: Uses 134
16 . 2 Attribut�ve Adjectives 68 31 . 1 The Perfective Active Participle 140
17.1 Adjectives: The Pattern Qetul 72 32.1 The Imperfect: G Verbs from Sound Roots 14 4
17 . 2 Adjectives as P redi cates 73 32 . 2 Independent Uses of the Imperfect 144
17 . 3 Adv rblal Predicates 73 32 . 3 Dependent Uses of the Imperfect 145
18 . I AdJ eli v s: 1'h Pattern Qatil 76 33 . 1 The Subjunctive: G Verbs from Sound Roots 149
11302 Tllu C;OlllplIl'nllv 76 33 . 2 The Uses o f the Subjunctive 149
Ifl.1 Ad) ltlv �I: 'I'll Pattern QattaZ 79 34 . 1 The Imperative: G Verbs from Sound Roots 154
11)." AdJ l't 1 Vll'. In -iilJi and -Ciy 79 34.2 The Agent Noun qatali 154
ll).� AdJ ctJvos: Miscellaneous Types 79 35 . 1 The Verbal Adjective qetuZ 159
I�).I\ Qualification 79 35.2 Further Remarks on Complements 160
H).S Substantivization 80 36 . 1 The Verbal Noun (G Verbs) 164
20.1 La- with Pronominal Suffixes 83 36 . 2 The Cognate Accusative 166
20.2 Object suffixes in a Dative or Prepositional Sense 83 37.1 Nouns of Place: The Pattern meqtal 170
20.3 Partitive Apposition 85 37.2 Nouns of the Pattern maqtaZ(t) 170
21 . 1 Medio-passive Verbs: Gt 88 38.1 G Verbs from Roots I-Guttural: Remaining Forms 174
22 . 1 Medio-passive Verbs: Dt, Lt, Qt 93 39 . 1 G Verbs from Roots II-Guttural: Remaining Forms 180
23 . 1 Cardinal Numbers (1-10) 97 39 . 2 The Verb behZa to say 181
23.2 Ordinal Numbers (1-10) 97 40.1 G Verbs from Roots III-Guttural: The Remaining Forms 186
23 . 3 Cardinal Adverbs (1-10) 98 41 . 1 G Verbs from Roots I-W: The Remaining Forms 191
24 . 1 Associative (Reciprocal) Verbs: G1t 101 42 . 1 G Verbs from Roots II-W!Y: The Remaining Forms 195
25.1 Relative Pronouns and Relative Clauses 106 43 . 1 G Verbs from Roots III-W!Y: The Remaining Forms 200
25 . 2 'Ama and xaba 108 44 . 1 Gt Verbs: Imperfect, Subjunctive, and Imperative 205
26 . 1 Causative Verbs: CG, CD, CL, CQ III 44.2 Glt Verbs: Imperfect, Subjunctive, and Imperative 205
26.2 The Meaning of CG Verbs III 44 . 3 HaZZawa with the Subjunctive and Imperfect 206
45 . 1 CG Verbs: The Remaining Forms 209
PREFACE
46 . 1 0 Verbs: Imperfect, Subjunctive, and Imperative 214
46 . 2 The Names of the Months 214 The present work was developed during more than a decade of
46 . 3 The Numbers Above Ten 215 teaching Classical Ethiopic on the elementary and intermediate levels.
47 . 1 0 Verbs: Verbal Adjectives 218 It is designed to provide a detailed but carefully graded introduc­
47 . 2 0 Verbs: Agent Nouns 218 tion to the grammar and basic vocabulary of the language. The mate­
47 . 3 0 Verbs: Verbal Nouns 219 rial covered in this book should be adequate in itself for those who,
47 . 4 0 Verbs: Nouns with P refixed m- 220 as Semitists or students of textual criticism, require only a working
48 . 1 Ot Verbs: Imperfect, Subjunctive, and Imperative 2 22 knowledge of the language as a tool within a wider discipline . I
48 . 2 Ot Verbs: Verbal Nouns 222 hope too that beginning Ethiopicists will find it an orderly and com­
48. 3 CD Verbs 223 prehensive introduction to their study of the classical language.
48. 4 Independent Personal Pronouns (Secondary Forms) 223 Because the grammar is presented entirely in transliteration,
49. 1 L, CL, and L t Verbs: The Remaining Forms 2 25 the student is urged to familiarize himself with the Ethiopic alpha­
49 . 2 CGt, COt, CLt, and CGlt Verbs 226 bet as soon as possible and to copy out and study at least the
50 . 1 Quadriliteral Verbs: The Remaining Forms 228 vocabulary of each lesson in the native script . In this way he will
50. 2 Quinquiliteral Verbs 229 considerably lessen the difficulty in making the transition to the
50 . 3 N Verbs 229 reading of published texts and manuscripts.
50 . 4 A Special Adjective Type: Qataltil 2 30 It is a pleasure to acknowledge my gratitude to the many
51 . 1 Conditional Sentences 231 classes which have worked with me through the successive drafts of
51 . 2 Optative Sentences 232 this grammar. I have profited greatly from their criticism, ques­

51 . 3 The Syllogistic Construction Za .. , 'efo 232 tions, and corrections, but most of all from the practical experience
51 . 4 The Sentence P articles 232 of teaching so many interested and gifted students.
51 . 5 The Repeated Prepositions ba-ba-, la-la-, za-za- 234 also wish to express my sincere thanks to Miss Carol Cross
51 . 6 A Special Use of the Third P erson Singular Pronominal for the great care and professional skill which she exercised in pre­
Suffixes 234 paring the copy for publication. Her patience with a tedious manu­
51.7 The P eriphrastic Passive 2 35 script and author is undoubtedly registered in the Ma��afa ijeywat.
51 . 8 Attributive Adjectives in Construct Phrases 235 Lastly, I cannot let go unexpressed my deep appreciation for
the genius and diligence of August Oillmann, whose grammatical, tex­
Texts in Transliteration with Glosses 236
tual, and lexical work in the last century laid the firmest possible
Lives o f the Saints (from the Synaxarion) 236
foundation for all subsequent scholarly investigation in the field.
The Book of Baruch 2 76
It is on that foundation that the present work is based.
The Gospel of Matthew 298
Matthew V, 1 - 24, in Ethiopic Script 377
Thomas O . Lambdin
A Selected Bibliography 378
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Glossary 381
June 1978
P rincipal Part of G Verbs 450
 Abbreviations and Conventions
Introduction
a. d. o. accusative direct neg. negative
object o. S. object suffix Classical Ethiopic, or Ge'ez, is the literary language devel­
a. n. agent noun (also an.) O. T. Old Testament oped by missionaries for the translation of the scriptures afte� the
acc. accusative obj. object Christianization of Ethiopia in the 4th century. The new written
adj. adjective part. particle language was presumably based on the spoken language of Aksum, the
(,
\
adv. adverb pass. passive commercial and political center �t the time. Some inscriptional
c. common gender perf. perfect material survives from this earliest period of the language, but our
caus. causative pers. person main source is the extensive religious literature which was trans-
. ,
colI. collective pI. plural lated into Ge'ez during the ensuing centuries. As the official lan-
comp!. complement pred. predicate guage of the church, the written language survived the demise of its
coord. coordinated prep. preposition spoken counterpart in a manner analogous to the survival of Latin in
dat. dative pron. pronoun Europe.
demo demonstrative q. V. which see Although evidence is sparse and scholarly opinion is not unani­
dir. direct reI. relative mous, the Semitic presence in Ethiopia is most plausibly explain d 0
e.g. for example subj. subjunctive, subject the result of migrations from South Arabia in the form of co�ncrcjal
encl. enclitic s. singular colonizations beginning possibly as early as the middle of the first
esp. especially sing. singular millennium B.C. Ge'ez is linguistically a member of the South-east
ex(x). example(s) suff. suffix(es) Semitic family, but does not seem to be derivable directly from Old
exclam. exclamation v. n. verbal noun (also vn.) South Arabic as known from Sabaean, Minaean, Qatabanian, and othor
f. feminine voc. vocative inscriptions during this time. The real ancestral language on Arabian
fem. feminine w. with soil is irretrievably lost to us, but we do have its descendants in
fig. figuratively the modern South Arabic dialects such as Mehri, Soqotri, and Shahri,
/ or (used in listing alter­
foIl. following, followed when these can be extricated from their North Arabian admixtures.
nate constructions, tran­
Gk. Greek '" Because the Ethiopic script is fully vocalized, the main fea- c..
scriptions, or meanings)
i. e. that is. tures of the grammar are clear from the texts themselves. �rthog
idem "has the same meaning(s) as �
imperf. imperfect raphy, however, has two defects: ( 1 ) consonantal doubling (gemination)
the preceding entry"
indef. indefinite is not indicated, and ( 2 ) the presence of one of the vowels (e in our
etc. "has the same range of
indir. indirect transliteration) is not clearly indicated. These problems may be re­
meanings as the main entry'
inf. infinitive solved in two ways: the first is to examine the evidence of corre­
"is completely equivalent
sponding forms in other S;;;W�- i anguages; the second is to consult
interrog. interrogative '
to in regard to meanings
introd. introductory the reading tradition preserved by scholars in the modern Ethiopic
and constructions"
lit. literally Church. Neither of these, if taken alone, is conclusive: Semitic
with or without
m. masculine historical linguistics is itself ambiguous on certain crucial ques­
In tho reading of plurals, suffixes are to
masc. ma.scul n tions because of insufficient data; the modern reading tradition, as
b a.dded to the preceding item: te'mert
n. nOLl11 published by various European scholars, contains many contradictions
(p I. -i"I! J I,a' CuneI' -at) te'mert (p 1.
N. 1'. N w 'I' � Llunc nl
J =

and is heavily influenced by the informants I own modern languages

I '11/ t' /.Trl. , /,(1' arner J ta' amerat).
x 1
 2 3
'
(usually Amharic). In developing the grammar of Ge ez in the follow­
Front Central Back
ing lessons I have followed as closely as possible the traditional High i [i] e [i] u [u]
pronunciation as studied and published by E. Mittwoch, Die tradi­ High-Mid e [e] o [0]
tioneZZe Aussprache des Athiopischen (Berlin 1926). All major devia­ Mid
tions from this tradition are noted in the appropriate sections of Mid- Low a [re, 11]
the lessons; these result either from a choice among variant forms or Low a [a,a]
from an attempt to minimize the influence of Amharic present in the
e and 0
are very often preceded by palatal and labial glides respec­
pronunciation. Since all deviations involve either consonantal dou­ '
Y W
tively: for example, beton is pronounced [b et on]. This feature is
bling or the presence of an e-vowel, the reader is not likely to be
not represented in the script, and unless the student is determined
seriously misled by my interpretation of a particular form. To
to imitate the modern reading pronunciation in every detail, it may
attempt a harmonization of all published material would be far more
be ignored. The correct pronunciation of e and a is very difficult
confusing. The interested reader may consult the Bibliography.
for the speaker of English. Since Ge'ez is no longer a spoken lan­

� �� Phonology guage, the following approximations should prove adequate:

......-;
\..�"" A. The Vowels a as in father, short i as in machine, long
e as in let, short o as in boat, long
The distinction between long and short vowels, a property of
a as in father, long u as in boot, long.
earlier Semitic according to standard reconstruction, probably per­
e as in bait, long
sisted into the period when Ge'ez was first reduced to written form,
but because this cannot be proven except by appeal to certain struc­ The length distinction between a and a is not difficult to make. For

tural features, an argument that not all scholars would accept, and those who have no concept of vowel length, however, a may be pro­

because the modern reading traditions do not recognize vowel length nounced like the vowel of up, and a like the first vowel of father,

as a significant vowel feature, reference to long and short vowels in in order to maintain this important distinction.

the following discussion should be regarded as a classification which

B. The_Consonants
the writer finds convenient for the description of the phonology
rather than a universally accepted fact about the Ge'ez vowel system. Most of the Ethiopic consonants have an approximate counterpart

� � There are seven vowels: in English and offer no problems in pronunciation:

r;�
�.. "", i' I'
..!.,,' b k s
short: a, e" / l) ILong: ii, i, u, e, 0 as in boy as in king like sh in should
�"
d as in dog Z as in leaf t as in tea
Only a and � are marked with macrons in our transcription, since no
f as in foot n as in man W as in wall
confusion can result from leaving i, u, and 0 unmarked. The vowels e
g as in goat n as in no y as in yet
and 0 usually result from the contraction of the diphthongs ay and aw
h as in hope s as in so 8 as in zoo
respectively. There are many situations where aw and 0 alternate
optionally (e.g. taZoku, taZawku I followed) . Optional alternation ,1" No distinction is made between 8 and s in the modern tradition; both

between ay and e is less common but not problematic. are pronounced as s. b tends to be pronounced as a voiced bilabial

The modern reading pronunciation of these vowels is indicated spirant [a], in medial positions when not doubled.

by their position on the following standard chart. Brackets enclose �_The five sounds ' (h � x will be referred to collectively as
_. __ 1.. .... 1,.. gutturals. Three of the gutturals (h � x) are pronounced simply as II
 4 5

distinction among these three sounds:

does not preserve the doubling of the guttural consonants, but there

h is ordinary [h], as in hope. is no reason to suppose that they were an exception in the classical

x is the voiceless velar fricative [x], as in German Bach language. A sequence of two labialized consonants is realized as a

(Arabi c c:). doubled simple consonant plus labialization and is transcribe accord­
w w w
h is the voiceless pharyngeal continuant [H], an h-sound accom­ ingly: _k k _ ) _kk _.

panied by a tense narrowing between the base of the tongue

C. Stress
and the back of the throat (Arabic r)'
According to the tradition adopted in this text, stress (accent)
Two of the gutturals ( ' <) are not pronounced at all in word-initial
for the vast majority of �ords may be described by two simple rules:
position in the modern tradition, and both are pronounced as a
(a) All finite verbal forms without object suffixes are
glottal stop internally. They were originally distinct sounds, and
stressed on the next-to-last (i.e. penultimate) syllable. Thus:
to avoid mistakes in spelling, the reader should make a clear dis­
nabara, qatarat, yeqatteZ, yeqatteZu. The sole exception is the 2nd
tinction between them:
person feminine plural of the Perfect in -ken (e.g. nabarken).
is the glottal stop [?].
(b) Most other words, including nouns, adjectives, and adverbs,
is the voiced laryngeal (pharyngeal) continuant [�], i.e. are stressed on the last syllable unless this ends in final -a, in
the voiced counterpart of J:! above (Arabic t.). which case the stress is on the preceding syllable .

The consonants t d s and q have the common feature of glottali­ The relatively few exceptions to these rules are in the pro­

I� zation: the flow of air is cut off completely at the glottis and the nominal system, including the pronominal suffixes on nouns and verbs.

sound is made by a forcible ejection of the air already in the oral All deviations from the two basic rules given above will be noted in

cavity. These sounds have a very sharp, click-like character. the lessons where appropriate. Words in construct (see Lesson 4)

tend to lose their stress or, at most, retain only a secondary stress.
t is glottalized t,
The same is true of the proclitic negative 'i- and of prepositions
I! is glottalized s (sounding almost like ts), iJ
before a noun.
q is glottalized k.

The older pronunciation of 4 has not been preserved, since it is now D. Root and Pattern

pronounced exactly like I!'

In Ethiopic, as in Semitic languages in general, most verbs,
There are two p-sounds, both of which occur only in words of
nouns, and adj ecti ves may be analyzed into a sequence of three conso­
foreign origin. The sound transcribed simply as p in this text nants and a vowel pattern, with or without a prefixal or suffixal
occurs mainly in Greek names (e.g. Pepros Peter) and loanwords and is
element. For example,
pronounced in the modern tradition as a glottalized p. The second p­
Consonant Base Vowel Pattern Additional Elements
sound is now pronounced as ordinary p, but is 50 rare that it occurs
negus king ngs CleC2uC3 none
only once or twice in this entire book, transcribed as p.
negest queen ngs Cl eC2eC3- suffix -t
The labialized sounds kW x W gW qW are simply k x g q pronounced
berhcm light brh CleCi3- suffix -an
simultaneously with w, precisely like English [kw] in quick or [gw]
manbar throne nbr -CIC2aC3 prefix ma-
in Guam.

i\ 11 0r t 110 COil!; 0111111 ls may occur simple or doubl ed. [The reader The consonantal sequence (CI-C2-C3) is called the root of the set of

ShOll1 d 110' tl t 1111' d01l1> I i I1f� /I cnn:;onant merely means ho Iding it notice- \,on15 which share that sequence and can usually be assigned a meaning

111,1'1 I 1111 HI' I ,hllil 1," " '"f�l" (·IJllIllerpart. ] The modern pronunciation common to Lile scI:; compare, for example, negus and negest above with
 6 7

negs (rule, reign), nagasi (king), mangest (kingdom), nagsa (he be­ which are given in Table B. The columns are sometimes numbered (from
! ,
came king), all sharing the common notion of "ruling." left to right), and a letter, e.g. h. (ki) is spoken of as k with a
jI Because most of the morphology is devoted to a study of the vowel of the third order. We shall not adopt this awkward terminol-
triliteral root and the patterns (nominal, adjectival, and verbal) ogy.
associated with it, it is convenient to have a way of specifying "any The forms of the letters in the first column (read with the
triliteral root" in a less clumsy fashion than C -C -C . For this vowel -a) are the basic forms of the borrowed consonants. These
l 2 3
purpose Semitists generally employ the "dummy" root qtZ. Thus, should be mastered thoroughly before taking up the remaining forms.

negus, berur, beZuy are of the pattern qetuZ Each column should then be analyzed separately, since there is a

berhan, res'an, qWerban qetZan great deal of consistency in the way particular vowels are indicated.

manbar, manfas, marxo (from *marxaw) maqtaZ Note that the signs for the labialized sounds are secondary modifica­
tions of the non-labialized counterpart.
and similarly for all the words in the language that can be associ­
To express numbers in numeral form the Greek alphabet was em­
ated with a triliteral root. The extreme usefulness of this device
ployed, written within a top and bottom frame. The numerical valu s
will become apparent in the lessons. When discussing roots or
are the same as those known from Greek sources. See Table C. Note
sequences of more than three consonants, we shall employ C C C C
l 2 3 4 the combinations: 1000 = 10 hundred; 10,000 = 100 hundred.
(and similarly for more than four), since no other convention exists.
Several new letters were developed for the writing of Amharic
The vocalic patterns, together with prefixes and suffixes, form
by modifying certain forms of the Ge'ez alphabet. These sometimes
the subject matter of the grammar. Very few patterns have a com­
occur in Ge'ez manuscripts in writing native personal and place names.
pletely predictable meaning, but a large number of them belong to the
See Table D.
"almost predictable" category. For example, qetul is almost always
The Old South Arabic monumental script regularly employed a
adjectival in meaning (see Lessons 17 and 35), but the two frequent
vertical stroke as a word divider. This too was borrowed and appears
nouns cited above (negus and berur) are exceptions to this rule.
after every single word in an Ethiopic text as : (see the specimen
Close attention to the formative patterns and the relationships among
text for examples). The sign I is used as a colon or semicolon within
them will give the reader a proper feeling for the derivational pro­
a sentence, and :I is used as a period. Other more elaborate de­
cesses at work in the language.
vices are sometimes used to mark off paragraphs and longer sections.

E. The Ethiopic Alphabet

F. Special Phonological Rules
The Ethiopic alphabet was borrowed directly from the Old South
These rules are taken up in detail in appropriate lessons of
Arabic monumental script, gradually modified for book use. Genuine
the Grammar; they are summarized here for convenience in reference
cursive forms are modern; manuscripts consistently (and happily)
and need not be studied before beginning the lessons. The presenta­
employ a more or less hand-printed form, with separation of all the
tion is purely synchronic, dealing only with forms as they can be
letters. The individuals responsible for the borrowing of the alpha­
paired in the language, without reference to antecedent reconstructed
bet and its adaptation to their literary purposes showed an ortho­
forms. The treatment of the latter would take us too far afield.
graphic acumen rare in the Semitic world: the consonantal alphabet
1. The presence of a guttural consonant ( ' < h h x) often pro­
was altered into a fully vocalized syllabary by the addition of vari­
duces an alteration of a given word pattern. Many of these are
ous strokes and modifications to the individual letters. The result­
according to fixed rules:
ing "alphabetic syllabary" Is given in Table A. The order of the
(a) *-aU- > -CiG-, where G is any guttural that closes a sy1111-
lettorsis trnliltionlll lind doos not include the labialized consonants,
 9
8

Table A: The Ethiopic Alphabet

Table B. Labialized Consonants
Ca Cu Ci C13. Ce C,Ce Co

If
Ca Ci Ca Ce C,Ce

IJ U· 'L 'I 1, U 1:- r- * !k

h w
."..
fto
j
A
' q

! Il fr I\. 1\ Ib
W
x ..,.. -)... � .,. 1'-
bo W. t.J. \J.
1

"1 db ill th W-
W
tit the the
k

,.
h w
,.. ?t. :} 1--
CIt ".,
g
m no oo- OIJ III 9"
s lP IP- PI. ''1 PI. ".. .,.
t � (., C �
Numerical Signs
{.
Table C.
r
l
s fI ()- II. iJ fL II fa 1� 6 1; 11 Iii 20 � 70 (t
4! :P 4! if- � '- 7� Ie 30 � 80 11"
�r.

q + 4! 2 12
q (l, 11 fl 8� If � 90 j
..,�

0- 13 40
b n Il 3 r
1: T -fa 9v. 50 j 100 �
..,�

T 1: t :J- 4 0 14 Ii!
1 11:
t

x ... "1- �l � � 1 dj G� ]0 .. 15 ��
60 �;; 200 @£

� �. t Ci � 1 �
..,IV....
n

h � it. '" h. � h 1000

10000 fl'
h .... he 11 tL b tJ
k
] 00000 "fff
.... .. ..
W OJ OJ. If! 'P if! OJ« sP
0 0- 0,. '} � /J P
z H It tl II ". 11 If
fu r·
Amharic Modifications
�
Table D.
y f � y � C13. Ce C,Ce �o
f..
Cu Ci
.f.."
Ca
� �. -'t p, fo
-Ii if
d

;J 1, «? -) if if.. 7i 7i it
-, � �
5

=IE :e !f :,; 1a ¥
g

ffi<' ffl. IlJ 1I1 tp (Il c T

! ill
1 -'j. 1- if 1 "'i rr
� A. ?.. * t.. ti � n

11. 11 1i
p
1i 1j. 1i. -Ii
� 1t. K" �
k
s � � :t z 1f 1F 1( � 11: ;tr 1f'
0 8- t. , 'L iJ ? � :( 1.- .,.
d
� � :{
� 4- � 4- � lJ! c: QJ. Q.l: QJ.. lib]. � 6f,b (.fib
....
f r;:
.-re ,.,. rrr"
 10 11

Pattern Typical Example Guttural Example Bawwe(a he summoned

yeqtaZ yegbar yesma( JaBme(a he caused to hear.

qatZ gabr bal;tr This e is deleted when the preceding syllable was short (ev):
maqtaZ mantas miixdar
sQm(a (not *same(a) he heard
qataZt ?a�att sama(t
tasam(a (not *tasame(a) he was heard.
yetqattaZ yetgabbar yetbaZZa(
This zero or e alternates regularly with ii when an ending beginning
One important situation where this change does not take place (at
with a consonant is added to the stem:
least graphically) is after word-initial J .

sam(a but, sama(ku

JaqtaZa Janbara Ja( baya (not Ja(baya)
JaqtaZ JagmiiZ JaJ ban (not J aJban). The a which results from the rule given in paragraph (a) above is

regularly replaced by e when any vowel is added to the stem:

But see below, G2.
yesma( but yesme(u, yesme(ani, etc.
(b) In the patterns "'-aG(G)i- and *-aG(G)e-, a > e:
2, The long vowels u and i may be shortened to e when the
qatiZ pabib Zehiq
syllable in \�hich they occur becomes doubly closed by the addition of
yeqatteZ yenabber yeZehheq
the feminine ending -to This change is frequent in the case of u
Exceptions to this rule are rare. Note, for example, the sUbjunctive
(see Lesson 17) and rare in the case of i:
and imperative forms mahher, yemahher (Lesson 46). The rule does not
kebur + t � kebert mighty
apply across certain morpheme boundaries (e . g. prefixes, preposi­
qeddus + t � qeddest holy
tions):
Zehiq + t -7 Zeheqt old, eldest .
td exza he was taken not *teJexza
The long vowel a may remain in such positions or be shortened to a:
ba-Jegara at the feet of not *be-Jegara.
sanniiy + t sanniiyt sannayt good, beautiful
(c) In the pattern *-eG(G)a-, e > a J
s aZas + t s aZast- (in saZastu) three
yeqatteZ yenabber yalyawwer samcm + t samant- (in samantU) eight.
qetal nebar laJak.
3. The alternations i-ey and u-ew occur regularly at the end
Note that this does operate across a morpheme boundary, as in the
of verbal stems from roots whose third radical is w or y. If no in­
I
case of the prefix ye- in ya�er above. It does not apply, how­
flectional ending or object suffix is added, u and i are usually
l ever, across the boundary of a s,tem and its suffix:
written:

yesamme( + aka � yesamme(aka he will hear you

yetaZZu he will follow yesatti he will drink
J abage ( + acc . -a � J abage( a sheep
But with the addition of any element beginning with a vowel:
(d) The peculiar behavior of the stem vowel before a final
yetaZZewu they will follow yesatteyu they will drink
guttural radica.l of ,1 verbal stem is the result of various analogies
yetaUewani he will follow me yesatteyo he will drink it .
at work during an oar 1.1 er stago of the language . In the inflection
of the PerrecL Lhuro Is nn I' before the third root consonant when the But the final syllables o f nouns and adjectives are normally written

rrcCt'<iinH ',yl llll>l" I'. 101\,: lev. ev('): -ew a nd -cy:

max2itt'IJ l.IIIIPS laycdey nights (eZew perverse Zal;tey beautiful.

12 13

With the addition of the feminine ending -t to adjectives , -ewt re gu­ *yetsammay > yessammay he will be named
-ut, as in *<elewt *yetpammaq > ye��anmaq he w i l l be baptized .
larly becomes > <elu� Final -eyt may remain, as
in la�eyt, but usually appears as -it; this is especially true i f For further e xamples see Lesson 44 .
-eyt results from *-uyt b y rule 2 above:
8. The -k- of the verb a l subject suffixes -ku, -ka, -ki, -kemu, ,
beluy old, worn out *beluyt > *beleyt > belit. -ken is regularly assimi l ated to a preceding q or g:
Nouns and adj ectives ending in -awi show a frequent variation between *wadaqku > wadaqqu I fell
-awiy- and -awey- when the plural endings -an and -at are added. *xadagka > xadagga you l eft

4. In adjectives of the pattern qetuZ from roots whose second *<aragkemu > . < araggemu you (pl . ) went up .
radical i s w, the sequence -ewu alternates optiona lly with -ewe- (per­ See Lesson 11 ( end).
haps to b e read as -ewwe-), e.g .
9. In the causative prefix 'a- (see Lesson 26) and the proflx
mewut or mew(w)et dead dewuy or dew(w)ey sick . �a-/'e- of the first person (Imperfect and Subjunctive) the' rogu
S. The b ehavior of final -aw and -ay is inconsistent . -aw at l arly b ecomes y after the procli tic negative 'i-:
the end of a verb (where w is the third radical) may optionally b e 'afqara he loved 'i-yafqara he did not love
replaced by -0, as in yetraxxaw or yetraxxo ( it will open); -ay usu­ 'a�er I shall go 'i-ya�er I shall not go
ally remains in this situation . At the end of a noun , -aw and -ay 'enabber I shall sit , i-yenabber shall not s i l .
usually contract to -0 and -e respectively, as in marxo (for *marxaw,
To faci l i tate recognition , this secondary -y- wi l l be transcri bed as
fere (for *feray, fruit) . -at is
-y-
key) and When the plural ending
throughout this text.
added to nouns ending in -e, the result i s e i ther -eyat or -eyat ( e . g .
r T'eyZit, fereyat); the "historically correct" form occasionally shows G. Manuscript E rrors and Normalization
lip, as in daset, pI . dasayat.
The gradual evolut i on of spoken Ge ' ez and its anci ent sister
6. The treatment of final -aw (where w is the third root con­ dialects into the modern languages of Ethiopia l ed to the introduc ­
sonant) i s also inconsistent: Sometimes i t remains, as in �eyaw (liv­ tion of systematic errors into manuscript copying by scribes who
ing) , and sometimes it is lost , as in tasfii (for *tasraw, hope), feda appl i ed their own pronunciation to the ancient language and misspelled
(for *fedaw debt) . accordingly . Rough ly in chronological order, these errors are the

7. Consonant assimilations are relatively rare except for the fOl lowing :

behavior of prefixal and suffixal t: 1. The earli est was the confusion of Ij. and?, as the former

(a) Suffixal -t (a feminine adjectival and nominal ending) is merged with the latter . This change was so ear l y , in fact , that it

regu lar l y assimilated to a preceding dental stop d or t. contaminated nearly all manuscri pts, and our choice of 4- or ? (or
vice versa) in spelling a particular root is sometimes arbi trary . TIe
kebud + t -7 kebedt > kebedd
norma l i zation of 4- or ? in th i s text usually fo llows that of Dill­
se�up + t � setett > se te tt ·
mann's Lexicon, but i n a few i nstances ( e . g . bq</b�<, qbJ/�b') the
Remember that the Ethiopic script shows no doubling of consonants in alternate forms have b e en retained because they are so frequent .
any forms. 2. Probably next in order was th e loss of contrast between a
(b) Prefi xal -et- ( i n the Imperfect and Subjunct ive forms of and a after a guttural consonant, with a becoming a. The spelling
Gt , Dt, Lt , Qt, and Glt verbs) i s n!;s Lilli lalou T'egularly to a follow- errors produced by thi s change are ub i quitous: any sy l lab l e beg] nn I nft
..... __ ....... (J ;0;' If)'
.... ., _ __ _ .:t....:,_
Ca- may he wri tten CCl-, and vice versa . This error has been COT'T'll<':Lcd
14 15

in our texts. Occasional ambiguities remain, however: e.g. are

se-b(eJ-�a-t and se-b(eJ-�a-t the same word? Should the latter be

Lesson 1
read as sebbe�t, a D verbal noun?

Because the initial sequence 'a- was later always pronounced as 1.1 There is no definite or indefinite article in Ethiopic.
'a-, the prefixing of the negative 'i- (F,9 above) often resulted in Thus,

the spelling 'i-ya-:

hagar a city or the city
'i-'afqara > 'i-yafqara spelled 'i-ya!qara negus a king the king.
'i-'a'mero > 'i-ya'mero spelled 'i-ya'mero (ignorance).
1. 2 Prepositions., Most prepositions are written as separate
3. Almost equally common in all but the best manuscripts is words before the noun they govern:
the confusion among the three h ' s (h � xJ, although a given manu­
westa hagar in/into/to the city
script may show consistency in the spelling (wrong or right) of a
diba dabr on the mountain.
particular root. Here again we have followed the lexical norm estab­

lished by Dillmann; in only a few roots (e.g. hg Z)

W is there any real The exceptions are

uncertainty about the correct form. ba­ in, with (location, agent, mannor)
4. Many texts show a confusion between s and s, . reflecting the Za- to, for (dative)
merger of these two sounds in Amharic, as noted above (p. ). , em- from (ablative, source),
5. Perhaps the most recent error is the'confusion between '
which are always written a s a unit with the following word: baxayZ
and " an error which is not present in many manuscripts at all, but
with strength (xayZJ, Zanegus to the king, 'emhagar from the city.
frequent in others. Normalization here is not problematic, since the
For the sake of clarity we shall always transcribe these with hyphens:
earlier and correct spellings are, for the most part, known. ,
ba-xay Z,Za-negus, em-hagar. There is also an independent (unbound)
The cumulative effect of the preceding errors can be quite
form of the preposition 'em-, namely 'emenna:
bewildering unless one has a firm grasp of the forms and lexicon of

the older language as it has been recovered by Dillmann and other , emenna hagar = ' em-hagar from the city,

scholars. The failure of modern editors of Ethiopic texts to normal­ Ba- and 'em- are freely combined with the other prepositions.
ize spelling is puzzling (unless, of course, a word is unknown or Ba-, as in ba-diba and ba-westa, seldom alters the meaning of the sec­
genuinely ambiguous); even more reprehensible is the burdening of a ond preposition. 'Em- has its usual force: 'em-diba from on, Jem_
critical apparatus with such trivial and predictable pronunciation westa from in. These various compounds will be noted in the vocabu­

errors. laries as they are required.

1.3 Although we shall defer full treatment of the verb unti 1

later, it is necessary here to introduce the 3rd person forms of tho

inflection called the Perfect:

Singular Plural

3rd pers. masc. nabara he sat nabaru they (Ill. ) suL

3rd pers. fern. nabarat she sat nabara they (r. ) �tlL

The four endings, -a, -at, -u, -a) are used on all verbs in the 1 U/I

guage Lo lIIark these four forms of the Perfect, regardless of tho

 16
17

shape of the stem: mot-a he died, re'y-a he saw, 'anbar-a he set ,

xaba or ba-xaba by , wi t h , at , near (person or place); t o , t oward ,
W
'astabq e�a he implored. Note t hat t he pronominal sub ject (he , she ,
unto; 'em-xaba from wi t h , from the presence o f .
they) is i ncluded in the verb form itself and need not be expressed ba- in, into; b y , w i t h ( o f agent) .
separat ely . The E thiopic Perfect corresponds to the English simple
past (he went , wrote , etc . ) or present perfect (he has gon e , he has Exercises
wri t t en, etc . ) . A. 1. westa hagar 6. ' em-diba dabr
The basic le xical form o f the E t hiopic verb is the 3rd pers . 2. diba dabr 7. 'em-negus
masc . si ngular of the Perfect . In the l esson vocabularies and in the 3. ' emenna bet 8. ba-xaba negus
Glossary we shall always give the English meaning in the infinitive 4. 'em-westa bet 9. diba negus
form; t hus: nabara to sit . 5. ba-westa bet 10. ' em-westa hagar
W i t h verbs of motion the goal is expressed by various preposi­
B. 1. Nabara westa bet .
t ions, the most frequent o f which are westa and xaba. Westa is used
6. �ora west a dabr .
2. Nabarat ba-westa bet .
if the goal is a place, as i n
7. !:lora westa bet .
3. 'Argu diba dab r . 8. Waradu ' em-diba dabr .
ijora westa hagar. He went to t he city . 4. 'Arga westa hagar . 9. Waradat ' em-diba b1:lt.
Xaba is used with both persons and places: 5. 'Arga xaba bet . 10. Warada 'emenna hagar.

ijora xaba negus. He went to the k ing.

ljom xaba bet. H e went to the house .

Whether a preposition like westa means " to," "into , " or "in" depends
on t he verb with which it is employed: nabara westa to dwell in,
bo'a westa t o enter into , �ora westa to go t o .

V ocabulary 1

Nouns:

hagar city. bet house .

negus king. dabr mountain.

V erbs:

nabara to sit , sit down; to stay, remain, continue; to li ve , dl�ell .

, " i \.1 warada to descend, come down , go down .

'�' . �1 .,� to ascend, come up , go up, climb .

�ora to go .
. • f, -
'\.- ) Prepo si tions :

, emf' emenna from, out of , alvay from .

weota o r l'a-I,}er.i:a jn, i !lto, to (a place); 'em-westa from i n , from

wi I I I i II.

",./,,, '" I.., /'/'" "'I, "1'''". 11111,,; ','m-diha from on, from upon .
18 19

Vocabulary 2

Nouns :
Lesson 2
hagar (pl . ' ahgur) c i t y .
2. 1 Noun P lura l s . I n genera l , the p lural of a noun i s formed negus ( p l . nagast) king .
in one of two ways : bet (pl. ' abyat) house.
a. P attern repl acement : dcibr -) ' adbar dabr (pl . ' adbCir) mountain .
b. Addition o f an ending : 'amat -) 'Qmatat gabr (p l . ' agbert) s ervant .
P lurals formed by pat t ern repl acement are often referred to as "bro­ be' si (pl . sab' ) man , husband ; the pl. also means peop
l e in general .
ken" p l urals or " i nternal" p lural s ; those with suffixe s , as " external' be' s i t (p l . ' anest) woman, wife .

p l ural s . Because there is no sure way to predict the form of the �amar (pl . ' a�ar) boat , ship ( o f any s i z e) .
p l ural from that of the s ingu l ar , i t i s neces s ary to l e arn both forms
Verb s :
[rom the out s et. These w i l l be g iven in the lesson vocabu l ar ies.
ma?' a to come
Some nouns have more than one p lural form , though they may not be of
wad
. ' a to go/ come forth , emerge ,' Wl' th em ', to I eave , d epart r rOIll ; I ( )
equal frequency.
'

spring from, originate i n .

The patterns used for noun p lura l s are for the most p art d i s ­
bo' a to enter (westa, ba-J .
t i n c t ive and s e l dom occur i n s i ngular noun s . For reference onl y , the
wadqa to fal l , fal l down , co l l ap s e .
fo l l owing l i st of p lural noun types includes a l l but the rare forms :
Adverbs :
qetal e . g . ' egar the p l ural o f ' egr foot
, aqtal ' adbCir dabr mountain heyya/ba-heyya ther e , in that p l ace ; ' em-heyya from there , the n ce .
, aqtu l ' ahgur hagar c ity zeyya/ba-zeyya here , in this p l ace ; ' em-zeyya from here , hence .
, aqtel ' cib ter batr rod , staff Conj unction :
' aqteU ' agbert gcibr serv ant
wa- and (written as p art of the fo l lowing word , e. g . be' si wa-be' sit
qataU nagast negus k ing
a man and a woman) .
C aC aC eC 4 t mala' ekt mal'ak messeng er , ange l
l 2 3
C aC aC eC ' anCiqel} ' anqal} gate Exercises
l 2 3 4
' aqatel ' cibage ' bag ' sheep
A. l . xaba gabr 6. ba-diba ' a�mar
2.2 Syntax. The nominal sub j ect of a verb normal ly fo l l ows i t 2 . ba-xaba b e ' s it 7 . ' em-wes t a ' abyat
immediate ly. The problem of the agreement between verb and sub j ect 3 . diba � amar 8 . xaba nagast
wi l l be di s cus sed in Lesson 5 . I t i s sufficient here to not e that 4 . ' emenna be ' s i
9 . ' emenna ' ahgur
nouns denoting male human b eings are mas cul ine and those denoting 5 . diba ' adbar 1 0 . ba-xaba s ab '
femal e human beings are feminin e . The verb agrees with the s e nouns
B . l . N abaru ' agbert heyya. 7 . Mas ' a ' an est xaba negus.
in numb er and gender :
2. Nabarat be' s it b a-heyya . 8 . Wadqa b e ' s i ' em-diba bet .
ijora negus . The king went. ijoru nagast . The kings went. 3. ' Arga be ' s 1 d i ba dabr . 9 . Wadqu sab ' ' em-diba dabr.
ijorat be' sit. The woman went . ijorQ. ' anest. The women went . 4. Waradu sab ' ' em-diba bet . 1 0 . Wad ' u sab ' ' em-heyya .
5 . I. loru n <l!< a s t wes t a ' ahgur. l l. ' Argat ' em - z eyya.
See the exercises for further ex�np l es .
6 . �1 ;I � ' <I ): :111 1' xaba negu s . 1 2. Bo ' a wes t a bet wa-nabara h eyyo .
20 21

1 3 . War ada ' em-we sta ' adblir wa-bo ' a 1 6 . Ma;; ' a ' em-heyya wa-nabara

w e s t a hagar . zeyy a .
17 . Wadqa bet . Lesson 3
1 4 . Ma� ' u w e s t a hagar wa-bo ' a
xaba negu s . 18. 'Arga ' ane s t westa �amar .
3.1 Noun P l ura l s ( cont . ) . The two endings us ed to form exter­
15 . Wa? ' u ' agbert ' em-hagar wa- J:toru
nal p l ur a l s are -an and -at . -an i s , for the most p art , restri cted
w es t a dabr .
to nouns denoting ma l e human b eings :

mas agger p l ural : ma saggeran fishermen

liq Uqa.n e l d ers , ch iefs .

-at has no such r e? t r i c t i on :

nahiy p l ural : nahiyat prophet s

negest nege stat queens
gadam gadamat w i l derne s s e s .

It is by no means uncommon to find broken plural s further p l ura l i zed

by the ending -at, but b ecau s e these forms are sporad i c and e a s i l y
ident i fied, they wi l l no t b e l i s t ed in t h e l es son vo cabu l ar i e s .
Several b i consonantal nouns have p lur a l s ending in -aw :
' ed pl. ' edaw hands ' af pl. ' afaw mouths
'e4- 'edC/1J! trees ' ah ' abC/1J! fathers
W ' ax
red 'edaw mal e s ' ex C/1J! brothers .

Be' si (man) and be' sit (woman) have t h e p lura l s sah' and ' anest re­
spect i v e l y . The word sah ' , whi ch as a p lural m ay b e trans l at ed "men"
or " peop l e , " may a l s o be u s ed as a s ingu l ar noun in the sense of "a
m an" or "mankind . "

3. 2 Co l l e ctiv e s . S ome nouns , formal l y s ingu l ar , d e s i gnate

groups or speci es as we l l as a s in g l e i t em . For examp l e ,
'e4- a tree ( p l . 'e4-aw) ; a group of t r e es , a grove , woods .
It a l s o deno t e s the mater i a l "woo d . "
'of a bird (p l . ' a 'waf) ; fowl in g eneral .
�ezb a peop l e or nat i on (p l . ' a�zW) ; peop l e (as a p lural).
daqiq offspr ing , progeny , chi ldren .

When there is a conf l i ct between form ( s ingu l ar) and meaning (plural),
the noun may b e construed e i ther way : ma?' a �ezb or ma? ' u �ezb the
peop l e came .
 23
22

V o c abu l ary 3
Les son 4
Nouns :

mas agger (p l . -an) fisherman . 4.1 The Const ruct S t at e . A modifying r e l at ionship between two
liq (p l . -an, liqawent, liqanat) e l der , chief . nouns i s ind i cated by add ing the ending -a to the first noun in t he
nabiy (p l . -at) proph et . sequence Noun + Noun . It is t h e s econd noun t h at mod i fi e s , l imi t s ,
l 2
gadam (p l . -at) wi l dernes s ; any remo t e , uninhab ited are a . o r qua l i fi e s the firs t . Noun i s s ai d t o be in cons t ruct with Noun ,
l 2
�ezb (p I . �ezab, ' a�zab) peop l e , nation ; crowd ; a l s o \v i t h t h e nuance or in the construct s t at e . Study the fo l l owing examp l e s :
o f gent i l es in the N . T .
negusa hagar the king of the city

Verbs : walda negus the son (wa ld) of the king

qa la nabiy the vo i c e (qal) of the prophet
1'0?a to run .
W sema mal' ak the name (sem) of the ang e l (mal' ak)
g ayya to f l e e .
fe lsata BabiZon the Babylonian Exil e (fe l sat)
gab' a t o return , come/go b ack .
Uqa kahenat the chief o f the pri e s t s (kahen)
ba?�a to arriv e .
ma <lira gadam w i l d honey ; l it . honey (ma <ar) of the w i l tl l' ,. -
Prep o s i t i on : ness

mes la w i t h , in the company o f . fenota ba�l' the s e a road ; l i t . the road (fenot) o f t h e
s e a (ba�)
Exe r c i s e s
Most such comb inations may be trans l at ed , at l e a s t rough l y , by t h e
1 . Ro ? u ' agbert ' em-bet .
u s e o f the prepo s i t ion " of . " This exceedingly common c on struct ion
W
2 . G ayyu s ab ' westa ' adbar .
wi l l pose l i t t l e difficu l t y to the reader ; expr e s s ions t h at are not
3. G ab ' u naga s t wes t a hagar .
transparent l i t eral l y wi l l be g iven in the vocabu l ari e s .
4 . B a ? �u � e zb mes l a nab i y .
Two formal point s should be noted :
W
5 . G ayya nabiy w e s t a gadam . ( a) Mo st nouns ending in -i have their construct in -e :
W
6 . G ayya ' anest ' emenna bet . ?a�aje hezb the s cribe of the peop l e
7 . G ab ' a mas agger ' emenna hamar .
(b) Nouns ending i n the l on g vowels -a, -e J -0 remain un ­
8 . Bo ' u l iqan xaba negu s . changed in the construct .
9 . W a� ' a nabiy ' em-hagar . The construct s t a t e of p l ural nouns is formed in exact l y the
1 0 . Horu mes l a nabiy wa- ' agb ert . s ame way :
1 1 . M a? ' u nabiyat westa hagar .
nagasta hagar the kings of the c i t y
1 2 . Nab aru ma s aggeran h eyya.
we luda negus the sons o f t h e k ing
1 3 . N ab ar a l iq heyya me s l a � e zb .
W qalata nabiy the words of the prophet
1 4 . G ayya � e zb w e s t a g adam wa-nabara heyya .
1 5 . B a ? �at b e ' s i t xaba bet . Con struct sequences of three or more nouns o ccur but are rare .
w
1 6 . Ro ? u ' em - z eyya wa - g ayyu h eyya . Tn mo s L ; l I s L an c e s a sub s et of the s e quence is a fixed express i o l l ( i . c .

1 7 . G ab ' u ' cllI - h ryyn wn -nabaru z e yy a . a f n: q l l c l l l compoun d ) , such as beta maqdas the Temp l e in J erus a l em ,

18. W il d '! : , " " ' � : I j��'. L' 1' ' <'Ill d i b a h a l il a r . I i l e r: , 1 I y " I ll<' h o u s e of the ho l y p l a c e , " in the s e quence
24 25

tadbaba beta maqdas the t op ( tadbab) of the Temp l e . ]7. ' cdawa ' udbar 19. fenawe gadam
Note a l s o the curious , but not rare , expres s ion 18. z cnanlat a samay 20 .
�

negusa s amayat

the Son of Man , B. 1 . Nabara tatlta ' ed .

2 . G ab' a ' enta fenota dabr .
where ' emma �eyii:W " the mother (' emm) of the l iving (�eyii:W) " is an
W 3 . Wadqa ' em-westa ' e � .
epi thet o f Eve , and ' eg ala ' emma-�eyaw, lit . "the o ffspring o f Eve , "
4 . Ma� ' a ' em-westa s amay .
denote s mankind. Also in fixed expre s s ions one may find a compound
5 . GW ayya ' emenna ' arawita gadam .
Noun , such as samay wa-medr heaven and earth in
2 6. Warada barad wa- zenam .
' Amlaka samay wa-medr the Lord of heaven and earth . 7. �ora nabiy ' em- z eyya wa- ' arga westa samay .
8. Wad ' a ' arwe ' em - t a�ta bet .
Vocabul ary 4
9. Wadqa 'ed diba beta nabiy.
Nouns : 1 0 . Gab ' u ' agberta negus .

Ceq. (pl . ceq.m,;) tree , wood . 1 1 . Basha ' anesta hagar .

W
fenot (pl . fenaw, fenawe) road , way , path ( l it . and fig. ) . 1 2 . G ayya ' anest a masaggeran .
' arwe (pl . ' arawit) animal , wild beast . 13. Warada zenam ' em-westa s amay .
samay (p l . -at) heaven , sky . 1 4 . �ora ' ent a fenot a gadam .

barad hail . 1 5 . Wadqu ' aqW �ela 'e�aw westa fenot .

zenam (p l . -at) rai n .
w w
q a� l (p l . ' aq � e Z ) leaf, fo l i age .
beta negus pal ace , royal res idence .

P repositions :

' enta via, by way o f .

ta�ta under , below .

Adverb :

' i- the general negat ive , prefixed direct ly to the verb in a verbal
s entence .

Exercises

A . 1 . negus a hagar 9. ' ahgura negus

2 . hagara negus 1 0 . ' ahgura nagast
3. beta negus 1 1 . �amara masaggeran
4 . fenota dabr 1 2 . ' al;mara masagger
5 . gabra nabiy 13. ' arawita dabr
6. b e ' sita masagger 14. ' aral·lita gadam
W
1 5 . q a� l a ' ed
7. fenota gadam
W
16 . ' aq � e l a ' e�aw
8. ' � zaba hagar
26 27

g j ven tran s l at o r .
Lesson 5 T h e genders o f t h e non-personal nouns i n Vo cabu l ar i e s 1 - 4 a r e
a s fo l l ows :
5.1 G ender. The gender o f a given noun is not based on formal
crit eri a , such as the presence or ab s ence of a part i cu l ar endin g . hagar f . m . �a;nar f . m . [enat f . m . barad m .

G ender i s apparent only i n the agreement that exi s t s , for examp l e , bet m . f . gadam m . ' arwe m . f . zenam m . f .
w
b etween a noun and a modi fying adj ective o r between a noun subj ect dabr m . < ed m . f . samay m . f . q a? l m . f .

and its verb . When we con s i s t ent l y find zentu be' s i for " t h i s man" 5. 2 Numb e r . Agreement i n number i s simi l ar t o that o f gonu o l' .
and zati be' sit for "this woman , " we may ident i fy zentu as the mas cu­ Only nouns denoting human be ings regularly have verbal and adj ect i V l I l
l in e form and zati a s the feminine form of the demonstrative adj e c ­ agreement in the p l ural . Th e p lural s of a l l other nouns may !lilV/,

t ive . Then , b ecause a noun l ik e [enat wi l l appear somet imes with either s in gu l ar or p lural verbs and modifiers , w i t h n o c l a A r p ro ll' !'
zentu and s ometimes with zati , we are l ed t o observe that the gender ence s .
of [enat is v ar i ab l e , or p erhaps b e tt er , irrel evant .
5. 3 Some D emonstrative Adj ectives .
In gener a l , gender us age is fixed ( i . e . predic t ab l e) only for
nouns denoting human b eing s , where grammati c a l gender coincides with this m as c . ze­ fem. za­

natura l gender ( s ex) . Nearly al l o th er nouns o ccur in e ither gender , zentu zat�

but for many nouns there i s a d efinite preference . The fo l l owing t h at m as c . we' etu fern . ye' e i 'i

ru l e s are sometimes cited in t h i s connection, but they cover an ins i g­ The s e r egu l arly precede the noun they modify. Ze- and za- al'O W t' l t
nifi cant r ange of nouns and admit of numerous excep t i ons : ten proc l i t i c al ly (ze-be' si, za-be' sit) , but if preceded by /l!1oLhor
(a) Nouns denoting the names of months , s t ar s , meteoro l o g i c a l pro c l i t i c e l ement , such as the prepos ition ba- , the two p ro c l it i c e l e­
phenomena, rivers , metal s , and weapons t end to be treat ed as mascu­ ments may be wr itten t o g ether as a s ingle word : ba-ze bet in th i s
I inc . hous e ; ba-za hagar i n this c i t y .
(b) The names of towns , c it i e s , district s , and paired p ar t s o f
t h e body t end t o b e treat ed a s feminine . V o cabul ary 5
In the vocabu l ar i es and G l o s s ary the gender o f non-personal Nouns :
nouns wi l l b e indi c ated in the fo l l owing way : w w
mak annen (p l . mak anent) j udge , administrator, h i gh o ffic i a l .
m . or f . al one means t h at t h e noun i s almost exc lusively
qal (p l . -at) m . f . v o i c e , word , sound ; s ayin g .
treated as marked .
nagar (p l . -at) m . spe ech , account , narrative ; thing , affai r , s itua-
m . f . or f . m . means that the noun occurs in both genders , but
tion.
that the first gender ind i c at e d i s the more frequ ent .
mal' ak (p l . mala' ekt) ange l , mes senger .
The s e d e s i gnations must b e considered as only appro ximat e , s ince they
?a�a[i (pl . � a�a[t) s cr ib e ; a l i terate (hence l e arne d ) person .
wou l d doubt l e s s ly be s ub j ect to some r evis ion if a fu l l t abu l at i on
wald (p l . welud) so n , chi l d , boy , l ad ; the p l . form is a l s o used as a
were made . Such a study , however , would hardly b e worth t h e enormous
s ingular.
e ffort required , s ince gender us age vari es mark ed l y from one t e xt t o
walatt (pl . ' awiHed) daughte r , girl .
anot h e r , and i n some c a s e s i t may even be dependent o n t h e gender o f
And t h e demonst rat i v e adj e ct ives given in the l es s on .
t h e underlying Greek noun . In other cases , variat ion in gender
appears to have an expr e s s i v e func t i on ( feminine = diminut i v e , fami l ­
i ar , i nu l v i.uu:i l l z i l l g ) a l ld d epend s on t h e personal pred i l ection s o f a
28 29

E xercis es
w Les s on 6
A . 1 . t aht a z entu ' eg 6 . mes la z entu mak annen
2 . mes l a we ' etu ' arwe 7. ba-xaba ze-nabiy 6. 1 The P ersonal Pronouns ( Independent Form) .
3 . ' enta za- fenot 8 . ' em-ze bet
Singular P l ural
4. ' em-westa z at i h agar 9 . ba-diba z entu dabr
1st p ers . common gender ' ana neJ:na we
5. ba-westa we' etu gadiim 1 0 . tahta ye ' et i �amar
2nd p ers . mas cul ine ' anta you ' anterrru you
B . 1 . l iqa ��aft 6 . walda mas agger 2nd p ers . feminine ' anti you ' anten you
2 . qal iit a nabiyat 7. weluda ? � afi 3rd p ers . mas cul ine we' etu he , it ' errrun tu t h ey
w w
3 . nagara mak annen 8 . ' aw1ileda we ' etu mak annen 3rd p ers . feminine ye' eti she , it ' emaniu Li I (IY
w
4 . ' abyata mak iin ent 9 . ' arawita z entu dabr
The form we' etomu i s a l s o used for the 3rd pers . mas c . and 1'0111 . p I li
5. qal a z entu mal ' ak 1 0 . �a�afe negus
r al . . Readers unfami l iar with other Semitic l anguages shou l d 111 1 1 1\(1
, w
C. 1. ' I -wadqu aq ? e l a ye ' et i ' eg o special note of the gender d i st inction in the 2nd person ; thl o, fO Il I I l I' 1 I

2 . Warada z enam ' em-west a samay wa- ' i -warada barad . is pres ent in al l the pronominal infl ections in the l UlIguugu .
3 . 'Arga qalata nabiy wes t a s amay .
6. 2 Non-verbal Sentences with a Nominal Predi cate .
4. Horat wal atta negus xaba we ' etu nabiy .
a, The subj ect i s a p ersonal pronoun : Noun + ! ' ro I l O I l I I ' " , I l ! .
5. M as ' a be ' se ye ' et i b e ' s it xaba negus . pre d .
6 . Wad ' a mal ' ak ' em-westa s amay wa-ba?�a xaba beta ye ' eti b e ' sit . Be' si ' ana. I am a man .
w Be' sit ' anti . You are a woman .
7 . Ro�u we luda mak annen westa fenota hagar .
8 . Wadqa walda we' etu b e ' s i ' em-we s t a zentu ' eg o Masagger we' etu . He i s a fisherman .
w
9 . B a� �u mal a ' ekta s amay westa hagar wa-nabaru heyya. Mak anent ' emuntu . They are j udges .
w Nabiyat ne�na. We are prophets .
1 0 . ' I -horu sab ' xaba we ' etu mak annen .
' Iyarusalem ye' eti . It is J erus a l em .

For special emphasis the pronoun may b e dup l i cated at the h ead o f the
c l aus e :

'Ana be' si ' ana. I am a man .

fie' etu is sometimes u s ed as a neutral i z ed copul a in s ent ences of thi s

typ e , r egardless of the person , number , or gender of the real pronom­
w
inal sub j e ct . One may thus find : 'Ana mak annen we' etu, ' Anta
w w
mak annen we' etu , et c . or ' Ana we' etu mak annen , et c , Such us ages
vary from text to t ext , but they are not rare construct ions . They
should be viewed as a repl acement of the construct ions given above by
thos e of the fo l l owing sect i on , with the personal pronouns simply
t ak i ng the p l ace o f t he nominal subj e ct .

h. I r i l l e suhj oct i s a noun", the dist incti on between subj cct

: l l l d 1 1 I' , ' d i I' : 1 1 (' 1':111 h e Illade only on the basis of the seman t i c s 0f Lllu
30 31

context . There are thr e e pos s i b l e forms for such pred i c at i on s : Proper Name s :

Noun + Noun Yo � annes makUJ annen. Yo�annes J o h n .

l 2
Noun + Noun + 3rd pers . pron . Yo � annes makUJannen UJeJ etu. 'EgziJ ab�er G o d ( c annot , a s a proper name , b e u s e d in the construct
l 2
Noun + 3rd p er s . pro n . + Noun Yohannes UJeJ etu makUJ annen. s t at e ) .
l 2
'AmZak the Lord (may, as an epi th e t , be used in construct ; e . g .
The s e may a l l be trans lated as "John is a/the j udge . " Not e espe­
'A mZaka samay the Lord of Heaven) .
c i a l l y the u s e of the 3rd p ers . pronoun as a copu l a ; there will usu­
J Esra.'eZ I s rael . Daqiqa J Esra.J eZ the Children of I s r ae l , t h e I sr ae l ­
al l y be agre ement in numb e r and gender i f the nouns denote human
ites .
b e i n g , but , as noted abov e , there i s a t endency for UJ eJ etu to be gen­
e r al i ze d for all purposes as a neutral copu l a . And the Independent P e rsonal Pronouns given in the l e s s on .

c. I f t h e sub j e c t i s a demon s t rative pronoun (note that t h e

Exerc i s e s
words given as demonstrat i v e adj e ct ives in the preceding l e s s on a l s o
A . l . �aJ:lafi ' ana . 1 0 . Daqiqa ' E s r a ' e l ' cmun ! ( I .
funct ion a s pronouns ) , the m o s t frequent word order i s D em . p ro n . +
2. ' Ane s t ' emantti . 1 l . ' Emma Yoh anne s ye ' et i .
3rd p er s . pron. + Noun :
3 . Masagge ran neJ:lna . 1 2 . ' Ab a negest we ' et u .
Zentu UJ eJ etu J orit UJ a-nabiyat. Thi s i s the Law and the Prophets.
4. ' Ed awa h agar neJ:l na . 1 3 . Negesta z at i hagar y c ' e l 1 .
Za.ti yeJ eti UJaZatta negus. Th i s i s the daugh t er of t h e king. w
5 . Mak annen ' ant a . 1 4 . ' Aba ' emuntu we l ud wc ' c ttt .
'EZZu 'emuntu UJeZuda negus. These are the s ons o f t h e king .
6 . G abra negus ' anta . 1 5 . J:lamara ' e l l u masagge ran
6.3 The P l ural Demonstrat i ve s . 7 . B e ' s i t a nabiy ' anti . ye ' eti .
8. ' Anesta masagg eran ' ant en . 1 6 . Daqiqa z entu gabr ' emuntu .
these masc . J eUu 'eUontU
J W
9 . Mal a ' ekta ' Eg z i ' abJ:ler ' antemu. 1 7 . ' Aq � e l a z entu ' ed w e ' ctu .
fern. J eU?, 'eZUmtU
1 8 . Meta zati b e ' si t we ' et u .
those m as c . ' emuntU
fern. J emantu B . 1 . ' E l lu ' emuntu s ab ' a zati hagar .
w
2 . ' E l lontu ' emuntu mak anent .
Vocabul ary 6
3. ' E l lantu ' emantu ' anesta negus .
Nouns : 4. ' E l l u ' emuntu l i qana Q e zb .
5 . Z e - w e ' etu nabiya ' E g z i ' abJ:ler .
� ayq (p l . -at) shore (of s e a or l ak e ) .
6 . Zati ye ' eti ' emma ' e l l antu ' aw al ed .
< ed (pl . <edaw) co l I . men , males ; t h e menfo l k (of a given community) ;
7. ' E l lontu ' emuntu ' amt at a ' a.n e s t .
a l s o used as a p l ur al of beJ s i .
8 . Zentu we ' etu nagar a ' Am l ak .
J emm (p l . -at) mother .
w
9 . E l lu ' emuntu daqiqa mak ann en .
'ab (pl . ' abaw) father , forefather , ance stor ; beta J ab fami l y .
1 0 . NeJ:lna nabiyata ' Eg z i ' abQer nehna .
met (p l . 'amtat) husband .
ll. ' Antcmu � aJ:laft ' ant emu .
daqiq (col I . ) chi ldre n , o ffspring , progeny .
1 2 . Z e - w e ' etu gadam , wa- ' e l l u ' emuntu ' arawit a gadam .
negest (p l . -at) queen .
13. ' E l l u s ab ' ' emu n tu ' amtata ' emantu ' anest .
Conj unct i on :
1 4 . Zc-\;e ' ct u ' i\lI1 l ak a s amay .

' ({ I I ,; hi l l ( .1 1 1 ,· , " I "" " ('d l l ' )� 1 I(,)(: t l i v e c l ause) . JS. l ii ! i y o ' et i {'o no l a gadam .
32 33

.
C. 1 . G W ayya ' e l l a ' anest ' em-h agar
W
2 . ' I _ g ayyu ' amtat a ' anest , '
al la nabaru west a hagar .
w v Lesson 7
3 . B o ' u daqiq a we' etu mak anne
n xaba negu s .
4 . G ab ' at ' emma z entu gabr ' em-ye ' eti hagar . 7.1 The Accus at ive Cas e . The accusative i s the only c a s e
5 . Warad a b arad wa- zenam diba '
abyat a zat i hagar . marke d b y a special ending and i s us ed primarily as t h e direct obj ect
6 . Basha z entu negus mes l a neges
t xaba hagar . of a tran s i t ive verb . The ending is usually -a on both s ingu l ar and
�
7 . ' I � abaru we l ud a h agar heyya
, ' al l a ro�u westa � ayq . p lural nouns :
8 . Gab ' u ' emuntu s ab ' ' em- ' adbar
.
ij«aa?a beta. He bui l t a hous e .
9 . ' Arga ' em-we s t a �ayq wa-bo ' a wes t a hagar .
Ijana?a ' ohyata. He bui l t hous e s .
1 0 . B a� h. at ' ah. mara
- ' emuntu masag geran xaba J:1ayq .
The fo l lowing exceptions are to b e noted :

( a) F inal -i i s repl aced by -e :

Re' ya be' s e . H e s aw a man .

(b) F inal -a, -e, and - 0 undergo no change :

Rakoha marxo . He found a k ey (mar'xo ) •

Re' ya <asa. He saw a f i sh « ai'lii) .

Nas' a [ere . He took the fru i t (j"IJ!'i!) •

( c) P ersonal names and p l ace names are either l eft lIo 'i n f J e ct ed
or take the ending -h � :

I Dawit walada Salomonha. David b egot So lomo n .

Becaus e a noun i n construct al ready has an ending ident·ical to that

of the accusative cas e , there is no further change when such a noun
is us ed as the direct obj ect :

Rakoha beta ?aJ:afi . H e found t h e s cr i b e ' s house.

7.2 Word Order . When there is no special emphas i s or contrast

desir ed , the normal order with a transitive verb is Verb + Subj ect +

Obj ect , as in

Takala be' si < e9a. The man p l anted a tre e .

7. 3 The Accus ative o f Goal . The accusative case i s us ed also

to express goal with verbs of motion :

Bo ' a hagara. He ent ered the city.

�lora ' adbara. He went to the mount ains .

A l l s uch accus at i ves , un l i ke the direct obj ect , may be rep l a c ed by

npp r n p r i n t f' p r'cpos j t ional phrases (westa hagar, westa ' adbar) w i. l h[) U I
34 35

altering the meaning. Occasiona l l y the accus ative is used to ind i ­ Exerci s es
cate static position , a s in
A. 1. �ana�u ' abyata ba-westa hagar .
Nabara gaacuna. He dwelt in the wi l dernes s . 2. Qatalu negus a wa-negest a .
But this i s rare , and a prepo sit ional phrase (ba-westa gadam) i s pre ­ 3 . T akalu eqawa heyy a .
<

ferred . 4. Re ' yu ' adbara.

5. S adadu ' agbert a ' em-westa bet .
7.4 The Accus ative F orms of the D emonstratives .
6. Qat alu Kerestiyana ba-westa ' e l la ' ahgur .
zentU acc. zanta ' e l lantU acc . ' e UZmta 7. ' I - rakabu ' a�ara masaggeran .
zati z ata we' etu we' eta 8 . S adada liqana �ezb ' ern-hagar .
ze- za- ye' eti ye' eta 9 . Qat a l a z anta nabiya.
, e Uontu ' e l Zonta 1 0 . Tak a l a ' a� ada wayn westa ' adbar .

Zo.- , ' e ZZu , and ' e Z Z� have no dist inct accus ative forms , nor do the 1 1 . Rakaba ' arwe ba-we s t a fenot .

personal pronouns ' emuntu and ' emo.ntU when used demonstrat ively as 1 2 . Re ' ya mala' ekta westa samay .

direct obj e ct s . 1 3 . �ana� a hagara ba-westa we ' etu � ayq .

,
14. I -rakab a ' edawa hagar .
Vocabul ary 7 1 5 . S adadu Kerestiyana ' em-' abyat a Kerestiyanat .

Nouns : B. 1 .
w
B a - $ eb� �ora ' a� ada mes l a daqiqa mak annen .
geba� (p l . -at) m. f . ( ear ly) morning ; the e ast . 2. B a-meset �gab ' u ' em-heyya hagara .
meset (p l . -at) evening, twi l ight . I, 3 . N ab ara heyya ba- � eb � wa-ba-meset .

I
wayn (p l . ' awy�) m. vine ; wine . 4 . Re ' yu zenama wa- b arada wa-gW ayyu .

<a?ad (pl . ' a <?ad, -at) m . f . any circums cribed area : courtyard, 5. R akaba � a�afta ba-westa beta negus.
atrium ; pen , s t al l ; f i e l d , farm; v i l l ag e . <a?ada wayn vineyard. 6 . GW ayyat negest beta Kerestiyan ba-�eba� .
7. S adada we' eta nabiya ' em-west a hagar .
V erb s :
8. G ab ' a gadama b a-meset .
l'e' ya to s e e . 9. Rakabu wayna wes t a w e ' etu bet .
�ana?a to bui l d , const ruct . 1 0 . ' I -�ana�u ' abyat a , ' al Ia nabaru b a-westa gadam mes l a ' arawit .
qataZa to ki l l , murder . 1 1 . ' I -rakabu zata � amara .
l'akaba to find , come upon ; t o acqu i re . 1 2 . Rosu ' amtata ' ane s t �ayqa .
sadada to persecut e ; to drive out , b ani s h , exi l e ; to excommuni cat e ;
t o divorce ( a wife) .
takaZa to p l ant ; to fix i n , imp l ant .

Proper N ames :

Kel'estiyan (pl . ) Chri sti ans . beta Kel'estiyan (p l . beta Kel'estiyano.t ,

' abyata Ker'e,q tiyo.no.t) church ; the Church .
I :
I
37

36
-nu i. s very freque l l t l y a t t ached to the interrogative words (other
than mannu) o f the preceding paragraphs :
Le s s on 8
Menta-nu re'ya? What did he see?

e ct i ve s : ' Ayte-nu rakaba waZda? Where did he find th e ch i l d ?

8. 1 Int erro gati ve Pronouns and Adj

accusative : manna 8.4 The Remo t e Demon s trative s . There is a s econd group o f de­
who ? mannu
mon strat ive pronoun s / adj e c t ives , much l e s s frequent than the we' e tu/

�I
menta
what? ment
whi ch? ' cryy (p 1 . ' ayyat ) ' ayya (p I . ' cryyat a) ye ' eti group , used to ind i c a t e a more remote l o cation or reference j n
r e l at i on s h ip to the speaker and h i s aud i ence . Th e s e correspond to
a prep o s i ­
n a c l aus e unl e s s gover ned by
Thes e norm al ly s t and first i Eng l i s h " that , that . . . there , t'hat yonder . "

II'
les :
w i t h a prec ed ing noun . Examp
t ion o r i n cons truc t s eque nce W
, m. s . zeku ( ac c . ze k a)
Mannu we' etu zentu be ' si ? Who is this man?
zektu ( ac e . zekta)
Manna qataZu? Whom did they ki l l ?
W
1r I
What i s thi s ?
zekW tu (acc . ze k ta)
Ment we' etu zentu? c.p1. ' e Ueku
f . s . ' enteku
What d i d h e find?
Menta rakaba? ' e Uektu ( acc . ' e L Zekta)
' entakti ( acc . ' enttxkt a)
Whi ch city i s thi s ? W
' Ayy hagar zati ? ' e ZlekWtu ( acc . ' eZZek ta)
Whi ch city did they bui l d ?
' Ayya hagara �ana? u?
with a s l ight ly pej or;l ­
Xaba mannu gWcryyu?
To whom d i d they f l e e ? The s e demon strati ves are s ometim es emp l oyed

WaZda mannu 'anta?

Who s e son are you? t i ve or d i sdainful nuance .
Why ( l i t . b ecause of what) d i d Words d e s i gnating p eriods of t ime may
Ba' enta ment hora? 8.S Accus ative of T ime .
h e go? to indi cate the t ime when
b e used adverb i a l l y in the accus at ive cas e
an action took p l ac e . T hus , me s e ta ba-meset in the even in g , ?eba�a
p l ural for mannu , n am e l y ' eZZa
a l s o a rath er r are s p e c i f i c
=

There j s
ba-?eba1 in the mornin g .
mannu :
=

' EZ l a mannu ' emuntu? Who are they? V o cabulary 8

8.2 Int errogative Adverb s . Nouns :

'cryte, ba-' cryte how ? 'e fo leZit (p l . ZayaZey) m . f . n i ght . ZeZita ba-ZeZit at night , during
\'Ihere?
why ? Za-ment, ba' enta ment
whence? ) em-' cryte the night .

when? ma'ze
Verbs :
t in a c l aus e . adj e �
The s e a l so usua l l y s t and firs kona to be , to be come . U s ua l l y fo l l owed by a predi cate noun or
d
. Any c l ause may b e conv erte ative cas e : kona kahena he was/be came
a
8.3 The P art i c l es -nu and -hu t ive i n the accus
to the firs t there/ i t was/
ng -nu ( l e s s freq uent l y -hu) Kona may a l s o be used impers onal l y :
into que s t ion form by addi priest .
in fact att ache d t o the t ive ( t h e
\'lord or phra s e . Be caus e th e s e p art i c l e s are b e c ame . In t h i s us age a fo l l owing noun may be accusa
nd wh i ch the int erro gat i on
cent ers , thei r : kona Z�Zi t (a) i t
e l emen t oC the s en t ence arou predic ate) or non- accus ative ( t h e subj ect)
al word orde r : a) there was hai l .
\1 <; [ ' O i" l l' l l requ i I'l.�
" ( \ ('j1l1 r l l l rt' f rulII norm was n j ght , i t became n i ght ; kona barad(
Are yo u a j udge? se �n to �" II ( t 0 : ;r:nim , Za-) .
e; t o
Oid h e see this? !l, rln', r t o i l l' t , ,;o r k , i"lil l c t i on ; to mak e , fashio n , creat e , produc
1/11 / '. ' // . 1 1
 38 39

do , perform , enact , carry out . 1 :S . Mcnta nu k u n a ba-ye ' ct i 1 e l i t ? Ba-ye ' et i l e l i t kona z enarna
Other : wa-ba rada .
14 . ' Ayyat a ' ahgura hanasu? �ana�u ' e lleku ' ahgura .
la- (prep . ) t o , for ( in the dat i ve s ense) .
IS. Manna sadadu ' em-beta Kerestiyan? Sadadu ' e l lonta nagast a .
ba' enta (prep . ) about , concerning ; because of, on ac count o f ; for the
16. Neg estata-nu s adadu? ' I - s adadu negestat a .
s ake o f . ba' enta ment why? for what reason? ba' enta-ze be­
17. Hora- nu mes l a hezb? �ora mes l a �ezb wa-me s l a ' agbert .
'. 1 caus e o f thi s , thus , therefore .

Exerc i s es
w
A. l . Mannu we ' etu z entu be ' si ? Mak annena zati hagar we ' etu .
2. Menta re ' ya ba-we s t a ' adbar? Re ' ya ' arawi t a .
3. Mannu gWayya ba- l e l i t ? GW ayyat negest ba- l e l i t .
4. ' Ayte gW ayyat negest ? GW ayyat gadarna .
S. ' Em- ' ayy hagar gW ayyat ? GW ayyat ' em- zati hagar .
6. Ment we ' etu z entu? Zentu w e ' etu ' a� ada wayn .
7. Menta takalu zeyya? Takalu ' awyana z eyya .
8. ' E l la mannu t akalu ' e l lu ' edawa? Takalu ' edawa hagar ' e l l u
' cdawa .
9. ' E fo hora heyya? �ora heyya ' enta ye ' eti fenot .
10. Mannu gabra zata fenota? Gabru s ab ' a hagar zata fenota.
11. Ba' enta mannu gabru z anta? Z anta gabru l a-�e zba hagar .
12. Mannu gabra z ata h amara? Zata gabra we' etu masagger.
13. Ma ' ze �ora hagara? Hora mes et a .
14. Ma ' ze wadqa zeku ' e�? Wadqa ba- l e l it .
w
IS . La-mannu se�a z anta beta? Set a zanta beta l a-mak annen .
16. B a ' enta ment sadada Kerest iyana?

B. 1. Mannu ' anta? ' Ana nabiya ' E gz i ' ab�er ' an a .
w
2. Xaba mannu se�a �amara? Se�a �amara xaba walda mak annen .
3. Manna sadadu ' ern-hagar? S adadu Kerestiyan a .
4. Menta-nu J!ana?u heyya? �ana�u beta Kerest i yan .
S. Mannu kona n abi ya? Kona Yo�annes nabiya.
w
6. Kona walda s ahafi mak annena .
7. Konu hezba ' enteku hagar Kerest iyana.
8. La-ment kona �a�afe ?
9. B� ' c n t a - z c wa� ' u ' cm- hagar wa- ' i -gab ' u .
10. �1.1 1 1 1 l 1 1 f�n l > rll ' ; : I m ?i y u ? G abra ' Egzi ' ab�er s amaya.
I I . �I I ' I I I 11 1 1 \>J , I I , l d , 1 " 'III W .1 rada zenarn.
':' : I IIl;i y ?

I ' ' I\ \, \, , 1 11 I I :: "' l i l " : , 1 1I I n hi;' , �I sc�u .

40
41

( c) S i ngu l ar nouns ending in a long vowel other than -

" (e . g .
Les s on 9 mendo.b e , aff l i ct ion) :

my affliction mendo.b�yo accus at i v e : mendo.b�ya

9.1 The Noun w i th Pronominal Suffi xes . Pronominal p o s s e s s ion
i s indicated by a s e r i e s o f suffixe s attached direct ly to t h e noun . your (m. s . ) aff l i ction mendo.b�ka et c . mendo.b�ka e t c .
There are s l ight variat ions depending on whether the noun s t em ends T h e suffixes are l ike tho s e on ?a�o.fi above , w i t h no change whatever
in a vowel or consonant . in the final s t em vOIV e l of the noun .

(a) S ingular nouns ending i n a consonant ( e . g . hagar city) : (d) P lural nouns . A l l p lura l nouns have a suffi x -i- a d d C' d 1 0
the s t em before the pronomi nal suffixe s . The result ing in f l e e t i 0 1 1 I ',
my c i ty hagareya accusative : hagareya
l i k e that of the non - accusat ive forms of ? al].o.fi abov e
your ( m . s . ) c i ty hagareka hagaraka , except I h i l i
the endings -iya and -iki usua l ly app ear as -eya and
your ( f . s . ) city hagareki hagaraki -eki r e s p c "
tive l y . There are n o d i s tinct accusati ve forms .
h i s city hagarU hagaro
her city hagara hagaro. my cities ' ahguriya/' ahgw'eya
your (m . s . ) c i t i e s ' ahgurika
our city hagarena hagarana
hagarakemu your ( f . s . ) c i t i e s ' ahguriki/' ahgureki
your (m . p l . ) city hagarekemu C' I c .

your ( f . p l . ) c i ty hagare ken hagaraken ( e) Col l ective noun s , like daqiq , are usual ly L r e ::t t etl liS S 1 11-
their (m . ) city hagaromu hagaromu gul ar (no -i-) before t h e pronominal suffixes ; thus , daqiqu , not
the i r ( f . ) city hagaron hagaron *daqiqihu . Real p l ural forms , howev e r , sporadi cal l y app e a r w i t h oul

Note especial ly the -u/-o contrast in the 3rd pers . mas c . s ing . and the characteri s t i c -i- , e . g . liqo.nu h i s e l ders ( for liqo.nihu ) . Con­

the l ack o f a d i s t inct accu s at ive form in the 1 s t pers . sing . [In vers e l y , many singul ar nouns which superficial l y resemb l e p l ural

the tradi t i onal pronun c i at i on the -k- o f - kemu ( and somet imes , o f forms may take the -i- of the p lura l ; this is especi al ly true of sin ­

-ken) i s doub l e d i n a l l o f the parad i gms given i n this l e s s on . ] gular nouns w i t h - 0. - in the f i n a l s t em s y l l ab l e (notab l y -an) and
nouns ending in -at after a guttural cons onant ( and hence pronounced
(b) S ingu l ar nouns ending i n -i , accus ative - e ( e . g . ?a�afi ,
-at; see p . 1 3 ) .
,!a�o.je s cribe) :
Th e four nouns ' ah (father), ' ex
w ( brother) , I].am ( father- in­
( f)
my s cribe ?al].afiy a accus at ive : ?al].o.fiya
l aw) , and ' af (mouth) have extended forms i n -u- ( ac e . -0.- ) in the
your (m . s . ) s cribe ?a�afika ?a�o.feka
, s ingul ar before the pronominal suffixe s . Infl ection is l i k e that of
your ( f . s . ) s cribe ,!a�afiki ?a�o.jeki
mendo.be above :
his s cribe $ a/;Lo.fihu ?al].o.fihu
her s cribe ?a�o.fiho. ?a�afiho. ' abuya . . . ' exuya . . . �amuya . . . ' afuya . . .
,!a�afina acc. ' ahaya . . . ' exWo.ya . . � �amo.ya . . . ' araya . . .
our s c ribe ?a�o.fina
yO llT (lIl . p 1 . ) s c r i b e ?a�o.fikerrru ,!a�ajekemu The accus ative forms are o ften rep l aced by the non - accusat i v e .
yo u r ( f . p l . ) s cr i he :.;c!�,o.fi k�m ? a�o.fiken
(g) The noun ' ed (hand) app ears in the s ingu l ar with -e- be­
L Il l' I !' ( Ill . ) · . <': I' i I,,· :"!�/ti.f7:homu ?a�o.fih8mu
fore suffj x c s : ' edey a , ' edeka, ' edeki , ' edehu , ' edeho. et c .
1 1,,' 1 1 ( I . I . .. . I I I , , ' 1.'I/�liirihc5n ,!a�o.fih8n

Ni l i l' 1 1,,11 I I , ,· " 1 ' , 1 i l l, I ,I" 11'..1 1 i v,' I ' l i d i 1 1 )( i 5 retained only befo re t h e
42
43
Vocabul ary 9 C. 1. Zentu wc ' ctu ' oxuka . 6 . Zentu we ' etu qalata ' ab awina .
Nouns : 2 . ' Ayti ' abuk a? 7 . ' Ayte we ' etu beta ' abukemu?
w
w w 3 . Mannu wc' etu mak anneneka? 8. Zentu we' etu ' arwi medr .
> ex (pI . ' =aJJJ ) brother . The acc . may be written ' ex a or ' exwa .
, ext (p I . ' =iit) s i s t e r .
4 . ' E ntakti ye ' eti walatta 9 . Yo�annes makw annenomu we ' etu .
' exteya . 1 0 . Mannu we' etu � a�afik a?
medr (pI . -at , ' amdar) f . m . the earth ; earth , ground , soi l ; land ,
5 . ' E l lu ' emuntu we luda ' exuk i .
dis trict , country . medra ?ebii� eastern country . ' arwe medr a
snak e . D. 1 . S akaba westa beta ' exuhu .
be�er (p l . ba�awert) m . region , province , district . be�era gebiiQ 2 . Sabaka ba- wang1H westa ' emuntu ba�awert .
e as tern region . 3 . S akabu ' edaw ta�t a. 'edaw .
wange l m . f . gospel . 4 . Sabaku nagarat a wange1u westa ye ' eti hagar .
mo t m . f . death . 5 . �azanat ba' enta mota meta.
6 . �azana meta ba' enta mota .
Verb s :
7 . �azana ba' enta mota ' amtatihon .
sakaba to l i e , l i e down. 8 . Wa- ' emdexra mot a meta gab ' at xaba hagara .
mota to d i e . 9 . Wa- dexra mota met a .
sabaka t o preach (dir . obj . i n acc . o r with ba- : sabaka ba-wange l
10 . Wa- ' emze �orat gadama l e l i t a wa-nabarat heyya .
he preached the gospe l ) . 1 1 . \�a- ' emdexra- ze wasl ' u ' em-heyya wa-horu be�eromu .
�azana to be/become s ad . 1 2 . Mannu �ana� a be taka?
Other : 1 3 . Qata1u � a�aftina wa- ' agb ert ina .
1 4 . La-ment qatalu gabraka?
' emze (adv . ) then , next , thereupon .
1 5 . Menta gabra gabreka ' emdexra-ze?
dexra (prep . ) behind , in back o f ; ba-dexra idem ; ' em-dexra from be­
1 6 . ' Ayte rakabu �amaraka?
hind , after (of t ime) . ' em-dexra ( conj . ) after . dexra ( adv . )
1 7 . Ma' ze re ' yu ' exw aka?
afterwards . ' emdexra-ze aft erwards . w
1 8 . Mannu qatal a ' ex ahu?
Exerci s es 1 9 . ' I - rakaba ' abahu heyya.
20 . Sabaka wangelo heyya.
A . 1 . gabreya 5 . be' s i t eka 9 . qalu 1 3 . ' a� adomu
2 1 . Se�a beto l a - ? a�afi .
2 . hagareya 6 . be ' s iki 1 0 . nagaratihu 1 4 . ' a ' � adihomu
2 2 . Manna s adada ' em-medreka?
3 . negusena 7 . ' anestihomu 1 1 . �a�afika 1 5 . daqiqomu
2 3 . Mannu gW ayya medraka?
4 . betena 8 . liqanikemu 1 2 . sahaftika 1 6 . we1udihomu
2 4 . ' I -kona gabraka .
B. 1 . beta ' exuya 6 . l iqana �ezb ena 1 1 . zenamata be�eru 2 5 . ' I -konu ' agbert ina.
2 . hamara ' abuya 7 . nagas ta ' amdarihomu 1 2 . nagara mal a' ektihu
3 . qallita ' emmeya 8 . ' ahgura medrekemu 1 3 . ' amtata ' awal ediha
4 . mo ta ' exteya 9 . bahawerta medromu 1 4 . ' amdara sebah
5 . ' agb e r t a b c t cn a 1 0 . qalata nabiyat ihomu 1 5 . ' arawita medr
44 45

j'af!u.doll/U Za-nabiyo.t the wish of the prop hets

Les son 1 0
The que s t i o n natural l y ari s e s as to the di fference between t h e s imp l e

10. 1 Prepo s i t ions w i th Pronominal Suffixes . The pronominal construct walda negus and the above cons truction . A l though some

obj e c t of a prepo s i t i on is expr e s s e d b y adding the suffixes o f L e s s on s tudy has b een devoted to this prob l em , no ru l e s can be given t o

9 to a p r e suffi xal form of the prepo s i t io n . Thi s most common ly ends account for every s i ngle example ; this i s hardly surp r i s i n g i n v i ew of

in -e- and requires the forms of t h e suffixes after a vowel ( c f . the heterogeneity o f the mat erial at our dispo s a l . I n e s s ence , how­
ever ,
?a�afi) :
(1) The waZdu la-negus cons truction i s marked as defini t e and
' emenna: ' emenneya, ' emenneka, ' emenneki, et c .
s pe c i fi c and can be u s e d only when the s e cond noun denotes a speci fi c
diba: dibeya, dibeka, dibeki, e t c .
( as oppo sed to a generi c) ent i ty .
to.hta: ta�teya, to.�teka, to.�teki, etc .
( 2) The construct s equence walda negus i s unmarked j n r e g ard
and l ik ew i s e for the prepo s it i ons xaba/xabeya, mesla/mes leya, qedma/ to de finitenes s and specificity and may be used i n p l ace o f waldll /" ­
qedmeya (b e fore) , mo.' kala/mo.' kaleya ( among) , mangala/mangaleya negus wherever the l at t er occur s .
(toward) , dexra/dexreya, and lo. cla/la cleya ( upon) . Occas ional l y one Thus , waldu la-negus can m e an only " the king ' s son , " but 'k'a /.rla
encounters one or another of these p repo s i t i ons without the pres uf­ negus may mean " a k i n g ' s son, the king ' s son" or s imp ly " a prince . "
fixal -e- ; t h i s i s especi a l l y true of ma' kala before the 3rd person Sty l i s t i cal l y , waldu la-negus i s more f l exi b l e than the fixed and j n ­
suf f i xe s , where i t may s t i l l be v i ewed as a s imp l e noun : ba-ma' kalomu separab l e construct s equence ; the e l ements may be t r anspo s e d ( la-negus
in their midst . Even more rare l y , t h e s imp l e prepo s i t i ons may app ear waldu) or s eparated (Waldu ' anta la-' Egzi' ab�er You are the Son of
with final - e , such as xab e , dibe , e t c . God) . I t is probab l e that the construct ion originat ed as la-negus . . .
Th e three prep o s i t ions westa , ba' enta , and kama ( l ike) , d i ffer waldu " ' , where Za- s erve d , not as a dative prepo s i t i o n , but as a
from the preced ing : marker o f top i c a l i z at i on , and the suffix on the noun was actua l l y
resumptive ( as for t h e k ing , . . . h i s son . . . ) . I t i s by no means un­
wes ta: westetey a, weste te ka , westeteki , westetu , et c . ,
common to find this word order , even with the init i a l la- omitted .
as though on a s ingu l ar noun I')estet.
ba' enti' aya, ba' enti' aka , ba' enti' aki , ba' enti'ahu A l though the waldu la-negus construction i s used ext ens i v e ly
ba' enta:
e t c . , on the s t e m ba' enti' a- . for p ers onal po s s e s s i on , it i s not restricted thereto , as our remarks
wou l d indicat e . Not e , for examp l e ,
kama: kamay a , kamo.ka, kamaki , kamo.hu e t c . , on th e s t em
kama.- . hagW la. la-hagar the destruction of the c i ty

Ba- and la- w ith suffixes w i l l be g i v e n in a l ater l e s s on . ' Enta and ' adyCr.mihu la-Yordanos the d i s t ri cts of the Jordan .

' es ka (unt i l ) do not occur w i t h suffix e s . O c c as i o n a l ly t h i s co n s t ruc t ion is u s ed between a prepo s i t i on and a
governed nuun : (Ii " r;homu Za-�ezb = diba �ezb.
10 . 2 The waldu la-negus Construct ion . Po s s e s s i on by a speci ­
fic p e r s on may be expressed by the f o l lowing very frequent construc­ I () . .\ !I" " 1 / - . T h c quant i fi er kWe Z Z_ , corresponding to Eng I i � i l
t i on , wher e the po s s e s s or is ind i c at ed f i r s t by the appropri at e pro­ " e n c i l , C V l' /,Y . al l ," n l wuys requi r e s a pronominal suffi x . I t nl l l y i ll'

nominal suffix o f the third person and then introduced by t h e prep o -

s i t i on La- : 1.."1" / /, '1/(1 al l of u s

,,)u / , II I 7tl " , 'UW; the son of t he king 1.." " ' / / , 1111" al l o f t hcm ,
1 ,;,· / " I I ' / " " " i / the house of t h e woman
 47
46

or in appo s i t i on to another pronomin a l e l ement , as in V erbs :

lakemu kWe l le kemu to a l l of you qarba to dr al1 near , approach {xaba, westa, la-} .
J;.oru kWe l lomu they a l l went . xa lafa to p as s ; to pas s by {' enta, ' enta xaba} , p a s s through {' enta
w wes ta} , p a s s among {' enta ma' kala} , pass away from , l e ave
The 3rd pers . m as c . s ingular form (k e l lu , acc . kWe l lo ) is us ed inde ­
{' em-, ' em-xaba} ; t o peri s h .
pendent ly in the s e n s e " everything , everybody" :
bakaya t o weep , mourn ( over : diba, la <la, ba' enta) .
Jtie l lu de lew. Everything is r e ady {deZew} .
W Prepo s i t i on s :
V1ahabku lotu k e l lo . I gave him everything .
- ' kat-a
ba-gafjfja kW e llu in the pr e s ence of everyon e . ma' kala among , in the ml' ds t o f . ba-ma 7 1' d em . ' em-ma' kala from
amon g .
Th e 3Td person forms are u s e d appo s i t i on a l l y b efore a noun . When the
' eska unti l , up tO, as far as .
l Ioun i s non-personal , whether s ingu l ar o r p lural , the s ingular forms
la <la on , upon ; (mo t i on down) onto ; over , above , about , concern i n p, .
or k1JJe Z l- are normal :
P art i al ly s ynonymous with diba , with which it is o ft en i nt e r ­
each c i t y
kb)e l la hagar a l l the city , the who l e c i t y ;
c h an g e ab l e .
kWe lla ' ahgur a l l the ci t i e s
qedma b e fore ( spat i al ) , i n the p r e s ence o f . ba-qedma i dem . '
efll­
W a l l the d i s tr i ct s .
k e l l u baJ;.au;ert qedma from b e fo re , from the p r e s ence o f ; b e fore ( o f t i me ) ,

P l ural personal nouns may t ak e either s i ngular o r p l ural forms o f prior to . qedma ( a dv . ) previous l y , befor ehand .

kWe l l - :
Exerc i s e s
a l l the prophet s .
A . Trans l at e the fo l l owing . R ep l ac e the phras e governed by t h e prep­
The demonstrative pronouns z e- and zentu regularly pre cede kWe l l- : o s i t i on w i th the app ropriate pronominal suff i x .

zentu kWe l lu a l l this

1 . mes l a ' axawihu 8 . ' es k a w e ' etu l e l it
w thi s who l e d i s t r i ct , a l l of
ze-k e l lu beJ;.er 2. ' emenna ' amdarihomu 9. w e s t a beJ:! era � eb aJ:!
t h i s d i s t r i ct
3. d i b a wanglHena 1 0 . d i b a z entu wayn
4. b a ' enta mot omu 1 1 . ba-ma ' ka l a ' a ' sadatihu
V o cabul ary 10
5. w e s t a b a�awertihomu 1 2 . dexra meta
Noun s : 6. ' es k a z a t i ' e l at 13. ' es k a we ' etu m e s e t
W 7. b a ' ent a ' axateya 14, ' emenna ' awal e d i ha
<e lat (p I . -at) Lm. day ; l e s s spe c i f i cal ly , t ime . k e l lo <elata
every d ay , al l day .
B . 1 , Ma� ' u kWe l lomu ' a� z ab xabehu ,
ma <alt (pl . mawa <e l) m. f . day , dayt ime . ma <alta dur ing the day . The
2. Re ' ya kWe l l o s amaya b a - qedmehu .
p l ur a l mawa <e l i s common ly r e g arded as the p l ur a l of <e lat as
3. s e � a xabena kWe l 1 0 ' a ' ? adihu.
we l l ancl i s more frequent than <e latat . Mawa <e l frequen t l y h as
4. G ab ra zanta kWe l l o b a ' enti ' akemu ,
t il(' 1110 1'(, p. cncl'ul s e n s e of " p e r i o d o f t ime , era . "
5 . Ma;; ' a x aheY:l kWe l l o ' amir a .
, (1}1I i r o i l l y j. n ce r t ain fi xed expres s i on s : ' em-/' eska
111 . 1 ' . dll Y . 1 1 ,', (, ( \
G . N a i J a rll i l e y y <t kl"e 1 1 0 l e l i t a .
or futur e ) ;
/,), " , ' I II/!I , " l ' I i " (/lI i l' I ' I'om! l In t i l that day (p as t 'I . (;;111 I TI � w (' I I o n wes t a ' abyat ihon .
I,', , I " '1 " " ' 1 " ' , /llI i , '" Oil I hat day ; kW e l lo ' amira every d ay , al l
8. I{;t Il I l h l l k w e I I ii ' a l.lmari homu .
d 1\ () . �1;1 ' . · l I ' ( '111 , 1'c' 1 1 1I i J :ll:awert a medr .
 49
48

'''
10. �ana� u za-k e l l a h ag ar a . Les s on 1 1
C. l . h aga ru l a-n egu s ena
w ene na 11. 1 Typ es o f Verbs .
There are three basic l exical types of
2 . qal ati hu l a_m ak ann
verbs rel ated to the main triliteral root system. W e shal l d e s ignate
3. wel udi ha l a- zat i b e ' s it
a the s e types as G , D, and L according to the stem forms of the P er­
4 . ' el ata motu l a-m et
feet :
5 . ' exuhu l a-g abr
6 . ' axaw ihu wa- ' axat ihu
l a-Yo J:!ann es G verbs s imp l e root + stem vowel pattern , e . g . nabara he s at
7 . � �af tihu l a-ne gus D verbs roo t + doub l ing (D) o f the s econd radi cal + s t em
8 . daqi qomu l a-ma sagg eran vowe l pattern , e . g . na??ara he l ooked (root nQr)

9 . mawa ' e l iha l a- ye ' eti

nege st L verbs root +
l engthening (L) of the first stcm VO W L' I I ', 1 " ItI
1 0 . ' a�ma rihomu l a- ' e l l ontu
s ab ' vowel p attern , e . g . biiraka he b l es s e d ( rool In,k ) .
u xaba haga rena .
D . 1 . Ba-s. ebah. a y e ' eti ' e l at qarb ,.
The des ignation G , for German Grunds t amm (bas i c s t cm) , has lit"'''

2 . Ma' alta wa- l e l ita naba

ru zeyy a wa- � - gab ' u b eJ:!eromu . adopted from elsewhere in Semi tic grammar studies in orucl' l lJ p I "III" I"

3. Qarb at ' el at a mot u l a-we

' etu nabi y . some uni formity in grammat ical t erminology. y g i V" ll I For an J' I I II I I I' " I

4 . Wa-b a-me set xal afa '

em-x ab ehom u . root , only one of the above bas i c types is normal l y i J1 1 J · , o . '1 " , "'" '"
5 . Ba' enta ment b akay a zent
u wald ? no general derivat ional relationship among the t h ree t yp c' s , h\ll 'I" I I (.

6 . S ak abu heyy a ' eska mes

et wa- ' emze horu betomu . no
a number of verbs may appear opti on al l y as either G or Il W I L1 1 til l

7 . ' E fo xal afa ' enta ma'

kalomu l a- ' e l lont u hezb ? ference in meaning .
8 . Bakayat diba moto mu
l a-we ludi ha . Ethiopic also has a s igni fi cant number o f quadr i I t t e r a ] and

9 . ' Enta ' ayy feno t xal afu

' em- z eyy a? quinqui l iteral root s , the nature of wh i ch wi l l be d i s cu s s ed in a
W e l lu ' ahgu ra z eku b e�er .
1 0 . S ab ak a b a-wa ngel west a k l ater l esson . Verbs formed from quadri l iteral roots have the pattern
1 1 . ' Enta west a ' ayyat '
ahgu r xal afa mal ' aka mot ? CaCCaC- in the Perfect of the basic stem, wh ich ,"e sha l l d e s i gnate as
1 2 . Bakayu la' l a mot u l
a-n egusomu . Q:
1 3 . We ' eta ' amir a se� a beto
wa-x al afa , em-x aben a.
Q verbs s imp l e root s t em vowe l pattern, e . g . targWama he
+
W W
1 4 . G ayyu k el lomu hezb
' em-q edmehu .
trans l ated (root trgWm) .
W qed ma mot a l a-be ' s itu .
1 5 . Zan ta k e l lo gab ra ' em-
When the second radi cal o f a quadri l i teral root is a W or a y , there
is a regular contract i on of aw to 0 and ay to e, producing such forms
as degana (from *daygana he pursued) and moqe �a ( from *mawqa�a he
impris oned) . Because these verb s resemb le L verbs in h aving a l ong
vowe l in the fi rst s t em syl l ab l e and fo l low es sent i a l l y the s ame in­
fl ectional pattern as L verbs , we sha l l designate them as Q/ L in the
vocabu l ari es and G lo s s ary . Thi s des i gnation is useful b e c au s e t h e re
i s o ft en no way of knowing whether such verbs are a resul t o f til i 5
cont ract i on or whether they may not be derived from o t h e l- s o u rc c s .
r. verbs are the most numerous and present the great ,,,.; I V ; ( J' I ,' l y

i 11 i l l r I L'C I i on . Two types of G verb s may be distinguished 0" I I II'

50
51

b a s i s o f t h e i r perfect s tems : ( 1 ) t h e t y p e repre s ent ed by nabara ,

r o o t con�onant , but a form \;r i t t en , e . g . , xa-da-gu may b e r e a d ei ther
with -a- b e tween C
and C , and ( 2) t h e type repre s ented by gabl'a (he
2 3 as xadagu ( t hey l e ft ) or xadaggu (I l e ft) . A s i mi l ar r e ading prob l em
made ) , with no vowel b etween C and C . Thi s dist i n c t i on is forma l l y
2 3 ari s e s in connection w i t h s t em final k and n : sa-ba-ku = sabakku/
rather trivial s in c e it is maint ained only in the 3rd person forms o f
sabaku, �a-za-na = �azana/�azanna.
the P erfect ( s e e b e l ow) , but i t do e s show the remains o f an o l der sys­
tem i n wh i ch verbs of the nabara type were primari l y action verbs and Vocab u l ary 1 1
those of the gabl'a type were primar i l y s t at ive verbs . For various
Nouns :
reasons t h i s distinction has b e come b l urred in Ethiop i c , as evidenced
by t h e fact that gabl'a i t s e l f i s an action verb . � egg (p I . �egag) m . f. l aw ; the Law ( s criptural s ens e) ; gabl'a �egga t o
p erform, carry out t h e l aw . ba-�egg l eg a l l y , l aw fu l l y .
11.2 The Ful l I n f l e ct ion of t h e P erfect . The inflect ional
ma?�af (p l . ma?a�eft) m . f . book , do cument ; writ ing , ins cript i o n .
suffixes o f the P e rfect are the s am e for a l l types of verbs . Devi a ­
Zesan (p l . -at) m . f . tongu e ; l anguage . Zesana Yonanawiyan G r e e k .
t i ons from the norm o c cur b e c au s e o f underlying d i fferences i n type
Zesana <Ebl'ayesp Hebrew. Zesana 'Afrenj Latin. Zesano <ll r'Il/ , f
(nabal'a versus gabl'a) and b e caus e o f phone t i c changes o ccasioned by
Arab i c.
Zesana Ge < z G e ' e z .
the presence of guttural s ( < h � x) o r semivowe l s (y w) in the roo t .
badn (p l . ' abdent) m . corp s e .
'

V e rb s from roots who s e first rad i c al i s a guttural or s emivowel

V erbs :
(hence roo t s 1- gut t . and 1 - II'/ Y ) conform t o the regular pattern and
wi l l be used wi thout further comment . The fu l l infl e ct i on o f the na??ara to look , l oo k at ( ac c . or westa , xaba)
P erfect i s as fo l l ows : baraka to b l es s .
W
tal'g ama to transl at e ( from i nto : ' emenna . . . Za-, xaba)
G G D L Q
W <aqaba to guard , keep watch o n ; to take care o f , pres erve , k e ep safe ;
3 m . s . he nabara gabl'a n�?al'a baraka tal'g ama
W to obs erve , keep ( e . g . laws) .
3 f . s . she nabarat gabl'at na??arat barakat tal'g amat
W qabara to bury, inter .
2 m . s . you nabarka gabarka na??arka barakka targ amka
W degana Q/ L to pursue , chase ( ac c . or dexl'a , ' em-dexl'a) . U s ual l y , but
2 f . s . you nabal'ki gabarki na??arki barakki targ amki
W not always , in a ho s t i l e s en s e .
c. s. nabarku gabarku na??arku barakku tal'g amku
Proper Names :
3 m . p l . they nabal'u gabl'u na??aru baraku tal'gwamu
W
3 f . p 1 . they nabara gabl'a na??ara baraka tal'g ama Yonanawiyan the Greeks .
W
2 m . p l . you nabal'kemu gabarkemu nassarkemu barakkemu targ amkemu ' A fl'enj the Romans .
W
2 f . p l . you nabal'ken gabarken na??arken barakken targ amken <Ebl'awiyan the Hebrews .
W
1 c . p l . we nabarna gabarna n�?arna barakna targ amna Ge <z, ' Ag <azi the E th iopi ans ; be�el'a Ge <z, behel'a ' Ag <azi E t h i op i a .
' Ityopya Ethiopi a .
When the final s t em consonant is q or g , the k of the personal end­
ings is as s imi l ated : * <al'agku (1 w ent up) > <araggu , *wadaqku ( I
Exerci s e s
fe l l ) > wadaqqu. Al though the r e s u l t ant doubl ing is c l ear in tran s ­
fl . 1 . Nabarku heyya ' es k a we ' e tu ' am i r .
l i t e rat ion , i t i s not repres ent e d i n t h e Ethiop i c alphabet , w h e re t h e
2 . lI'a raJku west a �ayq ba-me s !t .
t\;O examp l es j ust given would app ear a s <a-l'a-gu and wa- da-qu r e s p e c ­
'\ . • fI r : l g g l i ' nd b iira ba- ;; eba� .
tive l y . These could not b e confus e d w i t h t h e 3rd p er s . p l . fo rms
.1 . Wl1dll'l' l l l d i b a medr w a - s akabku heyya.
<al'gu and wadqu because o f the presence of a vowe l aft e r 1 h c !; o l: O l 1 d
'" I l n l 1 : I ·; I, , , z :lI1La bet a l a-we ludey a .
52 53

6. ' I - q at al ku ' e l l onta s ab ' a .

7 . Rakabku badna ba-we s t a feno t . Les son 1 2
8. ' Aqabku �egagihu ma ' a l t a wa- l e l it a .
12. 1
The Perfect : Roots I I -Guttural . Onl y G verbs require
9 . B arakku �ezba wa- ' em z e xal afku ' em-xabehomu .
sp ecial attention when the s e cond root consonant is a guttural e ' h
10. Takalku ' awyana ba-wes t a ' a� adeya .
� x) ; D and L verbs fo l l ow the regular patterns of formation and in­
B. 1 . Qarabna xabehomu. flection . There are two types of such G verbs '. ( 1 ) t ho s e correspond-
2 . Gabarna z anta kW e l l o b a ' ent i ' akemu .
�
ing to the type nab��a ( e . g . sa' a l a t 0 as k) , wh i ch are regu l ar i n
3 . S akabna heyya ' eska s ebah . every respe ct , and ( 2) those corresponding to the type gabr'a ( e . g .
4 . S ab akna kW e l len a wes t a k We l l u b ahawerta zati medr .
kehda to deny) , whi ch have -e- for -a- throughout in the stem :
5. �azanna diba qalat ihu l a-mal ' ak .
sa' ala sa' alu ke�da ke�du
6 . Targ W amna z anta ma�a�efta ' em- l e s ana ' Arabi .
sa' alat sa' ala ke�dat ke�da
7 . Xal afna ' em-ma ' kalomu ' emdexra motu l a-negusomu .
sa' alka sa' alkeTITU ke�edka ke�edkernu
8 . Qabarna badno l a- ' abuna heyya.
sa-' alki sa-' a lken ke�edki kehedken
9 . Deganna dexrehomu l a-daqiq �ayq a .
sa' alku sa' alna ke�edku ke�edna
10. N a� � arna xaba samayat .
Some D verb s from roots I I - guttural ( e . g . mahhara t o t each) h ave
C. 1. ' Ayte s abakka wange l o ?
W p aral l e l G verbs (mahar'a) already in the early s t ages of the c l as s i ­
2 . B a ' enta ment �azankemu k e l l ek emu?
cal l anguag e . Thi s probab ly indicates that the loss o f doub l ing o f
3. Xaba ' ayy hagar qarabkemu ye ' et a ' e l at a?
guttur a l consonants , carried through completely in the modern tradi ­
4. Manna barakka wa-manna ' i -barakka?
W t ional p ronunci ation , i s almost as o l d as the textual t radi t i on i t -
5 . ' Ayya ma��afa t arg amka ' em- l e s ana ' Afrenj ?
s e l f . But because t h e regu l ar D forms of such verbs a l s o o c cur ,
6 . Ba ' enta ment ' i - ' aqabkemu �eg ag eya?
there i s no reason to rej ect the doub l ing of gutturals in our norma l ­
7. ' Ayte q abarkemu b adno l a- ' exukemu?
W iyan . i z ation o f the c l as s ic a l forms .
8 . T argW amku ' el l u k e l lo ma�a�ef t a ' em- lesana Yonanaw
9 . Z anta gabarka ba-�egg . Vo cabul ary 1 2
1 0 . G abra kW e llo �egaga ' E gzi ' ab�er ' eska ' e l
at a motu .
Nouns :
ana G e ' z .
D. 1 . TargW ama z anta ma�a� eft a ' em- l e s an a Yonanaw iyan l a- l e s
haymano t m . f . faith ( esp . Chri s t i an)
2 . N ab ara ba-wes ta ' I tyopya mes l a ' Ag ' azi .
xebest (p l . xabawez) m. bread ; p i e ce or l oaf of bread . The -z of the
3 . Menta n a�� arkemu?
p lural is the original third radi cal of the root ; the -s- of
4 . Qabaru ' abdent ihomu l a - ' axawihomu.
W the singul ar repre s ents an as s imi l ation to the fo l lowing - t o
S . G ayya loJesta be�era Ge ' z wa-nab aru me s l ehomu .
dam (p l . -at) m . f . b l oo d .
6 . X a l afna ' enta xaba betu wa- n a� � arna westetu .
. ' ed (p I . ' edaw) f . m . hand .
7. S adadu ' araloJi ta ' ern-haga r wa-deg anu ' emdexrehomu ' e ska mesH
8 . La-ment gabarki zanta? Verbs :
9 . B a ' ent3 m e n t ' i - b a k a y a d i bn motomu l a- ' amtatih
on ?
?a�aj'a to WT i t (' .
1 0 . ' I : fa ' Rq � h k c n Wl' I uth kon b , l - y e ' e t .i
' e l at ? va' al {/ ro 0 · ; 1 1'0 \' ( fl C (, . d i r . ob]· . ; from someone : >
em- , xaba) .
I I . ' 1 ' 1"0 1-1 0 < 1 11 ' 1 , , :1 ' t I\\\ d 1 1 ,: 1 hc· t ?

I .' . ::;11 ,;11 " I ,. , " . l \ l f� , · 1 I,., \v ' ' ' . I . , h lv , ' I I LI hc�cra ' I tyopya .
54
55

se�ta to err, get l o s t ; t o stray ( from a p a t h o r doctrine) .

14. Z entu we ' e t u l.legagi homu l a-Daqiqa ' E sra' e l wa-ma�aJ:1 e f t i homu .
ke�da to deny , repud i at e ; intrans . : t o l ack fai t h , be an unb e l i eve r .
1 5 . ' A q ab u hagaromu ' em- ' e l l eku s ab ' .
gassa�a to rebuk e , repro ach ; to instruct (by reproach o r admon it ion) .
1 6 . Mannu s ah a fa z anta nagara b a ' ent a mawa ' e l ihu l a-we' etu n e gu s ?
Conj un cti ons : 1 7 . \V a - s o b a mota ' abuhomu , qab aru b adno ba-westa we' e t u beJ:er.
1 8 . \Va- soba q arbu x ab ey a , ' i -na�� arku xabehomu .
saba when. The c l aus e fo l lowing a soba- c l aus e may op t i ona l l y begin
1 9 . Ment a-nu s a ' alna ' emennek i ?
with a (to u s ) re dundant wa- : Soba re'ya waldo, wa-ro?a xabehu.
Omi s s ion o f the extra 2 0 . B a ' enta ment ' i - ' aqabk emu haymanotomu l a- ' abawikemu?
When he s aw h i s s on , he ran to him . wa­
is equa l ly common .
' ama when . S ame comment a s the preceding .

Exerci s e s

A. 1 . ' em- ' edehu 1 a -nabiy 6. haymanotomu l a - Kerest iyan

2 . b a - d amu l a-wal deya 7. ' edawiha l a- ' extu
3. xebest wa-wayn 8 . damu l a - b adnu
4 . h aymanotomu l a - ' axawina 9 . masaheftihu l a - � aJ:afi
S . l e s anomu l a-mala' ekt 1 0 . haymanotomu l a- d aq iqomu

B. 1. Kehedku haymano to 1 a - ' abuy a . 7 . Gassasku ' axaweya .

2 . S a ' a lku xeb e s t a ' emennehu . 8 . Kehdat ' exteya nagarat eya.
3. SeJ:ta ' em-fenot wa-mo t a . 9 . G as sa� at weludiha.
4. ' I - seJ:etku ' em- fenot . 1 0 . La -ment k eQ edkemu nagaro ?
S . � a�afku qa1 atihu wes t a mas h a f . 1 1 . ' Ayya ma��afa � aJ: afka?
6 . WeJ: z a dam ' em- ' edawihu. 1 2 . ' Em- ' ayte weJ: z a z entu dam?

C. 1 . \Va- soba re ' yu damo l a-negu s , w a _ gW ayyu ' em- qedmehu .

2. \Va- s o ba bo ' u hagar ana w e ' e t a ' amira, qat a l u k W e l lomu ' edawa .
3 . W a - s o b a rakabu Kerest iyan a , qatalu l i qanihomu .
4. ' Arna mot a b e ' s ih1i, xal afat ' em-heyya wa-gab ' at xaba beta ' abuha.
S . Ma!? ' u xabena w a- s a ' alu wayna wa-xebes t a ' emennena .
6 . B a ' enta ment kehedkemu wange l a?
7 . G assa� a nabiy J: ezb1i la-hagar s ob a sehtu ' em - J:egga ' Eg z i ' abJ:er.
8 . S ahafa zanta k W e l l o ma�aQ e f t a b a - l e s an a ' A frenj .
9. ' Arna xal afa ' em - z entu b eh. e r , wa-seta
. beto wa-hamaro. l a- ' exuya .
.

10. ' E fo gabra s ob a s a ' a l k emu ma�aJ:1efta ' emennehu?

w
11. L a-ment gassa� a mak annen ' e l lont a s ab ' a?
12. Sadadu zanta negusa ' em-beta Kerest iyan s o b a keJ:da nagara
w a n g t> J w a - s (' l.l t a ' cllI - fenot a haymanotena .
.' . ' 1 :111 · . I VY I I "; :; n x n h a ' ay y l esan targW amka z anta ma�Qafa?
S6
S7

No S• f.s.
Suff. me you lll • you us you
m . pL f .pL
Lesson 13 ' YOU
lIe -a -ani -aka -aki -ana -akemu -ak(ln
She -at -atani -ataka
13.1 The P e r fe c t : Roots I I I - Guttural . The b a s i c l exical -ataki -atana -atakemu -a taken
m. s .
You -ka -kani
forms of verbs from roo t s I I I -Gut t . fa l l into two group s : -kana
f. s .
You -ki -kfmi
(a) Al l G verbs are the s ame ( i . e . no nabara/gabra d i s t inct i on -kena
I -ku -kuka -kuki
i s mad e ) and have no vowel between C and C : ma?' a , wa�' a , gab' a , -kukfm
2 3 m.
ba?�a. They -u -uni -uka -uki
f.
-una -ukemu
(b) A l l D , L , and Q verbs have -e- between C 2 and C : nasse�a They -ii -iini -aka -aki
3 -ana -akemu
m . pL
D h e repent ed , moqe�a Q/L h e imp r i soned . y ou -kemu -kerrru.ni -kerrru.na
f . pL
Both groups , however, are infl e cted the s ame way , with -a- in y ou -ken -kenani -kenana
t h e final s t em s y l l ab l e of the 1 st and 2nd person forms , analogous t o -kani -kana
the s t em al t ernation of gabar- w i th gabr- : We -na -naki -nakerrru
G ma?' a malj ' u D nasse�a nasse� Q/ L moqe�a moqe�u
V o c abul ary 1 3
malj' at mas' ii nassehat nasse�ii moqe�at moqe�a
Nouns :
ma?ii:' ka maljii:' kemu nassa�ka nassa�kemu moqii�ka moqa�kemu
maljii' ki ma?a' ken nassa�1ki nassii�ken moq�ki moqa�ken may (p l . -at) m. wat e r ; l iqui d .
masa' ku ma$ii' na nassa�ku nassiihna moqa�ku moqa�na berhan (p l . -at) m . l i ght ( l i t . and fig . )
xati' at (pl . xatawe' , xafaye' ) m . f . s i n es) .
13. 2 The P erfect with Obj ec t Suffixe s . Th e pronominal obj e ct

o f a transitive verb i s regu l ar l y suffixed direct l y t o t h e v erb . 111e Verbs :

forms o f the obj e c t suffixes o f t h e 1 s t and 2nd persons are almo s t nas' a t o rais e , l 1' ft , P 1' Ck up ; t o t ake , receiv e , accept ; t o captur
e;
ident i cal to the po s s e s s ive suf f i x e s on the noun : to t ake as a wi fe . nas' a mes la to t ake ( s omeone ) a l ong .
me -ni us -na mar�a to l e ad, gui de .
you (m . s . ) -ka you (m . p l . ) - kemu sam <a to hear ; to hear 0 f , h ear ab out ; to heed , obey ,
l i sten t o (acc .
you ( f . s . ) -ki you ( f . p I . ) - k en or la-) .
mal' a ( 1 ) trans . : t o f1' l l ( 2 acc . : someth ing with s omethi
The att achment of t h e s e suffi xe s i s r e l atively uncomp l i c at ed , as may ng ; or acc .
of what fi l l s + la <la, wes ta , ba- of what i s fi l l ed , e . g . MaP a
b e s e en from the fo l l owing t ab l e . Not e the chang es that take p l ac e
maya westa neway H e fi l l ed the v e s s e l with water) ; ( 2 ) intran
in the subj ect endings b e fore t h e suffixes in certain cas e s : -at s.
t o b e fu l l , fi l l ed ( o f , with : acc . o r ' em- )
b ecomes -ata- , -ki becomes -ke- , -ken becomes -kena- or - ka- , and -na ; to b e ful fi l l ed ,
comp l e t e d ; t o abound , be abundant .
b e comes -na- .
farha to be afrai d ; to fear ( ac c . or ' emenna) .
nasse�a to repent ( o f : ' emenna, ba' enta) .
Other :

kama ( 1 ) prep. ( Iv . suff. kamii-) l i ke , as ; kama-ze l i ke thi s , in th i s

way , thus . ( 2 ) conj . that (introduces noun c l au s e aft er v�rbs
oC spcak i n g and p er c ept i on , e . g . Samii < ku kama mota I h e a rd I h . t l
58
59
he had died . ) .
6 . 1I'0h za m5y IVcsta hagar wa-mal ' a k\" e110 fenalVeha .
' esma conj . ( 1 ) becaus e , for , s ince ; ( 2) that ( like kama above ) . w w
7 . Z c n l u wange!! we ' etu berhan l a- k e l lu ' amdar wa-l a_k e l lu

Exerci s e s ba�awert .
8 . Wa- ' ama s ama ' n a kama ba��a nabiy xaba hagarena , ma? a ' na wa­
A . 1 . Ma? a ' ku xabehomu. 1 2 . Menta sama ' ka l e l ita?
sama ' na l a-nagarat ihu .
2. Ba?a�ku heyya ba-meset . 1 3 . Ma' ze -nu nassa�ki ' em-
9 . Sadaduna ' em-beta Kere stiyan ' esma kebedna qalata wange l wa­
3. Wada' ku ' em-ma ' kalomu . xatawe ' ek i ?
se�etna ' em-haymanotomu.
4 . G ab a ' ku be�er eya . 1 4 . Manna mara�ka west a hagar?
1 0 . Soba s a ' alka xebesta ' em-xabena , ' i - s ama 'naka wa-sadadnllk a ' 0111
5 . Nasa ' ku xebesta mes l eya . 1 5 . Ma' ze ba��kemu zeyya?
qedmena.
6 . Maratku �ezba west a fenot . 1 6 . ' Em- ' ayy b e�er wa�a ' ka?
w 1 1 . Weh z a wayn kama may ba-west a betu la-zentu mak wannen .
7. Farahku ' em-we ' etu mak annen . 1 7 . Mal ' at medr maya .
1 2 . Mal ' a we ' etu dabr ' e1awa wa- ' arawit a .
8 . Nas s a�ku ' em-xa� i ' ateya . 1 8 . Mal ' a s amay b erhana.
1 3 . Soba re ' ya kama motu ' amtatihon , wadqa diba medr wa-bakoyii .
9 . ' I - s ama 'ku qal atihu . 1 9 . Mal ' u ' a�marihomu maya .
1 4 . Seba s ama 'na k ama nas ' ukemu , nassahna kama ' i -ma�a ' n a wu - ' i
1 0 . ' I -nassa�ku ' em-nagareya . 2 0 . Mal ' a mal ' ak berhana westa
' aqabnakemu ' emennehomu .
1 1 . Ba' enta ment farahkemu bet .
1 5 . Ba-ye ' et i l e l i t kona b erhana ba-westa samay , wa-marhan a z e nt l l
' agbertihu?
berhan westa hagarena .
B . 1 . Nas ' ani mes lehu. 9 . Sadaduna ' em- ' abyatina .
2. Nas ' un i mes l ehomu . 1 0 . Rakabuni ba-westa � amareya.
3 . Marhani xaba haymanot . 11 . G abrana ' Egzi ' ab�er .
4 . 'Ayte martaka? 1 2 . ' I -re ' yat ana ' emmena .
5. Mannu nas ' aki be ' s it a ? 1 3 . ' I -barakani ' abuya .
6 . B a ' enta ment ' i - s am ' uka? 1 4 . Na!?!?aruna welud .
7. Mannu gassa? ak emu? 1 5 . ' Aqabani ' axateya .
8 . Ma ' ze deganukemu? 1 6 . ' I -farhuna ' arawit .

C. 1 . B a ' enta ment ' i -qatalkan i ? 6 . La-ment gassa�kemuna?

2 . ' Efo rakabkemuna? 7. La-ment farahkani ?
3 . La-ment s adadkemuni ' em-bet eya? 8 . Sama 'naken.
4 . ' I - baraknaka. 9 . ' I - s ama 'lcemun a .
5 . ' I -degankukemu . 1 0 . ' I -nasa ' kemuni .
w ,.
D. 1 . Wa-soba s ama 'na z anta nagara , nass�na ' em-k e l l0 xa� -awe lna.
2. Wa- sob a rakabun a , wa - q at a l u daqiqana wa-nas ' u ' anestina
mes l ehomu .
3 . ' Ama qarbat ' e l at a motu l a- ' abuna, barakana wa- ' emze xal af a
' em-xabcna xab'l. ' ab awihu .
�. Wa - s()h�, n �l � � n rl l wes t ,) s amay , re ' yu berhana wa- sam ' u qalomu
I" ,,1:, 1 ii ' ( ' k t •

I.L , : , 1 1 1 1 ' " w,· ' , ' 1 ,1 • , 1111 1 1 , 1 " " ; IIl�1 g�l barna z ant a xat i ' at a .
60 61

wal'X ( p ] . ' co;)rax) m , f . moon , month .

Les s on 1 4 Verbs :

<adawa t o cros s (ace . dir . obj . or acc . of goal or prep . phrase) .

14. 1 The Perfect : Roots I I I -W/Y . G verbs from these root s
' atawa t o go home; to depart ( for home) .
exhibit both nabara and gabra typ e s (examples bel ow) . When t h e final
we <ya t o b e burned up , consumed by fire
s t em syl l ab l e s -aw- and -ay- are c l o sed (in the 1st and 2nd person
wadaya to put , p l ace, set .
forms ) , there is an opt i onal contraction of aw to 0, which i s qui t e
fannawa to s end .
common, and of ay to e , which i s rare . These same contract i ons occur
hal lawa to exist , be . Hallawa e ither predicates exi st ence per 80
in D, L, and Q verb s , whos e s t em format ions are otherwi se regul ar .
(there i s , there was ) , or i t may be fo l lowed b y a prepos .l t .l o ll; ! 1
(to be ( t o drink) phras e predicating exi stence in a state or p lace . I t ,. <; 1'II I'C' I Y
( t o cro s s ) (to weep) d evastated)
badwa satya used with a predicate noun or adj ect ive , which is tho no 1'11111 I
G "adawa bakaya
function o f kona. Ha�H�7 � 'a �s
' unusua l �n
' h aving bolll P li s l 1 1 1 1. 1
<adawat bakayat badwat satyat
satayka/(sateka) pres ent t ense meaning in the P erfect . Examp l e s : /Ja l '.co.)'1 1
<adawka/ <adoka bakayka/(bakeka) badawka/badoka
et c . etc . hagar , There is/was a city . Halloku westa hagar , lIlII / W I I ' ; I II
et c . etc.
the city . HaUawa mes lena , He is/was with us . The d i s l l ll(' ! l Oll
(to s end) ( t o pray) ( t o inform)
b etween haUawa and kona i s not always maintained : kona lII11y I",
D fannawa r;aUaya L/Q zenawa
used for haUawa i n its past t ense meaning , but not v .i co VI' r q l l .

fannawat fjatlayat zenawat

The mas e . sing . 3rd pers . form is often found as haUo , w i l h
fannawka/fannoka fjal layka/ (�al leka) zenawka/zenoka
contraction o f the s equence -awa- to 0; this is very s e l dolll
A number of G verbs are both I I -gut tural and I I I - Y . I f o f the nabara found in other verbs I I I - lV .
type ( e . g . la�aya to be beauti fu l ) , they fo l low bakaya above . If of
E xercis es
the gabra type (cf. ke�da) , there i s a regular rep l acement o f -ey- by
-i- throughout : A . 1 . F annoku gabreya xabehu . 1 1 . ' I -re ' ikemu-nu berhana �a�ay?
2 . M annu fannawaka xabeya? 1 2 . Wadayku ' a' bana west a f enot .
re' ya re' yu
3 . Wadaya xebesta qedmehu . 1 3 . R e ' ina warxa ba-we s t a s amay .
re'yat re' ya
4 . Wadayna ma�a�eft ina b a-westa 1 4 . ' I -hal loku mes lehu we ' eta
re' ika ( for *re' eyka) re' ikemu (for *re' eykemu)
b et . ' amira .
re' iki ( for *re' eyki) re'iken ( for *re' eyken)
S. 'Adona zanta be�era ' eska IS . Nabarna heyya we ' et a warxa.
re' iku ( for *re' ey ku) re' ina ( for *re' eyna)
ba�r . 1 6 . We 'ya betu wa-motu weludihu .
The mo st frequent verbs of this type are re' ya to s e e , re< ya to graz e, 6 . 'Adawu bahra ba- ' ahmarihomu .
. .
1 7 . ' Emdexra- z e ' atoku medreya .
te < y a t o get we l l , and we< ya to burn . 7 . Ma' ze ' adoka ye ' et a fenota? w
1 8 . Ma ' ze ' adok emu zek a bahra?
8 . L a-ment ' atokemu beherakemu? 1 9 . ' Ayt e gW ayaykemu saba
9 . G W ayayna Hagara 9a��y .
Vocabul ary 1 4
sadadakemu?
Nouns : 1 0 . Re ' iku dama wes t a ' edawihu . 2 0 . Waradu d i b c l l olll l l ' a ' l l ii l l f l I JJl r'lld.

ba�r (p l . ' ab�ert) f . m . s e a , ocean . B . 1 . ' Ayt e re ' ikana? 4 . B a ' enta-ze [;:mnokul, II x l l i l o l l I lIlII l .
' ebn ( p l . ' eban , ' a' lJiin) m . f . stone ( s ) . ' ebna barad hai lstone ( s ) . 2 . Mcs l n nlannu hal loka? 5 . Nas ' a ' ebna wa -tl/l l ,r l lI ' I I K " i d l l l,
clrr�lrry//(/rr(j(r!l ( p l . -iin m. f. sun . Hagara I?�Cry Hel iopo l i s ( in E gypt) . 7, . ' A y l l! ,,:!,\ayb mn!?�afeya? 6 . We ' yu-ntl ' ' ' · � � \ I.II I I 1 \ 1I11' ' ''
62 63

7 . B a-we ' etu ' awrax ' i -wada ' na 1 5 . Hal l awa may b a-we s t a ' abyat a

' em - h ag ar . hagar . Les son 1 5

8 . �ana�ku zant a bet a b a- ' a ' ban . 1 6 . �ana�u b e t a Kerestiyan d i b a
�ayqa ba�r . 15.1 T h e P e rfect : Roo t s I I - W/Y . The Perfect o f G verbs from
9. 'Ada\vu ' ab�er t a wa-b �awer t a .
1 7 . Xalaf a ' em - xabena wa- ' at awa . ro ots I I -W and I I -Y is d i s t inctive . F rom roots I I - W , e . g . qwm ( t o
1 0 . D i b a mannu bak aykemu?
w s t and) , the s t em of t h e P erfect h a s -0- throughout ; from roo t s I I - Y ,
1 1 . Kona ' exuhu mak annenana. 1 8 . ' Ayte hal l o kemu w e ' et a
' e l at a ? e . g . sym ( t o appoint ) , t h e s t em has - e - throughout .
1 2 . Konu we ludihu masaggeran a .
1 3 . Kona w e ' etu ma � � a f wangel o . 1 9 . ' I - re ' ikukemu h eyy a . qoma qomu sema semu
1 4 . H a U awa heyya ' e �aw wa- ' a ' ban . 20 . ' Ayte re ' ikenana? qomat qoma ' semat sema
qomka qomkemu semka semkemu
C . 1 . F annoku z anta nabiya xabekemu ' e sma ' i - ' aqabkemu �egageya wa­
qomki qomken semki semken
s e�etkemu.
qomku qomna semku semna
2 . N abaru ba-w e s t a Hagara Q � ay ' e ska motu l a-we ' etu negus , wa­
' emze ' at awu medromu. A few verbs from roots wh i ch are a l s o I I I -gut t . or I I I - Y/W reUl i l l l i t <'
3 . W a - s ob a re ' ina y e ' et a �amara , waradna wes t a �ayqa b��r. s e cond root consonant as " s t rong" and are inflected l i ke t h e o nl l llilry
4 . N as s arku xaba ' adbar wa-re ' iku b erhana kama berhana � a�ay . G verbs I I I -gut t . or I I I -W/Y . For examp l e ,
5 . ' Ama hal lona mes lek emu , ' i - s ama 'k emuna.
s aw 'a h e s acrifi ced lyaywa he L i ved , recov(' r'ed
6 . ' I - kona warxa b a-ye ' et i l e l i t , wa-gW ayayna gadama mes l a
saw 'at �aywat
d aqiqena wa- ' anest ina .
sawa 'ka �ayawka/�ayoka
7. ' E sma farahna ' emenna ' e l l ontu s ab ' , wa�a ' n a ' em-heyya wa­
sawn 'ki et c . �ayawki/�ayoki etc .
' adona medra ' es k a zati hagar .
w �aw 'a may a l s o be infl ec t ed l ike qoma .
8. ' Adoku kW el l o ba�awerta medr wa-k e l l o ' ab�ert iha .
D verbs from roo t s I I -W/Y are regular and o ffer no s p e c i a l
9 . ' I - fannokuka xaba z entu h e zb ' al I a xaba kW e l lomu ' ah zaba medr .
prob l ems : fawwasa t o heal , payyaqa t o examine . We have a l r e ady men­
t ioned the cont ractions in Q verbs I I -W/Y (§ 1 1 . 1 ) , analogous t o qoma
and serna above .

15.2 The P erfect with Obj e c t Suffixes ( cont . ) . The 3rd p erson
obj e ct pronouns are

him -o/-hu them (m . ) -omu/-homu

her -a/-ha them ( f . ) -on/-hon.

The i r att achment i s not s o s imp l e as that of the obj ect pronouns of
the 1st and 2nd pers ons . A review of the forms given in § 1 3 . 2 shows
the fo l l owing alterat i on s of the subj ect suffixes before t h e obj ect
suffi x e s :
64 65

-u remains -u-
and de finit e ; t h e simp l e accus ative
-a remains - a- may b e u s e d to expr e s s any d i rect

-at b e comes -ata- -a remains -a- obj ect regard l e s s of i t s d e finit ene s s .

-ka remains -ka- -kemu remains -kemu-

V o c abul ary 1 5
-ki becomes -ke- -ken becomes -kena- or -ka-
-na becomes -na- Noun s :
-ku r emains -ku-

Tak ing the alt ered form as the bas i s for our rul e s , we have the fo l ­ maswa <t ( p l . -at, masawe < ) m . s acrifi c e ; l e s s frequent l y : a l tar .

l owing : kahen (pl . -�t) prie s t . liqa kahenat chief priest .

(1) I f the s t em ends in -a- , att ach -hu , -ha , -hamu , -han. ' epis qapas (pl . -at) bi shop . liqa ' epis qapasat archbishop .
(2 ) I f t h e s t em ends in -u- or -e- , attach -a , -a , -omu, -an diyaqan (p l . -at) deacon :
aft er changing -u- to -eww- and -e- to -eyy- . pappas (pl . -at) bishop , archb i shop , metrop o l i t an . liqa pappaaat
( 3) I f the stem ends in -a- , drop the -a- and add -a , -a , -amu, p at r i arch (of t h e Church) .

- an .
qasis (pl . qasawest) presbyt er , e l d e r .
The fo l lowing t ab l e i l l us trates t h e s e rul e s ; note the vari ant s that ta<at (pl . -at) m. heathen i d o l ( s ) .
are not covered by the rul e s : Verb s :

N o Su ff . him her ma' a to conquer , defeat , subdue .

He -a -0 -a -omu -on serna to appoin t (to an o ffice) , d e s i gnate
(dir . obj . + obj . compl . :
She -at -ato -at a -atomu -aton semani kahena h e appoint e d me prl.· e st) ,· to put , p l ace
, s e t (usu-
m. s . -k a -komu -kon
y ou -ka -ko ally over : diba , la < la, wea ta)
-kahu -ki'iha qama to aris e , s t and ,' to s t and , t ake a POSl.' t l.on
' ; to come t o a halt ,
f. s. -keyya -keyyomu
Y ou -ki -keyya s t op .
I -ku -kewwa -kewwa -kewwomu saw < a to sacrifi c e , o ffer ( a c c . d l.· r . obj . ; t o : la-)
.
-ewwamu -ewwan �aywa to l i v e , be al ive ; t o rev i v e , come back to l i fe ;
The/I . -u t o r ecover ,
f. get we l l .
;

They -a -ahu -i'iha -ahOmu -ahon

m . pl . -kemewwa -kemewwomu -kemewwan ?awwe <a to c al l , summon ; t o inv it e ; t o proc l a i m .
you -kemu -kemewwa
f.pI . -kenah a -kenahomu -kenahOn
y ou -ken -keni'ihu N ot e : Th e direct obj ect o f many verbs may have an
;
appo sit ional com­
-ki'ihu -kaha p l ement , usual ly rendere d in Engl l.· sh by " as . "
"H e s acri ficed a l amb
We -na -ni'ihu -naha -nahOmu -nahon. as an o ffering " is s imp ly "He s acri ficed a l amb ,
an offerin g" in Eth "l ­
The qatala la-negus Con s t ruct ion . In addi t ion to the u s e o p i c : Saw <a bag <a maswa <ta . The compl ement s t and
15 . 3 ' the accus �t ; v c
s ln
o f the accus at ive a l one to mark the direct obj e ct o f a t r an s it ive c as e .

verb one may also emp loy the construction qatalo la-negus (he k i l l e d
Exerci s e s
the king) , in wh ich the obj e ct i s firs t expre s sed pronominal ly (he
ki l l e d him) and then introduced nomin a l l y with the prepo s i t i on la­ fl . 1 . q � t a l omu 6 . n a s ' atomu 11. k e l.l d " wl""

and the non - accus at ive form . The r e l ationship of t h i s construct ion 2 . h a rakomu 7 . marJ:!atomu 12. f( . i' • • • / ·: " W W i I
3 . wuJayo 8 . s am ' ahomu
t o t h e use o f the s i mp l e accus ative is simi l ar t o t h e rel ationship 13. 1 l /l ·.. �" I I·f \oJW l ltlll l

b e t ween /,)aldu Za-neguG and the s i mp l e construct ( s e e § 1 0 . 2) . Thus , '1 . ' : I d : l w ii 9 . farh ewwo I II . 1 / l I'M W 1 1 1tI1l\.J'oIt t UH I

'I,d, r / " /" 1 1 , ':(1 11: i, I Ill nna l l y cmp l oyed only when the obj ect i s sp e c i f i c �l . ,' / l I I I l I l WI lI1l1 1 1 0 . ? aJ:!afel"wo 1 '1 ' . 1 1 II 1 I I h ' \ � 1 It I
 66
67

B . 1 . R e ' yewwo l a- gabr . 1 2 . ' Aqabon l a - ' awal ediha l a - / '" ' / /l l /.' : 1 y o k a 'va ' i -rnot ka?
2 . Hanasewwa l a- zat i hagar . ye ' et i be ' s it . l i tl z e i l L I l " ub
" ur
/ c' . IV . I qom"� ga�-ay b a-we s t a sama- y wa- ' i -hor
3 . Qatal ewwornu l a-�ezbena . 1 3 . ' Aqabo l a-badnu l a - ' abuhu . a.
/ 7 . Wad l l yO ' / : g z i ' � bh c r l a-da
. . hay
. berhana l a-rna ' -al t w a - l a-wa
' rx
4 . Rakabewwo la-waldornu . 1 4 . D eganewwo l a- ' exuhu ' adbara . bo rh5no l o - l c l it .
5 . S adadewwo l a-we ' etu nabiy. I S . G assasornu l a-�e z b . 1 8 . N as ' o kahe n la-maswa ' t eya wa- sv
aw ' o 1 a- ' Eg z i ' ab�e r .
6. Seto l a- betu . 16. N as ' a l a-be ' s i tu mes l ehu . 1 9 . Sob a � awwe ' ani negu s, ro�k
u x abeh u wa-w adaq qu qedrnehu .
7. G abra la- zati �arnar . 17. Mar�ewwo l a-be ' s i westa 2 0 . Qomna heyya ba-w es t a feno t wa-
' i -bo 'na hagaromu .
8 . Barakornu l a-weludihu . hagar .
9 . Na�� arewwornu l a-rnala ' ek t . 1 8 . ' Adawewwo l a - z entu be�er .
w
1 0 . Targ arno l a- zentu rna��af. 1 9 . Wadayon la- ' edawihu dibeh a .
11. F arhornu l a-weludihu l a-negus. 20 . F annawewwornu la- l iqawentihomu
xabeya.
C. 1 . Setku beteya. 1 1 . ' I - sernuni ' epis qopos a .
2 . Se�kewwo l a- ' exuya. 1 2 . Semewwomu qasawesta.
3 . Bo ' ku beto . 1 3 . R e ' ikewwomu 1a-weludikemu .
4 . Ma ' ze bo ' k emu heyya? 1 4 . Qat alkemewwornu l a - kahenatina.
5 . Ro�na xaba kahen . IS. ' I - sama 'kernewwomu l a - qalatihomu
6 . ' Ayte �orkernu? 1a- ' arntatihon.
7. Konku diyaqona. 1 6 . ' I -nasa ' nahu 1a-t a ' otekemu .
8 . Konna kahenat a . 17. ' I -nasa ' kewwo l a -ma�a�eftika .
9 . ' Emze kona l iqa pappas at . 1 8 . ' I -nasa ' kewwa l a -b e ' s iteka.
10. Semana diyaqonat a . 1 9 . ' I - ' adonahu 1 a-beherekernu .
20 . ' I -ke�edkernewwo l a - ' E g z i ' ab�er .

D . 1 . S emomu kahenata wa-diyaqonat a wa-qasawesta ba -beta K erest iyan .

I ' 2 . � awwe 'ornu l a- ' agbert ihu , wa- ' i -ma7 ' u xabehu .
3 . Soba � awwa 'ke�"ornu , s arn 'uni wa-ro?u xabeya .
4 . Qomku ba-qedmehu wa - s arna 'ku l a-qalat ihu .
5 . ' I -nas ' o 'Egzi ' ab�er l a-rna�awe ' ihomu ,
6 . S aw 'omu l a-we1udihomu l a-!a ' ot at ihornu .
7 . S erno liqa pappasat ' ep i s qoposa ba-IVesta z entu beher .
8 . La-rnent ' i -ma� ' u soba ? awwa 'nallOrnu?
9 . S aw ' ewwomu la-rna�awc ' ihornu l a- ' Eg z i ' ab�er ' Arn l aka s arnay wa-rnedr.
1 0 . ' l - s aw� ' ku ma swa ' t eya l a-!a ' ot .
1 1 . Wo� ' u ' em h ag a r wa-rno ' cwwomu l a- ' el lontu sab ' .
12. Mo ' kowwolllu W;1 I l :ls a ' k C'wwon l a - ' ahgurihomu.
/ :i . / / : l y w . i 1 / , , " ' , ; 1 1 1 "''' ' i -mot a t .
.
/ ./ W , I " , 0 1 " , ' , , 11,, ' 1 1 ", , · ' , ' 1 1 1 / l I " S ; z Ul l t a , I:aywa wa-qorna wa-hora bet o .
 68 69

personal fern . s ing . negest s. adeqt .

a J us t queen
Les s on 1 6 pI . negestat �adeqiit j ust queens

hagar ba 'ed

}
non-personal
16. 1 Adj ective s . There are two basic types o f adj ec t ives i n a di fferent c ity
hagar M <edd
E t h i op i c : ( 1 ) tho s e as s oc i at ed w i t h (or derived from) verb s , and ( 2 )
, ahguT' ba < ed/ba < edd
those derived from nouns by t h e addit ion of t h e suffixes -iiwi and -ay .
The s e cond type is infrequent and r e l at iv e l y unimport ant ( s ee Les son
' ahguT' ba 'ediin/bii 'edat J different ci t i es

19) . We shal l confine ourselves here to those of the first typ e , and There is a l s o agreement in case :

more specifical ly to those associ at e d with stative G verbs and a sma l l Rakaba ka le' ta fenata. He found another road .
group o f s t at ive D verbs . The adj ectiv es of this group correspond �ayyu hagara ba <edda . They fled to another c i I y.
mos t c lo s e l y to the s imp l e adj ect ive o f Eng l i sh and are the mos t fre ­
Descrip t ive adj ect ives normal ly fol l ow the
quent l y u s e d in Ethiop i c . There are four main patterns : noun t hcy llIod i I"y 1 1 1 1 . 1
i f p laced first , g a i n a cert ain emphas is . Th
ere are ot h e r a d j (Ie I I VII ' , .
qetu l e. g . kebur g l o rious , mighty verb : kahT'a howeve r , which normal l y O C cur before t h e modl' fl
' ed nou n . T h L' '' ' ' i ll
qati l tahib w is e , prudent tahba c lude
qatel {iadeq righ teous , j ust {iadqa a . the demons t rative adj ective s (al ready introdu
ced ,i n I.l" ; '; O / I ' .
qattal nadday poo r , needy. nadya 5 - 6) ;

�
Of t h e s e , qetul is the most common , but we sha l l begin with qatel b , cardina l and ordina l number s ( s ee Lesson 2
3 ; ka le' i n t h L'
s ince these exhibit the inflectional endings most s imp l y . Thi s is a p esent vocabu l ary b e longs t o this group) ;

smal l group , but it does include the ordinal numbers ( e . g . sales c . k e l l- each, every, al l (Lesson 1 0 ) ;

thi r d ; see Lesson 2 3 ) and a few other frequent adj ect ives such as d . the quanti fying adj ectives 'abiy ( l arge) and bezux (many ,

ba <e l ( r i ch) and xape' ( sinful ) . much ) , al though both of thes e occur frequen t l y in post -

Mos t adj ectives are inflected for number and gender by the addi ­ nominal p o s i t ion .

t i on of the endings -t ( fern. s ing . ) , -an (mas c . p l . ) , and -at ( fern .

V o c abul ary 1 6
p l . ) to the mas c . s i n g . b as e :
Noun s :
S ingu l ar P l ural I

I
mascu l ine q adeq ?adeqan sern ( p l . ' asrnat) m . name ; fame , reput at i o n ,

feminine {iadeqt {iadeqat neway (pl . -at) m . v e s s e l , ut en s i l , instrument ,' propert y , p o s s e ss ions,
wealth .
When the s t em end s in - t , -d , - t , the -t of the fern . s ing . is ass imi ­
�awareya (pl . -t) apos t l e .
l at e d and not represented in the s crip t : ba red (other) , fern . ba <edd
I T'ad' (pI . arda' , ' arde ' t ) he lper, as s i st an t ; d i s cip l e , fO l l ower
!
'

( from *ba < edt) . .

Adj e c t i ves (and Stat i ve Verbs ) : [8 ecause stative verbs have exact ly
16. 2 Attributive Adj ecti ve,s . An attributive adj ecti ve nor­
the s ame range of meaning s as their corresp onding
adj ect ives , defini ­
mal ly fo l l ows the noun it modifies . Agreement in number and gender
t ions wi l l not be repeat e d . The verb may have t h e meaning
ei ther o f
i s i n a cco rdance with the princip l es given in Les son 5 .
" b o i ng" o r " bocomi ng" : t IIU S , b e ' la he was rich , he became rich, h e
PCI'!; o J la l llI a s c . sing . negus ? o.deq a j u s t k ing has b ecolliC r j ch , ]
pI . nagast {iadeqan j ust k ings
k;, I , , ' ( I . - I ) ( l l h(' !' , ano t h e r , � e cond . i
, I
As noun : as s o c i ate , c omp a / l O i l .
70
71

ba 'ed ( f. -d) other , different ; strange , alien . 1 4 . Nas ' a ' a' bana wa-saw ' a dibehomu maswa' ta l a- ' Egz i ' ab�e r .
xate' ( f . - t) sinful , wicked . As noun : sinner . IS. Wa-nas ' o l a-wal da ' exuhu mes l ehu , wa-0ora wa-ba�0a be0era
rate ' ( f. -t) j u s t , righteous , truthful , sincere . Verb : rat 'a. ba ' eda.
ba ' e Z ( f . - t ; p I . ' ab 'eU) rich , wealthy . Verb : be 'Za. 16. Wa- ' emze ' adawu kal e ' ta ba�ra wa-ba�l;lU xaba hagaru .
yadeq (f. -t) right eous , j ust , t ru e ; faithful , truthful . Verb : ?adqa. 17. Nasse0a we' etu xat e ' ' em-xat i ' atu wa-gab ' a westa beta
Verbs : Kerestiyan .
w
1 8 . Rakabomu l a-kale ' anihu ba-west a beta mak annen .
samaya to name. Note the construct ions :
19 . Motu s ab ' xare ' an wa-0a�;u s ab ' rat e ' an wa-�adeqan .

} 2 0 . Hal l awu sab ' xare ' an ' ba-westa kW el l a medr ba-we ' etu mmv7j ' (' I .
Samayato Yo�annes (ha) .
She named him John .
Samayato s ema Yol;1annes (ha) . 2 1 . Manna semka ' ep i s qoposa l a ' l ehomu?
Samayato semo Za-wald Yo�annes (ha) . She named the chi l d John. 22. Wa-soba mot a l iqa pappasat , ma� ' u �ezb ' em-baJ;tawert bo.' cd I1 1 1
hagaro wa-bakayu diba motu l a-we ' etu b e ' s i �adeq .
Exercises
2 3 . !;Iana�u kale ' t a hagara ba-west a ' adbar wa-wad ' u heyya '
em
w
A . 1 . mak annen ba ' el 11. kal e ' t fenot ma ' kalen a .
2 . be ' sit ba ' e lt 1 2 . k1i.l e ' t �amar 24. B a-we ' etu warx ' i -nabaru ' arda' ihu mes lehu , ' al I a hoyu l"'I - l I i >lI k "
S
3 . l i qan ' ab ' e l t 1 3 . kal e ' ' ed wange lo wes t a kal e ' an baJ;tawert .
4 . nabiy �adeq 14. kale ' an nabiyat 25 . Mannu we' etu s emeka wa-mannu we ' etu ' asmatihomu l a - ' axawika?
5. nabiyat �adeqan IS. baJ:tawert ba ' ed W
2 6 . Zanta ma�J:tafa targ ama ' em-l esana ' Afrenj , wa-kale ' ana ' em­
6. welud �adeqan 16. nabiyat ba ' edan l e s ana Yonanawiyan .
7 . ' flwaled rate ' at 17. kal e ' nel'iay
8. hezb xa� e ' an 18. �awareyat rate ' an
9. rad ' rate ' 19 . � a�aft xare ' an
1 0 . ' arda ' ?adeqan 20. kal e ' 'a�ada wayn
W
B . 1 . Wa� ' u ' arda' ihu west a k e l l o baJ:tawerta medr .
2. Weh za may ' em-we ' etu neway .
3. Mal a' ku wayna wes t a kal e ' nelvay wa-loJadaykewwo qedmehu .
4. Zentu we ' etu ' asmatihomu l a - ' arde ' t ihu .
5. Qatal eWlvo l a-nabiy xat e ' wa-s adadel</W omu l a- ' arda ' ihu ' em­
ma' kalomu .
6. Qoma negus wa- ? awwe 'omu l a- ' agbertihu .
7 . Xal afna ' em-xabe!tomu wa- ' atona ' enta kal e ' t fenot .
8. Ma� ' u xaba kiihen mes l a kal e ' maswa 't .
9. F annawo l a-zentu J;tawareya rate ' westa hagarena .
10. S adadu ? aJ:tafe xa� e ' a ' em-betomu .
W
1 1 . Nas 'u newayeya wa_g ayyu h agara ba 'cdda .
12. S mnayani ' abuya s erna Yohannes .
I ., . \ ( ; , k ahku kal c ' t a hamara xaba l)ayqa b aJ)r .
72 73

mas c . kebud fern . kebedd heavy

Lesson 1 7 setut seteH tOrn .

17. 1 Adj ective s : the Patt ern Qetul . By far the most common 17. 2 Adj ectives as Predi cates . C l auses with adj ectival pred i ­

p a t t ern for adj e ctives is qetu l , wh i c h , with the rel ated p at terns cates have the fo l l owing b as i c patterns :

qettu l ( from D verb s ) and qutul (from L verbs ) , has certain formal (a) pronoun subj ect : Adj . + Pron. '
pre d . sub J .
p e cul i arit i e s : (b) no�n subj ect : Adj . � 3rd pers . p ro n . + N o un
pre d . 5ubj .
( a) When the fern . s in g . ending -t is added, the -u- o f the
E x amp l es :
,final stem syl l ab l e is r ep l aced b y -e- :
Dewey ' ana. I am ill .
mas c . kebur fern . kebert might y , g l orious
$adeqan ne�na. We are righteous .
qeddus qeddest ho ly
' Ekuy we' e tu. He is evil .
buruk burekt blessed w
' Ekuy we' etu mak annen. The j udge is bad .
(b) When the b as e form ends in -uy , the sequence -eyt exp e ct e d Qeddest ye' e ti hagar. The city is holy .
a c cording t o t h e foregoing rul e i s u s ua l l y , but n o t al ways , con­ 9adeqan ' emuntu nagast . The kings are j ust .
tracted to -it : Rate <an nabiyat. The prophets are r i g h t eo u s ,

mas c . xeruy fern. xerit chosen, e l ect Agreement in numb er and gender i s p re s ent to the s ame extent as w i t h
be luy belit o l d , worn out t h e at tributive adj e ct ive . An adj ect ival pred i c at e i s negat ed \;i.th
' ekuy , eki t bad, evi l � i- :

( c ) When the second root consonant i s -w- , the pattern qetul i s ' I-dewey ' ana. I am not i l l .

opt i onal l y rep laced by qete l . I t i s probab l e that t h i s represents
ass imi l atory change o f the sequence - ewu - to -ewwe- (with - ww-
s ince the evi dence is amb iguous on t h i s p o int , we have retained t h e
t ran s cript i on with the simp l e -W- . Both qetul and qetel are att e s t ed
as the base form for most of these adj ective s :
an The various syntact i c p att erns g i ven here and e l s ewhere repre ­
) , but s ent the nucleus of a given predi cat i on , bas i ca l ly a predi cate + sub ­
j e ct order f o r al l predi cations in t h e l anguage . When emphas i s i s
required , o r when a new sub j ect i s introduced, thi s may b e p l aced at
the b eginning of the c l ause ( t ermed p r ep o s ing , topi c a l i z ing) :

mas c . mewut/mewet fern . mewett dead Nagast ?adeqan ' emuntu. The kings are r i ghteous .
dewuy/dewey deweyt i l l , s i ck
Th i s order produces ambi guity , s ince our examp l e cou l d a l s o b e tran s ­
( d) A simi l ar change o ccurs when the third r ad i cal con sonant i s l ated "They are j us t kings , " taking liG.deqan as at tribut ive . Such
-w- . Here writings with -ew ( n o t -uw) are more con s i stent . The amb i gui t i es are usua l l y r e s o l ved from the context or by the use of
feminine s ingul ar -ewt contra cts to -ut : various preposing part i c l e s suffixed t o the first e l ement . The s e

<e lut pervers e , wi cked part i cl e s wi l l be introduced in a l ater l es s on .

masc . <elew fern .
17. 3 Adverb i a l Pred i c at e s . Any l o cal adverb (heyya, zeyya) or
Th e fem i n i n e p l ural o f all these adj e ct ives may be based on the mas cu­
prepo s i t ional p h r ase may s erve as the predi cate of a non-ver b a l
l i ne stem (Lhus kdJUl'a i , I'cluya i , deweyat) o r , much more rarel y , on
c l aus e : ' A na zeyya T am here ; Mes Zena ' Egzi' ab�eJ" G o d i s w i t h u ', ;
t h o fem i n i n c' ,. i nf: l I l a l 1 0 1'111 l1 hll� k .. hGJ"tat , belitat , dewey tat) . Note
' Em-manfas qeddull /,lte ' AtU f t is from the Holy Sp i ri t . Ha lZco,;a i ' , I I ' , " . ]
I II<' I " ," i " " , , , 1 " "" , , I"" ', 1 ('"" , \; i l i J i ' i n a i d e n L a l s :
i n suc h pretl i c:lL i o n '; on l y when exp l icit past tense i s raqu i , , , ' ) .. " V' II
t hen an ;,uuh i R u i l y ahol l l L e n se remai ns .
74
75

V o cabul ary 1 7 7 . ' H i t ye ' e t i za-bc ' s i t .

8 . Z e - we ' etu J:legg qeddus .
N o uns :
9 . B e zuxan ' emuntu xar e ' an
z eyya .
manfas (p l. -at, manafest) m . f . spir i t ; the Spirit of God ; a spirit 1 0 . ' Ana dewe y ' ana . ' Anti -nu dewe yt ' anti?
or demon (good or bad) . Manfas Qeddus the Holy Spiri t . 1 1 . Zentu w e ' etu ma?a �eft a �egg
Bel i t .
lebs (pl . ' albas) m . c l o thing , c l othes ; a garment . 1 2 . H al l awu manafe s t ' ekuyan
heyy a .
wareza (p l . warazut) a youth , young man . 1 3 . Haym anotena haymanot ret e '
t ye ' et i .
te' mert (pl . -at , ta' amer , -at) m . f . a s i gn , omen ; miracl e , wonder . 1 4 . Dewe y zentu ware za.

Adj e ct ives : 1 5 . B e luy ' albasihu.

16 . Z e -w e ' etu te ' mert qeddus.
<elew ( f . <e lut) crooked , p erver s e , evi l ; rebe l l ious , heret ical .
1 7 . �ezunan ' emuntu J:l e zbomu .
qeddus ( f . qeddest) ho l y , s acred ; as noun : saint , esp . in t i t l e s ,
1 8 . B e l uy w e ' etu l e b s ey a .
e . g. Qeddus �arqos S aint Mark.
D . 1 . G abra Qeddus Marq os be zuxa
be <ul ( f . be <e lt) rich , w e a l thy . t a ' amer a.
2 . Seht u ' em-h aymanot rete
mewut/mewet ( f . mewett ; p l . mewutan , mewetan, mutan) d e ad . 't.
beluy ( f . belit) o l d , worn out , d e cr ep i t , obso l et e . V erb : balya . 3. ' I - s ama ' na l a-nag aru ' ekuy.

ijegg Belit the O l d Testament . 4. Warada Manfas Qeddus l a ' l ehu .

bezux ( f . bezext) many , much , numerous , abundant . V erb : bazxa. 5 . �ana?u be zuxana ' abyat a .

' ekuy ( f . ' ekit) evi l , bad, wicked . Verb : ' akya. 6 . Qat alna w e ' eta nabiya ' e l ewa .

dewuy/dewey ( f . deweyt ) s i c k , i l l . V erb : dawaya. 7 . ' I - re ' ikemu-nu t a ' ameratihu?

retu < ( f . rete < t) j us t , r i gh t e ous ; straight , l evel , even ; corre ct , 8 . S adadewwomu l a- s ab ' ' ekuyan .

proper, orthodox . haymanot rete < t the orthodox faith . 9 . � e z un meta ba' enti ' ah a .

�ezun ( f . �ezent) s ad. 1 0 . Takalu b e zuxata ' e �awa heyya.

11. Nas ' ewwo l a -newayu l a-be ' s i b e ' u1 .
E xerc i s e s 1 2 . Se ! kewwa l a-J:lamareya b e l i t .
1 3 . F annawo l a-rad ' u xaba
A . 1 . J:!amar belit 6 . negus ' e l ew 11 . ' a ' ban bez ext b e ' s i t dewey t.
7 . k1ihen retu ' 1 2 . b e z ux dam 1 4 . Qarbu xabeh u J:l ezb b e z uxan .
2 . be zux xar i ' at
8 . be zux masawe ' 1 3 . ma?J:!af be l uy 1 5 . Gassa ?a waraz uta ' ekuyana b a
3 . �awareya qeddus ' enta xat. i ' atomu .
9 . s em ' ekuy ' e l at ' ekit 1 6 . Na?? arkewwo l a-ma? J:!af wa-r e
4 . neway b e l uy 14. ' iku k ama Hegg B e l it we ' e t u .
.
1 7 . I--!annu t arg wama �egga B e l ita
5 . rad' ' ekuy 1 0 . wald delvuy I S . wangeI qeddus l a - l e sana G e ' z ?
1 8 . Z entu te ' mert ' em -Manf as Qeddu
s we ' etu.
B. P lural i z e the s ingul ar i t ems in Exercise A . W
1 9 . N as ' a ' albas a wa-g ayya ' em-bet .
C. 1 . Zati hagar ' ekit ye ' et i . 2 0 . Konat ' emmu be ' s i t a be ' e l t a .
2. ' E l ewan ' emuntu ' arda' ihu . 2 1 . B a z xa newayu wa-be ' l a b a-ma ' kal a z entu hezb .
3 . Qeddest ye ' e t i zati hagar. 2 2 . D aw ayat ' extu wa- ' i -J:la�vat ' e ska zati ' el at .
4 . B e ' ul an ' emuntu h e zba zentu beher .
S . Me\vut met a .
n. La-ment �ezun ' anta?
76 77

Vocabulary 1 8
L e s s on 1 8
Nouns :
18. 1 Adj ectives : The Patt ern Qati l . A relatively sma l l but ramat or ram (pI . ramatat) f . m . year .
important group of adj e ct ives has the patt ern qatil or the related sega (pI . -t) m. f l e s h , meat (human or animal) , esp . of the fl esh as
pattern qattil (from D verbs) . The feminine s ingul ar i s formed by opposed to the spiri t ; frequently = body as a who l e .
repl acing the stem vowe l - i - with -a- ; no -t i s added : r;ab l (p I . ' ar;bal ) m . f . rop e , cord .

mas c . rabiy fern . rabay great , l arge r;eywat m . f . l i fe , l i fetime . r;aywa �eywata ' ekuya he l ed a w.icked

J;1addis r;addas new l ife .

The feminine plural may be based on either stem : J;1addisat or Adj ectives and Stative Verbs :

r;addasat. r;addis ( f . r;addiis ; pl . r;addast ) new . Ifegg Ifaddis New Testal11cn L .

The variant patt ern qe ti l occurs when the midd l e root consonant r abiy ( f . rabay : p I . rabayt) b i g , l arge , import ant , great ; ba- ' cchi!/
is a guttura l . The feminine form i s the s ame as the preceding . qal in a loud voic e . Verb : rabya.

mas c . rehib fern . rahab broad Pabib (f. pabiib : p I . tababt) wi s e , prudent ; ski l l ed, expert ( e . I!. o r
craftsmen) . Verb : pabba.
·
Many ad J· ectlves qat t' ?& h ave a common (mas c . and fern . ) internal p lural
lehiq ( f . leheqt) grown up , adult ; o ld , eldest . V erb : lehqa to g row
form qata l t in addit ion to the external p lural forms :
up .
sing . rabiy plural rabayt great nawix ( f . nawax; pl . nawaxt) h i gh , l ofty ; tal l ; long ; distant , far
balix balaxt sharp off. Verb : noxa.
tabib pababt wise .
Adverbs :
18 . 2 The Comparative . The comparative is expressed by adding
fadjada exceedingl y, very much , great l y .
a prepo s it ional phrase with ' emenna to the adj ect ive :
peqqa very , extremely .
' Ekuy we' etu ' emenna negus . He is more evi l than the Ring .
Exerc i s e s
The comparison may be int ens ifi ed by the adverb fadfv.da (much , much
more) : A . 1 . ' ep i s qopos tabib 6. maniHest ' ekuyiit 11. masawe ' ' abayt
2 . s em ' abiy 7. ' arde ' t t abiban 1 2 . dabr nawix
rabib we' etu fadjada ' em­ He i s much wiser than his
3. l ebs �addi s 8. neway haddas 13. fenot nawax
, exuhu. brother .
4 . wareza nawix 9. J:! egag J:laddast 14 . bahawert nawaxt
A l l stat ive verbs may be s imi l arly construed : 5. t a ' amer ' abayt 10. kahen ' abiy 15. baJ:!r ' abay
Bazxu we' etu hezb That people became more numer­ B. 1 . N awix ' ana ' em- ' exuya .
, em-hezbena. ous than our peopl e . 2. N awax ye ' eti ' em- kl'i e l l on ' axatiha .
The adverb peqqa (very) i s also frequent ly used t o intens i fy an adj ec­ 3 . N awaxt ' adbara beherekemu ' em- ' adbara beherena .

tive ; it may be pl aced before the adj ective or after it : reqqa dewey 4 . Zcntu l cbs hadd i s we ' etu ' em - l ebseya .

we' etu or Dewey peqqa we' e tu I-Ie i s very i l l . 5 . Lch i q ' anta ' cmenneya .
6 . T�l i J i h ' :ll1t a fad fada ' cmenna kiil e ' iinika.
' 1\ 1 , i y hGL
w
7. Z l! " L I I ' em-k e l l u ' abyata hagar .
 79
78

8 . Lehiq z entu J:l awareya ' em-ka l e ' an J:lawareyat .

9. N awix fadfada ' em- z eyya w e ' etu b e�eromu . Les son 1 9
10. Be 'ul ' abuka ' em- ' abuya.
19 . 1 Adj ectives : The P attern Qatta l . Adj ectives o f the type
.
C . l . N as ' u �abl a nawix a wa-J:lo ru �ayqa ba�r qattaZ have no cons istent feminine form in the s ingul ar . One may
2 . B a-ye ' eti ' amat mo ' n a w e ' eta J:lezba
. find qattaZt (no stem change ) , qatta Z t (with -a- for -cr-) , or the
3 . Serna kahen diyaq onata J:ladda s t a . mas cul ine form may be u s ed for the feminine . In the Ethiopic s cript
4. �aywa J:leywata nawixa wa- ' ekuya . adj ectives of this pattern are indi st inguishabl e in the s i ngul ar from
5 . Sawa ' na sega ' arawit maswa ' t a l a - ' Amlake
na.
the feminine s ingular o f the type qati Z ( i . e . qatcrZ) . The tradi ­
6 . Setku xabehu J:lamare ya wa- ' aJ:lbal eya �addi sa.
t iona l pronunci ation merges al l these forms and regul arl y doub l e s I hl'

7 . S awwe ' omu kahen ' abiy l a-J:le zba hagar . s e cond root consonant in both types .
negusen a .
8 . Ma? ' u s ab ' t ab iban wa- ' ab ayt w a- ' ab ' elt xaba
19 . 2 Adj ectives in -iiwi and -ay . These adj ect ives are i e' x i
9. � adaqqu ba-�eywateya ' em- ' axaweya .
cally numerous but are rather infrequently used , being e qu i v n l c il l I II
1 0 . Wa-sob a leheqqu , f annawani ' abuya xaba
' exuhu .
preferred relative constructions or construct phrases . Thoy a n'
1 1 . Tabbat ' emmu ' em-kal e ' at ' anesta hagar .
w based on a variety o f nouns and denote "of" or "p ertaining t o , " 0 I'l l'll
: baJ:lawe rta medren a .
1 2 . Abya s emu l a - z entu nabiy ba-k e l l u
w corresponding to Engl i sh adj ectives in - l y : med:riiwio f the wo r l d ,
1 3 . B e ' s itu l a_mak annen t eqqa b e ' e l t ye
' et i .
worl dly; samiiyiiwi of h e aven, c e l e s t i al , divin e . Their forms urc 11:;
1 4 . Soba ba?�n a xaba w e ' etu dab r , r e ' ina
kama t. eqqa nawix w e ' etu,
fo l lows :
wa- ' i- ' adonahu .
1 5 . Ba- 'amata motu l a-pappasen a mo ' una '
el l ontu s ab ' ' el ewan wa­ mas c . s ing . samiiyiiwi p lural samcryiiwiyan (or -eyan)
fern. s ing . samiiyiiwit samcryiiwiycrt (or - eyat) .
nas ' ewwa l a-hag aren a .
1 6 . Sob a na?? arku z anta ma?�af a , re ' iku
kama ' em-�eg g B e l it we ' etu. Opt ional forms in -ay o ccur for most such adj ectives ; these have no
1 7 . D awaya waldu wa- ' i -J:laywa ' eska meset
a ye ' et i ' e l at . pecul i arities in infl ection : -iiy , -ay t , -cryan , -ayat.
1 8 . Tabab t wa-rat e ' an ' emuntu ' arda ' ihu .
: w 19. 3 Adj ectives : Miscellaneous Types . The adj e ct ival p att erns
1 9 . E fo t ababka ' em-k e l l ena?
treated in the preceding three lessons include the vast maj ority of
2 0 . N asa ' ku ' ebana ' ab ayta wa-�an a�ku
bet a .
derived adj ectives in the l anguage . Occas i onal ly , however , other pat­
t erns , usual ly nominal in origi n , are emp loyed . E.g.

qat Z : ' abd ( f . ' abedd; p l . ' abdan , ' abdat) fool ish , igno­
rant , imprudent ; as a noun : a foo l .
qetaz: �eyiiw C f . -t; p l . -an , -at) alive, l ivin g .

The s e a r e unproductive types a s adj ect ives and wi l l be gi ven wit hout
further comment in the vocabul aries .

19. 4 Qualificat ion . An adj e ctive may st and in const ruct w i t li

a fo l l o w i n g noun , wh ich qual ifies i t s meaning :
, ekuya Zebb evil of heart
lianna!Ja gar;r; beauti ful of a s rt'ct ( ' 1 1' 1 . 1 "' 1
80 81

n01JJixa qom t a l l of stature . medrawi ( f . -t) of the wo r l d , worl dly ( as oppo sed to spiritu a l or
19. 5 Subst ant ivi zat ion . Any adj ect ive may be used as a noun , heavenly) .

equiva l ent to Eng l i s h "one who i s . . . (those who are . . . ) " : berhiinawi ( f . -t) o f or p e rt aining to l i ght , esp . in th e heaven l y or
spiritual sens e .
dewuy one who is sick, a s i ck p erson
samiiyawi ( f . -t) heaven l y , divin e , c e l estial .
dewuyiin the s i ck , tho se who ar e s i ck
manfasawi ( f . -t) of the spiri t , spiritual .
The feminine s ingu l ar q e te Z t is e s p e c i a l ly common in t h e sense o f segawi fl eshly (not spiritua l ) , c arnal ( o f s ins) .
" t h at whi ch i s . . . ' " wangeZawi ( f . - t) gospel ( a s adj . ) ; as noun : evange l i s t .

' ekit that which is evi l , evi l , wickedn e s s ?enu f ( f . ?ene ft) stron g , , power fu l ; firm, sur e ; l asting , endur i n g ;

rete f t that which i s correct o r prop er . hard, harsh , s evere . V erb : ?an fa.

N o t e that a combinat ion o f substant i v i z at ion and qua l i fi c at i on may Exerci s e s

l e ad t o superfi c i a l amb iguit i e s :
A. 1 . haymanot � ene ' t 6 . neway medrawi 1 1 . be ' s it ;ann�y l
' ekuyiina Zebb t ho s e who are evi l o f h e art 2 . l ebb � enu ' 7 . m a l ' ak b erhanawi 1 2 . mendabc ' a h l y
.' ekuyana hagm' the evi l ones of the c i t y . 3 . Ivare z a xer 8 . hagar s amayawit 1 3 . g a � � ' c k uy
4 . b e ' s i nadday 9 . nagarat manfasawiyan 1 4 . dabr nawNax
Vocabul ary 1 9
5 . habl � enu ' 1 0 . J:1eywat ; egawi 1 5 . wange H iwl ro t !"
Nouns and Derived Adj e ct iv e s :
B . 1 . wange lu l a- ' E g z i ' ena
f iiZam (pl . -at) m . f . wor l d , t h i s wor l d ; t h e univer s e , a l l creat ion ; 2 . mendabehomu l a- Kere s t iyan
eternity, a l l t im e present , p a s t , and future . Za- faZam forever. 3 . qal atihu l a -madxenena
f a Zamawi of the wo r l d , worl d l y . 4 . J:1eywata l a- ' E gz e ' tena
madxen (p l . -iin) s avior , redeeme r . 5. ' al babihomu la- ' abayt
' egzi' (p I . ' aga' e z t , ' aga' est) l or d , master, l ead e r , chi e f . 6 . ma�aJ:1 eftihomu 1 a - wange lawiyan
' Egzi' ena Our Lord . ' egze' t l ady , mistres s . ' Egze' tena Our 7 . ga��atihomu l a - warazut
L ady (Mary) . 8 . ' abyatihomu l a- ' aga ' e s t ina
mendabe m . f . affl i c t i on , torment . 9. n addayana zentu ' a l am
Zebb (p l . ' aZbab) m . f . heart ; mind , int e l l ect . 1 0 . ga� �u l a -Manfas Qeddus
ga?? (p l . -at) face ; a sp e ct , appe ar ance ; type , sort . 11. ' asmatihomu l a- xeran wa- l a- ' ekuyan

Adj e c t iv e s : 12. ' asmatihomu l a - s amayaweyan

1 3 ; nagaromu l a- ' e l ewan wa-xat e ' an
nawwZix ( f . idem) nawix.
1 4 . qal at ihomu l a- ! ab abt
sanniiy ( f . -t) beaut i fu l , fine , exce l l ent , good (both phys i c a l and
I S . J:1eywatomu l a -q eddusan
moral sense s ) . V erb : sannaya D .
1 6 . mendabehomu l a- naddayan wa-d eweyan
naddiiy ( f . -t) poor, d e s t itut e ; d e f i ci ent (in : ba- ) . V e rb : nadya
1 7 . newayomu l a- ' abayt wa- ' ab ' e l t
xer ( f . -t) goo d, exc e l l ent (used in a l l s enses o f Eng l i sh " good" ) .
1 8 . xerana l ebb
�eyaw ( f . - t ) alive , l iving. ' emma- �eyaw Mother o f the Living ( i . e .
1 9 . �annayana g a � �
Eve) .
20. s enu ' ona l ebb
 83
82

C. 1. �eyawan ' emuntu wa- ' i -mutan .

L e s son 2 0
2 . �ene ' t ye ' e t i haymanot u .
ek a .
3 . Xer l ebbe ka wa- s annay ga� � 20.1 La- with Pronominal Suffixes .
.
4 . N adday a l ebb we ' etu wa- ' i - t abib
' em - ' ahgur ikemu . lita t o me lana to us
5 . �enu' at ' ahgur ihomu wa- ' abiya t
laka t o you (m . s . ) lakerrru t o you (m . p l . )
6 . � e zuna ga?? w e ' etu .
e z ux n ewayomu . laki to you ( f . s . ) laken t o you ( f . p I . )
7 . N addayan ' arda ' ihu wa- ' i -b
lotu to him l8rrru t o them (m . )
8 . �eyaw ' Eg z i ' en a wa- ' i -mewut .
lati to her lon t o them ( f . )
9 . Zati fenot ! eqqa n awwax ye ' et i .
' ag a ' e z tikemu .
1 0 . B e ' ul ' eg z i ' ey a fadfa da ' em - The prepo s i t ion la- corresponds in general to the dative (to , fo l ' ) " I'
1 1 . �a)'\;a z entu qeddus J;eywat a manfasawit a . Engl i sh . It is used idiomat i c a l l y wl' th many verb s , however , <.IS I; i I I

1 2 . Teqqa �e zunan ' emuntu ' albabihomu l a-we ludihu . be noted in the vocabu l aries when appropriate .

D . 1 . We ' et a ' amira xal afa ' E g z i ' en a ' em - z entu ' a l am wa- ' ar g a xaba 20.2 Obj ect Suffixes in a Dat ive or Prepos i t ional Sense .
' abuhu s amayaw i . Obj e c t s uffixes on a verb are o ft en used to expre s s various c a s e
W
2 . Ba-mawa ' e l a mendabe g ayayna hagara b a ' edda wa-nabarna heyya ("prepos itional " ) r e l a t i onships other than t h e accusat ive d i rc c L
' e ska motu l a -negusena ' e l ew . obj e ct . For examp l e , in
t a ' abuhomu wa- �oru w e s t a
3 . Soba l ehqu we ludih u, wa� ' u ' em-be Wahabani xebes ta = Wahaba lita xebesta He gave me bre ad ,
k al e ' behe r .
w
t ' em-k e l l on ' an e s t a hagar . the verbal suffix expres s es the dat ive , or indirect , obj ect , equiva ­
4 . Lehqa t z a t i wal at t wa-sannaya
, wa� a ' na wa-rak abnahu ba-we s ta l en t l y expre s s ed by the prepo s it ion la- . In
5 . ' Ama s ama 'na kama ma� ' a ' E g z i ' ena
fenot . Scr alani xebesta = Sa' ala xebes ta ' emenneya/xabeya
tena?
6 . ' I - s ama' kemu-nu t a ' amer ata ' E g z e ' He asked me for bread ,
ab ' e l t wa-b e ' lu naddayan .
7 . Ba-ye ' et i ' amat nadyu ' it corre sponds to the prepo s i t ional phras es ' emenneya or xabeya .
.
s s e�u kama gabru zant a xat i ' at a
8 . � a z anu fadfada b a - l ebbomu wa-na W There are only a few categor i e s o f verbs where such constructions are
l u l a -madxenena ba-w esta k el l o
9 . S abaku wang eI a.wi yan ba-I;ange frequen t , and these are l i sted b e l ow , It should be not e d , however ,
b�aw erta ' al am o t h at b e cause personal d i rect obj ects (= accusat ive) of al l t rans it ive
.
a ' alu xebes ta wa-se ga ' emenn ena
1 0 . Qarbu naddayan xaben a wa- s verbs are usual ly definite and suffi xal l y expre s s ed by the qatalo la­
W ' e� nawwax ba-b erhana � a�ay .
1 1 . Teqq a sannay ' aq � e l a z entu negus construction, even the l arge corpus of material at our d i sposal
atomu .
w a - ' i -be ' lu wa- ' i - s annayat I;eyw
1 2 . Xal afu ' awrax wa- ' amata t , does not always a l l ow us to d i s t ingu i s h the various t ypes o f suffi xed
.
wa- ' i - � an ' u ba-haymanot rete ' t
1 3 . Ma? ' a l a ' l ehomu mend abe ' abiy obj e c t s w i t h some verbs . In describing construct i ons into wh i ch
' em-qe dma betu .
1 4 . S adadomu b a ' e l l a-naddayan verbs ent e r , we shal l emp loy t he fo l l owing designat ion s :
s b a - h aymanot � ene ' t .
1 5 . We ' y a l ebbu l a - z entu qeddu acc . d l r . obj , means that the verb takes a dire ct o b j e c t i ll
the accus at ive cas e , which may , i f d e f i ll i ( ll . l l Id
s p e c i fi c , be suffixed direct l y to t he Vt' l ' i > i ll

t h e qatalo la-negus construct ion .

d n t , ' . I t 1' I , means that the indirect obj ect ( a l way'; , · x l ' l ' .. · . · .

i h 1 e with la-) may b e attached s u ff i x a l i i' 1 1 \'

84
85
t h e qatalo la-negus construc t i on . E . g . Wahabo
dative suffix i s commonly p l aced on the v erb as a rein­
la-' abuhu warqa He gave the money to h i s father.
fprcement of t h e pos s es sive pronoun :
obj . suff. means that the obj ect o f a prep o s i t i onal phrase
(other than la-) may be suffixed to t h e verb , Mararatani nafseya . My soul b ecame bitt e r .
as in our examp l e with sa' ala abov e . A typ i c a l ljaywo lebbu. H i s heart ( i . e . courage) r evived .
l i st ing for sa' ala would be sa' ala t o ask ( s ome­ For the nuanc e compa re Eng l i s h
" on" in "Hi s eyes went
one : ' emenna , xaba , or obj . suff . ) for ( some ­ bad on him . "
thing : acc . d i r . obj . ) . We shal l a l s o use the (3) E l s ewher e the s en s e i s that o f an
approp r i at e p r ep o s i
d e s i gnation " obj . suff . " when the evidence is t i onal phras e :
amb iguous as t o what the preci s e cas e r e l at i on-
Bakayato . She wept for him (dibehu , ba' en ! ?" !liIlI ) .
ship i s .
On the other hand , i t shoul d be noted
a. Verbs o f speaking , addr e s s i n g , and t e l l ing : that there are ma n y V I ' ! 1>'"
e s p e c i a l l y o f " sendin g , bring ing ,
condu cting , " where t h e d a t i v(' ', 1 1 1
Nagaro zanta. He t o l d him thi s . f i x cannot b e used . E . g .
Nagaro la-negus ' esma He t o l d the king that
7.. a' aka to send a mess age/m e s s enger
.The perso n to wholll SOllll'
b. V erbs of asking . S e e the examp l e with sa' ala above .
thing i s s ent requi res a prepo sit
ion 7..a - or xaba ; i f a
c. Verbs o f giving , surrendering . In addition t o the examp l e
p l ace , the acc . of goal may be used . The me s s ag e o r
mes-
with wahab a above , note
s enger i s the real ac c . dir. obj . ,
if expre s s ed :
Mattawomu hagara. He surrendered the c i t y to them .
La' akani xabehu. He s ent me (as mess enger ) to him.
d. Occas i onal l y , verbs o f robbing and depriving : Zanta 7.. a ' aka xaba negus . H e sent this
( as a m e s s ag e ) to

Nas' ani warqeya. H e took my go l d away from me . the king .

Saraqani warqeya. He robbed me of my go l d . was ada to l e ad , conduct , bring , take . Like t h e preceding , the

e. The verbs o f mot ion ba?ba, ma? ' a , and o c cas ional l y others , p erson to whom someone or something i s t aken is intro­

when used in the sense of "befa l l , happen to , occur to" : duced by a prep o s i t ion ( 7.. a -, xaba, westa) , but may not be
suffixed to the verb .
Ba?bani mawa <ela mendabe . Days o f affl i ct ion b e fe l l me .
The restriction invo l ved in t h e s e verbs is apparent l y connected with
Ma?' ani kale' xe Uinna . Another thought o c curred t o me .
the traversal o f space (to , toward , over t o ) , and even though the
lIere the suffixes rep l ac e phras e s with Za <Za and diba.
prepo s i t ion 7.. a- may b e used in t h i s s ens e , the obj e c t i s fe l t to be
f. Obj ect suffixes on stative and intransit ive verbs have d i fferent from those i l lustrat ed above .
three functions :
20 . 3 Part i t ive App o s i t ion . The pronominal suffixes (whet her
(1) E quivalent to a comparat ive construct ion :
dat i ve or accus ative is immat er i a l ) are often used when a part o f the
Bazxana we' etu �ezb. That peop l e b e came more numerous body (et c . , cf. f , 2 above) i s the obj e ct of the t r ansit ive verb :
than we (or : too numerous for
Sam <ewwo qaZo. They heard h i s vo i c e .
us) .
Casasa"to 7.. e bso. She touche d h i s c l ot h i n K .
. .
( 2) When 1 1w s l l i l .l cct I :; a part of the body or some in a l i en - , /I arzrm,n,)o ' edawihu. They bound h i s h a I l u ,; .
,l i d ,. I ,.,. I I I I' " U t" t 11<' <; 1 1 1 > i l'c [ ( s oll l , reput at i on , et c . ) , a
 86
87

Vocabul ary 20 E) . ' Akyo S C lllU .

2 0 . S a ' al kewwo 0eywa t a .
Nouns : 13 . Conve rt thc verba l suffi x e s o f
Ex . A into equiv al ent prep o s i ­
mestir ( p l . -at) m . f . myst e ry (both general and r e l i gious s en s e s ) ; t i onal phras e s .

frequent in reference to the euchari st .

C . 1 . Nagarkewwomu kama ma? a ' ku ' em-kal e ' t hagar .
sisay m . sust enance , food .
2 . N ababkelllewwo -nu l a - z entu wareza ' e sma x a l afa z amadu?
zamad (p l . ' azmad) m . fam i l y , k i n , r e l at ives , c l an , tribe ; k in d , s ort , w
3 . Was ade�vO l a - z entu Qeddus xaba mak anenta J:1ezb .
speci e s . N o c l e ar dist inct ion i s maintained between the mean -
4 . Mahharo ' abuhu haymano t a rete ' t a .
ings of the s ingular and p l ural form s .
5 . Ma�� a\vewwa l a- h ag aT<?mu l a-we ' etu negus .
Verb s : 6 . ' I -ma! ! awnahu hagarana l a- w e ' etu negus .
7 . S a ' al ewwo xebe s t a wa-wahabomu ' eban a .
nagara to s ay , t e l l ( a c c . of what i s s ai d ; dat . suff. or Za- of per­
8 . Z entu we ' etu mes � i r ' ab i y wa-qeddus .
son addres s ed) .
9 . L a ' ako l a-waldu xabena m e s l a z entu ma?J:1af.
nababa to speak t o , t e l l ( s am e construct ions as nagara) .
1 0 . Mannu maharakemu b a - l e s1ina G e ' z ?
wahaba t o give ( acc . dlr
· . ob]· . ,· dat . suff . or Za- o f indirect ob j ec t ) .
1 1 . Mahar komu- nu l a-wel udika b a ' enta
Za> aka to s end ( a me s s age or me s s enger ; s e e Lesson for construct i o ns ) . wang §iu
i l a - ' lg z j ' cn n 'l
1 2 . G a s sa?omu wa-na garomu kama fannaw
was ada to l e ad , conduc t , bring , t ak e ( s e e Le sson for construction s ) . o ' E gzi ' abJ:! e r I a IV I I I " " '<\" . ( 1 1
' W
' al am ba enti ' an a k e l l en a .
mahara G / mahhara D to t each ( s omeon e : suff . obj . ; s omething : acc .
13. L a ' aka l ot u wa-na garo kama g ab ' a ' eg
d i r . obj . or ba- , ba' enta) . z i ' omu ' em-I;a yqa 1);' 1 1 1 .
1 4 . La-me nt nagar kani s annaya wa-
mattawa D t o surrend e r , hand over ( ac c . d i r . obj . ; dat. suff. or Za- gabar ka ' ckuya l a ' l cy.1 '!
1 5 . Wahab a l ana J;teywa ta �adda s a wa- s
o f ind i r . obj . ) . annayt a .
16. W a� ' a ' em - z amad ' abiy wa-b e ' u l .
' ammara D t o t e l l , show, indicat e , make known (something : acc . d i r .
1 7 . B a ' enta ment ' i - sama ' kemuni q a l ateya?
obj . ; to someon e : obj . suff . ) .
1 8 . Wahabnahu s i s aya l a - fenot wa- fannonahu wes t a gadamata lV e ' etu
Conj unct i on :
beJ;1er .
za- that , the fact that ( introduces a noun c l ause after verbs o f 1 9 . N as ' o l a-ware z a mes l ehu ' e sma z amadu we ' et u .
speaking et c . , l ik e kama and ' esma) . ba' enta za- ( conj . ) 2 0 . Wasadato l a-be ' s i ba-westa beta wa- ' aqabato heyya ' e s k a xal afat
becaus e . l e l it .
2 1 . M as a ' ku b a ' en t a z a - sawwa ' kani .
E xerc i s es

A . 1 . Wahabani lebs o . 1 0 . ' Ammarkuk emu mes! ira .

2 . S e!k ewwo �amareya. 1 1 . Wahabnahomu wayn a .

3. S a ' a l an i s i saya . 1 2 . ' Ammarakemu t a ' amera .

4 . Marhuni feno t a . 13. Maharato l e s an a ' Afrenj .
5 . Ma? ' ana mendab e . 1 4 . S a ' a l at o neway a .

" 6. ' Ammaran a ' edawihu . 1 5 . S emana qasawest a .

I
7 . Mattonahu hagarana . 16. Bazxana h e z b .
8 . W a. h a b cw,�o �cgi1 . 1 7 . San ' ana mendab e .
<J N : I :-: ' t i l l i ' :ild)� I I' Y : I . 1 8 . I;lazano l ebbu .
 88
89

corresponding Gt verb i s a s imp l e passive :

Les son 2 1
tafarha he was feared
tasadda he was driven out
21 . 1 Medio-passive Verb s : Gt . Most active tran s i t ive G , 0 , tagabra it was done / made
tasam <a i t was he ard
L , and Q verbs may b e convert e d into a me dio -passive form b y prefi x ­ tahansa it was bui l t
tasay �a it was so l d
ing t h e e l ement ta- ( i n the P e rfect) . We sh a l l designate t h e s e verbs tamar�a he w a s l ed
tasClhJ <a i t was sacri f 1 ced
as G t , Ot , L t , and Qt resp e ct i ve l y : tamClhJ' a he was defeat ed
ta?e�fa it was wr itten
tanagra it was spoken
G qatala he k i l l ed Gt taqatla h e was k i l l ed tatak la i t was p l an t ed
taqabra h e was buried
o fannawa he s ent Ot tafannClhJa he \vas sent tClhJadya he was p J A c<,d
taqatla he was k i l l e d
L baraka he b l es s ed Lt tabaraka he was b l e s s e d tClhJehba i t was g i ve l l .
W W tasabka i t was p reache d
Q tal>g ama he trans l at e d Qt tatarg ama i t w a s t rans l ated .
The p as s i ve verb i s usual ly emp l oyed when
The forms of the Gt verb for t h e various root typ e s are as fo l lows : the writer (s p eak ,' '" ) d l l W,
no t wish to spe c i fy t he agent ( active subj
ect) . An agent i .. ' , ( 1111"
Sound taqatla he was ki l l ed t imes added, howeve r, w i t h the prepos i t
ions ba- , ba-xaba , 0 I' ' (Jill .I',Ii'< I,
�I I - gut t .
I I - gut t .
ta�an?a
tal!e �fa
i t was bui l t
i t was written
but un l e s s a p erson i s invo l ve d , ba- would
usual ly be t a k e n tI S , ,1<1 1

i ' cating instrument , not agent .

I I I - gutt . tasam <a it was heard Gt verbs may a l s o have a refl exive or midd
l e meanin g \; 1 1 I ch "" _
I -W tawalda he was born qui res specia l atten t i o n :
I I -W tamaw' a he was defeat ed ta <adClhJa (1) <adClhJa ; ( 2) to transg ress (a l aw :
=
' em- ; ugaj n s L
I I -Y tasayma h e was appointed
a p erson : la < la) .
I I I -W tawarwa h e cast hims e l f down

I
ta <aqaba ( 1 ) p as si v e of <aqaba ; (2) to guard one ' s s e l f against
I I I -Y tasarrry a h e was named
(' emenna or obj . suff . )
TaC aC C a is the norm for al l Gt verb s regard l e s $ of their G
l 2 3 tarakba to be found . As virtual l y equivalent to kona ( c f .
type ( i , e . nabara versus gabra) , but an a l t ernate form taqatala for French s e trouve r , Hebrew nim{lO:' ) it may be fo l l owed
some verbs is not uncommon , e s p e ci al l y those from roo t s I - gutt . The by a p redicate noun or adj ective in the accus ative :
bas i c form taqatla, with n o vow e l between C and C , requires that tarakba ?adeqa he was found (to be) r i ghteous .
3 2
verb s from roots I I - gut t . have the vocal i s m associ ated with the gabra tare' ya to app e ar, s e em (to b e ) . Same remarks as with
typ e , name l y tG?e�fa ( c f . ke�da) . I n f l ection of the P erfect fo l lows tarakba above .
the s ame general patterns des cribed for G verbs of the corresponding
There are some G t verbs lvh i ch ei ther ,have no corresponding G
root types :
verb or whose meanings are not dire c t l y r e lated to the G verb . Note

taqat la ta?e�fa tasam <a tamaw' a tasayma tClhJarwa especi a l l y the fo l l owin g :
taqatlat ta?e�fat tasam <at tamClhJ' at tasaymat tawarwat tanabba to be read , recited .
taqatalka ta?e�efka tasamii <ka tamClhJii' ka tasayamka tawarClhJka tale' ka t o serve , minister to ( acc , dir . obj , ) .
et c . etc. etc. et c . etc . et c . tam< e < a to b e c ome angry, enraged . (N o G verb) ,
ta�asya to rej o i c e . (No G verb)
Contracted forms l i ke " taJllo ' a arc oecas i o n a l l y at tested with roo ts
I I - W and I I l - g u t t . , [ H l l th0 u l1 u l l 1 l l ' ; t l' t eJ forms arc the normal ones . Th e re are two Gt verbs with formal pecu l i ari t i e s :
i ' o ,' 1110 '; 1 01 1 1 1 1 ' 1 ,', " , ' , I I , v" I: v " I ' I l ' ; 1 I I I' rodliceu thus far the tWI,r:J' a i s t he regular pass ive of nas'a and means " I u I l(' I ,' � ('II .
 90 91

etc . " The form tanse' a, infl ected as though from a Q to b e convert ed ( re l i g ious s ense) ; to turn around,
come back ,
root tns' , is refl exive and means " to get up , ari s e ; to return .
r i s e (from the d e ad) ; to r i s e up against ( la ' l.a} . " ta�asaya/ta�asya Gt to rej o i ce ( i n , at : ba- , ba' enta) .
tam' e ' a ( t o be come angry) has the s ame p e cul i ar i t i e s as tanse' a, tam 'e 'a/tam 'a G t t o b e come angry, enraged (at : l.a ' l.a , diba, ba' enta) .
but b ecause o f t h e c lustering o f guttural s at the end o f ' amna to be tru e ; to b e l i eve ( a c e . d i r . obj . or la- , esp . wi t h per-
the s t em i t has deve loped t w o vari ant s t em forms . All sons ) ; to be l i ev e in (ba-) , have faith i n . ta' amana/ta' amna Gt
p o s s i b l e infl e c t i ons are found : (1) to be b e l i ev e d ; (2) to b e l i eve in, h ave fai t h in (ba- o r

( 1 ) tcun 'e ' a ( 2 ) tcun ' a ( 3 ) tcuna 'a'a acc . ) ; ( 3) t o confess ( s i ns ) ; ( 4 ) t o b e confi d en t , s e cure .
tam 'e 'at tcun'at tama 'a 'at Proper Names :
tcun ' a 'ka etc . tcuna'ka e t c . tcuna ' a ' ka e t c .
Beta Le�em Bethl ehem .
When the corresponding G verb governs two accus atives (sema, ' Iyasus Keres tos Jesus Chri s t .
s cunay a, mal.' a) , the s e cond accus ative i s retained after the pass ive
Gt verb : Exercises

A. Transfo rm each o f t h e fo l l owing into the p as s ive , omi t t i ng

Tasayma kahena. H e was appointed priest . the
agent (subj e ct ) .
Tasamya Yo�annesha. He was named John .
E xamp l e : �ana�u h ag ara � Ta�an�at hagar .
Tamal.' a maya. It was fi l l ed with water .

1 . F arlihku we ' eta n a g ara . 6 . Sama ' na q a l a mend1lbehu .

Vocabul ary 2 1 W
2 . G abra ' Am l lik z an t a ' li l am a . 7 . �e!na k e l l o ' ahb a l ina .
Nouns : 3 . Qab arewwo l a- s egahu mes l a zamadu . 8 . � a�afu ' asmatihom u westetu.
, 4. S adadewwo l a -madx e n en a . 9 . Wahabemvo s i s aya wa- l e b s a .
tazkar m emo r i a l s ervi c e or h o l i day , commemora tion ; memory ; m emorandum
' e l.ata S . Qatal ewwo l a- ' eg z i ' omu .
n o t at i o n . gabra tazkara t o c e l ebrate a commemo rat i on . 1 0 . Mar�ewwo l a-ware z a zeyya .

tazkar d ay of commemorat i on . B . 1 . Tafarahku b a ' en t a s emeya ' ab i y .

dammana (pl . - t ) m . f. c l o ud ( s ) . 2 . La-mannu tagabrat zati �amar?
gebr (pl . -at, gebar) m . f . de e d , a c t ; work , task , bus ines s ; re l igious 3 . Tam<j.w ' u �ezben a w a - t anas ' at hagarena .
s ervi c e , l i turgy ; product , art i fact , creat ion . 4 . Tamara�na wes t a fenot rete ' t .
me ' raf (p l . -at) a qui e t p l ac e , a r e s t i n g p l ace ; one ' s final resting 5 . Tas aya!ku ba- ' edawihomu l a - ' e l l ontu s ab ' .
p l ace ; a measure of l ength , a s t ade ; chapter of a book . 6 . T a ? e�fa zentu ma�J.1afa �egag ba-mawa ' e l a ' abawi n a .
maqsaft (p I . -at) m. f. punishment , b e ating, whipping ; frequen t l y in 7 . Tas adadna ' em- ' abyat ina wa- ' em-xaba ' azmadina .
the sense of " d ivine pun i s hment . " 8 . MIT' z e - nu t amawa ' k emu wa- t an as li ' k emu?
maqdas t emp l e , s anctuary . Beta Maqdas the Temp l e in J erus a l em . 9. M a n n l l t a sayma ' c p i s qopo s a diba behereka?
, I
1 0 . Y e ' c L Il ' ;un i n t at a k l at haymanot � ene ' t b a - l ebbu .
Verbs :

walada to b e ar (a chi l d) ; to b eget ch i ldren (by : ba-xaba) . tawal.da C. .1 . S ( ) " U L ; I ' ; l ci o ll o we ' e t a dabra wa-ba!?lil;na hagaromu, nab.1 " I 1 1 1 I I < \ \ II

k w (' I I ?T ' iillli l L a .

Gt to be born .
: xaba) ; 2 . 'l'lI l <, ' e k k ('\Vwo l a - z en t u q eddus ' es k a ' e l ata motu .
meta to turn away , divert ; to turn , d i rect ( e . g . face ; toward
:1 . • I ' 1l < l ' l h k t'lll l l 1,l C'!; .1 g a � e zbena wa- ' i - t a 'aqabkemll I'll" 1 1 1 1 /1 t. I II
,
t o return somethin g / s omeone t o o r i ginal p l ace ; t o conv ert
.

d . '1"" " 1 .1":1 / I I . I )� I I r C l l u wa- ' i - t ana s ' at .

tran s form ( ace . d i r . o l l j . ' IJCr; {,a , la- ) . tamay ta s i ve; • .
Gt p a s
92 93

5 . Tans e ' at ' em-heyya wa- gab ' at xaba z amada .

�
6 . ' I - s ama ' kemu-nu z a - t an e ' a ' Eg z i ' ena ' em-mutan wa- z a I;ley aw Les s on 2 2

w e ' etu?
22. 1 Medi o - P as s ive Verbs : Dt , Lt , Qt . The r e l a t i onship of 0
7. B a-ye ' et i ' e l at tarakabku ' e l ew a wa- t as adadku ' em - ma ' ka l omu .
to Dt e t c . is l i ke t h at of G to Gt and requires l it t l e further com­
8 . Tare ' ya ga��u � � aya wa- lebsu b erh an a s amayawe .
W ment . Note the fo l l o\Ving verbs derived from 0, L, and Q verbs a lready
9 . Tanabba zentu k e l l u ma?l;laf ba-beta maqdas ye ' et a ' amira .
w introduced :
1 0 . Tasamayku s ema Yo�annesha ba- sema ' ex a ' abuy a .
1 1 . Tamal ' a samay berhan a w a - t asam ' a q a l a mal a ' ek t . Dt tafannawa to be sent

1 2 . Qatal ewwo b a ' en t a z a - ta' adawa ' em -I;legagihomu . tagassa?a .to be reproached , instru cted
W
1 3 . Wa- ' emdexra- z e t al e ' ka ba-beta maqdas k e l l o maw a ' e l a �eywatu . tamattaJ.Ja to b e surrendered, handed over ; t o a c cept ,

1 4 . Z a t i ' e l at ta zkara motu la-Qeddus Ma rqos . receive

I S . Tamal ' a s amay dammana t a wa-warada zenam wa-barad . ta?aJJJWe <a to be summoned , cal l ed
Lt tabCi:t>aka to b e b l e s s e d
D. 1 . Waladat walda l a -be ' s i ha w a - s amayato serna Ma rqo s .
Qt tatargW ama to be t r an s l ated
2 . TaI;alda ' Iyasus Kerestos b a - Be t a L e�em .
3. ' Ayte t awal adkemu ' anta wa- ' axawika? The D t verb tanasseha i s synonymous with 0 nasse�a to repent .

4. Tanabba l ana ma?�af b a ' enta gebara qe ddusan . TamattaJ.Ja in the s en s e " to receive , accept" i l lustrates an interest­
5 . S emu l a- z entu ma�l;laf Gebra I;lawareyat \Ve ' etu , I; a- ' em-l:Iegg Hadd i s ing ph enomenon : when a verb in i t s active form governs bo t h a direct

we ' et u . and an indirect obj ect , i t is sometimes pos s ib l e to effect the p as ­

' amay� a
6. Wa- ' emdexra sabaka b a-wange l westa enfakt i medr , t s ive t ransformat ion o n e ither ob j e c t . This i s fu l ly comparab l e to

xabena. Eng l i s h , where the pas s ive counterp art of "They gave me the book" is

7 . Wa- sob a xalafa we ' etu mendabe, t a� as ayna fadfada . either ( 1 ) "The book was given t o me" o r (2) "I was given the book . "

8 . F anna\Va ' Eg z i ' ab�e r z anta maqs aft a l a ' lena b a ' ent a x a� i ' aten a . Thus , Ma FFaJ.Jewwo hagara (They surrendered the city t o him) b e comes

9 . Wa- ' ama z anta nagaran a , mEr�na ga? ?atina ' emennehu w a - ' i - either ( 1 ) TamaFFaJ.Jat lotu hagar (The city was surrendered to him) or

na?? arnahu . (2) Tama��aJ.Ja hagara (He was surrendered the c i t y = He receive d or

1 0 . Rakabna me ' rafa s annaya wa-nabarna heyya ' eska � ebal;l . accepted the city) . The Dt o f 0 mahhara is simi l ar : ( 1 ) the thing

1 1 . Wadayo l a- s egahu l a - ' abuhu w e s t a me ' rafu . t aught may be the subj e c t , as in Tamahhara �egg ( The l aw was t aught) ,

1 2 . Ba- ' ayy me ' rafa zentu ma�l;laf t arakba nagara gebarihu? or ( 2) the person t aught may be t h e sub j e c t , as in Tamahhara 1y.egga

1 3 . Ba- ' ayy ' e l at a warx w a - b a- ' ayy warxa ' runat t agabra t a zkaru? (He was t aught the l aw • lie l e arned t h e law) . In their s e cond mean­

1 4 . La-ment ba?�ana zentu maq ; aft? ings bot h tamattaJ.Ja and tamahhara may b e l is t ed as active tran s i t ive

I S . Ba- z entu qal tamay� a \Vest a ' arwe medr wa-\Vadqa diba medr. verbs gov rn ing dl r CL obJ oct in the accusat ive .

16. ' Amanna ba-qalatihu wa- konna Kerest iyan a . AI hough w �t d arl j r that there i s usua l l y n o d erivational

1 7 . S o b a zanta s ama ' ku , t am ' a ' ku � eqqa fadfada wa-nas a ' ku ' ebna r i on h i p b w n G nnd 0 verbs , thi s requires some mod i f i c at ion

wa-qatal k ewwo . w m v ur nto t h e ful l verb a l system . There i s a s i gnifi-

n V rbs which are derived , not from a corresponding 0
18. I l oru xnhchu wa - t a ' amnu xatawe ' ihomu .
1 <) . 'I - ' ,lln:1 I 1 T I il l o tu wa-s adadnahu ' em- xabena . V f'l I , t' l Y [ rom a G verb , or at l e ast from nouns or adj e c -

!n . '1"11111 ' 1 1 1 :I ' ] a ' ;r rdii ' ihu wa-xal afa ' em - qedmehomu . tIV • tl w i t h t h e G s y s t e m . T h e derivat ional c h a i n G -7 Dt
I hlhl l 110 lnp, l e s emant i c parame t e r , but there are a few sub - groups
 95

t h a t may be i �;o l (\ L Od : xasar (p l . -at) m . f . wretchedn e s s , poverty, ignominy.

( 1) J)L v c r l; s [rom s t at ive G v erbs have the b a s i c meaning Verb s :

" to regard one ' s s e l f as , t o show on e ' s s e l f off as . " Thes e verbs
fawwasa to cure , h e a l ( ac c . of p erson or d i s e as e ; acc . of p e rs on +
t en d to be p e j orativ e , but n eed not b e , and usual ly i mp l y hyp o cr i sy ,
' em-) . Dt tafawwasa to be cured , heal ed .
decei t , or d e f i ciency on the part of t h e sub j ect .
tanabbaya Dt to prophe s y (to : la- ; against : la ' la) .
tadawwaya to f e i gn i l l n e s s , pretend to be s i ck
wassaka 0 t o add (to : diba, la' la) ; t o increas e , augment (ace . d i r .
ta 'ahbaya to be b o as t fu l , arrogant
obj . ) . Dt tawassaka to be added to (westa , xaba , or ohj . s u r !' . ) .
ta?addaqa to give the app e arance ( fa l s e ly) of b eing
tafasse �a Dt to rej o i c e ( in : ba- , ba' enta, la ' la , diba) .
r i ght eous bezawa Q/ L to redeem ( ac � . dir . obj . ; with: ba- ; fro m : ' &11/- ) . (}l
tapahbaha t o " ac t smart " ; to be crafty , cunn i ng .
tahezawa t o be redeeme d ; t o redeem for one ' s s e l f .
(2) D t verbs may s imp ly b e denominatives from nouns or
E xercises
adj e c t i ve s , s ometimes r e l at e d t o G verb s , sometimes i s o l ated . It is
di fficult to charact eri z e t h i s group other than t o speak o f lexica l l y A. 1 . Tamal'i a ' n a wa- t amattawat hagaren a westa ' edal'i
i homu .
2 . Wa-soba taga ss a�u , l'ia- t amehher u ba' enta haymano
spe c i a l i z e d forms : ta K c r c s l l y n " .

j tanabbaya to prophesy (to : la- ; again s t : la 'la) ; denom- 3 . ' I - t amahhara z entu �egg b a-mal'ia ' e l ihu .

!
W
inat i v e from nabiy . 4 . Ta� al'iwe ' u wa-tafannawu w e s t a k e l lu ba� al'ierta ' a l arn .

tase" e la to ask someone (obj . suff. or ba-xaha) about S . Tamaytu xaba beta 'abuhomu wa-tab araku b a - xabehu .
''i
someth ing ( ac c . d i r . obj . or ba' enta) . 6 . Ta� e�fa nagaratihu westa b e z ux ma� al;1eft , wa-tatarg amu 1 a ­

tagahbara to wo rk , do work ; to work something , especial l y l es 1inat ba ' edd .

i n an agricultural s en s e : t o work a fi e l d or 7 . Tasal'iwa ' ku xaba 1 i qa pappasa t wa-ta sayamku ' ep
i s qop o s a d i b a
t h e l an d ; to tran s act business (with : mesla) . z entu be�e r .

8 . Tawadya ma sw a ' t u heyya wa- t as o ' a xaba ' E g z i ' ab�er .

( 3) Other Dt verbs are r e l at e d to causat ive (CD) verbs and
9 . Wa-sob a tanabbaya l ana, xa1afa ' emennena wa- ' arga westa s amayat.
wi l l be treat ed later .
1 0 . B akayna wa-�azanna b a ' enta z a - t awass akana xasar wa-maq s aft .
Ta' ammara is both t h e p a s s ive o f ' ammara and denominat ively r e ­ w
B . 1 . Ma� ' u be zuxan deweyan xabehu wa- fawwasomu k e l lomu b a-Manfas
l at e d t o te' mert ( s ign , s i gn al ) : t o g i v e a s ign or s i gnal .
Qeddus .
Dt verbs from ro o t s I I - gut t . a l ternat e between the p att erns
2 . Tafalvwasna ' em - daweyat ina w a - t anassa�na ' em-xap.we ' in a .
tamahhara and tamehhera , tasa" ala and tase" e la et c .
3 . Qoma ba-qedmehomu l a -�ezb xat e ' an wa-tanabbaya l a ' l ehomu

V o cabulary 2 2 mendabe wa-maq s aft a .

4 . S oba r e ' ina kama we ' etu ? adeq �eyal'i we ' et u , t afassa�na fadfacla
N oun s :
wa-wah abna s eb�at a l a - ' E gzi ' ab�e r .
dawe (pl . -yat) f . m . s i ckne s s , i l lne s s ; d i s e as e . S . M as ' a madxenena w e s t a ' a l am wa-tab e z awana ba- damu ' em-xal i ' a t .
denge l (pl . danage l) virg i n ; also app l i ed to men : c e l ibat e , monk .
6 . Tawas s ak o neway wa-k ona b a ' e l a � eqqa.
' anada m. skin , hide , l eather ; �ab la ' anada thong. 7 . Wassaknahomu diba �e zbena wa-konna �ezba ' ab i yo l'i ll I ". ' 1 1 1 11 .
seb�t (p l . -at) m . f . prai s e , hymn of prai s e ; glory , maj e s t y . lotu 8 . \�a s s ak u xat i ' ata xaba xat i ' at wa- ' i -s am ' e l'il'io q � l () I II · l I l u l l l "llIl l .
ne"�lat To I l lm be p Ta l s e (a frequent parenthetical remark after
(I. T a mL' h h c ]'a l e sana Yon1inawiyan ba-xaba ' emml l .

d i v i II" 1 1 ; 1 111'''. ) . I(J. I. L l yl,!;1 WI" c t u ware z a ' em-dawehu wa- t am a n a h i' I "
 96
97
C . 1 . Wa-wal adat ye ' et i b e ' s i t dengel walda wa-samayato s erna l a-walda
' Iyasus ( lotu s eb�at ) ' esma madxena ' alam w e ' etu.
Les son 2 3
W
2 . ' Em- ' ayy lesan tatarg ama zentu ma��af be luy?
2 .3 . 1 C a rd i n a l Nwn ber s .
3. N as ' a ' anada wa-gabra ' emennehu ' albasa sannay a .
4. Z entu �ab l a ' anada teqqa � enu ' we ' etu. Mas cul ine
Femi nin e
5. Tawass aku ' el atat xaba J:leywatu, wa-J:aywa J:leywata nawaxa fadfada one � a�adu acc . ' a �dO: a�atti ac c .
two
�
a�latto.
ba- z entu ' alamo ke Z� Uu keZ' e ta
�

W ke P eti keZ � eta

6 . Bezawa k e l lo ' al ama ba- segahu wa-ba-damu . three sa Zastu - to.
saZas calasn
7. Tafassel�u diba motomu l a- xat e ' an wa- ' el ewan . four � arba ' tu - to. , arba ' � cu·/)U 'a
8. Nabarna heyya ba-xasar wa- ' i -t afassa�na ba-ye ' et i J:l eywat fiv e xamestu - t o. xams :r:(mW a
naddayt . six sedestu - to. ses su Goon;;
9 . Tanabba l i ta z entu n agar wa-t afawwasku ' em-daweya . s even sab'atu - to.
w sab 'u D(I/' ' u
10. Nas' on l a-k e l l on danage l ' anest ihu . e i ght samantu - to.
samani Qllliill i
11 . Was s akka newayaka medrawe wa- ' i - wassakka newayaka manfas awe . nine tes 'atu - to.
tes 'u iN/ '{;
1 2 . ' I - t anabbayu wangel awiyan, ' al Ia s abaku . t en ' asartu - ta
w rasru 'ani'll
1 3 . Wahabu l ana s i s aya l a-k e l l a ' e l at wa-tale' kuna ' eska Comm on vari ant forms : mas cul ine ( 7 ) saba 'tu , ( 8 ) samCi
tafawwasna ' em-dawena . ni tu , ( 9 )
tas 'atu , tasa ' tu ; femi nine
( 1 0) 'asr . Note that the
1 4 . Wa-t afawwasa w e ' etu dewuy ' e sma ' amna ba-qalateya wa- ' i -meta maS CUl ine numb ers
in - tu have ac cus ativ e - to. but
that femi nine s in -u have no d
l ebbo ' em-hayrnanot ret e ' t . accu sat ive form. The form ke Z' i s t inct
� i s used for both masc ul
15. Wa- ' ama ta' arnrnaru, ro�na kW e l l ena ' ern-bet westa fenot . nin e "two . "
ine and femi ­
1 6 . Tas e " e l ana ba' enta �eywatena zeyya . Card inal numb ers norm al ly prec
ede the obj ect coun ted . Othe r
17. Tagabbarna medra wa-nas a ' n a s i sayana ' emenneha . than "one , " agreement in gend er
i s not alwa ys pres ent , even with
18. Ta' ammara z entu nagar l akemu ba' ent a za-�adeqan ' antemu. sona l noun s , and ther e is a t ende per­
ncy to gene ral i z e the numb ers
1 9 . Ta ' abbayka wa- gabarka ' ekuya l a ' l a naddayana J:lezb . in - tu
for a l l uses . Agre emen t in case
i s normal . The coun ted noun may
2 0 . ' I - k ana tab 1' b a, ' a l l-a ta�abbaba ba-qedma kale ' anihu wa- eith er sing ular or plur al , with be
a pref eren ce for the form er :
t a ' abbaya ba-gebrat ihu wa-ba-qal atihu .
' a�adu be' si � a�atti be� si t
2 1 . Nabarna westa Ye ' et i medr sannayt wa- tagabbarna mes l a ' aJ:lzabiha. ke Z � e tu � abya t
w ke Z� e ti hagar ke Z � e dammana
2 2 . Ba' enta ment tadawwayka qedma mak annen wa- ' i -nagarkahu saZa stu warx
xams 'e Zat sessu ' anest
nagaraka? saba 'tu sab�
23. Tat abbabu wa- ' i - � abbu, ta�addaqu wa- ' i - � adqu , ta 'abbayu wa­ � abadu/� a�at ti frequent ly has
the sens e "a cert ain" : � a�adu be� si a
, i- ' abyu . cert ain man . Numb ers rare l y stan
d in cons truc t ; the part i t i ve
pre s s ed by ' em- :
i� ex­
24 . l3a ' c nt a me n t t as e " e lkenana ba-xaba l iqa papp asat?

saZa ctu � em-� arda� ihu

three o f h i s disc i p l e�

23. 2 Ord i n a l Numb ers . From " thre e" onwa rd t h e o n i i n l l l 1 1

1 1111 i 1 l' I " ' .
are based on the same root s as the card inal s, w i : 1 1
I I l l' ) 1 1 1 1 1 11 /' 1 1 . / 0 / I , ' I
( f . qa ie Zt) ; th e accu sati ve i s s imp l y in - a .
,
,I
98
99

third sales f. salest seventh sabe < f. sabe < t selsa sedsa tes <a
fourth rabe < rabe <t e i ghth sCimen sCiment reb <a seb <a <esra
fifth xCimes xCimest ninth tase< tase < t xemsa serrma
s i xth sades so.dest t enth '"aser <asert
The s e fo rms of the numbers are a l s o used occas ional l y as feminine
For " fi rst" qauum'/.. -
.:J-=. • ( f . qa dam'/..' t) 1
. s used . "Second" may b e expres s ed cardinal s : sels hagar three cities . "Once" may be expressed by
in s everal ways : - le' ( f . -t) , usual ly , but not exc lus ively, when
ka , a�atta or me <ra; "twi ce" by ka <eba or dagema , both of which are fre­
only two it ems are invo lved; dagem ( f . -t) ; ka <eb ( f . - t) , whi ch i s quent in the s ense " again , a s econd time . "
rare ; ba <ed ( f . ba <edd) , but which has al so the addit ional meaning
" other , strange , foreign . " E xerci ses
A l l o f the ordinal s except kale' appear also with the adj ectival A. 1 . salas hagar 8. s edestu masaggeran IS. sabii 't u W i l f'X
. - . The ord1' nal adJ' ectives normal ly precede their 2 . salastu nagast
suffixes -� and -ay 9. s e s su b e ' s i t 16. sab ' u ' ii mi t !

noun : 3. sal as negest 10. s edestu ' arawita medr 17. s arn?in L I I 1'1 1 ' 1 1 1 \ 1
4. sal est �amar w
1 1 . ' arba ' tu mak annen 18 . s a m ii n i ,< , , 1 '1 1 1
sales ' anqa� the third gate
5. xamestu xabawe z 1 2 . ' arba ' ' ed 1 9 . siimon l ' U I/II\ 1
rabe <8J.,)i be' s i the fourth man
6 . xamestu gabr 1 3 . ' arba 'tu ' aqW �el 20. sabe ' 1I\1I I ' , I �
sabe <8J.,)it hagar the seventh city.
7. xams ' ext 14. s ab ' atu qiiliit 21. tes ' fl r l J � r t l.l n l l
. - i t · salesit
- 1S
. -ay
Note that the feminine form for ordina 1 s 1n .
B. I, Setkewwo sal as t a �ab l a .
be' sit the third woman . A further derivat ive from the ordinal s t em
2. Gabarku kel ' et a newaya .
i s <aserat , a tenth, t i the .
3. Metna ' el l onta ' arba ' t a we l uda xaba betomu ,
There is a s econd series o f ordinal s based on the pattern qatul
4 . Ba-qadiimit ' iimatu mo ' a xamsa ' ahgura .
and used almost exc lus ively to des i gnate days of the week or month or
5. Ba- dagem warx 'adawu sedesta dabra .
hours of the day :
6. We ' eta warxa I;lana�u kel ' et a ' abiya ' abyiit a .
ba- <asur <e lat on the t enth day ( o f the month) 7 . 'Arnmarana xame s t a me stira qeddus a .
salus le lit the third night (of the week or of the 8. Serna tes 'ata diyaqona wa- xamesta qas i s a dibehomu .
part i cul ar time period in question) 9. Maharewwo ba- ' asartu l es anat .
rabu < la-warx the fourth day of the month . 10. Was adewwomu l a- ' e l lontu salastu s ab ' xaba negus .
They also occur in p l ace o f the regu l ar cardinals when days , hour s , 11. La' aka xabeya k e l ' e mal a ' ekt a .
or months are counte d : 1 2 . Ma� ' a xabena ' ahadu ' em-zamadu .
1 3 . l'Iahabomu s isaya l a- s amani < e l at .
Nabara heyya salusa < e lata/mawo. <ela. He stayed there three days .
14. N abaru mes l ena s edesta ' awraxa .
Note in part icu l ar that " s e cond" i s sanuy ( f . sanit) , based on a ro ot IS. Nabarna mes l ehomu ' asru 'amat a .
not us ed in the other number seri e s . When the context i s c l ear , the 1 6 . ' I -nagarkukemu-nu z anta s e l s a ? La-ment ' i - s ama 'kemun i ?
.
nouns for day and hour are oml tte d : ba-s�alus on the third ( day) , at 17. Gab ' a xaba beteya reb ' a wa- ' i - rakabani me ' ra .
the third (hour) . 18. Tab6 z aw a' a zmad i hu xerns a .
J9. t :1I1ahba l omu dagema .
23. 3 Cardinal Adverb s . From " three" to " t en" the p at tern qe tl Z C' n t u

i n the (lccusatl v e (qc Ua) denotes " three times , thrice , " e t c . 20 . ' I L OIII ' e ' a k ii ' eb a .

I:. I . J: ,' WI.' ' l' l \ I q :ldllmi. �egg .

 101
100
w
lu newayu .
2 . Waha ba lotu ' aser ata ' em_k e l
aren a . Lesson 24
3 . B a- salu s t ama� �awa t hag
' em-,d aweya .
4 . Ba-me s e t a r ab u ' t afaww asku 24 . 1 Associative (Reciprocal) Verbs : Glt . For many G verbs
beheromu .
5 . Ba- ? eb ��",.,a s adus ' el at l a-war x t amay� u
there is a derived verb marked by the prefix ta- and a lengthening of
.
6 . B a - ' asur t a� awwa ' na qedmehu the stem vowel (-a- ) between C l and C 2 and expressing reciprocity or
ba ' enta s ab ' u danagel � ababt .
7 . N agar ana naga ra mutual activity . Though rel ative l y infrequent, these verbs are n o t
8 . Wa- ' emze qarba t rabe ' awit be
' s i t w a - s a ' al atana s i saya .
rar e , and it i s probabl e that they coul d be formed at w i l l for mnn y
9 . N ab aru heyy a ' eska t asu'
.
verbs other than tho s e for, which we have actual attest at ions . !.l s t t'd
1 0 . Was adewwo l a-we ' etu ' arwe ba- xame stu ' a�ba l senu' .
bel ow are the most important Glt verbs from roots already introduced .
xabe kemu .
1 1 . Tafannawu xame stu ' em- ' arda ' ihu For convenience they are divided into two group s : ( 1 ) those who,�
medr .
s su ' em- ' ahgurihomu l a-negusa kal e ' t
' a se
1 2 . Tama tta\oJ
�
meanings are more or l e s s predi ctab l e from the general notion o f rec i
wa-w ahabo lan a .
1 3 . Gabr kel ' e ' alba sa ' em- ' anad a procity or association, and (2) those whose meanings require s p ec i a l
1 4 . ' I -n as ' u hawa
. reyat s is aya mes lehomu .
attention . Note further that thes e verbs are distinct from Lt verbs ,
- ma�a �eft mes l a ' asma ta
1 5 . Ze-w e ' etu ' asmat a zent u xame stu which they resemb l e formal ly , s ince they are derivationally l inked to
me 'rafatihomu . G (or perhaps Gt) and not to l exical L verbs .
' ahad a be ' se rate ' a wa-? adeq a.
1 6 . ' I - raka ba ba-w es t a zati haga r
Yo�a nnes ha. ( 1 ) tab�kaya to weep together, mourn mutually
1 7 . S amay ato l a-sa lesaw i w a l da s erna
maqdas . tak�hada to argue with , contradict (obj . suff . ; concerning :
1 8 . Ta l e ' ku kel ' etu ' em-w e ludi ha b a-be ta
ena we ' eta ' amir a . ba'enta)
1 9 . T anabb a zentu ' asar tu �egg qedm
xasar wa-m aqs aft ' em - dibe na .
_ _

taqaraba to approach one another, come close together ; frequent

20 . B a- ' asera wit ' amat x a l afa z entu
in the s exual s ense : to have intercour s e

tana?ara to l ook at one another (note rel ationship to D verb)

' , taqa.tala to fight or kil l one another; to fight (with : mesla
or acc . )
tara' aya to look at one another , see one another (ga?l!a ba-ga??
I . face t o face)
tama < e <a to get mad at one another
tasii' ala to find out by asking around
tasame <a to hear and understand one another, each other ' s l an-
guage .

( 2 ) /;ahij�l " !/(.l L o b r i n g (someone : acc . dir . obj . ) before a j udge ( a

l ee�tl t erm)
i l1/;i"l./,]" ' a LO i n trude , s l ip in uninvited (int o , amollg : ace . )
: ,
/ , Ifrul, , · ' a L o gaLher, as semb l e ( intrans . )
/ IC I 'iH'uj " c t o congregat e ; to j oin , as sociate w i t h ( 11/, '/1 / " " ,' ", ' , I

r , /I / " I / , / I '" 1 0 sp e a k with (mesla, xaba , or a c t: , : " 1 " ,, , 1 ' 1,, ,

I " L ' ( ' 11 i.a , or ace . ) ; to speak ( ,\ l l l l ' f: " . o p " I ,
 103
1 02

E}ab' (pl . ' as.ba' , - t) m. f . war , batt l e . �ora/wa4' a E}ab' a t o go out

ianwaba tanZigara
to batt l e .
=

tasayata to buy (acc . dir. obj . )

tawalada to procreat e ; to increase or flouri sh by procreat ion . Verbs :
taxa lafa to wander t o and fro takayada G l t (root kyd o f kidan above) to make a treaty , pact , cove ­
taqawama to oppos e , withstand, t ake a stand against ( ac c . dir . nant (with : mesla or obj . suff . ) ; to promi s e .
obj . or mes la , la cla, qedma) ; less commonl y : to s t and ?ab' a t o make war, fight (with : acc . ) . G l t ta{labe'a t o fight ono
up for ( la- ) . another; to fight (acc . dir . obj . or mes la) .
ta�anawa to bid farewel l to (obj . suff . ) ; note re l at i onship to Coda trans : to go around, to surround; to avoid ( a p l a ce ) ; intr::m s . :
D verb . to go around, circula-te , tour .
rad' a to help (someone : obj . suff . ) . Gt tarad' a pass i ve . G l t
The verbs tawalada and taxalafa i l l us trate a further component in the
s emantic range of G l t verbs , namely that of repeated (iterative) tarade' a to render mutual aid, to help ( acc . dir . obj . o r mel l / I I ) .

Taking this in con j un ct ion with the more usual associat ive/ tasataJPa
' Lt to associate with ( ac c . or mes la ) ; t 0 s h are ( somOL h i l1)! ,
action .
reciprocal meaning, we may speak more general ly of the Glt as repre ­ ba-) with someone ( acc . ) .

senting a lexical plura l i z at ion o f the base verb , with emphas i s on in­ tasanQ' awa QI t to come t o an agreement , be in accord .

vo lvement in an ongo ing or repeated activity rather than on' a s ingl e , Other :
punctual act . bakama prep . according t o , in accordance with; conj . according a s , [1 5 .

There i s no corresponding associat ive/reciprocal form for D or b abaynati- prep . among , between (us ed mainly with verbs denoting
L verbs , a lthough a few, l i ke tarzi'i{lara and tafcmawa above, have G l t act ions with are reciprocal ; frequent with G l t verbs : tanal!aru
derivatives . There i s , however , a Qlt form from Q verb.s , with -0.­ babaynatihomu they looked at one another; taba.kayu babayna.tihO�1
between the second and third radica l s : tasana' awa (root : sn' w) to they wept together) . I t does not occur without pronomin a l suf­
come to a mutual agreement , be in accord . fixes .

Vocabul ary 24 Exerc i s es

Noun s : A . 1 . Wa- s oba re ' yu bezuxa mewutan a , t abakayu fadfada .

te' zaz (p I . -at) f . m . order, command, edi ct ; l aw, commandment . ba­

2 . Taka� aduna ' e l lontu ' e l ewan ba ' enta haymanot rete ' t .

te' zaza at the command o f . 3. ' I - t aqarabu ' eska t awalda waldomu .
4. Wa-sob a zanta s am ' u , t arawa?u westa fenot .
kidan (p I . -at) m . f . ( 1 ) p act , treaty, covenant ; ( 2 ) wi l l , testament .
Kidan Belit Old Testament ; Kidan ijaddas New Tes t ament . gabra/ 5. Tana� aru bab aynat ihomu wa- ' i -t aqarabu .
sema/takayada kidana xaba/mes la to make a K . with . Kia:an i s
6. Tama ' e ' u fadfada wa-taqat alu babaynatihomu.
a l s o a techni cal term denoting benefit promised by G o d to tho s e 7. Tara' ayna ga��a ba-ga�� wa- ' i - t asama 'na .
who celebrate the corrunemorat ion of a particular saint . B. Ta�aba ' n a me s l ehomu me ' ra ba-ye ' et i ' amat .
mes l (pl . mesal , mes lat , ' amsal) m . l ikene ss , form, image ; proverb .
9. T aqarabu wa-t aqat alu wa-motu be zuxan ' emennehomu .
The form ' amsal i s frequent as a s ingular (pl . -at) with the 10. Saba tasa ' alu ' esma mota negusomu , fannawu xabeya mal ' aka mes l a
s ame meanings . ba-' amsala in the l ikeness o f . zentu mashaf.
c a?f (pI . -at , ' a cf?eft) m . tunic, c l oak , mant le . B. 1. T n k o.yadan a ' /; g z i ' u h l� o r .
6utaj7> ( rare l y mil-un Ill . [. S L I1 K . and co l I . , companion , associat e , 2. (; ;.l il l':t k i diinil l11l' s l ll 1.H' zh u .

e l l l l ', \ ) I I . ?, . S CIll I I : 1 k j d n l l : 1 ,'( , 1 1 1 : 1 \v' ( " e l l ! negus.

1 04
105
4 . Takiiyadna kidIma mes l a ' cgzi ' ena .
7 . Zentu rad' kona sut ii.fehu 1 a- ' Egzi ' ena.
5 . !:lorna � ab ' a ye ' eta ' amata wa- � abii ' na bezuxa ' al!z aba .
8. ' I -ha1 1 awa sutafe ' Egz i ' ab� er ; ' a�adu we' etu .
6 . Wa- ' emze wa� ' u kWe l l omu warazuta hagar �ab ' a ba-te ' zaza negus .
9. ' ado damm ana kama ' a� f berhanawi .
7 . 'ada hagaromu wa- ' i - s ab ' omu .
1 0 . Takayada ' E gzi ' ab�er mes 1 a �e zbu ke1 ' e kidanata : ' ahatt i
8. Soba dawayku, rad ' an i we ' etu b e ' si xer wa-�ayoku ' em-daweya .
tas amyat Kidana Be 1 ita \1a-kal e ' t tasamyat Kidana ':!addas a .
9 . Ta ' adawna ' em-�egagihu wa- ' i - sama ' na t e ' zazat ihu .
1 0 . Taqarabu ' emuntu kel ' etu ware z a wa-taqata1u .
1 1 . Wa- ' emze tasana ' awu ba ' enta Kerestiyan wa- ' i -ta�ab e ' u mes 1ehomu.
1 2 . Tarade ' u babayniit ihomu wa-konu be 'u1ana �eqqa .
1 3 . N abarku mes1ehu wa-tarada ' kewwo ba' enta ' e 1 ewana z eku be�er .
1 4 . Zanta gabarna bakama t e ' zazeka.
1 5 . Tasat afnahomu ba-newayena wa-ba- sisayena.

c. 1 . ' Em-mannu tasaya�ka z ant a ma��afa beluya?

2 . Tasaya!kewwo ' em-b e ' si be ' ul .
w
3 . Taba� e�ewwomu 1a- ' e 1 1 ontu s edestu sab ' xaba mak annen .
4 . ' Efo t abawe ' ewwo xa� e ' an wa- ' ekuyan 1a-hezbena?
5 . Tagab e ' u sab ' a zamadu wa-t asana ' awu b a ' enta newayu .
6 . Tarakabku mes 1 a z entu qeddus wa-ta1 e ' ekkewwo .
7 . Tarakabu �ezb wa- gabru t azkara negusomu mewut .
8. Tanagara mes 1 eha wa-t asaya�a we ' eta ma��afa qeddusa ' emenneha .
9. Wa-soba t a ' ammara te 'mert , t agaba ' n a 1 a-�ab ' .
1 0 . Wa<;l ' u wa-tawa1 adu wa-ma1 ' u kW e l l a medra .
1 1 . Tamaya�na wa-tagaba ' na west a betu 1 a-makwannen .
1 2 . Wa-soba tabiik ayu , t afanawewwo 1 a-wa1domu .
1 3 . Taqawamu 1 a ' l ehomu wa-sadadewwomu ' em-ma' ka1omu .
1 4 . Wa- ' emdexra tasaddu, t axa1 afu ' em-be�er 1a-be�er .
1 5 . T�asyu ba- gebratihu ' abayt wa-t afasse�u ba-qa1at ihu t ababt .
1 6 . Soba z anta tanababana , t am ' a 'na wa-taba�a�nahu qedma kahen
'abiy.
1 7 . Tabawe ' una wa-taka1u ' eki t a ba-ma' ka1 ena .
18. Ba' enta ment t asatafkemewwomu 1 a - ' ekuyan?

D. 1. ' Em-ment gabarka zanta ' a? fa?

2. Ba- ' amsa1a mannu gabra ' Egz i ' ab�er b e ' se?
3. Tabib we ' etu wa- sannay � eqqa ' amsa1 ihu .
4 . Tare ' ya l ana ba- ' ams ala ma1 ' ak berhanawi .
5 . ' Odna wcst a \1C ' etu b eher be zuxa ' awraxa.
6. Zcn l ll JlIII�;ha r h a ' c n l n
' a�; hIT ' t o ' abawina we ' etu .
 ·.

106 107

:((£-111< ) ,-, 1.1. the one who died

Le sson 2 5 ' e l lu. ' elll-wevta ?a�aft those who were from among the scribes
' e t ta nabaru heyya thos e who had s ettled there
25 . 1 Re l ative P ronouns and Re l at ive C l auses . The rel ative pro-
nouns are e . To be distinguished from the preceding is the const ruct ion
in whi ch the relative pronouns function absolutely and st and in what
I II mas c . sing . za­ , e l la
common plural i s essentially a const ruct re l at ionship with a fol lowing noun :
I:
fern , s ing . ' enta
za- lam? a l eper ( lit . the one of l eprosy)
I Za- may rep l ace ' enta and ' e l la unless the l atter are used absolutely , enta ' Grey 0 the wife of Uriah ( she of Uriah)
(see belOW ) . Note that za- i s wr itten procl itic al ly : be' si za-ma?' a
' e l la sagaZ d iviners (those o f divinat i on )
the man who c ame . , e l la ' aganent demoni acs (tho se o f demons)
a. Relat ive c l auses where the re l at ive pronoun is the subj ect
of the c l ause offer no special prob l ems : f. Closely rel ated to this is the use of za- ( s c l dom ' ell / (l ( J I'

be' si za-tasayapa beteya the man who bought my house ' e l la) before the names o f materials from wh ich s omething i s 111: 1 < 1 ( ' ,

be' sit ' enta waladat walda the woman who gave birth to the chi ld manbar za-warq a golden throne ( l i t . a throne , 0 1 1 ('

nabiyat ' e l la tanabbayu heyya the prophet s who prophesied there o f gold)
b. When the relat ive pronoun i s the direct obj ect of the v erb qenat za-' anada a l eather belt
in its c l ause, this may be indi cated by a resumptive pronoun on the g. Deriving from thi s apposit ional us e, the pronoun za- b ccume

verb ; this is not , however , neces s ary : quite general i zed as a "prepos ition" expres s ing the genitive c a s e
be' si za-re'yewwo (or : za-re' yu ) the man whom they s aw relat ionship . I t s frequency varie s from text to text , but it appears
most commonly where the construct is prohibited by an intervening
c. When the rel ative pronoun s t ands in a preposit ional rel a­
adj ect ive or suffix or when proper names are involved :
tionship ( e . g . in whi ch , o f which, t o whi ch) , a resumptive pronoun
is normally employed : wangel qeddus za- ' Egzi' ena the holy gospel o f our Lord
Betale�em za-Yehuda Bethlehem of Judah
hagar ' enta sema ' IyarusaZem a city who se name is Jerus alem
ra?ada wayn za-Hagripos the Vin eyard of Agrippa
be' si za-qatalewwo la-waldu the man whos e son they k i l l ed
Galila ' enta ' ahzab Gal i l ee of the genti l e s
medr za-nabaru westeta the l and in whi ch they s ettled
h. Any of the preceding attributive c l aus es and phras e s may
I f there is no pos s ib i l it y o f ambiguity , a preposit ion may s t and be­
s t and before as wel l as after the modi fied noun :
fore the rel ative pronoun . This i s most frequent with ba- , as in
za-mota be' si the man who d i ed
, )
mawa r e Uhu ba-za ' astar' ayomu the t ime at whi ch the st ar
, e Z la ma?' u sab' the men \oIho came
kokab appeared unto them
za-warq manbar a golden throne

�I.!
Very rarely the preposition is p l aced after the relat iv e pronoun :
l .i Note especially such expres sions as
medr ' enta xaba ma?a' na the l and to whi ch we have come
za-matana-ze haymemot such faith (1 it . faith wh l c l l i s

I
' 'I
j' ! Thi s i s probably to be viewed as a secondary " fi l l ing out" of the to the extent o f thi s)
cons truction emp loying xaba alone (see below) . 3a-kama-zo ae ltan such authority (lit. 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 0 1' 1 I y

d. The nom i nal l z at i on of re l at i v e c l auses is very frequent :

I

which i s l i k e t l l i ' , )

,:
108 109

i. The relative pronoun i s o ccasionally omi t t ed , but this bert m . copp e r .

u s age is common only in short non-verbal c l auses fo l l owing an ind e fi ­ gama l (p l . -at, ' agma Z) m . f . came l .
nite antecedent : qenat (pl . -at , qenawet) m . b el t , cincture .

be' si semu Yo�annes a man who se name i s /was John . ma' s/ma rs (p l . ' am' es t , ' am rest) m . f . skin , hide , l e ather ( s yn . o f
' anada) .
25 . 2 'Ama and xab a . ' Ama has s everal different functions
sayf (pl . ' asyaf, ' asyeft.) m . f . sword .
which shou l d be noted :
makan (p l . -at) m . f . p l ac e , l o c al e .
( 1 ) prep o s ition : at the t ime of ( e . g . ' ama motu , ' ama we' etu
mendabe) ; it frequent ly precedes a t ime word and is equivalent to Exercises
"on" : ' ama re lata on the day o f . I t may be combined with ' em- (' em­
A. l . s ab ' ' e l l a mo ' u hagarana
' ama from the t ime o f) , la- ( la-' ama at the time of) , and ' eska
2 . ' arda' ' e l l a hal l awu m e s l ehu
(' eska ' ama unt i l the time of) .
3 . mas agger z a - s e � a zIlta �amara
( 2 ) conj unct ion : when , at t h e t ime when, fo l l owed by a verbal
4 . be ' s i � abib z a - g abra zant a sayfa
c l au s e : ' em-' ama from when , from the t ime when/that .
5 . welud ' e l l a motu ba-dawe
( 3 ) r e l at ive adverb : e . g . we' eta ' amira ' ama re' ik ewwo on that
6 . ' anest ' e l l a � a z ana dibehu
day when I s aw him . Not e that i t combines a relat ive and an adverb i al
7 . �ezb za- ' adawo l a-be�erena
function when used thu s .
8 . mal ' ak za-marJ;1ana ' em-gadam
The word xOha, already introduced as a preposit ion, a l s o fun c ­ 9 . ma��eft za-we ' YU w e ' e t a ' amira
t ions as a r e l at ive adverb "where , the p l ace where . " E . g . makan xaba 1 0 . xa! e ' an ' e l l a nass eQu ' em-xat i ' atomu
nabarku the p l ace where I s at down . The noun of p l ace is commonly 1 1 . hagar ' enta nas ' ewwa
omi t t e d and xaba i t s e l f t ak e s on the fu l l meaning of "the p l ace 1 2 . nagar z a - s ama ' nahu
where . " As such i t may be preceded b y other prepo s i t ions : 1 3 . berhan z a-ma l ' o westa samay

Tanse' at ' em-xaba wadqat. She got up from where she h ad fal len . 1 4 . negus ' ekuy za- farhu ' em-qedmehu

He l eft the same way he came by.
Wa1' a ' enta xaba ma? ' a.
Ro?u ' eska xaba wadqa. They ran t o ,,,here he had fal len .
It may a l s o be used as the direct obj ect of a verb :
' I-rakaba xaba nabarna. He di d not find the p l ace where we
had s et t l e d .
Vocabul ary 2 5
1 5 . fenot ' enta se�etna ' emenneha
1 6 . haymanot za-kerydewwa
1 7 . damr z a- setu l ana
1 8 . warq za-nas ' un i ' em-beteya
1 9 . b erur z a - gabra z an t a sayfa ' emennehu
20 . ' agmal z a- t asaya!na ' em-xabehu
2 1 . hagar ' ent a serna Hagara 9a�ay
2 2 . b e ' s i za- semu l a- ' abuhu Yohannes we' etu

Noun s : 2 3 . be ' sit ' enta qabarewwo la-badnu l a -meta

2 4 . be ' sit ' enta fawwaso ' I yasus l a-walda
tj.amr m . f. woo l
W 2 5 . nab i yat ' e l l a t a fannawu xabena
sag r h a i r (human o r animal ) ; f u r , feathers , p lumage .
26 . dangel ' ento t awalda madxena ' a l am ba-xabeha
warq m . go l d , money .
27. W'H·t( wa-borur z a - t awas saka l a-newayu
berur (p l . -at) m. s i l ver .
2B. xa, i n w lI - i > o r L z a - rakabna westa we ' etu ' adbar
xa?in (pI . xw!aweH�l m . i ron ; swo rd , weapon ; tool , imp lement .
.' ' 1 . ,,, , , 1 d 7. 11 hi' :. ; I W U �eywato ba-warq
 III
110

30. ' E g z i ' ena za-wahabo sebJ:1ata b e zuxa

Les son 2 6
3 1 . qeddus za-nas a ' n a s egahu wa- qabarna we sta zentu m akan
W
3 2 . ' anada wa_�ag ra gamal z a-t agabra l ebsu ' emennehu
26 . 1 Causative V erbs : C G , CD , C L , CQ. The s e cond maj o r c l ass
3 3 . z a-mas ' a xasar wa-mendabe
o f derived verbs from each o f t h e bas es G, D , L, and Q i s the causa­
34. ' ent a s e � at o zanta ma� � afa b e ' s i t
t i v e , marked in the P erfe ct by the prefix ' a- :
35 . ' e l l a gabra z anta ' al bas a ' anest .
G gab' a to come back CG ' agbe' a t o bring back
36. ' e l l a t afawwasu ' em - d aweyatihomu �ezb
D sannaya to be beaut i fu l CD ' asannaya to make be aut .i ri l l
37 . ' e l l a � an 'u ba-haymanot ret e ' t Kere s t i y1i.n
L masana to perish CL ' amasana to destroy
38. ' e l l a t a� a\vwe ' u wa- ' e l l a ' i - t a� awwe ' u
Q danga�a to be d i s turb ed CQ ' adangaq.a to d i s t urlJ
39. ' e l la nab aru ba-m1i. ' k al a � e zb en a
4 0 . z a - t abaraka ' em -xaba ' E g z i ' ab�er I n thi s l e sson w e shall deal with the causative verbs from (; VC' r h o I

6 . bet za- ' ebn

b as e s . These are the most numerous and varied of the four t ypl'·; . '1'1,,,
B. 1 . neway z a-warq
W bas i c form o f the P erfect i s ' ac C aC a , subj ect to mod i f j c a t l o l l (Jo l y
2. ' albas za_ ?ag r a gamal 7. hamar ' enta ' ed l 2 3
with ro ots I I I - guttural and I I - W/ Y . As noted previous l y , t h e ( ' i l l l i !
3. qenat za-ma ' s 8 . s ayf za-xa�in
s t em vowel before C = guttural is e ither zero (e . g . maq'a) o r (! ( <, . )1, .
4. dammana za-berh1i.n 9 . ' asyeft ' enta bert 3
nasse �a) , depending on whether the preceding syl l ab l e was o r i g i l l u l J y
5. ' a� f z a-<;J.amr 1 0 . ma sw1i. ' t z a - xebest wa-wayn
short (ma-Eie-' a > ma?'aJ or l ong (nas-se-�a, mo-qe-�a) ; thus , i n CC
C . 1 . kidan z a- t akayada sutafehu m e s l�na
verbs we regul ar l y have e : ' am-Eie-' a, J ag-be-' a et c . Infl ect i on
2. k i dim za-tas ana ' awu b a ' enti ' ahu b abaynatihomu
fo l low s the p at t e rn already given for verbs I I I - guttur a l :
3 . J:1 e zb ' e l l a ' odelV"/O
4 . J:1ezb ' e l l a t a?ab e ' una
5. xa! e ' an ' el l a t abaw e ' un a Caus at ive verbs from roots I I -W usua l l y have a l o s s of the s e cond
6 . t e ' z1i.z z a-wadayo dibena radi cal ; from qoma we have J aqama, ' aqamat , J aqamka, J aqamki, ' aqamku
7 . t e ' z1i.z z a-gabarna zant a bakam1i.hu etc. I f the root is l I I -gut t . in addi t i on , a i s repl aced by e :
8. ' aby1i.t z a-wass akna l a-hagarena J abe' a J ' abe' at , ' aba' ka , etc . ( from bo' a) . The CG form ' aqoma i s
9 . negus z a-ma�� awew\.,o lotu l a - new1i.yomu a l s o att e sted , inflected l ik e qoma . From roots I I -Y the C G form
1 0 . J:1 e zb ' e l l a t agass a�u w a - t amehheru rete ' t a ' akeda ( root kyd) i s the normal one , wi thout loss of the s e cond radi­
cal .
D. 1. ' I -wadayku warqeya westa w e ' etu mak1i.n .
2 . Rakabna z ant a makana ' ekuya fadf1i. d a wa- ' i -nabarna w e s t etu . 26 . 2 The Meaning o f CG V erbs . From stative G verbs t h e CG
3. ' Ama s alus l a-warx x a l a fu ' em - xabena. verb is primari l y fact i t ive , as in
w
4. B a� aJ:1na zeyya ' ama kona ' abuna mak annena beher .
G ' akya t o b e bad CG ' a' kaya to make (s ometh ing) b ad
5. ' I - tan1i.garana ' em- ' am a g a ss a�nahu b a ' enta za- gabr a .
S in c e a l l meanings of the s i mp l e G verb are at l e ast t heoret i c a l l y
6. ' Ama ma�1i. ' kemu xaba mak1i.n xaba hal l o , ' i -r e ' ikemewwo-nu?
7 . Hal lona m e s l ehu ' e ska ' ama mot a , wa- ' emze gab1i. ' n a xaba � ana�na incorporated into the C G verb , w e s ha l l not repeat here t h e f u I I
range of meani ngs for t ho s e verbs already introduce d . Spccl ll i I I I 1 (1 1 1 -
betana .
t i oD shou l d be g i ve n to the s econdary , l e s s pred i c t ab l e 1II0 : l I l I I i W . I hili
8 . Tanse ' a ' em - x a b a nabara wa-de gana dexrena.
some o f t he verbs have acqu ired .
9. ' I - g a b 5 ' k u hagara ' en t a xaba wad1i. ' ku .
10. �1 t 1 ;; ' :1 x o h ll q OIll O I l W : l - r a � c ' ' c l iln a h a ' enta fenota ba�r .
 (1:1j :
'I',' !i i,
1 )
,
112
113

' a' kaya to make (something) bad ; to act badl y (t oward : la ' la ,

l.,.
r i ' abe' a to bring, l e ad , o r t ake in ; to introduce , ins ert
diba)
( ' agbe' a to bring, l ead , or t ake back ; to turn back , defl ect ;
' a 'baya to make great , to incre as e , augment ; t o exto l , exalt
to hand over, b etray (acc. dir. obj . ; t o : westa ' eda)
, ab <ala to make rich W
' ag yaya to put to fl ight
' ab laya to age , make o l d , render obsolete
' alhaqa to rais e , rear (e . g . chi ldren , p l ants)
' abzexa to multipl y , make numerous ; to produce a l ot of, have
, am < e < a to enrage (note the rel ationship t o the Gt verb
a lot o f
tam <e <a)
I' ' adwaya to make i l l ' am? e ' a to bring , o ffer ; to c ause to happen , bring about
,) iI ,I !'
' afreha t o frighten , amota/' amata
to let d i e ; to put to death ; to have 501ll0UI I\'
' a�yawa to rest ore to l i fe ; to heal , cure ; to let l ive killed
' a�zana to make s ad ; often used impersonal l y : ' i-' a�zano he
' anbara to set , p l ace, deposi t ; t o sett l e , cause to dW1l 1
was not s addened
, aqraba to cause to approach ; t o bring near , to o ffor
' andaya to reduce to poverty , aqama to set up , estab l i s h ; to confirm the t rut h 0 [; tu C I I rr y
' anoxa/' anexa to extend , put forth (e . g . one ' s hand ) ; to l eng­
out the t erms o f ; t o cause to ceas e (e . g . ra i n)
then, make l ong ( er) ; to r ai s e high , e l evate , exal t ;
' aro?a to cause to run ( esp . of horses)
, anexa manfasa fa 'la h e was patient about .
' as �ata to l e ad astray ; to l e ad into sin or error
' arte 'a to make right , correct , straight , s t ab l e ' as kaba to cau s e to l i e down
' a� daqa to make righteous , just ; to declare j ust or innocent ' aw <aya to burn s omething up ; to burn , s corch
' a?ne <a to make firm , strong , et c . ; to grasp firmly (ba-) ; t o ' awdaqa to dro p , let fal l ; to throw down , cast down; to fel l ,
l e arn b y heart (ba- lebbu)
hew down.
' apbaba to make wise
' awde' a to bring , l ead , or take forth; to exp e l ; to put forth,
From other intransitive verbs the CG verb has the b as i c idea o f cau s ­ produce
ing , ordering , o r permitt ing someone o r something to perform a cer­ ' aw�aza' to cause to flow (esp . tears )
I II t ain action . With verbs of mot ion the exact direction of the mot ion ' awrada to bring , s end , or l ead down
I
is o ften amb iguous , producing several trans l at ion values in Engl ish . ' axlafa to cause to pass ; to pass (time)
For example , the CG verb ' a' tawa ( from ' atawa to go home) has the Al l of the verbs in the preceding l i s t s are singly tran s it ive , t aking
fo l lowing possible meanings in Eng l ish : to s end someone h om e , to l e t
a direct obj ect in the accus at ive . C ausative verbs do not , as a rule,
someone g o home , to order someone to go home ; to bring s omeone/s ome­
t ake dative pronominal suffixes .
thing home , to bring s omeone/ something indoors . The context wi l l
When the negative ' i- is prefixed to a cau s at iv e form beginning
usual ly make clear which o f the various nuances o f the caus ative with ' a- , ' i'� becomes ' iya- . We shall transcribe thi s secondary _y_
, i-y a' mara
force applies . as - t; - to prevent confus i o n . E . g . ' i-' a' mara � he did
' a <dawa to bring, l ead , or t ake across not know .
' a <raga to bring , lead, or t ake up ; to offer up ( a s acrifice)
V o c [l b u l ar l y 26
' a 'oda to lead or t ake around , usually in the sens e of causing
to travel about , circulate in a pl ace (westa) Nouns :

, , li;krr!la L a move to tears

, I ,} II/I ' �/I I I \) 1 , ,' 1 1l j�
" ' '' I I , " I' ; r ; ,' , br eat h , vital l i fe - force ; II I " " ', , , , ,
114
' arami co l I . pagan s , heathens , non-Chri stians .
manker (pl . -at) mirac l e , marvel , wonder ; also adj ective ( f . -t) mar­
v e lous , wondrous .
V erb s :
fapara t o creat e , produce ; to dev i s e , fabricate .
sa�aba to pul l , drag , draw ; to attract (to : xaba) ; to protract
(qaZa, nagaraJ . Gt tase�ba p ass ive .
sagada to bow down (to : Za- , qedma) .
paf' a to go out ( o f a l ight or fire) ; to peri sh, vanish .
t o extinguis h ; to destroy , annihi l at e .
' a' mara C G t o know , underst and, comprehend, real i z e , learn .
ta' amra pas sive .
Exercises
A. 1 . ' A�ne 'a kW e l l o masahefta Kid1i.n l:laddas ba- l ebbu .
2 . ' Adwayo maya z at i hagar wa-mo t a .
3 . ' Ahz anana mot a l a- ' eg z e ' tena.
w 2 1 . Z entu we ' etu rnakan za- ' a ' odana westetu .
4 . ' Afrehomu z entu mendabe wa- g ayyu ' em-heyya.
5 . ' A�yawa ' Iyasus mewutana wa- fawwasa dewuyana.
6. Dagema ' aJ:1yawomu l a-deweyan ' em-dawehomu .
7. ' �yawuna wa- ' i- qat aluna.
8. ' Ab z exa gebara sannayata.
9 . ' Anlhku ' edaweya wa-nasa ' k ewwo l a-we ' etu mashaf.
1 0 . ' A 'baya ' Eg z i ' ab�er weludihu wa-newayo �eqqa fadfad a .
1 1 . La-ment ' a' kaykemu l a ' l eya?
1 2 . Mahharomu l a- ' arda ' ihu wa- ' a!babomu .
1 3 . ' Arte 'a ' albaba ' e l ewana wa- ' a�daqa xa! e ' ana.
1 4 . ' Anexa ' e l atata � eywateya diba medr .
1 5 . ' As ne ' a haym1i.notomu.
1 6 . ' Ab 'ala naddayana wa- ' andaya ' ab 'e l t a .
1 7 . ' I -ya' kayku diba k1i.1e ' aneya .
w
1 8 . ' A 'baya serno ba-k ellu ba�awert a 'al am o
1 9 . Manna ' a�daqqa ba-west a ye ' et i hagar?
2 0 . ' Anexa manfaso 1a ' l a gebara we1udihu wa- ' i -gassa�omu .
B. 1 . ' Ax l afna samanta 'amata heyya .
2 . ' A ' dokcwwomu w es t a k a l e ' be�er .
3. ' A ' r :tgl'''wO d i " ; 1 '.l J m n rOnlu.
US
' aramawi adj . idem .
4. 'Am�o ' a lita
k e l ' et a newaya .
w
5 . ' Am ' e ' o nagaru l a-mak annen .
6 . ' A ' ragna ' arba ' t a maswa ' t a .
7. ' Aqraba l ot u wayna wa-xebest a .
Gt tafapra pass ive . 8 . ' Aw�aza maya ' em-ye ' et i ' ebn .
9 . ' Agba' kewwo xaba z amadu .
1 0 . ' Aba'na ' asyeft ihomu west a bet .
1 1 . Manna wa-menta ' ab a ' k emu l ana?
CG ' apfe' a 1 2 . ' Aqama zanta ki dana mes l en a .
1 3 . L a-ment ' i - ' aqamkemu qal at a kidanu?
Gt 1 4 . ' Aw4a ' na newayo w a- ' aw ' ayna beto .
1 5 . ' Askab1i.homu l a-weludihon ta�t a ' e 4 .
1 6 . ' Awdaqu ' asyafihomu wa-ro�u ' em- qedmena.
1 7 . ' Awrada ' es sata dibehornu .
1 8 . ' Alhaqo be ' s i ' ar amawi .
1 9 . ' AgWyayna sedes t a ' emennehomu .
2 0 . ' I - ! af ' a ' essat w e ' et a l e l i t a .
2 2 . ' E l lontu ' e l l a ' amatewwornu l a - l iqanina.
2 3 . Zentu we ' etu rnakan xaba ' anbaru segahu.
2 4 . ' Abe ' a warqa wes t a bet eya wa- ' anbaro qedrneya .
25 . ' Am�e ' a l ana tes ' ata gama 1 a .
C . 1 . F a! ara ' Eg z i ' ab�er sarnaya wa-rnedra.
2. ' Abzexa s i s ayana wa- ' i -nadayna .
3 . ' Efo ' a! fa' kemu z at a ' es sat a?
4 . ' Awdaqa ' e�a wa-wadayo westa ' essat .
5 . ' Awdaqa betomu dibehomu wa- ' amat omu .
6 . Sagadu lotu wa-wahabewwo warqa wa-berura.
7. ' Ab z exa t a ' amera wa-mankerata wa- ' amnu be zuxan ba-wange l u .
8 . Nabara ba-ma' kal a ' arami wa- s agada 1a-!a' otomu .
w
9 . Mota ' abuhu wa- ' alhaqo ' ex a ' abuhu, be' si xer wa-�abib .
1 0 . Tafa!ra zentu ' al am ba' ent i ' akemu wa-ba' ent a daqiqekemu .
1 1 . Sa�abana ga� �u sannay wa-nagaru �abib .
1 2 . S a�abewwo Ives t a h agar ' es ka mal ' a damu west a kW ellu fen:Iw i h o. .
1 3 . Sa�abkll qal eya ' eska meset , wa- ' emze xa1 afku ' em-xabehoIliLi .
1 1\ . !'a r ' at ' c s s at ha-maqdasa �a' otomu .
,�. � ; () h : 1 � " lTI ' II nagaro , ' a ' maru ' esma madxenomu we ' etu .
116 117

16. ' A 'marku �egguka wa-t afa�� ��ku ba-qilitihu .

, - � L e s s on 27
. romu wa- e� ewwo l a - s ab '
1 7 . ' Aw�e ' u xa�ina wa-bert a em- ' a db ara b ehe
b a ' edan .
27. 1 C aus ative Verbs : CG ( cont inued) . C ausat ive verbs derived
1 8 . B a - s amun ' a 'marna kama ma��awa ' abuna nafs o .
from transitive G verbs are theore t i ca l ly doub ly tran s itive : to cause
1 9 . Tase� ebna xab�hu b a ' enta mankerat za- gabr a .
( someone) to do (something) . I n practi c e , however, the first obj ect
20 . ' At fe ' u ' ahgurihu wa-nas ' u � e zb o ' agbert a .
is usual ly personal and suffixed to the verb , thus obscuring i t s
2 1 . ' As�atom u nagara we ' etu nabiy ' e lew l a- hezb , wa- ' i -nabaru " accus ati ve" s t atus : ' ar' ayana ma?�afa h e showed us a book ( l i t . 1111
� enu ' an a ba-haymanotomu .
c aused us to s e e a book ) . Even more frequent ly one o f the two o b j or l '.
, ' ana h. e zb , wa- ' emuntu ' amotewwo .
2 2 . ' Agbe ewwo wes t a ' e d awa l l.q
is omitted (usual ly the Erst) and the trans l at ion must be adj \ J s l (' d
23. ' Aw ' aya berhana �a�ay ga�� atihomu .
accordingly :

' Aqtala we' e ta nabiya. He h ad that prophet ki l l ed (J it. I,,·

c aused someone unspeci fied to k I I I . .1

.

' Asme <a te' zazo. He made kno\VTI his decre e . (1 i t . 1111

caus ed someone unspec i fied to ill''' ' . . . J.

F o l lowing are the CG verbs derived from transit ive G verbs a l ready
introduced :

' a' mana to convert ( in the religious sense)

' a <dawa to l ead or t ake ( s omeone : acc . dir . obj . ) acros s (�cc .
dir. obj . )
' a <qaba to hand ( someone/ s omething : acc . dir. obj . ) over to
(someone : obj . suff . or xaba) for s afekeeping
' agbara to make or order ( s omeone : acc . dir. obj . ) do or make
(something : acc . dir. obj . )
' �nal}a to have ( acc . d ir . obj . ) built ; to cause ( someone :
acc. dir . obj . ) t o bui l d (acc . dir . obj . )
' ak�ada to contradict , not be l ieve ( acc . dir . obj . ) ; to l e ad
(someone : acc. dir. obj . ) from the faith
' amo' a!' ame' a to make (someone : acc . dir. obj . ) victorious
(over : la <la, ba- )
' anbaba to read , recite ( ac c . dir . obj . ) ; to s tudy, med i t ate .
' anse' a to rai s e , c ause t o r i s e ( from seat ed or lying pos i t i on)
' an?ara to l ook (usual ly with the preposition mangala t owlIl'd)
' aqbara to caus e , allow, order (s omeone : acc . di T . o"j . ) In

bury ( s omeone : acc. dir . obj . )

' aqtala to cause or order ( someone : acc . dir. ohJ . l In " I I I

(someone : acc . dir . obj . ) ; to have ( ' 0111<,<> 1 1 1 ' .1" ti l l

 118
119

obj , ) k i l l e d i n a few inst ances there i s a derivat ional rel at

ionship between two
' ar' aya to show ( s omeon e / s omething : acc . d i r . obj . ) t o ( some ­ base type s , espe'c i a l l y G and D .
As noted previou s l y , t h i s i s s ome ­
one : obj . suff . ) ; to reveal , make man i fest ( ac c . d i r . times only apparent and a resul t of p arti al merging
s for phone t i c
obj . ) reasons ( e . g . mahara/mahhara ) . I n other cases , howev e r , t h e re l ation­
' arkaba to cau s e ( s omeone : acc . d i r . obj . ) t o find or acquire ship i s real but i s not bas ed on any product ive derivat
ional process
( s omething : acc . d i r . obj . ) within Ethiop i c i t s e l f ; such forms are either remnant
s o f an earl i er
' asme � to announce (acc . d i r . obj . ) t o (obj . suff . or Za- ) ; s t age of the l angu:lge or creatio ns under the infl uence
of o t h e r
to summon ( ac c . d i r . obj . ) as a witness Semi t i c l anguage s such a s Aramai c and Arabic . It i s a l s o p o s s i h l ,'
' asmaya to be wel l known , famous , outstanding for any o f the derived syst ems to be u s ed to form denomin
at i ve v(' ,'i i ' , ;
' a?,afa to caus e ( someon e : acc . dir . obj . ) t o wri t e ( ac c . dir . these s t and out side of the derived system relat ionship
s prope , I l l ' .

obj . ) cause o f their special i zed meaning s . The verb ' asmaya ( t o h e " " " " , " , "

' aw lada to cause ( s omeone : acc . dir . obj . ) to bear a chi l d ; t o out s t anding) in our l i s t above i s a good examp l e of th
j � . Til" " X
beget a chi l d ( ac c . dir . obj . ) pected meaning o f CG ' asmaya , rel at iv e to G samaya, woul
d h l' " I ( )
cause t o name" ; ' asmaya, however, i s denominat ive from t
27 . 2 C aus ative Verb s : CD , C L , CQ . Causative verbs from D , L , h e :,d l ll l' l l v l'
and Q b as e s are much l e s s frequent than CG verbs . Note t h e fo l lowing: semuy famous .

' a' ammara used l ike D ' ammara , but not in the P erfect , where it
Vocabul ary 2 7
is rep l aced by ' a' mara C in the sense of the D verb .
Nouns :
' agabbara to make (someon e : acc . dir . obj . ) do ( s omething : acc .
d i r . obj . ) ' egr (pI . ' egar , ' a' gar) f . m . foot . wes ta/xaba ' egara at t he Ce el o C
' anasse,a to l ead ( s omeone : acc . dir . obj . ) t o repentance ba-' egr on foot . ' egra ga�Qy ray o f sun l i ght .
' asannaya to adorn, de ck out , array ' anqa?/' anqaq (pl . ' anaqe?) m . f . gate (of city, t emp l e , or other
' abezawa to have ( s omeon e : ace . d i r . obj . ) redeemed l arge structures ) .
W W
terg ame (pl . terg ameyat) m . f . t ran s l at ion , interpre t ation . za-ba-
27 . 3 G eneral Remarks on the V erbal System. The bas i c l exical W W
terg amehu , ze-we' e tu terg amehu the interpretation of whi ch i s .
typ e s G, D, L , and Q , w i t h their medio-pass ive , recipro c a l , and ' ,
tent b eginning; ' em-tent from t h e beginning .
c ausat ive derivatives , form a group of i so l ated but p aral l e l syst ems :
'I I nadd m . fl ame ; nadda ' essat idem .

/I�
D �G

,' ,! !: I / \ r - --/l�
Verbs :

CD - ) Dt
- - - CG - - -> Gt Glt CQ - - -> Qt Qlt ' apmaqa CG to b ap t i z e ( ac c . d i r . obj . ) . Gt tatamqa pas s ive .
nadda to burn ( subj ect i s fir e , flame , anger etc . ) . CG ' andada t o
Occasi ona l l y there i s n o b as e verb , and a tran s i tive - intran s itive re ­
s et afire, i gni t e . G l t tanadada t o burn with a mutual p a s s ion .
l at i onship exists between t h e caus at ive and the medio -pass ive verbs ,
, a 'rafa CG (1) intrans . : ' t o rest , find rest , come to res t ; to d i e ;
as indicated by the dotted l ines above . Examp l es of t h i s are
( 2 ) trans . : to give res t (to : obj . suff . ; from : ' emenna) .
CG/Gt ' a' mara/ta' amra to know/be known
' afqara CG to love (ac c . d i r . obj . ) . Gt tafaqra to be loved , b e l oved.
, am 'e 'a/tam ' e 'a to enrage/be enraged C I t ta�aqara to l ove one another ; to love ( someone : mes Za ) .
CD/Dt , as affawa/tasaffawa to give hope/have hope ' wnunclauu CQ to affl i c t , oppre s s ( a c c . dir . obj . ) . Qt tamandah'1 1 n
CQ/Qt ' amandaba/tamandaba to affl i ct/be aff l icted he o p p res s ed .
' , r:', () ) , (1,). ( ( ' I I ( p r"ffl i S l' ( s omething : acc . dir. obj . ) to ( S Ufflt ' O " ' "
"
' <1' 1 ,
120 1 21

suff. o r Za-) . Dt tasaffa1JJa t o hope for , expect , look forward (,. ' AI I " , · , d.IO wa - l a ' amna xa!awe ' ihu wa-t a!amqa b a -may .
to ( ace . dir. obj . ) . 7. ' A � : l I l 1 l aycww::i l a - be ' s i t wa-wasadewwa xaba negus .
8. , A s u CCuwoUlu ':eywata za-la- ' al am .
Othe r :
9. SOI.Hl L amanuabu ba ' enta hayrnanotomu , l a ' aku 1 iqomu la-negus.
mangaZa (presuffixal : mangaZe-) prep . t o , toward, in t h e direction of.
10. ' Amc ' ana ' Eg z i ' abJ;ter l a ' l a ' aJ;tzaba zentu med r .
ba-mangaZa idem. Za-mangaZa i dem . ' em-mangaZa from the direc­
I I . ' A ' maru kama ' odna hagaromu soba s am ' u te 'merta za-t a ' arnrnarn a .
t ion of; on the p art o f . , I -t akayadkemu-nu kidana mes l ena? La-ment w a1a ' kemu wa­
12.

P roper N ames : t a�aba' kemu me s l a warazuta J;tezbena?

13.
v w
' Abreham Abraham ; SaZem Salem (cf. Gen . 1 4 : 18) ; MaZka $edeq Me l chi z e ­ Tafaqra zentu wald s annay ba-xaba k ellomu s ab ' a hagar .
14. Tasatafa ' em-tent mes l a ' ekuyana lebb .
dek ; Nox Noah ; ' Adam Adam; Geb? Egypt ; Be rn Shem .
15. Sama' na nagaro ' em- !ent wa- ' i - ' amanna botu wa- ' akryadnahu .
Exercises
C. I. ' Ayte ' aqbara negus ' abdent ihomu l a- ' e l l a t aqat lu sab ' ?
A. 1. ' A ' manomu wa- ' a!maqomu ba- s ema ' ab wa-wald wa-manfas qeddus . 2. Ba- zat i t e ' mert ' ar ' ayana mes� i ra qeddusa za-�egg l laddas .
2 . ' A 'dokewwomu ' adbara wa- " anbarkewwomu zeyya xaba nabarku ba- 3 . Zentu we' etu ' asmatihomu l a- ' e l l a ' asmayu ba-we ' etu ? ab ' .
t ent . 4 . Mannu nagast ' e l l a ta?ab e ' omu ' Abreham?
3. ' I -yafqaran i , wa- ' amandabani ' eska qarabku l a-mot . 5. ' Arkabo ' Eg z i ' abJ;ter l a- ' Abreham bezuxa newaya westa Geb� .
4 . \'Ia- ' emze ' a 'rafani ' em-mendabeya wa- ' aqama kidana mes leya. 6 . Rada' nahu l a - z entu nadday wa-wahabnahu s isaya wa-l ebs a .
w
5. Xaba mannu ' a 'qabkemu warqa wa-berura za-wahabku l akemu? 7. ' Aw1e' omu mak annen la- ' emuntu s ab ' wa- ' aqt al omu qedma kW e l lu
6. Qoma westa ' anqa? a hagar wa-t ase " elomu l a- ' e l l a xal afu ba' enta hezb .
,
weludihu . 8 . A\vl ada bezuxa weluda wa- ' awaleda, wa-bazxa z amadu ' ern-kal e ' an
7. Sa ' al kewwo ' a?fa za- ' a ' qabkewwo xabehu wa- ' i -wahabo l i t a . ' azmad za-Ile ' etu makan .
w 9 . F annawo Nox l a-Sem waldu mes l a sega ' abuna ' Adam , wa- ' anbaro
8 . ' Agbarana zanta mak annen ' ekuy .
9. ' Agbarke��omu salas a 0amara l a-negus wa- sutafehu . ba-ma' kala medr ' enta ye ' et i westa , Iyarusalem .
1 0 . Wadaqna westa ' egarihu wa-s a ' alnahu ryeywat a . 1 0 . N as ' o Sem l a-MaIka gedeq ' ern-beta ' abuhu , wa-marJ;tomu mal ' aka
, Egzi ' abryer ' eska ba�J;tu Sal emha ; wa-t asayma MaIka gedeq kahena ,
11. ' �na? a zata hagara wa- ' emze ' anbarana westet a .
12. 'Andada nadda ' e s s at wa-wadaya kWe l l o ma?aJ;teftina westetu . wa-nas ' a ' a ' bana wa- ' a ' raga dibehomu maswa ' t a ba-xebest wa-wayn
13. Ment-nu tergW arnehu l a- zentu mes l ? za-warada l otu ' em-samay kama t e ' merta mes ! ira �egg �addas .
1 4 . N agarana ba' enta ' amsal za- ' a?J;tafa ba-mashaf . 11. Wa- ' am� e ' u mal a ' ekt s i s aya l a-MaIka �edeq , wa-kona l eb su ' anada
,
1 5 . �oru ba- ' egr ' em-Geb? ' eska I yarusalem . wa-qenatu za-ma ' s ; wa-nabara heyya wa-t ale ' k a qedma sega ' abuna
,
Adfun xaba taJ;tan�a me ' rafu .
B . 1 . Mannu ' akhadakemu wa- ' agabbarakemu zanta gebra ' ekuya?
' An�aru m �ngal a hagar wa-re ' yu ' abiya nadda ' es sat za- ' arga
1 2 . W a- ' ama tamay!a ' Abreham ' em-?ab ' , ' em-dexra mo ' a nagast a,
2.
x<l l rt fa ' enta xaba hagara Salem ( z e-we ' etu ' Iyarusalem b n k anw
' emenneha. westa samay . w
t crg 1i.mChomu la-lab ibanina) , wa- ' aqr aba l otu MaIka �cdcq ( Z Il
3. ' Anse ' ewwomu l a-dewuyan wa- ' am?e ' ewwomu xabehu ' anqa? a beta
l as aJilya kahena wa-negusa Salem westa �egg Bc l i l ) xcht' ,; l : 1 WlI
maqdas . w
w ay " a , wa - ' Abreham wahabo ' aserata ' em-k el l u n('w;;y" .
4. ' A ' rafku westa we ' etu makan wa- ' emze horku ka ' eba westa feno t
mang a l a bah y .
5. ' Anb:1 h l l 7. : 1 T1 t � k Wc l l O ma?J;tafa s elsa ba-ye ' et i lel i t .
 122 123

a s o ur examp l e s shO\" .
Lesson 2 8
28 . 3 Bo (tu) Indi cating E x i s t ence . The 3rd pers . m as c . sing .

28. 1 Ba- with Pronominal Suffixes . form bo or botu (negative ' a �" bo , ' a"� bo""'
vU ) 1S
' use d to pre d1cate
' exi s t -
ence . The fol l owing noun may b e accusative or non-accusat ive :
beya in me bfma in us
beka in you (m . s . ) bekemu in you (m . p l . ) Bo ma:y/maya . There is water.

beki in you ( f . s . ) beken in you ( f . p l . ) ' A Lbo xebest (a) . There is no bread .

bo, botu in him bomu in them (m . ) 28 . 4 Bo za- as the Equival ent of an Indefini t e Pronoun . "1"1",
ba., bati in her bon, bontU, boton in them ( f . ) bo o f exi s t ence is especi a l l y frequent in combination \V; Lh 1 11 0 r n I II

In thes e forms the prepos it i on may have i t s p l ain meaning (by , with , t i ve p ronoun za- ( the p lural ' e l la i s rare in thi s p a rt i c u l a l ( (III

in) or one of the special meanings treated in the fol lowing p ara­ s t ruct ion) , a combination b e s t trans l ated i n Engl i�h by 1 11<' 1 1 1 . 1 ,· I I

grap h s . [The Tradit ion has - tt- in the 3rd person forms . J ni t e pronouns " someon e , something , no one , nothing . " St I ldy 1 1 1 1' 1111
lowing examp l e s carefu l ly , not ing the ambiguity o f za- a� l' l t 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11
28. 2 Ba- I ndicating P o s s e s s i on . The ful l paradigm of ba- given
subj ect or obj ect ( i n s ome s e n s e ) o f i t s claus e :
above fun ct i on s ps eudoverb a l l y to indicate p o s s es s ion . The obj ect
p o s s e s s ed appears regu l ar l y , but not con s i s tent ly, in the accusative ' emma bo za-xadaga be' sito if (' emma) someone di vorco ' . I t I ' , w I I II

cas e like a di rect obj ect : ' albo za-rakaba heyya he found nothing (or no 0110) L l lll l"Il

' albo za-rakaba warqeya no one found my go l d

Beya warqa. I h av e gold .
' albo za-bal <u none o f them ate , o r they nte notlt l llE
Bomu xebesta. They h ave bread .
' a lbo za-sam <a qalo he heard no one ' s vo i c e , or no one
Bekemu haymanota. You have faith .
heard his voice .
I f the p o s s e s s or is a noun, i t must be used appos itiona l l y with the
Such ambiguit i e s may b e cl eared up by resumpt ive pronouns or by dif­
3rd person suffix on the prepos it ion :
ferent obj e c t constructi ons , but they are frequent and shoul d be
Be' si botu kel' eta we luda. A man has/had two sons . anti c ipat ed .
Be' s i t bati kel' e ta ' amtata. A woman has/had two husbands . The positive forms are us ed t o express a correl ated d i stribu­

The negative is formed by prefixing ' al- : ' albeya, ' albeka, ' albeki, t iv e i de a :

' a lbo (tu), e tc . : E o za-bo' a hagara wa-bo One (or some) entered the city
w
' A lbena ma:ya. We have no wat e r . za-g ayya. and the other (or some) fl ed .

' A lbomu ha:ymano ta . They have no faith . Eo za-qatalu wa-bo za-' i­ Some they k i l l ed and some they
qatalu. di d not ki l l .
C l au s e s with the ba- of p o s s e s s ion h ave no specific tense value ,
whi ch is gained from the g eneral context of the utterance . Tense i s 28 . 5 ' A Lbo . . . za-' enbala : On l y . The prep o s i tion (or con­

made e xp li cit by using t h e verb kona with pronominal suffixes in the j . . :;ction) ' enbala or za-' enbala i s frequent ly correl ated with ' albo

dative sens e : in both pos s e s s ive and exi s t enti a l uses ; it i s b e s t t rans l ated by
Engl i sh " on l y" :
' I-kono walda. He had no son .
Doba 7wno < asru <a.mat when he was ten years o l d ' A /bona 20yya za' enbala xams We have here on l y [j ve
,
'J xllh, ''' / . l oave s .
The th i n g p u s s ,,�, .;(·d III:IY h l' i n L h o a c c u s at i ve (as the obj ect o f an im­
' /1 / 1" , :�, r- I " " !ln za' enbala be' situ. He saw only h i s (v I I'll .
p e r'sul l ; ! 1 VI' I"I , 1 > 1 "· .. · .. · ) I I I " I I I < ' I I( ) I I - : I c cus a t i ve (as the subj ect of kona) ,
 124
125

' A lbo za-wahaba lana He gave us only wat e r . Othe r :

za' enbala miiy .
' enba la/za' enbala prep . (with pron . suff . -e-) without , except for,
There i s a vaci l l at i on between v i ewing za' enbala a s a prepos i t i on fo l ­
excepting .
l owed b y the non-accusative and a s a conj unction (with e l l ip s i s ) fo l ­
P roper Names :
l owed b y the case required i n the preceding c l aus e . Our examp l es
coul d j us t as we l l have the accus atives xamsa xebesta ( ob j e ct o f Barnabas Barnabas ; Petros P e t e r ; Rome Rome; ' Es kenderya A l exandr i a
' albena) , be' sito (obj �ct o f re' ya) , and maya (obj ect o f wahaba) . ( i n Egypt) .
Thi s is comparab l e to the confu s i on in E ngl i s h between "but" as a
prepos it ion (He s aw no one but me) and as a conjunct ion (No one was Exerci s es
'
there but I ) . A . 1 . Beya ' abiya s ayfa z a-xa� i n .
2 . Bena sedest a gamal a .
V ocabul ary 28 3 . B eka-nu berura?

Nouns : 4 . ' Albeya berur a ; beya b e r t a .

5 . B o t u qenata s annaya za-warq wa-z a-ma ' s .
sa' n (p I . ' as' en, ' as' an, ' asii' en) shoe , sandal .
6 . B o maqs afta wa-xas ara ba- zentu makan .
totan (p l . -at) thong , l ace ; totana sa' n sho e l ace , s anda l -thong .
7 . Bo be zuxa tazkarata ba- z entu warx .
'a�q (p I . ' a '?uq , -iit) m . f . branch ; palm branch .
8 . ' Albo totanata l a- ' as a' enina .
' Ayx the D e l uge .
9 . ' Albo 'a� qa d i b a w e ' etu ' e � .
Verbs : 1 0 . ' A l bomu me ' rafa westa z entu 'a l amo

wagara G (or waggara D) to throw, cast ( a c c . dir . obj . ) ; to s t one I I . Konana s amani 'amat z a-mendabe wa-maq s aft .
( s omeon e : obj . suff . ) � ba-' ebn/' eban . Gt tawagra = Dt 12. ' I -kona dammanat westa s amay .
tawaggara to be stoned . G l t tawagara to throw stones at one 1 3 . G abra gebara s annaya wa-kono s em 'abiy.

anoth e T . 1 4 . Kono 'as ru wa-xams 'amat .

ganaza to prep are (a body) f o r bur i al . Gt taganza p as sive . CG I S . ' I -kono l a- ' Aml akena sutafe .

' agnaza caus at ive . 1 6 . Kono l a-Yo]}annes ' albasa z a- ? agWra gamal .

bataka to break (trans . ) . Gt tabatka t o break ( i ntrans . ) . 1 7 . ' I -konomu ' asa ' en l a- ' egarihomu.

tarfa/tarafa to be l eft over, remain , survive . CG ' atrafa to l e ave 1 8 . Bomu ' albas a �amr .

( as a remainder) . 1 9 . Bati meta ' em-be Q er ba ' e d .

xasasa to s eek , look for ; to deman d , require ( from : ba-xaba , ' emenna) ; 2 0 . Beka ' abiya s ema b a ' ent a za- � abib ' ant a .

t o s tudy, pursue d i l i gent l y . Gt taxassa pass ive and r eflexive B . l . Q eywat z a- l a- ' al am
:
(to s eek for one ' s s e lf) . G l t taxiisasa to inquire col le c t i v e l y ,
'

2 . s ayf za-bo qat al kewwo

d i s cu s s w i t h one another ( something : obj . suff . ) . 3 . ' a ' � uq za-bat aku ' em- ' e �
xadaga ( 1 ) to leave , abando n , desert ; to divorce ( a wife) ; ( 2) to for­ 4 . ' a�q z a-wadqa d i b a betena
give ( acc . dir. obj . o f debt or s i n ; la- of p erson forgiven) ; w
5 . q as l wa- ' a�q z a - wagaru w e s t a ' es s at
( 3) to negl e ct , i gnore ; ( 4 ) t o renounce , give up ; ( 5 ) to l et , 6 . totun z a - t abatka ' em- s a ' nu
a l l 0l1 ; (6) intrans.: to s top , ceas e , d e s i s t . G t taxadga p as s i ve 7. W
' Ayx z a-IIlal ' a miiyu westa k e l lu medr
of a l l transi ti vc mcan i IIg s . G l L taxadaga to divorce ( s omeone : 8. ' ; t ! 'L11l:1 za-ganazna b adno
mes la) .
 126
127
9 . badn za- ganazewwo ba- ' albas sannayt
2 3 . ' J:mdcxr amotu l a - Barnab as bora Marqos xaba Petros
1 0 . warazut ' e l l a t arfu ' em-zentu s ab ' hagara Rome
wa-kon a lotu rad ' a, wa-ba- heyya � a�afa wange l o za-tar W
1 1 . za-tarfu ma��efta ' abawina g ama lotu
Pe�ro s (westa l esana ' Afrenj ) , za-sabaka botu westa
1 2 . z a-wagaro wa-qat alo nabiy hagara Rome.
IVa- ' emdexra- ze �ora ba-te ' z aza ' E gz i ' ena ' Iyas u s
1 3 . ' as a ' en za- ' anada xer Keres tos ( I otu
s eb�at) wa-ba- t e ' z azomu 1 a-�awareyat westa hagara
1 4 . s ab ' ' el la ' atrafa ba-ma' kal a hagar ' Eskend ery5,
wa- s abaka westet a ba- wange l qeddus .
1 5 . wald za-xasasewwo wa- ' i -rakabel';wo

C . l . B o za-wagarewwo ba- ' eban wa-bo za- ' i -wagarewwo .

2 . Tawaggara zentu qeddus ba-xaba s ab' 'elewan za-hagar .
3 . Tarna ' e ' u ' e l l ontu warazut babaynatihomu wa-tawagaru ba- ' ebn .
4 . Bo za-bataku ' a ' �uqa ' em- ' e9aw wa-wadayewwo qedmehu ba-westa
fenot .
5 . Wa- ' emdexra ganazeffivo la-badnu, qabarewwo mes l a ' abawihu .
6 . Wa-soba tabatka s ayfu ba- ' e dal.;ihu , wa_gW ayya ' em-� ab ' .
7 . ' Albo z a- xasasu z a ' enba l a weludihomu .
8 . ' A lbo za-tarfu za' enbala ' el lontu s edestu s ab ' .
9. La-ment xadaggana west a zeku makan?
1 0 . X adaga la-be ' s itu wa-nas ' a kale ' t a be ' s it a .
1 1 . X adaga lakemu ' E g z i ' ab�er xatawe ' ikemu .
1 2 . X adag gemu �egageya wa-s e�etkemu ' em- fenot za- ' ar ' aykukemu .
1 3 . Taxasasna me ' rafa wa- ' albo za-rakabna za' enbal a maqsafta wa­
I
xas ar a .
I,
1 4 . Tabakayna ' esma taxadagna wa- ' i -konana sisaya wa-maya.
II
! 1 5 . Bo za- ' amnu ba-qalu wa-bo za- ' ak�adewwo .
1 6 . Bo za-t arnayt a westa ' Iyarusalem wa-bo za-nabara west a Bab i lon .
1 7 . Soba s arn ' a negus zanta, ' agnazo 1 a-badnu la- zentu qeddus wa-
' aqbaro ba-westa makan xaba t aqabru ' abayta �ezb .
1! 1 8 . Ze-we' etu za-tarfa ' em-ma�a�efta we ' etu tabib .
[I
1 9 . ' I - xadaga lita xati ' ateya ' e sma ' i-nassahku .
20 . F annawa ' Egzi ' ab�er ' Ayxa la ' l a medr ba' enta xatawe ' a s ab ' .
2 1 . ' Emdexra 'Ayx ' albo za-tarfu z a ' enbal a Nox wa- z arnadu .
2 2 . Wa-soba re ' ya Marqo s za-ba7 � a l a ' l a �awareyat mendabe wa­
'I
maqsaft wa-xasar, xadagomu ba-ye ' et i hagar wa-gab ' a ba-hagara
I
' Iyarus alem . IVa- s oba tamayt u �awareyat xaba ' Iyarus alem, wa­
I [,
t anagaru b a ' cnt a ' ai: zah ' e l l a tamaytu west a hayrnanot wa-ba ' enta
t a ' ulIlC' r a l w;)-lIl i l n k C' l'iil' z n -g abra ' Egzi ' ab�er ba- ' edawihomu ,
1111 ZII I III I n d 1 ' :, , 1 1 1 1; :1 1 1 : 1 ': ': (' i t : 1 ha ' e l l L a za- xadagomu .
 128
129
, T-re 'yu wa-' i -manna-h i.
Les s on 2 9 They saw no one at a l l .
' I-nagara zanta wa-' i- la­
He told this to no one at al l .
29 . 1 I nterrogatives with za- . A frequent variation o n the mannu -hi.

p l ain us e of the interrogatives is achieved with the use of za- . F or It is not uncommon to find a comb
inati on (not always s t ri c t l y logi
cal)
examp l e , of the s e forms with the cons truc
tion ' albo za- of the prec edin
g
l es s o n :
Mannu gabra zanta? Who did thi s ?

becomes
' A lbo za-re ' yu wa- ' i-manna-hi They saw n o one a t a l l bu t , J ,' " " , .
za' enba la ' Iy asus .
Mannu za-gabra zanta?
2 9 . 3 ' A kko . The trans forma tion
noted above in conne c t i 0 1 1 \� I I "
where the r e l at ive c l ause i s the s e cond member of a non-verbal con-
the inter rogat ives i s appl i ed free
l y to negat ive clau s es .i n 0 ni e ' "
struct ion . I t i s not uncommon to find the pronominal el ement we' etu I II
empha si ze the e l ement o f the c l
aus e negat ed . The negat i ve ' nkk'
inserted : J "
us ed for this const ructi on :
Mannu we' e tu za-gabra zanta?
' Akko heyya za-re ' y ani .
I t was not there that he S ll \� 1110 ,
On the surface this wou l d app ear to mean "Who is (we' etu) the - one-who
Any e l ement of a basic s enten ce may
(za- ) . . . ?" but in v i ew of the uses cited in the fo l lowing p aragraphs,
examp le ,
be emphas i zed in t h i s way . I:or

it i s c l ear that we a re deal ing with a more emphat i c constructi on

corresponding to the c l e ft sentence p attern of Engl ish (e . g . I t was ' I-�ana?a zentu be' si beto Thi s man did not bui l d h i s house
� ,
there that I s aw him) . Thus , the we' etu i s to be regarded as the heyya. there .
real grammat i cal sub j ect : It (we' e tu) is who (mannu) who (za-) d i d may be trans formed as fol lows :
thi s ?
' A kko heyya za-�ana� a zentu be' si beto.
Thi s trans format ion i s frequent with interrogative adverbs as
' Akko betu za-�ana?a zentu be' si heyya.
we l l as pronouns :
' A kko zentu be' si za-bana?a beta heyya.
' Efo za-' i-sam 'u la-qalu? Why did they not heed h i s words ?
The p o s itive counterp art of this construction is rare and is recog­
Ba' ayte za-rakabka ma?�afa? Where did you find the book?
ni z ab l e only from the za- prefixed t o the verbal phras e :
. .
A lthough these are emphat l c construc t 10ns
' , the trans l ations " It was ,E
l lu-ke za-yecrakkwes'ewwo
where . . . ?" " I t was how . . . ?" are too ungainly in Eng l i s h ; more i d i o ­ I t is thes e things that d e fi l e
la-�ezb .
, , mati c would be "Where w a s i t that . . . ? " "Why was i t that . . . ?" peop l e .
Ba-?aga za-naaa' kemu. I t was free o f charge that you
29 . 2 I ndefinite Pronouns . The att achment of the suffixes -hi
received .
and -ni to mannu or ment produces the equival ent of the Eng l i sh in-
The negat ive ' akko i s used al so to negat e phras es in gener
a l , o ften
defini te pronouns " anyone (no one ) , anything (nothing) . " The s e gen-
when t h ere i s an e l l i p s i s :
eral ly occur i n negat ive s entence s :
, I1 m l <ckll !1I'l/rll,I<C1L {,I,, ' e i ll, lJa­ He i s the G o d of t h e 1 i v i n !� lind
, l - l,," U71 lI/(mnn-i1 i . They saw no one .
" /A'ko ' 1 111l / (-[/.' u melJu l.-an.
' I II' [/or, { 1II" lt l o- lt i .
n o t the God o f t h e dc;,d .
l ie d i d nothing .
I/r ( h" it l ll Id'l,r, I, [k,( !l1 'kun, wa­ But l et it be wl ' ' ' 1 y l l l ! lV , , " 1 II"d
f\ ltlO r t ' \ 11111 ' 1 1 : 1 1 I I I H , }" I I I I t i l I ', , I ( 'I I l l ' V t ' ( 1 I)y p refi xing wa- ' i - to the p ro - ' , t/c k" j', {' I ' {' /' 'I/ r l .
I n o t what r wn n t .
I
lit 11111
,
 131
130

kama za-seZ� ana-bo wa-' akko l ike one who has authority, and had' a to q u i. et dOl"n , become qui e t , tranqui l . CG ' ahde' a t o paci fy,
not l ike their own scribes calm down , make tranqui l . Adj . hedu' qui et , t r anqui l , p l acid .
kama l?aY,i.aftorrru
kasa·ta to reveal , uncover , l ay bare ; to open (esp . the mouth , lip s ,
' akko za- const ruct ion is usua l ly
A cont rast ing c l aus e fo l l owing an eyes ; a book) ; to reveal , make manifest (mysteries et c . ) . Gt
. . , "b "b-a In this usage ' akko za- ( i t i s
intr oduc ed by the con) unct �on a
•

takasta p as s ive .
verb alone :
not that . . . ) may o c cur with the moqe�a Q to put into chains , bonds ; to put into p ri s on . Qt tamoqe�a
, A kko za-mo tat , aUa. She hasn ' t re al ly d i e d ; she only
, to be bound in chains , to b e cast into prison . CQ ' amoqe,a to
s leeps .
tenawwem. have s omeone cast into pri so n .
Note finally that ' akk0-h u and ' akko-nu , l ike ' a Zbo-nu , may b e used Other :
t o convert a s t atement into a question expecting a posit ive answer :
heyyanta (with pron . suff. -13-) prep . in the p l ace o f , i. n s t ead u r .
D i d you not sow good seed in the
' Akko-hu sannaya zarca ba.�tu adv . but , however . May o c cur first in the c l au s e , e S J 1(,(, I 1I 1 I Y
f i e l d?
zaracka westa garaht? as wa-ba�tu , or b e pl aced after the first main c l ement 0 (' I l l ..

c l aus e , especi a l l y i f this i s s ome element preposed rO L' VIIII ' I l I I '. I ' , .
Vocabulary 29
Exer c i s es
Noun s :
A . 1 . Mannu z a- fa�arana ' em-s ebura medr?
maC < at m . f . wrath .
ra ?ebura to work c l ay . 2 . Mannu za- ' am� e ' a l akemu zant a zena?
? ebur/qebur c l ay , mud . CG ' asba
ounc e-
zena. (p l . -t) m . f . news , repo rt
; narr ativ e , story , acco unt ; pron 3 . ' E fo z a- ' a ' markemu kama t afalvwasku ' em-daweya?
4 . ' E fo za-kasata l akemu ' Eg z i ' ab�er zanta ' abiya mesFra?
ment .
spec ifi c t ime of or for an even t
; 5 . Ma ' ze za-�af' at zati ' es s at ?
gize (p l . -yat ) m . f . t ime : ( 1 ) the
in
�
freq uent
:
tive sens e . Very 6. ' Ayte z a-moqe�ewwo l a-mal ' aku l a-negusena?
( 2 ) t ime in a more gene ral dura
gize at that t ime �
ba-) gi e 7. Ment za- ' ah zanakemu kama- z e ?
s et phrases : we' eta gize , ye' eta
geba.�/me set e t c . in the morn ing/
�
even ing et c . ; ba-g�zehu a �ts/ 8. Menta nagaru s o b a h ad ' a bahr?
ely, stra ight way ; ba-k e l. Zu 9 . Ba' enta ment za-s agadk emu l a-�a ' o t ?
the prop er t ime; ba-g izeh a imme diat
i on b efore
gize alway s. G;ze v is a l s o equi vale nt to a conj unct 10. Mannu za-nagsa heyyantehu?
e . g . gize ?awwa <kani when you 1 1 . S oba had ' at ma " atu, nas se�a ba' enta za-gabra .
verb al c l ause s : I,.'hen , when ever "
the compounds ba-gize, ' em- ' I -kasatku menta-hi l a- ' e l l ontu s ab ' .
summo ned me . The sam e �; s t rue for
12.
13. Was saka sebura diba � ebur wa-gabra sal ast a newayat a sannayata
gize , and ' eska gize .
. a
ers , ch a�ns . ' asara/wadaya west � eqqa.
moqe� (pl . mawaqe�t ) bond s , fett
· on . S e e verb b e low .
moqe h. prls 1 4 . ' Anexa manfaso la ' l ehomu wa- ' i -nagaromu menta-h i .
moqe� to cast into bond s . beta W
1 5 . ' A�nc ' omu l ebbomu ba-qalat ihu wa_ 'i- g ayya mannu -hi .
V erbs : 1 6 . Mannu za-saJ;abcwI"o westa fenot wa- ' amatewwo heyya?
. lega l
, s crut l' ni z e (acc . dir . obj . ) ; A n e xani. nagaru nafseya, wa-wahabku seb�at a l a - ' Egz i ' eya .
hatata to inve stig at e , exam lne 17. '

. Gt t�atata pass ive .

sens e : to ques tion , inte rrog ate 18. Dengel ye ' c t i z a - I"a l ad a t o l a-madxenena b a-xaba Manfas Qeddus .
) . CG
to rule (ove r: Za-, Z a < Za, diba
nagsa to become king , rule r ; 19. ' I\ kko Z('yY:l z;\-t ;,nabbaya ' a l l a b a- ' I yarusa1.em .
' angasa to make ( some one : acc .
dl' r. ob)· . ) king (ove r : Za- , 20 . ' I y a ' IIIlI ru 111(' 1 1 1 11 - 1 1 ; ' (,�I11:l ' i -ba?�omu zena .
 132
133
2. ' Akko b a - s ema ' Eg z i ' ab�er z a - gabra zant a , ' al I a ba-man1i.fes t
12. ' I\p,h c ' omu l a - '.l c z h ' em-ha gara Bab i lon, wa-ba J:!tu b o za-
' ekuyan . nabaru
( h o yya mo s l a ' ancstihomu ' ararnaweyat .
r
t 3 . ' I -warada zenam ba- gi z ehu .
'n I 4 . Wa-ba-gi zeha t afawwasat ' em - d aweh a .
13. ' I\kko z eyya z a - ' anbarornu , ' al I a ba-kal e ' t hagar .

I; w 1 4 . ' A ' odornu l a- � e zb ba-we s t a gadam be zuxa ' amat a .

S . Tawehba l ana zentu wangel l a - k e l lu g i ze .
1 5 . �atatu k W e l l o newayana wa-ba�tu ' i -rakabu warqan a .

I
6 . Ba- g i z e t afa�ra medr ' i -hal l aw a �a�ay wa- warx west a s amay .
1 6 . ' Albena s i s aya z a ' enb a l a xeb esta z a- ' aqrabkana ba - s ebah .
� l ak � n::t .
7. ' Akko zentu b e ' s i z a-wadayu westa moqe� ' a l I a k al e ' anihu .
w 1 7 . ' A lbo za- ' ame ' ana l a ' l ek emu ' enbala ' Eg z i ' ab�er '
, 8 . M e s lekemu ' ana ba-k e l lu gi z e .
j' 18 . �Iannu za-bezawakemu wa- ' aqarna z ant a kidana z a - l a - ' a l am
9 . ' I - ' afreha qalu wa- ' i -manna-hi z a ' enbaleya.
mesl ekemu?
1 0 . ' Akko b a-gi z e meset z a-ba��a xabena, ' al I a ba-gize s eb ah .
1 1 . Ta�addaqu wa- t a�abbabu , wa-b�tu ' i - s ama ' nahomu wa- ' ak�adnahomu .
1 2 . ' Andayo ' E gzi ' ab�er wa- ' adwayo , wa- ' a� fe ' o l a- z amadu ' em-ga��a
medr ; wa- ' emdexra- z e ba�tu ' ab ' al o dagema wa- ' a�yawo , wa­
w
' ab zexa zamado ' em- z a - kona b a-� ent , wa- ' a ' bayo s emo ba-k e l l u
medr .
1 3 . ' I -nagara zanta wa- ' i - l a-mannu-hi z a ' enbal a l a- k ahen .
14. ' Albo t a ' amera wa-mankerata z a ' enbala ' em-xaba ' E g z i ' ab�er .
1 5 . ' Akko-hu t adawwayka s ob a � awwa ' kuka?
1 6 . Bo za- ' asbara s ebura wa-bo z a - gabra n ewayat a ' em-warq wa-berur .
�
'
1 7 . T a ' amra enahu l a- z entu qeddus we s t a kWe l l u medr .
w
1 8 . ' I - t a ' abbayku b a ' enta ment -ni ba-k e l lu �eywat eya .
19. ' A ' kaya diba ' axawihu wa- ' amoq e�omu westa beta moq e � , wa-nabaru
heyya salasta warxa.
2 0 . Ta� awwe ' a zentu nabiy xaba negus b a ' enta za-dawayat walattu
�eqqa fadfada .
w
C. 1 . Wa- s oba hatatewwomu mak anent , ' a ' t awewwomu .
2 . Wa- ' ama s abaka ba-wangel w e s t a Rome , tamoqe�a .
3 . T awas s akat hagarornu xaba ' ahgura negus a Gebs .
4 . Mannu za- ' angasak a d i bena?
s . Z e -we ' etu z a - t akast a ba-mawa ' e l ihu l a- z entu nabiy rna��af.
6. ' Ahda ' k a nafseya b a - qa l ek a ! ab ib .
7. ' Akko z eyya z a- ' a ' dok ewwomu ' al Ia heyya .
W
8. ' A ' rago diba dabr nawwax wa- ' ar ' ayo k e l lo medra qedmehu .
9. ' Akko b a ' enta- z e za-t afannoku l akernu , ' a l I a b a ' enta mashaf z a ­
rakabkernu we s t a b e t a maqdas .
1 0 . Tahatatna wa- t arakabna naddayana hayrnanot .
11. ' Ab e ' o westa betu wa- ' ar ' ayo walatto za-motat .
1 34
135

W
' A /)ayku g ayeya. refused to f l ee .
Lesson 30 Ras a r ku gcibi' a. forgot to r eturn .
Farha ncibira heyy a . He was afraid t o remain there .
30 . 1 The Infinit ive : Form . The base forms of the infinitives
Xadagu ma?i' a xabena. They stopped coming to us .
o f the various typ es of v erbs are as fol lows :
W There is a s econd group o f verbs frequent ly used with an infin i t i v e
G qati 'l o qatte 'lo L qate lo Q targ emo
W and which are b e s t trans l ated in Eng l i s h a s adverbs :
Gt taqate'lo Ot taqatte lo Lt taqatelo Qt tatarg emo
W
CG ' aqte lo CO ' aqatte lo CL ' aqate'lo CQ ' atarg emo qadama to do first or beforehand ' abzexa to do a l ot, freqllc i l l J y
, aftana to do quickly or s oon W
g andaya to do 1 a t e . L (I rd i I \'
A s i mp l e rul e-of- thumb for the formati on o f the infinitive of a l l
xcibra to do j oint ly , together
verb types other than G v erbs i s t o repl ace t h e final s t em vowe l o f
dagama to do again, continue to do
t h e P erfect (us ing taqatala for Gt verb s ) with -e- and to add the
ending -0 . When pronominal suffixes are added to any infinitive in Most of these verbs a l s o admit of a coordinated cons L rlle L i ()tt " I I II l it"

-0 (to be i l lustrated bel ow) , -0 is repl aced by -ot- . s e cond verb , with o r wi thout t h e conj unction wa- :
I nfinitives of G verbs h ave the base qatil , which is subj ect to
I arrived fi rst , 1 fl l ' r l vl'd I , , ·
a few vari ations w ith the various root types . With roots I I - gutt . we forehand .
h ave qeti l : mehir to t e ach , se�it to err . The -i- of the s e cond Xabarna tagcibbero (or tagabbarna) . We worked togethe r .
syl l ab l e may optional ly be rep l aced by -e- with roots I I -W/Y and 1 1 1 - Dagama ma?i' a (or ma? ' a ) . He came again .
W/Y . The fo l l owing l i s t i l lustrat e s these pos sib i l i t i e s : ' Abzexu taqateZo (or taqatalu) . They fought together n lot .
ncibir to s i t sehit to err warid to descend CW andayku ba?i� (or ba?a�ku) . I arrived 1 ate .

gabir t o do ma?i' to come qawim, qawem to stand The infinitive of a tran s it ive verb usua l l y stands in construct wi th
rarig to ascend basih to arrive s ayi � , sayep to s e l l its noun obj ect :
xasis to s e ek mehir to teach bakiy, bakey t o weep
5e' na qati la waldu. He was unab le to k i l l h i s son.
se' i l to ask re' iy, re' ey to see
Xcibru �ni�a hagar . They bui lt the city together .
As with other verb types , the addition of a pronominal suffix re­
The accusative is occas i onally u s ed , however, and i s in fact required
quires a stem in -ot- : Thus , gabirot-, mehirot- , qawimot- , qawemot-,
if the obj ect is s eparated from the infinit ive :
re' eyot- et c .
Zanta be' s� ' i- ke h l a qati la. He was unab l e to k i l l this man .
30 . 2 The I nfinitive : Uses . The most frequent u s e o f the in­
finitive i s as a compl ement i n the accusative to such verbs as Pronominal obj ects are expressed by the suffixes a s they appear o n a
nOun in the accusat ive : qatiloteya to k i l l me , qati 'lotaka to k i l l
kehla to be ab le ras ra to forget (to do)
you , qati loto to ki l l him , et c . The counterpart o f t h e qatalo la­
se' na to be unab l e farha to be afraid (to do)
negus cons truction may also be emp loyed for noun obj ects : qatiloto
ka'l' a to prevent (from do ing) xadaga to stop (doing)
la-zentu be' si to k i l l this man .
Occas ional ly suffixes that properly
' abaya to refuse (to do)
belong to the infinitive are trans ferred to the main verb :
Examples :
) Abayu qatiloto � ' A bayewwo qatila They refused to ki 11 h im.
' I-kehelna bawi' a . We were not ab l e to enter.
5 e ' H U �lm.li Y'a. They coul d not go . The i n f i n i t i ve s o f b ot h transit ive and intransitive verbs may i ll' t l Sl'd

Ki l l ' (ut i 1.'fI4.'i ' / l . Jle prevented me from leav ing . as ge I'u l l ch I I I I J L a k l' S LtiJj e eti ve genitive pronominal s u f [ j X l' S I II
 137

j oint l y , together . C G ' axbara t o associate ( s omeone : acc . dir .

w h a t e v e r ca$e .i s rcqLl i l"c J by the cont ext ; e . g . qati"loteka your k i l l ­
obj . ) with (mes "la) ; to make a conspiracy ; to b e in agre ement ,
i ng , bakey otu h i s wcep ing, et c . The addit ion o f a direct obj ect in
accord . Gt taxabra to be as soci at e d (wi th : mes "la) .
the accusative ( e . g . qati"loteya zanta be' se my kil l ing this man) is
W
g andaya Q to l ast , remai n ; to d e l ay , t arry, be s l ow in coming ; with
p o s s ib l e , but this is not a frequent construction .
inf . : to be t ardy or l a t e in doing, to be too long in do i n g .
Some infinit ives have been adopted as ordinary nouns . Not e ,
W
CG ' ag andaya to put off, d e l ay , defer ( e . g . s alvat ion , prnyc r ) ;
for examp l e , we�iz current , f l ow , ' amin faith , b e l i e f , ' a' mero know l ­ W
to eI(' I : I y I II
e dge , ' i- y a> mero ignorance .
to put o f f a person (obj . suff . ) . Q l t tag anadaya
doing ( "la 'la , "la '"la + inf . ; inf o alone) .
Vocabul ary 30

V erb s : i Exercises

I
A. 1. ' Abaya kas i t a s emu.
keh"la (rare ly kaha"la) to be abl e ; to prevai l against (obj . suf f . or 2 . Kal ' un i nagi s a heyyanta ' abuya.
mes"la) . Gt takeh"la ( 1 ) keh"la , especial ly when u s e d , by
3 . Kala' nahomu �at i t a ma�a�eft i n a .
=

attraction , with a fo l l owing infinit ive of a Gt verb ; ( 2) im­

4 . S e ' enku batika zentu ' a? q .
p er s ona l : to be p o s s i b l e ( + inf . ) . CG ' akha"la t o enab l e , make
5 . ' Abayku xadiga weludeya h eyya .
ab l e . 6 . ' I -kehe1ku raki b a be ' s it eya .
se' na to b e unab l e . G t tase' na t o b e impo s s ib l e ( + inf . ) . Both
7 . ' Abayna s agida l a- t a ' o t .
takeh"la and tase' na may t ak e p e rsonal obj . suff . in the dat ive
8. ' Abayu ? ab i ' a ' axawihomu .
s ens e : tase' nani �awira i t was impo s s i b l e for me t o go .
9 . ' I -keh lu ' awida hagaren a .
ka"l' a to prevent ; to w ithho l d ( ac c . d i r . obj . ; from : ' em- ) . Gt 1 0 . S e ' enna radi ' a ' emuntu s ab ' .
taka"l' a pass ive ; to abst ain ( from : ' em- ) .
1 1 . La-ment ' abaykemu radi ' oteya?
' abaya to refus e , be unwi l l in g ; to refuse , say no to ; to spurn, d i s -
1 2 . Kal ' un i maye � oto xaba zamadu .
obey. 1 3 . S e ' nu ' aminoto .
dagama to do ( s omething) again ( + i n f o or with s econd verb coord i - 14. ' I -keh l a mawi ' ot an a .
nated) . 15. ' E fo za- ' i -k eh l a s ayimotak emu qas awesta?
qadama to go before, precede (obj . suff . or "la- , ' em-) ; to do before-
16. ' Abayu wehiba lana s i s ay a .
hand , first (+ info or coordinated verb) . CG ' aqdama (1)
17. ' Abayku moqe�oto l a - z entu qeddus .
=

qadama in coordinated usag e ; ( 2) to put or p l ace first ; ( 3) t o

18. ' I -keh l a nagir o t ana wa- ' i -menta-ni .
happen , exist , b e first/previous/beforehand . Gt taqadma t o
1 9 . S e ' n at walidoto l a-wal da wa-motat .
occur , t ake p l ace first/beforehan d . G l t taqadama to go/come
2 0 . Mannu za-kal ' ak a nabibotomu?
out to meet . 2 1 . Kala' nahomu s e J:l iboto ' em-wes t a betu .
fapana to be swift , quick . CG ' afpana to hurry, hasten ; with i n f o or
2 2 . La-ment ' abayka s awi ' a la- ' E gzi ' ab�er ?
coordinated verb : to hurry to do, to do quick ly . fepun adj .
. 2 3 . La -ment ' abayat mehirotaki ba- l es ana ' Afrenj ?
swi ft , quick .
I i :
24 . Dawaya wa- ' i - k eh l a qawima ba- ' egarihu .
xabra/xabara ( 1 ) to be connected or associ ated (with : mes"la) ; ( 2 ) to
2 5 . Kal ' ana l e ' ika zena xabeka .
j oin , associate (with : mes "la) ; to conspire (agains t : "la '"la) ; to
.' 26 . ' I -kehelku ' ahde ' o rna ' ' at eya .
be i n accord Iv i t h , agree with (mes"la, ba- ; subj ect usua l l y
2 7 . S e ' nu fa� i ra wa- ' i -ment a-ni ' em - s cl i u l' ,
lvo rd � , t h i l1!� , stor l e;
: ) ; t o share something ( a c c . dir . obj . )
n. ' i\ !laya ' atrefo ' al)adu be ' s i .
" 1 1 1i ( I!I. , ' / " ) : \v i l l i i l l i" i ll i L i v c o r coordina ted verb : to do
 1 38
l39

2 9 . Z a ' cnb a l a ' al bas s annayt ' i - keh e l na gani zoto l a-b adnu . 1 9. X abra nagaru mes l a zena z a - s amii ' na ' em-ma l ' ak a negu s ,
30 . ' I - kehe lna kal i ' otomu wagiroto l a-we ' etu nab i y . 20 . La-ment ' axbarkemu z anta � a ' ota ' ekuya mes la ' Eg z i ' abQer wa­
3 l . ' Ab ayu t a�ameqo ba-xaba Yohannes . betu?
3 2 . S e ' nu ' a ' refo heyya.
3 3 . S e ' enna ' at fe ' oto l a- nadda ' es sat .
3 4 . Kehlu t as affewo Qeywat z a - l a - ' al am .

I 3 5 . ' Abaya � awira mangal a we ' etu dabr .

iJ 3 6 . S e ' newwa fawweso .

I! 37. ' Ab ayomu ' a ' tewo .

I'
3 8 . Dagamu taba � e�oto xabehu .
I 3 9 . ' I -kehe lna taka�edotomu .
4 0 . ' Abaya tarakebo mes l ehomu .
4 l . Kal ' omu l a- � ezb tagab e ' o .
4 2 . Mannu za-keh l a t aqawemo za-kama- z e be ' se ?
4 3 . S e ' nu t as aye�o s i s aya .
4 4 . Keh l u ' a 'meno bezuxan a .
45 . 'Abayani ' ar ' eyo ma � Qafu .
11 6 . ' Abaya ' a�meqotana .

13 . l . Fa�anana we � i z heyya wa- ' i - t akehl ana ' adiwa .

2. ' Abiy ' a 'merotu ' em- ' a ' merotena fadfada .
3 . Warada z enlim wa - ' i - k e h l at ' essat nadida.
4 . Dagamu 'amandebotomu la- Kerest iyan .
5. ' Emdexra ta' amna xa�i ' at o , takeh l a t a� ameqo .
6 . Qadama 'ariga wes t a dabr , wa-dexra 'argu ' ardii' ihu .

7 . ' Akha l ana t e ' ziizu g ab i ' a hagar ana .

W
8 . We ' et a gize t ase ' nomu g ayeya .
9 . T a s e ' nana qariba xab a ' anaqe � a hagar .
10. ' Aqdamu nagaru zant a nabiyat ba-mawa ' e l a ' abawina .
" '
1 1 . Qadama bawi ' a, wa-bo ' na ' em-dexrehu .
1 2 . Soba xal afa maya ' Ayx , qadama taka l a Nox ' a :; ada wayn .
,
1 3 . Abayu t e ' zazat ihu wa-dagamu s e � ita ' em-fenot rete 't .
1 4 . Tanagarana b a ' enta t amaye�otomu l a- ' ah z ab west a ' amina ' E gz i ' ena.
W
1 5 . ' I - g andaya mo tu .
W
1 6 . G andaya gabru gabi ' a h agar a .
W
1 7 . Xabru 1 1i ' l oya l a - q at i l o t eya , \va-bahtu kehe l ku g ayeya
"

' elll c I l l ll' ! t OIllLl .

J R . X : l h , I I"I l : l k W , ' I I , ' " ' ' h l l l l i '.; (1 ' n hy a t a I)add i s a .

140 141

c l ear l y bel ongs to the subordinate phars e :

Lesson 31
Nabiro J lyasus nagaromu Having s at down , Jesus said to them . . .
J
31 . 1 The P erfective Active P art i cipl e . From every verb there
Suffixed obj ect pronouns cannot be added to this for m ( s ee § 4 8 . 4) .
is formed a perfective act ive part iciple which is infl ect ed for per­
An obj ect noun may be expre s s e d with the s imp l e accu s at ive or w i t il
son , number , and gender . The bas i c s t em may be der ived , for a l l prac­
Za- a lone :
t i cal purpo s es , from that of the infinitive (to which it is identical
Qati Zeya beJ s e (or : Za-be J s i ) Having s l ain the m::ln , I f l ud .
in G verbs ) by changing -e- to -i- in the final s t em syl l ab l e (between J
l ayayku .
C 2 and C ) :
3
W Whi l e the use of the P erfective Active Part icip le as a prepo " l'd 1 1 1111
G qati Z­ o qatti Z­ L qat i Z­ Q tar'g im_
W p l ement to the subj ect i s the most frequent use , it m::ly sL ( 1 I 1d ii', /I
Gt taqati Z­ Ot taqatti Z- Lt taqati Z­ Qt tatar'g im-
W compl ement to any other e l ement in the claus e o r to the c l l L i 1< '
CG ' aqti Z- CO J aqatti Z- CL J aqati Z- CQ J atar'g im-
, 1 11 1 1 "

( as an absolute) :
There i s the same optional v ariation b etween -e- and -i- i n G verbs
Rakabuni nabireya heyya. They found me s e ut od ( I I I .
as was found in the infini t ive with various unsound root typ e s .
having sat down) L i l l' r { ' .
The perfective active part i c i p l e i s inflect ed l ike a n oun i n
Rakabu beta wadiqa. They found his hOLl � e i n r i l l I I ';
t h e accusativ e :
( lit . it h aving co l l a p s ed ) .
qatiZo he , having ki l l ed qati Zomu they ( m . ) , having k i l l ed W
Tamawi J a hagar'ena g ayayna. After our city was dofeuL od , wo
J
qatiZa she , having k i l l ed qati Zon they ( f . ) , having k i l l e d
fled .
qati Zaka you (m . s . ) , " qati Zakemu you (m . p I . ) J
"
qati Zaki you ( f . s . ) , " qati Zaken you ( f . p l . ) ,
I t must be emph as i z e d that in sp ite of the Eng l i sh t rans l ation va lues
the P erfective Active P art i c ip l e des cribes a comp l e t ed prior event ,
qati Zeya I , having ki l led qati Zana we , having k i l l ed
pun ctually conceiv e d , and only incident ally does it describe a con­
We have des ignated this form as an act ive partici p l e becau s e of i t s
comitant state . Thus "having s at down" imp l i e s " s eat e d , s i t ting" as
meaning with trans itive act ive v erb s ; i f the verbal stem i s p a s s ive ,
pos s i b l e trans l ation value s , but only because of the part i cu l ar verb
however, this form has a corresponding ly p as s ive meaning : Gt
u s e d ; our s econd examp l e above coul d not be tran s l at ed "They found
taqati Zo he , having been ki l l ed . his house co l laps ing . "
The perfect ive active p art i c ip l e i s used t o expres s the fact
The Perfective Acti ve P art i c ip l e is not negated . An equivalent
that an act has been comp l eted prior to the time of the main verb .
negative express ion mus t emp l oy a subordinate c lause with saba or
I t i s thus always subordinate in value, corresponding to Eng l i s h t em­
J enza ( s ee next l e s s on) p lus t h e P erfect , e . g . wa-J enza J i -rakaba nriil a.
poral c l au s e s with "when , after" or p arti cipial phrases (Having
xaZafa an d having found no water , he continued on h i s way .
arrive d , I . . . ; Having s at down , h e . . . ) or to abso lute constructi ons
(The sun having set , . . . ) . I t i s most frequent ly used in E thiop i c Vocabul ary 3 1
b e fore t h e main verb but i s not restrict ed to that p o s i t ion :
Nouns :

Nabireya tanagar'ku mes Zehomu . Having sat down , I spoke with them .
Zahm ( p I . J aZhemt) m . f . bul l , cow . ca?ada J aZhemt stockyard .
A noun subj ect is added appos itional ly to the appropriate 3rd person genj' ( 1' 1 . liAnaf, J a$ naf) m . edg e , margin , h em ; shore , bank ; end ,
form . , In EngJ i s h wo l o nd Lo v i ew an expre ssed noun as the subj ect of J i mi t . J ag nafa medr the ends o f the eart h .

t i ll) [,d l O lv i llR "":l i n v t' I'I , ; i n I ' l i l i o p i c , however, the noun subj ect �I,-vl/'(iI(J-;;!I/-;; ( 1 ' 1 . - /. ) m . f . l ab o r , toi l , work ; device , arti f i c e .
 I �2
1 4 :'

keaad/kecad (pl . -u � , kesUwed, kasawed) m . f . neck . I I. 1 ' . 1 1 1 1 1 , 1 1")111 1 1 a s n a fa medr mes l a zentu zena.
I i i 1l1 i " � ' l' � l i l l u lV u s L a '

salam m . f . s afety; peace . ba-saZam s afe ly; in peace . gabra saZama I II . 'AI� t "Il �(" O , dC'ganomu .
I IlO

mes Za to make peace with . SaZam Zaka Greetings I La cZehu saZam 15. l Ianasu l omu beta Kcrcs tiyan west a makana ' as ada ' alhemt xaba
May peace be upon him ! ? cnfa ba� r .
najas (p l . - at) m . f . wind .
1 6 . Soba rakabnahomu ta' as i romu , matarna ' a�balihomu wa- fatahnahomu .
Verbs : 1 7 . Ta' exi z o , t awadya westa beta moqe� .
1 8 . Ma? i ' omu � emmi t a ba- le l i t , xabarna mesl ehomu l a ' l a we ' etu negus
' as ara to t i e up , bind (ace. dir . obj . ) ; to t i e ( something : ace . ) to
' ekuy .
(something : ba- , westa) . G t ta' asra pass ive .
1 9 . Tafawwi s a ' em-dawe�a , tafasseJ:!at fadfada wa- ' amnat ba-wangel za­
fat�a to unt i e , loo s en , open (ace. dir . obj . ) ; to l et loo s e , set free
s abaka botu.
( ace . dir. obj . ) ; to forgive ( sins : ace . dir . obj . ) ; to pass
20 . Tanasi ' on ' anest ' em- ' amtat ihon , bakaya wa- ' abaya tagabbcro .
j udgment (on behalf of: Za- ) . Gt tafat�a pas s ive . CG ' afte�a
to b ring to j udgmen t . G 1 t tajate�a t o engage i n a l eg al case B . 1 . Nabireya ba-rna ' k alornu , t anababku rnesl ehornu ' eska ? ebal: .
(with : ace . or mes Za) . 2 . Ma� i ' aka xabehomu , ment za-t asayarka ' ernennehornu?
' axaza to s e i z e , grasp , hold (acc. dir . obj . or ba-) ; to take capt ive ; 3 . Zanta sami ' omu , t ana�aru babaynatihomu wa- ' i -keh lu nab i b a \V[I

to possess , control , occupy . Gt ta' exza (sic ! ) pas s ive . CG ' i -menta-ni .
' a' xaza to order ( s omeone) held . G l t ta' axaza to be involved 4 . ' A?ni 'o l ebbo , t aqawamornu wa-rno ' ornu .
in a battle or simi l ar act ivity (with : acc . or mes Za) . 5 . lI'a�i ' ornu west a m edr, tawal adu wa-mal ' ewwa .
matara to cut , cut off (both l it . and fi g . ) . Gt tamatra p as s ive . D 6 . Tarna ' i 'omu , t anse ' u wa-t aqatalu babaynatihomu .
w
mattaI'a = G. D t tamattara = Gt . 7 . Tafi 'on ' ahgurina, taxal afna heyya wa- zeyya ba-k e l lu rnedr .
8 . Taqaribornu, wal adat lotu wal da sannaya.
Other :
9. Sami ' ana l a-qal at ihu , t ak aJ:!adnahu wa- ' aw�a ' nahu ' em- xabena .
Qemma, ?emmita, ba-?emmit adv . secret l y , in s ecret , in private . 1 0 . Tabawi ' o west a ma' kalomu , ' as�atomu ' em-haymanot rete 't .
1 1 . Tasadido ' exuya ' em-makanu , tasat afke�;o ba-beteya wa-ba-
Exercises
newayeya .
A. 1 . Tasayi�o l ahma, was ado xaba ' a� adu .

; /1 ,
1 2 . Tasana' iwana, t ak ayadna kidana babaynat ina .
2 . Ba? i�omu �enfa ba�r , ' i -keh lu ' adiwoto ba ' enta nafas ' abi y . 1 3 . F.a�iro be' s e ba- ' ams a1 u , s amayo serna ' Adamha.
3. Ba- ' ayy ? ama za-kehlu q ati loto? 1 4 . Taqat i 1 0 sutafehu , ' i -keh l a nagisa la ' l a �ezbu .
I • 4. Kawino nafas , ' i-kehe lna �a\;ira west a ba�r . 1 5 . ' Exi zornu ' asyeft ihornu ba- ' edawihomu , ' af�anu wa-wa� ' u s ab ' a .
'.
1 5 . Kal;ino meseta , nabarna heyya wa- ' i-�orna ' eska ? eba� . 1 6 . Tafatiho mawaqe�ihu , t ans e ' a wa-gW ayya ' em- xaba ' e l l a ' axazewwo.
6 . Gabirana s alama mes lehomu, ' i - �ab a ' nahomu . 1 7 . Taqadimomu war az ut , ta' axazu mes 1 ehomu ba-�ab ' ' eska meset .
. /
7 . ' As iromu �ab l a wes t a kesadu , wasade,,\;o ' enta fenot kama l ahm . 1 8 . Taba�i�eya we ' et a be ' se ba-qedma makwannen , tafatahku meslehu
8 . Hadi ' o nafas , takeh lomu ' ari ga westa �amaromu . ba ' enta nel;ay ' ekuy za-setan i .
9 . X adigo ' abahu wa- ' emmo , xabra mes l a we ' etu be ' s i qeddus .
1 0 . lI'agiromu xa?awentihomu diba medr, ' abayu wa� i ' a s ab ' a .
1 1 . Tabatiko ' a?q za-nabara dibehu, wadqa diba medr wa-taqat l a .
1 2 . Tas e ' nani nabira h eyya ba- s a l am ' esma ' i- ' afqaruni �ezb wa-
' alllanclahun i .
 144
145

( 2) Du rativ e ( no speci fic tense ) :

L e s s on 3 2 he was ( i s , wi l l be)
s i tting .

32. 1 The Imperfect : G Verbs from Sound Roots . A l l verb s have (3) Habit ual (no speci fi c tense ) :
he used to s it , he would
five infl e tted s tems : P erfe c t , P erfect ive Part i cip l e , Imperfect , (regu l ar ly) s i t , he s i t s (as a matte
r o f habi t ) , h e wi l l sit ( d i t to) .
Sub j unctive , and Imperative . The l exical b as e typ e s ( G , D , L , and Q) (4) Gener al p re s ent : ya <ahbi he
is great ( from <abya) .
and a few of the derived verbal type s ( e . g . CG) have , in add i t ion , Whi l e thi s i s real ly a subdi v i s i on
of the durat ive/h abitu al us c , i l
verba l nouns and adj ectives of a fairl y regular and predi ctab l e forma­ meri ts speci al menti on b e caus e o f i
t s high frequ ency in re l :l l i vo
t ion which should be l earned as p art of the verbal system i t s e l f . In C l au s e s , which are used inst ead of
the corre spond ing s imp l e n t i j l' l ' 1 i v , ,
thi s and the fol lowing l e s s ons we shal l take up thes e remaining forms with many verbs :

of the verb , beginning with the G verbs from s ound root s . Yema�� e' za-ya <ahbi ' emenneya. One who i s great er than r s i t ; ! I I ( I "" " .
The Imperfect s t em o f the G verb has the pattern -C aC C eC - ; ' essat za-yenadded
l 2 2 3 a burnin g fl ame
i n f l e ct i on i s by means of prefixes and suffixes :
Tense for the h abitu al and durat ive
u s e s must be gain ed f r O Ill I I ", (,.'1 1 1 1
yenahber he wi l l s it yenabberu they (m . ) w i l l s i t t ext in most inst an.ces . I t may b e made exp l i ci t throu gh l h c
l ".l' "I
tenahber she wi l l s i t yenahbera they ( f . ) w i l l s i t vario us constr uctio n , espec i a l ly with
the verb kana and t h e e X ! , !" "" ; i , "
tenabber you (m. s . ) wi l l s i t tenahberu you (m . p l . ) wi l l s it wa-kana saba (and whi l e) :
tenahberi you ( f . s . ) w i l l s i t tenahbera you ( f . p l . ) wi l l s it
Kana yenahber heyya. H e was s itting there .
' enahber I shal l s i t nenahber we shal l s i t
He u s ed to s it there .
When t h e negative ' i- i s p r e fixed to t h e 1 s t person s ingul ar form ,
Wa-kana saba yenabber heyya . . . And whi l e he was s i t ting t h ere . . .
the ' b e comes y (which we wr i t e as y: ' i- y enahber I shal l not s it) ,
a form e as i ly confused with the 3rd p erson mascul ine s ingu l ar . Cf. 32. 3 Dependent U s e s of the Imperfect . The mos t frequent de­

r emarks a t end of § 26 . 2 . pendent use of the Imperfect is with the conj unction ' enza (when ,

When the second and third root consonants are ident i cal , the whi l e)
( 1 ) as compl ement to the subj ect :
Imperfect forms ending in a vowel show an optional short ening ; thu s ,
from nahaha ( to speak) Nahara ' enza yenabbeb . He s at speakin g .

yenahbu = yenahbebu tenahbu tenahbebu . (2) as comp l ement to an obj e ct :

Obj ect suffixes are attached to Imperfect forms ending in a Rakahewwa la-be' si ' enza They found t h e man sitting
vowel j us t as to the corresponding vowe l of the P erfect : yenahb er heyya. there .

to -i : - i ni/-eni -eyya etc. ( 3) as c ircum s t ant i a l to the entire predic

at ion :
to -u : -Cmi -uki -ewwo -ewwa et c .
Wa-' enza yebakki ' Eremcyas
'j to -a :
.. .
- � ki -ah �
find as . J e remi a h wept for the
la- � ezb , ' awije' eun,)() .
-am. -ahu etc .
peop l � , t h �y l eJ h i m owny .
S t ems ending in a consonant take the same suffixes as the 3rd person The ' enza may be omi tted fr o l ll t h o suhj e c t lind o i J j o c l cl1l" p l (" II ( ' n l ('on
mas cu l i n e s ingul ar of the P erfect , including the " linking" vowel - a - : s tructio ns :

yeqatte l : yeqa t te lani yeqattel&.ka yeqatte l&.k·i yeqattelo etc. Nnh, lril !i ' · II, "'I,"' • .

32 . 2 I n t i l ' l ' l ' l I. 1 ( · 1 I 1 l I ' > l". 0 1' t h e I lIIp c r fect . IIt 1 ' !I" " , ' I I I fl" /o f t ' " " I . . I l f' - "1 \\1 / I III , I I I '1 1 ' 1 1 ' I I I I I I I I I I'

I I ) " "" 1 > 1 " 1 1 1 1 1 1 1' , , · 1 1 " 1 / , ,,,1', ' 1 ' he \; i. l l sit. Tho J III I " ' I I I " I I" I I , , , · . . , I I · . . . .. I ·. " l w l I \· .1111 I I I ,, , . 1 " , ( 1 , " I i 1 1 11
•
11" " , . ". 1 0
1 4 (,
147
act ion or s i tuat ion during whi ch or along with which the action of
5. �Iannu za-yenagg es heyyanteka?
the main verb occurs . Becaus e ' enza o ft en immedi ately precedes the
6. ' A lbo za-ye�abbeb za' enbala haymanot .
verb o f its c l ause, the transpo s i t ion o f other el ements of the depend­
7. Mannu ye�addeq ba-qedma ' F. g z i ' ab�er?
ent c l ause for emphas is may p l ace them before ' enz a :
8 . Konu yenabberu westa � enfa ba�r .
Rakabo westa maqQber ' enza yenabber. He found him dwel l ing among 9. Terakkebu ' alhemtik emu xaba ' a�adeya .
the tombs . 10. Ba- ' ayy �ama neqat tel z anta � adeqa?
11. N e s addedomu l a-Kerestiyan ' em-ma' kalena .
Vocabul ary 3 2
12. ' Etakke l ' awyaneya zeyya xaba ' albo nafas .
Nouns : 13. Nesabbek wangelo ' eska ' a�nafa medr .
xoxt (p l . - at , xawaxew) m . f . door , doorway . 14 . N eqabbero mes l a ' abawihu .
maskat (pl . masakew) m . f . window . 15. Konu yesaggedu l a - � a ' ot za- ' ebn wa- z a- ' ed .
' aragay ( f . - t , ' aragit ; pI . ' a' rug) old person . ' aragawi ( f . - t ; 16 . We ' eta gize ' ekasset l akemu nagaro .
p l . ' aragaweyan) idem. 17. Tematt er-nu ' a' �uqa ' em- ' e� ?
18. Mannu yez akker s emeya ' emdexra motku?
Verbs :
19 . Yekabber s emeka ' em- s erna ' exuka.
zakara to remember , to mention . Gt tazakra pas s ive . 20. ' Efo nefalles ' em-zati medr sannayt ?
kabra to be g lorious , magn i fi cent , great , famous , i l lustrious . CG 21. Westa ' ayy makan t enabbera?
' akbara to make or regard as glorious etc . kebur ( f . kebert) 22. ' Ayte za-terakkebi waldaki ?
glorious etc. 23. La-mannu tenaggereyyo zanta zena?
w
rak sa to b e uncl ean , impure , po l l uted, contaminated ; bad ( i n genera�. 24. Y eqatteluna ' e l l ontu sab ' .
w
CG ' ark asa to pollute , cont aminate , defi l e . rekus ( f . rekWest)
B. Trans l ate the fo l l owing relat ive c l auses with Eng l ish nominal or
un c l e an etc .
adj ectival express i ons . E . g . za-yegabber mankerata a worker of
fa lasa to s eparat e , go away , depart , emigrate ; to s ecede , sp lit o ff
miracles .
(from : ' emenna) ; falasa xaba to go over to the s id e o f ; falasa
' em-zentu <alam to d i e . CG ' aflasa to s end away , deport , exi l e , 1. za-yegabber newaya ' em-bert
remove . G l t tafQlasa to wander as exi les from one p l ace to 2. ' e l la yetarrefu ' emdexra s ab '
another ; to pass ( from one generation to another) . 3. ' e l l a yenabberu westa zati hagar
' arxawa CG to open . Gt tarexwa p as s ive and midd l e . rexew adj . open . 4 . za-yegabber ' albasa wa-qanaweta ' em-rna ' s
5 . be ' si za-yenabbeb fadfada
Other :
6, ' e l l a yeqattelu ba- s ayf
wa-kana saba and when (fol lowed by P erfect or Imperfect) ; and whi l e 7. ' e l l a q adamuna
( fo I l . by Imperfect) . 8 . za-yesaddedana
9 . ' e l l a yesaggedu la- � a ' ot rekus
E xercises
10. za- yegabber ' asyefta ' em-xa� in
A . I . ' Egabber s a l ama mes l a hezba zati hagar . I I . z a - ye g a h h e r �amahu l a- ' egzi ' u

2 . ' E qarreb xabeka ba-mesct . 1 2 . za yc:; a bbck ba-wangel

3 . Y e naddcJ zrntll ' (' s � ii t k W e l l o gi z e . 1 .1 . ' (' 1 1 ; 1 )'I')� ; 1 1 1 1 l e l U ' abdenta
/' ; 1 V I " . t r 1'1' r ' (,III(\(,X r;1 we ' etu mendabe .
�. ' 1\ 1 1 >0
1 ·1 . 111 . 1 1 ' . 1 ' 7.1 y,· rat t C'n
 I ,Ill 149

C. 1.
' i\rX:lwn xoxta wa-wa� ' a ' em-bet .
Lesson 3 3
2. Soba t aroxwa xoxt , r e ' ina ' aragayta ' enza tenabber west a bet
mes l a walda wa lda . 33. 1 The Subj unct ive : G V erbs from Sound Root s . The s tem of
3 . Rakibana xoxta rexewa , bo ' n a we sta bet . the Subjunctive i s - C I C 2 eC 3 - or - C I C 2 aC 3 - , where the vowel e or a is
4 . ' Enza t enabber b e ' s i t u xaba masko t , re 'yato ' enza yeqarreb l exi cal ly determined and not predi ctable , As may be s e en from the
westa feno t . fol l owing l i s t , there i s a corre lation between verbs of the nabara
S, Tarexiwomu masakew, bo ' a ' abiy nafas wa- ' a� fe ' a berhanata . type and SUbjunctives with -e- , and between those of the gabra type
6. ' Akko qalatihu za- ' akbaro ' al Ia gebarihu . and s ubjunctives with -a- . There are many exception s , howeve r , :l nd
7. ' E sma s e ' enna ' aw�e ' o manafest rekusan ' em-w e ' etu makan , some verbs have bo th forms .
xadagnahu.
w bataka subj . : yebtek qadama subj . : y eqdem
8. ' Akko sis ayomu za- ' ark asomu ' al I a qalatihomu .
dagama yedgem qarba y eq r'((f,
9 . Nagarani zentu qeddus kama ba- salus yefal les ' em-zentu ' alam ,
falasa yefles qatala yeqtc l
10. Tezakkeru- nu z anta nagar a ' emdexra xadaggukemu?
fatara yef�er rakaba yer'kaiJ/y, ' I'k t l/,
1 1 . Wa- t a z akra t a ' amer z a- g abra ' eska zati 'elat . w W
gabra yegbar rak sa yerk ul1/!I " I'i.."', ' / I
12. ' I - t arakabu mes l a ' e l l a yesaggedu l a-ra 'ot .
ganaza yegnez sabaka yelll);"k
1 3 . Rak abnahu ' enza yebattek ' a ' � uqa ' em- ' e�awina .
kabra yekbar sadada yeaded
1 4 . F al asna xaba kal e ' ' eg z i ' wa-xabarna mes lehu l a ' l a ' eg z i ' ena
kasata yekset sakaba yeakab/y(miwh
qadami .
nababa yenbeb sagada yesged
IS. Tas adidomu ' em-hagaromu, t afal asu ' em-be�er westa be�er .
nabara yenbar t}adqa y e t}daq/ye t} deq
16. ' En z a ne zakker �eywatana sannaya heyya, tabakayna.
nadda yended/yendad takala y e t7<e l
17. Rakaba we ' eta ' aragawe yenabber xaba xoxta betu ,
nagara yenger tarfa y etraf/ye tref
18. Tedaggemu -nu t egabberu za-kama- ze gebra ' ekuya?
nags a yenges/yengas pabba y epbab/yefbeb
qabara yeqber/yeqbar zakara yezker

The inflection of the Subj unctive i s exactly l ike that of the I mper­
fect :

yeqte Z teqtel teqte Z teqte Zi ) eqte Z; yeqteZu yeqte Za teqtelu

etc.

Suffixes are added as t o the I mperfec t , with the exception of those

of the 2nd person when added t o a s tem ending in a consonant . They
. I

;j are added directly t o the Subj unctive stem without an int erveni n g -a- :

I�
yeqte lka , yeqte Zki ; yeqte Zkemu , yeqte lken. [The Tradi t i on has the
I
s tem s t ressed in yeqte Zo , yeqte la, yeqteZon , )
' :/I
'! 33 . 2 The Uses o f the Subj unctive .
il. I ndependent . The Subj unctive as t o e verb or " ''';1 ' II

I (' I a { l � l' h a '; :111 i n j unctive ( cohortative, jussive) forc e :

 150 15 1
153
' Enger. Let me speak . Other frequent uses of the Sub j unctive are the fo l lowing :
TerkabeUJWo. May you find him . ( a) After the con j unction s (za) ' enbala and ' em-qedma, both
" ,
I.
�!
I , I-neskab . Let us not l i e down . meaning " before" :

I'r
The p o s i t ive form may optional l y be preceded by la- : Nagaromu za' enbala yeflesu. He spoke to them b efore they l e ft .

La-yeqrab . Let him approach . ' I-hal lona ' em-qedma We d i d not exi s t before he c r e ated
yenerana. us .
The 2nd person forms with the negative ' i- are equival ent to the nega­
il '
I, I' t ive imperat ive : (b) After the impersonal verb dalawa ( imperfect : yedal lelJ-)
to be fit t i n g , suitab l e , prop e r :

;1, 1
, I-tenbar zeyya. Don ' t sit here .
, I-teqte lo. ' I-yedal lewani kama ' eqrab I t i s n o t proper that I approach

I' I
Don ' t ki 1 1 h i m .
lotti. him (or : I am not worthy to . . . ) .
b. Dependent . The Subj unctive , with o r without the con ­
j unction kama , expre s s e s purpo s e or resu l t when subordinated to an­ ( c) After the predi cat ively u s ed adj ecti ve maftew " i t i s
other verb : nece s s ary" :

Qarbu kama yesgedu lotu. They approached in order to bow down to him . Maftew kama neqbero . It i s nece s s ary that we bury h i m .

Quite a number of frequent verbs function virtua l l y as aux i l i ary V o c arulary 3 3

verbs with a fo l lowing Sub j unct ive ; e . g . faqada (to want , wi sh) ,
Noun s :
' axaza (to b e gin) , wapana ( t o begin) , makara (to decide to) , xadaga
W
(to l et , a l l ow) . An Eng l i s h infi n i t ive construction i s often the ' eg a l ( p l . -at) col I . or s i ng . , the young o f any animal or fow l , in­
W
c luding humans . ' eg ala ' emma-�eyaw man , mankind .
best trans l at ion value :
derhem (p l . -at, darahem ) drachma, denarius ; gold or s i lver co in .
Faqada kama yenbar heyya. He wanted to remain there . W W W W w w w w
x e lq Ix a lq ( p l . x e laq ) m . number, amount . ' a lbo x e lq a N there
Faqada kama ' enbar heyya. He wanted me to remain there .
is no l imit to N, N is bound l es s , innumerabl e .
, Axazu yesbeku. They began to preach .
Watanna neqrab . We began to approach . Verbs :

Makara kama yeqte lani . He decided to ki l l me . faqada (yefqed) to want , wish , d e s i r e , require (ace . d i r . obj . ) ; for
Afte r xadaga there i s often an ant i cipat i on of the subj ect of the u s e with Subj . , s e e Les s on . Gt tafaqda p a s s iv e .

subordinate c l ause : makara (yemker) to p l an , propos e , decide on (acc . dir . obj . or sub­
j unctive) ; to t ake couns e l (with : mes la) ; to test , cho o s e by
Xadago la-be' si kama yenbar. He al lowed the man to remain .
t es t ing . CG ' amkara to advi s e , give couns e l to (obj . suff . ) .
Kama ' i- may be tran s lated by " l es t " : G l t tamakara to take coun s e l together (with : mesla) ; t o d e l i be r ­
fi
r ayayku (' egWayyiJ kama f l ed ( s ha l l fl e e ) l est they a t e and decide to (+ subj unct ive) .

fi
, 'i -yeri<abuni . find me . (or : so that they daZawa to we i gh ( acc . d i r . obj . ; out to : obj . suff . ) ; to be u s e ful ,

would/wi l l not find m e . s u i t ab l e , prope r , correct ( s e c L e s s on ) . Gt tadalwa to b e

we i ghed .
1 1l 1 1 l l l ! I va i ('I 1I1I I ' I I 'IIII ' I I I � : l I'C' a l s o found with some of t h e s e verbs,
watana t u I l e g i l l ( , I (, c , d I r. oh j , 01' + Subj . or I nfini ti Vfl) . Gt
1 11 1 1 1 111 ' 1 1 II , . 'V I lli I I I " ' , I I I ' I I II l I I I VI' i :; mOTC frequent . I n fi n i t ives
t IU,)!(! 1/, ( 1 "1 ' . ' , I V(' ,

r
\" 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 . , ., 1 111 1 \' I I " I ,, · I I ,1 . 1 I II l ' ,' p l' e s s purpo s e ; t h i s too i s
' (1 7.::0::, ' II I II 1 1 1 ". 1 1 ' ) , 1 ""'"1. 1 1 , , 1 ( I I h j , ';u f f . + subj unctive) , Dt ta' azzaza
HII I I. I , I I ' ' 1111 111 I II III I II" III. t llill I I VI- ( I kama ) .
 152
1 53
p a s s i v e ; t o obey ( s omeone : Za-) .
H. I . T t t l ' t t h hl l ' c n z a yonabberu mes 1 a ' abuhomu .
Other :
2 . T u q u r a i m a kama negbar s a l ama.
maftew it is nece ss ary, fi t t i n g , prope r , o b l i gatory ( s e e Les son for w
3 . ' [ - taruk abna m e s 1 ehomu kama ' i -nerk as .
construction) . 4 . Soba t�n5garu mes l ena , ' i - faqadna nengeromu wa- ' i -menta-ni .
5 . ' Anbaba l ana z anta ma�/:!afa kama nezker gebarihomu l a-qeddusan .
Exerci s e s
6 . Makara yenbar zeyya mes 1 en a .
A . 1 . N eqt e l ' alhemtihomu . 7 . Da1awa warqa \"a-berura wa- ' anbaro ba-qedmeya .
2 . La- yegbar za-yefaqqed . 8 . Sam i ' omu z an t a , wa!anu taqat e l o .
3. ' I - t etkelu ' awyana heyy a . 9 . ' Az z az ana kama negbar l otu ' abaya /:!amar a .
4 . Nes dedomu westa ' asnafa be/:!eren a . 1 0 . ' Az zazk ewwomu kama yeqbaru mutanihomu .
5. ' I - tenbebu qa1a ' ekuya . W
1 1 . Mas ' a madxenena westa ' a l am b a ' enta ' eg al a ' emma- � ('yfl w .
6 . F aqadku kama ' edgem nab i b a . 1 2 . ' I -yetraf I.a - ' i - ' ahadu ' emennehomu .
7 . Faqadu kama yenbaru mes 1 en a . 1 3 . Ta s aya!ku zant a ma�/:!afa ' ernenneha ba- s a l astu derhern .
8 . F aqadat kama t e f l e s ' em-heyya . W W
1 4 . ' Albo x e l q a ' ekuyan westa zentu rnakan .
9. ' I - faqada yenges l a ' lena . 1 5 . ' Arnkarkewwo kama yekset lomu z anta nagar a .
1 0 . ' I - t eqtelu s ab ' a . 1 6 . Maftew kama t e zk eru nagareYR .
1 1 . ' I - faqadna nesged l a - t a ' ot . 1 7 . La-ment ' i -t a ' a z zazkemu l i t a s oba ' a ' markemu t e ' z a z eya?
12. ' I - faqadu daqiq kama yeskabu . W
1 8 . Maftew k e l lo g i z e l a - t a ' a z z e zo l a- ' egz i ' � k a .
1 3 . Maftew kama negnezo 1 a-badnu . 1 9 . Wehibo l it a daraherna war q , tasaya! ku s i s aya wa- l eb s a l a-
1 4 . Maftew kama tesbek wangi Ho . zamadeya.
w W W
1 5 . ' I - t erk esu westa ' albabikemu . 2 0 . Teqqa b e z ux we' etu x e 1q a darahem za-tarakbu westa betu .
1 6 . Xasasu kama yeq t e l ewwo . W
2 1 . ' Arn� e ' a l ana ' eg ala l ahrn .
W
1 7 . G ayayna ' emqedma yerkabuna . 2 2 . Tamakaru kama yeflesu ' ern - z eyya mes l a '·azrnadihornu .
1 8 . ' I -yeda l l ewani kama ' enbar me s l ek a . W W
2 3 . Zentu qeddus we ' etu xamestu ' ern-x elq omu l a - l iqana papasat .
19. ' I -yedal l ewomu kama yeqdemuna . 2 4 . Maftew kama negbar bakama ' az zazuna .
2 0 . Tefaqqedu-nu t ek s etu lana ' asmatikemu ?
2 1 . Zanta gabra kama ye!bab .
2 2 . ' E faqqed kama t ezkerani ' emdexra wa9a' ku .
2 3 . ' I - faqadu yeqrabu xaba taqabra .
2 4 . L a - t ended ' es sata haymanotekemu l a - ' a 1 am .
, ,
; I 25. ' Ayt e z a -h a l 1 0 ' Eg z i ' ab� er z a ' enbal a yef! er ' a l ama?
20 . M:i ' 7. c - nu \va�anka tesbek ba-wange 1 ?
.' I . ' I - y c d o i l owo l a - zen tu b e ' s i kama yeqrab xaba z entu makan .
.' H . ' I t V d }l, t'l1Il1 IJ, lI h i r�l zanta.
W
• "1. I . .. y , · h l > . l l· ,,·II\ ( · k tt \.e �; t a k e l l a medr .

', I l 11 " . 1 . . , <:tl" 1 1 1 1 � 1 I 11\" Y V I IRl' rana z enahu l a - we ' etu nabiy wa-
f'
. ,
154 155

j'aqadi one who actively s eeks s omething (e . g . mercy , e v i l , re­

L.e s s on 34
venge) ; a sp e c i a l i z ed meaning (with t h e p l . faqadd <

34. 1 The Imperat ive : G V erbs from Sound Root s . The Impera­ *faqadt) i s " n e cromance r . "

t i ve may be formed direct l y from the s t ern o f the Sub j unctive by in­ fatari creator ( a lways refers t o God) .

s erting -e- between C and C : gabari (p l . gabart) maker , fashioner, craftsman ; t h e word
l 2
shares many of the i dioms associated wi th t h e verb gabra .
Subj unctive : yenbar Imperat ive : nebar sit !
makari coun s e lo r , advi s or .
yeqte Z qeteZ ki l l !
nabari (p l . nabart) a hous eho l d s ervant ; rar e l y : a rc s i d u l l L .

The Imperative i s infl e cted for number and gender , taking the same nagasi ( p l . nagast) king , rul er . Note that the p lural forlll "I

endings as the 2nd p er s on forms of the Subjunctive and Imperfect : negus is borrowed from t h i s synonymous word .

mas c . s in g . nebar mas c . p l . nebaru qataZi (p l . qataZt) murdere r , k i l l e r .

fern . sing . nebari fern . p l . nebara sabaki preacher .

sadadi pers e cutor ; a l s o : exorci st .
Obj ect suffixes of the 1 s t and 3rd persons are added as to the Sub ­
tarafi survivor .
j unct ive and Imperfe ct : e.g.
A qataZi form may s t and in app o s i tion to another noun and fUll c t l OI l d ',
qete Zani, qete �o, qete Za; qete Zuni , qete Zewwo , qete Zewwa e t c .
an adj ectiv e . Att es t e d main ly as adj e c t ives are
[ T h e Trad i t ion d e l e t e s t h e s t ern v o w e l i n qetZani , qet Zana . ]
nabahi garrul ous , t alkativ e , boastfu l ; more rare l y : capab I c () f'
34 . 2 The Agent Noun qataZi . From most active G verbs there speech , rational .
may b e made the form qataZi ( fern . qataZi t ; p l . qataZeyan/qataZeyat or nadadi burn ing, b l a z ing ( l imi ted to such i t ems as fire , \;rath ,
common qataZ t) , an agent noun denot ing one who performs , usua l l y lus t ) .
habi t ua l l y o r pro fe s s i ona l l y , t h e action denoted by t h e verb :
The word qadami des erves special note . We have already met the word
fa -t;ari one who creates , a creator as the ordinal " first . " I t s more general adj ectival not i ons are
� a�afi one \�ho writes , a s cr i b e , writ er . " fi r s t , previous , prior , antecedent " ; as a noun (usual l y p l ural ) :

The form i s usua l l y treated as a noun and may stand in construct with " tho s e who came b efore , th e ancient s , men of o l d ; tho s e who go firs t ,

a fol l owing noun , the equivalent of the direct obj e ct in the corre­ nob l e s , princes . " Qadami i s a l s o a noun meaning " b eginnin g , t h e first

sponding verbal construct ion : o r b e s t of anything . " Qadami , qadamihu , and qadame ( t h e ac c . ) are
us ed adverb i a l l y : " at fi r s t , in the beginning , previous l y , in the
fatare medr the creator of the wor l d
fir st i n s t ance . "
?a�aje zentu ma?�af t h e writer of this book .
A numb er of act ive v erbs have a noun (or adj ective) o f t h e pat­
O c cas ional l y , as a result of the verbal force of the form, the accu s a­ tern qatta Z , which we met in connection w i th stative verbs (nOlJwax ,
t iv e is u s e d : nadday , e tc . ) . The meaning of this form is simi l ar to that of qataZi,

sa' (iZi �eywata one who asks for l i f e . but i t s o c currence is much rarer . Among the sound roots introduced
thus far only the word
With many verbs the qataZi form i s l i t t l e u s ed , the r e l at ive
ph r a s e (za-u eqa/,te l) b eing preferred . L i s ted b e l ow are t h e more fre ­ gaubaI' ( c a l l . ) work ers , l aborers ; Uqa gabbar foreman
q Uc' n t n"t l n � , {, ) ,- � { i C ram s ound roots introduced up t o this p o int . If d <'''; l' r v e ... mf'n f i o n .
I III' , ' ( lIIlIIl' H I 1 ' 1 1 1 1':1 1 ('' ' 1'111 ,{n l a i t i s attested , it i s not e d .
 156
157
Vocabul ary 34
1 0 . N C g C T' l l l l i x\�el tt:1 sab ' qatalt ' e l l a mas ' u l a ' lekemu .
Nouns and Adj ectives :
1 1 . Negeruna z a - t emakkeru ' antemu kama tegbaru .
peraz (p l . -at) fragment or fas c i c l e o f a book . 12. ' I - t e zbe�o , ' e sma be ' s i rat e ' wa-xer w e ' etu .
nakir ( f . nakar ; p l . nakart) adj . strange , alien, forei gn ; other , 13. ' I -tegdef ma�a�efta za- botu qala ' E gzi ' ab�er.
di fferent ; marve lous , wonderfu l . 14 . Sededu qatalta wa- z aba�eyana ' em-ma ' kalekemu .
Kerestiyanawi ( f . -t) a Chri s t i an ; adj . Christi an .
B . 1 . qata l i s enu' 14. ma" at nadadit
V erbs : 2. s a l astu tarafeyan 15. gabarta salam
samra (yesmar) to take d e l i ght , be p l eased (with , in : ba-) 3. sadade Kerestiyan 16. fa�are samay
. CG
' asmara to p l eas e , de l i ght , g iv e p l easure to (obj . suff. 4. ma�a�efta qadamt 1 7 . fa.tarina
or
Za- ) . 5. l iqana gabbar 1 8 . qadame warazutikemu
dansa (yeqnes , yednas) to become pregnan t (by : ' em- 6. gabare b ert 1 9 . qadamihu l a - ' a l am
) ; to conceiv e ( a
chi l d : acc. dir. obj . ) . Gt ta�ansa to b e conceiv ed . 7. makari t abib 20 . t e ' zazata qadamta hagar
�abata (yezbePJ to beat , whip , ( s ometime s ) k i l l ( acc . dir . obj . ; the 8. ' aragay nababi 21. faqade neway ' iilamawl
part o f the body may b e specified wi th diba , westa , or la 7a) . 9 . nagas l �adeq
_v .
22 . gab are �egg
Gt tazabta pas s ive . G l t tazabata re ciprocal . zabati ruffian , 10. s abaki nababi 23. nabarta beeu

fighter . 1 1 . ' arwe nababi 24 . qatalt ' el ewan

�7rldafa (yegdef) to throw , cast ; esp . to throw away, d i s card ; to l o s e 1 2 . s adade manafest ' ekuyan 25 . gabbara negus

b y wast e o r neg l ect . Gt tagadfa pas sive . 13. wareza zabati

(lCl,;awa Q/L to t ake c aptive , l ead away capt ive , deport , exi l e . Qt C . 1 . Zaba�ewwo ' eska wadqa ' em-maskot wa-mo t a .
ta�wawa pas s iv e . 2. ' Az za z a zanta � ama l a ' l ena b a ' enta xati ' aten a .
Other: 3. ' I - faqadat kama te�nas .
4. We ' eta ' amira t e�annes denge l .
qadimu adv . first , at first , previou s l y , b efore thi s ; ' em-qadimu i dem
5. Zentu we ' etu waldeya z a-samarku bo o
Also used as a noun in a few fixed expressions : mawa <eZa
6. ' Asmarana fadfada nagaru � ab ib wa-xe r .
qadimu days o f o l d ; za-qadimu things of o l d .
7. N ab arna xaba �ayqa b aJ:r ' en z a nesammer ba-nafas wa-berhana

E xercises �al:ay .
8. Zaba�kewwo l a - ' arwe diba kesadu wa- ' amatkewwo .
A. 1 . N eb ar z eyya mesl eya Iva- ' i -t enbeb .
9. Dewawewwomu
. l a - hezb
. westa hagara Bab i lon , wa-mes H'!homu
2. Segedu l a- ' amsaleya kama ' i -Yeqt e l kemu .
' Eremeyas nabiy .
3. Gedef z anta l eb s a b e luya westa ' es sat .
1 0 . MatareIVIVo ' edehu l a - z aba�i wa- sadadewlVo .
4. N ebeb , gabreya , wa- ' ana ' egabber za-sa' alka.
11. L a-ment kama- ze tegaddef J:eYlVataka?
5. Qedemani ' anta, ' esma ' i -yedal l ewani kama ' ana ' eqdemk a .
12. Nas ' ani ba-kesadeya wa- ' axaza yezbe�an i .
6. ' I -tefles ' emenneya xabehu ; nebar mesleya.
13. Seh ibomu l a-be ' s i we sta � enfa baJ:r , wagarelmo westetu .
7 . Genezewwo l a-badnu ba- ' albas sannayt wa-qeberewwo xab a
1 4 . W:l soba re ' y a ' abuha ' esma � ansat wal attu, tam' e ' a fadfada wa­
' ammarkukemu . L as e ' ' c l fi mannu z a - gabra zanta .
8. Keset l i ta za-nagaraka .
, 1 '1 I r, . X . I 1 . I I " ill" '; i Kl' J'('�; t i y ;j l l ;j w i q edmehu , wa-meslehu ma�J:1af ' ab i y wa-
9 . Zekor i q a l eY:1 1,;( ' i - t ongeri wa- ' i - I a-mannu-h i . 1 1 1 1 10 I I' .
 158 159

1 6 . Tagabe ' u kWe l l omu tarafeyan b a - ' a�adu makan , wa-tamakaru b a ' enta
z a-yegabberu .
1 7 . Nakir w e ' etu ga??u l a - z entu ' aragay ; ' em-be�er ba<ed we' etu .
1 8 . ' Aflasomu l a-�ezbena wa-�ewawomu we sta medr nakar wa- nawax .
1 9 . ' Arxiwa xoxta beta, gadafat kW e l l o newaya westa fenot .
2 0 . Setu ' egWalomu la-kahenat , ' el l a so ' ewwomu maswa ' t a l a - t a ' ot .
w
2 1 . ' Ark asu manafesta mewutan z anta makana .
2 2 . Rakabku t. eraza, wa-dibehu qalat nakart z a- ' i -kehelku ' anbeb o .
W
2 3 . Wadiqa westa , egarl' hu 1 a-rnak annen , s a ' al ato h. eywata walda .
Lesson 35
35 . 1 The Verbal Adj ect ive QetuZ . In our previous d i s cussion
of the adj e ctive we noted that the pattern qetu Z is the one most 1'r (' ­
quently used in deriving adj ect ives from stat ive G verbs . i\dj ec t l vo"
o f the same patt ern are derived also from transitive act i ve G V l ' r!".
and from many intrans it ive active ones as wel l . The under l y i l1 g v o l " ,
of the form depends entirely on that of the verb from whi ch I I I ' . I "
•

rived :
24 . ' Andadu nabartihu beto , wa-nasi ' omu warqo gW ayyu . ( a) Active tran s i tive : qetuZ is passive , c o r n' · ' I " / l l d l l t ).!
25 . Soba bo ' a we' etu sabak i westa ' anqa�a hagar , t abatka totana to the Engl i sh pas s i ve I H ' 1' 1 " , I
sa' nu, wa-xasasa gabare ' asa ' en kama yegbar lotu kal e ' a . part i c ip l e .
,
2 6 . Nagirana zena em- �ent , t an Vs-a ' n a wa-xasasna makana hedu ' a kama (b) Active intransit ive : qetuZ i s resul tat i. V C , i . , ' . . 1 1 1
neskab ' eska ? eba� . adj ective descr i b i ng I h (' ', 1 11 1 "
2 7 . Z entu we ' etu qadamihu l a-nagar z a- ' anbabku westa we ' etu ma��af .
resulting from the :IC t i O i l 0I 1 /1 1 '
2 8 . Tanse ' u gabbar la ' l a l iqomu wa-qatalewwo ba-xa?awentihomu .
verb . I t i s o ft en cq u i v ; l l l' l I l 10
2 9 . Wa- ' enza we ' etu qeddus ba- ' a�att i ' el at yenabber westa ' anqa? a a perfect active part i c i p l l' :
hagar , xal afat qedmehu ' ahatti b e ' sit ' aragayt Kerestiyanawit ,
nebul' having s a t /having s e l l / (,d
- - . Wa-nas ' a
- 1 a s h awareya
wa-me s l eha ' a�adu �eraz ' em-ma?�a fa Paw . = seated , sitting , s ituated , rc-
la-ye ' eti �eraz , wa- soba ' anbaba, rakaba westeta qal a nakira
s i ding, res ident .
wa- ' a ' mero mankera . Tasaya�a l a- � eraz ' emenneha ba- ' a�adu Stative verbs :
( c) qetuZ is a s imp l e adj ect i ve , as
derhema warq wa- ' azzaza kama terkab za-tarfa ' em-zentu ma��af .
already discus s ed .
�Iorat wa- ' am� e ' a t 10tu saHis a � erazata kal e ' ::ita , wa-wahaba As with al l verbal adj e ctives in Ethiopi c , the frequency of these
' arba ' t a derhema warq . Wa- ' emze fannawato xaba beta Kerestiyan . forms i s somewhat l ow because of the preference for relative c l auses
Heyya xasasa kW e l l o mashafa xaba ' aJ:tadu ' em-kahenat , wa-wahabo with finite verbs . The fol lowing are the verbal adj ectives qetu Z
ma?�afa , wa- ' anbabo lVa- ' a�ne 'o ba-l ebbu , wa- ' amna ba- ' E gz i ' ena from roots l earned thus far :
' Iyasus Kerestos ( l otu s eb � at) . (a) Transitive active verb s :

betuk broken qebul' buried

fe �U1' created qetuZ s l ain
gebul' worked (of various sedud expel led , exi led,
m a t e r i a l s ) ; do n e , excommuni cated
ma J e , f i n i s h ed I ""1t I p l an t ed ; i mp l an t e d ,

1 1:
.. fa I ' I II i
j. genu,::: I' rl ' p a rt ' d 1 1 1 1 1' f i x. e d
.: h
"" ,Viii I 1 1 l 1 .... ( ) V(,' t'pd , h/l l " � : np" 11 ::" /'" / b (' ; l l e n
il I
!
1 "" 1" (II 1 1111 I ' }' ( " , ) "" ,," , " , 111 ( ' 1 1 1 I n l H' d I
I f "III C 1 11 1 1 1 f� I 1'1 I

:/, ' 111.1 ' 1 / 1 1 1 ' 10/ 1 1 , , , I , 1 1 1 1 1 1\\1 1 1 ; I\ ,"" I \, ,

, 1 1 ., . 1 1 1 1 1 " . 1 . I f l ', l , I " I '-! I ,·d ( ," pl' I ' d I I I ' , J
 160
161

And , relative to the C verbs ' atmaqa and ' afqara : fjom �ezunu. He went away s ad .
pemuq bapt i z e d �/orku J;zezuneya. I went away s ad .
fequr b eloved Rakabewwo �eyawo. They found h im alive .
Rakabomu J;zeyawanihomu. He found t hem al ive .
(b) Intransitive act ive verb s :
The case and suffix o f the adj e ctive depend on t h e s t atus of t h e word
Ij.enest pregnant (fern . only)
to whi ch they stand in appos i t ion :
fe lus exi led, in exi l e
nebur sitting, seat e d , s ituated ; residing ; a s noun : resi- ' I- tewa44e' J;zeyaweka. You wi 1 1 not go forth ali vc (nom . ) .

11 I dent ' I-yenasse' uka �eyawaka. They wi ll not take you al i ve ( : I C <: . ) .

nedud burning , f l aming ( e . g . 7.. ebb , ma « at)

II Vo cabulary 35
negus k ing (only as a noun)
Nouns :
qerub nearby, near , adj acent (to : la- , xaba) ; at hand ,
nigh (of t ime) ; (ba-) qeruba prep . near ( suffixes may nagWadgWad (p l . -at) thunder .
be added as to an acc . noun) mabraq (pl . mabareqt ) m . l i ghtning .
segud p rostrate ( in a p o s i tion of worship or adorati on) ' asJ;zatya m . f . i c e , hai l , snow, fro s t .
sekub lying down V erbs :
semur p leas ing (to : la- , ba-xaba , ba-qedma) , nice , p l eas-
ant masana L to be ruined, destroye d ; to perish; to become corrupt , rot ­
teruf exce l l ent , outstanding . The fern . form tereft (or t en . CL ' amasana t o corrup t , destroy , wipe out . Lt tamulJona
the p lural terufat) i s used as a noun : v i rtue , ex­ p as s ive of C L .
cel lence, perfection; dakma (yedkem/yedkam) t o be tired, weary , feeb l e , infirm. C G ' adkaJ71a
causative . dekum ( f . dekemt) t ired , weary, weak , feeb l e , i l l .
(c) Stative verbs . These have already been given in the Vocab-
qarfa/4arafa (ye�ef) to blaspheme (against : la <la, 7..a- , acc . ) .
ul aries as adj e ctives .
Ij.eruf bl asphemous , wicked, imp ious . qarafi (pl . -yan) b l as ­
Adj e ctives of the p attern qetul are frequently us ed as adverbs , with phemer .
prefixed ba- or in the accusative cas e : qW arra/qW arara to be cold , cool ; to cool (of anger) . CG ' aqW rara
ba-fepun fe-pma swi ft l y , qui ckly, soon
=
caus . qWarir ( f . qWarar) co l d , coo l .
kesuta openly, pub l i c l y . masala (yemsalJ t o res emb l e , b e like (acc . dir . obj . ) ; to s e e m ,
appear a s (obj . suff . of p erson; acc . o f predi cate noun or
, 35 . 2 Further Remarks o n Comp l ement s .
adj ect ive , or kama ; e . g . Yemasselani fenot retu <a The ro ad
" 1
"

I'
( a) Adj ectives as subj e ct or obj ect comp l ements may b e in-
s e ems straight to me ; Yemasse 7..ani kama warx I t looks l ik e the
iI troduced by ' enza : ' Enza dewey nabarku westa beteya. I remained at
moon to me) ; impersonal : it s e ems (obj . suffix of person +
home (while) i l l .
kama/za- with perf. or imperf . ) . CG ' amsala to regard as , ho l d
(b) Les s commonly , a ful l non-verbal c laus e may be used
a s equivalent to (two accus atives, o r acc . + kama) .
circumstan t i a l l y \oJi th ' enza : Re' iku be' se ' enza yebus ' edehu . s aw
a man w i Lh a w L t h ercd hand ( l it . h i s hand being withered) . E xerci ses
' I
( I' ) �;lth j cc t o r o b j e ct compl ements may also b e expressed by
3. ' aragay dekum
I I , ,' lid J I'l I 1 VI' /I I !lll" IV i I II :1 p e r s on a 1 pronominal suffi x :
4 . J:lezb felusan
 163
162
2 1 . qal semur la- ' e l l a sam ' ewwo b:t- l ebbu .
5 . waldeya fequr
" 2 2 . kahen �adeq wa-teruf 1 7. ' A frcho�1 mahraq wa_nagW adgWad wa-gab ' u ' abyatihomu.
6 , welud � emuqan
23 . be�er qerub 1 a-ba�r 1 8 . M3s ana ' ahgurihomu wa-tadewawu �ezbomu .
7 . ' alblis geduf
24 . may qWarir kama ' as�atya 1 9 . B ekemu-nu be zuxina ' a1hemta?
8 . ' asa' en gedufan
25 . qal 'abiy kama nagW adg Wad 20. ' Albo � en fa la-xa� i ' atomu wa- ' albo xWe1qWa gebarihomu ' ekuyat .
9 . wareza qetul
2 6 . s ayf tekelt ba- ' egru 2 1 . ' Amasanu ' abyata wa- ' a ' �adata za-�ana?na ba- sama 'abiy wa - s cnu ' .
1 0 . totan betuk
2 7 . s em zekert westa zentu mashaf 22 . ' Asare\�o wa-wagarewwo gerufo westa beta moqe� .
1 1 - b e ' s i zebu�
2 8 . �ezb segudan qedma � a 'otomu . 2 3 . Rakabew\�omu 1a- falaseyan neburanihomu heyya ba- salam .
1 2 . badn qebur
29. t era z geduf westa fenot 24 . Tafat�u mawaqe�ina wa-wasla ' n a fe�una ' em-heyya.
1 3 . sega genuz
3 0 . ' e� qerebt 1 a-betena 25 . Tamatrat �e}'\�atu l a-we ' etu garafi ba -mabraq z a-t afann:II�1I ' " 111

14. xa!?in gebur

31 . gama1 fetent wa-sene ' t samay .
1 5 . gass kesut
26 . ' I -kehlu ba\�i ' a beta Kerest iyan ' e sma ' i - � emuqan ' clllun l l i .
32 . nadday zebu�
.L 6 . ' c 1e\� s edud
3 3 . ' aragit Kerestiyanawit 2 7 . Z anta nagara kesuta, wa-ba�tu kal e ' a nagara semm"i t a .
17. scm zekur
34 . zena nakir wa-�eruf 2 8 . ' Em-qadimu koIi.u yenabberu sab ' manfasaweyan westa ' c 1 ] O l l l i l
18. b c ' sit �enest
' adbar , wa-ba�tu ' em-dexra motu 1 iqanihoTIlu , fal asu wc s L �
3 5 . neway be luy wa-geduf
J 9 . h agar nebert diba dabr
bahawert ba ' edan .
20 . ' aragayt sekebt diba medr
with the appropri at e rela ­
U. Rep l acc the adj e ct ives i n 1 -1 8 above
q za-yefappen ; be' si zebup
tive claus e . E . g . mabraq fe ?un mabra =

be' si za-tazabpa.

C. 1 . D ekum ' ana wa- ' efaqqed ' enbar .

2 . Deruf ' anta wa-rekus we ' etu qa1 eka .
3 . Temas s e 1 ani slarafe wa- gabare ' ekit .
4 . ' Amsa1 na slarafeyana kama qata
1t .
mt kama ma1 a ' ekt ' em-x aba
5 . 'Amsa l ewwomu 1a_qe ddus anihomu qada
' Eg z i ' ab�er .
ada.
6 . Zentu b e�er yemas s e l an i semura fadf
n ef1es west a kale ' makan .
7 . ' Adkamana zentu mend abe wa- faqadna
W enam wa- ' as�atya wa- ' a�fe ' a
8 . Ma!? ' a nafa s q ar i r mes 1 a be zux z
' essa ta za- ' andadu .
W i wa-wahabani za-s a' a1ku .
9 . Soba q ararat ma " atu , saww e ' an
1 0 . Masa 10mu ga�?u ga?? a ma1
' aka berhan .
a ' enza yeqarreb west a feno t .
1 1 . Mas al0 kama re ' ya be ' s e ' ar agay
1 west a ' ed s enu ' .
1 2 . Raka ba ' abiya sayfa ' enza t eku
' em-xaba wadaqna .
1 3 . Ro? u fe�una xabe na wa- ' ans e ' una
1 4 . Naba ru ' arda ' ihu TIlcs l a
scga hu genuz wa- ' i -yaqbare\�wo .
k ,lIl1a ' i -yeq t e1ka ba-mabraqu
.
1 5 . ' I _ t edre f 1 3 ' l a ' E i,. z i ' a bl.1 1' r
w a - h a h t u kona ' ekuya wa-
' e 1ewa
1 6 . Masa loTIlu bc " � l' X 0 .. :I \�: I 1 < ' ''" 1 ' :
"
164 165

s edda t exi l e , expu l s i on ; p ersecution

L e s s on 36 segdat pro strat i on , act of adoration
semrat favor, approval , consent ; ba-semrata with the cons ent/
36. 1 The Verbal Noun . There is associated with near l y every G
approval of
verb a noun denoting the acti on or qual ity defined by the verbal root.
setqat cutting, s p l i t ting ; a cut , sp l i t
N e i ther the form nor the meaning of these nouns is comp l e t e l y pre­
pemqat bapt i sm
d i ct ab l e . The form may be any one (or more) of a d o z en p attern s , but
zebpat beating , whipping
there are only seven of rel at iv e l y h i gh frequency (qet lat, qetl,
qetal, qetal, qatal, qatal, qat l) . The meanings may range from ab­ P lura l s , when attested, are uniformly i n -at .
s tract ( e . g . pebab wisdom) t o concrete ( e . g . takl a p l ant , shoot) . (b) The pattern qet l .
In general , hOlvever , the range of p o s s ib i l i t ies , both in form and
q.ens pregnancy ; a l s o (rar e l y) foetus
me aning , i s sma l l and it i s conveni ent to l earn these nouns for a
feqr love
g iven verb when the verb i s first met . B e l ow are the verbal nouns o f
gebr already given in V o c . 21 . In addi t i o n to the llI o a l l l l l W '
the G verbs from sound roots which have been introduced up t o thi s
given there , gebr is also emp loyed rather curious 1 Y I I '.
po int .
an adverb "neces s ari l y , out of nece s s i ty" ; ba-(fphr· i dnlll.
(a) The pattern qe t lat . This i s the mos t common type and could
kebr gl ory , hono r ; s p l endo r , magnificence
app arent l y be formed at wi l l from any active verbal root . With many
mekr p l an ; couns el , advi ce ; considerat i o n , d e l iberat i on ;
v e rb s , however, it is obvious ly of s econdary importance in comparis on
pruden ce , wisdom; opinion , point o f v i ew ( e . g . ba­
t o another more frequent pattern . The forms qetlat l i sted b e l ow are
mekreya in my opinion)
t h e main verbal noun for the roo t s in quest ion , or at leas t , are as
negs reign , rul e
frequent as any of the others that may be attested . Note that in some
rekws uncl eannes s , p o l lution ; anything uncl ean , any v i l e
i ns t ances the verbal noun of the G type occurs where the verb i t s e l f
thing
i s attested only a s C G or G t .
qWerr col d , c o l dness
betkat breaking, fracture , rupture +
? edq j us t i c e ; gabra ?edqa to do j ustice ; ' i-kona ?edqa
q.erfat b l asphemy
inf. : i t i s not ri ght to . . . ; righteousnes s , virtue ;
fe lsat wandering, trave l ; exi l e ; deat h ; as sump t i on ( into
truth , the trut h . ba-?edq correct l y , r i ght l y , j ust ly .
heaven) . Felsata Babi lon the Babylonian E x i l e .
zekr mention , memory; commemoration
feprat the act o f creat i on ; what i s create d , creatures ;
P lura l s , when att e s t ed , are uni form l y at -at .
nature , character; kind , speci es .
(c) The pattern qetal :
gebrat fash i on , way in whi ch something i s made and appears ;
form, shape tebah wi sdom

genzat preparation for bur i a l

(d) The r a t t e rn qeta l :
nebrat s i t t ing down; s e s s i o n ; posi t i on ; condition, s t at e ;
C; p o l' c h , W i t ; l t ono s ays , manner of speaking
manner o r mode of l i fe ; dwel l ing ( act o r p l ace)
I'elll;l i I I d l' ,' . I'l'S i due ; overflow, abundance . Taraj';'! l "
neddat fl ame, burn ing
N' '!I' ';;! t i l<' O T b o o k o f Chroni cles ( l i t . tho 1 ' < '11111 1 , , 0 1 < I '"
qe t la t k i l l i ng , murder
( l V I ' !' I I < lIv 1 " " 0111 K i ngs)
rc khn l, f i nd i ng ; a c q l l i '; i t i on
1 /" J' l ff'l "" 1 1 1 1 1 " " . ' , . i ' i I' i !'lII i t y , weakness
, ' ( �/lk( , I P I'<'''< Ii I I I }: , P ,' ( I , 1 '"I1, 1 l i n n ; a preaching m i s s i on
 167
1 66
'i.aiJa tewo!o 3ebpata 'e?uba . They beat him severely ( l i t . a
P lural s , when att ested, are uni formly in -at .
severe beating) .
( e) The pattern qataZ :
Ganaze�Jo la-badnu genzata They prepared his corp s e spl en ­
nagar already given in Voc . 5 sannaya. d i d l y for burial ( l i t . a sp l en ­
qabar burial , funer al did preparation) .
taraf synonym of teraf above
Vocabul ary 36
( f) The pattern qata Z :
Noun s :
faqad (pl . -at) m . f . d e s i re , wi sh , wi l l ; ba-faqiidu o f his own
accord ; maswa 'ta faqad vo luntary offerin g ; za' enbaZa ge 'z (p I . -at) mode o f l i fe , manner; nature, qua l i ty, a s s e n l j i l l
faqad invol unt ari l y . nature (both o f p ersons and things ) .
nafiis already given in Voc . 3 0 ?aZot (p l . -at) prayer ( s ) .
' at;ba 't (p I . ' a?ii.be ') f . m . finger, toe .
(g) The patt ern qatZ tends to b e us ed more for the formati on
' ezn (p 1 . ' ezan , ' a' zan) f . ear .
o f concrete nouns than for verba l nouns in the n arrower sens e . Nouns
'ayn (p I . ' a'yent) f . eye . sab" a ayn spIes . , s cout s .
l i ke nafs , nadd, bet ( *bayt) , gabr , wald, etc . , a l t hough c learly
associated with G verb s , are simp ly d erived nouns and do not have the Verbs :
meaning required for verbal nouns . On the other hand, t;alma/f}aZama (ye? Zam/ye? lem) to grow dark , be b l ack ; o f e y e s : t t l 1: I ' . , w
qat Z k i l l ing, murder ; a l s o : fight ing , batt le (gabra qatla b l ind ; ?aZma ga??u he b ecame angry. CG ' a? lama causat J V� ,
mes Za to fight a b at t l e with) ?elum dark , obs cured , b l inded . t; al'l-m
' ( f . ?a lam) bl ack . �I I ' III;' I I
takZ (p l . -at ; ' atke lt) a p l ant , tree ; 'asada ' atke Z t m . f . darknes s ; the days o f t h e month after the 1 5th are known
orchard , grove ; a l s o fi g . in such expres sions a s takla as mawa 'ela t;e Zmat (days of wane) ; dating may u s e the forlilu l a
?edq and takZa haymanot ' ama X-u la-s.e lmata Y o n the X-day ( uSIng
' qa t u 1 as t h e number)
of the s econd hal f of the month Y .
do qua l i fy , though in both inst ances concrete meanings exist s i de by
sapaqa (yespeq) t o cut , sp l i t . G t tasat.qa pas s I' ve . se puq cut , spl i t . �
s i de with the abstract . I ndeed , the fact that al l the p atterns in­
sepqat cutting , sp l i tt ing , a cut , spl it .
troduced h ere are s ometimes used for derived nouns that are not felt . .
xadara to res ide, dwe l l , inhabi t (usual ly wI' th a prepos ItIonal phrase,
t o b e verbal nouns means that the meaning of no noun can b e taken for
but sometimes with the acc . of p l ace) ; xadara la 'la to reside
granted on the bas is of its form a lone and shou l d always be checked
i n , po ssess (said of demons or spirits in a p erson) . CG
in the l exi con .
' =dara causatl' ve . Gt taxadra to be Inhabited
' . G l t t=adara
A l l verbal nouns t end to b e variab l e in gender (m . f . ) and , as
to live together, cohabit (with : mes la) .
indi cated , are p lura l i zed with - at with very few exceptions .
'a?aba/ 'a?ba (ye '?eb/ye '?ab) to be hard , harsh, d i fficult ( fo r : obj .
36 . 2 The Cognat e Accus at ive . Verbal nouns , in general , are suff . ) ; to be neces sary . 'e�ub harsh, di fficul t , onerous ; di f­
construed as ordinary nouns and o ffer no special translation pro b l ems. fi cult (to do : la- + inf . ) . ba- �?ub with d i fficul t y .
There is one usage, however, that requires speci al atten t i on : the
verbal noun may be used as the obj ect of its cognate verb in order to Exerc i s es
add emphasi s or specifi cation . When so used, it does not affect the fl. . 1 . rok bat a \, a rq 4 . gebrata ' anaqe!?ihil
ordinary constructions of the verb in question, being added more or 2 . q l' l l ;l t :1 s lI h ' a ' a yll 5 . nebratu l a -negus

,
l e s s as an adverbial phras e : :> . 1 1 l'll t 1 : 1 I I I 111,1 " " t eya 6, genzata badnu

Ii
 168
169

7 . fetrata �al:1iy wa-warx 1 4 . s e!qata ' albas i hu

I ' 6. Mcnt wc ' etu mekreka ba' ent a t ebaba qadamt ?

�
, 8 . fel s at a zentu hezb I S . gebrata zentu neway za-bert
Ii
7 . ' I - ' amanna nebabo .
9 . derfatu l a - z eku ' arami 1 6 . berhan wa- � elmat
8 . Zanta gabarna l a - zekru 1 a - ' abuna za-mota ' ama xamusu la- �e 1mata
1 0 . fel s at a B 1ib i lon 1 7 . nebratu wa- ge ' zu
zentu l'iarx .
1 l . nebrata makareyan 1 8 . ge ' z atihomu l a - :;; adeqan l'i W
9 . Wa-kona samay !? e l uma , wa- t a s am ' a qa1a nag adg ad wa-nafas , wa -
1 2 . nebratomu ba-westa gadam 1 9 . betkata h ab 1
tare ' ya berhana mabraq .
1 3 , � elmata l e I i t
1 0 . Ta s a� qa ' a�ba ' t u wa-we� z a be zux dam ' em- ' edeh u .
B . l . ' Ayte za-xadarkemu ba-mawa ' e l a fel s at ekemu ? 1 1 . Ka1 ' una xadira b a-ma ' kal omu wa-sadaduna zeyya .
2 , Tasadda ' em-xabehomu b a ' ent a �erfatu ' ekuy . 1 2 . Zentu we ' etu t erafa nagara we ' etu nab i y .
3 . Wa- ' emze me � o 1 a-we ' etu qeddus ' em - s eddatu . 1 3 . ' I -gabarku zanta b a - g ebr ' al Ia ba- faqadeya .
4 . Had ' at medrena ' em-qet l at wa- ' em-maq s aft b a - gi z e negsu . 1 4 . Ba' enta gebru ' ekuy wadqa ' em- k ebru wa-kona kli. ' eba iH) ' :' "
S . Menta gabra ' F. gz i ' ab �er ' emdexra fetrata ' abuna ' Adam? naddaya .
W
6 . Nenabber zeyya ' eska yeq arrer neddata ma " at za-westa 1ebbu . I S . Takala t ak l a � enu ' a za-haymanot westa ' al babihomu .
7 . Ganazewwo genzata s annaya wa-qabarewwo ba- ' abi y kebr . 1 6 . Zati �ama ' es eb t ye ' et i ; ' i -nefaqqed kama negbara ba ' Oll l :1
8 . N agara l a-nege s t ba' enta nebratu l a-we ' etu n egu s wa-ba ' ent a dekamena.
w
kebra betu wa-k e l 1 u ge ' zu . 17. ' Asbatomu nebratomu heyya, wa- fa1asu west a k a l e ' b e h c r .
9 . Soba tasam ' a qal a b etkata ' a ' :;; uq , wa-ro�na fetuna ' em-tahta 1 8 . ' E :;; ub 1a-l;1ani� za' enb a l a ' a ' ban .
'edaw . 1 9 . Na s ' an i me s 1 ehu soba �ora westa s ebkat .
1 0 . Tare ' yana gebrata ' al basi hu nakira � eqq a . 20. ' E �ubat qal atihu l a - ' a' mero .
1 1 . Tanagara mes l ena ba' enta rekbata ma��af be1uy w e s t a b e t a maqdas. 2 1 . Xadara manfas rekus l a ' lehu , wa- ' i - faqada wa- ' i -mannu- h i kama

1 2 . B a ' enta ment mat arewwo ' a:;; abe 'ihu l a - z entu b e ' s i ? yeqrab xabehu .
w W
1 3 . ' I - kehe lna taxadero mes lehomu b a ' enta rek somu . 2 2 . G ayyu me s l a t arafa newayomu .
1 4 . Soba s am ' a � alotatihomu 1 a- K erest iyan , tam ' e ' a fadfada wa­ 2 3 . ' Ama kas ata ' a ' yentihu, ' i -r e ' ya menta-ni west a � e 1mat z a ­
' az z azomu la- ' agbertihu kama yezbetewwomu wa-yeqte lewwomu . ' odat o .
I S . Wa- ' emdexra nagaran a mekro , xabarna mes lehu .

C. 1 . ba- s emrata ' eg z i ' omu 8 . qabar kebur

2 . segdatomu 1 a-!a 'ot 9 . b a ' enta kebra naga st
3 . s ebkata wange1 za-madxenena 1 0 . feqru 1 a -wa1du
W
4 . � emqata ' eg a1 ihomu 1 1 . bakama faqadu 1a- ' abuhu
S . rekbata darahema berur 1 2 . ' atkelt betukan ' em-xaba barad
6 . den s a 1 a-walattu 1 3 . t ebab tereft
7 . gebrat ' ekuyat za-xadart 1 4 . ke suta ' e zan wa- fetuna ' a ' mera

n. l , Z <l - ' ayy-nu b e ' s i zcntu � ens ?

J , 'i' : 1 1 1 1 1 :i y ii l ' n ' yC'llt i hfl l'i a - scmurat qa1 atiha .
,r, . ,' ; 1 \ 1 j ill 1: 1 1 '." : " k : I 1I1:1 s l' l maLa dammanata zenam .
1\ t ,t! :./ 1 1,\ I ' Y W i l l r t' ( l,t t fcqr we ' etu .
�I " ' I I ", I , 1 : " . i , 1 1I1 " 'III ' 1 " " I' I'Cl l c l i t wa- ' em-neddata � aJ:!ay ba-ma' a1t.
1 70
171

L e s s on 37
maqsaft from qasafa) :

maqbart (p l . maqaber, -at) m . grave , tomb, s epulcher . The

37. 1 Nouns o f P l ace : the P attern meqtal . There are two
p l ural i s a l s o used as a s ingular .
principal types of nouns with pre fixed m- derived from G verbs . The
man bart s t at e , cond i t i o n , mode of l i fe (synonym o f nebrat)
mos t con s i s t ently predictab l e in t erms of meaning i s meqtal ( i . e .
The pattern maqtel ( and maqte l t ) has two distinct func
meC C aC ) , which usual ly deno t e s the p l ace where the action o f the t i on s : ( 1 ) an
1 2 ;3
agent noun for CG verb s , to be d i scussed in a l ater l es s o n ;
verb is customar i l y performed : ( l J 11 e I "
ri ved noun from G verb s , s im i l ar in meaning (and somet imes 0 V I I "
1 ,"1 1
mendad furnace , oven , firep l ace
of) maqta Z . Note
mesgad a p l ace where one worships , a shrine , mo sque
meskab a bed, couch ; a p l ace to lie down matke Z = matka Z above
mangest ( p I . -at) m . f , kingdom; kingship , maj c:; L y . 11/, / 1/11,'11 1 "
mepnaq a p l ace for bapt i z ing , bap t i s try ; al s o : a poo l i n
general
samayat the Kingdom o f Heaven ; zamada/I,}(J / 1Ir111

menbar a p l ace where something is put ; res i dence , where one

mangest the royal fami l y .

l ives ; bas e , foundat ion (of a p i l l ar etc . )

Vocabul ary 37
meqrab n e ighborhoo d , v i cinity
Verbs :
O ccas i ona l l y , however, words of this pattern deve lop special i zed mean­
ings which must be l e arned separat e l y : nafsa t o blow ( s ubj ect : the wind) . CG ' anfasa to breathe s omet h ing
out ( e . g . fire) ; t o res t , t ake a breathe r , find rel i e f ( from:
megbar act i o n , pract i ce , behavior , cus t om ( s ) ; what one does,
' ernenna) ; to g i v e rest or relief t o .
bus i n e s s
baraqa (yebreq) to l ightning , f l ash l ike l i ghtn ing . C G ' abraqa to
menbab a paragraph or s e c t i on (peri cope) o f a t ext , as
make l i ghtning .
divided for pub l i c reading
qasafa (yeqsef) to beat, whip ; to affl i c t , pun i s h (with : ba- ) . Gt
merkab acqu i s i t i on ; p ay , s tipend for performing one ' s office
taqasfa p ass ive . qesuf beaten , whipped , aff l i ct e d . qesfat
The gender of the s e nouns i s variab l e (m . f . ) ; plural s , when att e s t e d , pun i s hment , a ffl i c t i on .
a r e uniformly in -at . saqaZa (yesqeZ ) to s uspend , hang up (acc . dir . obj . + ba- , westa,

37. 2 Nouns o f the P att ern maqtal (t) . The s econd type of noun diba , Za (Za) ; to cruci f y . Gt tasaqZa pas si v e ; to depend (on :

w i t h prefixed m- i s maqtal ( i . e . maC C aC ) ' Nouns of t h i s format ion ba- , xaba) ; to adhere , c l ing (to : westa) . sequZ hanging , sus­
1 2 ;3
cover a wide range o f meanings (nouns o f p l ace , o f instrument , o f pended, cruc i f i e d ; dependent (on : ba- , westa) . s eq Zat crucifix­

a c t ion) and shou l d not b e gue s s ed at . We have al ready encountered i on. masqal (pl . masaqe Z ) m . cros s ,

manfas , mal' ak , mabraq , and makCin ( from kana) ; note also : Nouns :

magnaz mater i a l s used in preparing a body for buri a l re' s ( p I . ' ar' e s t) m . f . head ; top , summi t ; ch ief, l eade r ; f requcn l
manbar (p I . manabert) m . f . throne , s eat , chair wi th suffi x as reflexive or intensive pronoun : qatala 1 '(1' I/O h L'
marxo ( for *marxaw ; p I . mariixut) m . f . key k i l l ed h imsc l f ; qataZkewwo re' seya I mys e l f k j l l ed h i m.

maikaZ ( p I . ma take l ) s t ak e , peg gallrla i ( 1 ' 1 . -ii i ) r . garden ; the Garden of Eden .

J ' O l' ' , ( 1111" v"rh·, I II I ' l o rm 111(/' 1 '<1 / 1 ( w i th final -t) is use d , o ften al ong
Bel'''!! ( p J . - a t ) med i c i n e , herbs , et c . ; incant"t i o/l'. , ' ' I ' ' ' I i ' I . IIIII �! I I ,
lV I I I , '""' 1 1 , , 1 , '" I I, I I .. , ' . : 1 11 1 1 ' r : I I I �: " " I' me�n i ngs ( c f . masw(i ( t from saw ( a ;
1:. ,-/' .' 1 /(/ [,,'r'(ju, sab' a seray deal ers jn 1Il/1)! I ,' 1 1 1 1 . 1 " 1 " . 1 1 ',

: 1,'/1/;"/1 1 1' 1 . · 1 i!!.;n. ll l } demon , evi l s p i ri t . :W-!lilll''I1 1 1 , 1 ' ," / "

1 72 173

, ayanell t) o n c po sscsscd by an evi l spirit . [awlV c s o L O ' cm - d alVehu ' e�ub .

16. ' Aw�c ' u �alVarcyat ' aganenta ba-s ema ' E g z i ' ena ' Iyasus Kere stos
Exerc i s e s
C 1 0tu seb�at) .
A . 1 . rnatkal za-xasin 1 4 . menbira betu 1 7 . � awlVe ' omu 1a-sadadd wa- ' azzazomu kama yesdedewwo 1 a- ganen za­
2. rnarxo biHeya 1 5 . meqrabomu 1a-xa�e ' an xadara l a ' l a wa1 du, wa-bahtu ' i-kehlu sadidoto .
w
3 . rnanbaru 1 a- ' Eg z i ' ab�er 1 6 . rek sa megbarihomu 1 8 . KW e l lo ' amira ' anbabu l ana ' ahada menbaba ' em-rna�J:af ba' enta
4 . rnanbar kebur 1 7 . menbaba mashaf qadami J:eywata qeddus an .
lV t
5 . ' ahgura rnangestu 1 8 . rnasqa1 za- ' e� 1 9 . Sarn ' a ' E g z i ' ab�er 1 a - � a l ota nabiyu , wa- ' asrne ' a qala nag au! r. u l I
6 . mangesta sarnayat 1 9 . ' e�a rnasqa1 wa- ' abraqa rnabareqtihu ba-westa samay �alirn.
7. rnaraxuta rnangesta s arnayat 2 0 . berhana mabraq 2 0 . �awwe ' omu 1 a- ' ar' esta J: e zb xabehu wa-tas e " el omu b a ' cntn ZIt
8 . rnat ak e 1 a ' es! 2 1 . manfas rekus kona ba- l e 1 i t , wa- se ' nu nagiroto wa- ' i -menta-ni .
9 . magnaz sannay 2 2 . makan hedu ' C . 1 . nadday qesuf wa- sedud 1 4 . ' ed tekul westa ma ' k u l l l
1 0 . maqabera nabiy 2 3 . manbar sannay za-warq 2 . be zuxan ' e 1 1a- ' aganent gannat
1 1 . manbart a qadamta mangest 2 4 . manaberta makwanent 3 . ' e zn metert ' ern-re ' su 1 5 . ge ' z a ' Ag ' a z i
1 2 . mendad za- ' essat 25 . mangestata medr 4 . be ' s i metura ' ed 1 6 . merkaba gabbar
1 3 . mesgada ' aramawiyan 2 6 . rekbata newayu 5 . 9arafi metura 1 e s an 1 7 . taJ:ta meskabu
II . I . Wadaya � eraza rna��af westa mendad . 6 . ' atke1t nawixan wa-s enu ' an 1 8 . matkal betuk
2 . R e ' s a zentu dabr manbaru 1 a - ' Eg z i ' ab�er we ' etu . 7 . ba- semrata 1 iqa p appasat 1 9 . 'abiy rnangest
3 . Qatal ato 1 a-we ' etu be ' s i ' ekuy ba-matka1 za- ' ed . 8 . t ebaba !abiban 20. negs naww1ix
W
iI . N enbar qeruba 1 a-mendad, ' esma wa�ana nafas q arir nafis a . 9 . maqbart kesut 2 1 . fe 1 s at a la-nafsu westa samiy
S. ' Emdexra ' anfasna ' em- �amana , dagema ' axazna gabira . 1 0 . rnetrata re ' su 2 2 . ' ebn sa1 arn
6 . Taqasfu ' el lontu �ezb xa! e ' an ba- ' essat wa- ' a ' ban z a-waradu 1 1 . menbara rnasqa1 2 3 . ma��af se�uq wa-geduf
1a ' lehomu ' em- s amay . 1 2 . za' enba1a faqad 2 4 . ' a ' yent � e1umat
7 . Ba ' enta ment ' i -keh 1 a warida ' em-diba. masqa1 ? 1 3 . rnangala re ' s a dabr 25 . ' asmata ' arawita gannat
8. Sakaba diba meskabu wa-tadawwaya. 26 . xWe1qWa ' aganent
9. Xadaru ' abawina qadamt westa gannat sannay fadfada, wa-baJ:tu
D. 1 . Maftel, karna ' eqs e fka. 1 0 . Xasasewwo kama yesqe 1ewI'o .
ta' adawu 1 a ' l a ' E g zi ' ab�er, wa-we ' etu ' a z zazomu 1a-ma l a ' ektihu 2. ' Amasanu ' asada ' atke l t . 1 1 . Tabatka hab1u wa-wadqa westa
kama yesdedewwomu 1 a- ' abawina ' em-westa gannat xaba makan za­
3 . ' Amkarkewwomu kama yef1 esu . may .
se1mat . 4 . 'Araggu wes ta re ' s a dabr . 1 2 . 'E �ub we ' etu 1 a- ' awge ' otomu
1 0 . Tagab e ' u xaba me!maq za-qerub l a-beta negus . S . Mas ' ani dekarn wa- s e ' enku la- ' aganent .
1 1 . Zentu ' e9 we ' etu ' em-masqa1 z a - t as aq1a ' T yasus dibehu .
J:awira ba- ' egr . 1 3 . ' Enza dekurn ' arga wes t a d a h l'
1 2 . Sequ1 J:eywateya ba-te ' z aza neguseka.
6 . ' I -kona �edqa 1 a- �ewewotornu . ba- ' esub .
1 3 . Soba ba�J:a we ' eta makana, r e ' ya k We 1 1 0mu Kerestiyana s equ1 ana
7 . ' Arnmaran a fenota ba- ' a�ba ' tu . 1 4 . �amarna ba-q wcrr<l I11-:1 YII
diba masaqe1 ba-t e ' zaza we ' etu negus ' e 1 ew .
8 . ' Akko zentu st:ray za-faWl,aso . mc�maq .
1 4 . ' Emdexra seq1atu 1a-madxenena , gWayyu ' arda ' ihu kama ' i ­
9 . Sall11a ' a ' ycntihu l,a- ' i -keh1a 1 5 . Neb5bu w ' l I d l' . I '. I I .
yerkabewwomu sab ' a hagar wa-yeqse fewwomu .
rc ' eyA .
IS. ' i\III � t" ll l o L t ! �e r�ya r t ak i I'a ' cm- ' asnafa medr, wa-baJ:tu ' i -keh 1 u
1 74
1 75
Tile 1I01l1l Lile fem . form of *xebuz
.r;( 'I'I'" l i s
L e s s on 3 8 {bake d) , from the G verb
xflbu.;;u. (y(!xl,(! z) to bake .
38 . 1 G Verbs from roots I -Guttural : Remaining Forms .
(c) The agent noun qataU :
( a) Imperfec t , Sub j un ct ive , and Imperat ive . Because of the
guttural in first root posit ion , the prefix of the Imperfect is un i - ' amani one who b e l i eves ; adj . faithful .
'aqiibi (p I . 'aqabt ) guard ; note the compounds :
formly with -a- instead of -e- . The Sub j unct ive and Imperative are ,aqiib e ' anq(l-?
door-k eeper ; 'aqabe ( 'a?ada) wayn vintne r , one
without pecu l i ariti e s . in
charge o f the wine ; 'aqabe re' s/sega bodyguard
; 'u.'1i1I,;;
P erfect Imperfect Sub j unct ive Imperative
nabib speake r, spokes man ; 'aqabe gannat garden
er;
' amna ya' CJ1l'U71en ye' man ' eman
' aqabe seray doctor , phys ician .
, asara ya' asser ye' ser ' eser fj.ana?i archit ect , bui l der .
' aqaba ya'aqqeb y e 'qab ' eqab
xabazi baker .
' arga ya' arreg ye' reg/ye'rag 'ereg/ ' erag
xadari (pl . xadart) gue s t , soj ourner .
, al!aba/ al!ba ya 'a??eb y e ' l!eb/ye' l!ab
xa"lafi (pI . xalaft) pas s er-by, one passi ng ; adj . t r a n s i t o ry .
iJ,ana?a ya�anne� ye�ne? fj.ene?
transient . The fern . form xa"lafit i s used co l l e c L i v e l y :
hatata yahattet ye �tet �etet
those pas s i ng by.
�azana ya�azzen ye�zan/ye�zen �ezan/�ezen
yaxabber yexbar xebar ( d) The verb al nouns :
xabra
xadaga yaxaddeg yexdeg xedeg ' esrat binding, tying, constri cting .
xadara yaxadder yexder xeder ' emnat faith, b e l i ef .
xaZafa yaxa Uef yex"lef xdef ' aman truth; adj . (read ? ' CJ1l'U71a.n) true , faithful . ' aman ,
v

yexses xeses
�v

xasasa yaxasses ' amana , ba-' aman adv . truly, in truth.

(b) The verbal adj e ctive qetu"l : 'eqbat guarding ; observin g , conserving, keepin g ; watch , v i gi l .
' ergat ascent , ascens ion ; as sumption into heaven ; e l evati on
' emun faithful ; trustworthy , true . ' emuna adv . tru l y , in
(of the host ) .
truth . 'e?ab/'a?ab harshn es s , di ffi cul ty; need, want .
' esur bound, tied, capt ive ; restricted. �en?/�en?at/�en?a bui l ding , constru ction (both act and produc�
'equb (1) under guard , in cus tody ; ( 2 ) set aside , reserved �atata inves t i gation , interro gation .
(for : "la-) ; (3) caut ious , guarded . The feminine form hazan s adnes s , gri e f .
' eqebt (p I . 'equbat) i s used for " concubine , harem-
xebrat union, j o ining, as sociation; consensus , accord .
\lJoman . ' 1
xedgat remiss ion (of s ins , debts) .
'e?ub Vocabul ary 36 .
xedgat/xedagat d i vo rce; ma?�afa xedgat divorce document .
�enu? bui l t , cons tructed .
xedrat residi ng , dwel l ing.
xebur j oined, associated . xebura adv . together, j ointl y , at xasas a (pl . - t) wis h , des i re .
one and the s ame t i me .
(e) Nouns of the pattern maqtal (t) . Note the -,/- I<I I h,
xedug l e ft , abandone d , des erted ; divorced .
xedur r e s i d i ng , dwe l l in g . first syl lab l e b efore t h e guttural .

.J;(' I IIj' c ro · ; , ·. i n ,'. , p a s s i np, . mu ' lIlan adj . b e l i eving, faithfu l ; true , t n t -O I IW I I I I I' . I I,,, I"" "
1I/" ' lrIan
and ma' men ( fern. - t) a rc a l ·. 1 < 1 / " 1", , " 1
1 76
177
mCr' sar (pl . ma' aser, - t) m . f . bond , fetter (of any sort) ; a
Other :
VOl; . Synonymous forms are ma' ser and ma' sart .
ma(qab (p l . ma ( aqeb , - t) guard , guard- station . (adi adv . s ti l l , yet , again, moreover , s t i l l more . With pron . suff .
ma ( reg (p l . ma ( areg , -at) m . f . p l ace of ascent , as cent ; grad e , = to sti l l be , as in ' enza 'adina zeyya whi l e we are sti l l h e re;

degree , l eve l , c l as s ; st airs , l adder . ( adiya �eyaw I am sti l l a l ive . With fol lowing t ime -word : lIIor(',

mahtat m . testimony , t e s t i fi e r , wi tnes s . as in cadi xamus five days more .

maxbar m . f . congregation , gathering ; crowd, tumult ; counci l ; sanit ( e lat) the next day . sanita i dem . ba-sanitii on the l I C' x t d " y
co l l eagues , a s s o c i at e s ; monastery , convent . ( or night) .
maxdar (p l . maxader) dwel l ing-p l ace , residence ; room, cel l .
Exer c i s e s
( f) Nouns of the pattern meqtal
A . 1 . Xedeguni k ama ' exbar meslek emu .
mexlaf a p l ac e for cro s s ing or pas sing through . 2 . X asasu kama yex 1 e fu ' enta ma' ka1a medrena.
me(rag (p l . -Cit) p l ace of as cent . 3. ' Az zazomu l a - ' aqabt kama ye ' s erewwo .
4 . B a ' enta ' emnateka ' i -Yaxaddegak a .
Vocabul ary 38
5 . ' I -te�zani , wal at teya , ' esma ' i -mot a meteki ba- s ab ' .
N ouns : 6 . La-ye� tetu ma�a�eft a �egagihomu , wa- ' emdexra �atatahomu 1 11 -
mahaymen ( f . -t) adj . /noun faithfu l ( in the re l igious s ense) ; a b e ­ yengeruna ment a rakabu westetomu .
7 . Tagabe ' u k W e 1 10mu ' ah zaba medr kama yeQne�u 'ab
l iever . iya beta 1a­
nagasiho mu.
V erbs :
8. ' Em- ' ayy 'aqabe wayn t asaya�ka z anta wayna? Xer fadfada we ' etu.
( araba/(arba (ye (rab/y e ( reb) to set (of heavenly bodies ) . CG ' a < raba 9 . R e ' eyo negus kama gW ayyu ( �qabta segahu , wadqa diba s ayfu wa-
....
...

to cause to s et . (arab west ; Arab i c . (arb F riday ; (e lata (arb, qata1a re ' so .
(arb (e lat i delj1 . ( erbat sett ing . <arabi western ; Arab i an . 1 0 . ' Abuhu ' aqabe seray s emuy we ' etu .
c arabawi idem. me (rab the west ; me (raba qa�ay i dem . 1 1 . Maftew kama te ' qabu kW e l l o Qegaga za-wahabkukemu .
xafara/xafra (yexfar) to b e ashamed ( of : ba' enta ; to do s omething : 1 2 . F arahna kama ' i -ye ' �abana ?ama .
,
info or verbal noun or sub j unct ive ; before , in the presence o f : 1 3 . ' Emanu botu wa-terakkebu Qeywata za- 1 a- 'ii1am .
ga??a, ' emenna) ; t o fear , revere (someone : ga??a, ' emenna) . Gt 1 4 . ' A1bena me 'rafa xab a naxadder me s 1 a daqiqena.
taxafra to be ashamed , put to shame . xafrat (p l . -at) shame , 1 5 . Tase " e 1kewwo 1 a-xa1afi b a ' enta fenota bahr .
impropriety, turpitude . 16 . Xadart ba-ma' ka1 ekemu neQna , wa-bahtu na ' aqqeb �egagikemu ba­
,
�lamma/�amama (ye�am/ye�emJ to b e i l l , suffer i l lness , pain or d i s ­ aman .
tres s . CG ' ahmama to aff l i ct with i l lnes s , p ain , distress . 1 7. Zentu menbiib we ' etu ba' ent a ' ergatu 1a-nabiy wes t a s amay .
G lt ta�amama to hate one another . �e�lm i l l , affl icted, d i s ­ 1 8 . Wihaba ma�l!afa xedgat wa- s adada ' em-westa betu .
tre s s ed . �emam (p l . -at) i l lness , pain , disease , affliction . 1 9 . Ba' enla ment z entu �azan, wa1deya? '
xagaba (yexq.eb) to was h , wash away . Gt taxagba to wash one ' s s e l f ( a 20, Masanu x c 1 u fanihomu westa baJ:tr b a - ' a�arihomu .
part of t h e body may be added a s ace . dir . obj . ) . xegub washed. 21 . ' l - t <' x h : t l' 1 1 g.1 h i ra
mes 1 a xedurana zentu makan .
xeqbat washing , ab l ut i on . mexqab (p l . -at) bath , bathing p l ace. 2 2 . T[l!�l l h h r l r l l xehl l rn bH -� en � aha l a - zati hagar kebert .
� awwa� a D to inspe c t , l ook at ( ace . di r . obj . ) ; to look in on , v i s i t ; 2 3 . ' 1\IIIn i l i ' l'1II1 1 1 1 ' [ l i l l a , lVa-ba' ent a z a - ' amanka z a ' ellba l :i Y l' I I '� " ' ' ' � 1 I
to look after (both good :lnd bad s e n s e s ) . Dt ta�awwa ?a passive . 1 ' '' ' ' ' 1 1 1 . 1 I , , ' TiIlIl ' I " ' Y " wa -mankerat eya, gabarku m n k Ti I Hi ' (" 1 , , 1 1 . , I :d ,
 1 7B

179
re ' s eka l<cs L a ucl a " " I I ' Y" :'. 1 1 III, , , ' "I1� y " l .
1 7 . ll a ' enta ment k a l a ' kani h awwes
24 . � adeqan ' emuntu wa - � cnu ' an b a - ' c' I l w L " I., , ' ):!: . . . o t omu la- dewuya
- n wa-�emuman ?
lB. ' Adi sadus wa- ' axa l l e f em-
25. ' As i romu ' aqabe ' anqa? wa-bawi ' omu beta negus b a - � cnullj t , ' xabek emu .
1 9 . Re ' ya ' abiya ma ' rega ' en z a
qatal ewwomu l a- ' aqab t a re ' su l a -negus wa-s adadewwomu l a- z amada menb-
aru dl' ba me dr wa-r e ' su wes t a
mangest westa feno t . s amay .
20. ' At alvu be�eromu ' emqed ma ye ' rab �a�ay
.
B . 1 . Kere s t i yan mah aymenan 1 3 . r e ' s a xabaz eyan
2. ' aqabe nabib t abib wa-teruf 1 4 . ' aragay � e zun
3 . z amad 'Arabi k ebur I S . b e ' s i t xedegt
4 . ba�awerta me ' rab 1 6 . ba- ' e l at a ' arb
5. ' aqabe gannat ' emun 17 . ' emqedma ' erbata �aJ:1ay
6 . be ' s i dewuy wa-�emum l B . nafiis ' arabawi
7 . l e b s xe�ub ba-may 1 9 . b a - lesan a ' Arabi
B . xasasahomu l a- h e zbu 2 0 . xafratu 1 a-negusomu
9 . hanas
. . i t. ab i b 2 1 . � emam ' esub l a- fawweso
1 0 . hagar � ene�t b a - ? enfa ba�r 2 2 . xedbata kahenat
11. ' anest ihu wa- ' equbatihu 2 3 . xafratena b a ' en t a z a - gabarna
1 2 . wariha ' esura ' e garihu wa- 24 . ba- 'adi salus
' e d awihu

C . 1 . B a ' ent a ment ' i - t a ' ammena beya?

2 . T a ' as s erewwo ba- ' a�bal � enu ' .
3 . S a ' alnahu xedgata xatawe ' in a .
4 . � awwe ' a J:1ana�e wa-nagaro mekro l a-hensata bet �addi s .
5 . F at � a ma' as erihomu l a - ' esuran .
6. ' Aqoma b e zuxa ma ' aqebta w e s t a ' amdar z a -mo ' a .
7 . Taqadamnahomu westa me ' raga hagar , wa- ' i -xadagnahomu kama
yeqrabu xaba ' anaq e � a hagar .
B . F aq adku xa l i fa ' enta ma ' k a l a maxbaromu, wa- ' i -wahabuni mexl afa .
9. Sarna 'na mah t at akemu H i ' l a z entu b e ' s i , wa-bahtu ' i - r akabna
xat i ' ata botu .
10. ' A l bo z a- ' i -yaxaffer ba-ye ' e t i ' e l at .
l l. ' al}mamkana zant a 1:emama ' e �uba?
L :t - Ifl e n t
W
1 2 . T8xa1 :J.bku ' e dawiya wa-ga� 7 eya b a-may q arir z a - z entu me�maq .

I. , . ' 1''' z:I ' au i k emu me s l ena, ' enagger akemu b a ' enta mangesta s amayat .

I I w 8 - h awI<asa bet a Keres t i yan za-�ana�u west a s enfa

1
1 ,1 . (;"1, ' ,, 1 " , ): : 1 1'"

1" ,("

I ', 1 , " ,, 1 1 " ii ' I ; ! II I : I Y I '' I L l' l ewwo soba warada xaba mex�ab .
I ' 11,, ', 11, 1 1 1 " I ,d " " 'III zcntu ' a l am wa-bo ' a w e s t a maxbara qeddus an.
1 80
181
(0) V e rbal nouns :
L e s son 39
�'e�lra i wr it ing ( ac t or prod uct)
39. 1 G Verbs from Roo t s I I -Guttural : The Remaining Forms . se' lat reque s t , prayer, p e t i t i on
( a) Imperfect , Subjunct ive , and Imperat ive . Al l verb s o f 8e�tat erro r , s in ; za' enbala se�t at with out e rror
t h i s root type have the s ame patterns for these s t ems , un i formly with ka�d l ack o f fait h , imp i ety, here
sy ; d i s o b e d i en c e , re be l Eon ;
-a- in the Sub j unctive and Imperat ive . Note the vowe l a s s imi l at i on
za' enba la kcd;ld wi thou t doub t , with
out fear o f con L ra -
in the Imperfect ( *aGGe > eGGe) and I mp erative ( *eGa > aGa) . dict i on

Perfect Imp erfect Subjunctive Imperative ke�dat denial , apo s t acy, rebe l l ion
la' aka yele" ek yel' ak la' ak lehqat o l d age
la' k (p l . -an) s e rvant
Regu l ar verb s of this type a l ready introduced are
' axaz/' o.xz m . f i s t
be ' la lehqa se' na sehta fi aJ:afa
The deriv ativ es of be < la are a l i t t l e confu s ing. T h e
kel;!da mahara sa' a la saJ:aba adj u c l l v l' 1 , , ' ,' 1
(f. -t) was intro duce d in Voc . 1 6 . The
p lural ' ab 'e l t p ro l , n i l l y I " .
The verbs ' axaza ( a l s o I - gut t . ) and kehla have irregu l arit i e s : long s t o the noun ba < l ( s ame
writ ten form a s ba<e l) o wn e r , I H ) . ; . " . . . .. t " .

' axaza
kehla
A number o f Imperfects of thi s root typ e have
the first s t em syl l ab l e , e sp e c i a l l y
The reason for this phenomenon i s not c l e ar .
(b) Verbal adj ect ives
ye' exxez ye' xaz ' axaz A s e cond adj ect ive be <ul was given in Vo c . 1 7 . Ther e are t wo IIdd l
ya' axaz t iona l nouns of ident i c al appe
aran ce :
yeke l yekhal kahal ba 'al (p l . -at) m . f . f e as t , festi va l
; gabra ba <ala to ho l d /
-e- instead of -e- in c e l ebra te a f e s t ival ; ba raZ teke
lt a fixed fest ival ;
yere" i for yere" i (he s e e s ) . baral ' i- teke l t a movab l e festi va l .
It i s optiona l . ba r ral ( f . -t) owne r , p o s s e s sor , maste
r ( a synonym o f ba r l and
shari ng i t s p l ur a l ' ab r e Zt) .
qetu l :

be 'ul Vo c . 1 7
Then fin a l l y there i s the s imp l e verbal noun be r z r i ch e s , we a l th .

?el;!uf wri t t en (e) Nouns with prefixed m- :

sehut errin g , l ed into error mafi�af Voc . 1 1
se' un impotent , power l e s s malhe qt (co l I . ) e l ders , seni ors ( eithe
r as a s ynonym o f liqan/
le' uk sen t ; frequent as noun : apo st l e , me s s enger liqawent or in refer ence to perso ns o l
der in age , e . g .
mehur l e arn e d , expert ( in : acc . or ba- or construct) ' axawi hu malh eqt h i s o l der broth ers ) .
, ' exuza ' aganent) ;
The p lural forms
exuz captive , h e l d ; pos s e s s ed by (e . g . malhe qat, malaheqt, -at a l s o occur .
j o in ed , continuous maZ' ekt (pI . -at) epi s t l e , l et t e r ; l egat
e , l egat i on ; mini s t ry ,
(c) The agent noun qatali : servi c e , o f fi c e , funct ion .

?a�afi Voc . 5 39. 2 The Verb behla to s ay . The Perfect of t h i s verb has heell

ka�adi infide l , non -bel ieve r ; reb e l rep l aced by a un ique prefi xe d conj ugati onal form :
W
/(aha h powerfu l , s t ro n g , capab l e ; kahale k e Uu omn ipotent ; yebe he s a i d yebelu t h e y ( III . ) ';11 1 t I
kllh71 7/ 10_ i n l" . / verba l noun : capab l e of (doing) . tebe yebela
I
she said t h oy ( I . I '\lI l o J
, r f.I'i1 : : i U h' I W I \ H l ' , 'oI". ' , O l' ; 1II: 1 ' � t (' r , lord .
y o u (m . ) s ai d tebe Zu yllil i' l ·.d I t I
I
( III I
 1 B2 183

tebe Li you (f. ) s ai d teberfJ. you (f.pl . ) said

adj e ctive (e . g . hagar nesti t a sma l l vi l l age) . nestita adv . a
, ebe I said nebe we s a i d
l it t l e , for a l i t t l e whi l e ; baba-nestit l i t t l e by litt l e .

T h e l o s s o f t h e final -Z apparent l y r e s u l t s from an o l d mi s d iv i s ion re�qa (yerbaq) to be d i st ant , remot e , far off (both s p a t i a l and tem­

when a dative suffix was a t t a ch e d : yebeZana -> yebe 'lana h e s a i d to poral ) . CG ' ar�aqa to remove , put at a d i s t an c e ; to d e l a y .

us . The - Z- is always " r e s tored" when a dative suffix is added to Glt tarii�aqa t o s eparat e (mutual l y) ( from : ' emenna , mes Za , obj .
any of the above forms ending in -e . These forms are very frequent , suff. ) . re�uq far away, remo t e , d i s tant ; re�uqa rna "at s l ow t o
b e ing u s e d regu l arly to introduce d i re c t speech . anger . re�uqa = ba-re�uq adv . a t a d i s t ance . J em-re�luq 1' 1'11111

The Imperfe c t , Subj unct i v e , and Imperat ive are a l s o irregul ar , afar . re�at a p e r i o d of t ime or interval of sp a c e .

w i th uniform l o s s o f -h- : me�ra/ma�ara (yem�ar) to h ave mercy ,

,
pity (on : Za- or obj . su i ' f' . ) .
Imperfect : yebeZ Sub j un ct ive : yebaZ Imperat ive : baZ CG ' am�ara t o move t o p i t y . Gt tame�a t o b e s hO\m p i t y / 1111" , )' .
me�at (p l . -at) mercy, pity; gabra me�rata Za-/mesZ((//n ' / 1I I II
I n fl e ct ion i s normal . The appropr i at e form of the Imperfect w i t h
have pity on , show mercy toward . ma�Qri (one who j $) 111l' IT 1 1 1 1 1 •

' enza may be used a f t e r any verb o f speaking t o introduce d ir e ct

�e 'ma/�a 'ama (ye� 'am/yep 'em) to t a s t e , to experience (e.g. ue:I I I , ) : I I I
speech :
be t asty, d e l i c ious . CG J aVama to give ( s ometh i n g : iI('(' , .I " ,

wa-yebe Zo ' enza yebe Z and he s a i d to h i m (he - s aying) : obj . ) to ( s omeone : Za- or obj . suff . ) to tas t e ; to make ' ; \v c(' 1 ,

wa-sa' aZkewwo ' enza ' ebeZ and I asked him ( I - s aying) : p l easan t . te 'um tasty, d e l i c i ous , sweet , p l e a s ant . Fi '''' (p l .
wa-nagarewwo ' enza yebe Zu and they spoke t o him (they - s aying) : -at) m. f. t as t e , f l avor ; sweet t a st e , p l e a s ant t a st e .

Zehqa T h i s verb a l s o has th e meanings " t o grow o l d " and (rare ly) "to
N o t e the derived verb s , r e gu l ar in format ion :
g r o w , i n c r e a s e i n s i ze o r quan t i t y" in addition t o the s ense
Gt tabehZa to be spoken , said; to be spoken o f , name d , men­
"to grow up , reach pubert y . "
t ioned
sawwara 0 to hide , cover over , conceal , prot e ct . Dt tasawwara re­
Glt tab2ihaZa t o s p e ak (debat e , d i s cu s s , argue) with one another
f l e xive and pas s iv e .
(mes Za , babaynati- , a cc . ) .
Other :
But CG ' abaZa to cause to s ay , w i thout -h- .
nahu an empha s i z ing part i c l e , usua l l y rendered as "beho l d . " It ca l l s

V o cabul ary 39 attention t o t h e immedi acy ( s p a t i a l o r temporal ) o f what fo l ­

l ows . I f u s e d a l one w i th a fo l l owing noun , it may be taken as

N o un s :
a fu l l predicat i on : "Here , now , is X."
I.
ma 'ba Z/ma 'beZ (p l . -at) m . f. wav e , flood.
ne '- na 'a , ne 'i ,
, an Imperat ive base : come ! Forms are m . s . f. s . m.pl .
" I
fere (pl . -yat, fereyat) m . frui t ( l i t . and fig. ) , b lo s som, bud ;
ne 'u , f.pl . na 'a .
,. I gabra/wahaba fere to produce fru i t . ' 0- vo cative part i cl e : O! U s ual l y prefi xed, as in ' o-negus 0 king ! ,

I • V erbs : b u t \v i t h ' Eg;;i' it is regul arly suffixed : ' EgziJ o 0 L o rd ! Tt

may a l so expre s s wonder o r gri e f .
ne' sa (yen' as) to be smal l , l it t l e ( in s i z e or import an c e ) ; to be

youn g . CG ' an' asa causat i v e . ne' us (f. ne' est) smal l , l i tt l e ,
E xerci s e s
young . na' as a young g i r l ( fern . o f an unat t e s t e d *ne' is) .
fl . I . X ,i I , i "fl h'flil l m c s l c y ::t t ebe " e l u .
ne' s ch i l dh oo d , i n fancy . nest·i t a l itt l e , a sma l l amoun t ; used
, K \v ,' l l olil l l '; 11 1 1 ' y (' I (' I 1 I 1 (,<[1 1 IV a -yaxa l l e fu \Ves t a me ' r a foml l .
i n cOI1·;t l'lIcl ( e . )'" 11 1 ' : ; ( i ( u .c"',,> :: t ) or appo s i t iona l l y l ike an
.� . y , " , , · I.i I,/ I " 1 I " '1 1 / 1 1 Yl'k cl)l)edu ' amana wange lu .
 I fill
1 85
4 . Nilxas scs kama n e l ' akka xabehu mes l a s e ' l at en a .
W 20. ' a xiitcya ma l ah eqt 3 0 . ma ' bal a may
S. ' Emehheraka k e l lo ma:;al}efta za -':!egg Be l it wa-':!egg ':!addi s .
2 1 . l;tamar ne' est 3 1 . fere sannay
6 . La-ment t e s e " enu �atitoto l a- zentu b e ' s i ?
2 2 . ' asmatihomu 1 a- l a ' kanihu 32 . fere te 'um
7 . Nenbar zeyya ' enza nedakkem wa -nes e " en hawira.
2 3 . nagW adg ad reI:uq
W
3 3 . nestita fere
8. ' Anta te�e��ef zanta kW e l l o diba ma��af .
2 4 . ma1 ' ekta zentu kahen � adeq 34 . !a ' ma mot
, "
9 . R e ' inahomu ' enza yese!:!:ebewwo westa fenawe hagar .
2 5 . z a ' enbala mehrat 35 . t a ' ma zentu fere
1 0 . B awi ' an a heyya ne ' exxezo wa-na ' as sero ' egarihu wa- ' edawihu .
2 6 . ' egzi ' kahal i 1 a-radi ' otana 36 . ma' bal a z enam
1 1 . ' I -yeke lu t aqawemo b a-qedma 'Am l ak kahale kW e l l u .
2 7 . ' eg z i ' mahari 3 7 . ' em-n e ' su ' e sk a 1 ehqatu
1 2 . ' I - y ekel ' ana t aka!:edotaka b a ' enta ' amana qalat ihu . W
2 8 . nestita may q ari! 38. � eywat za' enb a l a s cl.l l at
1 3 . Ba- sanita nek e l t aqarebo wa- t anabebo b abaynat ina.
2 9 . b e ' si ! e ' uma nebab 3 9 . ' axaz senu'
1 4 . ' A1bo z a-teke1u gabira wa- ' i -menta-ni z a ' enba1 a qawim wa-
t ara ' eyo babaynatikemu . C. 1 . Wa-yebe I omu ' en z a yeb e1 : " La-ment t ekeI:I:eduni 7"
IS .
W
Tawa l idakemu t eke1u mal i ' a westa k el la medr . 2 . Wa-nagarkewwo ' en z a ' eb e 1 : "Ne ' us ' ana wa- ' .i -k ahf.i l i I II 1� I I " i l "

1 6 . ' I - tese " enu-nu taba�eI:0t07 zentu.

1 7 . Maharani ba-1 esana Yonanawiyan . 3 . Z e-we ' etu madxen za-tabehla westa masha fa qadaml .

1 8 . ' I -temharomu 1 a-daqiqeka ' ek i t a . 4 . Bal e�vo ' e sma ' i -neke1 s agida l otu .
S. Wa-tafaniwomu , t arii�aqu wa- ' at awu be�6rolllu.
1 9 . F aqadat kama teb' a1 .
20 . Zanta maftew kama tegbar ' emqedma te 1haq wa-tedkam . 6. ' I -yarI:aqa 'Egz i ' abI:er ' e lata ma" atu .

2 1 . ' I - tekI:adewwo 1 a- ' Egz i ' en a , ' esma ' i -ha l l awa I:eywat za-1a- 7 . ' Em-ne ' su ' i - gabra ' ekita wa-I:0ra we st a fenot rete ' t .

' alam z a ' enba1 ehu . 8 . Qomu ba- reI:uq ' en z a ' i -yefaqqedu yeqrabu .
2 2 . Sa ' a10 s i s aya wa- ' a1bas a ; ' i -tes ' a1 0 warqa. 9 . Re�uq fadfada b e�eru l a - z entu nakir .

2 3 . Nex1 ef ' em-z eyya ' emqedma ya ' axazu yezbe!un a . 1 0 . Tene " esi ' em- ' axawi ki , wa-baI:tu te!abbebi ' emennehomu .
24 . Sahafu l ana ma1 ' ekta nawixa b a ' enta xe 1fat ekemu west a b aI:r . 1 1 . Ma� ' a ma ' b a1 a z enam wa- ' a!fe ' a nadda ' es sat za- ' andadu .
W 1 2 . ' I -yegabber ' e� sannay fere ' ekuya .
2 5 . ' Eg z i ' ab�er ' Amlak w e ' etu za-ye' exxez k e 1 1 0 b a - ' edawihu .
2 6 . Wa-b a - gi zeha s awwara damrnana ga� � a �aI:ay wa-ma1 ' a ? e 1mat wes t a 1 3 . MaI:arnahomu 1 a -naddayan wa-wahabnahomu sisaya .

medr . 1 4 . MeI:rana wa-marI:ana xaba betu .

2 7 . Tas awwarku ' emennehomu wa- ' i -kehlu rakiboteya .
B . 1 . ' aragay mehura I:egg
2 . ' aragit dekemt wa- s e ' ent
3 . ware za ' exuza ganen
4 . s ab ' ' exuzan westa beta moqeI:
5 . mashaf s ehuf b a - s ehfat sannay
6 . ' axaze ' a 1 am
7. nagasi ' axazi
8 . ke!:data sel.lutan
9 . ba- l chqat i hu l a- ' abuna
1 5 . Nahu b erhan warada ' em-samay wa-mar�omu fenot a .
1 6 . N e ' i xabeya, wal atteya, wa- ' i - t er�aqi ' emenneya .
1 1 . �lal ' ekta Pib.1 0s xaba s ab ' a
1 7 . MaI:arana ' o -negus wa- ' i - t eqte1 an a .
Rome
1 8 . 'Awidomu l otu ka�adeyan , ' as aru 1}ab 1a wes t a k esadu .
1 2 . kaI:domu 1 a ' e l l ontu ' e1 ewan
1 9 . Za-ya' ammen b a - z entu nagar ' i - ye� e " em mot a .
1 3 . qet1ata k a0adeyan
20. Wa- ' i -yekel wa- ' i -mannu-hi s awwerotaka ' em - z entu mendllbe W:L­
1 4 . ba" a1a hamar
xasar .
1 5 . Ba ' ala Masqal
1 6 . ma1aheqta ' E sra ' e l
1 7 . 1 a ' k ' emun
1 8 . t ak1 ne ' u s

I J
, 1 0. he ' I n \v e ' c t t l neglls kcbul' 1 9 . beher reI:uq
i·
I
,
 187
186

j',l!'u h i rca [ Cu I , reverent . farrah fearfu l , t imi d .

Les son 4 0
j'a iu.(l i ( 1' 1. j'a ia(.t) j udge
0IV1?i {"i ( p ] . ?ana ""t) s t ron g , fi rm ; fort i fi e d
40 . 1 G V erbs from Roots I I I - Guttural : T h e Remaining Forms .
r;aba' i warri o r , s o l d i e r ; the fern. form ?abii' i t f . m . i s used a s
(a) I mperfect , Sub j un c t ive , and Imperative . A l l verbs from
a c o l l e c t ive term f o r "army, troop s"
t h i s root type have the s ame stem patt erns in the s e forms :
rada' i he lper , as s i s tant
Subjunctive Imperative
Per fect Imperfect
me?a' (d) Verbal nouns :
mas ' a yema??e' yemsa'
to the me� ' at arr i va l , advent , coming
e c t suff ix or obj ect suff ix)
The add ition of any vowe l ( s ubj mar� (p l . ' aml'e�t) l eader
em chan ge
norma l l y ac compan i ed by a s t
S ub j un c t ive or Imper ativ e is mel ' what f i l l s ( e . g . me l' a ' ed a handfu l ) . ba-me l' u ( o r
(-a- to -e-) : with other suff . ) in toto , comp l e t e l y
me(lO:' me?e' u yem?a'
y em?a' yem(le' u sem < (p l . -at) m . f . rumor , report ; t e s t imony; martyrdom,
yemr;e' a me?e' i me�e' a yem?e ' ani
temr;a' martyrs
yem?a' ka
temr;a' temse' u bezx mul t i tude , l arge numb er or amount
yem?a' ki
tem?e ' i tem?e' a geb' at return ; convers ion ( t o : westa)
yem?e' 0
, em?a' nem?a' ferhat (p l . -at) fear , dread , awe ; fearfulne s s , t im i dity
yem?e' a et c .
fe t� j udgment (act or fact)

i th the -a- reta ined , a s in

yem? a' u ( fo r ret < j us t i c e , what i s r i ght , true et c . ; truth
On e a l s o enco unte rs form s w
his ?en </(3en <at (len <a
gutt ural intr oduc ed up to t h ardne s s , firmne s s ; s trengt h , power, forc e ;
yem?e' u) . The G verb s from root s I I I -
samay the fi rmament o f the sky
p o int are
rad' a kal' a tef' at extinct i on , destruct i on , l o s s
nasJ a mal' a rat <a
ma?' a hed' at
r;an <a tar a fatr;a peac e , tranqui l l i t y
gab' a mar�a farha
had' a kel' at prohib i t ion , prevention
samra bazxa (lab' a
ba(3r;a rad' et he lp , as s i s t an c e ; helper, assi s t ant
(b) The verbal adj ectives qetul :
(e) Nouns w i th prefi xed m- :
copious ; fi l l ing
me lu' ful l ( o f : ' em- or a c c . ) ; abundant ,
mem(la' p l ac e o f origin
( ac c . )
megba' refug e , p l ac e to return to
semu < famous , i l lustrious ; notor ious
mer;na < (p l . -�t) f i rm b as e ; fi rmament (of he aven)
s in)
fetu� open ; forg iven (per son or
. mabzext maj o r part , maj o r i t y ; most of
' have alr eady been intr oduc ed
retu < , bezu x, (lenu <, and hedu
Vocabu l ary 40
(c) The agent noun qatali :

marr; b e l ow) Nouns :

mara�i l e ade r ( c f .
ient ; as noun (p I . sama <t)
sama <i h e ari n g , l i s t enin g t o ; obed fjagiJ. ( p I . - I ) 111 . C. gra c e , favo r , k indness ; g i ft , P " y"lr· l I l . " ' w d ,'d ,
witne s s , mar L y r /1, 1-1.111:)(( g r" t' i S, as a gi ft .
nshi p
( p 1 . (/al 'ri ' t ) JnC'rc enur y ,
h i red work er . The r e l atio h /rlllY ' i l 1 01m , c i t y ( a l e s s corrunon and more [ c · ; ! r \ ! I , · ' ! ", , , , ! I I " " ,
!l'd ',r' i
I l l' " " " ,. , ! I I I ! l i t ' v I ' rb gah'
1 1"
a is not ent i r e l y c l e ar . 11" : ld l ' l ,
188 1 89

Verbs : 1 7 . Nekel tameh i ro b e zux ' em-ge ' zu wa-nebratu I a - zentu q eddus .
Gt taxab' a re­ 1 8 . Wa- ' emdexra- z e 'adi yema� � e ' akemu ma 'bal a may wa-yer affe ' a
xab ' a (yexba' J to hide , conce a l (acc . dir . obj . ) .
ecret , arcane ; nafs �tik emu kama nadda ' es sat .
f l exive and pas s ive . xebu' h i dden , conceal ed; s
p l ace , 19. 'Eqabi ' es sa t a k ama ' i -t e r fa ' .
ba-xebu' s e cret l y , in s e cret . mexba' (pl . -at) hi ding
2 0 . Yebaz zexu ' e l l ontu s ab ' ' emennekemu ,' ' l' - teke l u t a � abe ' o
h i dden p l ace ; recept a cl e .
. ) ; t o b e imminent mes l ehomu .
?an�a (ye?na�J to wait , awai t , exp e c t ( ace . dir . obj
' a?ne�a t o s e t
( t o : dat . suff. or la- ) ; to l i e in wait for . CG B . 1 . ' eska me� ' atu l a-waldeya fequr 1 6 . mab zexta xWe lqWomu
e ( i . e. cause
traps or snares for ; to s e t i n ambush ; to promi s 2 . mar� r abib wa- ' amani 1 7 . b a- ' e l ata fet�okomll

to expect) ; to prepar e ( s omethin g : acc . ) for ( la-J

. senuh wai t­ 1 8 . � en 'a hayman o t c h.:1

ing, expectant ; put a s i de , res erved . 4 . mabzexta zentu maxbara 1 9 . hed ' ata m e ' rZi fOIli I I

l i s h , set up ,
sap <a (yespa <) to put into order , arran g e ; to estab maMymenan 2 0 . mara�i maQari
< arrange d, ordere d , e s tab­ 2 1 . �en ' a ' ax z u
ordai n . Gt tasap <a passiv e . sepu 5. 'aqabe seray s emu '
ement , disposi­
l is he d , ordai ne d . ser <at (p l . -at) order , arrang 6 . s em ' ' ekuy 2 2 . ba-qedma ?ab1l ' i t a 'l: g l. I ' I I I ,I.''' 1
, pact , test� 7 . b a ' enta sem ' a Qeddus Marqos
t io n ; decre e , edi c t , comman d ; l aw , s tatut e ; treaty 23. s cm 'atata Keres t ·j y ii l l

ment ; custom , hab i t , any fixed pattern . 8 . we lud s ama 'eyan 24 . z a ' enba l a k e l ' a t
accomp l is h ; with a
fa??ama 0 to comp lete , fini s h , end ; to ful fi l l , 9 . bezxa � al otat i k emu 25 . w a l d ne ' us wa-farrah

fo l l owing i nf . : to finish doing s omethin g . Dt tafa??ama p a s ­ 1 0 . moqe� fetuh 2 6 . fet�a ' e l ewan wa-kal: adeyiin
s ive . 1 1 . berhan me l u ' s amaya 27. r ef' ata ' ah gurihomu
1 2 . s arna 't qetu l an 2 8 . ferhata l eb b
Exerc i s e s
1 3 . hagar � ana ' it 2 9 . b e ' s i farahe ' E gz i ' ab�er
A . 1 . Menta tegabberu s o b a yeba��eQakemu ' e l ata mendabe? 1 4 . xatawe ' feteht 3 0 . �aba' eyan � enu 'ana l ebb

2 . Wa� a ' na fe ! una ' emqedma yem� e ' u qatal t . I S . ' arnreQt ' ekuyan

3. ' I - faqadu kama yegb e ' u west a ' Iy arus a l em.

C . 1 . ' Emenna ' ayy makan ' anta? Ment we ' etu mem� a ' eka?
4. N e s a ' ' exwaka mes l ek a . 2. F a l a s eyan neQna wa- ' a lbena megba ' a .
5. ' I -tefrah, wal deya; ' an a ' eradde ' aka .
3 . Mannu za- gabra me�na 'a s amay?
6 . Ba��u heyya ' en z a yemarreQewwomu mal a ' ekta ' Aml ak . w
4 . ' E gz i ' ab�er fataQina w e ' etu wa-rada ' ina ba-k e l l u gebarina.
7. ' I - yes amme ' l a - � al o t atikemu wa- ' i -yenasse ' maswa ' takemu.
5 . G abarka xat. i ' ataka b a-xebu ' , wa - ' ana b-,a htu
. ' eqas s e fa k a kesut a . ��

8 . S eme ' u l a-qalat ihu ' esma mahaymen rate ' wa- � adeq we ' etu .
6. Ba-�agahu l a - ' Eg z i ' abQer z a-ba� a9kemu zanta makana h e du ' a b a -
9 . Yema � � e ' u ' el l a ye?anne 'ukemu wa-yenasse 'u ' ahgurikemu .
s a l am .
1 0 . Mannu za-yekal l e ' an a gabi ' a b eQerana?
7. ' Asnehuni kama ye ' x azuni wa-yeqteluni .
1 1 . We ' et a ' amira yahadde ' medr ' em-mendabe wa- qat l .
8 . Ne� anne): zeyya ' es k a ya ' arreb dahay .
1 2 . Me l e ' u darahema Ive s t a ' edawihu wa-xedegu yegb a ' bet o .
9. Yes anneh l ak emu kWe l l ekemu ' e I t � � mendabe .
13. ' A z z azomu l a - ' aqabt i hu kama ye�ba ' meslehu l a ' l a ka�adeyan .
10. ' A l bo xaba nax ab b e ' warqana .
1 4 . Y e ' eta ' e l ata yefatteQana kWe l l an a .
11. S :lIl1 j 'omu z3nt a , gWayyu w a - t axab ' u .
' w e s t a fenoL
15. ' Enza ' e fatte� mas kota re ' ikeww o l a- ' exuya yema� � e 12. ' A y L (' Z<i - L a xaIJ1i. ' ka s o b a konu yaxassesuka?
ba' a l a wa- s awwe ' omu I a ­
1 6 . ! l a - m e s e t a we ' et l l ' e l a t g a b r a ' abiya 1 :1 . ' 1 - ' (, � II("I.l l1 l1 j , ' e sma ' i -yegabbe ' xabeka .
" w (· l l nllll l 1 1 t ' /. I , .< , 1 1 " , 1 > 1 1 . I II . IV I I ',nilll fll ;; ' , alna lIlal ' ek t o , xadagomu wa-ga h ' :!
.
 191
1 90

1 5 . �ani ? ana hagar i t a ne ' e st a , naxadder bat i b a - s a l am .

1 6 . S ar ' omu fenawehomu 1 a- ?a�ay wa-warx . L e s s on 4 1
, W
i, 1 7 . Soba sar ' a ?aba ' t ihu qedmena, farahna wa - g ayayn a .
I I'
:�
W 41 . 1 G V erbs from Roo t s I -W : The R emaining F o rms .
1 8 . Sahafa l omu ser 'ata maxb aromu z a - b akamaha yegabberu k e 1 1 0
(a) Imperfe ct , Subjunc t i ve , and Imperative . Many of t h e " r
II I gebratihomu .
w- , i II i ll('
I verbs have a shorter form o f the roo t , wi thout the i n i ti a l
19. ' A z z a zomu l a- ? aba ' t ihu b a ' enta s er ' atomu b a- � ab ' .
Subj unctive and Imperat ive , and o ft en in t h e verbal n o un ( s ('(' 1 ) (' 1 " ,, ) .
2 0 . B a ' enta ment t e keQ�edu s e r ' atateya wa- t e ' zazat eya?
" The short form is usua l l y as s o c i at ed with the s t em vowel a , 1 11 1 1
2 1 . S ar ' u ' e l l ontu � abiban s er ' at a ' awrax wa- s er ' ata ' amatat .
there are excep t i on s ; some verbs have two or even t h ree Sui> , 1 1 1 1 \ I 1 \ "
2 2 . Lakemu wa- l a - daq iqekemu t a s ar ' a z entu �egg za- l a - ' a l am .
forms . Note a l s o the irregu l a r Imperfect of the verh " ),,Im/'" .
2 3 . S annay we ' etu, ' e sma wahabana rad ' et a .
W P erfect Imperfect Sub j unctive Imperat i ve V e l' I , 1 I 1 NIHIII
2 4 . � aywa k e l l o Qeywato b a- � edq wa-ba- ret ' .
warada yewarred yerad rad
wadqa yewaddeq y edaq daq
wahaba yehub yahab hab haJJ I
wasada yewassed yesad sad
yesed sed
yewsed
walada yewaUed ye lad lad lcdal
warj.' a yewarj.q.e' yecj.a' ga' a i
wagara yewagger yegar gar/ger
yewger weger
wafana yewaHen yepan tent
yewfen weten
we�za yewe��ez ya�az
yew�az

Un l i k e other verbs l I I - gutt . (cf. y em?a' in Lesson 40) the sub j unc­
t i v e and imperative forms yeq.o.' and qo.' retain the -0.- in infl e ct i on ;
thus te4a' i , yecj.a' u, y e4a' a e t c . ; rjii' , 1:0.' i , rjii' u , q.a' a .

(b) The verb a l adj e ct i ves qetu l :

weduq fa l l en, l ying fal l en

wclud ( 1 ) p l . of wald; ( 2 ) s yn . of wald i n the s ingu l a r
depart ing , emerg i n g ; many s e condary meanings : l a c k i Il P,
( i n : ' ern- ) , a l i en ( t o : ' em- ) , et c .

( e) Vl' ri>;i l N n l l ll S :

t " ',I, r l d ' ' '' '' I ' 1 l 1

, I, / , 1 1 11 1 11 , I ' : t l l , c o l l ap s e
 193
192

heir. Y'est (pl . -at) inhe r i t ance . mawares t ( p l . of unat t ested

haM a g i ft
*moras) he irs .
ledat birth
J em-X 4aJ atu he is from X , a nativ e
of sa 'ama (yes'am) to k i s s . Gt tase 'ma pas s ive . tasa 'ama to k i s s
4d at exi t , dep arture ; Glt

X o n e another. se 'mat a k i s s .
.
d , hi l l rassaya 0 t o put , p l ac e , se t ; to 1mpute
wagr (p l . J awger, -at) h e ap , moun (something : a c c . d i r . obj . )
strea m; f l o w , torr ent t o ( s omeon e : la ' la, la-) ; to make/regard something ( ac c . d i r .
we�i z ( p l . -at , wa�ayezt )
;
r iver ,

we;zat flow , f lowing obj . ) as/ into something ( ac c . dir . ob j . or kama , westa , Z a- )

(d) The agent noun qataZi : Exerc i s e s

waladi (f. -t) p arent A. 1 . ' I -yewarred z enam ba- g i z ehu .

wahabi one who g i ve s , dono r ; adj . generous 2 . Yewaddeq zentu bet wa- ' i -yahannes ewwo dagema .
.

(e) Nouns with pref ixed m- : 3. ' Ehubakemu warqa wa-berura . .

4 . Tewas s ed zanta dab e l a xaba ' a ;; ad eya .

11e '
murad ( for *mewrad) p l ac e of d e s cent , downward s l op e
5. ' Ewa ' em-hagar ba- � eba� .
mulad p l ac e o f b i rt h , native l and
6 . N ahu ' anti t ewa l l edi wal da .
mu� p l ac e o f exi t ; source
7 . ' Ewaggero wes t a mendad .
mu�aza may aqueduct , canal
8 . T ehubuni -nu xebe s t a ?
mogart s l ing 9. ' I - t erad xaba J:1ayq .
prog eny ,
Note also the deri ved noun
tewl ed (d} (p l . -at) a gene rat ion; 1 0 . N ebari zeyya kama ' i - t edaq i .

o ffspr ing . 1 1 . S a ' alnahu k ama yahabana maya .

w
1 2 . Maftew kama nes ado xaba mak ann en.
V o c abul ary 4 1
,
1 3 . G aro heyya wa- ' i - t ahabo wa- ' i -menta-n1' em - s i s ay .

�
Nouns : 1 4 . La-nerkab omu ' emqedma yewt enu yesbe ' u .
ral ; I S . F aqadat tegb a ' beta ' emqedma t e l d wa lda .
o d , v i cini ty ; area in gene
' awd (p l . J a'wad) envi ron s , n e i ghbo rho Y
circ uit , p erio d of t ime .
'awda prep . around , 1 6 . T a ' az z a z a l a-wal adeyan ihu \", a-na s ' a lotu b e ' s i t a .
a court of l aw ; a
d as to an ac e . noun) . 1 7 . Teqqa ' e kuy \ve ' etu z entu t e w l edd .
surrounding ( suff ixes adde
.
, e spec iall y ram , he - goat 1 8 . S adewwo xabeya k ama ' engero .
dabe la ( p l . - t) mal e of any an imal
d i er s . 1 9 . Nahabkemu ' a lbas a .
harra co l I . army , troo p s , s o l
2 0 . Zati medr me l e ' t a ' awger y e ' et i .
Verbs : w
2 1 . Wagara ' ebna ba-mogartu wa-qatala ' ex ahu .
spit t l e ,
waraqa (yewreq) t o spit . meraq ( an irre gular format i on) 22. ' I -konomu maxdara ' emdexra deqata bet omu .

s a l iva . 2 3 . Mannu wahabaka z a -k ama - z e habta kebura?

( ac c . dir . obj .
vere i n , be ass iduo us i n 2 4 . Rakabat meta weduqa mewuta westa fenot .
J awtara CG t o cont inue , p erse
d , eyes ) to (xaba J la' la,
la- Y o watra
or i nf . ) ; t o dire ct (han 2 5 . Wadaya fere wa-xeb e s t a westa mexba ' .
ly.
, cont inuo us ly, as s i duous Rakabewwo westa murada dabr .
adv . alwa ys , perp etua l l y 26.
an he i r . G t
G ' awrasa to make some one 2 7 . 1.lan;:t � u mu�aza may nawwaxa ' em- ' adb -ar ' es k a haga r .
warasa (yeras) t o inhe ri t . C ana
(acc . dir . obj . ) . G l t tcn.)i'i:r
to g a i n by inher i t an c e
tawaY'sa M : l I l l l l l Y l' W ; I lTL'S
s ion o f . warad II. I . n cwayaka?
L o i n i1n i t ( j o int l y or s ing l y) , gain pos s e s
1]1
, ,!
194

iii
. 2. Qomu I:larrahu ' awdo . 195

3 . Tasehba kama dabe l a .

J•I �.
4 . Waraqa meraqa diba medr . Les son 42

I
5 . ' A lbotu warase . 42 . 1 G Ver bs fro m Roo t s I I - W/Y
: The Rem ain ing For ms .
6. Rass ayomu kama ' aqab t a re ' su . ( a) Imp erf ect , Sub j unc tiv e ,
i I and Impera t ive .
!'I
7 . Qarba xabehu wa- s a ' amo .
Root Typ e Perfec t Imp erf ect
8. Tawarasu ' axawihu newaya ' abuhomu . SUbj unct i ve Tmp era t i ve
II-W ro�a y erawwes
9 . Qatal ewwo z a ' enb al a yeras rest o . ye1'U'! rue
I I -Y s
�-
ema yesayyem
�

yes1-m ;; i",
� .
10. ' Abiy wa-kebur restekemu .
1 1 . Ras s ayo l a- ' exuhu l iqa �arra.
The abo ve forms are typ i,ca
l for nea rly all ver bs of
t h l' s r I IV» " 1 >1 1 1
1 2 . Rass ayewwa l a-hagarena gadama .
typ e s . A few ver bs I I -
IV exh ibi t alt ernate fon
lls wi t h - 0 i " 1 1 1 , ' ,' , 1 1 1 ,
1 3 . Tewarres zati tewl edd ' ek i t a ' ab awihomu .
j unc tive and Imp era tiv e :

1 4 . Radu westa me!maq wa-semaru ba-may q anr .

w .
�ora
ye �or/ye l;!U1' �li J l '/�/ 1/ "
1 5 . Mot a ' emdexra deqata mangestu . f ora
ye?or/ye?ur 1!r11'/�l l/ r'
1 6 . ' I - tenbeb soba yewas seduka heyya .
The two ver bs bo' a and mo'
a hav e -a- in the Sub
1 7 . F aqada yegba' xab a mul adu . j u n C l i ve ;" I d 1 111 1 " " "
tive :
1 8 . Qatalu ' asart a dabe lata l a-ba' alomu .
1 9 . Qomku diba wagr ne ' us wa-na� � arku mang a l a me' rab . bo ' a
yebO/
20 . Matare�,o re ' so wa-saqalewwo diba matkal ba-qedma mo ' a
yema' /yemu' ma'
2 1 . 9ansat wa-\"al adat l otu warase . The -a- is usua l ly ret ain
ed thr oug hou t in f l e c t i on
( i . e . it i s not re ­
22. Taqarabu wa- tasa ' amu wa-tanagaru . p l ace d I,it h -e- ) : yeb a' ,
teb a' , teba' , teba' i , ' eba
' ; yeb ii' u , yeb a! a
2 3 . ' I -tewreq zeyya ' esma makan qeddus we ' etu. et c .
2 4 . N e zbe ! o wa-neqtelo , wa-ne�na newarres h eyyant ehu . The ver bs o f the se two roo
, t typ es whi ch have bee n int
2 5 . Xa!e -an ' emuntu ' e l l a ' awd ek a . thu s far are �ora , bo' a , rod uce d
mo' a , mot a, ro? a , kon
a, qoma , sabJ 'a (yesu ') ,
26. Dewiwo zanta h. ezba ras sayomu ' agberta wa- l a ' kan a 1 a-qadamt a noxa , 'oda; set a, sema, meta
,
hagar .
27. La-ment ras s ayka ' ekita l a ' l ena : (b) Ver bal adj ect ive s qetu Z :
. seyum appo inte d, s et , p l aced .
2 8 . ' Awtara gabl ra megbara terufa k el l o �eywato .
29 . Kona yehub me ' rafa l a-dekuman . mewut, nawi x, and nawwax have
alre ady been intr oduc ed .
W
3 0 . Mas anat k e l l a t ewl eddat a medr ba- ' Ayx z a ' enba l a Nox wa- z amadu . (c) Ver bal nouns :
,
31 . Mas ' a xabehomu ba- ' amsala ' aragay ;;eluma ayn .
l;!ura t (p I . -at) gOin g , man
S oba ya' a��ebaka �ama, t ema� � e ' xabeya kama ' ahabka rad ' eta . ner of goin g ; depa rtur e , j our
32. ney ; way
o f l i fe , mann ers , cust oms .
lim.JUI' (p l . -at ) porch , ambul atory .
l>a' (lf C r l . -at) entr y, entr ance , entering ;
cav e , lai r, den ,
ce 1 1 .
1IIl/ ' at v l C lory ( for s e l f) ; defe at (for
anot her) .
(/( If!/ III . s L a l u r e , h e i ght
.
, /1 1'111 1 / " " I , "" " sta te, cond itio n.
IY6
197
nux m. l ength ( o f t ime , sp ace) ; h e i ght . /lIrl!71.Jii ' i u l re acly int rodu ced .
<udat circ l e , circuit , o rbi t . masCiyemt (p I . of unat test ed *masy
am) cont aine r ( s ) , bask et ( s ) .
set pri c e , value .
simat (pl . -at) m . f . ordinat ion ; o ffice , p o s i t ion . Vocabul ary 4 2
mitat a turning ( t o or from) ; a return ; chan g e , mut ation . Nouns :

(d) The agent noun qata li : kokab (pl . kawakeb t) m . star. kokaba ?eba�/me set morn ing/ even I n g
s t ar .
mawa' i victorious .
rawa? i running , swi ft .
faras (pl . ' afras) m . f . hors e . s ab ' a ' afras hors emen .
mawati mortal . Verb s :
qawami s t anding , s t ab l e ; as noun : patron , protector .
I!oma (ye?um) to fas t . I!ewum adj . fas t ing .
sawa <i (pI . sawa <t) s acrifi cer , pr"iest . som ( p I . ' a �wam , - ui ) u
fas t , fast ing .
<awadi me s s enger , hera l d ; preache r .
noma (yenum) to s l eep . CG ' anoma/' anama to put t o s l
Baya ti (pl . sayatt) s e l l e r , merchant . eep . newiim III .
s l eep .
Note also qawwam t al l , e re c t . The noun �awareya (i . e . hawari + -a) ?ora (ye?or/ye? v�) t o carr y, bear ( l i t . and fi g
. ) . CG ' al!0ra/' a?Q2'a
has al ready been intro duce d . A further noun of unusual format ion i s causa tive . Gt t a? awra p as s ive . ?eUJUr bear ing , burd ened (with
:
IIILrwe ta a dead person , corp s e ; ' egWa la maweta an orphan . acc . ) . sor ( p I . ' a?war) burd
en . ?awUJar carr i e r ( s ) , port er
. (s) .
(e) Nouns o f the p at t e rn meqtal : ?awari (f. -t; p l . ?awar t) one who carri
es , bear s ( e . g . pebab ,
zena) .
meClWar -t) th e dl' s t an c e one may travel in a given t ime
( p I . -a
<oqa (ye 'uq) to bewar e o f , t ake
care fo r , be cauti ous o f (la <la
(e. g . me �ara sa lus a j ourney of three d ays , the di s ­ , la- ,
acc . ) ; esp . commo n in the imper
ative with a neg . SUb j un c t ive :
tance covered i n a three-day j ourney) ; cours e , orbi t .
take care not to , be caref ul not
to ( ' uq kama ' i- . . . ) . CG
mebwa' /muba' (pl . -at) p l ac e for entering ; act o f entering .
' a < oqa to make known , show (ace
. dir . obj . ; to : dat . s u ff . ) .
merwas d i s tance run , cour s e ; a rac e , race - cours e .
Gt ta 'awqa to be no t i ce d , p erc eived
, recogn i z e d ; to be made
meqwiim (pl . -at) l o cat ion , p l ace where one stops or s t and s ;
known , reve al e d . <ewuq fam i l i a r , wel l - known .
meqwiima may pool .
' awse' a CG to respo nd , an swer ;
to t ake up a d i s cour s e . G l t tawas
meswa < (pI . -at) a l t ar . e' a
t o speak again s t , contr adi c t ; d
i sput e , argue (wi th : dat . suff.
mesyap (pl . -at) marketp l ac e , forum .
or la- ) . air sa' e l oquen c e , refin ed mann er of
speak ing .
The noun muba' i s p at t erned aft e r mu4a ' ( exit) ; ba' at , given above ,
W
k annana D Lo j udge , condemn , punis h ( ac e .
dir . obj . ) ; to rul e , have
i s patterned after qa' at . C ontrarl' 1 y , the retention of -a- in the in- po!;er (ov(' r : a c e . 0 1' ],a- ) . CD w
' al< annana to put someon e ( s u l ' l ' .
f l ect ion of ye4a' /qa' , noted in § 4 1 . l (a) , i s due t o t h e influence o f o h j . ) i n c h e l l'g<' 0 1 ' ( a c c . o r Zu < la
) . D t takWannana p a s s i ve .
yeba' , where t h e l ength o f the s t em vowe l is a fixed characteri s t i c C i t / , r/.P,II 1< II1, 1 l o 1 ) ( ' l'OIil" r " COll c
i l ed ( lvith : mes la) .
of the root type and not s e cond arl' 1 y due to the final guttural ( and

hence changeab l e to -e- ) .

' af' a
' ( 1) ,' , 1 " ") , ' , , II. 1 V . (10 I II") ' H I I ' i de ; ' em- (t% n t hn ' < 11 1 1 1 .11 "
( f) Nouns corresponding to the patt ern maqtaUt) :
, ;,,/ ,ji/l,7 I I < i V . 1 1I1I1I"d l l l l n l y , I I I I ' r (, II J l o n , then .
mauer ' ( p l . -a t ) m . f . offering .

!!II I /. ,1 1/ " I 1"" ; I I l y i l i t roduce d .

198 1 99
E xercises L,S . seL ' ab i y 33 . muba' a b a ' atu
A. 1 . ' Ayte -nu t ah awlver i ? 2� . d i ba IIlcswa ' a beta lIlaqdas 34 . ta ' ot qawwam
2 . R e ' yewwo 1 a- farasu yerawwe� manga1 a we�i z . 25 . simat eya kebert 3 5 . mesyat ata h agar
3 . T eqawwemu qeruba ' anqa� ' e ska ' eb a� �e� . 26 . b a ' atu l a - zentu qeddus westa gadam 36 . sab' mawat eyan
4 . Mannu z a-yemayyet z anta mendabe ' emennena? 2 7 . ' emdexra mu' ateya dibehomu 3 7 . kahenat wa- sawa 't
S. ' Axazewwo ' enza yebawwe ' beta Kerest iyan . 2 8 . qumata maxbarena 38 . qa1a 'awadihu
6 . ' E faqqed ' e�ur mes 1eka. 2 9 . mitat ena xaba haymanot ret e ' t 39 . ' abyat a s ayat t
7 . Kunu ! ab ibana kama qadamtina . 3 0 . ' aswam wa-b a ' a1 at 40 . mangest q alva.m i
8 . Ru� i xabehu wa- s a ' a 1 eyyo rad ' et a . 31 . �uratu wa-ge ' zu wa-nebratu l a -negus 4 1 . menvasa k a w 5 k !' l > t

9 . Ba- s ema ' E gzi ' ab� er za-temaww e ' u z anta �ezb a .
1 0 . Zanta ' efaqqed kama t egbar 1 i t a ' emqedma ' emut .
1 1 . ' Aqomkuka z eyya kama t e ' qab �ezbeya watra .
1 2 . Z ant a gabiro yenawwex mawa ' e1 ihu diba medr .
1 3 . �uru westa gadam wa-�en e�uni heyya .
1 4 . N c ' exxezomu ' en z a yebawwe ' u yesu' u maswa 't ihomu .
IS. B a ' xabena b a- 1e 1 i t kama ' i -ya ' axazuk a .
1 6 . ' E faqqed kama tekun rad ' eya .
1 7 . Wa-s obeha ' aro�u ' afras ihomu westa ma ' ka1 a s ab ' .
1 8 . Mitewwo 1 a- z entu b e ' s i xaba z amadu .
1 9 . We ' e t a ' amira yemawwetu mab z ext a mahaymenan b a ' enti ' aya.
20. ' E l lu yekalvwenu ' ar ' estikemu .
2 1 . Maftew kama nequm z eyya wa-ne?ne� o .
2 2 . Kun ? adeqa kama yenux malva ' e l ika westa zentu ' a 1 am .
2 3 . N eb a ' beta maqdas wa-nahabo 1 a-kahen maswa ' tana .
2 4 . La-nema' omu 1 a-ka�adeyan wa-neqt e 1 omu .
2 5 . Yeda 1 1 ewana kama nemit ' a ' yent ina ' em-ga? � a kebru .
B . 1 . ' afras a �arra
2. som nawix
3 . h ewara zati �en�a
4. maba ' ne'us wa-nadday
5. newaya mesyat
6 . b a ' ata ' arwe
C.
1 2 . wareza nawixa qom
1 3 . hewara beta negus
1 4 . dabil at a maswa ' t
1 5 . ' a ' wada hagar
1 6 . huratu l a-madxenena
1 7 . nuxa zentu �ab l
3 2 . seta newayeka 4 2 . me�wara sadus
W
1 . Wa- soba k annanewwo , ' aw�e ' ewwo ' af ' a ' em-hagar w a - ' ullw l t ' w 'v < >
w
2 . Zentu makan teqqa ' ewuq we ' etu ba-k e 1 1a medr ,
3 . Wa- ' emdexra. newam nalvwax t afalvwasa ' em-�emamu .
4 . Wa- ' awse ' a ' en z a yeb e1 : ' Ana ' i -yekasset 1 akemu z a - L e [aqq l'd u .
S . La-ment ' asorkani z anta ' abiya �ora, wa- ' ana n e ' u s wa-oe ' I IIII '!
6 . ' E l l ontu ' emuntu s aba ' t ' em-�arrahu 1a-mak w annen z a - ' ak w I I I l I I I I IlO
negus 1 a ' lena .
7 . � awarta J:!egg wa- ' aqabta haymanot rete ' t ne�na
8 . Sekab wa-num kama ' i -tekun d ekuma ba-�eba� .
9 . 'Uqu kama ' i -yesme 'ukemu ' en z a t enaggcru qalata za-kama - z e .
1 0 . ' I -nekel �ayewa b a - s alam ' en z a � ewurana xati ' at .
1 1 . Sob a ' a 'oqana mekro , t axabarna mes l ehu kama ncrde ' o .
1 2 . ' I -k eh l a t akWaneno mes l a ' axawihu malaheqt .
1 3 . Rakabewwo 1 a-qeddus yena,vwem we sta ba ' atu .
1 4 . Samrat ba-teb abu wa-ba-sa ' sa ' a nebabu .
1 5 . Waradu ma1 a' ekt ' em-wes t a samay ' en z a ye ? awweru ' e ssata b a -
' edalvihomu .
1 6 . ' Anomo ' Eg z i ' ab�er k ama yegbar b e ' sita ' em-s egahu .
1 7 . Takw anninomu tawagru westa beta moqe� .
1 8 . ' Uqi kama ' i -teqrabi xabehu z a ' enbala t e ' zazu.
1 9 . N awwaxa qom wa- s annaya ga;;;; we ' etu .
2 0 . �or zanta warq a b a-xebu ' wa- 'uq kama ' i -yerkabo wa- ' i -ma l l ilu -11 i .

7 . mu ' ata ' Abreham 1 8 . ' em-tenta simatu 2 1 . ' I -yek e l u ?ewumanihomu l a- ' axl e fo z entu xasar .
8. nuxa m�wi ' e l ihu 1 9 . mitatu ' em-xat i ' at 2 2 . Wa-soba ta ' awqa mekru, t amayatku H i ' l ihu wa-qataU",vwo .
9. m �wIT ' rrtu t 5 ' o L a.t i homu 2 0 . faras rawa� i 2 3 . ' l\ z z:1Zomu l a - � awwarihu ye?uru newaya bitu wa-yegarcwwo ' I I f" 1\

1(J. " ri l l t' l i ::" Y UIII 1 a ' :; 1 �111 2 1 . ' udata �a�ay westa samay ' l'lII - i l ag u r .

1 I . I P 1111 , 1 1 . , 1 1 " t� ' , 1 1 2 2 . qasawcst seyuman l a ' l ena

200
201

T h e final -i o f t h i s form i s o ften "absorbed" b y t h e root final _y .

L e s s on 4 3
Thus , a form written ba-Za-y is either ba Zay (iJ or ba Z Zay ( form
43. 1 G Verbs from Ro o t s I I I - W!Y : The Remaining Forms . qatta Z) . But becaus e t h e l atter form is so rare , such wri t i ngs are
( a) Imperfect , Subj un c t ive , and Imperat ive . These forms tak en as qataZi when the ful l wri ting of such a form ( e . g . ba-Za-yi)
show the normal t r i l i t erul patt erns yeqatte Z , yeqte Z/yeqtaZ , qete Z/ is at t e s t e d e l s ewhere . S ome amb i guity must remain , howeve r , whh in

qeta l ; s t em- final -ey and -ew are usual l y rep l aced by -i and -u r e ­ frequent word s .
spectively when n o ending beginning w i t h a vowel i s added ; hence e . g .
(d) Verbal nouns :
yebakki , yebakkeyu , yesammi , yesammeyo e t c . Note espec i a l l y the
bekay m . weeping , l amentat ion .
verbs re' ya, we <ya, and wadaya , which combine the p e cu l i ar i t i e s of
nedet/nedyat povert y .
s everal roo t t yp e s .
' etwat/' etot return (home) ; return , yield ( o f crop s ) .
Root Type P erfect Imperfect Subjun c t ive Imp erative ' ekay (p l . -at) evi l , wi ckedn e s s .
I I I -Y bakaya yebakki yebki beki <ebay (p I . -at) greatn es s , s i z e ; magn i fi cence , ilia] es L y .
scunaya yesammi yesmi semi W
g eyya f l ight .
baZya yeba Z Zi yebZi ra' y (p I . -at) v i s i o n , rev e l at ion ; appearance , form , Il S ]ll'C l .
nadya yenaddi Vendi re' yat appearance , asp e ct , form .
' akya ya' akki ye' kay wa <y fire , heat , burning .
<abya ya <abbi ye <bay we <yat burning, co�fl agrat ion.
' abaya ya' abbi ye' bay ' ebay
(e) Nouns with p r e fixed m- :
re'ya yere" i yer' ay re' i
yere" i ra'ay me' taw home , p l ace to whi ch one returns ; act o f returning .
W
we <ya yewe "i ya <ay meg yay refuge , asylum .
ma <dot (pl . ma (adew) the oppo s it e side (of river , mount ains ,
wadaya yewaddi yeday day
gwayya
w .
yeg ayy1-
W
yeg yay gWeyay etc. ) ; ma <dota prep . acro s s , to the oppo s i t e s ide o f ,
.
yegwy1-. gwey1- beyond .

dawaya yedawwi yedmay muday (pl . -at) a container o f any s ort ; basket , hamp er .

I I I -W ' atawa ya' attu ye' tu/ye' taw ' etu/' etaw
Vo cabulary 4 3
<adawa ya <addu ye <du/ye <daw <edu/ <edaw
Nouns :
(b) Verbal adj e ct ives qetu Z :
<azaqt (p l . -at , <azaqat) f . m . we l l , cistern .
we <uy hot , burning .
' araft (p l . ' arafat) m . f . wal l , part i t i o n .
semuy name d , cal l ed ; famou s , i l lus trious .
teqm wal 1 , c i t y wal l , fort i fication wal l . ' arafta teqm fort i f i e rl t i " 1 1
(c) Agent nouns qataZi : wal l s . ' ahgLa>a peqm fort i fi ed c i t i e s .

baZayi o l d , wearing out ( adj . ) . Verb s :

W
g ayay (iJ fugit ive .
caj'aya (yeuj'iJ to s ew . Gt tasafya p as s . sa[ayi $ewo1' , 1 :1 1 I " " , , ,I ,
ra' ayi (pI . -yern , - e!!an ; r'a' ayt) observer , s eer ; ra, aye xebu' at
I 1 h' l' . m,wfT; aw l .
soot h s aye r ; I 'o' cry l"' IW/(ulJ as L ro l oger .
k, ! I " [!I' ( 1 !1" i u ' i l L o d i g ( e . g . a we l l ) , d i g in ( I h(' f: I ' '' " l d l , d l f' 1 1 " ' '' ' 1' 1 ,
I " w:. I I ) . (�l ia7<ary a pas s . karaY7: (/" I / '' '!I I I I" " , 1 ,/ ' It, 1,1( , ,
Jill 203

g r ave d l gg o r . .' I . ' 1 '1.d, " " I<:' Y . , � . , 1< : 1 1 1';1 k am a ' i - t end i .
�aZaya (ye�IZi) L O s i ng , make mus i c ; t o s ing about ( a c c . dir . obj . ) . l<
2 2 . M a I ' L ,·,v k l l lllil I l c g y i ' emqedma yer ' ayuna .
J:taZayi ( f . -t) (pI . J:taZayt) s inger . maJ:tZU (p I . -at, maJ:ta Z ey ) 23. ' J : l e,vu i J e l ' e r :.tkelllu I< a - ' i - tegbe ' u zeyya .
.
song , singing , mus ic . 24. ' E d cIYlI medru 111<l n g a l a me ' rab ' eska t eba�� el:lU xab a maxd aromu .
te 'ya (yeP 'ay) to be healthy, w e l l . CG ' ap 'aya to make healthy, w e l l, 25. ' Am s e ' u ' us a ' e n i hu xuba s afayi kama yes feyomu ba-mas fehu .
cause to recover . te <uy ( f . te 'i t) w e l l , heal thy (of p erson or
B . 1 . ' e� �eya,v 2 1 . ba-� e ' inna wa-b a - s al am
p l ace) . te <inna good heal t h .
2. sa Hiyi t ab i b 22. wa ' ya �al:ay
' abeJ:ta CG (root bwJ:t) to a l l ow , permit (obj . suf f . of p erson p lu s sub­
3 . ml�let s emert 2 3 . ra ' y nakir
j unctive o f v erb ) . Gt tabawJ:ta pass ive ; t o have power over
4 . ware za ! e ' uy 2 4 . tarafi J:eya",
( Za qa , ba-) . bewuJ:t Za- it is permitted for ( someone ; + s ub ­
5 . �a�ly we ' uy 25 . masfehu l a - s afayi
j unctive ) . mabaJ:tt powe r , authority, permi s s i on .
6 . mabai)t za-kama- ze 2 6 . rad ' etena wa-megWyayena
' az Zafa CG to continue (doing) , p er s evere in (doing) , fol l owed by acc.
7 . sem semuy 27 . qala �al ayt
verbal noun or acc . inf o ze Zufa , Za-ze Zufu adv . cont inuous ly ,
8 . �aIa�yi !abi b 2 8 . ma ' dota gadam
continual l y , perpetual l y , forever . zaZfa adv . idem ; always , w
9 . � aga za- z a l f 29 . mak annen s emuy
regu l arly, frequent l y , o ft en . ' i . . . zaZfa adv . never . za­
1 0 . faras dewuy 3 0 . karayeyana ' azaqt
zaZf adj . p erpetual . Za-zaZafu , Za-ze Zafu = Za-zeZufu .
11. ' asl ' en balay i 31 . masfe za-xasin
Exerc i s e s 1 2 . ma' dot a ba�r 3 2 . l ebs b a l iiy i

A. 1. Dayo we s t a 'azaqt wa-xe dego heyya ' e ska yemUlvwet . 1 3 . we ' yat a hagaromu 3 3 . maJ:l a l ey ! e ' un,at

2 . Menta t e s ammeyewwa l a - zat i hagar? 1 4 . karaye maqaber 3 4 . ba-mabahtu l u -mak'" annen

3. ' I - sannay ' al b as z a - yeb al l i . 1 5 . fenot we ' uy 3 5 . wa ' ya ma' a l t

1 6 . makan � e ' uy 3 6 . � e ' innahomu l a-daqi qomu
4. ' I - te ' bay ' a 'beyo serna neguseka.
5. Mannu za-yenaddi b a - l ebbu ' en z a ya ' ammen b a- ' E g z i ' ena? 1 7 . ra ' ya l i H i t 3 7 . g l'eyyahomu l a -waladeya n i h u

6 . ' A lbo me�rata z a - t a ' ab b i ' em -me�ratu .

1 8 . gWayayi dekum 3 8 . ' eb aya b e ' l u

7 . W e ' eta g i z e t er& ' eyu t a ' iimera wa-mankerat a . 1 9 . ' eb ayu l a- ' Am l ak 3 9 . re ' yat a g a ? ? u
2 0 . megWyay � enu ' 4 0 . ' abiy mudaya fere
8 . ' I -t a ' ay ma " ateka l a ' l en a .
9 . ' E n z a neqarreb r e ' ina hagaromu ' en z a tewe ' ' i ba-re�uq C . 1 . �a�aqa ' a�abe ' ihu ' en za yesaffi b a -mas fe .
1 0 . Mannu za-yegaddef n ewayo ' emqedma yeb l i ? 2. ' I - keh l a ' ar i g a ' e111 - ' a z aqt z U - l<udqu westetu.
1 1 . ' A z z azana kama neday z ant a dab e I a westa ' as adu . 3. ' Enza nax al l e f ' e n ta xaba b e l a Ke r e s t i yan sama' na qal a kahen
1 2 . F aqadu yeg'Vyayu wa-ba�tu ' i -k ehlu . yel)al l i sebl ' ii L a ' E g z i ' e n a .
.
13. ' Eb ayu ' ar ' eyoto ma�a�eft i kemu . 4 . Rak ab n ahu ' en w yeqaIY'v em xaba ' arafta betu .
1 4 . Y edawwi wal deya w a - ' efarreh k am a ' .i -yemu t . 5 . Nabi romu h eyya k arayu ' a z aq1ita wa-hanasu �eqma .
15 . ' Az z azana kama ne ' d aw z ant il weh 'j za wa-nu ' u x a z zDt:l IlICci r"l . 6 . Maharana ma�1ileya ') e z b ek a .
1 6 . Semeyo l a -waldeka semn Yo � unn e s . 7. ' I -bewul: l akemu t eba ' u z eyya .
'
1 7 . M annu we ' etu z entu bo ' s i za YII ' I I " " i I , , , ,,, j II " � l " I \ I l '1 8. ' Aqomomu diba ! eqma hagar kama ye ' qabe�,a.
1 8 . ' I - t eJ:lur westa ['c l l o l k , \lII.1 ' i - y,, , ' il l ' I " " w i l - Y " ' 1 I " l l I k u . 9 . Wa- nawimo salusa, � e ' ya ' em - d awehu .
1 9 . Sekab wa- nuill k "Ilia ' j I , '. ! W d Y 'v" 1 ' "11 1 1 . 10. ' Abe�omu ye ' d awu westa beheru .
20. ' Aytc-nu t e l',I1 I" ' · . ! ' " , 1 . 1 1' ' ' I" . ,·,,1 " I " ' '' ,' '' ' 11. ' I - t eke lu ' exi z a ' ahgura ! eqm z a -hanasu heyya .
 205

I ,' . M I I I \ I HI "'11 w l l h lll > a k n z a - kama- z e l!IabaJ:!ta?

L e s s on 44
13. ' I\ z. l a l"u KaiJ i. ra ' ek l L wa- ' abayu s ami ' a l i ta .
I t! . N enabber zeyya l a- z e l u fu wa- ' i -naxaddegaka z al fa .
44. 1 Gt Verb s : Imperfe ct , Sub j unctive , and Imperative .
W
.l 5 . Soba s am ' omu ' enza yekarreyu ' arafta betu qoma wa_g ayya .
Root Type P erfect Imperfect Subj unct ive I mperat i ve
1 6 . Wa-soba tasafya ' asa' enihu , wadayomu diba ' e garihu wa-xalafa .
Sound taqatZa yetqattal yetqatal taqatal
1 7 . Bewu� l ana kama nah abk emu z anta mal ' ekt a .
I - gut t . ta�an?a yet�anna,! yet�ana? toha:nnn
l B . Kona yema � � e ' xabena z a l fa mes l a zena ba ' en t a ' azmadina .
1 9 . ' I - t equm ' emqedma te! ' ay .
I I - gutt . tabehla yetbahhal yetbahal iabahfl l
I I I -gutt . tafat�?- y etfattaJ:t yetfataly ta);d ii�1
2 0 . Qadiimihu ' i -k eh l a �al eya wa- ' i -ment a-ni , ' al I a ' emdexra ra ' y
I -W tQ1;}alda yetwaUad yetwalad I,m,),r /, /, '
z a- re ' ya ba-newiimu kona J:!al aye ! abiba wa-sannaya .
I I -W tamQ1;}' a yetma:wwa! yetmQ1;}a' /"col/(n,}ii J
2 1 . Maftew kama ' erkab s afaye ' al bas kama yesfi ' a� feya.
I I -Y tamayta yetmayyat yetmaya� L fJIII' (!lrt !
2 2 . ' Akko ba-seray za-te!e " i ' al I a ba-haymano t .
I I I -W tareXUJa yetraxxQ1;} ye tr'o.r:('[Io! t,ap(Jxcl/s)
I I I -Y takarya y etkarray yetkaroy takar'flil
The s e forms are al l regu l ar within the rul e s s e L out i l l L h e p rc c c d i 11K
l e s sons . The imperfect and subjunctive d i ffer on J y in the d o u b l i ng

o f the midd l e radi cal , which i s , of course , not indi cated in t h e

s crip t . Forms with -a- b efore C =guttural are inflected l ik e the
3
corresponding forms of yem?« , with the repl acement a -> e b e fore
endings beginning with a vowe l . The final - OJ;) of roots I I I - W m ay
a l s o appear as - 0 when nothing is added : yetraxxo , y etraxo , taraxo.
When C
l
(t, t, �, d, s , s, �, z) , the
i s a dental or s ib i l ant
- t- o f the prefix is a s s imi l ated comp l et e l y : yettakkal , yettammaq ,
yeddal lOJ;) , ye�arraf, yessammay , ye ssattaq , ye??a:wwar , yezzakkar.
Whi l e this i s c l e ar in trans l i terat i o n , these forms are a great
sour c e o f difficulty for b eginners reading from the Ethiopic s cript ,
where the doubl ing i s not ind i c at e d . The only outl-Iard di fference b e ­
tween the imperfects G and G t i s the -a- i n th e final s t em syl l ab l e :
ye- sa-ye-m = yesayyem ; ye- sa-ya-m = ye ssayyam or yessayam. The imper­
fe c t and sUbj unctive forms o f tonse' a (to ari s e ) are normal :
yetnassa' , yetnasa' , but the imperative is tonse' .

44 . 2 C I t Verbs : Imperfe ct , Subj unctive , and Imperat ive .

I�oot Type P e rfect Imperfect Sub j unctive Imperati ve

Sound taqaraba yetqar (r)ab yetqarab taqa:rab
I -( ; " n . trrxa Zafa yetxa U Z ) af yetxalaf taxaZaf
I I 1 ;1 \ ( ( • t<lka�lada yetka� (�) ad yetkahad taka�lad
C;"" . L, (julie' a
,

I I I tarr(iIJ� ,
0'
yetgab (b) a' yetgabG!
 206 207

I -W tGbJalada yetuJaU l J ad yetuJalad tGbJa Lad 1 2 . Ila ' en t a xa� i ' ateka tet gaddaf ' em-mli ' kal ena .
I I -W taqeavama y e tqeav (w) am yetqeavam taqawam 13 . Soba yet� anna� �eqma hagarekemu , ' i -yemawwe ' akemu wa- ' i -mannu-hi .
I I -Y takayada yetkay (y) ad yetkayad takayad 14. S ama ' nahomu ' enza yet�assayu b a ' enta mu ' atomu .
I I I -W tajanGbJa yetjan (n) GbJ yetjanGbJ tajanGbJ IS. ' I -tet�asay ' emqedma yetgabar gebreka.
I I I -Y tara' aya y e tra' e J ay yetra' ay tara' ay 1 6 . Hal l awana kW e l l ena n etJ:!atat ba-xaba ' Egz i ' abJ:!er .

The as s imi l ations invo lving C l noted in the preceding p aragraph also 1 7 . TetJ:!attat ba' ent a k W e l l u za-gabarka .
app ly here . E . g . *yetsayat > y essayat he wil l buy , *yetsa' alu > 18. Zentu we' etu ge ' zomu l a - ' abawina za-yedal lewana kama netmal'iil) hit

yessa> alu they w i l l ask around . The optional doubl ing indicated in megbaratihomu.
the Imperfect i s found in the t radition but i s not fo l l owed in our 19. La-ment netmawwa' ba�xaba kaJ:!adeyan?
trans l i t erations . 20. Re ' ina s amayata ' en z a yetmal l e 'u mala ' ekta berhanawiyana .
21. Soba tesamme ' zanta, tetma" a ' fadfada .
44. 3 Hal lGbJa with the Subjunctive and Imperfect . Hal lGbJa is
22. ' I -tetma ' a ' dibeya ' esma ' akko ' ana za-gabarku z ant a .
used impersonal ly with an obj e c t (dative) suffix fol lowed by the Sub­ w
23. S ayf ' i -yetmayya� ' em - l a ' Hlkemu ' e ska yemawwetu k el lomu xat e ' iin .
j unctive to expre s s intention or obl igation. Thus hal lGbJomu ye�uru
24. M a ' ze-nu tetmayya�u ' em-xa! i ' atekemu west a fenota �edq ?
may be translated various ly as " they intend to go , they ought to go ,
25. Y e ' eta ' elata ' i - tetma�J:!aru ba-xaba fata�t ikemu .
t h ey are to go , they should go . " Less commonly hallGbJa may be in­
26 . Zentu we ' etu semu l a- ' Eg z i ' ab�e: za- ' i -yetnaggar .
fl e cted with a personal subj ect : hal loku ' e�ur I am/was to go .
27. Zati � alot tetnabbab ' emqedma yetnabab menbaba wangel .
Hal lGbJa may also be used with a following imperfe ct : hal lawa yenabbe�
28. Tanse ' i wa-J:!uri betaki wa- ' ana ' � awwer mes leki .
a construction with a wide variety of translat ion pos sibi l ities . It
2 9 . Te tnassa' wa-teg W ayyi Geb!?a ' esma yaxassesuka kama yeqt eluk a .
may be p ast or pre s ent durative (he i s /was s itting) or i t may expres s
30 . ' Ant a tetnassa ' wes t a s amay ' en z a taJ:!ayyu .
t h e immediate future ( h e i s about to sit , he i s going to sit) . It
31. Ma� ' u wa-nas ' ewwo 1 a-badnu �erruni t a ' emqedma yetqabar .
has occasional ly the int ent ion/ob l igation nuance of the subjunctive W w
3 2 . Sob a re ' ya k e1 10mu � ab a ' t ihu ' enza yetqattalu , farha wa-g ayya .
construction above . Only the context can determine its appropri ate
3 3 . Yedal l ewak emu kama tetqaSafu ba' enta zentu gebr .
value .
34 . We ' eta ' amira t e s s addadu wa-tetqatta1u ba' enti ' aya .
Exercises 35 . Wa-yessabbak zentu wange1 xaba ' a!?nafa medr .

.
36. ' Efaqqed ' es s ama ' ' emqedma ' es s adad ' em-medreya .
1. Yetfaqqar Kerestos ' e sma mahari we ' etu ; yetfarrah ' esma ' Eg z i '
37 . Ment a yes s ammay s emu l a-wa1deka?
" we ' etu .
3 8 . Yessamay zentu wal d ba- s ema ' abuhu .
2. Ba-ye ' eti ' e l at yekawwenu xa�e ' an kama za- ' i -yetfa!!ar .
39 . ' Axasses s afaye k ama yess afay sa' neya.
Hal lawa ' E g z i ' ab�er z a ' enba 1 a yet fa� ar ' alam o
3.
40 . Yes s aqqal salama ' a l am ba-faqadu l a- ' Egzi ' ab� er .
4 . Yetfatte�a ' a ' yentihomu wa-yere " eyu kebro 1 a- ' Amlak .
4 1 . Ba-zentu makan yes s aqqa1 madxenena ba-masqala ' e� ' enza yessawwa '
S.
Ma ' ze netfatt1il,l ' em-ma' as erina?
ba' e nta ' egWa 1 a ' erruna-�eyii.w.
6 . Yehubnkcmu zn yct faqq au .
4 2 . ' Antemu t e ssayya �u kama ' a1hemt west a ' edawa ' e l l a yemawwe ' ukemu .
7 . Z O l l l ll � ; I ,: :i y U I C:lq q a d [nJfada ' em-kwellu neway medrawi .
4 3 . Y 5 5 hh 1.'u w tr x � n w e ' i k emu westa ma��afa fetJ:! .
B. Zl' l I l l 1 'V I" , 0 ( I I ' l l '; m ;1 I " " a ' Ii l :'i t za-yetgabbaru ba-maxbarekemu .
� � . T t kk I It ymllno w t Cl ' £llb!lbikemu kama ' ed s enu ' wa-qawwam za-
'I. Mol l I " ,. " 0 1 1 1 1 1 1' • " 1111 , " l m / ! y o t g n l Jar
I sisayena.
,
' I -y k I n Il ' (lwd qoto .
I II 1\ 1 1 I I l l n\,,\>.I. 1 I II 1',1111111 ' . ' 1 1 ., ; 1 y t · l }', ; l l I l l a z .
' I l lI 1Il11�1'I1�
•

1 . /\ Y t WlldtlY li ft wos t a mexba' .

,
. 4 1, .
1 1 r ,' 1 . 1 . 1 , 1 1 1 l i ll i l 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 .1 ' , I l< i lv i t a gadfun .
I Ilk mi l
I .

li l t . I. U I I I II y ll l wuli l i u l > b n - � aga .

 209
LOK

[otuna kama ' i - t etrakab .

� '/ , 'I'lI xllhll ' Lesson 45
4 8 . Mo ta ' Uluqud ma yessa yam kahen
a.
4 9 . Wa- naoar a heyya ' en z a yet l a "
ak watra ba-qe dma ' E gz i ' ab�e r . 45 . 1 CG Verbs : The Remaining Forms . With the exception o f
w
S O . f'annokuka ' af ' a ' em-b eh�r" kama t et ' aqab ' em-k e llu mendabe . verbs from roots I I -W/ Y , al l C G verbs have the s ame underlyi�g pat­
5 ! . Zentu hegge
. ya za-ye t ' aqqab m a ' a l t a wa- l e l i t a . t ern in the Imperfect , Subj unctive, and Imperative stems . Not e how
w
annen .
. . ab qedma mak
5 2 . 8a-s. ebah. yess ahh closely these res embl e the forms of the corresponding G v e rb s , t hl'

5 3 . Rakabomu l a-w e ludi h u ' enza yet ' addawu ' emenna t e ' zaz1it a main di fference lying in the long -21- o f the prefix and tho s w h I ('

' Eg z i ' ab�er . vowel (-e-) o f the Subj uncti ve and Imperative . Stem- final - ('IJ IIlld
5 4 . ' Etxassas wa- ' i - Yetrakkab . -ey are treated as e l s ewhere .
5 5 . Yetkaray ' az aq t ba- z entu makan kama yekunana may .
w Root TyPe Perfe ct Imperfect Subjunctive TlllpOJ'l1 t I vn
5 6 . Y e s s amma' qal a b ekay ba-k e l l a h agar .
Sound ' anbara ycmabber Y21nber .J an/' I ' l '
Y21� zen
57. Hal l awana netxaba' . I -gut t . ' a�zana yaJ;zazzen ' ah::1'1/
5 8 . Hal l awo yet ' aw �q b a ' ent a
gebr atihu .
W I I - gutt . ' ab ' ala Y21be «el yah ' e l ' ali ' 0 1
5 9 . Geba r sannaya kama tetf aqar
b a-xab a k e l l omu s ab ' .
I I I -gutt . ' cun?e' a yama??e' YCun?e ' .J Cllf/:;(' �

60 . Radu westa me�maq wa-tat. amaqu

ba-s ema ' ab wa-w al d wa-ma nfas
I -w ' awrada yawarred yawred ' (1l,), Y'<1rl
qeddus . I I -W ' aqoma yaqa:uJUJem yiiqum ' aqwn
' aqcuna yiiqem ' aqem
I I -Y ' akeda yakayyed yakid ' akid
y'aked (rare) ' aked
I I I - IV ' al;zyroJa ya�ayyew- Y21J;zyew- ' a�yew-
I I I-Y ' abkaya yahakkey- Y21bkey- ' abkey-

The l ong -a- in the clos ed syl l ab l e o f the prefix is excepti onal . It
ari se's presumably from the l o s s o f ' in these form s , e. g. *ya' anber >

yanber.
There are no verbal nouns derived regu larl y from CG verbs other
than the ordinary infinitive ( see Lesson 30) , Occasional l y one en­
counters derived nouns of the pattern ' aqtal21 , e . g .

' ar' aya image , form, l ikeness , appearance ; tyP e , standard ,

norm, patt ern ; copy , trans cript i on .

This i s i n imitation o f a pattern properly belonging t o t h e 11 o r (i

system, which wi l l be t aken up in a lat er l es son .
Qld t e a number o f CG verbs have an agent noun ( o r :Id j l'l t I v ,- l or
t i r e pl1 t e rn s maqtel ( fern. -t) o r maqtaU (fern . -t) , T I lt" , , ' I I I'" "' 1 " l vt l ­

l Olll fO l'me, . The fo l l O\ving are the mos t frequenL from Ve' I' i > ' , I II I I', )

1110 " 111, , / , ( I J � l Iuw l ng , ski l l e d ; ( 2 ) a :.00 1 " " / 1 \" ' 1'
'i '

2 10 21 1

mabkey mourner (profes sional) �. Sall, i ' U '"U l,Ie zl> z an t a ' ankaru fadrada .
mafreh fear- inspiring, dreadful b. ' !C fo n a ' ammer
kama ma? ' at zat i ' e l at ?
ma�em gri evous , affl icting with grief or pain 7 . Yadakkemo zentu ?lirna .
ma�yew/ma�yawi l ife-giving , salvific B . ' I - tfun ' e 'o l a- ' egzi ' eka kama ' i -yezbe!ka .
W
ma�zen/m�zani The noun ma�zan
s addening, provoking sadnes s . 9. 'Aq rer ma " ataka ' emqedma t enbeb .
(cause of s adne s s ) i s used interchangeab ly with mahzen. 10. Ba-ye ' eti ' e l at ' i -yedexxen wa- ' i - ' ahadu-ni ' em-fetha ' Alil i ak .

mamker (pl . mamakert) counselor, advisor 11. Ya' attewukemu �eyawanikemu.

masmer/masmari p l eas ing (to : xaba, la� 12. Ma� ' a ganen l a ' l ehu ' enza yadawweyo .
mapmeq bapti zer; e sp . in Yo�annes Matmeq John the Bapti s t . 13. Ylirnehheruni ' e l lu ' ahzab .

A s noted ear l ier, s ome C G verb s have verbal nouns and adj e c - 14. Yaqattelewwo l a- ? adeq , wa- l a-xa! e ' yefatte�u ma ' aser.i hll .
t ives proper t o G verbs ( e . g . feqr, fequr , me <raf) . Not e , i n addi ­ 15. ' Adxenana ' Egzi ' o ' esma netmaw-w a' ' em-xaba ka�adeyan .

tion , 16. Zanta ' a ' exxez akemu westa l ebbekemu la- zelufu .
17. Wa-ba-we ' etu gize ' afal l es akemu ' em-hagarekemu feqert .
< eraft (pl . -at) f . m . rest , peace , quiet ; often a euphemism
l B . K W e l lu mamker yamakker mekra.
for death .
19. Ya� ayyewu ' e l l a yaqawwemu qal a k idaneya.
The pattern ' aqtali ( c f . qatali) is al so somet imes emp loyed as 20 . 'Antemu tanakkeru b a ' enta za- ' egabber qedmekemu .
an agent noun, but the form is not a productive one for CG verbs . 21 . Na ' beyo la-serna ' Amllik en a .
22. ' I -yafaqqer maswa ' t a za-tesawwe ' u lita.
Vocabul ary 45
2 3 . Ba' enta ment tamas s e luni nabiya .
' ankara CG to wonder , b e astonished, marvel (at : acc . or ' emenna , 2 4 . Warada t e ' mert ' em-samay ' enza yare " eyo mestira �egg �addis .
ba' enta, ba- , or a c l ause introduced by ' efo , kama , or ' esma) : 25 . Daxen-nu ' anta , ' o - ' abuna?
to find (something : acc . ) strange . Gt tanakra to be admired , 2 6 . Ya ' abbeyaka ' emenna k W e l l omu nagasta medr .
wondered at ; to s e em/b e s trange . G l t tanakara to be alien t o 27. ' I - tafrehomu l a-�ezb ba-qal at z a - k ama- z e .
( obj . suff . ) ; to renounce , repudi at e (obj . suff . ) . nakir ( s ee 2B. ' Am ? e ' ewwomu l ita k ama ' er ' ayomu .
Vo c . 34) . manker ( see Voc . 2 6 ) . 29 . Na ' reg maswa 'ta la- ' E g zi ' ab�er k ama ylirnu ' ana ba- ' e l l a ye� abbe ' u
dexna (yedx«a) to es cape safely ( from : ' emenna) ; to be s afe, unharmed; l a ' lena .
to be saved (in the re ligious s ense) . CG ' adxana to s ave , keep 30. Z eyya tekelu nabira ba-sallirn wa-dlixn .
safe , rescue ; to s ave (re I . sense) . dexun safe, unharmed ; 3 1 . Mannu za-ya ' addewana z anta gadama?
s.aved (re I . s ense) ; immune to , free o f e emenna) . daxen adj . 32. Yafa�!enu yegabberu salama mes l ena .
s afe , who l e , sound, unharmed . dCixn safety, wel l -being, s ecur ­ 3 3 . ' I -tan ' esu !ebaba ma�a�efta qadamt .
ity. daxna/dexna i dem . madxen = madxani s avior , redeemer . 34 . ' I -tar�equ �eggeya ' em-xabekemu.
madxanit m . f. salvat ion, s afety, redemption . 3 5 . Tanak arewwo l a-�eggena wa- l a-ge ' z ena .
36. Xaba mannu ta 'aqqeb newayak a?
Exercises 37. Yag W ayyi s ab ' a ' afras ihomu ba-ferhat 'abiy .
1. Ila- ' ayy nagar ' a ' ammenakemu? :I/l . ' A l l t [, - nu t 1i n n h i J e h l an a um t a ma l ' ekta?
2. ' I - t abzexu :) ') . Y ii l'l l k kt'h ni< ClII l I zenLu llIu s h a f b e ' l a manfasawe .
, , r wg i r a .

3 . T il l c i l lw q z � t a . (',.1 a ' C � h fl t enawwex . ,I I I , >: " W ,, " > ! I I ' " , , �; I,I { l r 1 > : 1 ' on L a lIIa d xan i t a ' alam .
. 1 :1 ' , " I • . I , i I , :i y " 1 > ; 1 /, ?i t i ' c l at
� . X:II " , 'i" I " i ,II" I>,II' ' : " I I'l' I > ' c z nak a . ,I I , I ' en z a tesawwem .
 213

W
�2. ' l'i !� a l J l l e r 1 1l - l " c ' seya manbara z a-warq . /11. ' '' :; ' 1 1 1 1 '111 E I l ·., ·.' 1l I.': t i.t ii y wil - ycfarreh k e l l u l eb b .
� 3 . ' Az zazomu kama yITnberu segahu heyya . SO . ' I yi'it"va red zcnrillla ba gi zehu .
w
44 . La-mcnt t5rakk esu b6teya qeddusa ? 81 . l ' iJ l l I l"Wa yab ? cl!lma hagara .
' ug l J c r l i i tu
w
4 5 . Nisuromu ' a�wirina . 82 . ' I:gz j ' a hllcr yikchhe l ana ba-k e l l u za-nefaqqed .
.
4 6 . ' A ' regewIVomu westa ' arafta � eqm z a-hagar . 8 3 . Yiinux ' Eg z i ' abl:or rnawa ' e l ikemu diba medr .
4 7 . Qoma westa �amar ' enza yihadde ' ma ' ba1ita bi�r ba-qalu. 84 . ' Asne ' u ' albibikemu wa- ' i -t e frehu .
48 . ' Arte ' u feniIVikemu wa-megbirikemu kama ' i -t emutu . 85 . Soba yenaggeruka, ' anta ' i -tiwasse ' .
W
4 9 . ' I - tinded ' es sata ' eska yeq arrer 161it . 8 6 . ' Ab e ' ewwomu z cyya wa- ' anberewwornu qedmeya .
5 0 . ' I -yitarref z entu negus ' ekuy ' a�ada ' ern-�e zben a . 8 7 . Yake�0edo nagareka ' �menna fa�arihu .
5 1 . ' A ' refi z eyya ' eska yigabbe ' omu 1 a-we 1udiki . 88 . 'Al I i ' iqaddem ' ema!1 ? e ' xabekemu .
5 2 . Ba ' enta ment kama - z e ti�ammema 1a-nafseya ' E gz i ' o ? 8 9 . Yebe lomu kama ya� ne�u lotu hamar a .
5 3 . Tinaddeyaka ziti �ey\vat z a ' enba1a ke1 ' at . 9 0 . Z anta xasira yaxal l ef ' em-dibena wa-naxadder ba-sallim 1 a - z c l u fl l .

5 4 . Yirexxu ' E gz i ' ab�er masakewa s amiy wa-yawarred zenima . w

B . 1 . ga!1 ? rnafreh 1 0 . mak annen mi ' mera l!el-lH
5 5 . La-ment tanikarkemeWIVi 1 a - t ebaba ' abawikernu?
W 2 . z eb�at ' abiy wa-mihmem 1 1 . ma!mequ l a - ' Iyasus
56 . Ti ' awwedo l a- ' awidika west a k e 1 lu b a�iwert .
3. manfas qeddus mahyawi 1 2 . wangel mi�yew
5 7 . Westa z entu makin ti�anne� l i t a beta �addi s a .
4 . zena ma�zen 1 3 . ma�aleya mabkeyan
5 8 . Wa- ' emdexra z entu mendibe ' anta t anaffes ' em-xasira ' i l am .
5 . mamker t ab i b 14 . hemam rnih z en
5 9 . ' I -tas�etomu l a - �ezbeya ' em- ' eqbata �eggeya .
6 . �ey\vat masmert l a - ' Egz i ' ab0er 1 5 . rna' mera t a ' amer
6 0 . ' At ' emana nestita fere .
7 . motu l a-Yo�annes Ma�meq 1 6 . ' ar ' aya ga ? ? u
6 1 . Ye ' et a ' amira ni ' al'/Weqaka kidina �addisa .
8 . nebab mih zani 1 7 . Kunomu ' ar ' ayi .
w
6 2 . Wa-ba - g i zehi yi�ayyewomu l a-k e l lomu mewutin xebura . W
9 . g eyyi marnikert ihu 1 8 . ' ar' ayi mashafa nabiyit
0 3 . F aqadu kama yingesewwo li' l ehomu .
W
64 . Tis ammi hagareka westa k e l l i medr .
w
6 5 . Rakabewwo ' enza ya�arnmeqomu l a-k e l lomu [Jez b .
66 . ' Ab ' e l ana ba-neway manfasawi , ' o - ' Eg z i ' ena .
6 7 . ' I -tah zeno l a - ' abuka b a-�eywatu.
68. Saba t ewaddeq ' anta, nahu ' ana ' anasse ' aka.
6 9 . La-yasrnerka mekreya z a - ' enaggeraka ' o -negus .
70 . ' I -taw' i beteya .
7 1 . ' I -tibkeyana ba- zenika �ezun ' o - ' aragay.
7 2 . ' Amutani ' esma ' i -yefaqqed ' e�yaw .
7 3 . We ' et a gize tina!1!1eru manga l a bet eya wa-teb akkeyu .
7 4 . Wa-ti�e��efo z anta te ' zaza diba ' ebn ' abiy.
75 . Tawadde' ewwo ' af ' a ' em-betu wa-tewaggcrewwo ba- ' ebn .
76 . ' I - tibl eyu ' asa ' enikcmu , ' esma 'i -yekmv\venukemu kal e ' in .
W
7 7 . ' Akber ' ab�J.. a Iva- ' ellllllaka k e l l o mawa ' ela l!ey\vatomu .
78. ' AnalV\Vl'IIIU hL' L I I X : t . :i 1ll:t L I J.. : I IIl:t ' i -ye r ' ay deqata hagar wa-fel sata
 .' 1 .1 215

46 . 3 The Numbers Above Ten .

L e s s on 46
(a ) 1 1 -19. The gender d i s t inctions noted with the un i t s
arc preserved i n t h e t e ens . Thus ,
�6 . 1 0 Verbs : Imperfe ct , Subjunctive , and Imperat ive . The
i n f l ected forms o f 0 verbs exh ibit such regu l arity regardl e s s of root mascul ine : <asartu wa-' a�adu feminine : < asru wa-' a�atti 11
type that an extended exp o s i t ion is unnece s s ary . <asartu wa-ke Z' etu <asru wa-keZ' e 12

Root Type P erfect

<asartu wa-saZas tu <asru wa-saZas 1 .3
I mp erfect Sub j unctive Imperative
Sound fa??ama yeje??em yefa?I?em fassem When days of the month are enumerated (ordinal or card inal ) , l l l l'

I - Gut t . , azzaza ye' ezzez ya' azzez , azzez forms <asur wa-s«auy , <asur wa-saZus , etc . are used .
I I - Gut t . mahhara yemehher yemahher mahher (b) 2 0 - 9 0 . The t ens are based on the corresponding un i I ';
yemehher mehher with the ending -ii, e x c ept ing 2 0 , where the base o f 1 0 i s u s od :
I I I -Gutt . nasseha yenesseh yenasse� nasse�
20 <esra 50 xamsa 80 samClnyii
I -W wassaka yewessek yewassek wassek
30 saZasa 60 sessa 90 tas <ii, tes <a
I I -W fawwasa ye[eUJUJes yefawwes fawwes
40 , arbe <a; 70 sab <ii
I I -Y tayyaqa ye�eyyeq ye �ayyeq tayyeq
I I I -W fannawa ye[ennew­ yefannew­ fannew­ The s e are unmodified for case or gender . Uni t s are s imp l y added , but
I I I-Y rassaya yeressey- yerassey- rassey- the normal gender d i s t i n ct i ons are retained :

As e l s ewhere , st ems in -eUJ - and -ey- become -u and -i r e spect i v e l y 21 <esrCt. wa-' a�adu/' a�tti
\"hen no further ending or suffix i s added . T h e inf l e c t i on o f a l l o f 22 'esrCt. wa-ke Z' etu/ke Z' e etc .
t h e above forms i s t h e s ame as t h at o f t h e corre sponding G verbal
(c) 100 i sme' t (p l . ' am' at) . 1000 is norma l l y expressed
forms , inc luding the add i t ion of obj ect suffi xes .
as 1 0 hundred : 'asartu me't, 2000 as 20 hundr ed , <esra me' t , e t c .
46 . 2 The N ames o f the Month s . The trad i t i onal Ethiop i an calen­ Cd) Ordin a l s above ten may be expre ssed b y cardinal s .
dar con s i s ts o f twelve months of t h i rty days plus a thirt eenth month There are , howeve r , s e p arat e ordinal forms o f the t ens : 'esrawi 20th,
of five days (or s i x in l e ap years ) . New Year ' s Day fa l l s on S ept em­ saZasawi 30th , etc .

ber 11 of our cal endar and the months are ordered as fo l l ows : In Ethiop i c t e x t s the numbers are frequen t l y represented by
,
'I figures ( s e e above, page 7 ) ; these must , of cour s e , be read \"ith
I ' Maskaram Sept . 11 - O c t . 1 0 Miyazya Apr . 9 - May 8
the approp riate card inal o r ordinal form .
!eqemt O c t . 1 1 - Nov . 9 Genbot �1ay 9 - June 7
Xediir Nov . 1 0 - De c . 9 Sene/Sene June 8 - J u l y 7
Vocabulary 46
De c . 1 0 - J an . 8 ljamZe July 8 - Aug . 6
payyaqa 0 to examine , o b s e rve c l o s e l y , scrutin i z e , inve s t i g at e , ex­
ferr J an . 9 - F eb . 7 Nahase Aug . 7 - Sept . 5
Pal emen
plore; to ascertain by examining . CD J atayyaqa to inform
Yakatit F eb . 8 - Mar . 9 Sept . 6 - Sept . 10
( someon e : obj . suff . ) of ( some thing : acc . d i r . obj . ) . Dt
Maggabit Mar . 10 - Apr . 8
tapayyaqa to s e e k certainty, try to make sure ; a l s o pas s i ve :
The dat e s g i ven arc o n e day a ft e r lhose o f D .i. l l mann (Lexioon passim) , to be a s certained , found out for sure .
who a l l ows for the bog i nn i nf< o r :, d ay at l i l e sun s e t o f the prev i ous r;aZ laya 0 to pray ( t o : xaba , qedma ; fo r : ba' e n ta , lii <Za , d1� 1>(l ) , to
/"
day . A s i de from Par (,,,i'i"Il , w l , i " l , i " 1 ' 1 ' < 1111 C l' e e k epagomena i , the ori gin pray for ( s omethin g : acc . di r . obj . ) .
of the month name s i ·, '1'1 1 I " "I ,·" I I I ,. : I I I II! ; I I I Y 1 1 1 '; 1 : ! n c e s they represent
bag ' ( f . bage <t ; p I . ' abiige < ) sheep , I flmb .
nominal fo r m .... I I n l 1 1 1" ' 1 1 1 ' 1 ' II ' I II t I I I I oi l 1 , 1 1 I � '. I I ; q! (' .
2 16
217

Exerci s es 3 3 . ' T - L e g asse� ani ' a1 1 a gas s e � o l a- ' exuya

.
A. 1 . La-mannu nere s s eyo nagase l a ' l en a ? 34 . Rakabk e\�;omu ' en z a ye e l l eyu wa- yebakk
� eyu diba mutani homu.
2. ' En z a yene s s e�u qarbu w a - s agadu l otu . B. 1. ' asartu wa-k e l ' etu rad ' 9 . s arnanya me ' t � aba ' t
3. ' I -maftew kama nema!!ewa l a -hagar westa ' edawihu l a - z entu ,
2. asru wa -kel ' e hagar 1 0 . xamsa wa- xame s tu xebest
kahadi . 3. t e sra ' a zaqt 1 1 . ba- ' asur wa-s amun l a -warx
W
4 . T egabberu k e l l o z a- ' e ' e z z e z ak emu . 4 . t as ' a wa-tes ' u bag ' 1 2 . J ama ' asur wa- x amus l a - warxfI
S . M annu za-ye' emmerana fenota? S . salasa wa-s amiintu sayaH G enbot
W w
6. Mannu yek ennen mak anenta? 6. ' asartu wa - sa 1 astu war e z a ,
1 3 . ba- e5ra wa-rabu ' 1 a -�lag g ?i I J ; 1
7. ' Ana ' ehel lu mes l ek emu l a - z e lufu . 7. ' a s artu me ' t mal a " ekt 14. ' arna t asu ' u l a- � c l mn t ll M ; y � z y �
8 . S aww e ' l i t a s afaye . Tabatka qenateya . 8 . me ' t wa - s ab ' a faras I S . ' ama s anuy l a-w ar x a '!'cqulIIl
9 . H a l l o watra yehewwesomu l a -mahaymenan ' e l l a beta Kere st iyan .
1 0 . N a � � er ge ' z a �adeq kama t a ' mer � edqa .
1 1 . : ayyequ ma� a� efta � abiban qadamt .
1 2 . ' Emenna mannu t etmahh aru 5 a ' 5 a ' a ?
1 3 . R a s s e yu ma5wa ' t a diba meswa ' wa-�uru ' af ' a ' em - z entu makan .
1 4 . ' En z a yege ss e � ana y eb e l ana b e zuxa ba ' enta qadamt ina .
I S . N ebar zeyya ' e ska t e fe ? ? em gebraka .
1 6 . N e fewwesa 1 a-nafs eka ba- ' emnat wa-ba- feqr, wa- ' akko b a - 5eray .
1 7 . Wehibaka Ii ta warqa 5e! , ' eme!! ewaka z a - t a5aya!ka .
1 8 . Te!eyyequ ' al babikemu wa-ba�tu ' i -t erakkebu � edqa .
1 9 . ' Axa zku ' enas s e � b a ' enta xa! i ' ateya .
20. ' A z z a z o kama ye fannewo 1 a-\valdu westa gadam .
2 1 . L a-ment t e faqqedu tefannewuni ' enza ' ana ' edawwi wa- ' edakkem?
22. ' E fo ne!eyyeq ' amana b a ' enta z entu r a ' y za-re ' i k a?
2 3 . Nesa' zanta marxo wa-s awwero ' em- ' a ' yenta s ab ' .
2 4 . Mehherana m� leta hadd i s a .
25. ' I - ye faqqed kama ' emahherka wa- ' i -menta-ni .

2 6 . Ba-ye ' eti ' e l at yes ewwer � a�ay berhano wa-yeh e 1 1u s el mat b a -
W
k e l l a medr .
2 7 . La-ment tere s s i ' a � wara za-kama - z e dibena?
28. ' I - t e fe � �em mawa ' e l a simateka b a - s a l lim .
2 9 . Soba ycba� � c�ani ' e l ata moteya, � awwe� ' anta be ' s i t eya wa­
wal deya kama ' i -ye ssaya�u kama ' agbert .
30 . L a - n () � a l l ; xab" ' [ g 7. 1 ' cl1a b a ' cntn dcwuyanina .
31 . N ; I S � l' rt l 1,,"; I ; t , : tlll � y wa-\ ayycqu ' ud a t a � a � ay wa-rnerwa� a kawakebt
1 " ' 11 1 , 1 1 '1 ' 111 1 ' 1 ' 1 1 1 " l l I'l i I I I ' I ' H Z ; ' l I bl}l' " wa-! cbabo .
I, . ' . ' I I l I ' l n( 11 1 1 1 1 1· . 1 1111 ' ;111 1 I , ,'II,t l l ll 1II1 " , i t' ll:! h n -\oJe ' etu gi z e .
 2 19

47. 3 0 V erbs : V erbal Nouns . There are about nine noun p at ­

L e s s on 4 7 terns regu l ar l y used t o form verbal nouns from 0 verb s . These fa l l
into four groups according t o the s t em :
47 . 1 0 V erb s : Verbal Adj ectives . These are normal ly o f the
( a) qette Z , qette Z a , qette Zat , qette Zenna :
patt e rn qettu Z , with an occas ional qattU (e . g . �addis) or qattcd
fesse�o. j oy , happ i ne s s ( c f . fessu� above ) ,
( e . g . sannay ) :
nesse�o. repentance , regre t , pen i t ence .
' ezzuz commanded, ordered ( o f person or thing) . Note the e x ­ ? ewwe ' o. cal l , summons , invitation .
pres s i ons qeddeso.t holine s s , s an c t i t y , s acredne s s ; frequent i l l t: O I l ' . 1 1'1 1 ,' 1

' ezzuz (we' e tu) kama + Subj . It has b e en commanded that phrases : , e . g . hagara qeddeso.t holy c i ty .
ba-kama ' ezzuz (ba-xaba) as has been commanded (by) qeddesenno. = qeddesat.
' ebbuy arrogant , ins o l ent , haughty ( c f . O t ta ' abbaya) . v
senn beauty ( i f reduced from a form *senni) .
fennew s ent .
(b) qetto. Z , qetto.le , qettaZe (with short - a- ) :
fe ssu� happy, j oyous , rej o i cing ( cf . Dt tafasse�a) .
fenna ( from *fennaw? ) a l e s s frequent synonym 0 1" }," II" I ,
fe?�um don e , accomp l ishe d , comp l eted , fu l fi l l e d , consummate d ;
a l s o used in the expres sion fenna sark enr Iy ('V, 1 1 1 1 1 )\ .
perfect , who l e , comp l ete .
The noun fenot , b e c au s e of i t s re lat i o n s h i p w I t Ii 1 1," II
gessu? (wel l - ) instructed , l e arned .
W verb fannawa, shou l d probably b e read as j'e rmu L (/"u', '
k ennun j udged , condemned , subj e ct to punishment .
the Tradit ion) ; t h e p l ural forms fennaw and [r'l1lli'ih);'
meppew handed over , d e l ivered .
( s i c) are a l s o fe l t to be the plural s of fenna .
neasuh repent ant .
fessCime consummat ion , end , completion , perfe c t i o n .
r'essuy prepared , made ready ; equipped (with : ba-) .
�ewwo.?e v i s i t , v i s i t at i on , attent ion .
sewwur hidden , covered, conceal ed .
ne??are a look , g l an c e , vi ewing ; s i ght ( abi l ity to s e e ) .
?ewwu ' summoned , invited .
qeddase s anctifi cation , con s e crat ion ; the s acred s e rv i c e or
sennuy adorn e d , d e cked out , love l y .
l iturgy .
teyyuq perceptive ; accurat e ; certain, sure ; a s adv . peyyuqa
?ewwa 'e ? eWWe 'a abov e .
=

accurat e l y , careful l y , preci s e l y , exact ly . Wennane (pl . -yo.t) j udgment , condemnat ion , pun i s hment .
k
47 . 2 0 Verb s : Agent Nouns . These are of two types : qattaZi
(c) qattaZa ( c f . qataZa from G verbs : xasasa , �atato.) .
( qu i t e rare) and maqatte L For 0 v e rb s occurring thus far on l y the
' abbasa s i n ( s e e Vo c . b e l ow) ,
fo l lowing are o f any importan ce :
dammano. c l oud ( s ee V o c . b e l ow) .
mafawwes phys i ci an . nassa�i (one who i s ) p enit ent.
( d) qatte Z (prop e r l y the infinitive b as e w i thout the ter­
magasse? t each e r , instruct or . masanney the best ( o f) , the
minal -0 ) :
w best part (of)
mak annen ( s ee V o c . 5 ) .
fawwes cure , healing ( o ften f i g . ) ; medi c i n e , medj cat i on
mamehher ( f . - t ) t eacher .
B e cause such pairs as qetZ/qette Z and qetZat/qe tteZai ure In
Mamehher is tradit iona l l y read mamhel' . The noun masagger a l s o be ­
d i s tinguishab l e in Ethiop i c s cript , only the under! yin g v e r l l ( C 0" I) )
l ongs to thi s group , al though the rel ated verb is ei ther CG ' asgara
can determine the proper form . Even then one cannot i I " C" ,' t l l i l l .
o r CO ' asaggara to cast ne t s , f i s h , to c ap t ure by t rapping . Note
s in ce l anguages are not always con s i s t ent . When t h r r , ' " \ " " / 1 "' " 1 1 11 1 > 1 . .
also G t taso.gra to b e cap L u " "J , l' I I � I I ' "'vd ( u s ee! I I I ljui te a wide sens e ) ,
1 doub t , w '-' l i a v " l i sted both po s s ib i l i t i e s i n t h e I . c' x i , ' I I I ' , I , " , I", I I, , ,
: I II and masgart (p I. ma?1a:I,' l ' ) ', 1 1 :1 1" ' . ,"'I . 1 1' , ' 1 ' .
,
s a k e 0 1 " , i ll'l, I I C ' i t y o n c form has b een u :, cd i l l I I" , " ;1 " ' , 1 1 , , , , , , 1 , , , , " I
no 221

the text s . It shoul. d b e noted t oo that the ending -enna , a l though 8. l I () s s a l,l a k a wa-xedgata xa! i ' at eka
frequently associ ated with verbal nouns of 0 verb s , is used a l s o to 9 . qeddesenna z entu makan
derive nouns from G verbs and from m i s ce l l aneous (frequent ly quadri ­ W
1 0 . ba- ' e l ata k ennanekemu
l it e r a l ) base s : E . g . Kerestenna Chris t i anity ; dengelenna virg i n i t y ; 1 1 . fawwesu l a- dewuy
yawhenna gent l eness ( c f . G yawha t o b e gent le) ; re s' enna old a g e ( c f . 1 2 . fawwe somu l a - ' ekuyana l ebb ' em- ' abbasahomu
G ras ' a to grow o l d) ; lehqenna o l d age (G lehqa) . 1 3 . fe � � ame �en � ata hagara qedde satihu
The same is true o f the ending -an, s ometimes as s o c i ated with 0 1 4 . � ewwa � ehu l a - ' Eg z i ' abJ:er xaba ;;adeqan wa-rat e ' an
verb s , as in se l�an power , authority (0 s alla p a t o exer c i s e power ) , w
B. 1 . mak annen ' ebbuy 1 2 . mamehh er ma�ari
but more frequen t l y as s o ci at ed w i t h G verb s , as in be 'dan change ,
2 . manbar ressuy l a� k ebru 1 3 . hagarit me � � ew l a -milw;" i 11.1
be4'an b e at i ficat i o n , berhan l i ght , ge 'zan manumi s s ion , res 'an for­
3 . mal ' ekt fe � � um 1 4 . b e ' s it fe s se � t wa - � 1 1 1 1 1 1
g e t fulne s s , 'erqan nakednes s , fe ltan s p l itting , divi ding , and other s .
4 . ' arda ' ge ssus an 1 5 . bet res suy l a- n eh l' n l o l«'11I1 I
47 . 4 0 Verbs : Nouns with Prefixed M- . Thes e appear to be the 5 . xal afi � ewwu ' l a-baw i '
W
1 6 . xa!e ' an k ennun?t1l WII ' I
s ame pattern used for G derivat ives (meqtal) ; the Tradition , however, 6 . makan s ennuy l a- ' abiy b a ' a l nessuh1in
reads meqettal and we vocal i z e accordingl y : 7 . masanneya warazutihomu 1 7 . nas s a�i fetu�

mekwennCin p l ac e of j udgment , court , tribunal ; j ud i ci a l d i s ­ B . mex � ab s ewwur ' em-xal afeyan l B . marahi gessu � Iv a - s cmuy
tri ct , hence , more genera l l y , province , prefectur e . 9 . b e ' s i J:emmum wa-nass 1iJ: i 1 9 . sam1i ' i fe ;; � um

mesewwar h i dden p l ace , h i d i ng p l ac e . 1 0 . mafawwes � ab i b b a-megbaru 2 0 . maga ss e � ' ekuy

me? e l lay pl ace to pray, chap e l . 1 1 . l a ' k fennew w e s t a hagar 2 1 . senna ga � � u

mesennay = masanney above . C . 1 . La-ment t1iza l l efu ' abbes o l 1i ' l eya wa-t a ' adewo ' em-�egageya?
2 . Ba- zentu qal wa�ana samay dammeno wa-ne ' sa berh1ina �aJ:1iy .
Vocabul ary 4 7 w
3 . Was adewwomu w e s t a mek enn1in , wa-t arakibomu ma ' abbe s 1ina
qaddasa 0 to s anctify , make or regard as holy (ace . dir . obj . ) ; t o W W
tak annanu k ennane ' abiya wa- ' e ;;uba .
perform s acred o ff i ce s . Dt taqaddasa pas sive . 4 . � addasu hagaromu wa-�ana;;u r eqma ;; enu ' a ' awd1i .
�addasa 0 to renew, renovate , restore . Ot tahaddasa passive . 5 . F a � � imana � en � ata bet a maqdas , qaddasnahu ba- ' ab iy fe ss aha.
dammana 0 to become c l ouded (esp . of face , fi g . ) ; to be obscured by 6 . ' Albo mes eww1ir z a -yesewwer re ' so bo o
c l ouds . demmun c l ouded, obs cured by c l ouds . 7 . La-yetqatal za-ye ' ebb e s l a ' l a t e ' zazata ' E g z i ' ab J:er .
' abbasa 0 to commit a crime or s i n (against : la <la , la-) . ' abbasi w
B . ' Ab eJ:ewwo kama yefannu ' ax1ihu xaba mak annen .
ma' abbes s inner , criminal . ' abbasa (pl . -t) s i n , crime . 9 . Yahabka ' Eg z i ' ena s alama wa-t e ' inna kama teb � aJ: west a fe �� lime

l,l eywateka ba-fes s e l}1i .

Exerci ses
1 0 . Te J:eddesu ba ' a l at a z a -xadaggemu , wa-tedaggemu ' anbebo ma�a�efta
A. 1 . � ewwe ' a l a-nesse � a W
qeddusat k e 1 1 0 ' amira.
2 . fes s amehu la- � en � ahomu W
1 1 . Kun nessuJ:a \,a- ' i - tekun k ennuna.
3 . qeddase betu l a - ' E g z i ' ab� er \'
1 2 . Kuni fe � � emt ba-k el lu z a - t egabberi .
4 . fe sseha za- l a - ' 1ilam z a ' enba l a I}azan 1 3 . Kawino ge ssu � a wa-ma ' mera J: egg , ' axaza mehherot omu 1 a - ' ahzaba
5. ' e skafonna s 3rk z 3 - zati ' e l at hagaru .
(, . h a - rcssl'h:i ' '' h i y IV:I h , , - m:ih l c t [o ssuh I II . ' I y1thnwwcl.l omu J a fennewan kama yeb a ' u xabehu .
�/ . I l l " . '�" I I :1 II \v " I I II III;j � I . , I n ' 1 1 : 1 J c" .
' 1'. 1 1 : . 1 V l" . : l h h , · k I " ' s s ()h�i wa-xedgata xa� i ' at , s awwe' omu l a - h c zb .
 223

48 . 3 ell Verbs . The s t em forms fo l l ow those of D verb s and

L e s son 4 8
present no unusual feature s . There are no regu l arly d e r i ve d verb a l
nouns or adj e c t ives .
48. 1 Dt Verbs : I mperfect , Sub j unct ive , and Imperat ive . The s e
fo l l ow t h e corresponding forms o f t h e D verb except for t h e -a- i n P erfect I mp e r fect Sub j unctive I mp e rut i V ('
t h e final s t em syl l ab l e . ' akw annana W
yak ennen yakW annen , akwanrullL
I mp erative
, asannaya yasenney­ yasanney­ " aSClJl1I1'! I'
Root Type P erfe ct I mp erfe ct Sub j unct ive
Sound tafa??cuna yetj'eHcun ye tfa??cun tafa??cun , asaff(]1;}a yaseffew- yasaffew- , oon}']'. '/,/-
I -G ut t . ta' azzaza yet' ezzaz yet' azzaz t« azzaz 48 . 4 Independent Personal Pronouns . There are t h r e o S I' 1 ' i " ' , ,,1

I I -Gutt . tcunahhaY'a yetmehhar ye tmahhar tcunahhar independent pronouns i n addi t i on t o the subj ect forms g i ven I II I ., , , , ' , , , "

tcunehheY'a 6.
I I I -Gut t . tanasse�a yetnessa.� yetnassa� tanassa� ( a) Subj ect : ZaZiya laZina (b) D i rect Obj . : kiyaya
I -IV t(]1;}assaka ye"twessak ye"twassak tawassak ZaZika ZaZikerrru kiyu/<u k i!l;i k" IlfI I
I I -IV tafCJ);}Wasa y et;tewwas yetfCJ);}Was tafCJ);}Was laliki ZaZiken kiyalo; k i !/file, ' 1 /
I I -Y ta �ayyaqa y eHeyyaq yeHayyaq tatayyaq ZaZihu Zalihorrru /<iyahu k-i yniLollnl
I I I -W tafann(]1;}a yetj'enn(]1;} yetfann(]1;} tafannaw laZihCi laZihon kiyahCt. kiyZ!hon
I I I -Y tarassaya yetY'essay yetY'assay tarassay (c) P o s s e s s ive :
Mas c . s in g . referen ce F ern . s in g . reference P l ura l reference
48. 2 Dt Verb s : V erbal Noun s . Whi l e no verbal adj e ct ive or
zi' aya , enti' aya , e Ui' aya-
agent noun is derive regu l ar l y from Dt verb s , there are two verbal
zi' aka ' enti' aka , e Z Zi' aka
noun s o f relat ive l y h i gh frequen c y : teqte U and taqtal :
zi' aki , enti' aki , e Ui' aki
te' zaz ( a l t ered from the p at tern taqtaZ ; V o c . 2 4 ) . zi' ahu e t c . , enti' ahu e t c . ' e Ui' ahu etc .
taf?Ct.met (with added -et) con s ummat ion, end , comp l et ion , per­
The s ub j e ct forms are t h e l e as t frequent and are emp l oyed on l y
fe ct ion .
when a s t rong emphas i s or contrast i s requi red . They a r e u su a l l y
tagscll� (pI . -at) rebuk e , reproach ; instru c t i on , educat ion .
app o s i t i onal t o other pronominal markers (e . g . verb subj e ct s , other
teY'si t equipment of any s or t : cl othing, ornaments , furn i s h ­
independent pronoun s ) and correspond to the Eng l i sh intensive pro­
ing s , trapp ings .
noun s :
tawsak (p l . -at) addit ion , supp l ement , any added part .
temheY't (p l . -at) what i s t aught , doctrine , t e ach i n g ; study , Re' ikewwo laZiya. I mys e l f s aw him .
l earning . We' etu lalihu ' Egzi' ena we' etu . He hims e l f is our S avior.
te <bi t arrogance , i ns o l en c e , haught ines s .
be used to modify a n oun :
Very rare l y , they may ZaZihu qaZeka your
tefse�t (pl . -at) j oy , happ iness . very wor d .
tasja ( for * tas�aw) hope , exp e ctat ion (of, for : xaba , diba , forms are emp loyed either for emphas i. s , ;
The d i. r e c t o b j e c t flS II
Za- ) .
J(i!lfikll l'(" inu , ' akko k-iyahu.
t
IVe s aw you , not him .
tagharo p roduct , cre;] t ; on ; Ivork , l abor; commerce , busine s s .

ft
or to (,x I ' ''' ' '''' t i l<' d i r e c t obj e ct of the p erfective act ive p a l' l i c i l ' l l '
The noun tc/,}/ ('rlrl ( {'o r ' -.11 ) appc., r s t o b e long to this patt ern , a l ­
t h o l ll�I1 Illl )'1' 1 ;1 / , ' . \ III v " I I , " " '. 1 , ; t il<' ' ;)lIIe ; � t rue for the part l y
({fa i i /" 1 0 1'111 ) :

!
I, :Iii, /. / I I , /1 )
I,
� y l l < l " yll" " ' " , O J • Having s l a L n I 1 i lll . I", 1 1 ,, 0 1 .
 225

I l o t II Inl UlIl anti k iyahu (or other third p erson forms) are used occa­
Les s on 4 9
sional ly I. i thout reference to case to emphasi z e a noun :

the man himsel f , the very man. 49 . 1 L , C L , and Lt Verbs : The Remaining Forms .
be' si kiyahu/lalihu
The possessive forms are quit e frequent . Most important to Perfect Imperfect Subjunctive Imperative
note is their pronominal (not adj ectival) status (mine , yours , hi s , L miisana yemiisen yemiisen masen
hers , e t c . ) ; a noun must stand i n the construct before them, as i n Lt tamiisana yetmiisan yetmiisan tamaBan
CL ' amiisana y arniis en yarniisen .Jamascn
beta zi' aya my hous e , the/a house of mine
be' sita ' enti' aya my wife , a wife o f mine [The Tradition has a doub l ed s econd radi cal in a l l I mp e r fc c L f ' () I 'I!I'; :

' agberta ' e Z Zi' aya (the) servants of mine , my servant s , yemi'issen et c . ]
The verbal adj e ct ive i s of the p attern qutu Z : muaun cr .
un l e s s they are used predi catively as true pronoun s :
musent) .
Zentu bet zi' aya we' e tu. Thi s house i s mine . The agent noun , if it exi s t s , is usual ly of the p a t t e r" qii t. ii l i :

They are frequent ly preceded by za- , which may be t aken as a rel at ive mi'isi'ini ; maqi'iteZ is a l s o a p o s s i b l e patt ern .
Verbal nouns are l imited to j ust a few types , quti'iZe , qute l a ,
ma? �af za-zi' aya the book which i s mine , my book
and qiitiiZ being the most frequent . Li sted below, for refe rence , are
or a nomina l i z ed re l ative : the attested forms for the more important L verbs that wi l l be encoun­
We shall possess that whi ch is h is . tered in the readings .
Yekawwenana za-zi' ahu .
Perfect Verbal Adj . Verbal Noun Agent Noun
Vo c abul ary 4 8
to perish masana musun musena masiini
tarassaya Dt to put on (somethin g : acc . dir. obj . ) as a garment , to t o mourn Ziihawa Zu�ew/Ze�ew (la�J
don (acc. dir. obj . or ba- ) ; to get read� prepare one s e l f (for : to res cue baZe�a baZahi
ba-) . to conso l e nazaza nuzaze nazQ;zi
tagabbara Dt to l abor, toi l , work ( i ntrans . ) ; to produce ( somethin g : t o a s sociate tasatafa sutuf suta]e
acc. dir . obj . ) by l abor ( l i teral or figurat ive) ; t o work the to es tabl i sh sarara surur/serur
v_
surare
�-
saran
ground, to farm ( acc . of medr or garaht, fie ld) . to l abor Efarnawa sarna
to b l es s baraka buruk bura.ke
to show mercy tasa.haZa (sahZJ
to vex strqaya (seqay J
V c rbal nuuns and adj e ct ives proper to the G verbal system some t i Jlles
('x i s t Co r roo t s I.hose actual verbal forms are L . The fo l l owing ti l'
<; ( . I'Ve 1I\(' n t i on :

" ,m d" 1 1 'pl . ii I.) b l c !; s i ng , prosperity.

I d�1 1III II I I ' I I i l l H , f'.r i , ' v i l l )!, (ap paren t ly from * Za�w) .
;;1 //, 1 t1ln n y , ,· I I · IIH ' I I \� y .

fI/' Ii�I ' { ' �:� l / l t I , W, ' I I V P t" C;; comh .

.
/,/, / 1 1 '1 ' 1 ' 1 1 11 1 / 1, 1 . 1 1 i ( )ll .
220 227

As noted prevj ous l y , Quadr i l it eral verbs I I -W/Y undergo a contraction C i t togalJ," a to gather ( i ntrans . ) -> C G l t ' astagabe' a t o gather
(ay > e , aw>o ) wh i. ch brings them into the pattern o f the L verbs l i sted
(trans . ) ,
above . The remaining forms for these verbs are as fol lows .
or ( 2 ) refl exives o f the corres pondin g causat
ive , as i n
Perfect Imperfect Sub j unctive Imperat ive
CG ' ar' aya to show � CGt ' as tar' aya to show one
' s s e l f , t o appear.
L degana yedegen yedegen degen
In actual pract i c e , howeve r, the meanin gs
Lt tadegana yeddegan yeddegan tadegan of these verbs must be
l e arned as they occur . The exact sequen ce
CL ' adegana yadegen yadegen ' adegen of deriva tion for a g i ve'll
root is usual l y not ent i re l y c l e a r , e ither
becaus e s ome of t h e I l a ' l",
L moqeha yemoqe� yemoqe� moqe�
invo l v e d are un at tested q r no l onger in use ,
or becaus e a purt i ('I i i . 1 1
Lt tamoqe�a ye tmoqa� yetmoqa� tamoqa� verb was created de novo by a sophis ti cated
tran s l at o r fo r a g i VI' I I
CL ' amoqe�a yamoqe� yamoqe� ' amoqe�
p as s age .
Verb a l nouns and adj ectives fo l l ow those o f L verbs or Q verbs ; the In addi t i on to ' as tar' aya and ' as tagabe' a , the
fol l ow; nr, V (' I·j , . ,
fo l l ow in g i s a repre s entative se l ect ion : are re l atively frequen t and should be made a
part o f one ' 5 pCr11l1l11 (: l I t
v o c abul ary :
Perfect V erbal Adj . Verbal Noun Agent Noun
gegaya giguy gegay W
0 . 5 . or
to err CGt ' as tabq e <a to beseech , imp l ore , entreat ( s omeone :
to pursue degana degani ba-xaba/' em-xaba; for s omething : a . d . o . ) ; t o intercede
to t e l l zenawa zena zenawi , mazenew ( for : ba' enta) .
t o nourish sesaya sisay , sisit masesey CGt ' astam�ara t o show mercy t o , have pity on ( a . d . o . or la-/
t o t ak e captive qewawa gewew/qiwew qewa (we) diba) ; to s e ek mercy (for one ' s s e l f or someone e l s e : Za-).
to imprison moqe�a muqu� muqa�e CGlt ' astawadaya t o accus e , bring charges again s t ( s omeone : a . d .
to shepherd tanolawa no lawi . 0 . ) ; c f . wedet charge , accusation .
49 . 2 CGt , C O t , CLt , and C G l t Verbs . Each o f t he bas i c l e x i c a l CGlt ' as ta�O;mama to study d i l i gent l y , pursue eagerly, give c l ose

types G , 0 , and L po s s e s s e s a derived form characteri. zed ( in the P er ­ attention t o ( a . d . o . or ba' enta/xaba/ba- ) .

fect) by t h e prefix ' as ta- : CGlt ' astawasaba to marry o f f (a son or daught er : a . d . o . ; to :
mes la , o . s . ) ; c f . CG ' awsaba to marry ( s omeone : a . d . o . ) ;
P erfect Imperfect Subjun c t ive Imperative
sabsab marr i a g e , wedding .
CGt ' astaq (a) tala yastaqatte l yastaqte l , astaqte l
COt , astaqattala yastaqette l yastaqatte Z , astaqatte l
CLt/CGlt , astaqatala yastaqiite l yastaqate l ' as taqate l

Infini ti ve P e r f . Act . P art . Agent Noun Verbal N oun

CGt , as taqte lo (t) , astaqti Z- mastaqate l (' esteqtal)

mastaqte Z
COt ' as taqa t te lo ( t ) ' as taqatti Z- mastaqattel
C L t /C G l t , as taqa te lo ( t) ' as taqatU- mastaqate Z (' estequ tiil)

F orma I j )' �h('sc vI' rh:; llIay he' vi elved as e i ther (1) caus ati ves of the
22H 229

1 1111 vl' I'II.I I I �.:I L l on o r o t h e r nominal forms i s a l s o p o s s i b l e , a s i n

L e s s on 5 0
Ql 1.(l' wI/Z aka t o be come divine ; c f . ' Amlak .
50 . 1 Quadr i l iteral Verb s : The Remaining Forms . QL /ama thata t o app ear a s a s p ectre (methat, root mth ) .

Perfect Imperfect Subj un c t i ve Imperative Base d on nouns of foreign ori g in are , inter alia ,
Q dangaqa yedanaggetj. yedangeq. dangeq. CQ ' amas tara to deal in mys t eries (mes tir, perhaps u l t imat e l y
Qt tamandaha yetmanaddeb ye tmandab tamandab from Greek) .
CQ ' amandaba yamanaddeb yamandeb ' amandeb Q mankwasa to b e come a monk (man.akos , from Greek monakhos ) .
QIt tamanadaha yetmanadab yetmanadab tamanadab CQ ' asanbata to observe the s abbath (sanbat , u l t imately from
The verbal adj ective is of the p attern dengutj. . The verbal noun i s Hebrew) .
usua l l y o f the pattern denga4e , *dengeqa , or *dengeq.enna . Derived Q mallwata to p ractice ch ari t y (me ?wat, u l t imat e l y from /lebrew) .

verbs such as CQt ' astamandaba and CQlt ' as tamanadaba also exi s t . But mos t quadr i l i t eral roots have no obvious deriva t i onal
Verb s from roots I I -W/Y (Q/L) were given in the preceding l e s ­ source and must be t aken as primary in the Ethiop i c l ex i con , a l t hough
s on . O ccas i onal l y , a Q l t form i s attested whi ch shows the original they may have tri l it eral origins at s ome earlier st age of S emit i c .
s econd radical , e . g . tazeyanawa t o inform one another . Quadri l it e ral nouns wi thout as s o c i ated verbs are not uncommon : e.g.
Although the vast maj ority o f verbal roots in Ethiop i c are t r i ­ W W W W
tak la ( for *tak law ; pl .tak alu t ; root tk lw) wo l f
l i tera l , quadril i teral r o o t s a r e not rare , even in ordinary, non ­
kokab ( fo r *kawkah ; p l . kawakeb; root kwkb) s t ar
o rnate prose . One frequent root type has the p at t ern C1C2C1C2 and
denge l (p l . danage l ; root dngl) virgin .
appears to be formed by a redup l i cat i on of a bi consonan t a l root C1C2 .
But s ince these " short" ro ots cannot otherwise be i s o l ated , the 50. 2 Quinqui l it eral Verb s .

quadri l i teral form must b e taken as primit ive in the l anguage . Exam­ P erfect Imperfe c t Subj un ct ive Imperative Infini t ive
ples : ' adlaq laqa yadlaqa l leq yadlaq leq ' adlaq leq ' adlaq leqo (t)
W W
lam lama t o grow green, b l ossom g adg ada to knock Note that the ini t i a l s e gment o f these forms i s l ike that o f the
qa tqa ta t o grind, crush gegaya to err , go astray , s in ( c f . cau s at ives . Verbal root s with five radi cal s are very rare and almost
badbada t o d i e (of di s e as e ) 49 . 1 ) always involve some sort of root redup l icat ion , e . g .
fadfada t o be numerous , exc e s - sesaya t o nouri s h , sust ain ( c f .
' asqoqawa t o mourn , l ament ; verb a l noun : saqoqaw ( imper f .
s ive 49 . 1)
yasqoqu)
Note , t o o , nouns of the s ame p a t t ern : lelit (* lay leyt : pl . layaley) ' adlaq laqa to s h ak e , quake (t rans . and intrans . ) ; verbal nOun :
and kabkab wedding. de leqleq
A s e cond type o f quadr i l i t e ral verb is a specifi c al l y Eth i op i c ' aqya�ye�a to grow reddish ( c f . qaye� red) .
creation , re sult ing from the verb a l i z at i on o f nouns. maqtal , maqte l ,
50. 3 N Verb s . A special type of quinqu i l i t eral verb i s marked
and meqtal . The underlying t ri l i t eral root has , in some instan c e s ,
by a pre fixed -n- and a quadr i l i t eral roo t , usua l l y of the type
fal l en into disuse and can be i denti fied only through cognates i n
C / C,� CI C,� :
o t h e r S e m i tic l anguages . Examp l e s o f this type are
P a r fect Imperfect Sub j 'unct i ve I mp o ra l i V ll
moqe/:ta to i mp r i s on (II/oqe� fett e r , bond; original root wq�)
N ' I o u / lli l/fda yanqa Zaqqe l yanqalqe l ' t l l /l (1 1 1 ( I I
' ,['II.1.1·/t, I I '" t () \. ( l l I V( · ,H' ;, coun c i l (maxbar coun c i l ) .
Nt I "I/'/I i l t/lri'l yenqalaqqal yenqalqa/ 1 " " ' /" / ' 1" /
 231
2 30

N t Imperfect and Sub j unct ive forms are very rare ; tho se given abo ve
Les son 5 1
are normative , without the -t- (presumab ly *yentq- > yenq - ) . Be cause
thes e verbs do not have c l e ar counterparts e l s ewhere in Semit i c , 51 . 1 Condit ional S entences .
there i s s ome ambi guity about their anal ysis . When the root i s al so a. Real conditions . The protasis i s introduced with ' emma
attested without the initial -n- , as in or la' emma i f ; the apodos i s may be introduced with wa- , but i s more
W W W W commonly unmarked. The verb forms used depend t o some extent on the
Q g adg ada to knock ( at a door) N ' ang adg ada to thunde r ,
tense desired , but there is a predominance o f the P e r fe ct i n l h e p ro ­
o r , when a corresponding noun exi s t s without t h e -n- , a s i n
tas i s and the Imperfect in t he apodo s i s when the sentence s t a t (' s fI

N ' an�af�afa t o o o z e ; �af?af j ui c e , present general or futu�e condition :

t h e analysis a s a n N verb i s probably j us t i fied . W i t h many o f t h e s e ' Emma nabarka zeyya, If you remain hero , I l i l'Y
verb s , however , no cognate without t h e -n- i s attested , and an analy­ (wa-) yerakkebuka. wi 1 1 find you .
sis as an ordinary quinqi l iteral i s possible . Thes e verbs , as a
I f the condit i onal sentence describes a s ituation in th e past , 1 1 11'
seman t i c c l as s , almo s t always refer to a proce s s invol ving the con­
verbs of both the prota s i s and the apodos i s are in the P e r fu e l :
s t an t repetition o f a s ingl e act i on , e . g .
' Emma rexebku, wahabuni xebesta. If I was hungry , t hey gave l11e b 1'('[1 . 1 .
' angargara to ro l l , spin ; nagargar spinni n g ; a type of epi l epsy.
W W In pre s ent and future cond i t i ons the Imperfe ct may al so appear in the
' ang arg ara to be angry; to murmur , mut t e r , grumb l e .
pro tas i s . ' Emma may be rep l aced by ' emma-hi/' emma-ni (even i f) or
' anqalqala t o move , shak e , quake ; naqalqal motion , quaking .
' emma-sa (but if, if howeve r , if real ly) . The apodo s i s may have an
' ansosawa t o wal k , stro l l ( imper f . yansosu , not *yansawassu) .
imperative or inj un ct ive ( s ub j unctive) verb i f the mean ing requires
' an?af?afa t o oo z e , drip ; na?af?af, �af?af drop s , j ui ce .
it :
' anbalbala to f l ame , b l a z e ; nabalbal fl ame .
' Emma rakabka be' se rexuba, I f you find a hungry man ,
The verbal noun o f the type naqalqal i s fairly cons i s t ent for N verbs.
habo mab l e ' a . give him foo d .
50.4 A Special Adj e ctive Typ e : Qatalti l . A rare type o f
Note the expres s ion ' emma ' akko ( l i t . if not) , al s o s pe l l ed ' emma' kko
adj ective i s derived b y redup l i c at ing -C C o f a t r i l iteral roo t , with
2 3 (:: -sa) , which may usua l ly be trans l ated " otherwis e , i f such is not
with the resulting p at t e rn qatalti l . These are more or l e s s l imited
the cas e . "
t o adj ect ives o f color and tas t e , with a few others , and usual l y
b. Contrary - t o - fact Conditions . The protas i s i s intro­
correspond t o Engl i s h adj ect ives in - i sh :
duced with soba, and each verb o f the apodosis i s pre ceded by the
sa 'ad 'id whi t i sh , rather l ike white : cf. sa 'da \-Ihit e . conditional parti cle ' em- :
ma'ar'ir sweet i s h ; c f . ma ' Qr honey .
Soba rakabkewwo, ' em-' axazkewwo I f I had found h i m , I wou l d have
damanmin rather c loudy, g l o omy ; cf. dammana c l oud .
wa-' em-qatalkewwo . sei zed him and ki l l ed him .

The Perfect is required in the apodosi s ; the P erfect i s used i n l l ll'

pro t as i s for past condit ions , the Imperfect for pre sent conr l i t i 0 1 1 '; .
The i n l e r ro g a l i ve part i c l e s -hu and -nu appear rather frec l ' J (' 1 I 1 l y I II

I ll!' p " O I , , ' c" o f ' hnl' h types o f conditional sent")nce s . Theso 1 1 ' , 1 1 1 1 1 1 \'

i l I I V I ' 110 1 1'111 1 ' ; 1 1 1 1 i O I l v n l u e , but they may indicate the p n� '. l ' l I c' 1 ' "I ""

I llti I 1" " 1 '1",, 1 :1 1 1 < ) 1 1 ( L I · . j ; l Ig l i s h if ; whether) .

I,
, ,
'l
 " ,
•. t"
233

', I . .' ( ) p L a L j v e S entences . The . p art i c l e ' em- mentioned above

a. -oa but , howev eT, on t h e otheT hand . Th i s paTt i c le mo st
1Il1ly 1 >0 u ' t'" wi t i t the P e rfect in an independent c l ause to expre s s the
fTequ ent l y cOTresponds t o G T e ek de ; i t i s usual ly added t o the first
opt at I ve :
WOTJ o r word- group of a c l au s e t o maTk a contrast with the preceding
' Em-nassa�ku! Would that I had repent e d ! s t atemen t . This contrast may b e vivid or may b e merely the intToduc­

Soba may be u s e d in the s ame way . Interrogative s entences have a

tion o f a new subj e c t o r topic . -sa in this usage usua l l y co-o ccurs
with the conjunction wa- . -sa may a l s o be used fOT Greek men, mark
s imi l ar nuance if used rhe tori c a l l y ;
ing the first of two cont rasting s t atements .
Mannu yeradde' ani ! Who wi l l h e l p me = Would that someone wou l d h e lp
The tradit ional pronun c i at i on of thi s paTt i c l e is -s.',a, w i , II
me !
the Tegular introduction o f -e- after a word-final consonan t . TIIII'"

51.3 The Syl l o g i s t i c ConstTuct ion Za . . . ' efo . . . This r atheT what w e write morpho l o g i c a l l y a s ' anta-sa o r samayat-sa aTe Jl l'O
TaTe con s t ruction expre s s e s the cond i t i on "If X i s true , how much nounced ' antassa, samayatessa. T h e pTonoun ' ana i s the oil l y 1V( l i d
mOTe so is Y true . " The ' efo of t h e s e cond c l au s e is usual l y fo l ­ that alt eTS i t s fOTm b e foTe t h i s p aTt i c l e : ' ana + s a -) ' nl1., · - I I I1 .
l o we d by fadfCida o r ' enka ( s e e b e l ow ) o r both . The fo l l owing two
b. -hi/-ni even . . . , t h e . . . i n qu estion , that very . . . Ti,,, ,. . .
examp l es fTom the Gospel of Matthew i l lustTate how this basic pattern
two paTt i c l es aTe of equal w e i gh t , so to speak , and are useJ i n L l' l'
may be o b s cuTed by intervening adverbial or adj e ctival c l auses or by
changeab ly . They maTk a s t Tonger emphas is than -sa; they m ay be u ,,"d
e l lips i s ;
a l on e OT be cOTre l at ed w i th a s imi l aT part i c l e in the p T e ceding or
6 : 30 Za-sa <ra gadam za-yom haZ Zo wa-gesama westa ' essat yetwadday, fo l lowing c l aus e . The s p e c i a l meaning of -hi/-ni with inteTro g aL i ve
' Egzi' ab�er za-kama-ze yaZabbeso, ' efo ' enka fadfCida pTonouns has a l re ady b e en noted in § 2 9 . 2 .
kiyakemu, �e�u�ana haymanot .
c. -ke theTefore . T h i s paTt i c l e maTks a s t at ement as being a
o you who l ack fai t h , i f G od thus c l o th e s t h e wild vegeta­
logi cal resul t of the pTe ceding s t at ement . It corTesponds fTequently
tion, which exists t o d ay but tomoTTOW i s thTown into the
to G reek ga:r . I t may option a l l y be fol lowed by , enka ( s e e b e l ow) .
fire , how much mOTe s o (wi l l he clothe) you .
d. ' enga i s an inferen t i a l p aTt i c l e sugge sting a conclus ion
7: 11 Za-' antemu ' enka ' enza ' e kuyan, , antemu ta' ammeru. sannaya
from what pTecede s , o ft en w i th a nuance of doubt o r skept i ci s m . It
habta wehiba Za-weZudikemu, ' efo fadfCida ' abukemu za-ba­
i s mo s t frequent in, but no t l imited to , questions , where i t may usu­
samayat yehub sannaya Za-' e Z Za yese" e Zewwo .
a l l y be tTan s l ated " th en , s o , therefoTe . "
I f you , though evi l , know enough to give a good g i ft t o
YOUT chi ldren , how much more s o wi l l your heavenly F ather e. ' enka i s very s im i l ar t o ' enga above , but i s more fre quent
.
give what i s good to tho s e who ask Him (foT i t ) . and l e s s Testri cted in us age . Ordinar i ly it is postposi t ive to some
sent ence e l ement and may theTefore s eTve a doub l e fll.'l ction as emph a­
5l . 4 The Sentence P art i c l e s . A spe cial s e t o f paTt i cl e s ,
s i z e r and logi cal conne ctiv e . It i s especi al ly common aft e r -ke , but
mos t l y encliti c , i s used i n the more s ophist i cated tran s l ations t o
may a l s o o c cur with i t s own encl i t i cs , e . g . ' enka-sa, ' enka-sa-ke .
pTovide t h e same l o g i c a l conne ctives and focus s ing part i c l e s found in
In a negative stat ement , ' enka is equivalent to " (no) l ong e r , (no)
the GTeek original . The more important of these aT e l i st ed b e l ow
more . ' !
with a brief charact e r i z at ion of t h e i r function . Detai l s conceTning
f. -mao This emph at i c p art i c l e i s very rare and i s Testricted
theiT emp l oyment can b e acquiTed only fTom a p aTal l e l reading of the
Ethiopic and Greek text s , a pTact i ce that should b e adopted by every to u s c o n pe ["son � '1 p ro n O l l n s , i n t erTogative prenouns and adve rbs , and
ct rel-l m i s l ' (' I I I I I l N H I '; " t 1 vl' ri1 i a l expre s s ions . E . g . mannu-ma , ' ayte-nu-
s e rious s tudent .
'
11/, ( . 11/, , ; : ,'. 1 11 1 "'0 1 . " " , ' , ' 1 1 1 '11/, 1 . I t s great rarity precludes any c l ear
 235

I d<l i l t i [' i c a l i un of i t s meaning other than its emphas i z ing fun c t i o n . w e a k de lliu n s L ra L i v e . Thus , i t i s sometimes nece s s ary to t ran s l a te ,
Nu t e the CUIlII'0unJ mima " e ither, o r , whethe r , " some times coordinated e. g. he' M:hu as " t hat man , the man in ques t i on" rather than "his man."
wi t h a fo l l ow i ng -nu . E . g . M at t . 2 1 : 2 5 : Th i 5 u s age is especi a l l y frequent on nouns denoting point s or periods

(Whe.nce c ame John ' s b ap t i z ing?) J Em-samay-nu wa-mima ' em-sabJ -nu? o f t ime (e . g . ba- < e latu on the day in que sti on) and appears in s uch

F rom heaven or from man? fixed express ions a s ' amehii , qadiimihu , sobeha , (ba- ) gizehu , and (ba- )
sanita.
51 . 5 The R epeated Prepos i t i on s ba-baJ la- La, and za-za. Th e
rep e t i t i on of the s e prep o s i t ions i s us ed to expre s s a di s tribut ive 51. 7 The Per iphras t i c P a s s ive . The 3rd p ers . p l ura l or lin

not ion , tran s l at e d in various ways . The fo l l owing examp l e s from the active verb w i th a direct obj ect i s o ft en used as a periph l'a'� I ,. rO I'

Gosp e l o f Matthew i l l u s trate t h i s usage and al s o the fact that there the pas s ive . E.g,
is no s in g l e formu l a i c r e l at i on s h ip t o the underlying Greek .
yesaddeduka = you w i l l b e pers e cut ed .
W w
4 . 24 J am?eJ u xabehu k e l lo deweyana wa-k e l lo �emumiina za-la-la
Thi s usage i s e as i l y i denti fiab l e by the ab s ence of a spe c i f i c sui>
zi' ahu �emiimomu they brought t o him al l the s i c k , tho s e
j ect in a given context or b y t h e l o gical impo s s ib i l ity o f t al d ng t h e
affl i ct e d wi th various d i s ea s e s (nav T a , TOU , �axw, E xov T a ,
3rd pers . s ubj ect l i t era l l y , a s i n
n O L � �Aa L , voao L , �al Saaav o L , auv E x o � EVO U , )

1 8 : 22 <adi ' eska sab <a ba-ba seb < even up to s eventy t imes s even be' sit ' enta da�arewwa a woman who has b een divorc ed .

(EW, E B 6 o � n � o V Td x L , E n Td ) Des erving of special no t e are mixed construc t i ons , such as tho s e with
20 : 2 takahala mesla gabaJ t ba-ba dinar la- <e lat he agreed wi th the hal Zawa plus the s ub j un c t i v e , where the logi cal subj ect appears as a
workers on one dinar each for the day ( E x 6 � v a p � o u TnV �� Epav ) suffix on hallawa :
2 0 : 10 nas' u ba-ba dinar ' emuntu-hi and they too received a dinar W
wa-kamahu la-walda ' eg a la ' emma-�eyaw-ni hal lawo y�memewwo
each (ava 6 n vap L o v )
and thus too i s the Son of Man to b e a ff l i ct ed .
2 1 : 41 ' e l la yehubewwo ferehu ba-ba gizehu who wi l l give h i m i t s
hal lawo . . . yagbe' ewwo westa ' eda sah'
fruit at each s eason thereof (EV T O L , �a L p o L , aU Twv )
he is to be b e trayed into the hand of man .
24 : 7 yema??e' raxab wa-bedbed wa-hakak ba-ba ba�awertihu there wi l l
b e famine , pes t i l ence , and d i sorder in various p l aces ( � a Ta 51 . 8 Attribut i v e Adj e ct ives in Construct Phras es . It is pos ­
Tono u , ) s ib l e to us e a noun and adj e ct ive in a construct r e l at ionship (e ither
25 : 15 la-La J ahadu bakama yekelu to each according as they are a b l e order) to expre s s the equi val ent of a noun plus a modifying adj ect ive:
( E xdaT� XaTa T n V � 6 �av 6uva� Lv )
' «nre�ta < ewuran b l ind guides
2 5 : 32 yefaZZe�omu za-za zi' ahomu he wi l l s eparate them from one an­
�r;wsaweyana nabiyat fa l s e prophet s .
o ther (a�O P � O E L aUTov, an ' a A A nAWV )
Th i s co n 'i t ruct i o ll i s v e ry Tare in the texts that fo l l ow .
26: 22 ' axazu yebalu ba-ba ' ahadu they began to s ay individua l l y (d: ,
E xa oT o , )

N o t e a l s o such l e xical i t ems as ba-ba nestit ( l i t t l e by l i t t l e ) and

ba-ba ' ebre tomu (each in h i s own turn) .

51.6 A Special U s e of the Third P erson S ingu l ar P ronominal

Suffi xes . T l t e p ["onolll i n .1 1 s u ff i xes o f the 3rd pers . s i n g . (-hu , -u ;
" - lIii , -ii i . 1 1 " ' . ""11 ' 1 1 "" ' " 1 1 · .. · . 1 w i t h t h e force of a definite art i c l e o r
i ,
 .� .I 7

l
A. Me l c h i z edek
W
iI:I - z ii l i' e i llt ( ' ama salus l a - Pag ern'Em) t a z kara motu l a -Ma I k a
2
Texts in Tran s l i t eration �cucq . Wu - zentu - s a M a I k a � edeq wal da Qaynan w a l d a w a l du l a - S e m .
Wa- subu k W l o ' asartu wa-xamestu ' amat ' em- ' ama tawa l d a , ' a z zazo
The fol lowing t ex t s have been trans l i t erated in accordance with
' E g z i ' abl;er l a-Nox kama yefannewo l a -Sem waldu me s l a sega ' abuna
t h e underst anding o f the grammar developed in the preced ing l e s sons .
' Adam, wa-yanbero ba-ma ' ka l a medr ' en t a ye ' et i Qaranyo . Wa- ' ammaro
N e e d l e s s to s ay , the amb i gui t i es mentioned in the Int roduction rema i n ,
kama yema �� e ' madxena ' a l am , wa-yessawwa ' we s t e t u , w a - yetbe z awo l a ­
but t h e reader should b y now be aware o f the pro b l ems invo lved . The
' Adam ba- damu .
g l o s s es are added on t h e as sumption t h at the l es s o n vo c ab u l aries have
Wa-nas ' o S em l a -Ma I k a � edeq ' ern-beta ' abuhu b a - xebu ' , W(l I l I l 'l l l I l
b e en mas tered .
heyya ' enz a yemarre�omu mal ' a k a ' E g z i ' ab�er .Wa-tasayrn a Mo 1 k :I � ;ilt I /I ' I
.
I. Lives o f the S aints kahena, wa-nas ' a ' asarta wa-ke l ' i h a ' a ' bana, wa- ' a ' raga ,l i I J r'h""I1 '
maswa ' t a ba-xebe s t wa-wayn za-warada lotu ' em - s amay ' en z a y1i I'," , I
Th ese are the s ame s e l ections given by A. D i l lmann , Chrestoma­
me s � i ra �egg �addi s .
th·ia Aethiopica ( Leip z i g , 1866) , pp . 1 6 - 39 , where the text in th e
Wa- s i saya-ni yamaHe ' u lotu ma l a ' ekt . Wa-kona l ebsu ' un a u i'i , IV"
Eth iop i c alphabet may be found . A few emendations h ave b e en mad e ,
qenatu za-ma ' s . Wa-nabara ' en z a yet l a " ak qedma sega ' a buna ' I\ d iilli .
mainly tho s e suggest ed b y D i l lmann hims e l f o r a sub s equent edi t o r .
l Wa- ' ama t amay�a ' Abreham ' em- � ab ' , mawi ' o nagast a , ' aqraba l otu
The s e l e ct ions are taken from the Syn=arion , a l arge co l l e ct ion o f w
xebes t a wa-wayn a , wa-we ' etu-ni wahabo ' aserata ' em_k e l l Ll n ewayu . Wa­
hag :i. o grap h i c material comp i l e d from vari ous early s ource s , mos t l y i n
t a s amya kahena wa-negusa S alem.
G re e k , and divided into d a i l y reading s , with t h e l i fe o f a given
3
s a i nt as s i gned to the day commemorating his death . The E thiop i c ver­ S a l am l a -MaIka �edeq ' amsalu Iva- sut afu

s i on o f t h i s work i s b as ed on an Arab i c intermediary , as b etrayed by l a - z a-ma� ' a qal ba-dammana dengel ' a � fu .

the pres ence o f numerous Arab ic isms i n the text . We have not com­ Tabiban gebro bakama � a�afu,

mented upon thes e b ecaus e a know l edge of Arab i c is not p resuppo s ed on l a- sega ' Adam xaba ta�an � a me ' rafu

the part o f the reader . zentu kahen yenabber l a - z e lufu .

1. This s e l e c t ion concerns Me l chi zedek , the priest o f S a l em

mentioned in Gen . 1 4 , P s a l m 1 1 0 , and the Epist l e to t he Hebrews . For
the unders t anding of the p a s s age i t i s sufficient to note t hat M e l ­
ch i z edek was taken b y t h e ear l y Church a s t h e archetypal p r i e s t and
prefiguration of Chris t . He i s pre sented here as attendant over the
body o f Our Father Adam , whi ch , ac cording t o l e gend , l i es bur i ed i n
Qariinyo , i . e . Gk . Kraniou (topos) , the P l ace o f the Skul l , G o l gotha ,
Calvary , where Chr i s t was crucifi ed .
2. C f . Gen . 1 1 : 1 3 in LXX : Kainan , l i s t ed as a g r a n d s u l l 0 1 '
Shem , the son of N o ah .
3. " P e ace (be) unto M e l chi z edek , the l i ken e s s fIl l d (,OIlIP l l l l l u l i 0 1 '
1. For the fu l l work 500 T. Gui di and S . Greb aut , Le syn=aire
t h e Woru wh i ch came in the V irgin C l oud, i t s Mant l o . 1\ ., l l ,(' '' ' ' W ' 'o
ethiopien. Patx'o Zou i n () Y ' i r 'lI i l/ / i " T , V I r , XV , and X XV I , and A . E . W .
IVro t e 0 1' I t i '; ueou s , t h i s priest dwe l l s forever w i t,· , ,· I I ". 1 1 ,,,. 1
Budge , The Baok or ,';" I lI i . ' ".I' t il, ' " ' I II I" I , i ,' ( 'II1IT'('h ( C amb ridge , 1 9 2 8) .
"' � I

i ll): p l ll('(' o f' I\d utIl ' s body was bui l t . "
 2 39
238

B. S t . Mark t h e Evangel ist wa-Xams ' Ahgur .

Wa-soba bo ' a westa hagara ' Eskenderya , wa-tabatka t otana
Ba- zati ' e lat ( ' ama salasa l a -Miyazya) kona sem ' a Qeddus Marqos
1 ' asa ' enihu ' em- ' egarihu . Wa- kona xab a ' anqa�a hagar ' a�adu b e ' si
wangelawi , l iqa pappasat za-hagara ' E skenderra . Wa- zentu qeddus
2 3 s afayi , wa-wahabo Qeddus ' asa' enihu kama yesfi lotu . Wa- ' en z a we' etu
kona s emu l a- ' abuhu ' Arsew Pawlos ' em-be�era Xams ' Ahgur ; wa-sema
4 yes affi ba-masfe, tasa�qa ' a�abe' ihu, wa-wetza dam ' emennehu , wa-yebe
l a- ' emmu Maryam, wa-ye ' et i zekert west a ma��afa Gebra Hawareyat . , 9
ba- l esana Yonanawiyan , " I stawos , ,, za-ba-tergWamehu '" Ahadu
.
Wa-kona s emu la-zentu tawareya qadami Yo�annes , b akama ma��afa Gebra
' Egzi ' ab�er. " Wa-yebelo Qeddus Marqos , "Bo-nu ta' ammero l a -
�awareyat , ' esma �awareyat konu ye� e l l eyu westa beta Maryam ' emmu l a­ ' E gz i ' ab�er?" 10
Wa-yebelo , " 'Albo , ' al Ia nesamm l' semo b-h '
a t ltO , wa-'
Yo�annes z a-tasamya Marq6s tawareya . Wa-zati be ' s it konat ba ' e l t a ,
' i-na' ammero . " Wa- ' axaza yengero Qeddus Marqos ' em-ten � za- fatara
ll
wa-maharato la-walda Marqos ba- lesana Yonanawiyan wa -ba-l esana 'Afrenj
�
' Egzi ' abter samaya wa-med�a, wa- zakama kona ta ' adewo u l a - ' abu a �
wa-ba- l esana 'Ebrayes! .
' Adam , wa-me� ' ato l a-maya ' Ayx, wa- z akama ' as affawo ' Eg z i ' abher la­
Wa-soba l ehqa, nas ' o Barnabas mes lehu westa sebkat soba hora
�
Muse , wa- ' aw� e ' omu l a-daqiqa ' E sra' e l ' em-Geb� wa-wahabomu h gga, wa­
mes l a Pawlos . Wa-soba re ' ya za-ba�ta l a ' lehomu mendabe wa-maqsaft ;
5 zakama �ewawomu l a-daqiqa 'Esra ' e 1 xaba hagara Babi lon, wa- a'gbe ' omu
wa-xasar, xadagomu ba-hagara P enfelya wa-gab ' a ba-hagara ' Iyarusalem. 1 2
xaba hagara ' Iyarus aHim , wa- zakama tasabbe' a ' E gzi ' ena ' Iyasus
Wa- soba tamay!u tawareyat xaba ' Iyarusalem, wa-tanagaru ba­ 13
Kerestos ( lotu s ebtat) , zakama tanabbayu nabiyat ba' enta mes ' atu .
�
"
tamaye� (ot) omu la- ' a�zab west a ' amina 'Egzi ' ena ' Iyasus Kerestos 14
Wa- ' emze waraqa meraqa west a � ebur, wa-gabra diba ed wihu
( lotu seb�at) , wa- zakama gabra ' E gz i ' ab�er ba- ' edawihomu t a ' amerata - 15
za-we ' etu safay, wa-tafawwas a sobeh a . Wa-kona semu la-safay
wa-mankerata , hazana wa-nasseh. a ba' enta za-hora
. ' emennehomu . Wa-
. ' Anyanos . Wa-wasado l a -Qeddus Marqos xaba betu ,. wa- ' abseha lotu
' emze xasasa kama yehur mes lehomu, wa- ' i - faqada Piwlos hawareya kama w
v 6 ' v ' waldo wa- z amado , wa-gassa�omu l a-k e l l omu Marqos �awareya, wa-
yens e ' o , ' esma we' etu xadagomu ; ' al I a nas ' o Barnabas mes lehu, ' esma
we' etu zamadu .
9. An oath, taken here to be Gk . he�s theos one god .
Wa- ' emdexra ' eraftu l a- Barnabas , �ora xaba Pe!ros hagara Rome
1 0. ba�tit- alon e , sole, only; used appos itional ly, always
wa-kona lotu rad ' a, wa-ba-hey ya � a�afa wangelo za-targWama lotu
with a pronominal suffix , e . g . ' ana ba�titeya I alon e ; rakabkewwo
Pe�ro s , za-sabaka botu westa hagara Rome . Wa- ' emdexra-z e �ora ba­
la­ ba�tito I found him alone (or : him only) . ' enta b�tit- by oneself,
t e ' zaza ' E gzi ' ena ' Iyasus Kerestos (lotu seb�at) wa-ba- t e ' zazomu
alone ; e . g . nabara ' enta ba�titu he s at by himself.
hawareyat westa hagara ' E skenderya, wa- s abaka westeta ba- s ebkata
�
7 8 11. Here begins a rather ineleg ant series of c l auses and
angel qeddus . Wa- ' adi s abaka ba-westa hagara ' Afraqya wa-Barqa
phras es as the obj ect of yengero .
12. Dt tasabbe' a to become man , be incarnat e . A denominative
1. This type of preposing is frequent in some text s : "As for
verb from sab' . The verbal noun is tesbe' t incarnati on .
this saint, the name of his father was . . . . " Cf. remarks in § 1 0 . 2 .
13 . bakama would perhaps be better here than zakama.
2. ' Arsew PawZos : an error for 'Arestu-paw Zos, a rendering o f
14 . gabra diba : if the text is correct , this is probab ly to
Gk . Aris tobuZos .
be taken as "appl i ed (it) to . " This verbal phrase also has the mean­
3. Xams 'Ahgur : presumab ly the Pentapo lis on the Dead Sea.
ing "to deal with , dispose of, do with , " as in Menta ' egabber diba
The P entapolis mentioned be low is a district of Cyrene in Africa.
zentu neway? What sha l l I do with this vessel? diba ' edawa a l so
4. Cf. Acts 1 2 : 1 2 .
means "through the agency of. "
5. P amphylia, on the coast o f Asia Minor. C f . Acts 1 3 : 1 3 .
15. One expects Za- instead of za- before we' etu . sob�ha adv .
6. C f . Acts l 5 : 3 8 ff.
immediat ely, straightway.
7. Afri ca, the province .
8. Barce, a city of the P entapolis in Cyrene (Libya) .
 24 1
2 40
2
16 ' erruya 0 mes l a �awareyat ' axawika . " Wa-tafasseJ:tat nafsu wa-t a�asyat.
maharomu , wa- ' a�maqomu �emqata Kerestenna ba-sema ' ab wa-wa1d wa­
Wa-ba-sanita ka ' eb a rass ayu ' a�ba1a westa kesadu wa-sa�abewwo
manfas qeddus .
westa kWe l 1a hagar . B a-taf�ameta ma ' a1t ma��awa nafs o . Wa-ka�adeyan­
Wa-soba bazxu mahaymenan ' el l a ' amnu ba - ' Eg z i ' ena ' Iyasus
sa ' andadu ' essata ' abiya , wa-wagaru segahu la-Qeddus westetu. Wa­
Kerestos ( l otu s eb�at) , wa- s am ' u s ab ' a hagar z�nahu 1 a -Qeddus Marqos ,
ba- semratu la- 'Egzi ' ena ' Iyasus Kerestos (lotu sebhat ) kona s elmat
�
wa-tagab e ' u , wa - faqadu kama yeqt e 1 ewwo . Wa-semo Qeddus Marqos 1 a ­ '
wa-nafas qWarir; ��ay-ni sawwara berhano , wa-kona mabraq wa
' Anyanos 'epis-qoposa wa- l a - daqiqu qasawesta wa-diyaqonata . Wa-wa�' a
w w
nag a d g -ad wa- zenam
- wa- ' as h atya,
.
- ' eska gW ayyu ka�adeyan . Wa-ma� ' u
xaba hagara Barqa wa-xaba Xams ' Ahgur , wa-sabaka west�tomuj wa­
sab ' mahaymenan , wa-nas ' u segahu l a-Qeddus Marqos ' en z a �e ' uy we' etu
' a�ne ' omu westa haymanot rete ' t . Wa-nabara xabehomu kel ' eta 'amat a ,
21
wa- ' i -ba�J:to wa- ' i-ment - ni ' em_musena,
wa-ganazewwo ba-sannay ' albas ,
wa- sema 10mu ' epis-qoposata wa-qasawesta wa-diyaqonat a .
wa- ' anbarewwo westa makan · xebu ' .
W a- ' emze tamayta xaba hagara ' Eskenderya, wa-rakabomu 1 a­
�
mahaymenan ba-za-taw s s aku wa-�ana�u 10mu
17
b�ta Kerestiyan , za­ Salam l a -Marqos l a-Maryam ' egWala,
22

' eweqt westa makana ' a�ada ' alhemt xaba � enfa ba�r . Wa-konu za-sa�abewwo ba- ' a�bal westa ' a�ada s em' kama dabel a ;
w 23
k�adeyan yaxassesewwo 1a-Qeddus Marqos ba_k e 1 1u �ama kama ' ama ' aw' eyoto faqadu 1 a - ' es sat ba-nabalba1a,
w
yeqte1ewwo; wa-kona we' etu ba_k e1 1u gize ye�ewwe�o 1 a-Xams ' Ahgur la - zenam wa- ' as�atya ya�affe ' o ma ' ba1a,
24
wa-yetmayya� wa-yebawwe ' west a hagara 'E skenderyli. ba - xebu ' . Wa-ba­ wa-mabraq-ni 1 a-segahu kal 1 a l a .
' ahatti ' elat tamayta ' em-Xams ' Ahgur , wa-bo ' a westa beta Kerestiyan
18 , - wa-tasu , 1 a-warxa M agga
- b �' t . W a- C. D i onysius , Patriarch of Alexandria
•

b a- B a ' ala Tensa ' -e , ama esra

y- , y

kWe l lomu ' q.J;Izab ya' awwedewwo , wa-bo ' u ka�adeyan westa bet a Kerestiyan, Ba-zati ' elat ( ' ama ' a;ur wa-sa1us 1a-Maggabit) ' a 'rafa ' ab
l
wa-ras s ayu ' aoba1 a westa kesadu l a-Qeddus Marqos , wa-s�abewwo westa qeddus D eyonasyos 1iqa pappasat z a -hagara 'Eskenderya, wa-we ' etu
kWel lu hagar , wa- ' emuntu ' en z a yebe1u : '" Adi nesJ:tabo l a-dli.bela

westa ' a� ada 1ahm , " Wa-ma1 ' a damu l a-Qeddus westa kWel lu fenota 20 . D 'array a (more rare ly G 'araya, ye 'ri) to be leve l ,

hagar wa- ' awda wa- ' asnafiha . smoot h ; t o be equal (to : la- , mes la, kama) ; to make equal , l evel ; to
19 share ( acc . dir. obj . ) equally. CD ' a 'arraya to make (something :
Wa - soba kona l e 1 i t a , ' as t ar ' aya 'Egzi ' ena ' Iyasus Kerestos

( lotu seb�at) ba- ' ar ' aya za-kona botu mes1a �awareyat , wa-wahabo acc . dir . obj . ) equal (to : mes La) . Dt ta 'arraya pas s . of CD . 'erruy
s alam a , wa- ' a�ne ' 0 , wa-takayado , wa-yebe1 0 : "Nahu ' anta konka ( fern . 'errit) equal (to : la- , mesla) , the same (as) ; 'erruya = ba­
'erruy equally, to the s ame extent . 'erreyennii/ 'errinnii vn . equal ity.
16 . Kerestenna Christianity. Here virtual ly an adj ectiv e : 21. musena corruption (phys ical or moral ) . musun corrupt ,
" Christian baptism . " corrupted. The ' em- is p artitive : "nothing of corruption . " Note

17. The za- . . . lomu c l au s e modifies beta Kerestiyan. the use of the negated perfect with ' enza ; cf. the remarks in § 3 l . l .
W
18. Ba "ala TenSer' e the F east of the Resurrection (Easter) . 22. Note the inverted order o f the phrases ' eg iilii Za-Maryiim,

Note the formation of tensa' e , a verbal noun of the (secondari ly) nabalbiiZa Za-' essat , ma 'bala la-zeniim , kallala la-segahu.
quadri 1itera1 verb tanse' a . 23. Q ' anbaZbaZa to flame. nabalbaZ fl ame .
19 . ' astar' aya CGt to appear (unto : 0 . 5 . or la-) . Trans late 24 . D kallala to crown (someone : acc . dir. obj . ) ; fig. to sur­
the phrase beginning with ba-' ar' aya as " in the form ( ' ar' aya) he had round l ike a crown . Dt taka Z lala to be crowned (with : acc . , e . g .
(when he was) with the apost l e s . " Less l ikely : " in a vision in takaZ Za la kebra he was crowned with g lory ; or ba-) . kel luZ crowned
which he was with the apostl es" (but apparently taken so by D i l lmann (with : ba-) . ke ZzaZe vn . crowning , coronation. ' akZi Z (pl . -at)
s . v . ' ar' ayii in his G l os s ary) . crown , diadem ( l i t . and fig . )
1. Dionys ius , P atriarch of Alexandria from c24 7 - c265 , a
2 42 24 3

' em xWe1qomu 1 a- ' abaw l iqana pappasat ' asartu wa- ' arba ' tu. La- zentu
wa-yebe1a : "�uri wa-xesesi ' em- zentu ma��af za-tarfa . " Wa-tebe l o :
' ab qeddus konu ' abawihu ' aramaweyana wa-ka�adeyan a ; wa-we ' etu
" ' Ane - s a rakabku ' el lonta ba-westa ma��af; wa- l a ' emma faqadka ma��afa
tamehra temherta bezuxat a , ' esma ' abuhu kona ' em- zamad kebur, wa­
2 Paw10s �awlireya fe��uma, xeses ' em-xaba sab ' a zati beta Kerestiyan . "
xa1 1aya 10tu ' em-ne ' su wa-maharo kWe110 �ebaba wa-temherta , ' eska
Wa-yebe1a : " La ' emma xasaskewwo ' emennehomu, yehubuni -hu k iylihu?"
kona mamehhera 1a- ! abiban ' aramaweyan . S
Wa- tebel o : '' ' Ewwa . '' Wa - hora wa-xasasa ma;;�afa Pawlos xaba ' �adu
' Enza we ' etu yenabber ba- ' a�atti ' e 1at , wa-nahu ' a�atti b e ' sit
' em-kahenlit, wa-wahabo kiylihu . Wa- ' anbabo wa- ' a�ne ' o ba-l ebbu , wa­
' aragayt Kerestiy�nawit xalafat qedmehu , wa-mes 1eha ' a�atti �eraz
kona yanabbebli gahhada9 za' enbala ma��af, wa- ' amna ba- ' E gz i ' ena
' em-ma��afa Ma1 ' ektu 1a-Paw10s �awareya . Wa-tebe1o : "Tasaya!
' Iya sus Kerestos (lotu seb�at ) .
' emenneya. " Wa-nas ' a 1 a-ye ' et i �era z , wa-soba ' anbaba, rakaba lO
4 Wa- ' emze �ora xaba Qeddus Demetros liqa pappasat , wa-sa ' alo
westeta qala nakira wa- ' a'mero 3 madmema . Wa-yebe1 a : " Ba-mi-ma�an
S kama ya!meqo �emqata Kerestenna. Wa-maharo kWe l 1 0 za-faqada, wa-
tesayyeta?" Wa-tebe1o : " B a- ' a�adu derhema warq . " Wa-yeb e 1 li :
� 6 ' atmaqo . Wa-kona fe��uma ba- ' a' mero �egga beta Kerestiyan ; wa-rassayo
"Huri w -�eteti ' emma terakkebi za-tarfa ' em- zentu ma��af, wa- ' am�e' i ll
'A�ba Demetros mamehhera ba-we 1uda beta Kerestiyan . Wa-soba t asayma
lita." Wa-�orat wa- ' am� e' at lotu salasa !erazata kale ' at a , wa-wahaba
7 ' Abba Yaroke a
12
�
liqa pappasat , rass ayo 1a-zentu ' Abba heyyantehu ba­
' arbli ' ta derhema warq . Wa-soba ' anbabomu , rakabo la-ma��af �e�u� a ,
westa hagara ' E skenderya kama yegbar fet�a ma' kala mahaymenan , wa-
w _ 1 3 kama yemaggeb . 1 4 Wa-soba ' a' rafa
' abeho k ello gebra peppesenna
dis c ip l e of Origen .
' Abb � Yaroke1a, tas ana' awu kWe1 10mu ' a�zlib , wa- semewwo 1 a- zentu ' ab
2. D xaZ Zaya to think , ponder, meditate (about : acc . dir . obj .
qeddus ' Abba Diyonlisyos l iqa plippasat l a ' l a hagara 'E skenderya . Wa­
or ba' enta) ; to think up , devis e (acc . dir . obj . ) ; to decide (to do : ls
' aqaba mar ' eto ba-sannay t a ' aqebo .
kama + subj . ) ; to take thought of or notice of, to take care o f , look
after ( someone : obj . suff. or ba' enta , Za-) . CD ' axaZZaya to cause
deficiency, l ack .
( someone : obj . suff . ) to think about or decide to do . Dt taxaZ Zaya
S. ' ewwa yes .
to be thought of, conceived . xe ZZinna mind , thought , inte l lect ; pro­
9. C ' aghada to make pub l i c , show openly, make manifest ; to
duct of thought , idea; process of thought , thinkin g , cogitation ; pro­
act or speak openly . Gt tagehda p assive . , gehud ( f . gehedd) cl ear,
pos a l , advice , opinion .
mani fest , open, obvious . gahhad adj . idem; gahhada adv . openly,
3. The text has ' a' maro . ' a' mero madmema astonishing knowl-
manifestly, publicly . gehdat vn . opennes s .
edge .
10 . Demepros Demetrius , patriarch o f Al exandria c . l S 9 - c . 2 3 l .
4. C ' admama (rare) to astonish , stupify. Gt tadamma Dt
11.
=

'Abba an honorific title applied to venerated men o f any

tadammama to be astonished, amazed, stupi fied . madmem marvelous ,
station in religious l i fe .
astonishing; n . mirac l e , marvel .
12. JarokeZa Heraclas , P atriarch o f Alexandria c . 2 3 1 - c . 24 7 .
S. One expects tesayyeteyya since he i s addressing a woman .
13 . peppesenna the o ffice of pappas (bishop) : epis copacy, see.
Ba-mi-mapan for how much?
14. D maggaba to administrat e , be in charge of ( acc . dir .
6 . ' emma, Za' emma conj . if, whether .
obj . ) ; to surround and protect (with : ba-) . CD ' amaggaba to p l ace
7.
G ha88a/�� a� a (yehses) to decrease (in quantity) , be come
�� ��
' (someone : acc . dir . obj . ) in charge of (acc. dir . obj . or Za < Za , diba,
inferior (in q l ity) , be de c � ent ; to be subtracted . CG ' a�?a?a to
ba-) . Dt tamaggaba to be p l aced in charge of. meggeb/megb office ,
diminish, make l ess , worse, inferior; to be deficient (in doing : inf.;
pos t , duty, mini stry . maggabi (pl . -eyan, maggabt) administrator,
in : acc . or ' emenna) ; to subtract , cause a loss of (ac c . dir . obj . ,
guardian; a general designation for various types of rulers : prefect,
with obj . suff . of person so affected) . �e?u? minor, less , smal l ,
proconsul , s atrap , governor .
inferior, deficient , l acking . �e?a?/�e??at vn . decreas e , diminution ,
15. re <ya G ( imperf . yere Hi , yel'e r ri ; subj . yer <ay ; imptv .
2 44 2 45

west a seddat bezuxa mawa ' el a . Wa- ' emdexra-z e me!o ' em- seddat wa­
Wa - basha
. . mendabe ' abiy wa- hazan
. ba-mawa ' e l a simatu, ' e sma
16 _ yebe l o :"Sama ' ku ba' enti ' aka kama ' anta teqeddes ba-xebu' ba­
we' etu t asayma b a-mawa ' e l a mangestu l a-Fileppos , wa-kona yafaqqeromu
17 baJ:1titeka . " Wa- ' awse ' a qeddus wa-yebel o : "Ne�na- s a ' i -naxaddeg
F i l eppos l a-Kerestiyan, wa-soba tanse ' a l -a ' l -ehu D -ak-ewos
v -b e ' o
wa- t a�a
�alotatina wa-qeddasey atina ' i -ba-ma ' alt wa - ' i -ba- l e l it . " Wa- ' emze
wa-mo ' o wa-qatalo la-Fileppos , wa-nagsa heyyantehu . Wa- ' amandabomu
tamay!a qeddus xaba J:1ezb ' e l l a mes H ihu wa-yebelomu : "Huru wa­
la-mahaymenan mendabe ' abiya , wa-qatalomu la-sama ' tat bezuxan ' emenna
qaddesu . La' emma konku re�uqa ' emennekemu ba-sega, ' an e - s a ' eh e l lu
l iqana pappasat wa- ' epis qoposat wa-kale ' an ' em-me ' manan . Wa_gWayyu w
1 mes l ekemu ba-Manfas Qeddus . " Wa-tame " a mak annen , wa-me!o westa
' emennehu bezuxan s ab ' b a ' enta dengage 8 wa-ferhat , wa-bo'u westa
seddat .
gadamat , wa-motu bezuxan ' emennehomu ba-heyya . Wa- ' axazewwo �arrahu
19 Wa-tanse ' a la ' l a zentu kah. -ad1' te , yent 2 2 , em- s ab ' a b arbar
v
- , 2 3 wa-
l a- z entu ' ab , wa- ' axsarewwo .
20 farha ' emennehomu, wa-qat'alewwo ; wa-maHawa l a-waldu mangesto . Wa­
Wa- ' emze � af ' a we' etu k�adi , wa-nagsa heyyantehu Gerlawos .
kona waldu �abiba wa-ma'mera fadfada , wa-fatJ:1omu la-kw e l l omu
Wa-had ' a mendabe ' em-weluda temqat ba-mawa ' el ihu l a - z entu negus. Wa­
� 2l mahaymenan ' el l a moqe�omu ' abuhu, wa-me � omu la- ' e l l a westa seddat .
soba mot a, wa-nagsa heyyante u W�1 �ryos , ' anse ' a k� ' eba mendabe
Wa-sahafa lomu ma��afa mal ' ekt xaba l iqa pappasat wa-yebe lomu : " ' 1 _
��
w
l a ' l a beta Kerestiyan. Wa- ' axazewwo mak anentihu l a- zentu ' ab qeddus, 24
w tef e u_ ' a wa- ' i -tedangedu- ' a . ' Arxewu- ' a ' abyata Kerestiyana -
wa-moqe�ewwo wa-k annanewwo kW ennane ' abiya ' e�uba fadfada . Wa- ' emze 25 - 26 ,:
tikemu wa-yaxtewu wa- 1 -yeb a��eh. 1 -a 'l -e kemu wa- ' 1. -ment -n1" em-
xasasu ' emennehu kama yesged l a - ta 'ot , wa- ' awse' omu wa-yebelomu :
' ekuy- ' a . Wa-�aywa zentu ' ab za-tarfa ' em-mawa ' elihu ba-he d ' a t wa­
"Nehna - s a ' i -nesagged l a-ta ' otat rekusan za' enbal a la- ' Egzi ' ab�er ' Ab
�
ba- s a l am.
wa- aldu ' 1yasus Kerestos ( lotu seb�at) wa-l a-Manfas Qeddus . " Wa­
Wa- ' astar' aya ba-mawa ' e 1 1. hu la- zentu ga�� -at 27 b ezuxat
- b a ' ent a
tame " a l a ' l ehu negus fadfada, wa-qatala ba-qedmehu bezuxana s ab ' a
haymanot . ' Em-we ' etu ' esma 2 8 s ab ' ' astar' ayu ba-behera 'Arabya;
kama yafreho , wa-qeddus - s a ' i -farha ' emennehu . Wa-sadado , wa-nabara
se�tu wa-yebelu ba- ' ekaya megbaromu ' esma nafs temawwet mes l a sega

Wa- ' astagabe ' a 2 9

wa- ' emze tetnassa' mes l ehu ba- ' el ata tensa' e .
ra 'ay) to p asture , tend (herds , flocks) ; to graze (subj ect : flocks ) .
Gt tare rya to graze, be tended . mar ret (pl . -at , mara rey) cattle ,
22. te ryent (pl . -at , ta 'ayen) army , hos t ; camp , encampment ;
flock , herd; pasture . mar ray idem . mer ray a pasture .
tent ( s ) ; gathering , congregation, assembly. Technically the verbal
16 . FiZeppos Phi l ip (the Arab) , emp eror of Rome 244- 2 49 .
noun of ta 'ayyana , originally to dig wells (' a 'yentJ in locating a
17 . Dakewos Decius , emperor of Rome 249-251 , known primarily
camp ; hence : to set up camp , to camp ; with la ' la : to besiege .

I
for his systematic persecution of the Christian s .
23 . sab' a barbar barbarian s , plunderers , robbers .
18 . Q dangaq,a to be astonished, stupified, amazed , di sturbed
24. The suffix - ' a i s attached t o indicate quoted materi al .
in mind, terrified . CQ ' adanga�a m astonish et c . dengu4 v a . aston­ f It may, as here, be j oined to the first few words of a quotation and
ished etc . dengaq.e vn . astonishment etc . madangeq adj . astonishing
to the l ast, or, more rare ly, to every single word of the text .
etc.
25. Note the i l l ogical position o f the suffix -kemu .
19 . C ' axsara (text has xasara, an error) . G xasra (yexsarJ
26. G xatawa to burn , be alight . CG ' axtawa to l i ght (a l amp);
to be in bad strait s , wretched, mis erab l e ; to suffer loss , be reduced
to burn , emit light . maxtot (p l . maxatew) l amp .
to poverty ; to be dishonored, v i l ified, despised. CG ' axsara to
27. ga?? i s used here almost in the sense o f "heresy , " i . e .
cause/infli ct/ affl ict (with) any of the preceding states (with acc .
alternate " aspects or forms" o f the faith.
· . 0b J' . 0 f person) .
d 1r xesur wretched, impoverished, affl i cted , vil e ,
28 . ' Em-we' etu ' esma : an idiom : "An examp le of this is that . . ! '
-despised. xasar (Vocab . 22) .
29 . CGlt ' astagabe' a to gather , assemble (trans . ) ; ' astagabe' a
20 . GerZawos Gal lus , successor of Decius ; ruled 2 5 1 - 253 .
maxbara Za ' la to convene an ecclesiastical council against .
21 . waZaryos Valerianus , successor of Gal lus ; ruled 253-260 .
 2 46 247

30 l
l a ' lehomu maxbara, wa- ' awgazomu wa-mataromu . Wa-kale ' an ka ' eba D. Macarius the Elder
3l
konu ba-ge ' za ' Argenes wa-Sabalyos . 2
32 ' Ama ' esra wa- s abu ' l a-Maggabit ' a 'rafa ' ab qeddus wa-be�u' ,
, :: : ' Wa-soba l ehqa zentu ' ab , ' astar ' aya Pawlos Samisat i , l iqa 3 4
j : maxtota gadam, ' aba kWel l omu manakos at za-gadama ' Asqetes , 'Abba
33 .
pappasat za-hagara ' An?okiya, za-ke�do l a-wal d o Wa- ' astagabe ' a . 5 ,
Maqares za-ya' abbi . Zentu qeddus kona ' em-sab ' a hagara Sasuwlr em-
" I l[' lehu maxbara, wa-' awgazo wa-mataro . ' I -ba��a mes lehomu zentu ' ab 6 7 -
,
, 34 w dawal a Manuf ' em-dabuba 8 Geb� . Wa-konu ' abawihu xerana wa-�[deqana, _
ba' enta res' ennahu wa-fannawa mal ' ekta ' enta me l e ' t ' em-k e l l u
', 1 wa-s emu l a - ' abuhu ' Abreham, wa- s ema la- ' emmu Sara, wa-ye ' et i kama
teb ab wa- s aga , wa-kasata westeta haymanota rete ' t a . Wa-soba ba��a
�aba �
9
Sara wa- ' Elesabet t�awwer ba-te ' zaza ' Egzi ' ab�er ba-te��etenna.
res' nna sannay , falasa xaba ' Eg z i ' ab�er za- ' afqaro ' emdexra
35 Wa-kona ' abuhu kahena wa-kebura, wa-yetl a " ak west a beta maqdas watra
nabara diba manbara Marqos wangelawi ' asarta wa-samanta ' amata . _ 1 0 wa-qe
ba- fariha ' Egzi ' ab�er ba,-ne?J:ienna - wa- b -arak a
dd esenna,
Salam la-Deyonasyos mamehhera tabiban kWe l l u , w
' E gz i ' ab�er l a ' l ehomu wa- ' ab ' alomu ba-k ellu megbaromu . Wa-konu
' em- s ehtat za-meto l a-Pawlos mal ' ekta qalu . ll
:
36 yehubewwomu me�wata kWe l l o ' amira l a -naddayan , wa-yemeJ:iJ:ierewwomu
Dexra rakabo m ndabe wa-s eddat ba-mawa ' elu,
37 . _ _ , 38
falasa yom hagar1ta berhan za-l a lu
1. Macarius the E lder (the Great ) , c . 300 - c . 39 1 , a dis Cipl e
mes la qeddusan xebura yahallu.
of S t . Anthony and one of the most famous of the desert fathers .
2. be?u r/be1u r fortunate , b l e s s ed ; vowed , dedi cat ed . G ba4ra
(yeb� r) to vow . CG ' ab�e ra to make or declare blessed; to obtain a
vow; to become happy , b l es s e d . bed rat a vow . be�u rawi beat i fi c ,
blessed. be�ran beat i fi cation , b l e s sedness .
30 . C ' awgaza to excommunicat e , anathemati z e , curs e . Glt w
3. manakos (pl . -'at) monk , nun . Q mank asa to become a monk ,
tawagaza t o alienate oneself from (acc . dir . obj . ) . weguz excommuni­ w
live a monastic l ife . manakosayt nun . menk esenna monasti cism .
cated, cursed . wegzat/gezat vn . excommunication .
4. 'Asqe�es Scet i s , S cete : the Lower Egyp t i an center of monas-
31 . ba-ge rza 'Argenes wa-SabaZyos : "in accord with the think­
ticism, in the Western D elta .
ing of Origen ( 1 8 4-254) and Sab e l l ius (fl o 220) . "
5. Sasuwir a town o f Lower Egyp t .
32 . PawZos Samisati Paul o f Samosata, heretical bishop o f Anti­
6. dawa Z (pl . ' aawaZ) region , district , territory .
och 260- 2 6 8 .
7. Manuf Memphis .
33. ' An�okiya Ant ioch .
8. dahuh ' the north .
34 . G ras' a (yersa' ) to grow o l d . CG ' arse' a caus . res'
9. te��etenna humi lity, humb l en ess . Dt tate��eta to humb le
res' enna res' an old age .
one ' s self, be submi s s ive, to act or be inferior , lowly . te��ut hum­
=

35 . manbara Mrarqos , a des i gnation of the See of Alexandria,

b l e , modest , obedient ; l owly, ignob l e . The root is also attested in
founded traditional ly by St . Mark .
the G system as G te�ta to be humb l e , CG ' at�ata to make humb l e , to
36 . dexra i s most s impl y taken here as a conj unct ion ,
subj ect . Note the preposition ta�ta , which is also an adverb "below,
, emdexra.
from below , " and the noun mat�ett (form maqteZt) lower or inferior
37 . yom adv . today, on this day; (here) on thi s day of the
part , most frequently used in the accusative as a preposition = ta�ta.
year .
10. ne?�enna purity, chastity, innocence . G na?� (yen?a�) to
38 . Za rZu adv. above; freq . in the adj . phrase za-Za rZu upper ,
be pure, clean . CG ' an�e�a to puri fy , cleans e ; to regard as pure .
esp . ( a s here) i n the s ense " celest i al , heavenly . " ' em-X wa- Za rZu
.
ne?u� pure , cl ean ; innocent , uncorrupted, s incere . ne�� purifi cation,
t ' ) - rZu above , on high .
' emennehu from X onward ( ln enumera 10ns . ba- Za
etc . man�e�i one who purifies .
' em-Za r Zu from above, from on high .
2 48
249
w l2
l a- k e l l omu s ab ' , wa-yetgadalu watra ba-�om wa-� alot ; wa- ' i -kona
mesrliqll. wa-me' rlibll. wa-nuxa wa-gedma , 1 9 wa-yebelo : "Nahu wahabaka
l omu wal d o Wa- ' astar ' aya lotu ' Abreham ba-ra ' y ' em-xaba ' Eg z i ' ab�er,
' Egzi ' ab�er zanta gadama resta laka wa-la-weludeka . " Wa-soba t arnayta
�
wa- ' a�ayyaqo kama ' Egzi ' ab�er hal lo kama yahabo walda za-yekawwen
' em-westa gadam, wa-rakabli la-ye ' eti walatt ' enza tedawwi . wa- ' emz
zekru west a kWel lu ' a�nafa medr wa-yewa l l ed weluda manfasaweyana . Wa­
' a ' rafat ' enza hal l awat ba - dengelenna, wa_ ' a ' kWat0 2 0 l a - ' E gz i ' ena
wahabo 'Egzi ' ab�er zanta qeddus a Maqares-ha, za-ba-tergWamehu la-semu
' Iyasus Kerestos (l otu sebQat) be zuxa . Wa- ' emdexra xedat. 2 l mawa ' el
qeddus be�u ' . . w
ka eba ' a ' ra fu ' ab aw�h u, wa-wahaba k ello newaya za-xadagewwo la-
t

Wa-kona � aga ' E gz i ' ab�er l a ' lehu ' em-ne ' su wa-yet ' e zzaz la­ 22 23 .
13 naddaylin wa- Ia-meskinlin wa- Ia-sennusan . Wa- s ab ' a S-
asuw�r- s a
' ab awihu . Wa-soba lehqa ba- ' akalu, faqadu ' abawihu kama .
14 hagaru soba r e ' yu sedqo
. wa-neshennlihu
" la - qeddus ' Abb- -
a Maqares ,
yastawlis·ebewwo lotu be' sita, wa-kona ' i-yefaqqed zanta gebra , wa­
semewwo qasisa lli' lehomu,
. wa-hanasu
" lotu maklina ba - ' af ' a hagar , wa-
' agabbarewwo kama yegbar faqadomu, wa-ta' azzaza lomu, wa-
15 konu sab ' a hagar ya�awweru xabehu wa-yetmettawu
.. mestirlita
. qeddeslit
' as t awa�abewwo za' enbal a faqlidu . Wa-soba bo ' a west a � er�u, rassaya
' emennehu .
re ' so kama za-yedawwi , wa-nabara bezuxa ' el atlita kama-ze . Wa­ 24
Wa-hall awat ' a�atti walatt ba-ye ' eti hagar denge l , wa- zamrnawat
' emdexra- ze xasasa ' abuhu wa-yebelo, "Xedegani ' e�ur xaba gadam kama
mes l a ' a�adu wareza, wa-1ansat , wa-yebela we ' etu wareza, " Soba
' e� ' ay nestita ' em-zentu dawe . " Wa-kona kWe l lo ' amira yes e " elo l a ­
tas e" elaki ' abuki mannu z a - ' amas ana dengelennliki , baliyo ' esma
' E g z i ' ab�er ba- gize � alotu kama yemre�o westa gabira semratu. 25 26
we ' etu qasis ba�tawi ' amasana dengel ennaya . ,, Wa-soba ' a 'mara
Wa- ' emdexra-ze �ora xaba gadama 'Asqe�es . Wa-soba kona westa
16 17
gadam, re ' ya ra ' ya zakama Kirubel za-sedestu kenafihu ' axaza ba-
18 w superior, exalted.
' edehu wa- ' a ' rago mal ' elta re ' s a dabr, wa- ' ar ' ayo k ello gadama ,
19 . mesraq (p l . -at) the eas t . G saraqa (yesreq) to r i s e ,
shine ( o f t h e sun) . CG ' asraqa t0 cause or order to rise ( i . e . the
v

11. meswat act of charity, benefaction . Q maswata to give

sun) . sarq (' asraqJ riSing (of heavenly bodies ) ; the e as t ; the new
alms , practice charity. Qt tama?wata to receive alms .
moon, the cal ends . serqat vn . ris ing, appearance . saraqawi eastern .
1 2 . Glt tagadaZa to struggl e , contend (esp . in religious sense
gedm (pl . gedam) width , breadth .
of struggling against temptation) . gadZ (p l . -at) a struggle , con­ W W
20 . CG ' a' k ata to praise . Gt ta' ak ta pas s . ' ekut praised,
test (esp . of saints and martyrs) ; title of works about the l ives of W W
l auded . ' a' k ati one who renders praise or thanks . , a' k atet vn .
saints and .ascetics . mastagadeZ a contender, "so ldier of Christ . "
prai s e , glory, thanksgiving .
13. ' akaZ (pl . -at) body, l imbs , statur e ; substanc e , hyposta­
21 . xedap n . a l it t l e , a smal l amount ; adj . (p l . -at) few .
s i s , person . Zehqa ba-' akaZu he reached maturity .
22. meskin a pauper , poor person . meskinat poverty .
14 . CG ' awsaba to marry (subj . man; obj . woman) . CGlt
23.
�ennus poor, indigen t , wretched . Dt ta?annasa to be im-
' astawasaba to give someone (a. d . o . ) in marriage, to marry off . -
poverished, reduced to poverty. tasna. s vn . pover t y, wretch e dn ess;
sabsab marriage .
l ack, deficiency.
15. ?er� (pl . ' a?ra�, ' a?re�t) room, chamber, house; bedroom.
24 . D zammawa to commit adultery; to have i l l i cit intercourse
16. kirube Z a cherub, the cherubim. kirub idem. kirubawi
(with : mesZa or a . d . o . ) . CD ' azammawa caus . zemmut n . adultery,
cherubic.
harlotry . zamma whore , adulterer, fornicator . zammawi i dem . These
17. kenf (pl . kenaf, ' aknaf) wing .
terms are appl i ed to both mal es and females .
18 . maZ <e Zt upper part or surface of anything; usually
25 . ba�tawi anchor i t e , one who lives in solitude . Qt
maZ <e Zta prep . above. G Za <a Za to be high, sup erior . CG ' a Z <aZa
taba�tawa to take up a l i fe of solitude . be�tew adj . alon e , solitar�
CD ' aZa « aZa to raise up , elevate , exalt . Dt taZa « aZa/taZe « eZa
be�tewenna anchoritism.
pass . o f CD; t o be higher (than : ' emenna) . Ze <uZ/Ze « uZ high, lofty,
26. Note the use of ' esrna to introduce direct quotation , as
250 251

' abuha kama ye ' eti �ansat , wa-tas e " ela ' abuha, wa-yebl!l a , "Mannu za­ ' em-ne ' su ' eska zati ' e l a t , wa-we ' etu xer wa-�adeq . " Wa-qarbu
gabra beki zanta xafrata?" Wa- ' awse ' ato wa-teblH o , " ' Ahatta
. 'e lata ' emuntu mala ' ekt xabehu, wa-fatJ:1ewwo ' em-ma.' saru, wa-gadafu ' em­
27
�orku xaba we' etu ba�tawi qasis za- s emu Maqares . Nas ' ani ba-xayl la ' lehu ' agle ' t a . Wa-yebelewwomu ' emuntu ' ekuyan , " ' I -naxaddego
wa-sakaba mesHlya, wa-�anasku ' emennehu . " Wa-soba sam 'u ' abawiha 35
yehur ' eska yehubana za-yethabbayo . " Wa-ma � ' a ' aJ;tadu b e ' si za-kona
zanta nagara, wa-tame " u fadfada , wa-�oru xaba qeddus Maqares , ;
ye ayyet gebra ' edawihu,
36
�
a-ta�abayO ' emennehomu kama yahaba la­
mes lehomu bezux sab ' . Wa- ' awge ' ewwo la-qeddus ' em-ba ' atu, wa-we ' etu ye' eti walatt s isaya ' eska ' ama tewal led . Wa-sadadewwo , wa-�ora xaba
' i -ya ' mara menta za - kona, wa-zaba!ewwo zeb!ata ' abiya wa-ma�ema , b a ' atu, wa-kona yegesse�a l a-nafsu, wa-yebel , " ' O-Maqares , ye ' ze nahu
' eska qarba la-mawit . Wa-kona qeddus yessl! " alomu ' enza yebelomu , kona laka be' sit wa-daqiq . Yedal lewaka kama tetgabbar l e l i t a wa­
"Ment ye' eti xat i ' ateya ' esma ' antemu-ni tezabbetuni za ' enbala ma ' alta ba' enta sisayeka wa-sisayomu la-weludeka wa- I a -b e ' s i teka . "
" 37 w
mehrat?
. " Wa- ' emze ' asaru westa kesadu habla, . wa-dibehu saqalu Wa-kona watra yegabber asfaredata wa-yehubo l a -we ' etu ,be ' s i ' ex
28 29 3
gal ' ata za- ' as l amewwomu ba- fehm, wa-konu yese��ebewwo lafe 0 wa- fequr za-kona yetla" ako , wa-yesayye�omu wa-yehuba l a-ye ' et i be' sit
'
3i 32
lafe kama ' abd wa-yekelle�u ' enza yebelu, " Z entu za- ' amasana
_

s isaya . Wa-nabara ' enza yegabber kama-ze ' eska qarba g i ze wal idota
dengeleTlnaha la-walattena . " l a-ye ' eti b e ' sit .
Wa-ba-we ' etu gize ' astar ' ayu mala' ekt ba- ' amsala sab ' , wa­ Wa-soba qarba ' e l ata wal idota, wa- ' a�aba fadfada , wa-nabarat
yebelewwomu la- ' e l lu ' ekl,lyan, "Ment za-gabra zentu mastagadel ? " Wa­ 38
westa ' abiy mendabe ' arbe ' a ma ' alta wa- ' arbe ' a leI ita, wa- ' al �aqat
33 39
nagarewwomu za_gabra la ' l a ye' eti . Wa-yebelewwomu ' emuntu mala ' ek� la-mawit , wa- ' i-waladat . Wa-tebela ' emma , "Ment za-kona ' emenneki
� .
" Z entu nagar J:1assat we ' etu, ' esma nehna na ' ammero l a- zentu be ' sl ' esma nahu ye ' ze temawweti ? " Wa-tebela la- ' emma ,' '' ' Ewwa ' ane-sa ' i ­
40
yedal lewani walid, ' esma zammawku ' ana mes la ' egale wareza, wa­
indicated by the 1st pers . suffix on denge lennaya. tanagarku ba-nagara J;tassat la ' l a gabra ' Egzi ' abJ:1er , qas i s qeddus
27. xay l (pl . -at) s trength, power , might; arm� troops ; ba-xay l ' Abba Maqares ba�tawi . " Wa-soba s am ' u ' abawiha zanta, J;tazanu fadfada,
by force . G xela to become wel l , strong . D xayyala to be strong , wa-tagabe 'u kWe l lomu mes l a s ab ' a hagar, wa-tamakaru kama yeJ;turu xaba
1
etc . ; to prevail over , be superior to (a . d . o . ) . CD ' axayyala to make qeddus wa-yes ' al ewwo kama yexdeg lomu ' abbasahomu4 za-gabru la ' lehu .
strong, etc . Dt taxayyala to be strengthened , strong; to prevai l ,
dominate; to act with force (good or bad sense) against . xeyyul adj . �ssi'iwi a liar.
strong, etc . xayyal idem . 35 . Gt ta�baya to assume responsibi l ity for (obj . suff . ) ,
28. gal ' (pI . -at , ' agle ct) a pot . stand as a guarantor for (someone : obj . suff . ) to ( a third p arty :
29 . fe� (p l . J a�) carbon , coal . ' emenna) .
30 . late wa- late adv . this way and that, back and forth . 36 . I . e . hi s handicrafts .
manga la late wa- late idem . ma 'dota late adv . on the other s ide , opp� 37 . ' asfareda (p l . -t) basket .
s ite . 38 . CG ' al� aqa to be near , approach; with la- + inf. : to be
31 . J abd (pl . -an) a fool ; adj . fool ish, stupid, unsk i l l e d ; about t o . Glt taZa?aqa to stick together, be connect ed . CGlt
mad, insane . G ' abda (yeJ badJ to be mad, rage . C G ' a' bada caus . ' as tala�aqa to glue together, j oin , connect . le�uq j oined , adhering ;
CGt ' astaJ bada to regard as or treat as a fool ; to despise , ridicul e . connected, continuous .
32 . D kalle� to cry out , shout . ke lla� a cry, shout . 39 . 1 . e . " What have you done so that . . . ?" L i t . : "What has
33. "They t o l d them what he had done t o that (girl ) . " come about through you . . . ?"
34 . �ssat a l i e , falsehood . D hassawa to l i e , b e deceitful , 40 . ' egale i�def. pron . / adj . a certain , a certain person , such­
false . CD ' a�assawa to accuse of falsehood . Dt ta�ssawa to be and- such (a person) .
accused of falsehood, found out a l iar . �essew fal s e , deceitful . 41 . D ' abbasa to sin, commit a crime . ' ebbus wicked , criminal.
2 52 253

Wa-soba sam 'a qeddus ' Abba Maqares kama s ab ' a hagar yefaqqedu yeb�e�u gahhada wa-ye�abbe' ewwo ba- l e l i t . Wa- ' emdexra salastu ma 'a.lt ' enza
42
xabehu wa-yastasreyu ' emennehu, wa-ta zakkara we ' eta ra' ya za-re' ya yetgada1 wa-ye�amu wa-yamanaddebewwo say�anat wa- ' i -rakaba5 3 ' erafta,
ba- gadam, qaddasa qW erbana, wa- t amagawu mes�irata qeddesat . xal laya wa-yebe ba- l ebbu, ' ' ' Enza hal loku westa 'alam, 54 sarna 'ku
Wa- ' astar' aya lotu we' etu kirubel za-sedestu kenafihu, wa­ zenahu la-qeddus ' Abba ' En!Onyo s . 5 5 'Etnassa' wa- ' a�awwer xabehu
' axazo ba- ' edehu wa-mar�o ' eska ' ab�e�o gadama 'Asqe�es , za-ba­ kama yemharani wa-yemrehani fenota menkwesenna, wa-yahabani ' a ' mero
t ergWamehu "Madalewa
43
' albab . " Wa-yebelo qeddus 'Abbl1 Maqares la­ wa- l ebbunna
56
�
kama ' el a bu mekromu la-sa�anat rekusan . " Wa-tanse ' a
44
w e ' etu kirubel , "O- ' egzi ' eya, was s en lita makana za- 'axadder wa- � a l l aya, wa-�ora westa gada.m mangala mesraq ' eska ba��a xaba
westetu . " Wa- ' awse ' a kirubel wa-yebelo , " ' Ane-sa ' i -yewessen l aka ' aragawi qeddus ' Abba ' Entonyos . Wa-soba re 'yo ' em-rehuq, wa-yebe l o ,
makana , kama ' i -tega' ' em-makan za- ' ewessen laka wa- ' i -tet ' adaw " Z entu ' EsrZt' e Zawi z a- ' ,a lbo � e l �ut . , , 5 7Wa-tawakfo
58
�
w _ ta ' amexo
59
45
t e ' zaza ' Egzi ' ab�er . Nahu zentu gadam kWellantahu l aka, wa-xaba ba- ' abiy fesseha wa-kasata lotu xel l innahu ba-fesseha kama wald mes l a
za- faqadka hur wa-nebar botu . " Wa-xadara qeddus Maqares west a
. 48
46 47 - Romaweyan
- - '
- Mak S1mos
- -
wessa�e gad-am , mak-ana d ab romu 1 a -qe ddusan teguh wakeful, etc . tegah vigi l ance , etc . Note that n o t s leeping
wa-Damatewos . Wa-soba ba��a xabehu, xadaru ba-qerub ' emennehu; wa­ was considered an important ascetic accomplishment .
' emdexra ' eraftomu ' a z zazo mal ' aka ' Egzi ' ab�er kama ye�ur wa-yexder 51 , CG ' a�e <a (intrans . ) to ceas e , stop , be at rest ; (trans . )
westa makan za-we ' etu dabra zi' ahomu. Wa-yeblHo mal ' ak ' esma, " Zentu to bring to a stop . Gt ta�ar <a = CG intrans . �eru ( inert , at rest ,
makan yess ammay ba-s emomu la-we ludeka Maksimos wa-Damatewos . " Wa- brought to a stop . �er (at cessation, rest ; za' enbaZa �er <at without
49 w -
w e ' etu ' eska zati ' e l at yessammay D abra Bermo s , za-b a-terg _ame hu ceasing , without interruptions .
" D abra Rom . " 52. say tan (pl . -at) Satan; a devil , demon , adversary .
Wa-qeddus- s a ' Abba Maqares gabra lotu ba' ata ba-westetu, wa­ 53. wa-' i-rakaba . Note the use of the negative perfect after
nabara , wa-tagadala tagadelo ' abiya ba-�om wa-ba-� alot wa-s agid wa- ' enza as the counterpart of the perfective active parti c ip l e , which
50 51 , 52
t egah z a ' enbala ger' at . Wa-konu yastare' eyu lotu s ay�anat is not negated : " and not having found . "
_ _

54 . raZam here and frequently in the sense o f " the world out-
' abbasi s inner, criminal . ' abbasa sin, crime , gui l t . ma' abbes side the rel igious community, the s ecular worl d . "
' ablXisi . 55 . ' Enponyos St . Anthony , the leading l ight of the early
42 . G saraya (yesray, yesriJ to forgive , excuse , pardon . Gt desert community .
tasarya pas s . CGt ' astasraya to s eek pardon (from : ' emenna) . 56 . D Zabbawa to comprehend, understand; to be intel l i gent; to
43 . madZt�ew scales , bal anc e . The phrase madZt�ewa ' a�lXib is an be aware, conscious (of : ' emenna) . CD ' a�abbawa caus . Dt taZabbawa
interpretation of the Coptic form of the name of S cete, si-het. to be comprehended, understood. �ebbew intel l igent , comprehending.
44 . D wassana to delimit , mark off, define . Dt tawas sana pass. �abbawi idem. �ebbawe mind, inte l l ect . ZebbunnZt idem; ski l l , clever-
wassan boundary, l imit . nes s .
W 57. �aZ�a t o act treacherous ly, �e ��ew treacherous , guile­
4 5 . k e ZZantZt- (with pron . suff . ) all of, the whol e of. Q

46 . we8sZtte interior, midd l e . ful . ?e Z�ut treachery, gui l e , malice .

47. dabl' also has the meaning "monastery. " 58 . Gt tawakfa = Dt tawakkafa to accept , receive, take unto
48 . Maksimos wa-DamZttewos Maximus and Dometius , s emi- l egendary one ' s self; also passive of s ame . wekuf/wekkuf accepted, acceptable,
brother saints associated with St . Macarius . agreeabl e , pleasant .
·49 . Bermos The Monastery of Baramus in the Wadi Natrun, with 59 . D ' ammexa to greet . G l t ta' amexa to greet one another, to

which Maximus and Dometius are traditionally associated . kiss (in greeting) . ' ammexa a greeting, kis s ; a gift offered out of
50 . G tagha to be wakeful , watchful , vigilant , attentive . respect .
2 54
255
' abuhu . 64 w
yetgadal wa-ye��ammad westa fenota menk esenna, wa-kona watra
Wa- ' aragawi - s a qeddus ' Abba ' En�onyos ta' amexa re ' so la-qeddus
kirubel ye�ewwe�o gahhiida . Wa-ba-' �atti 'elat s am ' a qal a ' em - s amay
' Abba Maqiires , " ' O-wal deya Maqares , ' anta tessammay be�u ' a bakama
za-yebe l o , " ' O -Maqares , ba ' enta za-sama 'ka qaleya wa-te ' zazeya, wa­
tergWame s emeka ba- l esana Yonanaweyan , ' esma ' Egzi ' ab�er ' Amlii.keya
mas a ' ka xabeya , wa-xadarka wes ta zentu makan, niihu 'an a ' astagiibe '
kasata l i t a gebraka wa-me � ' ataka xabeya, wa-ba ' enta - ze konku ' e� anne�
�
we ta zentu makan ' a�zaba za- ' i-yetxWel laqw65 ' em-kw ellu t e zmedd 66 wa­
mes ' ataka . "
Wa-' aragawi-sa qeddus ' Abba ' En!onyos maharo l a-qeddus w w
� w ' em-k e l lu ba�awert wa- ' em-k e l l u lesanat , wa-yetl a " akuni wa­
' A ba Maqares kWello fenota menk esenna qeddest, wa- ' a�ne ' o ba-nagar
yebareku semeya ba-megbaratihomu sannayt . Tawakafomu wa-mere�omu
be zux za-yedallu la-gabira � edq , wa-kasata lotu � ab i ' otomu la­
westa fenota � edq . " Wa- soba sam ' a qeddus 'Abba Maqares zanta ,
s aytanat . Wa-yebel o ka ' eba, " ' Emuntu hallawomu kama ye�b e ' uka ba­
�
taxayyala wa- � an ' a l ebbu . . Wa- ' enza yeqawwem ba-gi ze � alot b a - l e l i t ,
60
xeb ' ba-xe l l innii kantu wa-ba-megbarat gahhada ' eska l a-mawit ,
wa-kasata l o t u ' Egzi ' ab�er ' e zanihu, wa-sam ' omu la- say�iinat ' en z a
kama tekun ' anta fe��uma soba ye�abbe ' uka , wa-ta' aggas ' eska la­
6l yetmakaru babaynatihomu, wa-yebe lu, " La ' emma xadagnahu l a- z entu b e ' s i
mawit . ,, Wa-s a ' alo qeddus ' Abba Maqares la- 'Abba ' En�onyo s , wa­
yexder westa ziiti gadiim, yeresseyewwa la- zati ' ahgura s amiiyaweyan ,
yebel o , "Xedegani ' enbar ba-xabeka . " Wa-yebelo qeddus ' Abba 67
' esma ' emuntu yetwekkalu ba-�eywat za- l a- ' alam, wa-yes addeduna ' em­
' En�onyos , "Hur xaba makan za-was s ana laka ' Egzi ' ab�er, wa-ta ' aggas
�
zentu ' alam ba-hemama kWennane salotiitihomu . Ne ' u ye ' ze netgiiba'
westetu . " W - ' emdexra nabara xaba ' aragawi ' Abba ' En!onyos xedii.�a 68
w la ' lehu .Yogi nekel nesdedo ; em- zentu makan . "
mawa ' ela ' enza yetmahhar ' emennehu ser ' ata menk esenna wa-ser ' ata
Wa-soba sam 'a qeddus Maqares zanta, �an ' a lebbu, wa-taxayyala
� edq , tanse ' a wa-tamay!a xaba makanu ' enza yetfessa� wa-yet�assay ba­
la ' la s aytanat , wa-kona yebareko la- ' Eg z i ' ab�er za-kasata lotu
ser ' atat wa-ba-temhertat ma�yawit za-tamehra ' emenna ' ab qeddus ' Abba
' ezanihu ' eska sam 'a megbaromu l a- s a� anat wa- ' a' mara dekamomu . Wa­
' Entonyos
. .
' emdexra- z e t agabe'u la ' lehu saytiinat , wa-�ab ' ewwo �ab ' a ' abiya, wa-
Wa-ka' eba ' Abba Maqares be�u' t arakaba mes l a ' Abba Sara - byon62
,
w s . e ) u em-we , etu69
' andadu ' essata la ' la xoxta ba' atu, wa-konu yenas.... ..
' epis-qopos , wa-yebe1o, " K e l lo mawa ' e la za-nabarku xaba ' abuya ' Abba
' essiit wa-yewaddeyu westa ba' atu , wa-konat ye' eti ' e ssat te� affe' ba­
, 63
' En�onyos ' i -re ' ikewwo ' en z a yenawwem gemura . ,
_

�alotu l a- 'Abba Maqiires . Wa-soba tamaw ' u ' em-zentu, wadayu westa
Wa-nabara qeddus Maqares westa makanu bezuxa mawa ' e l a ' enza

64 . G qamada to j oin, bind together, yoke . Gt taqamda pass . ;

60 . kantu n . vanity, emptines s ; frequently in construct
to dedicate one ' s self t o , pursue assiduous ly, submit one ' s s e l f to,
phrase s , as here : xe ZZinna kantu vain thoughts . ba-kantu kanto adv.=

. minister to . 4emud j oined , connected; zealous , assiduous ; as n .

in vain; fortu1tous 1 y, 1' th out purpose , without reward or result .
W devote , discip l e , servant . 4emd yoke , pai r . if.=nad s ectarian ,
61 . The syntax here is strange . Understand haZZawaka before
zealot , devot e . ma4mad rop e , thong .
tet raggas wou ld be b e tt er than ta <aggas . Dt ta<aggasa
¥

kama tekun . W W W W
65 . D x aZZaq a to count , numb er , reckon . Dt tax a z Zaq a pas s .
to be patient, persevere; to practice restraint , abstinence . CDt W
xWe Z Zuq ( ) counted, numbered, reckoned . xW eZqWIxWaZqW (pl . xWe ZaqW)
' as ta raggasa caus . of Dt ; to bear pat i ently. ta raggasi patient , per­ W W
number, sum . x e Z Uiq e vn . numberin g , counting .
severing. te <gest temperance , continence , patience, tolerance .
66 . Gt tazamda to be relate d . tezmedd family, trib e , race,
masta ragges temperant, patient , l ong-suffering .
species .
62 . Sarabyon Serap ion , Bishop of Thmuis in Lower Egypt .
67 . Dt tawakkala to trust or have faith (in : ba- , diba , or obj .
63. CG ' agmara to perfect , finish, consummate ; to include com­
suff . ) . wekkuZ trusting , confiding, dependent . tewke lt vn . trus t ,
p l etely, to comprehend . Gt tagamra p ass . gemura adv . always , alto ­
faith, confidence .
gether, completely; common with negative : (not) at al l . Za-gemura
68 . yogi adv. perhap s , by chance , perchance .
adv . forever , always .
69 . P artitive us e : "they would take some of that fire . . . "
25 6 2 57
70
l ebbu xel linna zemmut wa_tekkaza l ebb wa �emama wa-te 'bita wa-feqra w e lluta 78 kama ga� � a za-yedawwi ba' enta bezux � ab ' z
a-ye�abb e ' ewwo
-

71 72
kebra zentu ' al am : ferhata wa-temke�ta. haketa wa-�erfata, wa- s aytanat .
_

Wa- ' emdexra � a l l ayu, nabaru xebura , wa- ' awse' a

qeddus
73 74
xat i ' a haymanot , wa_qabi�a t as fa ' emenna ' E gz i ' abter , wa-z a­ ' Entonyos ba-fesseta wa-yeb elo , "Oaxen_nu 7 9 hal loka,
' o-wald eya
75
yefadaffed ' em-zentu kWel lu, s ab ' ewwo lotu bakama nagaro qeddus Maqare s ? " ' Awse ' a qeddus Maqare s wa-yeb elo , "Nahu
' abdaraka 8 0
' Abba ' En�onyos . ' E gz i ' ab�er wa-kas ata l ak a kWe l l o ' emenneya . "
Wa-sob ehli. maharo wa­
Wa-soba nabara nawixa mawa ' e l a wa- sayt�n�t ye�abb e ' ewwo ba­ ' a�ne 'o wa-yebel o , "�ena ' wa- ' i -tefrah, ' esma kama-z
e maftew l ana
7
zentu megbarat �esumat , 6 tanse ' a ka' eba wa-�ora xaba qeddus kama net 'aggaso la- zentu makkara kWello za-yarna
�� e ' u l a ' lena
1
' Entonyos
. . Wa-soba r e ' yo ' Entonyos
. ' em-re�uq , nagaromu la- ' arda ' ihu, sal -a 't ena . 8 Wa- b a ' enta - z e yeda l l ewana kama nekun mamehh
erana la-
wa-yebe , "Zentu ' Esra ' eI awi ba- ' aman za- ' albo �el�ut westa l ebbu . ' a�zab be zuxan ' el l a yaf�qqeru tebaba manfasawita,
' enta ye ' et i
w
Tere " eyewwo-nu, ' o-weludeya, l a- zentu be' si? Hal l awo kama yekun menk esenna . " Wa-yebel o , "O-wal deya Maqare s ,
tazakkar we ' eta qaIa
77
batra �edq retu ' a wa-nawixa l a-bezuxan ' a�zab , wa-yekawwenu lotu za-nagaraka ' Eg z i ' enza t aJ:1awwer t eqda� 82 maya . "
Wa-soba s am ' a
fereyata te' umata ' em- ' afuhu l a- ' Egzi ' ab�er �aba ' o t . " Wa-soba s am' a qeddus ' Abba Maqares z ant a , ' ankara fad fad a ,
wa- ' a ' mara kama
qeddus ' Abba Maqares , s agada lotu diba medr, wa- ' anse ' o ' Abba megbaratihu wa-xebu ' atihu takast a lotu la-qedd
us ' Entonyos ba-manfas
' Entonyos fe�una, wa-t a ' amexo wa-sa' amo , ' e sma we ' etu re 'ya ga��o qeddus .

Wa-nabara xaba ' aragawi ' Abba ' Entonyos be zuxa mawa ' el a ' enza
70 . 0 takkaza to be sad, distressed, troub l ed in mind, to be yetbarak ' emennehu wa-yetmehhar te' zazatihu, wa-xasasa ' emennehu kama
concerned . CO ' atakkaza caus . tekkuz s ad , etc . tekkaz (pl . -at) - b eso 83 , as kema qeddusa . Wa-·� a l l aya Ia' lehu, wa- ' albaso ' albasa
yal
sadnes s , grief, care, concern; business , task .
71. Ot tamakke� to boas t . mekke� temke�t boasting . makkah 78 . 0 wa� �apa t o change, alter, transform . Ot tawa� �ata pass .
boastful .
we � �ut changed, transformed, different . we ��ate change, al teration,
72. Gt tahakaya to be idle , lazy, negligent , remiss ; to ceas e , trans formation . taw�at change ; exchange, price .
stop , b e inactive . CG ' ahkaya caus . hakkay l azy, idl e . haket l az i ­ 79 . A relatively infrequent us e of ha��awa with an adj ectival
nes s , idlenes s , negligence . predicate .
73. G xap' a to lack, not have, not find; (rarely) to s in . CG 80. CG ' abdara to prefer, choo s e , sel ect , favor; with foI l .
' axte' a to deprive (someone : a . d . o . or obj . suff. . ) of (a . d . o . ) , to inf. : to do something eagerly, wi l lingly, with undivided attention . .
cause to lack; to cause to s in . Gt taxap'a to withdraw, go away; to Gt tabadra pas s . G badara to hurry , precede, arrive first . G lt
be absent, lacking. xetu' not having, deprived . tabadara to compete with (in running) , to race . badr contes t ,
74 . G qaba?a (yeqba?, yeqbe?) to be discouraged , be in d i s ­ running .
tress . qaba?a tas[a ' emenna to lose hop e , t o despair; to abandon , 81. G sa�' a (ye � �a' ) to hat e , be hostile toward . Gt ta?a�' a
give up on . CG ' aqba?a to cause to despair . qebu? discouraged, de­ pass . and reflex . G l t ta?a�e' a to act hostil ely toward one another .
spairing. qeb?at despair . ?e�u' hated, hateful . ?e�'/¥a�' hatred , enmity . ?aZa' i (pl . ?aZa' t)
75 .Q fadfada to increas e , become numerous , abundant ; to sur- enemy, hater .
. CQ
pas s , b e super�or . wa-za- ye+'
Ja J ed ' em-zentu and what ' s more .
' daf'+' 82 . G qa� (yeqda�) to draw water. Gt taqa�a pass . qada�i
' afadfada caus . ; to surpass (someone in : two acc . ) . drawer of water; cup-bearer . maqde�t water-jar .
76 . G �sama to be bad, fou l , evil . CG ' a�8ama to act wick­ 83. G �absa (yeZbas) to dress (intrans . ) ; to don ( a garment :
edly; to make foul , evi l ; to harm, damage . �esum bad, foul , evi l , a.d. o . ) . CG ' albasa to c l othe , dres s (trans . ) , with acc . of person
harmful . �esam (pl . -at) wickedness , evi l ; crime , harm . and acc . of garment . Gt ta�absa pass . and refl ex . �ebus dres s ed ,
77. batr (pl . ' abter) s t aff, branch . cl othed. �ebs (p l . ' a�bas) garment . �ebsat vn . dressing , c lothing ,
258 25 9

84 wa-ba manfas rekus ; wa-ba;;�at xabehu ba- ' amsala wareza, wa- ' a ' mara kama
kiyahu, ' enta - z e tasamya r ad ' u la-qeddus ' En�onyos . Wa- ' emze
yeb'!ilo ' arag�wi 'Abba ' En�onyos ba-xebu' kama "Tethakkay kama tem�a' ye' eti walatt , wa-fawwasa wa-fannawa xaba ' abuha wa- ' ernrna . Wa-soba
xabeya zeyya. ' Ana ' emdexra mawa ' e l ' aJ;lawwer xaba ' E g z i ' ab�er . " Wa­ wahabewwo warqa bezuxa, ' i -nas' a wa- ' i -menta-ni ' emennehomu .
soba sam ' a 'Abba Maqares " z anta nagara, tanse ' a wa- sagada lotu, wa­ Wa-hal lo ' a�adu manakos westa hagara ' Awsim; 90 s e�ta wa-yebe :
85
s a ' alo kama yenbar ba-xabehu wa-yerass eyo delewa yensa' barakato "Albo tensa ' e mutan . " Wa- ' asJ;!atomu l a-be zuxan sab ' , wa-ba ' enta
manfasawita. Wa-yebelo , "Nebar ba-xabeya . " Wa-nabara ba-xabehu . ' aminotomu botu konu yetwekkafu qalo . Wa-hora ' epis -qopos za-hagara
Wa-yebelo ' En!onyos , "Wa- ' emdexra xeda! mawa ' el ya ' arrefaka ' Awsim xaba ' Abba Maqares , wa-nagaro kama ' ashatomu we ' etu l a-�ezba
' Eg z i ' ab�er ' em - z entu � ab ' a xel l inna ' ekuy, wa- ' emdexra- ze ye� abbe'uka z i ' ahu, wa-sa' alo se' l ata bezuxa
9l
�
kama yetra e ' o . Wa-tanse ' a ' Abba
saytanat gahhad� Sena' wa-t a ' aqab wa- ' i -tahzeno l a-we' etu kirubel Maqares , wa-�ora mes l a ' �p i s - qopos xaba hagara ' Aws im, wa-re' yo la­
�
'
86
za- �ass ayo ' EgZi ' a �er mes leka l a-rad' eteka yahal lU mesl eka ' eska we ' etu baJ;!tawi za-westetu manfas rekus . Wa-soba tanagara mes l ehu
t af�ameta mawa ' e l ika , wa-ya ' aqqebaka bakama ' a z zaza ' Egzi ' ab�er ba' enta tensa' e mutan, wa- ' awse ' a we' etu ba�tawi wa-yebe l o : " ' Ane-sa
' Arnlakeka . " Wa-wahabo ' Abba ' En�onyo s batra zi ' ahu, wa-ta' arnexo ' i -ya' ammen kama mewutan yetnass e ' u , la' ernrna ' i -yansa' ka l ita be ' se
' arnrnexa qeddesat , wa- ' a ' rafa wa-taqabra segahu b a-makan xebu' z a - ' i ­ ' emenna maqaber . " Wa- �al l aya qeddus ' Abba Maqares , wa- sa ' al a xaba
ya ' arnrner mannu-hi makano . ' Eg z i ' ab�er, wa-sobeha tanse ' a we ' etu ' a�adu be ' si ' emenna mewutan
Wa-tamay�a qeddus ' Abba Maqares xaba gadama ' Asqe�es , wa-nabara (wa-kona be' sihu ' em - ka�deyan qadamt ) . Wa- ' amna we ' etu ba�tawi , wa­
92 W
westa makanu, wa-tasam ' a zenahu westa kWe l lu ' asnafa medr. Wa-gabra tamay�a ' em-se�tatu, wa-kamahu k e l lomu �ezb ' e l l a ' as�atomu
87 tamay�u. Wa-sa' alo we ' etu be ' s i z a- ' anse ' o ' em-mewutan l a -qeddus
' Eg z i ' abher diba ' edawihu t a ' arnerata 'abayta, wa- ' emennehu ' esma
'
, �o lya_ 8 8 annawa 1 a-wa 1 attu xab-ehu za-ye;;!?e
- 89 - -
negusa" An k '
� f - " an dl' b eha 'Abba Maqares kama ya!meqo !emqata Kerestenna . Wa- ' a�maqo wa- ' albaso
w
' albasa menk esenna, wa-nabara xabehu saba ' ta ' amata , wa- ' a' rafa .
93
donning. maZbas (t) (pl . maZabes) garment , tuni c . Wa- ' emdexra- ze t anse ' a qeddus ' Abba Maqares , wa- s a ' a l a westa
84 . An unusual use of kiyahu, either "those same garments " or gadam kama ya ' mer l a ' ernrna hal lo westa gadam sab ' ' em-qedmehu . Wa­
"his own garments . " The l atter seems more likely in view of the fol ­ re' eyo kel ' e 'edawa ' eruqana, 94 farha ' emennehomu , ' e sma masalo kama
95
lowing c l ause . ' emuntu s ay�anat , wa- � a l laya ba-qedrnehomu ' elbaltaribon ( z a-we ' etu :
85 . deZew ( f . deZut) adj . worthy (to do : subjunctive) , deserv­
ing; proper ; weighed. de Zwat weight , worthines s , propriety. CG 90 . 'Awsim Letopo l i s , j ust north of Memphi s .
' adZawa to please , satisfy (someone : a . d . o . or Za-) ; to adulate , fawn 91 . Cognate accusative : "he asked him repeatedly (or ear­
over, flatter . madZew hypocrite , fawner , an unj ust official or j udge. nest ly) . "
Dt tadaZ Zawa to prepare one ' s s e l f , get ready; to l ive in luxury . 92. kamahu adv. likewis e , i n the s ame way .
tadZa preparation; propriety, appropriateness , worthines s ; luxury, 93. sa' aZa is rather curious here , unles s i n the s en s e "to
affluence . CDt ' astadaZZawa to prepare , make ready (trans . ) . CGlt make inquiry, to inves t i gate . " A variant text has bo' a . The ' em­
' astadaZawa idem. barakat (pl . -at) b lessing . qedmehu of the following c l ause is to be taken in the sense o f " supe­
86. yaha Z Zu = kama yahaZ Zu and governs only what fol lows . rior to him" (in spiritual perfection) .
87 . Cf. Note 2 8 in the preceding selection . 94 . G 'arqa/<araqa to be naked, empty; to be orphaned . CG

88 . ' An�okiya Antioch . ' a 'raqa to strip bare ; to empty out . Gt ta'arqa to be stripped , de­

89 . Dt ta�e « ena to mount , ride on (an animal or vehic l e ) ; nuded , emptied . ' eruq naked, empty . 'eraq (appositional pron . suff .
a l s o , as here, of a demon possessing a person . D �a " ana to l o ad (an obl i gatory) naked, empty, alone . ' erqan nakednes s ; shame (the sexual
animal or vehi c l e) . ?e " un l aden; riding, mounted . masta?e " en parts) .

hors eman . 95 . A corruption , through Arab i c , o f Greek ho patllr human , the

260 261

' Abuna za-ba-samayat) . Wa-kiyahu-ni �awwe ' ewwo ba-s emu wa-yebelewwo : ' Abba Maqares t a ' arreg xaba samay, wa-sam 'omu l a- say!anat ' en z a
'' ' I -tefrah ' o-Maqares . " Wa- ' a ' mara kama ' emuntu qeddusan gadamaweyan. yekel lehu wa-yebelu ba-dexrehu : "Mo ' kana , ' O -Maqari , mo ' kana . " Wa­
Wa-tas e " el ewwo ba' enta s ab ' a ' alam wa-megbaromu, wa-yebelomu: �
yebe 1 0m qeddus ' Abba Maqares : " 'Adiya ' eska ye ' ze . ,,
1 03
Wa-soba bo ' a
'' ' Eg zi ' abJ.ler ba-meJ.lratu yexe 1 l i diba kWel lomu . " Wa- ' emze tas e " e lomu qeddus westa gannat , kall eJ.lu ba-qal I e ' 'ul ' enza yebelu : "Mo ' kana ,
w w . 96 _ 97 98
l a ' emma kona yaq arreromu q erra keramt wa-yal ehhebomu J.larura
_

' O-Maqari . " Wa-yebe1 omu qeddus ' Abba Maqares : "Yetbarak s emu za­
99 Wa- ' awse' ewwo wa-yebel ewwo : '" E gz i ' abJ.ler
dahay
. . ba-gize hagay . ' adxanani ' em- ' edekemu . "
ioo zentu ' arbe a amat , wa-nabarna westa gadam . ' 1- 1 04
rad ' ana ma!ana ' ' Wa-kona qeddus ' ama J.leyaw , ' az zazomu la-weludu kama yexbe ' u
yaqWrarana keramt wa- ' i - yalhabana J.lagay . " Wa-yebe1omu qeddus ' Abba segahu . Wa-ma? ' u sab ' ' em-hagaru Susawir, wa-wahabu newaya l a - rad' u
Maqares : " ' Efo ' ekawwen kamakemu?" Wa-yebel ewwo : "Nebar westa YoJ:1annes za-kona yegesse�o kWe l l o gize yebelo : "Ta ' aqab ' em- ' afqero
ba' ateka, wa-beki la ' l a xa!i ' ateka, wa- ' anta tekawwen kamana . " Wa­ newAy. " Wa-marJ.lomu we' et � , wa- ' ar ' ayomu segahu l a-qeddus 'Abba
tabaraka ' emennehomu, wa-tamay!a xaba makanu . Maqares , wa-nas' ewwo wa-was adewwo xaba hagaromu , wa-nabara ba-heyya
Wa-soba bazxu manakosat , wa-karayu lomu ' azaqt a , wa-J.lana�u l om� me ' ta wa-sessa 'amata ' eska mawa ' e l a mangesta 'Arab . Wa-rad' u-sa
_ 1 01 - -t 1 05
Wa- sob a warada westeta qeddus kama yetxa�ab , ' anxal ewwa say!ana YoJ.lannes kona zelgusa ba' enta ' afqerotu newaya . Wa- ' emdexra · · z e
la ' l �hu kama yeqtel ewwo . Wa-ma� ' u manakosat , wa- ' aw1e' ewwo J:1oru weludu manakosat xaba hagaru Susawir, wa-faqadu kama yense ' u
' emenn�h� . Wa-soba faqada ' Eg z i ' abJ.ler ' erafto, fannawa lotu kirub e l ­ w
segahu , wa-tanse ' u l a ' l ehomu s ab ' a hagar mesla mak annen , wa­
h a za-kona yeJ:11!wwe� o , wa-yebelo : "Tada l l aw, ' esma neJ.lna nema�� e ' kal ' ewwomu . Wa-ba-ye ' et i l el i t ' astar ' ayo qeddus ' Abba Maqares l a­
xabeka wa-nenasse ' aka·. " Wa- ' ar ' ayo l a- ' Abb� ' En!onyos wa- l a-maxbara w
mak annen wa-yebe1o : "Xedegani ' eJ.lur mes l a weludeya . " Wa-ba - � ebaJ:1
w w
qeddusan wa�k e ll omu xayl�ta s amayaweyana, ' eska ' ama ma!!awa nafso . � awwe ' omu mak annen l a-manako s at , wa- ' azzazomu kama ye?uru segahu.
� - _ 106
Wa-kona kWel lu mawa ' e l a heywatu tes ' a wa-saba' t a ' amat a . Wa-kona Wa-?orewwo sob-eh-a , wa- ' anb arewwo westa b eta Kerest�yan - b a-zemmare
.

l 02
s em ' a ba_ zentu Babnuda rad ' u , kama we ' etu re ' ya nafso l a-qeddus wa-ba-mahlet bezux ' ama ' asur wa-tasu ' la-NaJ:1ase , wa-kona ' emennehu
ta' amerat wa-mankerat ' abayt .
first words of the Lord ' s Prayer, as the fol lowing parenthesi s ex­ Salam la-Maqares za- ' abiy kebru,
p l ains . ' esma ' aqaba mar ' eto l a - ' Entonyos ba-batru .
.
96 . keramt winter; rainy s eason; year. G karma/karama to 107
' Emenna ' aJ.ladu ' aJ.ladu ' enbala yax?eru
spend the winter; to belong to the previous year . karami of or per­
taining to the previous year . 103 . "I am sti l l here . " (L e . in spite of your torments and
97 . G Zahaba to flame, burn . CG ' aZhaba t o burn, ignite temptations) . ye' zg (-ni) adv . now.
(trans . ) . zahb flame , heat . 1 04 . wa-kona . . • ' ama �eyaw and whi le he was s t i l l a l ive . Cf.
98 . G �arra�arara (ye�ar, ye�er) to burn (intrans . ) , b e wa-kona soba.
afire . CG ' a�rara to burn (trans . ) . � heat , fervor , pass ion , 105. Q zaZgasa to be affl icted with a dreadful disease ( lep­
ardor . rosy, e l ephantiasis) . ze Zgus l eprous (or sim. ) . ze Zgase l eprosy,
99 . �gay summer . elephantiasis .
100. matana prep . during , for the extent o f . 106. D zammara ( 1 ) to make mus i c ; to play instruments , s ing;
101 . G nexZa (yenxaZ) to col l apse, fal l into ruin, be de­ (2) t o state or procl aim authoritat ively, to bear witness to . CG
stroyed . CG ' anxaZa to knock down , destroy , devastate , topp l e . J azmara = D (2) . zemrrrur allthority, witness . zemmare p s alm, hymn .
1 02 . ba-zentu apparently refers to the fo l lowing account . mazamme r psalmist, church singer. mazmur (pl . -at) p s alm, the psal ­
Trans l ate : "His discip l e Babnuda was a witness to the fo l l owin g , ter; chorus of singers . mezmar authority , witnes s .
namely that . . . " 107. The third and fourth lines are diffi cult . I wou l d
26 2 263

soba ' erruya daqiqu wa-megbarata �edq gabru , ' e l la mes l ehu, wa-tarafu ' e l lu kel ' etu daqiq ne ' usan . Wa-�ewawewwomu
madalewa ' albab tasamyat ' eska yom dabru . sab ' a hagar, wa-maharewwomu gebra taqat e l o , 8 wa-was adewwomu ' ammexa
9
l la-negusa 'Aksum za-semu ' E l l a- ' alada, wa-semo negus la- ' Adseyos
E. Salama lO
magg abe beta qa!in wa- l a-F eremna!os ' aqabe �egg wa-�a�afe ' Aksum .
Ba- zati ' el at ( ' ama ' esra wa- s adus la-�amle) ' a ' rafa ' Abba Wa- ' emdexra xedat mawa ' el ' a 'rafa negus , wa-xadaga ' egWa l a
S alama, kasat� berhan , pappas za - ' I tyopya , wa-kama-ze we ' etu zenahu. ne ' usa mes l a ' emmu, wa-nagsu ' E l la- ' AzgWagWa . Wa-nabaru ' Adseyos wa­
2 3 ll
Mas ' a ' ahadu be ' si ' em-behera
. Ser, za-semu Merobopyos , liqa � ab abt , Feremna!os ' enza ya�a��enewwo la-�e�an wa-yemehherewwo haymanota
' .
' en z a yefaqqed yer' aya l a-be�era ' I tyopya, wa-mes lehu kel ' etu daqiq Kerestos (lotu seb�at) ba-ba-nestit nestita . Wa-hanasu l o tu
4 s
' em- ' azmadihu , s emu la- ' ahadu
. Feremnatos
. wa-ka l e ' u ' Adseyos , wa-bo me � e l l aya, wa- ' astagab e ' u xabehu daqiqa ' enza yemehherewwomu mazmura
' el l a yesammeyewwo Sidrakos . Wa-ba��a ba-�amar �ayqa be�era ' Ag ' azi, 12
wa-ma� leta. Wa-soba ' ab�e�a zeku �e�an 'aqma werzawe , s a ' a l ewwo
6 13
wa-re ' ya kWe l l o sannayata za-fetwata l ebbu . Wa- ' enza yefaqqed kama yefannewomu hagaromu. Wa- 'Adseyos �ora Tiros be�era kama
e
yetmaya! be� ero , . tanse ' u l a ' lehu �arr, wa-qatal ewwo mes l a k e l l omu
7
yer' ay waladeyanihu. Wa-Feremna!os-ni basha ' Eskenderya xaba l iqa
14
pappasat 'Abba ' Atnatyo s , wa-rakabo b a-�addis simatu, wa- zenawo
suggest " Because his chi l dren and righteous deeds amounted to the kWe l lo za-ba��a la ' lehu wa-ba' enta haymanotomu l a-be�era ' Ag ' azi , wa­
same thing (for him) , without one detracting from the other, his zakama ' amnu ba-Kerestos (lotu seb�at ) , ' enza ' albomu pappasat wa­
monastery was named ' The Balance of Hearts (i . e . desires , aspira­ qasawest .
tions) , (and is cal l ed thus) up to this very day . " For the sens e , Wa- ' emze semo ' Abba 'Atnatyos l a-Feremna!os kama yekun pappasa
see note 43 above and the frequent mention o f "his spiritual chi l ­ la-behera 'Ag ' azi za- ' Ityopya , wa-fannawo mesla ' abiy kebr . Wa-
ls
.

dren" i n accounts o f Macarius ' l i fe . The main l anguage problem i s ba�i�o be�era 'Ag ' azi ' ama mangestomu la- Abreh-a
¥ wa- 'A � b eh. a , s ab aka
,

the idiom gabra 'erruya , for which I can find n o exact p aral l e l ,
al though the suggested trans l at ion is quite in keeping with other toward, be an enemy o f .
intransitive uses of gabra . G xa�ara (yex?er) t o be short . CG 8. I . e . arts of warfare .
' ax?ara to shorten , curtai l . xe�ur short , shortened . xasir ( f . 9. 'Aksum Aksum (Axum) , center of the Axumite Kingdom, known
xa?Zir) i dem. from the first century onward in C lassical , inscriptional , and Arabic
1. 'Abba SaZama , i . e . F rumentius , the traditional founder of sources .
Ethiopic Christianity in the fourth century . 10. qa�in servants , domesti�s (CO l l ective) .
2. Ser ' Greece, the Greeks . ba-?er' in Greek . ?er ' awi adj . 11. G �qana (ye�qen) to nur s e , nourish , foster, cultivat e ; to
Greek .- take care of (one ' s young) . Gt ta�a�na pass . �e� (pl . �qan) bosom,
3. Merobopyos Meropius . embrace . �e�at vn . nouri shing , nursing . ��n (pl . -at) infant ,
4. Feremna�os Frumentius . very young chi l d . ma�4an (pl . -at , ma�qen) womb .
S. 'Adseyos Aedesius . 12. taqm measur e , degre e , extent ; moderation ; end, comp l etion ,
6. G fatawa to desire strongly (often , but not nece s s ar i l y , in maturation. 'aqma werzawe maturity, manhood .
ba- 'aqm moderately . 0
bad sens e : to lust for, be greedy for) . CG ' aftawa caus . ; to p l ease , 'aqqama to define , set l imits to . 'eqqum limited, defined, deter­
s at i s fy . fetew desired, desirab l e , pl easing, p l easant . fetwat vn .
mined . 'eqqame determination , definition .
desire , lust , craving ; the thing desired, pleasure . fetwatOPJi l ibid­ 13. firos Tyre .
inous , given to excessive desire s . 14 . 'Atnatyos Athanasius the Great , Bishop of Al exandria 32 8-
7. �r (p l . ' agrar) enemy, adversary . 4arrawi adj . enemy , 373.
ho stil e . C G ' a4rara t o be hos t i l e . Glt ta�ara to act hosti l e 15. 'Abreha and ' A?be� . Apparently an anachronistic
 2 64 26 5
16 7
ba-salama Kerestos ( lotu seb�at) westa kWellu ' adyamiha, wa-ba' enta­ ' e�e ' enza ya ' arreg mal ' elta ' om, wa-ba�i?o xaba manfaqa 8 yewaddeq
ze tasamya 'Abba Salama . Wa- ' emdexra ' a 'manomu l a - s ab ' a ' Ityopya , westa medr; bezuxa gize yegabber kamahu, wa- ' em- 'e�ub ' arga mal ' elta
j' ' a ' rafa ba-salam. 'om. Wa-soba re ' ya Yared tegaho la- ' e�e , nasse�a ba-nafsu, wa­
1 tamayta xaba mamehheru wa-yebe : "Seray l i ta, ' 0- ' Abba , wa-rass eyani
r
"Salam" ba-qala s ebhat ' ebelo
' enza ' a' abbeyo wa- ' al e " elo za- faqadka . " Wa-tawakfo mamehheru manfasawi . Wa- soba s a ' al a xaba
.

I'
17
la-Salama, xoxt za-mehrat wa-tasahe lo . ' Egz i ' abher ba-bekay, tarexwa l ebbunnahu, wa-tamehra ba- ' ahatti ' elat

I ¥
,
'Asraqa za- Ityopya l a -berhana Kerestos � ad-a l 0 ,
•
18
�
ma�a�eft beluya wa-�addis a .
9
19
' enza l a ' lehu �elmat wa_qobar hal lo o Wa- ' emze tasayma diyaqona . Wa-ba-we ' etu mawa ' e l ' albo
1

i
- 1 aqta 1 0 qene_11
i
i, 1 max - _ 1 2 za , enbaI a b a- 1 ah osas
b a- 1 e " u 1 zema - . 13
Wa-sob a
, - 14 '
faqada ' Egzi ab�er kama yaqem lotu tazkara, wa-fannawa lotu salasta
¥

• 15
'I : Ba- zati ' elat ( ' ama �sur wa- ' ehud la-Genbot) ' a ' rafa Yared ' a ' wafa ' em- gannata ' Edam, wa-tanagarewwo ba- lesana s ab ' , wa-
, 2 '
, 3 16
ma�letay, ' ams [lihomu l a-Sura£el . Wa-zentu Yared ' em- ' azmadihu masatewwo mes 1ehomu westa ' Iyarusalem samayawit , wa-ba-heyya
' v

we ' etu l a- ' Abba Gedewon ' em-kahenata ' Aksum , ' enta ye ' eti qadamit
' em- ' el l a ta�an�a ' abyata Kerestiyanat ba-hagara ' Ityopya, wa-tasabka 6. <om (pI : ' a <wam, -at) tree , trees , dense grove, woods .
bati haymanota Kerestos , wa- t aqaddasat ba-sema ' Egze' tena Miaryam . 7. <erj:e (pl . -yat , <eqayat) worm, caterp i l l e r . G <aqaya/ <acJya
Wa- zentu ' Abba Gedewon soba wa!ana yemharo mazmura Dawit l a-be�u ' to putrify, get wormy .
Yared, s e ' na ' aqiboto ' eska bezux mawa ' el . 4 Wa- ' emze soba z abato wa- 8. G nafaqa to divide, s eparate . L nafaqa to divide (usual ly
'
' a�mamo , wa-g ayya westa gad-am wa- ' as 1 a 1 a t""t
w 5 6
'
�! a om . wa-re ' ya in half, into two parts or factions) ; to be hes itant , doubtful , skep­
tical . Lt tanafaqa to divide (intrans . ) , break up into factions . Gt
reference to ' E l l a ' A�beta and ' Abreha of the 6 th century . The l atter tanafqa idem. nefuq divided, sp lit . nufuq hesitant , doubtful . nafq
i s famous for his expedition against Mecca in S 7 0 . compartment, box . nefq hal f, one of two parts . nujaqe division,
16 . ' adYam (p l . only) area, region , environs , neighborhood , dissension, skepticism. manfaq half, one of two parts ; fact ion ,
adj acent district . sect , splinter-group ; the hal f-way point (as here) .
17. Glt tasahaZa to show mercy (to : a . d . o . ) ; to forgive . BahZ 9. I . e . the O l d and New Testaments .
mercy, kindness . mastasahe Z merciful , lenient ; seeking mercy or for­ 10 . G xaZqa (yexZaq, yexZeq) to come to an end, be finished,
giveness . consummated; to perish, disappear . CG ' ax Zaqa caus . xeZqat end,
18. G ?adaZa to shine, be spl endi d . CG ' a�daZa to shin e , emit consummation, comp l et ion , death . maxZaqt end , compl etion ; consumma­
l ight , gleam. ?eduZ shining , sp lendi d . sadaZ sp lendor, l ight , gl eam. tion, climax , death; performance , execution (as here) .
19. qobar (pl . -at) b l acknes s , darknes s . 11. qene church singing, church mus i c .
1. fared Yared, the patron saint o f Ethiopic church mus i c . 12 . zema melody, tun e , song. Ze < 'uZ zema a type of s inging,
2. ma�Zetay musi cian, singer . perhaps falsetto or possibly referring to an ob ligatto upper melody.
3. sura[e Z s eraph, seraphim . 13. Za�osas whi spering; the reference here is to a style of
4. ' eska bezux maw2i <eZ for very long . singing.
S. CG ' as ZaZa t o furnish shade; to seek the shade; to sit , 14 . ' aqama tazkara to establish a commemoration (for) = to
0 ?aZZa Za to shade , cover.
l ive , dwe l l . Dt ta?aZZaZa t o b e shaded, guarantee someone a p ermanent p l ace among the saints of the church
dark . ?aZaZo l ampbl ack, soot . ?eZZaZot/veZaZo t shade , shadow ( s ) , for whom there are fixed commemoration days .
darkness . me?ZaZ/me?e Z Z2iZ a shady p lace , arbor, pavi l ion . masaZZat IS. ' Edom Eden .
taberna c l e , tent . Ba <aZa Ma�aZ Zat F east of Tabernacl es . 16 . G masata (yemset) to snatch , snatch away, seize and carry
266 26 7

30 3
tamehra ma�letomu l a - ' esra wa- ' arba 'tu kahenata s amay . Wa-soba ' em-sa1astu zemahu ' emma-hi nebaba sab ' ' aw neqawa l 'of wa­
17 32
tamay�a xaba hel lawehu , bo ' a westa beta Kerestiyan qeddest za­ ' ensesa .
18
G abaza ' Aksum ba-gi ze salastu s a ' at , wa-ka l l e�a ba- l e " ul qal ' enza Wa-ba- ' a�atti ' e lat ' enza yezemmer Yared, qawimo ta�ta 33 negus
,
yebel : "Hale luya l a- ' Ab , hale l uya l a-Wald, haleluya wa- l a -Manfas Gabra-Masqal , wa-negus-ni ' enza ya�amme 34 qalo , takla batra xa�in
19 _ 20 35
Qe ddus . Q ad-aml' h-a 1 a- S eyon s amaya
- v
sarara, �a- b a- d-agem " ar ayo l a- westa mekya -da ' egarihu, ' enza yewe��ez ' emennehu darn b ezux wa- ' i -
�
Muse zakama yegabber ebra la-dabtara . ,,
22
2l
Wa-samaya l a - zati ma�leta ta 'awqo la-Yared ' eska fa!? �ama ma�leta . Wa-soba re ' ya negus , dangada
23 36 7
' aryam. Wa-soba sam 'u dem�a qalu, rosu negus-ni wa-negest-ni wa_malxa batro ' em- ' egru, wa-yeb-e l 0 : "s a ' a l anl' za-te f aqqe d ' as ba 3
mes la pappas wa-kahenat wa- ' abayta negus v , wa-wa ' alu2 4 ' enza zentu dameka za- take ' wa . ,,
38
Wa-yebelo Yared : "Ma�a1
39
I i t a kama · ' i ­
•

25
yes amme' ewwo . Wa-sar ' a mahleta . l a - l a _ zamanu ' em- ' amat ' eska 'amat te' bayani . " Wa-soba ma.�al a lotu, yebelo Yared : "Fannawani kama
26 27 w w
za-�agay wa- za-keramt , za-ma�aw wa- za- � aday, l a-ba ' alat wa- l a- ' emank es . " Wa- s ami ' o negus, takkaza �eqqa mes l a kWel lu mak anentihu,
_

2
sanabet, 8 za-mala ' ekt wa- za-nabiyat , za-sama'tat wa-za-!?adeqan , ba­ wa-kama yekle' o-hi farha ma�al a . Wa-bawi ' o Yared westa beta
29
salastu zema za-we ' etu ge ' z wa- ' e z l wa- ' araray , wa- ' i -ya' addu
29 . ge 'z , ' ez l , and ' araray are the three modes of s inging
off by force . CG ' amsafa to f l e e , e s cap e . Gt tamaspa p as s . and re­ (zemaJ . Ge ' z is the ordinary mode; 'ezl is reserved for fas t - days ,
flex . of G. mesup sei zed, snatched. masati (pl . masapp) rap acious , funeral s , and the Lenten s eason; ' araray is used for feast-days and
viol ent . mamsap handl e , l ever . other happy occasions .
17. hel lawe vn . being, e s s ence , nature , substance . tamaypa 30 . "Nothing surpas s es his three modes of singin g , whether it
xaba he l Zawehu he returned to h i s normal stat e . be the speech of man or ( awJ the cry of birds and anima l s . "
>

18. Gabaza ' Aksum Guardian of Aksum, epithet of the Mother 31 . neqaw animal s ounds . G naqawa = 0 naqqawa to emit its
Church at Aksum . appropriate sound ( subj . may be bird or animal ) .
19 . �eyon Zion . Muse Mos e s . 32 . ' ensesa animal s , beasts , cattle . ' ensesawi adj . animal ,
20. L sQrara to found, estab l ish . Lt tasQrara pass . serur/ bestial . Qt ta'ansasa to become l ike a brute animal .
surur founded, estab l i shed . surare founding, foundation . sarari 33. ta�ta here adv . below. Yared is standing o n a p latform,
founder . masarrat (pl . -at) foundation, firmament , bottom . CQ with the king below him.
, amasrata to found. Qt tamasrata pass . of CQ . "He founded the heav­ 34 . CG ' adme' a to listen to, to hear .
ens as the first Zion ( I i t . the beginning of Zion) . " 35 . G keda (yekidJ to tread, trample (on : a . d . o . ) ; to thresh
21. dabtara (pl . dabater) tent , tabernacl e . (by treading) . CG ' akeda to make tread; to thres h . Gt takayda pass .
22. ' aryam (pl . only) highest heaven , the heavenly height s . of G . mekyad sole of the foot , footprint ; bas e ; threshing floor .
ma�Zeta ' aryam is a technical musi cal term. makayyad/makyad idem; a l s o footstoo l .
23. G dam4a (yedme4, yedmaqJ to sound. CG ' adma4a caus . dem4 36. G malxa (yemlaxJ to tear out , uproo t , draw out . Gt
sound, nois e . tama lxa pas s . melux uprooted, torn out .
24 . G wa 'ala/we ' Za (ya Cal) to pass the day, remain . Wa 'aU 37 . G c asaba to hire (for wages) . ' asb wages , hire , pay re­
attendant , servant . war d . cassab hire l ing, mercenary.
25. "each at its proper time . " See §5l . 5 . 38 . G ka 'awa (yek'aw) to pour out , spew out (trans . ) . Gt
26. ma?aw/ma4aw spring ( season) . take 'wa idem intrans .
27. ?aday autumn . 39 . G ma�Za (yem�lJ to swear (an oath) . CG ' am� la to be­
28 . sanbat (pl . -at, sanabet) sabbath; Sunday (sanbata swear, adjure . Glt tama�ala to take a mutua l oath, to conspire .
Kerestiyan) ; week . CQ ' asanbata to observe the s abbath or Sunday. ma�Za oath, treaty.
 268 26 9
40 - - 1
Kerestiyan, qoma qedma tabota � eyon, wa-soba yebe "qeddest wa­ G. Tak l a Haymanot
41
bede" ' t s ebbeht . wa-burekt , kebert wa- I e " elt,, ' eska taf�ametu ,
' Ama zati ' e l at ( ' esra wa-rabu ' l a -Na�ase) ' a' rafa mamehhera
42
t a l a " ala ' em-medr marana ' emmat .
' alam ' abuna Tak l a Haymanot . Wa- l a- zentu qeddus kona s ema ' abuhu
43
Wa- ' em-heyya hora xaba gadama Samen , wa-nabara ba-heyya ba­
$aga Za- ' ab , wa-sema ' emmu ' Egzi ' Xaraya. 2 Wa-kona Saga Za- ' ab ' em­
�om wa-ba- �alot , wa� ' a� amawa
�
44
segahu fadfada , wa- fa�� ama gadlo ba­
zamada kahenat ' el l a ' abrehewwa 3 la- ' I tyopya ba-haym notomu. Wa­
heyya . Wa-wahabo ' E g z i ' ab�er kidana la- za-ye�ewwe ' semo wa-yegabber
be ' s itu-ni ' Eg z i ' X araya konat makana, 4 wa-nabaru ba- zentu ' enza
45
tazkaro . Wa- ' emze ' a ' rafa ba-salam, wa-maqaberihu- sa ' i - ta ' awqa
yahazzenu wa-yetekkezu wa-ye�e l l eyu xaba ' Eg z i ' ab�er kama yahabomu

r �
' eska yom.
we uda . Wa- ' enza hal l awu ba-zentu nagar, ' ans e ' o S ay!an l a -Motalame 5
46
Salam l a_Yared s eb�ata mala' ekt l a-�awwa� e , 6 5
seyuma Damo t , wa-malak a· 7 kWe 1 1 0 ' adyama
- - , es k a b-ah ra :or -
T

47 Sewa �-
. L emma .
' enta ' a ' raga ' em- l ebbu xel l inna manfas rawa�e . w

I,.:
Wa-nabaru kWe l lomu mak �enta hagar ' en z a yehubewwo lotu be ' sitomu
48
La-temherta ma��af gab ' a ' em-xaba kona naf-a�e _
-
- e, 49
ba-bezux s -ama - za- ' a lb 0 husas
� �;�
devic e , a stock .
w 50
mal ' e lta enda ' om n � i o ' enza ya ' arreg ' e�e .
1. TakZa Haymanot , the famous Ethiopic saint assoc i ated with
:;
the end of the Zagwe Dynasty and the beginning of the Solomonic
i 40 . tabot (pl . -at) ark (of Noah, of the Covenant) .
Dynasty c . 1 2 70 . He was the founder of Dabra Libanos , the most
41 . A phrase from the l i turgy .
important monastery in Ethiopia .
42 . 'emmat (pl . -at) cub i t ; forearm .
2. G xaraya/xarya (yex�ay) to choose, select . Gt taxarya
43 . Bamen a mountainous region of Ethiop i a . scun�n is other-
pass . xe�uy chosen , s el ected; pl easing , acceptabl e ; an arbiter,
wis e " south . "
mediator; xeruyan the El ect (i . e . those who wi l l be s aved at the last
44 . L ?amawa (ye?�) t o l abor, toi l . C L ' �amawa t o infl ict
day) . xeryat choice , s e l ection .
harsh l abor on; to mortify (the flesh , as an ascetic practice) . Cf.
3. G barha (yeb�2ih) to shin e , b e bright, be l i ght ( c f . berhan).
the noun ?ama .
CG ' ab�eha to i l luminat e , cause to shine ; to emit l i ght . beruh
45 . kidan is us ed here in the special s ense of a promis e given
bright , shining; cheerful , happy .
by God to a particular saint that those who hereafter commemorate him
4. G makana (yemken) to be ster i l e , childless . D makkana CG
or invoke his name wi l l incur special favor thereby .
=

' amkana to orphan . mak2in ( f . of unattested *makin) steri l e , child­

46. "Peace be to Yared, observer of the glory of the ange l s ,
less . meknat childles sness .
from whose heart the spirit caused swift thought t o ascend (i . e . made
5. Motatame a personal name . Damot a province , NW of Shoa
him forgetful) ; he returned from where he had fled ( l i t . was fugitiv�
province . Sewa Shoa province . ba�a Zemma a tributary of the Blue
to the study of s cripture with much l abor , without letting up , after
Ni l e .
watching a caterp i l l er c limbing up the trunk of a tree . " The s ep ara­
6. seyum as a noun : appointee, official , governor, prefect .
tion of hawwase from sebhata maZa' ekt is an extreme examp l e of poetic
�
' '
7. G mataka (yemtek) to take poss ession of, o c cupy , rul e . Gt
l i cense . The exact mean ng of manfas is not c lear ; i t probably is
tcunatka pass . metuk occupied, possessed, subj ect . mat2iki owner ,
nothing more than " (his) nature , disposition . "
ruler, heir . metkennCi dominion, power, authority . A s econd s et of
47. ' enta poetic for za- (relative) .
forms from the same root, but deriving their meanings from ' Anlt2ik God
48 . G nafafa (yenfe?) to flee, escap e . CG ' anfafa to put to
should be noted : C ' amtaka to worship God, to worship - as a god (a . d . c.
flight . -�
najaf1-.fugl.· t l.ve
· . J al!it
na� � remnant , what survives (a disaster�
or Za- ) . Gt tcunatka to be made lord or divine . me tuk pious .
49 . hu?a?e = �e?a?
W W ' amt2ikawi divine. matakot lordship , deity , divinity . malakotawi
so. g end (pl . -at, ' ag nCid) trunk of a tree; a restraining
divine . mamZaki one who worships God or gods .
 I PIJIliI

271
2 70

8 9 zenawomu kama yewal ledu walda za-yeba��e� semu' ata � edqu westa kW ellu
b a-ba- ' ebretomu; wa- ' em-ze z a-mahraka-hi soba yerakkeb ' anesta
lO ' a�nafa ' alamo Wa- ' emdexra xeda! mawa' el ta�ansa zentu qeddus , wa­
lahey�ta, yeress eyon ' equbatihu .
Wa-ba-we ' etu mawa ' el ba��a hagara �elales , wa-qatala kWe l lo tawalda ' ama r esra wa-s anuy la-Taxsas , wa-kona ' abiya tefse�ta westa

Kerestiyana . Wa-9 aga Za- ' ab - s a gW ayya ' em-ferhata qat l , wa- I a­ beta ' abuhu wa- ' emmu wa-xaba kWe l l omu ' azmadihu . Wa-ba- ' e l ata
, _ 16
ab e ' ewwo Kerestenna s amayewwo semo Fesse�a �eyon . Wa-l ehqa ba-
vv

be ' s itu-sa ' E g z i ' Xaraya �ewawewwa �arrahu, wa- ' ab�e�ewwa xabehu .
w ll
Wa-soba re ' ya, ' ankara senna , wa-tafasse�o l ebbu, wa � wahaba sarg a Manfas Qeddus wa-ba-xay l a !ebab . Wa-nabara ' enza yegabber t a ' amera
12 w wa-mankera za- ' albo xWe lqW a ' eska yanakkeru ' emennehu kW e l l omu ' e l l a
bezuxa, wa- ' astadalawa ser 'at a kabkab , wa- fannawa xaba mak anentihu
17
wa-seyumanihu kama yetgabe ' u la-kabkab . Wa-soba s am 'at zanta ' Egzi ' re ' yu wa- s am' u . Wa- ' emze was adewwo xaba pappas 'Abba Gerel los kama
13 18
Xaraya, gabrat � alota xaba ' Eg zi " ab�er kama yadxena ' em-tedmerta yesimo simata diquna , � enza ba-we ' etu mawa ' el 'Abba Benyami l iqa
19
' arami . Wa-sobeha ma� ' a Mika ' el l iqa mala' ekt, wa-�ora ba-kenfu pappasat za-La ' eskenderya ' ama mangesta ZagWe ba- ' emnat . Wa-soba

berhanawi ' em-medra Damot ba-gize salas s a 'at , wa- ' abse�a medr Zorare ' ab� e�ewwo xaba pappas , tanabbaya lotu ' enza yebel ' esma " Z entu wald

ba-gize tes 'u s a 'at , wa- ' abe ' a westa beta Kerestiyan . Wa-soba wad ' a yekawwen newaya xeruya . " Wa-nasi ' o simata diquna , t amay!a westa
14 behlhu .
meta �aga Za- ' ab ' em-beta maqdas mes l a ma '!ant , na� �ara qawima
. 1 5 - - - wafara 20 gad-ama k ama yen ' aw2 1
Wa - S 0 b a 1 ehqa wa- kona wareza,
' en z a sergut -a ye ' etl
- . 'An k ara b a - l ebbu wa-yebe : "Ment-nu zati
22
be' sit wa-mannu ' am�e ' a zeyya?" Wa- ' emdexra fe� � ame � alot , sob a ' arawit a . Wa- gi ze qatr ' astar' ayo 'Egzi ' ena nabiro ba-kenfa

�atata, ' a 'mara kama ye ' eti be ' s itu. Wa-ye ' et i -ni nagarato kW e l l o Mika ' e l ba- ' amsala wareza sannay la�eya ga� �u. Wa-yebelo : " ' I -tefrah,

za- gabra lati ' Egzi ' ab�er ' em-!entu ' eska taf�ametu. ' o- fequreya . ' Em-ye ' ze - s a ' i -tekawwen na 'awe ' arawit , ' al Ia tasagger

Wa-ba- ' ahatti l e l it ' astar' ayomu mal ' aka ' E g z i ' ab�er, wa- nafsata xa! e ' an bezuxat a . Wa-yekun semeka Takl a Haymanot , ' esma ' ana
23 , -
xaraykuk a ' em- k arsa emmeka, wa-qaddaskuka kama ' Eremeyas nabiy wa-
v

24 _ 25
kama Yo�annes Ma!meq . Wa-nahu � aggokuka sel!ana kama tefawwes
v

8. Glt tabaraya to fo l low successively, to do by turns .

' ebret alternation, successive turn (s ) ; round or tour of duty or
ba-' ebreta during the administration of. 16. "to bring someone to Christianity" to bapti z e , christen .
offi ce . ba-ba-' ebretomu
each in his own turn . Note ba- r e Zata used as a conj unction .

9. Q mahraka t o take captive , t ake as booty. mehreka booty , 17. Gerel loB Cyril lus .
spoi l s . wa-' em-ze za-mahraka-hi and even from those whom he took 18 . diquna diaconate . La' eskenderya = , Eskenderya.
captive . 19. T h e rulers of the ZagWe Dynasty ( c . 1 1 37 - C. 1 2 7 0 ) were

10. la�ey (f. la�eyt) beaut i ful . eventually converted to Christianity . The phrase ba-' emnat refers to

11. CQ ' asargawa to adorn , deck out , beauti fy . Qt tasargawa that l atter phase of the dynasty .
W 20 . G wafara (yewfer, yufar) to go out into the country . wafr
pass . and refl ex . sergew ( f . sergut) adorned , beautified . sarg
adornment , beautifi cation . sergawe idem. the countrysi de , fields , farmland. mu�ar farmland, pasture .
12. kabkab wedding , wedding feast . 21. G na rawa (yen <aw) to hunt ; to catch birds . na<awi hunter .
13. D dammara to insert , mix in, j oin together, unite . Dt narawe/narwe hunting
tadammara pass . ; t o be married . demmur mixed, united, j oined . 22. qatr noon, midday .
demmare union, j oinin g , uniting . tedmert union , marriage . 23 . kars (p l . -at) bel ly, stomach .
1 4 . G <apana (ye <�en) to burn incens e . <epan incense . 24 . D ,?aggawa to show grace or favor (to : obj . suff . or la-) ;

ma rpant (pl . ma rapen) censer, thuribl e . to bestow gifts . Dt ta?aggawa to be shown grace or favo r . ?aggawi/
15. A combination o f two constructions : ' enza sergut ye' e ti ?agawi l iberal , generous .
and (' enza) serguta. 25 . D sallapa to have power, authority . CD ' asal lapa CG
 _

2 72 2 73

deweyana wa-tesded manafesta rekusiina ' em-westa kWel lu makan . " Wa­ ' e l l a yaxadderu bomu . Wa - ba-medra Damot-hi ' a' mana bezuxana
34 35
zanta behilo tasawwara ' emennehu . mAreyana wa-masagge lana, wa-bezuxa 'elata taqawamo la-Motalame
26 ' elew ba' enta haymanot rete 't ' eska ' a' mano ba-Kerestos . Wa­
Wa- ' emze ' atawa westa maxdaru, wa_zarawa kWe l lo newayo l a- _

nadd- ayan wa- 1 a-mes k 1nan

'
w
, wa-nas a merg eza,
27
wa-xad aga b-eto rexewa , ' a ' manomu la-bezuxan ' e l l a mes lehu . Wa- ' astar' aya ' amehii 36 1 ebsa
w
- Y ,

w
wa-wad ' a ba- l e 1 it ' en z a yebel : "Menta yebaqq e ' 0
28
l a- s ab ' l a ' emma menk esenna ba-medra S ewa . Wa-nabara ' enza yeddammad ba-som wa-ba-
. .
w , , 37
.

w 29 w 30 s alot za - ' albo XWe 1 q a eS k a ' aqne omu la-manako sat bii ' edan .
k ello ' iilama rab�a wa-nafso hag ala . Wa- ' emze nas ' a simata
w
kehnat , wa-wa!ana yesbek haymanot a wangel ba-k e l lu medra S ewa , wa­ Wa- ' emze �ora medra ' Am�ara ta� e " ino ba-saragalii 38 ' E 1 eyas ,
3l wa-ba��a xaba ' Abba Ba-� alota Mikii ' e l mastagade1 manakos , wa -nabara
' atmaqa ba- ' ahatti ' el at matana 1 0 , 000 nafs . Wa-s a ' ara kWe l lo
·
- -
mehramata
32
� , ot , wa-gazama
�a
· 33 , w
a ' wamatihomu ' eska g ayyu Say!anat xabehu be zuxa mawa ' e l a ' enza yetqann y 3 9 lotu kama gabr wa-ye1�ammad
;
la-�alotu. Wa- ' emze tamay!a medra Sewa, wa-tarakabo la-Marqos walda

- aB7..a pa to give power to . Dt tasa7.. 7..a �a = Gt tasalpa to acquire power, ' exwa ' abuhu . Wa-nabaru xebura ba-gadiima Wagada, wa-t agabe ' u xaba

authority; to rul e . se 7..up/se l lup powerful , in power . Be 7.. Pan (p l . qeddus matana ' asartu wa-sedestu ' arde ' t , wa- ' albasomu ' albas a
w
-at) power, authority . CQ ' asa7.. tana to delegate power to . menk esenna .

26 . G zarawa (yezru) to s catter , disperse , distribut e . Gt Wa- ' em-heyya �ora medra Gerarya, wa-gabra �omii ' t a40 ma ' kala

tazaPWa p as s . zerew s c attered, dispersed . zerwat dispersion .

zarawi (one) who scatters , disperses ; prodigal , extravagant . (p l . -at) s acred precinct , temp l e . tehremt abstinence , devotion .
W W 33. G gazama (yegzem) to cut down (a tree) , to fe ll ; t o cut ,
2 7 . merg ez s t aff. Qt tamarg aza to lean upon .
W W hew (wood) . Gt tagazma pass .
2 8 . G baq (a (yebq a () to be us eful, of benefit , profitab l e ,
W 34 . mari (p l . mareyan, mareyat , marayt) heathen pri est , sooth­
suitab l e , appropriate ( t o a person : obj . suff . o r 7..a -) ; beq e (ani
W sayer. Dt tamarraya G l t tamaraya to divine , pract i ce divination ,
P l eas e . CGt ' astabq e (a to p l ead, beseech, pray ' (with , to : obj . =

W W W sooths aying .
suff. ) . baq e ( useful , benefi cial . baq a (i baq e (; also bene­
=

W 35 . C ' asgaZa to divin e , practice augury . CGt ' astasagaZa

facto r . baq (et us e , usefulness .
29 . G rab�a (yerba�) to gain (as) profit ; to be profitab l e . idem; to consult diviners . sagaZ divination . masagge Z (pl . -an)
C G ' arbe� t o make profitable , t o make (someone) profit . reba�/raba� diviner, magician, sooth s aye r .

profit , interest , gain . 36 . ' ameha adv . then , a t that time .

W W 37. G qan' a (yeqna' ) to be zealous , eager; to envy , be j ealous
30 . G hag Za/hag aZa to perish , die; to l o s e , suffer a loss .
W w of (person : Za- ; thing : ' emenna) ; to emul ate , imitate (a . d . o . ) . CG
CG ' ahg aZa to destroy . Gt tahag 7..a to perish, d i e , be destroye d .
w . end . ma-hgWe 1� -hgWa �� ' aqne' a to incite to zeal or imitation . Glt taqane' a to be j ealous
hegu�1 lost, destroyed . hag �, d estruct10n, ma ,. =

destroyer; adj . destructiv e . of one another . CGlt ' as taqane' a to cause to be mutual ly envious .
l qan' qen' at j ealousy; zeal ; emul ation ; intense hate or love .
31 . G sa (ara (yes (ar) to destroy, violate , annul , dissolve , =

2 l qana' i (one who i s ) j ealous , zealous , envious .

bring to an end . G s e rra Gt tase (ra pass . of G
= se (rat destruc­
tion , violation , annulment; dismissal , removal (from o ffice) . 38 . saraga7..a (pl . -t) cart , wagon, chariot . The reference

32 . G �ama to set asi de as sacred, to dedicate (somethin g , here is to the chariot which took E l i j ah to heaven (2 Kings 2 ) .

someone) t o a deity; to regard a s taboo . D �rama t o anathemat i z e . 39 . G qanaya (yeqni) to reduce to servitude , to subj ect , rul e;

CG ' a�rama = G ; also : to make or decl are as taboo . Dt ta�arrama to to force to work . CG ' aqnaya idem. Gt taqanya pass . of G; to serve ,
minist er to (a person) ; to work (e . g . a field) . qenuy subj ect , serv­
be tabo o , prohibited; to abs t ain from for reasons of taboo; to be
�erum s acred, forbidden , taboo , anathematized; abs t i ­ ant, s lave. qene servitude; s ervi c e , ministry; task , office , func­
superstitious .
nent . �ermat (p l . -at) anything s acred, ritual , ceremony . me�am tion . qenyat domination, dominion, SUbj ection .
2 74
2 75
4l
� O la ' t ,
wa- ' i -yewa��e ' ' em-heyya l e l ita wa-ma ' a l t a , wa- ' i -ye�e " em
sama ' tat wa-Mika ' l H wa-Gab re ' e l , wa-yebe lo : "O-
- hu 42 -nl. may fequreya, ' anta-h i
menta-ni z a' enbala qW a�l bahtita , wa-sete - . W a-ma� ' u 53
. tamasa lkani ba-�emameya , wa- ' ana-hi ' a ' erreyaka ba-mangest
43 eya .
xabehu bezuxan ' ed wa- ' anest , wa-konu manakosata wa-mabal l atat a , Nahu tafa� �ama kW e l lu dekameka b a- z e alam, wa-kon
' ka wekkufa ba­
wa-yaxadderu westa ' ahatti bet , wa- ' i -yet' amaru babaynatihomu b e ' si
i
xab�ya . ' Em-ye ' z � - s a na' a kama teras �eywata z a- l a -
44 ' alam . " Wa- 'emze
mes l a be ' s i t , wa-ba-g ze � alot wa_qWerban yeqawwemu xebura, ' esma wahabo kidana l a - z a ye��wwe' s emo wa-l a�za yegabb
er ta zkaro . Wa­
Sa�an ta' asra ba-mawa' e l ihu. ' emze hamma nestit a ba-�emama bedbed , 54 wa- ' a
45 - , 46 wa- ' rafa ba-res ' an �elu1 55
Wa- ' emze nadaqa - 1 a mednega'
westa �o 1-a ' tu b a- ' amsa . ' enza mawa ' elihu tes ' a wa-tes ' at a ' amata wa- '
4 7 , - hu ba-yamanu48 wa-ba- asarta ' awraxa wa­
. -
takala westetu xasawenta ballxata ' en t a d exre
' asarta ' elat a .
�
Wa-gan azewwo ba-keb r wa-ba- seb�at , wa-qab
49 50 arewwo
dagamu kama ' i _ asmek botu; wa-qoma westetu s aba ' ta ' amata ' eska
�
westa maqaber.
5l 52
asabra ' agada ' egru. Wa-nab ara ' enza ' i-ye�e " em menta-ni ' em­
Salam ' ebel � enb a l a ' armemo 56 ba- ?ewwa ' e 5 7
fereyat wa- ' i- qW a�la wa- ' i -maya ma�ana ' arba' tu ' amat . Wa- ' emze
kiyaka ' ab a kiyaka rada ' e Takla Haymanot mawa
'e.
ma� ' a xabehu ' Egz i ' ena ' Iyasus Kerestos (lotu seb�at) , wa-me s l ehu
' Enza texe l l i t asfa tensa ' e ,
' Egze ' tena Maryam wa- � asartu wa-ke l ' etu �awareyat wa-�adeqan wa-
' a�na ' ka ba-qawim ' a' gara kel ' e
58
wa- ' em- s ete may ' ahramka gWer ' e .
40 . �oma <t (pl . -at) monk ' s cel l .
41. �oza < (pl . -at , -t) rock ( s ) .
42 . G satya (yestayJ to drink . CG ' astaya to cause to drink ,
to give a drink to . Gt tasatya pas s . sete = setay = maste a drink
(the act or what is drunk) . satay (iJ a drinker; one who is fond of
drinking. mestay a p l ace for drinking , a watering p lace .
43. mabaZ Zat (pl . -at) widow, widowhood; nun .
W
44. q erban (pl . -at) offering, sacrifi ce; spe c . the communion
( eucharist) .
53. G t tamas Za = D t tamassaZa ( 1 ) t o become or b e made like/
45 . G nadaqa to bui l d , erect . Gt tanadqa p ass . nedq bui lding,
simi l ar (to : a . d . o . or Za- , ba- , kama) ; (2) to imi t ate ; (3) to trans ­
s tructure , wal l . nadaqi bui lder .
form one ' s s e l f, change (int o : a . d . o . or ba- , Za- , kama , ba-' amsaZa) ;
46 . me4nega < a railing, rai led enclosure ; a pl ace where one
(4) to be represented (by a l ikenes s ) .
l eans or reclines .
54. bedbed pl ague , fata l i l lnes s . Q badbada t o d i e .
47. G baZxa to be sharp . CG ' abZexa to sharpen . beZx sharp 55 . G paZZa to be moi st . CG ' apZaZa to moisten , bedew .
teZuZ
edge or point . baZix sharp . moi s t , rich, fat , prosperous . paZ l dew . matZaZi moi stenin g , re­
48. yaman the right s ide or hand . yemn idem; yemna adv . on/to freshing .
the right . yemuna adv . right l y , correctly. 56 . C G ' armama to be s i l ent ; t o make si lent .Gt taramma to be
49. dagam the l eft s i de or hand . rjEgm idem . passed over in s i l ence . CG lt ' astaramama to make s i l ent , quiet down ,
50 . CG ' asmaka to l ean; to p rop up , cause to lean . masmakrtJ make tranquil . marmem s i l ent . ' armami silent , not speaking .
prop , support . mesmak idem . 57. The verbal noun is used here with acc . attribut es : "in
51. G sabara (yesberJ to break (into p ieces) . Gt tasabra cal l ing you ' Father, ' (in cal l ing) you ' Helper , Tak l a Haymanot , the
pass . ; to be overcome by dis aster . 'sebur broken . sebr fragment , Conqueror . "
piece. sebar idem . sebrat vn . breaking, fracturing . W W W
58. g er<e (pl . g ara <it) throat , neck . Qt tag ar< aya to
52 . ' agada l arge bone of the leg; tibi a ; shin-bone .
strangle (hang) one ' s s e l f .
 277
2 76

KaHidewon wa-ye ' uda 1 a-hagar . "

- w
II. The Book o f Baruch 2 (4) Wa-nababa ' Eremeyas ' enza yebel : '" Ast abaqq e ' aka
' Egzi ' eya, ' azzezo la-gabreka kama yetnagar qedmeka . " Wa-yebelo
The text transcribed here is essentially that of August D i l l ­ 'Egzi ' ab�e r : "Nebeb xeruyeya ' Eremeyas . "
mann , Chrestomathia aethiopiaa (Leipzig 1866; reprinted Berlin 1 950) , w
3 (5) Wa-nababa ' Eremeyas wa-yebe : '' 'Egzi ' o , z a - k e l l o
pp . 1 - 1 5 . I have made a few emendations in various pass ages , bas­ te ' exxe z , temettu-nu zata hagara xerita westa ' edehomu l a- Kaladewon ,
7' 8
ing my reading on the Greek text as edited by James Rendel Harris , kama yez zaxxar negus mes l a �ezabihu wa-yebal : ' Taxayyalku qeddesta
The Rest of the Worda of Baruah ( London 1889) , but I have made no 9 lO
hagara za- ' Amlak ' ? (6) �as a , ' Egz i ' o . ' Emma-sa faqadeka we ' etu,
e ffort to reconstruct an "original" text . My aim i s sol ely to pre ­ ba- ' e deka tamasena . "
sent a readable version of this interesting work . 4 (7) Wa-yebelo ' Egzi ' l a- ' Eremeyas : ' ' ' Esma xeruyeya ' anta ,
The numbering of the verses is simply serial and fol lows the tanse ' wa-�a' u , ' ant a wa-Barok , ' esma hal loku ' amasena ba-xa�i ' atomu
divis ions of the Ethiopic text . The Roman numeral headings and the la- ' e l l a yenabberu westeta; ( 8 ) wa- ' i-negus wa � ' i - xaYla zi ' ahu ' i ­
Arabic numeral s in parentheses are chapter and verse according t o the yekel bawi ' a westa hagar l a ' emma ' ana ' i-qadamku wa- ' i-yarxawku
Greek text of Harris . The correspondence is only approximate where ' anaqe�iha . (9) 'Tanse ' ye ' ze-ni , wa-�or xaba Barok , wa-zen ewo zanta
the two texts diverge . nagara . ( 1 0 ) Wa-tansi ' akemu soba kona sedestu s a ' at z a - 1 e 1 i t , ne 'u
westa qe�ra hagar, wa- ' ana ' are" eyakemu . Wa- 1 a ' emma ' ana ' i-qadamku
Tarafa nagar za-Barok za- ' i -kona xebu ' a ' amasenota l a-hagar , ' i -yake1u bawi ' ota . "
l
za- ' ama yeggewawu Babilon
II
I 5 ( 1 1 ) Wa- zanta behi 10 ' Egzi ' xalafa ' em-xaba ' Eremeyas . (1)
,- 11 , .
2 Wa- Eremeyas- sob-eh-a sa�a�a - hu , wa-wadaya J:amada 1 2 d l.' b a re ' su,
a 1b asl.
v

1 ( 1 ) Wa-kona soba 1ewawomu la-daqiqa ' Esra' � l negusa Kal �d�won,

wa-bo ' a west a beta maqdas .
n ababo ' Egzi ' ab�er la- ' Eremeyas wa-yebelo : " ' Eremey1ts xeruyeya,
13
6 (2) Wa-re ' iyo Barok 1 a - ' Eremeyas ' enza me1u' mareta diba
tanse' wa-d�' ' em-zat i hagar , ' anta wa-Barok , ' esma hal loku ' amasena
' 14
3 re ' su wa- ' albasihu-ni se�u� , � arxa ba- ' abiy qal ' enza yebe1 :
' em-bezxa xati ' atomu l a - ' e l l a yenabberu westet a ; ( 2) ' esma saloteka­
'
4 5 6 " ' Abuya ' Eremeyas , menta konka, wa- ' ayya xa� i ' ata g abru hezb?"
ni kama ' amd �enu ' ba-ma' kala hagar wa-kama qesr za- ' admas ' awda: .
( 3 ) Wa-ye ' ze-ni tanse ' u wa-�oru wa-da'u za' enba l a yem�� ' xayla
7. Dt tazaxxara/tazexxera to boast; to brawl . zexxur boastful,
arrogant ; quarrel some . tezxert vn . boasting, inso l enc e ; strife ,
1. The two za- clauses of this title have the appearance of
brawl ing .
being added rather l oose ly to a shorter original t i t l e (cf. the
8. Reading qeddesta for westa/we' eta . Cf . Gk .
Greek) . Dil lmann (Chrest . , p . viii) translates : Reliqua verborum
9. �sa exc 1 am . Heaven forbid ! Let it not b e s o !
Baruchi , haud apocrypha , quae ad tempus quo in Babylonia captivi
10. Reading faqadeka for faqadka ; c f . the Gk . If faqadka is
erant pertinent .
retained, the fol lowing we' etu should be deleted .
2. KalCulewon the Chaldeans .
11 . G saFaFa (yesFeF) to tear (apart) , rend . Gt tasappa pass .
3. ' em- here and ba- in vs . 4 (simi l ar phrase) are used some­
sepup torn, rent . seppat vn . tearing , rending; the part torn off,
what l oosely in the sense "because of . "
tatt er, fragment .
4. ramd (p l . , a 'mad) column, pil l ar .
12. �ad ash (es) . G �da = Gt ta;amda to be burned to ashe�
5. qe?r/qa?r (pl . ' aq?ar) wal l , enclosure, fortification-wal l .
13. maret dirt , dust . maretawi adj .
G qa?ara to enclose or fortify with a wall .
14. G �arxa (ye?rax) to cry out . �erax a cry, shout .
6. ' admas the hardest substance, from Gk . adamaa .
278 ,Ii 2 79
I
7 ( 3 ) ' Esma soba ye ' ebbesu �ezb , ya�azzen ' Eremeyas wa-yewaddi " , RS
T t ab aqq
w
e 'ak emu, kWe l l 0
22 , l. - t �lgWelu hagara ' eska ' es e "
::
a ,
elo la-

�amada diba re ' su , wa-ye�el l i ba' enta �ezb ' eska yetxaddag l omu ' Egzi ' ab�ih ' �atta nagara . " Wa-nababomu ' Egzi ' la-mal a ' ekt ' enza

' abbasahomu la-hezb . yebe l : ' I J I -tahgWelu hagara ' eska ' etnagar mes l a ' Eremeyas xeruyeya . "

8 (4) Wa-tas e " e l o Barok ' enza yebel : " 'Abuya ' Eremeylis , menta 1 8 Wa-sobeha tanagara ' Eremeyas ' enza yebel : " 'AstabaqqWe ' aka

konka wa-menta konu �ezb?" ' Egzi ' eya , ' azzez lita kama ' etnagar mesleka . " (5) Wa-yebe l o : "Nebeb
15 xeruyeya ' Eremeyas za - tefaqqed . "
9 (5) Wa-yebe1o ' Eremeyas : " ' Eqab kama ' i -nestet ' albasina ,
' a l I a nes�e� ' albabina; wa- ' i -neday maya westa me ' qa a , �� 16
' al la
17 1 9 (6) Wa-yebelo ' Eremeyas : "Nahu ye ' ze ' a'marna, ' E g z i ' eya,
18 kama t emettewa l a-hagar westa ' eda �al a ' ta, wa-yenasse ' a hezb z a- ' em­
nebki retu ' a ' eska nemal l e ' omu ' anbe ' a, ' e sma ' em-ye ' ze ' i ­
yeme��erewwo l a- z e �ezb . " Babilon . ( 7) Wa-menta tefaqqed kama ' egbar qeddesta qenena, ba-xebu'
.
23
1 0 (6) Wa-yebe Barok : ' ' ' Abuya ' Eremeyas , menta konka?" (7) za-netqannay? Wa-menta tefaqqed ' egbar dibehomu?"

Wa-yebelo ' Eremeyas : " ' E sma ' Amlak yem�ttewa l a-hagar westa ' edehu 20 ( 8) Wa-yebelo ' Egzi ' : "Nese ' omu wa-maHewa la-medr wa-la­

�
l a-negusa Kaladewon, ' esma ye�ewewomu la � ezb ba_ ' ekit . ,,
19 beta maqdas ' enza teb e l : ' Wa- ' anti-ni medr, seme ' i qala fatariki za­

1 1 (8) Wa- s ami ' o zanta kWe l l o Barok satata ' albasihu wa-yebe : fataraki ba-xayla mayat , za-xatamaki
24
ba-7 -maxtamt . Tama� a i
W
!
" ' Abuya ' Eremeyas , menta l a ' aku l aka?" sennaki , wa- ' eqabi newaya qeneki ' eska me� ' atu l a- fequr . "

12 (9) Wa-yebe1o ' Eremeyas : "�enru: mesleya ' eska sedestu s a ' at 2 1 (9) Wa-nababa ' Eremeyas wa-yebe : " ' AstabaqqWe ' aka ' E gz i ' eya,

za-HHit kama t a ' mer za- ' aman nagar . " ' ar ' eyani za- ' egabber l a- ' Abemelek ' Ityopyawi , za-we ' etu bezuxa
w
1 3 ( 1 0) Wa-nabaru beta maqdas ' enza yebakkeyu . ' aqabomu la-�ezb wa- la-gabreka-ni ' Eremeyas fadfada ' em- k e l lu s ab ' a
25
hagar, wa-we ' etu ' aw�e ' ani ' em-westa ' azaqta 'am 'am. Wa- ' i -
III , 26 w
20
' ef aqqe d 1 0 tu yer ay
y "''' - wa- h ag 111 l a-hagar , kama ' i -ye�zan . "
musen�la
1 4 (1) Wa-soba kona sedestu s a ' at za- le l i t , za_yebe l 0 ' Eg z i '
2 2 ( 10) Wa-yebelo ' E g z i ' l a - ' E remeyas : "Fannewo west a ' as. ada
l a - ' Eremeyas kama ye�a' mes l a Baro k , wa-ba��u westa qe�ra hagar, wa­ 27 28
. -
wayn z a-H agrlppas b a- fenot z a -dabr , wa- ' ana ' ekaddeno ' e ska
nabaru ' enza ye�anne�u .
21
1 5 ( 2 ) Wa-kona qal a qar� wa-wa� 'u mal a ' ekt ' em- samay , wa- W
22 . k eZlo adv . altogether, comp letely; with negative : (not)
ba- ' edawihomu ye� awweru berhanata ' essat , wa-qomu westa qe�ra hagar .
at al l . Here it seems to mean " (not ) ' j ust yet . "
1 6 (3) Wa-sobeha ' Eremeyas wa-Barok bakayu ' enza yebelu ' esma :
23. In spite of the awkwardnes s , no obvious changes can be
"Ye ' ze ' a' marna kama ' aman nagar . "
made . The phrase ba-xebu' has no counterpart in the Greek and stands
1 7 (4) Wa- ' astabqW e ' omu ' Eremeyas la-mala ' ekt ' enza yebel :
in an ambiguous position in the Ethiopic . qeddest qene refers to the
vess e l s of the Temple servi ce .
15. Cf. Joel 2 : 1 3 .
24. G xatama (yextem) to seal , close and seal . Gt taxatma
16. me 'qa Z (pl . -at) basin, reservoir . C G ' a 'qaZa to co l l ect
pas s . xetum sealed, signed and s ealed . xatami an . one who s e al s ,
water in a basin or reservoir .
signer . maxtam(t) a s eal .
17. Reading ' az za for kama . Cf. Gk .
25. 'am 'am mud , s lime .
18. 'anbe ' (pI . ' anabe ') tear ( s) . CG ' anbe 'a to weep .
26. An unusual construction with faqada : " I do not want him
19. ba-' ekit badly, direly, in dire circumstances .
to see . . . "
20. Note the l ack o f resumption in the relative clause .
27. Hag�ppas Agrippa (anachronistically) .
21. qarn (pl . ' aq�ent) horn (of animal) ; horn blown in battle
28. G kadana (yekden) to cover , protect ; to pardon ( sins) . Gt
etc . ; tip , end . Glt taqa�ana to oppos e, resist . taqa�ani adj . con­
takadna pass . kedun covered , protected . kedan (pl . -at) covering;
trary, resisting, oppos ing . mastaq�en idem .
esp . tunic, garment . kednat vn . protection. kadani an. protector .
280

' agabbe' omu la��ezb west a hagar . (11) Wa- ' anta ' Eremeyas �or mes l a
1'·.
I
281

I
' enza naJ:a��ena l a - xa! i ' atena. "
�ezb ' eska teba��e�u medra Babi lon, wa-nebar tetnebbay lomu ' eska 29 (5) Wa- ' enza yebakki ' Eremeyas l a-�ezb , ' awde ' ewwo ' enza
' agabbe ' omu westa hagaromu . ( 1 2 ) Wa- la- Barok-hi xedego heyya wes t a 37 38
yatekkelewwo, wa-nad' ewwo mes l a �ezb ' eska Babilon .
,
I yarus aH!m . " 3 0 (6) Wa -Barok - s a nas ' a �amada wa-wadaya west a re ' su, wa-
23 ( 1 3) Wa-nagaro 'Egzi ' zanta kW ello la- ' Eremeyas , wa-xalafa nab ara, wa- ' asqoqawa 39 zan t a saqoqawa - , wa-yebe
: " B a ' enta ment
' em-xaba ' Eremeyas westa s amay . masanat ' Iyarusal em, ' al l a 40 b a ' enta xa!i ' atu la- fequr hezb?
Wa­
�
w
24 (14) Wa- ' Eremeyas wa-Barok bo ' u westa beta maqdas , wa-k e l l o tawehbat ba- ' eda � a l a ' iha4 l b a ' enta xa!i ' atena wa-z a-�e b .
( 7 ) ' AlIa,
ne�aya za-qenehomu ma��awewwa l a-medr bakama ' az zazomu 'Egzi ' . Wa­ kama ' i-yez zaxxaru xa� e ' an wa- ' i -yebalu ' Kehelna nasi ' ota
la-hagara
29
sobeha sarabato medr . Wa-nabaru ke l ' ehomu wa-bakayu . 'Aml ak ba-xayle na , ' - - ' i-kona ba-�en ' ekemu za-kehel kemewwa
, ' al Ia ba­
30
25 (15) Wa-ba-sanita sabiho fannawo ' Eremeyas l a - ' Abeme lek xa�i ' atena tawehbat l akemu .
: �
( 8) Wa- 'Amlakena yeme��erana wa­
3l
' enza yebel : "Nesa' k arabo a-hor
. ' enta fenota dabr westa c as ada yagabbe ' ana westa hagarena, wa- l akemu-sa �eywat ' albo . (9) Be�ucan
, . 32 33
wayn za-Hagrippas , wa- ' am�e nest1 t a balasa 1 a- d eweyan
- h. ez b , " esma ' emuntu ' abawina ' Abreham wa-Yes�aq wa-Ya ' qob, ' esma wad ' u ' em-ze
tefse�ta ' Eg z i ' hallo westa r e ' seka wa-seb�atu . " Wa-hora we ' etu-ni ' al am wa- ' i -re ' yu musenaha l a- zati hagar . "
bakama ' az zazo . 3 1 (1 0) Wa- ' emdexra z anta tanagara , wa� ' a ' enza yebakki , wa­

IV
yebe : '' ' A�azzen b a ' enti ' aki , ' Iyarusalem . " Wa-wad ' a ' em-hagar, wa­

26 (1) Wa-ba- s anita sa�i�o xayla Kaladewon c odewwa la-hagar . xadara westa maqaber, wa-yem a� � e ' u mala' ekt wa-yezene\�ewwo b a ' enta
34 kW e l lu.
Wa-nafxa ba-qarn abiy mal ' ak , wa-yebe we ' etu : " B a ' u xayla
C

Kaladewon . Nahu 'yetraxxaw l akemu ' anaqes . " V

35
2 7 ( 2 ) Wa- sobehii bo' a negusv mes I a sarawltu,
' wa- d -ewawu kWe 1 1 0 32 ( 1 ) Wa- ' Abemelek-ni ' ams e ' a balas a gize qatr ' em-xaba la' ako
�
- '

42
�ezb a . 'Eremeyas , wa-rakaba ' e�a �efeqt , wa-nabara , wa- ' a� lal a , kama

28 ( 3) Wa- sobeha ' Eremeyas nas ' a maraxuta za-beta maqdas , wa­ ya' ref nestita. Wa - ' asmaka re ' so diba mudaya balas , wa-noma sessa

wa� ' a ' af ' a ' em-hagar, wa-wagaro l a- zentu maraxut qedma ��ay ' enza
yebel : " Laka ' eb e l aka �a�ay .
Nesa' maraxuta za-beta 'Amlak , wa­ likely.
' 37. ' atakkaZa to push , shove, hit .
' eqabomu ' eska mawa ' el za-yess e ' ' 'al aka ' Egzi ' ab�er ba' enti ' ahu , (4) CD
36 38. G nad' a to drive ( as cattl e) . Gt tanad' a pas s .
' esma l ana ' i -kona delwata l a- ' aqibotu, ' esma tarakabna ne�na- s a nada' i
one who drives , exp el s .
29 . G saraba to drink in, absorb . 39. Q ' asqoqawa to l ament , sing a dirge . saqoqaw dirg e ,
30 . G ?ab�a (ye?b�) to grow light , to dawn; ?abi�o at dawn. l amentation. masqoqew an . mourner ; adj . lamenting , mourning .
G l t taqabe�a to greet early in the day. 40 . ' aZza , normal ly u s ed after a negative c l aus e , wi l l occur
31 . karabo basket . frequently in contexts where rhetorical questions imply a negative
32 . baZas/baZasa (p l . -t, ' abZas) fig (s) (tree or fruit) . s t atement of some sort . Here it should be rendered as "unl es s , ex­
33. I gnore ' esma and trans l ate the claus e as a bles sing . cept . "
34 . G nafxa (yen�ax) to b l ow, breathe ; to b low into , inflat e ; 41. G ?aZ' a (ye? za' ) t o hate , be hostile toward ( a . d . o . ) .
nafxa ba-qarn t o b l ow a horn . Gt tanafxa to be inflated, to swe l l . ?aZa' i (p l . ?aza' t) enemy , hater, detractor .
nefxat vn . infl ation, b lowing . 42. ?efuq den s e , thick , crowded; frequent . CG ' a?faqa to make
35. sarwe (pl . sarawit) troops , army , cohorts ; a mi litary dens e ; to do something frequently (+ inf. ) . Gt ta�afqa to be dens e ,
leader . crowded .
36 . Reading deZwata for de Zwata Zedatena . A dittography seems
282 283

,. 43 , w 54
wa-sedesta ' amata, wa- 1 -naqh a em-newamu . - wa- ' albo soba yaxaddeg ba_k e l l ahi . ,,
33 ( 2) Wa- ' emdexra- ze mawa' e l tanse ' a, wa-naqha ' em-newamu , wa­ 36 ( 7) Wa-tanse ' a, wa-nas' a mudaya balasu, wa-bo ' a westa hagara
44 45
yeba : " ' Adi soba nomku nestit a , ' esma 'iidi yekabbedani re' seya , ' Iyarusalem, wa- ' i -ya' mara hagara wa- ' i -beto , wa-yeb e : ( 8 ) " Buruk
46
wa- ' i -te ' iku newama. " ' anta ' Egzi ' o , " ' esma ' abiy denga?e warada l ii ' lehu.
; w
4 ( 3) Wa-kasata zek a mudaya balas , wa-rakaba zek a bal as a
w
37 Wa-yebe : " ) Akko-nu zati y e ' eti hagara ' Iyarusalem? (9)
- 47 48 55 56
� add 1sana
· wa-yan�afa��ef h. a l 1' b on . Yogi ' egegi ' esma ' enta fenota dabr ma�ii ' ku . Wa- ' emma ' akko ,
, ,
35 (4) Wa-faqada yenum dagema, ' esma yekabbedo re ' su wa- ' i - ( 10) esma yek abb e d an1" re seya wa- 1. - t e " 1ku newwua,
,,_
. 57
wa-yezanagge anl
.
,

49 ,. ' , , w
te'
. ya deqqasa, wa-yebe : ( 5) " ' Efarreh k ama 1-yenum wa- 1. -yeg and1' , l ebbeya. ( 1 1) Wa- ' efo ' e zenu zanta nagara ba-xaba ' Eremeyns , zakama
kama ' i-yehisani
50 -
' abuya ' Eremeyas - , ' esma se h'1qO 5 1 fannawan1. b a- t aba ' adatani
58
hagar?'�
53
.

52 wa ' y
(6) Wa-ye' zeni ' etnas s a ' wa- ' �awwer, ' esma moqa - s a 38 ( 1 2) Wa-xasasa kW e l l o t e 'merta za-ha l l o westa hagar kama
� .

nagh .
59
ya' mer l a ' emma-nu ' Iyarusalem ye ' eti .
43. G naqha (yenqahJ to wake up , be awake , be alert . CG 39 ( 1 3) Wa-gab ' a ka ' eba westa hagar, wa-xasasa l a ' emma-bo za­
' anqeha to awaken, revive . nequh awak e , watchful , alert . neqhat vn . yn' ammero , wa-xat' a.
watchfulness , alertness . 40 ( 14) Wa-yebe : " Buruk ' anta ' Egzi ' o , ' esma ' abiy denga�e
44. The exact force of radi sob a ' esma radi here is not
• . •
wadqa Iii ' H!ya . " ( 1 5) Wa-wa� ' a k1i ' eba ' em-hagar re�uqa , wa-nabara
c l e ar . Either "Although I have s lept a little (for my head is s t i l l ' enza ya�azzen wa- ' enza xaba y�awwer ' i -ya' ammer .
he avy) , I have not benefited from th� s leep" o r "Although I have w
41 ( 16) Wa- ' anbara zek a mudaya balas , wa-yebe : " ' E nabber
s l ept a little, my head is sti l l heavy and I . . . . " zeyya ' eska ya' attet 60 61
' Egzi ' ab� er zanta heyyata ' em- l a ' leya.
_

45 . G kabda to be heavy , s erious . CG ' akbada to make heavy;

to be burdensome . kebud heavy . kebad vn. heaviness . kabd the liver; W w
54. k e � �ahi/kw e � �ehi adv . everywhere , wherever . ba-k eZ Zahi
the stomach. idem . This is an awkward c l ause : " for the heat has grown intense
46 . Dil lmann (Chrest . , p . 5) has a misprint here . Note the and is not ( lit . never) l acking anywhere . "
variants pe reyku, pa rayku . 55. Q gegaya to err, go astray, get lost ; t o sin , commit
47 . N ' a�af?afa to ooze , drip ; trans . : to exude in drop s . error. N ' angegaya to wander back and forth , hither and yon . giguy
nal?afl?af j uice, drop s . I?af?af i dem . l o s t , erring ; sinfu l , wicked . gegay vn. error , s in , crime , gui l t .
48. �a�ib mil k , j ui c e . G ha�aba (y e�� eb J to milk . 56 . ' emma ' akko otherwis e .
49 . D daqqasa to s leep . deqqas vn . s leep . 57. Q zange ra to be insane, mad , crazy . zengu r mad , raving ;
50 . G �esa (y e �isJ to s co ld, reprove . Gt t�aysa pas s . his stupid, inep t .
vn . reproach, sco l ding . 58. G ba rada t o change , alter. Gt taba rada = G l t taba rada to
51. G I?ehqa (ye�haqJ to de sire ; to be eager for, pursue d i l i ­ move away, emigrate ; to be changed, altered , alien , unfami l i �r .
gent ly; t o take care of. C G ' al?haqa caus . ?ehuq des irous , eager, be rud different , alien, strange . ba rdenna change , difference . '
concerned. ?ahq vn. desire , eagerness , concern . ?ehiqo here is 59. Note the -nu in an indirect question. Za' emma -.nu whether .
'.
equivalent to an adverb " deliberately, with concern . " 60 . G ' atata to go away, be removed. CG ' a' tata to remove ,
52. G nagha t o dawn, grow light . CG ' angeha to do something take away . Gt ta' atata = Dt ta' attata = G or pas s . of CG . ' e tut re­
early in the day. nagh early morning . mot e , distant .
53. G moqa (yemuqJ to grow hot ; to become intense (of the 61 . heyyat negligence, forgetfulnes s , amnes i a . CG ' ahyaya to
heat) . CG ' amoqa caus . CGlt ' astamawaqa to cause to become hot . cause to forget , to induce amnesi a . Dt tahayyaya to neg l ect , skip ,
moq heat . muqat heat . mewuq hot . be unconcerned about .
2 84 285

42 ( 1 7) Wa- ' emdexra- ze nabiro re ' ya be ' s e l ehiqa ya' attu ' em - Wa- ' anta- s a tebe , ' Ta�ewawu westa B1ib i l on . I
ye�oru westa Bab i l on .
62
J;1aq l , wa-yeb�lo ' Ab�mEilek : " Laka ' ebelaka ' ant a lehiq . ' Ayy 47 ( 25) Wa- ' ane- s a , bakama fannawani ' abuya ' Eremeyas , �orku
ye ' eti zati hagar?" Wa-yebelo ' aragay : '' ' Iyarusiilem ye' eti . "
westa ' a�ada wayn za-Hagrippas ba ' enta xed1i� balas , kama nahab la­
4 3 ( 18) Wa-yebelo ' Abemiiil ek : '" Ayte hallo ' Eremeyiis kahen wa­ deweyan ' el l a westa �ezb .
63 w
Barok Lewawi wa-k e l lu J;1ezba- ze hagar? - - ' esma ' albo za-rakabku . "
48 �orku wa-ba�a�ku heyya , wa-nasa' ku za- ' azzazani , wa­
44 ( 19) Wa-yebelo ' aragay : ' ' ' Akko-nu ' em- zati hagar ' anta , wa­ tamaya�ku, wa- ' enza ' a�awwer ( 26) rakabku ' e�a, wa-nabarku t1i�teha
64
ye' ze_ni _ma tezzekkaro la- ' Eremeyas ( 20) kama tessa" al kama ' as l e l , ' esma gize qatr we ' etu . Wa_ ' em_heyya
7l
' asmakku westa
ba' ent i ' ahu? Zanta kW e l l o mawa ' e l a nabiraka, ( 2 1 ) ' E remeyas - s a-ke mudaya � alas , wa-nomku, wa-naqiheya masalani za-gWandayku , wa-ka�atku
westa Babilon hal lo mes l a hezb , ' esma tadewawa wa-tawehba westa
� �
zanta mudaya balas , wa-rakabku ' enza y1in�afa��ef �alib bakama
65 72
' edehu la-Nabukadana�or egusa F ares , a-hora heyya kama yetnabbay nas a ' kewwomu xarlyeya .
v
Wa-nawa
•
- 73 teb a 1 ' anta- s a : ' T ad. -ewawu �ezb
westa Babilon, I ( 2 7) wa-nawa re ' i kama ' i- �arnhayay / bal asu-ni . "
lomu . " 4

4 5 ( 2 2 ) Wa- ' ameha s am ra ' Abemelek ' em-xaba we ' etu ' aragay, wa­ 4 9 ( 2 8) Wa-kasata l otu mudaya balas , wa- ' ar ' ayo, ( 29) wa­
66
yebelo ' Abemelek : ( 2 3) " Soba ' akko be ' s i lehiq ' anta , ' em na�� ara ' aragay kama �addis we ' etu balas , wa-yan�afa��ef �alibu .
67 68
� a ' alkuka wa- ' em-saJ;1aqqu l a ' leka, ' al I a ' i-yekawwen k ama 50 (30) Wa-sobeha ' ankara we ' etu ' arag1iy , wa-yebelo l a­
69
yas t aJ;1 aqqeru sab ' a wa-b e ' se lehiqa . Wa-soba ' akko za-kama- z e , ' em ­ ' Abem1i1ek : " � adeq ' anta, waldeya , ' esma ' i-faqada ' Aml1ik y1ir ' ika
' eb� z anga ' ka. 75
mus enah1i la-hagar , wa- ' amse ' a 'Amlak nuz1ize l a ' l eka, wa- ' ahyayaka .
46 Wa-ba ' enta- s a za-tebe , ' �ezb ta�ewawu westa B ab i l on , ' ( 24) Nahu yom s essa wa- s edestu ' amat kona ' em- ' ama ta�ewawu J;1ezb westa
70
' asraba s amay �eqqa l a' emma warada dibehomu ' i -kona g i z ehu kama Babilon .
51 (31) Wa- ' emma tefattu t a ' mer wa-tetayyeq, waldeya , nasser
62 . �aql- (p I . ' �u l- , ' a7;qal- , ' a�qe U) field; any vast and _
wa-re ' i westa garaweh .
76
kama s ar s a
'
77 :
' azre tiha,
v 78
wa- l a-bal a ni ��
empty tract . �aqqal- farmer . w
kama ' i -kona gizehu . " Wa- ' a' mara kama ' i -kona zamanu la- ze-k ellu.
63. Lewawi Levit e . 52 (32) Sobeha ' Abemelek yebe ba- ' abiy qal : " ' Eb1irekaka
64 . -rna see above , §5l . 4f . ' E gzi ' o , ' Amlakiya, 'Amlaka s amay wa-medr, ' eraftomu l a-nafs � adeqan
65 . Nabukadana?or Nebuchadnezzar , king o f Babylon (Fares , l i t .
Pers ia) . to Babylon . "
'
66 . em - the conditional part i c l e . See § 5 l . l . 71 . ' ern-heyya i s temporal here : "and then, next . "
67. G ¥a cal-a / D ¥a c cal-a to curse , revi l e . Dt ta?e c cel-a/ 72. "Just as I s e l e ct i vely pi cked them . "
ta?a c caZ-a pas s . ? e cuZ-/? e c cul- desp i s e d . lie cZ-at vn . cursing , revi liq; . 73. nawa = nahu. The two nawa ' s are coordinated here :
?a caZ-i an . curs er , rai ler . " on the one hand . . . on the other
68. G s�aqa/se�a (yes�aq) to ridicule ( a . d . o . or l-a cl-a) . CG 74. Q ¥amhayaya t o wither, dry up . .
' as�aqa caus . sal;q/8a�aq ridi cul e . rnes�q comedy theater . 75 . L nazaza to cons o l e . Lt tanazaza pas s . nazazi an . con­
69 . CGt ' asta�qara/' asta�aqara to revi l e , ridicul e . �equr soler . nuzaze vn . consolation.
v i l e , despicab l e . The form here , if sub j unctive , is COt . 76. garaht (pl . garaweh) fie l d , arable land .
70 . ' asrab (pl . only) cataracts , downpours . The meaning here 77. G sara?a/sar?a (yesre?/yesra?) to sprout . CG ' a�ra¥a
is surely "Sooner would the cataracts of heaven des cend upon them out caus . sar? vn . sprout , sprouting .
of s eason than that they should go to Babylon , " but this is a para­ 78. zaP' (p l . ' azre' t) seed ( li t . and fig . ) ; progeny . G zar' a
phrase of the actual Ethiopic : "Even if the cataracts of heaven to s ow, s catter (s eed) . Gt tazar' a pass . The root Z R ' is also found
des cended upon them, it would not be the proper time for them to go as ZR ' .
286 287

w
ba _ k e l lu bahawert . " balas we ' etu ka ' eba ya' aqqebaki ba-xayla zi ' ahu . "
5 3 ( 33) Wa-yeblHo la- ' aragay : " 'Ayy we ' etu z entu warx?" Wa- 5 7 (8) Wa-kama - ze behilo Barok , ' awse ' a ' Abemelek wa-yebelo :
' - -
- 79 za-we , etu M lyazya.
yebel o : " 'Asuru wa-sanuyu l a-warxa Nesan , "
-

"Tanse ' ka ' eba.Nesal l i kama yar ' eyana ' Egzi ' qaHita za-nesehhef l a-
v

�
. . ,

54 ( 34) Wa- ' emdexra zentu wahabo ' Abeme lek l a - zentu ' aragay 83
' Eremeyas westa Bab lon kednata za-kadanani dibeya . "
' em-diba zentu ' ab las , wa-yebelo : " ' Amlak yemra�ka ' enta la ' lu 58 (9) Wa- � a l l aya Barok wa-yebe : "Xayleya ' AmHik ' E g z i ' we 'etu,
hagara ' lyarusiiH!m . " wa-berhan za-yewadde ' ' em- ' afuhu. ' Abadder ' astabaqqW e ' aka, wa-
, 84 o"
VI 85
egannl. 1 a-Xlru
. t e ka . ' AblY
' seme k a, wa- ' albo za-yekel ' a'meroto .
5 5 ( 1 ) Wa-tanse ' a ' Abeme l e k , wa-wa� ' a ' af ' a ' em-hagar, wa­ ( 1 0) ' Agme ' � alota gabreka kama ' emmura yekun ba- l ebbeya faqadaka l a­
�al l aya xaba ' Egzi ' ab�er . Wa-nahu ma� ' a mal ' ak wa-mar�o xaba Barok , gabir, wa- ' efannu l a-kahena zi ' aka ' Eremeyas westa Babi lon . "
wa-rakabo westa maqaber ' enza yenabber . 59 ( 1 1 ) Wa- ' enza zanta ye�e1 l i , ma� ' a mal ' ak wa-yebiilo : ( 1 2)
56 ( 2 ) Wa- soba t a ' iimexu wa-tabakayu babaynatihomu, wa-tasa ' amu, "Barok , makare berhan , ' i -taxa l l i kama tefannu ' anta xaba ' Eremeyas .
86 87
wa-r e ' ya balasa westa mudayu , wa- ' al ' ala ' a 'yentihu westa samay , wa­ Gesa_ma ba-sa' ata berhan yema��e' xabeka nesr. Wa- ' anta l alika
80
s a l l aya ' enza yebe l : " 'Abiy we' etu 'Amlak, z a-yehubomu 'asbomu l a­ hawwes ba' enta 'Eremeyas , ( 1 3) wa- s ahaf westa mashaf, wa-balomu kama­
� � �� ��
'
88
� adeqanihu . (3) Tada l l awi , nafseya, wa-tafasse�i , ' enza tenaggeri la­ e l a weluda 'E sra' e l : ' za-yeka n ' engeda b westetek emu
8l 89
badneki , la-beteki qeddus za-sega : ' Wa_la�eki yetmayyat westa yetfala� ' enta ba�titu ' eska ' asur wa-xamus ' e l at ; wa- ' emdexra-ze
berhan . ' Wa- ' emdexra- ze yema�� e ' me ' man , wa-yagabbe ' aki westa ' abawwe ' akemu westa hagar -- yebe ' Egzi ' ; ( 14) za- ' i -tafal � a ba- ' asur
badneki . (4) �awwe�i westa zazi ' aki dengelenna haymanot , wa- ' emani wa-xamus ' em-Bab i l on , - - yeba' ' Eremeyas westa hagar, wa-yez lefomu
90
ta�ayyewi . (5) Hawwes i westa- ze balas ; nawa s e s s a wa- sedestu 'amat la-sab ' a Babilon _ _ yebe ' Egzi ' . " ,
: , - , 82 , a 1 1 -a h a l 1' bomu
'

' em - ' ama taqasmu , wa- l-masanu wa- l - � e u ,

•

.
v • -

yan�afa��efu ' eska ye ' ze . (6) Kama- ze yetgabbar dibek i , segaya, 83. Although �a�fa may take as a direct obj ect the substance
' esma ' aqabki t e ' zazaki ' em-xaba mal ' aka �edq . ( 7 ) Za- ' aqaba mudaya of what is written , this is already contained in the za- of the rela­
tive claus e . Ba' enta should probab ly be inserted before kednata.
79. Nesan the Hebrew month Ni san . 84 . G ganaya (yegnayJ to bow down ; to submit , be submis sive ;
80. The prayer i n thi s verse i s diffi cult in a few p l ace s . On to render humbl e thanks . CG ' agnaya to subj ect . G l t taganaya to
the bas i s of the Greek variants I suggest ' enza tenaggeri Za-badneki confes s one ' s sins , to s eek pardon . genay humb le thanks .
Za-beteki qeddus za-sega ( s aying to your body, to your holy house of 85 . xirut exce l l ence , goodnes s , virtue .
flesh) for ' enza tenaggeri Za-badn za-sega Za-bet qeddus (to the body 86 . gesa-m , gesa-ma adv . tomorrow . G gesa (yegisJ to rise/go/
of flesh , to the holy house) . This change is not es sential , however . come in the morning . The suffix -ma seems to have been mi sunderstood
In the l ines that fo l l ow , it i s not clear whether they are addres s ed as part of the root ; gesam is also used as a noun : the morrow.

by B aruch to his soul or by his soul to its body. I take only one 87. nesr (p l . J ansert) eagl e , vultur e .
clause for the l atter and the remainder for the former . The correc­ 88. ' engeda (pl . ' anaged) stranger , guest . Qt ta' angada t o b e
tion of segaya to segaki toward the end of the ver s e , as suggested by a stranger o r guest .

E . Littmann ( apud Dil lmann , Chrest . , p . 291) is both unnecessary and 89 . G faZapa (yeflep) to separate, divid e , segregat e , put into
contrary to the Greek . A change of the fol lowing ' esma to ' emma a separate group or category; to distinguish , dis cern . CG J afZapa to
would , however , suit the meaning better . speak distinctly, to make a distinction . Gt tafaZpa pas s . G lt
81. Z� mourning , grief. L za;awa to mourn, grieve . Zehew/ tajaZapa to s eparate from one another . feZut separate, distinct .
Zuhew grieving. fe Zpat vn. separation , division, d i stinction.
82 . G ?eJ a to rot . �eyu' rotten . �i'at rottennes s , decay. 90. The meaning of the end of this verse i s not immediately
2 88 289

l a-�ezb xeruyana 'Aml ak .

60 (15) Zanta behilo mal ' ak xalafa ' em-xaba Barok . ( 1 6 ) Wa- w
91 - 92 - 93 67 ( 1 2) Wa- ' ernrna-ni ' oduka ' a' waf kWellu, wa-k ell omu
-
B aro k fannawo ' eska mar�eb , wa- ' arn� e ' a kertasa wa-maya �ernrnat ,
�al a ' eyaniha l a -�edq, ' enza yefaqqedu yeqteluka, tabadar , wa- ' Egzi '
wa- s ahafa ' enza yebel : (See the end of this sel ection for the Let ­
yah ��ka xayl a ; wa- ' i -tetmaya� ' i - l a-yaman wa- ' i - l a-�agarn, ' al I a kama
ter . )
�a� za-yaJ:1awwer retu ' a �or ba-xayla 'ArnHik . "
VII 98
6 8 ( 1 3) Wa-zanta behi lo Barok , s arara nesr mes l a mashaf, wa-
6 1 (1) Wa-tanse ' a Barok wa-wad ' a , �e�ifo kama - z e , ' em-maqaber . . '
' - ' em-h agar b a-rnak-an
J:1ora wasta Babilon . Wa- ' a ' rafa diba ' amd za - ' af ' a
94
62 ( 2 ) Wa-yeb-elo nesr : " B -ahaka Barok, maggabe hayrnanot . "
za-gadiim , wa- � an�a heyya ' eska yaxallef ' Eremeyas wa-ba ' edan he zb .
�
w
( 3 ) Wa-yebelo Barok : '' ' Esma xeruy ' anta ' em-k ellu ' a ' wafa samay,
69 ( 1 4) Wa-xalafu ·' enta heyya kama yeqberu be ' s e z a-mot , ' esma
tetnagar . ' Em-berhana ' a ' yentika ' ernrnur ' anta; (4) wa-ye ' ze-ni _
sa' alo ' Eremeyas la-Nabukadana�or ' enza yebel : "Habani medra xaba
' ar ' eyani menta tegabber ba- zeyya . "
' eqabber ' em-�ezbeya . " Wa-wahabo .
6 3 ( 5 ) Wa-yebelo nesr : "Tafannoku zeyya kama kWe l lo qiila za­
70 ( 1 5 ) Wa- ' enza yaJ:1awweru wa-yebakkeyu la ' l a za-mota,
tefaqqed t e l ' akani kiyaya . " ·
qedma zeku nesr . Wa-�arxa nesr ba- ' abiy qal wa-yebe : ' 'Laka ' ebelaka
6 4 (6) Wa-yebelo Barok : "Tekel -nu ' ellanta nagara ' ab�e�o xaba
' Eremeyas xeruya 'Amliik. �ur wa- ' astagabe' omu l a-kwe l l omu �ezb, wa­
' Eremeyas westa Babilon ? " (7) Wa-yeb�lo nes r : " Ba ' enta-ze
yem�e ' u zeyya kama yesme ' u sannaya zena za- ' amsa ' ku . "
tafannawku . "
65 (8) Wa-nas' a Barok ma��afa wa- l O wa-5 balasa ' em-zeku mudaya ,
7 1 (16) Wa-sarni ' o zanta, sabbeJ;10
99
�
la- ' E zi ' abher, wa - sobeha
. •

-b e ' a kWello �ezba wa- ' anestiyiihomu wa-daqiqomu, wa-ba��u xaba

as t aga
balas za- ' am�e ' a ' Abemelek, wa- ' asara westa kesadu l a-ne s r .
w ha1 1 0 nesr .
66 . Wa-yebe1o : (9) " Laka ' ebel nesr, negusomu la-k e l lomu
72 ( 1 7) Wa-warada zeku nesr xaba badn , wa-kedo , wa-J:1aywa . Wa­
' a ' wa f . �or ba-s alarn wa-ba-�eywat . Zena ' am�e ' l ana . ( 1 0) Wa- ' i -
w 95 zanta gabra kama ye ' manu ; ( 1 8 ) wa- ' ankara kW ellu J;1ezb ba' enta za-kon�
tetmas alo la-q a' za-fannawo Nox, wa- ' abaya gabi ' a dagema xabehu;
96 73 Wa-yebe1 u : "Yogi zentu we ' etu 'Amlak za- ' astar' ayomu la­
_
' a l 1 a tamasala la regb za-se l s a ' agbe ' at qala la-Nox . ( 1 1 ) Kamahu
' abawina ba-gadiim mes l a Muse ; wa-tamasl a ba- ' amsala nesr, wa-
' anta-ni nesa' zanta qalata sannaya l a - ' Eremeyas wa- l a - ' e lla hal l awu ,
ast ar ' aya lana kama ' enta nesr ' abiy . "
mes lehu ' E sra ' e l , kama sannaya yekunka; wa-nesa' zanta tefsehta
74 ( 1 9) Wa-yebe lo nesr l a- ' Eremeyas ' enza yebel : "Na' a wa­
serna' zanta ma�J:1afa, wa- ' anbeb l a-�ezb . " Wa- ' anbaba lomu .
clear in the Ethiopic or the Greek ("The one who does not separate
7 5 ( 2 0) Wa-soba sam 'u �ezb , bakayu kWe l l omu xebura, wa-wadayu
himse l f from Babylon is not to enter the city, 0 J eremiah . I am
J;1amada westa re ' s omu, wa-yebelewwo la- ' Eremeyas : ( 2 1 ) " ' Adxenana.
finding fault with them so that they will .not be accepted back by the
Menta negbar kama negba' west a hagarena?"
Babylonians . ") See verse 90 below for the situation al luded to here .
w
76 (22) Wa-tanse ' a ' Eremeyas wa-yebe lomu : " K e l l o z a - s ama ' kemu
91 . G re�a (yer�ab) to be wide , spacious , amp l e . CG ' ar�aba
westa ma�J:1af, kamahu gebaru, wa-yagabbe ' akemu westa hagarekemu . "
caus . re�b wide , spacious . re;ib ( f . ra;Qb) idem . re?b width,
7 7 ( 23) Wa-��afa ' Eremeyas ma�J:1afa la-Barok, kama-ze ' enza
breadth . ra�b = re�at idem. mar�eb (pl . mara�ebt) a wide pl ace ,
street, forum, marketpl ace .
97 . ;a? (pl . ' a??a, -t) arrow .
92. kertas parchment , paper .
98. G sarara (yesrer) to fly . serur flying , in flight .
93. �emmat soot . maya �emmat ink .
94 .
Berrat fl ight , flying . Barari serur
ba�/ba� (with or without pron . suff . ) exclam. Greetings !
=

99. D sabbe� to prai s e , laud , glorify. Dt taBabbe�a pas s .

ba?a behZa to greet .
W sebbu� prai sed, glori fied . sebba�e prai s e , glorification , hymn .
95. q a < (p l . -at) raven , crow.
seb�at/sebbe�at prais e .
96 . regb (' argab) dove .
 290 291
yebel : "Waldeya fequr, ' i-tethakay �alota ' enza teganni la- ' Amlak ' enza hal lona westa medra nakir?"
ba' enti ' ana, kama yemretana westa fenotena, ' e ska newa��e ' ba-te ' zaza 83 (30) Kama-ze �e�ifo ' Eremeyas , ' asara ma��afo westa kesada
zentu negus xa!e' . nesr wa-yebiHo : "ljur ba-sallim , wa- ' Egzi ' y�awwe� la' leka . "
:! '
.' 1 i
78 "Wa- ' anta-s a �edqa rakabka ba-qedma 'Amlak , za- ' i -xadagaka 8 4 (31) Wa-�ora nesr, wa-sarara, wa- ' ab�eta ma��afa xaba Barok .
tem�a ' meslena, kama ' i-ter ' ay ' ekuya za-yetgabbar dibehomu la-hezb Wa-nasi ' o Barok ' anbaba mashafa,
.. wa-bakaya soba sam' a hemrumomu
. la-
ba-Babilon . �ezb wa-mendabehomu.

JI1;
I '
i
,i '
W
7 9 (24) " Bakama ' ab za-bo weluda ' a�ada , wa-we ' etu tawehba kama
yetk annan, wa- ' ella hallawu xaba ' abuhu, ' ella yenazezewwo ,
85 (32) Wa- ' Eremeyas-sa nas ' a we ' eta balasa wa-wahabomu la­
deweylin, la- ' el la westa hezb . Wa-nabara ' enza yemehheromu kama ' i �

' l!.i ;
yekaddenu ga��omu kama ' i-yer' ayewwo la- ' abuhu yaxasser ba-�azan , yegbaru megbaromu la-�ezqa Babi lon .
kama-ze kiyaka tasahal aka ' Amlak , wa- ' i-xadagaka temsa' Babilon kama VI I I
' i -ter ' ay mendabe tezb . 86 (1) Wa-soba basha ' el at ba-za yawa��e 'omu 'Amlak l a-�ezb
"
80 "Esma ' em- ' ama ba�a�na westa zentu hagar, ' i -ya ' rafna ' eska ' em-Babilon, wa-yebelo ' Egzi ' la- ' Eremeyas : ( 2) "Tanse ' ' anta wa­
�ezbeka, wa-ne 'u westa Yordano s , wa-balomu la-�ezb : ' Yefaqqed ' Egzi '

I
i' yom ' em-hazan, sessa wa-sedestu ' limat yom. (25) ' Enza naxasses
:, 1.,1 nerkab 100 ' em-hezb sequllin ' em-xaba Nabukadanasor negus, ' enza yekden megbara za-�ezba Babilon; wa_ la_taba 't l03 za- ' awsaba ' anesta
'1I
,
yebakkeyu Wa-y�belu : ' TaSahalana ' amlak Sor . , iOl (26) Wa-soba
, ,
: I
, Babi lon ba-dibekemu, wa- ' anest-ni ' ella ' awsaba ' emennehomu
�
I t •

sama 'ku zanta nagara, �azanku wa-bakayku, soba ye�ewwe'u kal e ' a
I I
'I ' aml aka sequlan, wa-yebelu 'Tasahalana. ' Wa-ka ' eba ' ezzekkar ' ana
i
,
ba 'al a za-gabarna ba- ' Iyarusalem za' enbala ne��ewaw; (27) wa­
tazakkireya 'egabbe ' westa beteya ' enza 'e��e" ar l02 wa- ' ebakki .
81 (28) "Wa-ye ' ze-ni ' astabqwe 'u l a- ' Amlakena ba-xaba hallawkemu,
' anta wa- 'Abemelek , ba' enta �ezb, kama yesme 'u qaleya wa-nagara
' afuya, kama yega'u ' emenna Fares .
neftenomu . , l04 (3) Wa- ' ella sam 'uka-sa, ' agabbe ' omu westa
' Iyarusalem; wa-la- ' ella ' i-sam 'uka ' i-texdegomu yeba 'u west eta . "
87 (4) Wa- ' Eremeyas kama-ze ' anbaba lomu zanta kWello, wa­
' am�e ' omu westa Yordanos kama yeftenomu .
88 Wa- ' enza yenaggeromu zanta nagara za-yebelo ' Egzi ' , nafaqu
' ella ' awsabu, wa- ' i - faqadu kama yesme 'ewwo la- ' Eremeyas . Wa-bo
' e 11 a yeb"'l . - 1 05 1 a- ' alam; nenasse ' on
" ewwo : " ' I -naxadd eg ' anestl.yana �y

i'
82 (29) "Wa-ye ' ze-ni ' ebelaka, kWeUo mawa ' ela za-nabarna zeyya meslena westa hagarena . " (5) Wa-xalafu ' em-Yordanos , wa-ba�tu westa
' axazuna ' enza yebelu : 'Negeruna ma�leta �addisa ' em-ma�aleyih[ la­ , Iyaruslilem.
�eyon, m��leya za- ' amlakekemu. ' Wa-nebelomu : " Efo na�alli l akemu 89 Wa-qomu ' Eremeyas wa-Barok wa- 'Abemelek ' enza yebelu :
"Kw ellu be ' s i za- ' awsaba ' em-Babilon ' i-yebawwe' westa hagarena. "
ij'
100. The Ethiopic "Whi le we were seeking to find" does not (6) Wa-yeblilu ' ella ' awsabu ' anesta l a-bi�omu : 106 "Tanse'u, negba'
,
�•

make too much sense . The Greek has "Often , on going out , I would
find some of the people being crucified by Nebuchadnezzar the king . . . " 103. G tab <a to be brave , manly. teb ' teb 'at bravery, cour­
=

101. Sor Gk . Sar , presumably from Heb . zQr, a designation

= age , virtue . taba 't (pI . ' atbu ') n . a male . tabba ' taba 'i (pl .
=

for any foreign deity. The Greek of the fol lowing is al so clearer
than the Ethiopic : "On hearing this , I would grieve on two accounts :
not only because they were being crucified, but also because they
were cal ling on an alien god . "
102. G ?e 'ra to be grieved, pained, afflicted. CG ' a? 'ara
CD ' a?a f <ara to inflict grief or pain upon . Dt ta?e Hera pas s . of CD.
?e 'ur/?e " ur grieved , pained, afflicted. ?a 'r pain, torment , grief,
affliction .
taba 't) adj . male, strong. taba 'tawi (or -ay) adj . mal e , masculine.
104. G fatana (yeften) to investigate, explore ; to examine,
test . CG ' aftana to hand over for examination . Gt tafatna p as s . of
G . fetun investigated , examined, tested. fatani examiner , tester.
= 105 . ' anestiya (coIl . ) the women, womenfolk.
106. hi? (pl . ' aby� ) friend, comrade, companion; neighbor; a
singl e individual . D bayya?a to separate, distinguish, discern . Glt
tabay�a to become companions .
292 29 3

yetgabaru ba-xebu' . "

westa Babilon . " Wa-xal afu wa-gab ' u .
9 0 ( 7 ) Wa-soba re ' yewwomu s ab ' a Babilon , wa� ' u kama 9 5 (7) Wa- zanta � a l l aya . Wa-fa��imo �aloto , qoma ' E remeyas
1 07 westa beta maqdas , wa-meslehu Barok wa- ' Abemelek; wa-kona ' E remeyas
yetqabbal ewwomu; wa- ' i-xadagewwomu kama yebn' u westa Babilon ,
' en z a yebelu : " ' Antemu qedma kiylina � al l1 ' kemuna , wa-ba-xebu' kama ' a�adu be ' si za-wa� ' a nafsu ' em- l a' lehu .
96 ( 8 ) Wa-sobeha wadqu Barok wa- 'Abemelek , wa_ ' awyawu l 1 2 ba­
wa�a' kemu ' em-xab�na; wa-ba' enta z entu ' i-tebawwe ' u westa hagaren a ,
' abiy qal , wa-yebe Iu: "Way l ana . ' Abuna 'Eremeyas kahena 'Amlak
' esma tama�alna ba-sema ' amlakena kama kiyakemu wa- ' awal edikemu ' i ­
xal afa ' emennena . "
netw�kkaf, ' esma ba-xebu ' xalafkemu ' emenn�na . "
9 7 (9) Wa-s ami ' omu kama - z e I}ezb , ro u xabehu , wa-rakabewwo la­
9 1 ( 8 ) Wa-s ami ' omu kama - ze gab ' u westa ' Iyarusal�m , wa-hanasu �
' EremeYlis weduqa wa-meweta . Wa-bakayu wa-satatu ' al basihomu , wa­
l omu ' ahgura westa ' adyl1mihli l a- ' Iyarusalem, wa-samayewwa l a -zeku
wadayu I}amada diba re ' somu, wa-bakayu bekliya marira . 1 1 3
hagar Samareya . (9) Wa-fannawa xabehomu ' Eremeyas ' enza yebel :
9 8 (10) Wa- ' emdexra ' astadalawu ba-za yeqabberewwo mas ' a qal
"Nass ehu wa-nawa yemasse ' mal ' aka .;; e dq wa-yagabbe ' akemu westa .
k
'
- we ' etu, wa-nafsu
.

:, i 0 8 za-yebel : I -tegne zewwo . �eyaw

'"
t egabbe ' diba
makane emu za-nawwlix.
seglihu dl1gema . "
IX
9 2 (1) Wa-nabaru ' enza yetfesse�u wa-yesawwe ' u s abu ' a ' el at a 9 9 ( 1 2) Wa- sami ' omu zanta qlil a , ' i -ganazewwo , ' al Ia nabaru

b a ' enta I}ezb . ' enza ya ' aqqebewwo ' awdo salus a mawa ' e l a , ' eska tegabbe ' nafsu westa

9 3 (2) Wa- ' ama ' asur ' e l at ' em - z a tagabra zentu, ' a ' raga segll.hu .
100 ( 1 3 ) Wa-kona qll.l ba-mll. ' ka l a k We110mu wa-yebe : "Sabbehewwo

�
' Eremeyas maswl1 ' ta b�titu .
ba- ' ahadu qll.l , sabbe�ewwo la- ' Amlll.k ; wa-kwellekemu s abbehu l a_m sihl14

� �
94 (3)
Wa- s a 1 1 aya ' Eremeylis ' enza yebel : " Qeddus qeddus
qeddus ' anta, ma ' za
l09
� te ' um l a- s ab ' , wa-berhan za-ba- ' aman za­
walda 'Amlll.k, za-yanaqqehakemu wa-yekWennenakemu , ' IyaSU wal d a Am ak,
w
berhll.n l a-k ellu ' ll.lam , wa-maxtot za- ' i -ye!affe ' , wa-�eywat za­
t abarreh l ita ' eska ' ana ' eba�.;; eh qedmeka . ' Astabaqq We ' aka ba ' enta
llO hll.ymanot .
�ezbeka, wa- ' ese " elaka ba ' enta qala ma' ar' ir za-Surafel , (4) wa­
lll 101 (14) " Wa-yekawwen ' emdexra- z e mawa' e l salas me ' t wa-salas
b a ' enta ma' aza ' etan za- Kirubel ; (5) wa- ' es e " e laka ' ewwa mal} letay
Mika ' el (mal ' aka �edq we ' etu) , z a-yarexxu ' anaqe�a �edq ' e ska sanbatat za-mawll.' e l l a-me � ' atu west a medr . ' E4a Qeywat , z a-hallo

yebawwe ' ewwon .

w
( 6) ' As t abaqqWe ' aka ' E g z i ' l a-k el lu, wa- ' Egzi ' za­ west a gannat wa- ��5t at ak l a , w
yeresseyomu l a-k el lu ' e� za- [ ' i -] yawa��e'
w fere wa-yebUSll.na kama yem�e ' u xabehu , wa-yeresseyomu kama yegbaru
kWe llo ye ' exxez , wa -k e l l o fatara za-yastare " i , wa-za- ' i -tawalda,
w w fere wa-yesra�u, wa-ferehomu yenabber mes l a mala' ekt .
za-k e l lo fa��ama , wa-k e l lu fetrat xebu' hal lo xabehu, z a ' enbala
116
1 0 2 ( I S) "Wa-ba' enta t ak l a ' e�aw, kama yel aml emu wa-yenuxu,

107. The ' i- is probabl y to be omitted, but could be justified

112. Q <awyawa t o wai l i n mourning . <awyat vn wai l ing .
for the se cond meaning of Dt taqabbala to go out to meet ; to wel come , .

113. G marra/marara (yemrar, yerrt1'el'J to be bitter ( l i t . and

accept , receive .
1 08 . The za- with the adj ective is unusual . The phrase s eems fig . ) . CG ' amral'a to be bitter; to make bitter, exacerbate , aggra­

to mean no more than "your lofty p lace . " vat e ; to behave bitterly or sharp l y . mar>il' ( f . marar) adj . b itter .
mel'ar (pl . -at) merrat vn bitternes s .
109. G me <za to sme l l goo d , b e fragrant . CG ' am < aza to scent , = .

114. masi; the Anoint ed, the Messiah.

perfume . Dt tame « eza to be s cented, fragrant . me <uz fragrant ,
115 . G yabsa (yeybasJ to be dry , arid . CG ' aybasa caus .
sweet . ma 'aza (p l . -t) fragrance , p leasant s cent .
yebus dry, ari d . yabs dry 1 and , the dry ground.
1 10 . ma<ar honey. ma<ar<ir adj . sweet . CQ ' ama <rara t o
116. Q ZamZama to bloom, grow green; to be tender . ZemZiime
sweeten .
verdure , tenderness .
111. ' ewwa here adv . " even, indeed , surely . "
 2 95
294

117 l1S 119 1 0 5 (19) Wa-kama- z e nagara ' Eremeyas ba' enta walda ' Amlak , kama
nahab ;; abb�ta la- ' I yor kama ' i - yeybas serawihomu kama t ak l
_

yema�� e ' westa 'alam o

za- ' i - ' axaza serwu medra .
120 12l - 122 1 0 6 (20) Wa-soba s am 'u zanta �ezb , tame " u ba ' enta zentu, wa­
1 0 3 "Wa- za- h. eb ra qayeh. ya;;a' addu k ama d. amr , ( 1 6) wa-
yeb�lu : "Zentu we ' etu nagarat za_ ' Isayeyas 129 walda ' Amo � , za-yebe l :
may za-�e ' um marira yekawwen , wa-marir �e'uma yekawwen ba- ' abiy
- , 123 1 24 ' Re ' iku 'Amlaka walda ' Amlak . ' ( 2 1 ) Ye ' ze-ni tanse ' u , negbar dibehu
h. ase t ; ( 1 7) wa-tefseh. tata Aml�k l a-dasay�t kama yefrayu fere
I
¥- ¥

bakama gabarna diba ' I sayeyas . " Wa-yebillu manfaqomu : '' ' Albo .
I ba-nagara ' afuhu [ la- ] walda z i ' ahu . 1 30
j, D-
a ' emu b a- ' ebn newaggero . "
1 04 ( IS) "Wa_we ' etu lalihu yebaww e ' westa ' al am , wa-yaxarri
1 0 7 Wa-�arxu lomu Barok wa- ' Abilmelilk ' enza yebelu : "Ba- zati
I' lotu �awareyata ' asarta wa-ke l ' et a kama yetra' ay l omu za- ' ana re ' iku
I1 125 mot ' i-teqtel ewwo . "
', sergewa , za-yetfenno ' em-xaba ' abuhu, za-yemasse. ' westa ' al am wa-
126 127 l2S l O S (22) Wa-�azanu Barok wa- ' Abemelek ba' enta ' Eremeyas , wa­
yekayyed , wa-ya� aggeb nafsa rexebt a . "
•

westa Dabra Zayt

_

' adi ' i-xadagewwo yezilnewomu xebu ' [ta za-re ' ya .
1 09 (23) Wa-yebel omu ' Eremeyas : '" Armemu . ' I -tebkeyu , ' esma
117. D ?abbe�a t o exact/col lect taxes o r tribute . CD ' a�abbe�
' i-yekelu qatiloteya ' eska ' ezenewakemu kWello za-re' iku . (24) Wa­
caus . �abba�t tribute , taxes . ma�abbe� tax-col l ector . ma�abbe�i
ye ' ze-ni ' am�e ' u l ita ' a�atta ' ebna . " Wa- ' am�e ' u lotu ' ebna ' alJatta .
idem. me?ebb� tax office .
1 1 0 ( 2 5 ) Wa- ' aqama wa-yebe : " Berhiin za-la- ' alam , rass i zata
lIS. ' iyor, ' ayar (p l . -at) the air, atmosphere (from Gk . aer) .
' ebna re ' yata sab ' tekun . " - -
Wa-sob eh-a kona ' ebn b a-re ' yata ' Eremeyas
119. serw (pl . -at, seraw , ' asraw) root ; nerve , mus cl e , tendo�
za-yemasselo .
G sarawa = D sarrawa to eradicate , extirpat e . Gt tasarwa = Dt
III ( 2 7) Wa- ' axazu yewaggerewwo la- ' ebn ' enza yemass e l omu
tasarrawa pass . ' serrawe eradication, extirpation .
' Eremeyas -ha .
120. �ebr (pl . -at, �ebar) color . �ebur many-colored, varie­
1 1 2 (2S) Wa- ' Eremeyas zenawomu la-Barok wa-la- ' Abemelek kWello
gated. CG ' a�ara to clean, pol ish .
za-re ' ya xebu ' ata, ( 2 9 ) wa- ' emdexra- z e fa��imo nagirotomu, hora wa­
121. G qe�a to grow red . qayeo/qayi� (f. qay�) red . qi�at
'1
red(ne s s ) . Q ' aqya�ye� to make/become reddi sh.
qoma ma ' kala �ezb , faqido kama yefa��em meggebo .
l'
, 1 1 3 (30) Wa-sobehii �arxa l omu zeku ' ebn wa-yebe : ' " 0 - ' abdiin
I I 122. Q �a<dawa to be whi t e . C Q ' a�a <dawa caus . �e <dew adj .
! I;
,
white . �a <da/� a < ada (pl . �a<adew) adj . whit e . awe whitenes s .
?e <d:
daqiqa ' Esra ' e l , ba' enta ment teweggeruni ' enza ta.mas seluni ' Eremeyas­
ha? Wa- ' Eremeyas nawll m[ ' kalekemu yeqawwem . "
,i ?a <ad<id adj . whitish .
I I
; !.
1 1 4 (31) Wa-soba r e ' yewwo , ro�u mes l a bezux ' ebn , wa-fa��amu
123. daset (pl . dasayat) i s l and . The phrase la-dasayat is the
' a 1 ewo , 1 31 (32) wa-qabarewwo . Wa-nas ' u we ' eta ' ebna , wa- ' anbaru
predicate of this cl aus e ; the trans l ation is l e s s awkward with a verb
supp l ied : "The joys of the Lord (wi l l extend) to the i s l ands . "
hungry, starving . raxab/raxab hunger , famine .
1 24 . G faraya/farya (yefray ) t o bear fruit , b e fruitful . CG
129. ' Isayeyas I s aiah the Prophet .
' afraya caus . ; a l so = G. mafrey an. as adj . fruit ful .
130. da' emu adv . again, further, rather .
125 . sergewa in the accusative is probably to be taken as a
131 . faf}f}amu <alewo is difficult ; probably : "They put an end
predic ate comp lement : " s o that the one whom I s aw adorned might
to his apostacy , " taking <alewo as an infini ti ve (qatir form) without
appear unto them . "
the usual suffix -ot- . G <alawa (ye <lu) to pervert ; to act per­
126. Dabra Zayt the Mount o f Ol ives .
versely, to transgress ( l aws etc . ) ; to be rebel l ious , evi l , refrac­
127. G ?agba to be sated, fi lled, satisfied ; to be sick of
tory, apostate, heret ical . CG ' a <lawa caus . ; to trans late ( from one
something. CG ' a?gaba to s atiat e , satisfy. ?egub sate d , ful l, s atis ­
l anguage into another) ; to copy or transcribe . <e lwat disaster; per­
fied. ?egab satiety, abundance .
rexub versity, heresy, apostacy; copy, transcript ion . <alawi wicked ,
l2S. G rexba (yerxab) to be hungry . CG ' arxaba caus .
296 297
'i
I J

132
west a maqaberihu, wa-rassayewwo k am a ' enta ma ' � o , wa-�atafu have s ent t o you (herewith) . These are those words which the Lord
westetu ' enza yebel u : "Nawa zentu we ' etu rad ' u l a - ' Eremeyas . " God of I srael made , who led us out of the fiery l and of Egypt : "Be­
cause you did not keep al l his righteous (acts) , but became haughty
Addendum : The Letter from Baruch to Jeremiah and refractory , he has handed you over to the furnace of Babylon , for
you did not heed my voice" - - thus s aid the Lord through Jeremiah,
The text of this l etter is corrupt and was relegated by D i l l ­
his servant .
mann (Chrestomathia , p . 8 ) t o the foot o f the page . When read in the
60c Those who have heeded I shal l bring forth from Babylon , and
l i ght of the Greek version, however, it does appear to be almost
they will not be exi l e s from Jerusalem in Babylon .
coherent, if one al lows for a few minor emendations .
60d I f you wish to know them, test them in the water of the
60a ( 1 7) B a ' enta : Barok gabra 'Amlak ye�e��ef ma��afa la­ Jordan, and let him who does not heed become known . This is the
' Eremeyas westa �ewa Babilon . F esse�a wa-�aset . ' E sma ' Aml ak ' i ­ sign : the great seal (i . e . baptism) .
yaxaddegana ne�a' �ezunanina ba' enta �e ' l at wa-musena . ( 1 8 ) Ba' enta­
ze ' ast�ara ' Eg z i ' diba ' anbe ' ena , wa-tazakkara ser' ata za- ' aqdama
mes l a ' abawina ' Abreham Yes�aq wa-ya' qob .
60b (19) Wa-fannawa mal ' ako xabeya , wa-nagarani ' e l l anta n agara
z a- l a' akku xabeka . ( 20) ' E l l a ' emantu nagar za-gabra ' Egz i ' ' Amlaka
' Esra ' � l , za- ' aw�e ' ana ' em-medra Geb� za- ' essat : ( 2 1 ) ' E sma ' i ­
' aqabkemu kWello . �edqatihu, ' a l l [ ' al ' alkemu l ebbakemu wa- ' agzafkemu
kesadakemu qedmehu , wa-ma!!awakemu westa ' etona Babilon , ( 2 2) ' e sma
' i - s ama' kemu qaleya - - yebe ' E gz i ' ab�er ' em- ' afa ' Eremeyas qWe l ' ehu .
60c La- ' el l a sam ' u ' �wa��e ' omu ' em-Babi lon , wa- ' i-yekawwenu
nagda ' em- ' Iyarusalem ba- Biibi lon .
60d ( 23) Wa - ' emma - s a tefattu ta'meromu, fetenomu ba-maya
Yord[nos , wa-za- ' i -yes amme ' yet ' ammar . Zentu t e ' mert : z a-ya ' abbi
m[xtam .

6 0 a T o wit (1) : Baruch , the servant o f God , writes a l etter to

Jeremiah in the Babylonian exi l e . Joy and happines s ! For God wi l l
not al low u s t o depart (from this l ife) grieving about the r evil ement
and destruction (of the city) . Therefore , God has taken pity on our
t e ars and has remembered the covenant which he estab l i shed previously
with our fathers Abraham, I s aac, and Jacob .
60b He sent his ange l to me and told me these words which I

perverse ; infidel , heretical .

132 . G <a�awa (ye < �ew) to close , shut , lock , bol t . Gt ta < aqwa
p as s . < e�ew locked, closed, bol ted . < aqawi doorkeeper . ma<�o (pl .
ma <a�ut) door, gat e ; lock, bolt .
298 299

Wangel qeddus z a- ' Egzi ' ena wa-madxanina ' Iyasus Kerestos ,
III . The Gospel of Matthew
z a-we ' etu besrata Mattewos �awareya
The text trans literated here is that of the Ethiopic New Testa­
ment dis tributed by the British ( and American) B ib l e Society : WangeZ Chapter I

Qeddus za-J Egzi' ena wa-Madxenena ' Iyasus Kerestos wa-ma?aheftihomu 11- Ma��afa ledatu l a - ' Iyasus Kerestos walda Dlwit walda ' Abreham

�awareyatu qeddusan (Leip zig, 1 89 9 ; reprinted 1949) . This Gospel was
s e l ected for inclusion here both b ecause it is avai lab l e in Ethiopic
s cript at a modest pri ce and because its fami liarity el iminates the
need for excessive glossing . Reference to an Engli sh trans lation or
to the Greek original w i l l help c lear up syntactic points not dis ­
cussed i n the notes . I t is as sumed that the reader is fami l iar with
the pers onal and p l ace names which occur .
(1 8) Wa- l a- ' Iyasus Kerestos kama- ze we ' etu ledatu . Wa -tafexrat ' emmu
Maryam la-Yosef, wa- z a ' enbala yetqarabu tarakbat ' enza-ba westa
ma��ana ' em-manfas qeddus . (19) Wa-Yos�f-sa faxariha, ' esma �adeq
we ' etu, ' i-faqada yekseta, wa-makara �emmita yexdega . ( 20) Wa- ' enza
zanta yexe l 1 i , nahu ' astar' ayo mal ' aka ' Egzi ' ab� er ba-�e1m ' enza
yebe 1 :
Yos�f walda Dawit , ' i -tefrah nasi ' ota 1 a-Maryam fexerteka, 'esma
za- ' em- 1 a ' leha yetwa1 1 ad ' em-manfas qeddus we ' etu . ( 2 1 ) Wa­
tewa1 1 ed walda, wa-te � awwe ' s emo ' Iyasus -ha, ' esma we ' etu
w .
yadexxen J:ezbo ' em-xa!awe ' ihomu . (22) Wa- z e -k e l lu kona kama
yetfa��am za-tabeh1a ' em-xaba 'Egzi ' ab�er ba-nabiy ' enza yebe 1 :
Nahu denge1 te�annes wa-tewa1 1ed walda, wa-ye�ewwe 'u semo
'Amanu ' � l , za-we ' etu ba-tergWamehu : mes l ena ' Eg zi ' abJ:er .
(23) Wa-tansi 'o Yos�f ' em-newamu , gabra bakama ' az z azo ma1 ' aka
' Eg z i ' abJ:er. Wa-nas ' a l a-Maryam fexertu , wa- ' i -ya'mara ' e sk a wa1adat
w
walda za-bak ra . Wa- � awwe ' a semo ' Iyasus-ha.

Chapter I I
1. B a ' enta sab ' a saga1

( 1 ) Wa-tawalido ' Iyasus ba-Beta1eJ:em za-Yehuda ba-mawa' e 1a Herodes

negus, nahu masagge 1 an ' em-beJ:era � ebaJ: ba� �u westa ' Iyarusa1em ' enza

Tit l e : besrat/besserat good news , gospel .

18. G faxara (yefxar) to espous e , become engaged to (obj . :
woman) . Gt tafaxara/tafexra pas s . fexert fi ance e . faxari fiance .
ba westa ma�qana she has in her womb she is pregnant .
20. �e Zm (p I . J � zam) dream . G �aZama to dream. Dt t�Z Zama

to dream dreams , s e e visions .

23. bakwr firs tborn . The usual construction of this word, with
a pronominal suffix, indicates that it is a noun and not an adj ective :
"a son who was her firstborn . "
w
Gt tabak ra to be the firstborn ; to
give birth for the first time . bekwrenna status of firstborn .
300 301

yebelu : (2) la-Yosef ' enza yebel :

- w
' Ayte hal l o z a - tawalda negusa ' Ayhud? 'Esma re ' ina kokaba Tan�
s e ' wa-nes
�-a ' hed
. . ana wa- ' emmo , wa-g eyay westa Geb� , wa-hallu
zi ' ahu ba-mesraq wa-ma� a ' n a kama nesged lotu. heyya ' eska ' ama ' enaggeraka, ' esma hal l awo l a-Herodes yexseso
w la-�e�an kama yeqte lo .
( 3) Wa-sami ' o H�rodes negus, dangada wa-tahawka, wa-k e l l a 'Iyarusalem
w ( 1 4) Wa-tansi ' o , nas ' a �e�ana wa- ' emmo ba- l e l i t , wa-tora westa Geb� .
mes l ehu. (4) Wa- ' astagab i ' o l a-k e l lomu liqana kahenat wa-s ahafta
�ezb , tase" elomu b a- ' ayte yetwal l ad Kerestos . (5) Wa-yebelewwo : ( 1 5) Wa-nabara heyya ' eska ' ama motu la-Herodes , kama yetfa�� am za­

Ba-Betal e�em za-Yehuda, ' esma kamahu �e�uf ba-nabiy : (6) tabehla ' em-xaba ' E g zi ' ab��r ba-nabiy ' enza yebe l :

Wa- ' anti-ni B�tale�em, medra Yehuda, ' i -t �a��e�i ' emenna ' Em-Geb� � awwa 'kewwo l a-wal deya .

masafenta Yehuda, ' esma ' emenneki yewa��e ' negus ( 1 6) Wa-soba re' ya Hero des kama tasalaqu la ' H�hu s ab ' a s agal , tam ' e 'a
,
w �eqqa, wa- fannawa wa-qata l a kW e l lo hedanata za-Betalehem wa- za-westa
�� �
mak annen za-yere" eyomu l a-�ezbeya ' Esra' el .
(7) Wa- ' emze � awwe ' omu Herodes l a -masaggelan �emmi t a , wa-ta�ayyaqa kWe l lu ' adyamiha za-ke l ' e ' amat wa- a yene" es -hi , ba ama mawa 'el za­

' em-xab�homu mawa ' e l ihu ba-za ' astar' ayomu kokab . ( 8 ) Wa-fannawomu ta�ayyaqa ' em-xaba ' el l a s agal . ( 1 7) ' Ameha tafa�� ama za-tabehla ba­

B�t ale��m-ha wa-yeb�lomu : ' Eremeyas nabiy ' enza yeb e l :

�awirakemu, tasa" alu �eyyuqa ba' enta �e�an . Wa- ' emkama ( 1 8) Qal ba-Rama tasam ' a , bekay wa- saqoqaw b e zux ; Ra�e l ' enza

rakabkemewwo , zenewuni kama ' em�a' ' ana-hi wa- ' e s ged l otu. tebakki ba' enta we luda, wa-ta' abbi tanazezo , ' esma ' i -konewwa

(9) Wa-sami ' omu ' em-xaba negus, �oru . Wa-nahu kokab za-re ' yu z a- ' em­ we luda .

�eba� yemarre�omu ' eska soba ba�i�o qoma mal ' elta xaba hal l o �e � an . ( 1 9) Wa-mawito Herodes , nahu ma1 ' aka ' Egz i ' ab�er ' as t ar ' ayo ba-helm

( 1 0) Wa-re ' eyomu kokaba, tafasse�u fesse�a ' abiya . ( 1 1 ) Wa-bawi ' omu 1 a-Yos�f ba-Geb� ( 20) ' enza r ebel :

westa bet , re' yewwo la-�e�an mes l a Maryam ' emmu . Wa-wadqu wa- sagadu Tansi ' aka, nesa' te�ana wa- ' emmo , wa-hur westa medra ' Esra' e l ,

lotu, wa- ' arxawu mazagebtihomu, wa- ' abe ' u lotu ' ammexa : warqa wa­ ' esma motu ' el l a yaxassesewwa l a-nafs a ze -�e�an .

sexina wa-karb� . ( 1 2) Wa-nagaromu ba-�elm kama ' i -yegbe ' u xaba ( 2 1 ) Wa-tansi ' o , nas ' a te�ana wa- ' emmo , wa-bo ' a medra ' Esra ' el . (22)

H�rodes , wa- ' enta kale ' fenot gab ' u wa- ' atawu bet�romu . Wa- sami ' o kama 'Ark� la' os yenagges la-Yehuda heyyant a ' abuhu Herodes ,
farha tawira heyya. Wa- ' astar ' ayo ba-�elm, wa-tage�sa westa Galila.
2. Ba' enta ' el l a taqatlu �e�anat ( 23) Wa-ba�ito, xadara westa be�er ' enta serna Nazeret , kama yetfa��am

( 1 3) Wa- ' emdexra xalafu, nahu mal ' aka 'Egzi' ab�er ' astar' ayo ba-�elm za-tabehla ba-nabiy , kama Nazerawi yess amm ay waldeya.

Chapter I I I
II 3. G hoka (yehuk) to mov e , agitate, disturb . Gt tahawka pas s .
3. Ba' enta Yoryannes zakama sabaka mangesta s amayat
hawk motion, movement, agitation, disturbance ; mob , crowd, tumult .
hukat idem. ( 1 ) Wa-ba-we ' etu mawa ' e 1 ba��a Yohannes Ma�meq ' enza yes abbek ba­

6. G safana (yesfen) to become strong, powerfu l ; to exercise gadama Yehuda, (2) ' enza yebel :

control , rule (over : diba, Za r Za , Za- , or a . d . o . ) . sa�ani rul er , Nasse�u , ' esma qarbat mangesta samayat . (3) ' Esma zentu we ' etu

controller, governor . masfen (pl . masafent) rul er , governor, prefect , za-tabehla ba- ' I s ayeyas nabiy ' enza yebel :

high officia l , j udge; masfena me' t centurion . mesfena the office or Qala za-ye� arrex ba-gadam ; ' astadalewu fenoto l a -

status of a masfen .
8. ' emkama conj . as soon as . 16. G l t tasaZaqa to j oke , sport , play; to mo ck , make fun of

11. G zagaba (yezgeb) to store up , accumu l ate , hoard; to store ( Za r Za) . s e � sport , p lay; mockery. mastasaZeq mocker, s corner.

Gt tazagba pas s . mazgab (pI . mazagebt) treasure , weal1h; 22. CG ' ag�asa to t ake aside , to divert ; to remove , take away .
away, hide .
sexin frankincens e . kal'be myrrh . Gt tage�sa to depart , withdraw.
store-room, magazine .
302
' Egzi ' ab�er, wa-retu ' a gebaru ma�y�to .
(4) Wa-we ' etu Yo�annes lebsu za-yelabbes za-�agWra gamal, wa-qenatu
za- ' adim westa �aqW�hu, wa-sisayu ' anba!a wa-ma' ara gadam. (5) Wa­
tewa��e ' xabehu kWella ' Iyarusalem wa-kwella Yehuda wa-kwellu
' adyamihu la-Yordanos, ( 6 ) wa-ye��ammaqu ' em-xabehu westa Yordanos
falag ' enza yet ' ammanu xa�awe ' ihomu . ( 7 ) Wa-soba re ' ya bezuxana
Farisaweyana wa-Saduqaweyana ' enza yema��e'u westa !emqatu �emmita,
wa-yebelomu :
Tewledda ' arawi ta medr . Mannu ' ammarakemu tegWyayu , em- ' enta
tema��e' ma" at? ( 8 ) Gebaru-ke ' enka sannaya fere za­
yedallewakemu la-nesse�a. (9) Wa- ' i-yemsalkemu ba-behi la:
' Aba bena ' Abreham-ha . ' Ebe lakemu kama yekel ' Egzi ' ab�er ' em­
' el lantu ' a' ban ' anse ' o weluda l a- ' Abreham. ( 1 0) ' Esma nahu
.
wadde ' a ma��e westa gw enda ' e�aw yenabber. Kw ellu-ke ' e� za-
' i-yefarri fere sannaya yetgazzam wa-westa ' essat yetwadday.
( 1 1 ) ' Ane-sa-ke ' a!ammeqakemu ba-may la-nesse�a; wa-za­
' emdexreya-sa yema?�e' ye�anne ' ' emenneya, za- ' i -yedal lewani
' e�ur ' asa' eno . We' etu-sa ya�ammeqakemu ba-manfas qeddus wa­
ba- ' essat . ( 1 2) Za-mas ' e w�sta ' edehu, wa-yana��e� · ' awdo , wa­
yastagabe ' sernayo westa mazgabu wa-�asaro-sa yawe " i ba- 'essat
za- ' i-ye!affe ' .
( 1 3) 'Ameha ma� ' a ' Iyasus ' em-Galila westa Yordanos xaba Yohannes
kama ye��amaq ' emennehu. ( 1 4) Wa-Yo�annes yekalle'o ' enza yebel :
'Ana ' efaqqed ' em-xabeka ' e!!amaq , wa- ' anta-nu tema��e ' xabeya?
( 15) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus wa-yebelo :
Xedeg ye ' z�-sa, ' esma kama-ze yedallewana nefassem kWello ?edqa.
III G ?e� (ye?i�) to make level, to pave (a road) .
3. Gt taseha
pas s . ?eyu� level , even, paved; easy. ma?yo.�t highway.
W (pI .
4 . ' adim leather . �aq e (pI . -yat) loins . ' anbapo.
' anabep) locust (s) . ma < o.r honey .
6.falag (pl . ' aflo.g) river .
7 . -ke ' enka see § 5 1 . 4 .
1 0 . D wadde' a to finish , complete; used as an auxi liary verb
in the sense of "already" : wadde' a yenabber is already seated, posi­
tioned, resting . Dt tXlvadde' a pas s . ma7;u!.e/ma�l?e axe .
12. G sa <aya t o winnow . mas<e winnowing-fork . <awd here :
threshing-floor. sernay/sernay wheat . �sar chaff, piece of straw .
303
Wa- ' emze xadago . ( 16) Wa-ta�amiqo ' Iya�us , s��eha wa�'a ' em-may, wa­
nahu tarexwa lotu samay, wa-re 'ya man�asa ·'Egzi ' abher ' enza yewarred
kama regb, wa-nabara la ' l�hu. ( 1 7) Wa�nahu ma� ' a ·qal ' em-samay za­
yebel :
Ze-we' etu waldeya za- ' afaqqer, za-botu · samarku .
Chapter IV
(1) Wa- ' emze ' Iyasus ' a ' rago manfas gadama yetmakkar ' em-xaba
Diy abelos . ( 2 ) Wa-�awimo mawa 'ela ' arbe ' a wa- ' arbe ' a layaleya, wa­
, emdexra- ze rexba. ( 3) Wa-qarba za-yamekkero wa-yebiHo:
'Emma waldu-s a ' anta la- ' Egzi' ab�er, bal kama ' ellu ' a ' ban
xebesta yekuna .
(4) Wa- ' aws� ' a ' Iyasus wa-yebe :
ge�uf kama ' akko ba-xebest kema za-ya�ayyu s ab ' , ' alIa ba­
kWellu qal za-yewa��e ' ' ern- ' afuhu la- 'Egz i ' ab�er .
(5) Wa- ' emze nas ' o Diyabelos westa qeddest hagar, wa- ' aqamo westa
tadbaba beta maqdas , ( 6) wa-yebel o :
' Emma-sa ' aman wal du ' anta til- ' Egzi ' abher ;>- 'wa-tawaiaw tahta.
' �sma �e�uf kama l a-mala ' ektihu . ye ' ezz � zomu ba'. ent
'
� '. aka- =�kama
ye 'qabuka ba-kwellu fenoteka, wa-ba- ' edaw yanasse 'uka kama ' i -
t et 'aqaf ba- ' ebn . ' egraka.
(7) Wa- ' awse' a ' Iyasus wa-yebelo:
Ka'eba �e�uf: ' I -tamakkero la- ' Egzi ' ab�er ' AmIakeka.
(8) Wa- ' emze 'adi nas'o Diyabelos westa dabr nawwax !eqqa , wa- ' ar' ayo
kWello mangestata 'alam wa-kebromu. (9) Wa-yebelo :
Zanta kWello ' ehubaka la' emma sagadka lita wa- ' ammaxkani .
( 10) Wa- ' emze yebelo ' Iyasus :
�ur ' emdexreya Say�an . ge�uf we ' etu: La- 'Egzi ' ab�er ' Amlakeka
t esged, wa-kiyahu baQtito tamlek .
IV 1 . Dt tamakkara to be tested, tempted , tried. CD ' amakkara to
test, try, tempt, examine. mekkur tempted , tried. makkara (pl . -t)
examination, testing, trying, temptation.
5 . tadbab roof, top , summit, pinnacle.
6. warwa (yewru) to throw, cast . Gt tawarwa pas s . and reflex .
CG ' a <qafa to impede , present an obstacle to (0 . 5 . ) . Gt ta <aqfa to
be hindered, impeded; to stumble, knock against . <eqeft (p I . -at)
impediment , obstacle, hindrance, ma <qaf/ma <qef idem.
..
. ' "
". ! .....
3 04
(11) Wa- ' emze xadago Diyabelos , wa-nahu mala' ekt ma� ' u yetla' akewwo .
(12) Wa-sami ' o ' Iyasus kama Yo�annes ta' exza, tage�sa westa Gal i 1a .
(13) Wa-xadaga la-Nazer�t . Wa-ma� i ' o , xadara Qefernahom, ' enta
mangala ba�r westa ' adbara Zabulon wa-Neftalem, (14) kama yetfa��am
za-tabehla ba- ' I sayeyas nabiy ' enza yebe l :
Medra Zabulon wa-medra Neftalem, fenota ba�r ma'dota Yordanos ,
Galila ' enta ' a�zab . ( 1 6) �ezb za-yenabber westa �elmat re'ya
berhana 'abiya; wa-la- ' el la-hi yenabberu westa selmat wa­
�elalota mot berhan saraqa �omu .
4 . Ba' enta temhert qadami za�mahara 'Egzi' ena Kerestos
( 17) 'Em- ' am�ha ' axaza ' Iyasus yesbek wa-yebal :
Tanasse�u, 'esma qarbat mangesta samayat .
(18) Wa- ' enza yansosu mangala ba�ra Galila, re'ya kel ' eta ' axawa ,
Sem'on-ha, za-tasamya P�!ros, wa- 'Endreyas-ha' ' exwahu, ' enza
yewaddeyu marbabta westa ba�r, ' esma masaggeran ' emuntu. (19) Wa­
yeb�lomu ' Iyasus :
Ne 'u, telewuni dexr�ya, wa- ' eresseyakemu tekunu masaggerana
sab ' .
(20) Wa-ba-giz�ha xadagu masagerihomu wa-talawewwo . (21) Wa- 'adiwo
' em-heyya, re'ya kal e ' ana kel ' eta ' axawa, Ya 'qob-ha walda Zabdewos
wa-Yohannes-ha
.
' exwahu, westa hamar
. mesla Zabdewos ' abuhomu yesarre'u
'
masagerihomu, wa-� awwe omu . (22) Wa-ba-gizeha xadigomu �amara wa-
' abahomu, talawewwo . {2 3) Wa- ' ansosawa ' Iyasus westa kWellu Galilii.
17. ' em-' ameha from that time onward .
18. Q ' ansosawa to walk, stroll . G rababa to expand, extend,
spread out ( trans . ) . Gt t��abba
ow pas s . and intrans . rebbat expan-
sion, extension. ma:rbabt net .
19. G taZawa (yetZu) to fo llow, accompany (a. d . o . or Za-) . CG
' at Zawa caus . Glt tataZawa recipr. te Zwat/teZot vn . following ;
dowry . taZawi fol lower ; disciple, pupil ; sectarian ; successor .
matZew adj . following. mat Zew/matZo that which fol lows , succession ;
rest , remainder . matZewa adv. then , immediately thereafter , in suc-
cession .
20. masga:rt (pl . masager) net , fishing-gear . CG ' asgara to
hunt, trap , snare, fl· sh . Gt tasagra pass . sagarat �ards (of j ail
or prison) . ' asgari hunter, fisherman .
30 5
' enza· yemehher ba-mekwrabatihomu wa-yesabbek waniela. mangest wa-
'
yefewwes kwello dawe wa-k
" wel lo �emama za-westa
' �ezb . (24) Wa-wa� 'a
'
semu'atu westa kWella Soreya, wa- 'am�e'u xab�hu kwelio deweyana wa­
kWello �emumana za-la-la zi ' ahu �emamomu, wa-�e " urana wa- ' ella-hi
'aganent wa-warxaweyana wa- ' ella-hi nagargar wa-ma���we ' ana; wa­
ya�ayyewomu. ( 25) Wa-talawewwo bezuxan ' a�zab ' em-Galila wa- ' em­
'Asru 'Ahgur wa- ' em- 'Iyarusalem wa- 'em-Yehuda wa- ' em-ma 'dota Yordanos.
Chapter V '
5. Ba' enta be�u ' an
( 1) Wa-re' eyo ' a�zaba, ' arga westa dabr . Wa-nabiro, qarbu xabehu
' arda' ihu. (2) Wa-kasata ' afahu, wa-maharomu ' enza yebel :
(3) Be?u ' an naddayan ba-manfas, ' esma lomu ye' eti mangesta
.
samayat . (4) Be�u , an ' ella yelaJ:ewu ye' ze , ' esma ' emuntu
yetfesse�u . .( 5 ) Be?u ' an yawwahan, ' esma ' emuntu yewarresewwii.
la-medr . (6) Be?u ' an ' ella yerexxebu wa-ye�aj1lJ1\e: u la-�edq ,
' esma ' emuntu ye�aggebu . (7) Be�u 'an maJ:areY� , "esma ' emuntu
yetmaJ:J:aru. (8) Be�u ' an ne�u�ana lebb , ' esma ' emuntu .
yere" eyewwo la- 'Egzi ' abJ:er . (9) Be�u'an gabareyana salam,
' esma ' emuntu weluda ' .Egzi ' abher
. yessaJlll!l<lY U.·
.
. . . .(W) . �edu 'an
. . . - . "." .
.
' el la yessaddadu ba' enta �edq , ' e sma lomu ye' eti mangesta
samayat . (11) Be�u ' an ' antemu soba yesaddedukemu wa­
yezanaggWegukemu wa-ye�abb (eb)u kWello ' ekaya la ' lekemu, ' enza
yeJ:es sewu ba- ' enti ' aya. (12) TafasseJ:u wa-taJ:asayu , ' e sma
' asbekemu bezux we ' etu ba-samayat , ' esma kama- ze sadadewwomu
23. mekwrab (pl . -at) temple, shrine, synagogue .
24. la-la see § Sl . S . wa:rxawi lunatic . nagargar a type of
epilepsy; rolling , spinning . Q ' anga:rgara to rol l , spin (trans . and
intrans . ) . ma1agWe ' a paralytic. CLt ' asta4agWe 'a to place on a bed
or litter . cj.eg </q.ega < pil low, mattress .
v S . yawwah mild, gentle, modest , submissive ; innocent , simple.
G yawha D yawweha to be gentle etc . ; to please, charm; to persuade ,
entice . yawhat mildnes s etc. yawwahat idem . yawhenna idem.
6 . G �am' a (ye�ma' ) to be thirsty (for : la-) . CG ' asme' a
caus . ?emu' thirsty . ?em' thirst.
1 1 . Q zangWagWa to ridicul e, hold in s corn . zengWagWe scorn,
ridic ule .
306
la-nabiyat ' ella ' em-qedmekemu . ( 1 3) 'Antemu we' etu sew la­
medr. Wa- ' emma-sa �ew las�a, ba-ment-nu yetqessam? ' Albo-ke
' enka la- za-yebaqqWe ' za ' enbala l a-gadif ' af ' a wa-yekayyedo
sab' . ( 1 4) ' Antemu we ' etu berhanu la- 'alam . ' I -tekel hagar
taxabe ' o ' enta mal ' elta dabr tenabber . ( 1 5 ) Wa- ' i-yaxattewu
maxtota kama yanberewwa ta�ta kafar, ' alIa diba taqwama, wa­
tabarreh l a-kw el lomu ' el l a westa bet . ( 1 6) Kamahu yebrah
berhanekemu ba-qedma s ab ' , kama yer' ayu megbarikemu sannaya wa­
yesabbe�ewwo la- ' abukemu za-ba-samayat . ( 1 7) ' I-yems alkemu za­
ma�a'ku ' es ' ar ' orita wa-nabiyata. ' I-ma�a' ku ' es ' aromu ' alla
' efa��emomu . ( 1 8) 'Aman ' ebelakemu : ' eska yaxal lef samay wa­
medr, yaw�a ' enta ' a�atti qer�ata ' i-taxal lef ' em- ' orit ' eska
soba kWel lu yetgabbar . ( 1 9 ) Za-ke fat�a ' a�atta ' em- ' ella
te ' zazat ' enta t�a��e� , wa-yemehher kama-ze la-sab ' , �e�u�a
yessammay ba-mangesta samayat . Wa- za-sa yemehher wa-yegabber
we' etu 'abiya yessammay ba-mangesta samayat . (20) Nahu
' ebelakemu kama ' errllIi'a'''�' i-fadfada �edqekemu fadfada ' em-�a�aft
wa- ' em-Farisaweyan , ' i-tebawwe'u westa mangesta samayat . ( 2 1 )
Sama 'kemu kama tabehla la-qadamt : ' i-teqtel nafsa, wa-za-sa
qatala ras�a we' etu la-kwennane . ( 2 2 ) Wa- ' ane-sa ' ebelakemu :
kWellu za-yame " e ' ' exwahu ras�a we ' etu la-kwennane ; wa-za-hi
yebe ' exwahu za-1arq ras0a we ' etu la- ' awd ; wa- za-hi yebe ' abd
13 . sew salt . G las�a (ye ls��) to be unseasoned, insipid,
tasteless, fatuous . lesuh insipid etc . D qassama to season, make
tasty. Dt taqassama pas s . qessum well-seasoned , tasty . maqsem (pl .
maqasem) (highly) seasoned food.
1 5 . kafar (pl . ' akr-
ar) a container for measuring, a bushel .
1 8 . G qara�/qara�a to incise, sculpt . Gt taqar�a pass .
W
qer1atlqer�atlq er�at the stroke of a letter; stroke , mark , incision .
yawta ' enta ' a�atti qerqata "the letter iota , whose stroke is (but)
one . " ' orit the Mosaic Law, the Pentateuch .
2 1 . G ras�a t o b e subj ect o r liable (to : la-) , to be in danger
of; to be a defendant ; to be unclean, dirty . CG ' arseha to condemn;
to make dirty , pol lute, contaminate . resu� dirty, . etc. ; the accused ,
defendant . res�t (pl . -at) dirt , filth , pollution ; crime , gui l t .
22 . 1arq (pl . ' aqreqt) a patch , tatter . za-qarq adj . patched ,
threadbare; here an interpretation of Gk raka , an obscure term of
307
ras�a we' etu la-Gahannama ' essat . ( 2 3) Wa- ' emkama-ke ta.bawwe '
J ammexakil- westa meswa '. , wa-ba-hilyya tazakkarka kama-bo ' exuka
za-ya�ayye saka, (24) xedeg heyya maba' aka qedma meswa ' , wa-hur ,
qedma takwanan mesla ' exuka, wa- ' emze gabi ' aka. ' abe' ' ammexaka '
.
( 2 5 ) Kun �abiba la- ' edeweka fe�una, ' enza halloka meslehu westa
fenot, kama ' i-yema��uka ' edeweka 1 a-makw annen , wa-makwann en
la-la'ku, wa-westa moqe� tetwaday . ( 2 6 ) ' Arnan ' ebelaka : ' i­
tewa��e ' ' em-heyya ' eska soba tefaddi !e�q� kWello .' (27)
Sama ' kemu kama tabehla : ' I -tezammew . ( 2 8 ) Wa- ' ane-sa
' ebelakemu : kWellu za-yere " i be' sita wa-yefattewa wadde ' a
zammawa bati ba-lebbu. ( 2 9) 'Emma ' ayneka ' enta ' yaman
tase��etaka, melexa wa- ' aw�e ' a ' em-la ' leka, ' esma yexeyyesaka
kama yethagWal ' a�adu ' emenna ' abaleka ' em-kwellu segaka
yetwaday westa Gahannam. ( 30) Wa- ' emma ' enta yaman ' edeka
tase��etaka, metera wa- ' aw�e ' a ' em- la' leka, ' esma yexeyyesaka
yethagWal ' a�adu ' emenna ' abaleka ' em_kw eiiantahu-. segaka west a
Gahannam yetwaday. ( 3 1 ) Wa-'t abehl a : . za-xadaga be'sito yahaba
ma��afa xedgatiha.. ( 3 2 ) Wa- ' arte-sa " ebelakernU kama kWellu za­
yaxaddeg be ' sito za ' enbala tezammu yeresseya tezammu . ( 3 3) Wa­
za-hi xedegta ' awsaba zammawa . . Wa-ka 'el:ia saina�kemu kama
tabehla la-qadamt : ' I -temhalu ba-J:assat ; ' agbe'u ba�tu la­
' Egzi ' abJ:er ma�alakemu . (34) Wa- ' ane-sa ' ebe lakemu : ' 1 -
te�alu gemura : wa- 'i-samaya, 'esma manbaru la- 'Egzi ' ab�er
we ' etu; ( 3 5 ) wa- ' i -medra, ' esma makayyada ' egarihu ye ' et i ; wa­
' i-ba- ' IyaruslUem, ' esma hagaru ye ' eti la-negus ' abiy . ( 36)
abuse .
25 .
'edew (pl . -an) enemy .
G fadaya (yefdi) to pay back , to pay a debt . Gt tafadya
26 .
to exact payment or punishment ; to receive payment or punishment , to
be paid back . feda repayment , retribution; punishment , revenge .
faday (i) one who pays back . mafde money; reward, payment .
29 . D xayyasa to be better, more outstanding . Often imper-
s onal : yexeyyesani kama + subj . : it is better for me that CD
' axayyasa to make better, more pleasing . xisan excellence . ' abal
(pl . -at) limb or member of the body; body, person , self. Note the
' em- of the comp arative prefixed directly to t h e c l ause beginning
with kWe l lu segaka.
308
Wa- ' i-ba-re ' s eka tem�al , ' esma ' i -tekel ' ahatta se ' erta re' seka
�a ' ada rasseyo wa- ' i - ' as lemo . ( 3 7 ) Yekun ba�tu nagarekemu
' emma-hi ' ewwa ' ewwa wa- ' emma-hi ' albo ' albo . ( 38) Wa-fadfa.da­
sa ' em- ' ellu ' em- ' ekuy we' etu. (39) Sama' kemu kama tabehla :
' Ayn beza ' ayn, wa-senn b�za senn . Wa- ' ane-sa ' ebelakemu : ' 1 -
tetqawame��o la- ' ekuy; wa-la-za-hi �af ' aka ' enta yaman
malta�taka mi� lotu kale' ta-hi . (40) Wa-la- za-hi yefaqqed
yet' aggalka wa-malbasaka yensa ' , xedeg lotu wa-lebsaka-ni .
(41) Wa-la- za-hi ' abba::aka me ' rafa ' aJ:ada, �ur lIIeslehu kel ' eta.
( 42) La- za yese" elaka hab wa- la-za yefaqqed ' em-xabeka
yetlaqqa� ' i -tekle ' o . (43) Sama ' kemu kama tabehla: ' Afqer
bi�aka, wa-�ela' � ala' eka . (44) Wa- ' ane-sa ' ebelakemu : ' Afqeru
�ala' takemu , barekewwomu la- ' ella yeraggemukemu, sannaya gebaru
la- ' ella ye�al le ' ukemu, wa-�alleyu ba ' enta ' ella yesaddedukemu,
(45) kama tekunu weluda la- ' abukemu za-ba-samayat . 'Esma
?a�aya yasarreq la' la ' ekuyan wa-xeran, wa-yazannem zenama
36. G se <ra to grow, be green . sa <r (pl . ' as <ert) herbage ,
vegetation, gras s . se <ur grassy, covered with vegetation . se <ert
(pI . ' as <ert) hair (of head or body) .
37 . ' emma-hi . . . ' emma-hi either . . . or .
39 . beza prep . in exchange for; n . price of redemption. senn
(pl . senan , ' asnan) tooth . Dt tasannana Glt tasanana to enter into
=
litlgation with , to contend with . tasnan lawsuit, litigation , con­
troversy. G ?af <a (ye?ta<) to strike , slap , box . Gt ta?af <a pas s .
?ef<at a blow, slap . malta�t (pl . maLate�) j aw, cheek .
4 0 . Dt ta <aggaLa to cheat , defraud; to oppress , treat un-
justly, rob . te <ge Lt fraud, defrauding , robbing; injury, damage .
4 1 . D <abbapa to compel, force , coerce .
42 . Dt taLaqqe�a to borrow. D Laqqe�a to lend . Leqqa� a loan .
4 4 . G ragama (yergem) to curse, execrate. Gt taragma pas s .
G l t taragama pas s . regum cursed, execrated . ragami curser, exe­
crator. margam (pl . - at) curse, execration .
4 5 . G zanma to rain . CG ' aznama to bring rain , cause it to
rain . D <amma4a to sin, act unj ustly or wickedly; to harm, injure .
<ammaqi unj ust , wicked, criminal . <amma� inj ustice , wickedness .
309
I.a >la �adeqan wa-: 'amma�eyan . (46) Wa- ' emm,,:-sa : tafaqqeru za­
y1ifaqqerakemu, menta' ' asba bekemu? 'Akko- \l.u l!Ia}ab6��aweyan-h i
kamahu yegabberlJ? (47) Wa- ' emma tasai1iaxi<:e,�� ' ; axawi k�mu kema
, ,
menta ' enka fadfada tegabbe�u? ' Akko-nu ' ahzab-ni kiyahu-sa
yegabberu? (4 8) Kunu-ke ' antemu-s a fe��umana kama 'abukemu
samayawi fe��um we ' etu.
Chapter VI.
(1) Wa-baJ;ltu 'uqu me�watakemu ' i-tegbaru la- ' ayna sab � kama tastar' eyu
lomu . Wa- ' emma - ' akko-sa, ' asba ' albekemu' ba-xaba , ' abukemu za-ba­
sam�yat . (2) Soba-ke tegabber me�wata, ' i-tenfax qarna qedmeka, kama
madlewan yegabberu ba-makwarebt wa-ba- ' askWat, kama yet ' akWatu ' em­
xaba sab ' . 'Arnan ' ebelakemu, hagW lu ' esetomu . (3) Wa- ' anta-sa, soba
tegabber me;;wata, ' i-ta' mer <;tagameka za-tegabber yamaneka, (4) kama
ba-xebu ' yekun me�wateka . Wa- ' abuka za-yere " i za-ba-xebu '
yefaddeyaka kesuta. ( 5 ) Wa-soba-hi teselleyu, ' i-tekunu kama
mad 1 ewlln, ' esma yafaqqeru ba-makwarebt" wa-we � � a rna ;a� e;;";arahebt
qa\�ima wa-�alleyo, kama yastar' eyu la-sab ' . " Man:,�Qelakemu : hagWlu
' esetomu. (6) Wa- ' anta � sa soba ; e�el li , bi , betaka wa- ' e�u xoxtaka,
wa-�al li la- ' abuka l a-za-ba-xebu ' , wa- ' �buka za-yere " i ba-xebu '
ya 'asseyaka kesuta . ( 7 ) Wa- ' enza te��i r��� ';i -t �z'an�e ; � kama ' a�zab,
"
' esma yemasselomu ba- ' abzexo nebabomu za-yesamme 'omu. (8) ' 1 -
tetmasalewwomu-ke , ' esma ya ' airuner ' abukemu s'amayawi za-tefaqqedu
za' enbala tes ' alewwo . ( 9 ) Kama-ze-ke ;;al leyu ' antemu-sa :
' Abuna za-ba-sam�yat , yetqaddas semeka. ( 1 0) Tem;;a' mangesteka
Yekun faqadaka bakama ba-samay wa-ba-medr-ni: "' ( 1 1 ) Sisayana
za-la-la 'elatena habana yom. (1,2) .Wa-xedeg lana ' abbasana
-"
kama neJ:na-ni naxaddeg la- za- ' abbas a lan�: ( 1 3 ) Wa- ' i-tabe ' ana
westa mansut , ' al Ia ' adxenana wa-bale�aTha ' em-kwellu ' ekuy;
ma <amme 4 <ammaqi .
=
VI 2. sakWat/sakot ('askWat) street, quarter . G <asaya to repay.
Gt ta 'asya to be repaid, accept repayment . 'eset payment, reward .
5 . ma' zen (t) , ma' zan (t) (pl . ma' azen) corner .
mansut (manasew) t emptation, danger; calamity, divine pun­
13.
ishment . CQ ' amansawa to lead to destruction/temptation . Qt
310 311

' esma z i ' aka ye ' eti mangest , xayl , wa-sebhat l a - ' al ama ' a l am o segaka beruh we ' etu. Wa- ' emma - s a '_ayneka �awwag we ' etu, kWe l lu
' Amen . seg�ka �elmata yekawwen . ( 2 3) Wa- ' e� a - s a berhan z a - l ll. ' leka �elmat
( 14) ' E sma ' emma xadaggemu l a - s ab ' ' abbasahomu , yaxaddeg lakemu-ni w e ' etu , !?elmateka ' efo? ( 2 4 ) ' Albo za-yekel l a-kel ' e ' aga ' ezt
' abukemu samay�wi ' abbas�kemu . ( 1 5 ) Wa- ' emma-sa ' i -xadaggemu l a - s ab ' taqaneyo . Wa- ' emma- ' akko , ' aJ:tada ye�a1 1 e ' wa-kal e ' o yafaqqer . Wa­
' abbas�homu , ' abukemu-ni ' i -yaxaddeg ' abbas�kemu . ( 1 6) Wa-soba ' emma- ' akko , l a - ' aJ:tadu yet ' e z zaz wa- l a-ka l e ' u ' i -yet ' e z zaz . '1-
te�awwemu, ' i -t ekunu kama madl ewan ; ' i -te�amahayyu . ( 1 7) ' Esma tekelu-ke l a - ' Egz i ' ab�er t aqaneyo wa-l a-neway., (25) Wa-ba' enta. - z e
yam�senu ga��omu kama y�star' eyu l a - s ab ' kama � omu . ' Aman ' ebel akemu, ' ebe l akemu : ' I -tetakkezu la-nafsekemu ia-�ebal l � ' u '�a- la-nafe s t ekemu
sal la�u ' esetomu . Wa- ' anta- s a , soba t e�awwem , qeba' re ' saka, wa­ za-telabbesu . ' Akko-hu nafs t a ' abbi ' em-sisit , wa-n'afest " em - l e b s ?
ga��aka taxa�ab , ( 1 8) kama ' i -tastar ' i la-sab ' kama �omka, za' enbal a (26) Na��eru ' a 'wll.fa samay kama ' i -yezarre 'u wa- ' i -ya ' arreru wa- ' i ­
la- ' abuka za-ba-xebu' . Wa- ' abuka za-yere " i za-ba-xebu ' ya ' as seyaka y�stagabe ' u westa ' abyat , wa- ' abukemu s amayawi yeseseyomu . ' Akko-nu
kesuta . ( 1 9 ) ' 1 -tezgebu l akemu mazagebta westa medr , xaba �a�e wa- ' antemu fadfada texeyyesewwomu? (27) Mannu ' emennekemu 'ba-takke z o
w w
q enq ene yamaseno , wa-xaba saraqt yekarreyu wa-yes arrequ . -(20) za-yekel was seko ' em-diba qomu ' emmata ' a�atta? ( 2 8 ) Wa-b a ' enta
Zegebu l akemu mazagebta westa samayat , xaba ' i-yamaseno �a�e wa- ' i ­ ' araz-ni menta-nu texe l l eyu? Re ' eyu � egeyata gadam kama yelehhequ,
qWenqWene , wa-xaba saraqt ' i -yekarreyu wa- ' i -ye s arrequ . ( 2 1 ) ' Esma ' i -ye�amewu wa- ' i -yefattelu . ( 2 9 ) ' Ebel akemu kama Sal omon teqqa ba­
xaba h a l l o mazgabeka, heyya yehe l l u l ebbeka-ni . (22) Maxtotu l a ­ kWe l lu kebru ' i - l ab s a kama ' aJ:tadu ' em- ' e l lu . (30) Za-sa 'ra gadam ,
segaka we ' etu 'ayneka . Wa- ' emkama 'ayneka s e fu� we ' etu, kWe l lu za-yom hal l o wa-gesama westa '_e�s�-t yetwadday, ' Eg z i ' ab� er za-ka a-ze
y )
m
ylll abbeso , ' efo ' enka f§ldfiida kiyakemu � J:te�u�_ana n-a miinQt? ( 3 1 ' I-
.

tamansawa pass . mensew l iabl e ,to temptation/punishment . mensawe

.-, .
�- . ,

t et akke-z u-ke ' enka ' enza _ tebelu : Menta i'iebal l e "'wa-menta nesatti wa-
mansut . L bate� to res cue , s av e , l iberat e . Lt tabate� pas s .
menta netkaddan? ( 3 2 ) ' E sma zanta-sa kWe l l o ' a�zab yaxassesewwo , wa­
bata�i l iberator, protector . lakemu-sa ya' ammer ' abukemu samayawi kama tsfaqqedu , zanta kWe l l o .
17. G satapa ( 1 ) to be whol e , perfect ; (2) to accept/bring ( 33) 'Antemu-sa xessu maqdema mangesta z i ' ahu wa-�edqo , wa- zentu
.
back ( s omething) whol e/comp l ete/in its entirety; to pay back; ( 3 ) to
kWe l lu yetwe s s akakemu . ( 34) ' I -tetakkezu-ke la-gesim-, ' esma gesam-sa
consummate , finish up/off. D sat tapa G (2) and G (3) ; also : to be
t exEi l l i l a-re ' sa . Ya' akkela la- ' e l at ' ekaya .
=

effective , t o accompl i s h results . Gt tasalpa Dt tasal tapa to be

=

finished, consummated, completed. Z

se taFe comp l etion . G qab' a Chapter V I I
(yeqba' ) to smear , anoint . Gt taqab' a pas s . and reflex. qebu' w
( 1 ) ' 1 -tekWannenu kama ' i -tetkWannanu . ( 2 ) ' E sma ba-k ennane za-
smeared, anointed . ' qeb' (o l ive ) oi l , ointment , but t er . qeb'at anoint­
ing .
26 . G ' arara to harvest . ma'rar harvest .
qaqe moth , worm. qWenqWene moth , worm .
19.
28 . D 'arraza to prepare or furnish c lothing . 'araz/ 'arraz
2 0 . saraqi (pl . saraqt) thief. G saraqa (yesreq) to steal .
(p l . -at) clothing, vestments . G � agaya to flower . ?eguy fl owering,
CG ' asraqa caus . Gt tasarqa pas s . serq/sarq s t o l en obj ect ; theft .
decorated with f lowers . ?ege (pl . -yat) flower . G fatata (yefte t)
22. G sa�a (yesja�) t rans . : to expand, extend , spread out ; to twi s t , spi n . Gt tafatta pas s . fetul spun , twi sted . fatt (pl .
intran s . : idem . Gt tasa�a intrans . G . sefu� spread out , ex­
=
' aftat, ' afte U) thread, cord . feUo hli sted work .
tended; wide , spacious , ampl e ; open , s incere , gui l e l e s s ; generou s .
30. za- . . . ' efo see § 5 1 . 3 .
se� expansion , extension; width , expanse ; s incerit y ; warp (of a
33. maqdema is here an adv . : b e forehan d , first .
100m) . se�at extension, width, capacity. masfe� hanune r , mal l et ; 34 . G ' akata (ye' kal, ye' kel) to be suffi cient for , to s at i s fy
anvi l . G qoga t o b e s avage , pervers e , evi l , malignant . ¢ewug
(o . s . or Za- ) ; to be approximat e l y . CG ' a' kala Gt ta' akla t o be
=
=

q.awwag pervers e , evi l , mal i gnant , w i l d , savage . qug perversenes s etc .

s at i s fied, have enough . ' ekul sufficient , enough .
312
313
kWannankemu tetkWennanu ' antemu , wa-ba-masfart za-safarkemu yesafferu yerakkebewwa . (15) Ta' aqabu ' em-has saweyan nabiyat , ' e l la
: .. .w ' yemass
- . . e'u
l akemu . (3) Menta-nu t ere" i �asara za-westa ' ayna ' exuka , wa-sarwe xabekemu ba- ' albasa ' abage' , . wa- ' enta westomu
• .

- s a tak Iat masat t

za-west a ' ayneka ' i - t ebeyyen? (4) Wa- ' efo tebe l o l a- ' exuk a : "Xedeg ' emuntu . (16) Wa- ' em�ferehomu ta ' ammerewwomu ;
Yeqassemu-hu ' em­
' awde ' hasara ' em-westa ' aynek a , " wa-nahu sarwe westa 'ayneka? (5) ' aswak ' askal a , wa- ' em- ' amekal a balasa ? (17) Kamahu
-ke kWel lu ' e�
Madl ew , ' aw�e ' qedma sarwe ' em -westa ' ayneka, wa- ' emze t ere " i l a ­ sannay fere sannaya yefarri , wa- ' ekuy-sa ., ed fere
, . .' ekuya yefarr i .
' aw�e ' o �as ara za-westa ' ayna ' exuk a . (6) ' I -t ahabu qeddesta l a ­ ( 1 8) ' I -yekel ' e1 sannay fere ' ekuya fareya , Ha-
" i - ' ed" ' �k�y fere
�
kal ab�t , wa- ' i -tedayu b��reyakemu qedma ' a�rew , kama ' i-yekidewwomu sannaya fareya . ( 1 9) KWel lu ' e� za': ' i -yefarri f..�r.� .s Itl1ay.,,:_� ­
.
ba- ' egarihomu wa-t amaye�omu yen?exukemu . (7) Sa ' alu \�a-yetwahhabakemu. .
yegazzemewwo , wa�wes t a ' es sat yewaddey�wwo .
(20) ' Wa- ; ein-ferehomu
Xessu wa-terakkebu . GWadgWedu wa-yetraxxawakemu .
za-ye s e " el yenass e ' , wa- za-hi yaxasses yerakkeb , wa- l a - za-hi
(8) ' Esma kWe l l u ' enka ta' ammerewwomu.
�
(21) ' Akko kW e l l � za-yeb e l ani , ;" , g z i ' 0 ,
' Egz i ' o" za-yebawwe ' west a manges ta samayat , z a ' e�
baia z a-yegab ber
gWadgWada yetraxxawo . (9) Mannu we ' etu ' emennekemu b e ' s i za-yese " elo faqado Ia- ' abuya za-ba-s amayat . ( 2 2 ) Be zuxan yebeluni ba-ye ' et i
waldu xebesta, bo -nu ' ebna yehubo? ( 1 0) Wa- ' emma-hi 'asa s a ' alo , ' el at :
' arw� medr-nu yehubo ? ( 1 1 ) Za- ' antemu ' enka ' enza ' ekuyan, ' ant emu ' Egzi ' 0 , ' Eg z i ' 0 , " akko-nu ba- semeka tanabbayna wa-ba-s
emeka
ta' ammeru sann�ya habta wehiba l a-weludekemu , ' efo fadflida ' abukemu ' aganenta ' aw�a ' na wa-ba-s emeka xaylata bezuxa gabarna
?
za-ba - s amayat yehub sannaya l a- ' el la yese " e l ewwo ? ( 1 2) KWel lo -ke (23) Wa-ye ' eta sobe ' li ' ammenomu :
za-tefaqqedu yegbaru l akemu s ab ' , kamahu gebaru l omu ' antemu-ni , Gemura ' i-Ya ' ammerakemu . Ra�aqu ' emenneya kWe l l ekemu ' el la
' esma z entu we ' etu ' orit-n i wa-nabiyat . ( 1 3 ) . Ba ' u ' enta �abab ' anqa�, tegabberu ' , amma?a .
' esma ra�ab ' anqa� wa-sef eh. t f eno t ' ent a tewassed westa hagW I , wa­ (24) KWel lu-ke za-yesamme ' zanta nagareya wa-yegabbero yema s s e l be ' se
bezuxan ' emuntu ' e l l a yebawwe ' u westet a . (14) Teqqa � abab ' anqa� wa­ tabiba za-�ana� a be to diba kWakwh . (25) Wa-warada zenlim , wa-ma� ' u
' el l a
� e ' eqt fenot ' enta t ewassed westa �eywat , wa-wexudan ' emunto w �aye z t , wa-nafxu naflis 1l.t , wa-gaf' e�€) l a-we '.e tu bet , wa- ' i
-wadqa,
w w
' s?mt'�iba kWak � tasarara . ( 26) Wa-k e l lu z a-ye s amme ' zanta
VII 2. G safara t o measure (out) . Gt tasafra pas s . G l t tasafara nagareya wa- ' i -yegabbe ro yemass e l be ' se ' abda za-�ana� a
beto diba
to mete out , distribute . sefur measured . masfart (p l . masafer) a xo� li . (27) Wa-warada zenlim , wa-ma� ' u wa�liye zt , wa-nafxu naflisat , wa­
meas'ure , specifi c amount . gaf' ewwo la-we ' etu bet , wa-wadqa , wa-kona deqatu ' abiya .
3. sarw� (p l . sarawit) beam , t imber . D bayyana to discern ,
dis tinguish , make out . CD
' abayyana to make c lear , evident . takW ta (pl . - t) wo l f .
15 .
6 . katb (p l . katabat , ' aklebt , ' aktab) dog . ba�ey (pl . -at) 1 6 . G qasama (yeqsem) to pick (frui t ) , gather, col le c t , harvest
pearl . �araweya (p l . ' a�rew) p i g , sow , swine . G nadxa (yen1ax) t o Gt taqasma pas s . qasm harvest , picking ; the crops harve sted
(p I .
strik e , beat , knock down, tramp l e , Gt tana4xa pass . ' aqsam) . qasami/qassam a fruit/berry/grape-pi cker . sok (pl . ' aswak)
7. Q gWadgWada t o knock (on a door) . tho rn ; sting . askat (p I . -at) grape ( s )
•
. ' amekata a thorny p l ant .
10. 'asa (pI . -t) fish . 23 . sobe is used nominally here : ye' eta sobe at that time , on
1 3 . G �abba/�ababa (ye?beb) to be (too) narrow ; to narrow,
that occasion . ' a' mana in the sense : to profe s s , confirm as a fact,
confine . CG ' alfbaba caus . �abib ( f . ?abab) narrOH, confined .
assert .
sebbat narrownes s . ma�beb a narrow p l ace , narrow pas s . 24 . kWa�� rock ( s) , stone ( s ) .
1 4 . CG ' as. <aqa t o pre s s in on , t o confine . �e 'uq narrow , con-
G gaf<a (yeg[a ') to harm, inj ure , oppre s s . Gt tagaf' a
25.
fined . Ifa 'q confinement , press ; need. mas. Ceq adJ' . press ing, confin- pas s .gefu' injured, harmed ; vio l ent . gef' harm , inj ury ; viol ence ;
ing . G wexda to be few , smal l . wexud few, smal l , scanty . wexdat oppression . gaja < i oppressor, tyrant .
paucity , scantiness . 2 6 . XO?a sand .
314 315
" _ ...
;•• ,It

( 28) Wa-soba fa� � ama ' Iyasus zanta nagara, tadammu 'aJ:tzab ba­ gabreya-ni : " Gebar zanta," wa-yegabbe r .
mehherotu, - ( 2 9 )' l esma yem�hheromu kama za-sel�ana-bo , wa- ' akko kama ( 10) Wa-s ami '0 ' Iyasus , ' ankara wa-yebt31omu la�} � h a yetal l ewewwo :
�aJ:taftomu . ' Aman ' ebelakemu ' i -rakabku z a-ma�ana-ze haymanota ba-westa
kWe l lu ' Esra' e l .( 1 1 ) Wa-bii�tu ' elielakemu : be zuxan yema�:; e ' u
_

Chapter V I I I
' em-mesriiq wa- ' em-me 'rab, wa-yeraffequ mes l a ' Abreham wa-YesJ:taq
6. Ba' enta za-lam�
wa-Ya ' qob ba-mangesta s amayat , ( 1 2) wa- l a-weluda mangest -sa
(1) Wa- ' enza yewarred ' em-dabr, tal awewwo sab ' bezuxan . (2) Wa-nahu ­ yawa��e ' ewwomu westa �anafi �elmat . Heyya hal lo bekay wa­
ma� ' a za- l am� , wa- s agada lotu ' en z a yebe l : J:taqeya senan .
' Eg z i ' o , ' emma - s a faqadka, tekel ' an�eJ:toteya. ( 1 3) Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus l a-we ' etu J:tabe me ' t :
(3) Wa-s afiJ:to ' edehu , gasaso wa-yebelo : i;!ur-k� , wa-bakama ta' amanka yekunka .
' E faqqed. Ne�aJ:t . Wa-J:taywa waldu ba-ye ' eti s a ' iit . Wa-gab i ' o mas fen westa betu , rakabo
Wa-na�J:ta ' em- l am�u ba-gi zeha . ( 4 ) Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus : w
la-q e l 'ehu J:tayewo .
'Uq ' i-tenger wa- ' i - la-mannu-hi , wa-baJ:ttu J:tur wa- ' ar ' i re ' s aka
l a-kahen , wa- ' ab e ' maba ' aka, bakama ' azzaza Mus e , la-sem ' l omu ._ 8. Ba ' enta J:tamata Pe�ros

(14) Wa-bawi ' o ' Iyasus beta l a-Pe�ro s , rakaba la-J:tamata Pe�ros ' enza
7. Ba' enta walda masfen
tesakkeb tefadden. ( 1 5 ) Wa-gasasa ' edeha , wa-xadaga fa�anta, wa­
(5) Wa-bawi ' o Qefernahom, ma� ' a xabehu J:tabe me ' t , ( 6) wa-yebelo : tanse ' at wa-tale ' katomu .
4H
' Egzi ' o , dewey waldeya, wa-yesakkeb westa bet ma�agWe ' �eqqa ,
" ' " . . ';'
;'-
':
s e 'ur . 9. Ba' enta ' el fa J:1aywU" iem-1:iezux dawe

(7) Wa-yebe lo ' Iyasus : I

"
�:'I
"
( 1 6) Wa-meseta kawino , ' am� e ' u xabeli.u· b;rzu��n :-.I s � �
. .- -! �
'-
aganent , wa-
Naya, ' ema� � e ' ' ana wa- ' efewweso . �I ' aw�e' omu ba-qalu, wa-fawwasa kWe l l o deweyana, ( 1 7) kama yetfa� �am
( 8) Wa- ' awse ' a J:tabe me ' t wa-yebe : I
qala ' I s ayeyas nabiy za-yebe :
' Eg z i ' o , ' i -yedal lewani kama ' anta teba' taJ:tta �afareya.

w
w
Da' emu
bal qal a, wa-yaJ:tayyu waldeya, (9) ' esma ' ana-hi be ' s i mak annen
'1 We ' etu nas ' a dawena, wa-sora J:temamana.
(18) Wa-soba re ' ya ' Iyasus sab ' a be zuxana za-tal awewwo , ' a z-zaza
' ana , wa-beya �arra ' el l a ' ek ennen , wa- ' ebelo la-ze : "i;!ur , " yeJ:turu mii ' dota.
wa-yaJ:tawwer , wa- l a-kal e ' u-ni : "Na ' a , " wa-yema�� e ' , wa- l a-
I
I
;
VIII 2. lam? l eprosy. za-lam? a l eper .
3. G gasasa (yegsesJ t o touch . G t tagassa pass . gessat a 11. G rafaqa (yerfeqJ to recline at a meal . C G ' arfaqa caus .

touch , touching .
merJaq a p lace to recline ; a meal , party, sympos ium . marfaq thresh-
5. �abi (p l . �abayt) prefect , governor, procurator . Qabe me' t ho l d .
12. Efanafi adj . exterior, extreme , outer . G �qaya to grind/
centurion .
7. naya = na- + pron . suff . ; this part icle i s used to prepo se gnash the teeth . CG ' a�qaya caus .

" as for me , I for my 13. qUJelr e C f . - t ; p l . -yat) servant , domest i c .

or topical i z e a pronominal e l ement : naya =

part" or simi l ar l y .
14. Qam (w . suff . �amU- , acc . �ama- ; p l . ' aQmaw) father-in-law»

8. G pafara to roof over , to put up a cei l ing. tafar roo f , son-in- l aw . �amat mother-in - l aw , daughter- in- l aw . G l t taheunawa to
acquire an in- l aw . tahma in- l aw relationship . G fa1ana to have a
cei l ing . da' effw- adv . j ust , merely , only; furthermore , moreover ;
rather , but , on the contrary . fever . faqant fever .
316 317

10. B a ' enta za-kal ' o ' i -yet l ewo Menta bena mesleka ' Iyasus walda ' Eg z i ' ab�er? �a� a ' ka z eyya
.. . .-��
t esaqeyana z a ' enbala yeb;;aJ:1 gizehu?

:
( 1 9) Wa-mas ' a xabehu ' a�adu � a�afi wa-yeb� l o :
L i q , ' et luka-nu xaba horka? ( 30) Wa-botu heyya mar ' aya ' a�rew be zux yeti·a ' ; a / ���uqa ' emennehomu ,

�
(20) Wa-yeb� lo ' I yasus : (31) wa- ' astabqWe ' ewwo ' aganent wa-y�bel ewwo·: '
QWana� el -ni gebaba bomu , wa- ' a 'wafa s amay-ni xaba ya�al l e l u , ' Emma - s a tawa�1e ' ana, fannewana diba mar ' aya . : a�rew .
"

1
w ( 3 2 ) Wa-yebe l omu : f:luru . Wa-wad i ' omu , horu wa-bo ' u we sta. ' ahrew wa­
�
wa-walda ' e g ala ' emma-�eyaw - s a ' albotu xaba yasammek re ' s o .
( 2 1 ) Wa-yebe l o kal e ' ' em- ' arda ' ihu : �
ro�u kWe l lu mar 'aya ' a�rew, wa- adfu we ta ba.l:r wa-motu west � m��.
w
(33) Wa- g ayyu nolot wa- ' atawu hagara, wa- zenawu .kw e l lo· wl�za-ba'enta
.
p

' Egzi ' o , ' abehani ' eqde.m �awira wa- ' eqbaro l a - ' abuya.
� �
·
(22) Wa-yebelo ' I yasus : ' el la ' aganent -hi . ( 34) Wa-nahu wa1 ' u kWe l lu agar yet abbal ewwo l a ­

. T e l ewani , wa-xedegomu l a-mewutan yeqbaru mewutanihomu . ' Iyasus , wa- soba r e ' yewwo , ' astabqWe ' ewwo yex l e f ' em- dawalomu .

11 . Ba ' enta z a-gassa�a ba�ra Chapter IX

Ba ' enta ma�agWe'
11
13.
(23) Wa- 'arga westa �amar , wa-talawewwo ' arda ' ihu . ( 2 4 ) Wa-nahu
'abiy d e l eql eq kona ba-westa ba�r ' eska soba �amar yes sewwar ' emenna r ( 1 ) Wa- ' arigo westa �amar, ' adawa wa-ba·� �a hagaro . ( 2 ) Wa- ' am�e ' u

mogad , wa-we ' etu- s a yenawwem. (2S) Wa-qarbu ' arda ' ihu , wa- ' anqehewwo I xab�hu d eweya mad- . ag
w
e " a enza ye� awwerewwo ba- ' arat , wa-re ' eyo

wa-yebel ewwo : ' I yasus haymanotomu, yebalo la-we ' e�u ma�agWe ' :

' Eg z i ' o , ' adxenana, ' e sma nemawwet . Ta ' aman , waldeya . Yetxaddagu xa�awe � ika .

(26) Wa-yebel omu : ( 3) l'Ia-nahu ' e l l a ' em-westa �a�aft yebelu babaynatihomu :
La-ment farrahan ' ant emu , �e�u�ana haymanot ? Ye�arref z entu- s a .

Wa -tansi ' o , gassa� omu l a-nafasat-ni wa- la-ba�r, wa-kona zahna ' abiya . ( 4 ) Wa- ' a ' maromu ' Iyasus xe l l innahomu ; wa-yebe1 6mu :
( 2 7 ) Wa- ' ankaru s ab ' wa-yeb e l u : La-ment t exel l eyu ' ekuya b a- ' albabikemu ? ( S ) Ment yeqal lel :

Mannu ' enga we ' etu zentu za-yet ' e z zazu lotu ba�r-ni wa-nafasat ­ ' em-beh i l a "yet xaddag\! l aka xa!�we ' ika" wa- ' em-behi l a " t anS-e '

ni? wa-hur" ? (6) Wa- kama ta' meru kama bewuh l otu la-walda ' e gWala

12. Ba ' enta ' e l l a ' aganent 29. L saqaya to aff l i c t , vex, t orment . Lt tasaqaya p as s .

( 2 8) Wa-ba� i�o ma ' dota be�era Gerge s enon, taqabbalewwo kel ' etu ' e l l a seqay vexat ion , torment . masqe goad ; weaver ' s comb .

' aganent ' em-maqaberat wa1 i ' omu, ' ekuyan !eqqa ' e ska soba ' i -yekel 32 . G I}adfa to rush/p lunge headlon g . C.G ' afdafa caus . �adf
mannu-hi xal i fa ' enta ye ' eti fenot . (29) Wa-nahu s arxu ' enza yeb e l u : (' al}dafJ precipitous p l ace , precipi c e , abys s .
33. nolawi (pl . nolot) shepherd , herdsman . Qt tano Zawa to
W W function as a shepherd , to tend f l o cks .
20. q en�eZ (pl . q ana?e Z) fox, wo l f . gebb (pl . gebab , ' agbab)
ho l e , cave , l air . IX 2. 'arat (pl . -at) be d . The imptv . of ta'amna also has the

24. CQ ' adZaqaqa to shak e , quak e , tremb l e ; also caus . of s ame . meaning : "Take heart . "

deleqleq violent mo tion, storm, tempes t ; earthquake . mogad (p l . S. G qaZaZa t o b e l i ght , easy, swift , s l i ght . CG ' aq laZa to

mawaged) wave . lighten , dimin i s h a burden ; t o make swift , agi l e ; to scorn, d i s dain ,

26. Gze�na to be tranqui l , cal m . CG ' az�ana caus . ze�un make l i ght o f . CD ' aqaZZaZa to consider l i ght , to l i ghten . CGlt

calm , tranqui l . zahn calm, tranqui l l ity . ' astaqiilaZa to l i ghten ; to s corn , disdain , desp i s e , revi l e . qaZiZ C f.
qaZC1Z) l i ght , etc. one l'iho l i ghtens of a l l ev i at e s . ' em .. .
2 7 . ' enga p art . in que st ions ; mannu ' enga Who , then , . . 7 .
maqlaZi
' em whether . . . or .

. ..•
. . ,
------- -------

318 319

' emma-�eyaw ba-diba medr yexdeg xa�i' ata ba�tu la-wayn �addis westa zeqqat J:1addis yewaddeyewwo , wa­
wa- ' emze yebelo la-we 'etu ma�agWe ' : yet ' aqqabu kel ' ehomu .
Tanse' wa-nesa' ' arataka, wa-�ur betaka.
( 7 ) Wa-tansi ' o , �ora beto . ( 8 ) Wa-re' eyomu ' a�zab , ' ankaru wa­ Ba' enta walatta maggabe mekwrab
15.

'a'kWatewwo la-' Egzi ' ab�er za-wahaba za-kama-ze seltana la-sab ' . (1 8 ) Wa- ' enza zanta , yenaggeroffiu, nahu ma� ' a 'ah.adu ��kwaI{ne'n wa­
sagada lotu ' enza yebel :
14. Ba' enta Mattewos Walatteya ye' ze motat , wa-bahtu na 'a ' anber ' edeka , l a ' leha , wa­
(9) Wa-xalifo ' Iyasus ' em-heyya, rakaba be 'se ' enza yenabber westa taJ,1.ayyu .
me�ebbaJ:1, za-semu Mattewos , wa-yebelo : "Telewani . I I Wa-tansi ' 0 , (19) Wa-tanse' a ' Iyasus , wa-talawo , wa- ' arda' ihu-ni .
talawo . (10) Wa- ' enza yeraffeq westa bet , nahu ma� 'u bezuxan
ma�abbehan wa-xa�e ' an wa-rafaqu mesla ' Iyasus wa- ' arda' ihu. ( 1 1 ) Wa­ Ba' enta ' enta yewe��eza dam
16.

re ' eyomu Farisaweya�, yebelewwomu la- ' arda ' ihu : (20) Wa�nahu be ' sit, ' enta dam yewe��eza ' em- 'asartu wa-kel ' etu 'limat,
' �:.., ;M\
La-ment mesla ma�abbe�an wa-xa�e'an yeballe ' liqekemu? ma� at " en � dexrehu, ( 2 1 ) wa-gasasa t �enfa lebsu, wa-tebe ba-l ebba
. . , �� . .

:
( 1 2 ) Wa-sami ' o ' Iyasus , yebelomu : ' Emkama gasasku lebso ' aJ:1ayyu .
' I -yefaqqedewwo �e'uyan la- ' aqabe seray, za-enbala 'ella (22) Wa-tama�a ' Iyasus , wa-re' ya, wa-yebe :
yaJ:1arnmu. ( 1 3 ) �uru wa- ' a 'meru ment we ' etu za-yebe : Ta' amani , walatteya, haymanoteki ' aJ:1yawataki .
MeJ:1rata ' efaqqed wa- ' akko maswa 'ta, �a�,l:a�at �e ' sit ' em-we ' etu sa'at . ( 23 ) Wa-ma�i'o ' i:y,,,,sus bHo la­
, we ' ,_
' esma ' i-ma�a' ku ' e�awwd �adeqana ' alIa xa�e'ana la-nesseha . etu mak annen, re'ya mabkeyana wa-sab' a' ;'enza ye'thawwaku . (24)
(14) Wa- ' emze ma� ' u xabehu ' arda' ihu la-YoJ:1annes ' enza yebelu : Wa-yebelomu:
La-ment nehna wa-Farisaweyan ne�awwem bezuxa> �� - ' arda' ika-sa Taga�asu, ' esma ' akko za-motat I:e�an , ' alla tenaww;em .
' i-ye�awwemu? (25) Wa-saJ:1aqewwo . Wa-soba wad'u sab' , bo ' a wa- ' axaza ' edeha, wa­
( 1 5 ) Wa�yebelomu ' Iyasus : tanse ' at �e�lin .
Ba- ' ayte yekelu daqiqu l a-mar ' awi la�ewo ' am�ana hallo mar 'awi
mes lehomu? Wa-baJ:1tu yema��e' mawa ' el ' ama yetnassa' mar ' awi 17. Ba' enta kel ' e 'ewurml
' emennehomu, wa- ' ameha ye�awwemu . ( 1 6 ) Wa- ' albo za-ye�aqqeb (26) Wa-wa�' a semu 'atu westa kWella ye ' eti medr . ('27l Wa-xalifo
dergeJ:1a lebsa westa se��ata lebs beluy, ' esma yana��e ' o J:1eyawo ' Iyasus ' em-heyya, talawewwo kel ' etu ' ewuran ' enza ye�arrexu wa­
la-lebs , wa-fadfada yekawwen settatu . ( 1 7 ) Wa- ' i-yewaddeyu yebelu':
wayna J:1addisa westa zeqqat beluy; Iva- ' emma ' akko -sa, yenaqqe ' u Tasahal ana, walda Dawi t .
zeqqat , wa-waynu-hi yetka" aw , wa-zeqqat-ni yethaggWalu. Wa- (28) Wa-bawi ' o beta, ma� 'u xabehu ' emuntu 'ewuran, , wa-yebelomu
' Iyasus :
15. mar 'a wedding, marriage . mar 'aw£ groom, son-in-law . Ta' ammenu-hu kama ' ekel zanta gabira?
mar 'at (pl . mara <ew) bride , daughter-in- law . Qt tamar 'awa t o get Wa-yebel ewwo : ' Ewwa, ' Egzi ' o . (29) Wa-gasasomu ' a ' yentihomu ' enza
married (to a woman : 0 . 5 . ) . ' am�ana conj . as long as . yebel :
1 6 . G �aqaba to sew, attach by sewing. �eqbat sewing, stitch .
derge� a patch . CG ' ante <a to tear off/apart . crack, fissure . thigh .
manqe ' t
1 7 . zeqq (pl . -at) wineskin . G naq 'a trans . and intrans . : to 27. to be blind . CG ' a ' ora to blind . Dt ta < awwara to
G 'ora
spl it , burst , rupture . CG ' anqe <a G trans . nequ ' split , ruptured,
= negl ect , over l ook , l et pass unno t i c e d ; to d e spi se . 'ewv.r b l ind .
cracked . naq ' (pl . ' anqe 't) fountain, source , spring . neq <at spl it, 'UX'at blindness .
 321
320 .. .... ..

Bakama haymanotekemu yekunkemu . tasamya Tadewos ; (4) wa-Sem 'on Qananawi , wa-Yehuda ' Asq�rotawi , za­

( 30) Wa-s ob�hn takasta ' a 'yentihomu . Wa- gassa�omu ' Iyasus ' enz a we ' etu ' agbe ' o . (5) ' E l lonta ' asarta wa-kel '.eta fannawomu ' Iyasus ,

yebe l : wa- ' a z zazomu ' enza yebel :

' Uqu ' albo za-ya' amme r . Wes t a fenota ' �zab ' i -t e�uru , wa-westa hagara Samer ' i - t eba ' u .

( 31) Wa-wa� i ' omu, nagaru we sta kWe l lu we ' etu beher . (6) Wa-�uru b1l.�tu xaba ' abage' za-tahagWla' za-beta ' Esr,a : M . ( 7) Wa­
�awirakemu, s ebeku ' enza tebe 1 u :
18. Ba ' enta � emum za-ganen Qarbat ' mangesta s am1l.yat .
(32) Wa- ' emza wa� ' u ' emuntu, nnhu ' am�e ' u xabehu za-ganen �emuma . (8) Dewuyana fawwesu, mutana ' anse ' u , ' el l a lam� ' an!?e�u, ' aganenta
(33) Wa-wa�i ' o gan�nu, nababa we ' etu �emum, wa- ' ankaru s ab ' ' en z a ' aw�e ' u .
Ba- � agn za-nasa' kemu , ba- � aga habu . (9) " I -ta!reyu 1 akemu
yebel u : warqa wa-berura wa- ' i- � ariqa westa qenawetikemu , ( 1 0) wa- ' i -�efnata

Gemura ' i-yastar' aya za-kama-ze ba-westa ' E sra ' el . la-fenot wa- ' i-ke l ' eta kedanata wa- ' i - ' asa' ena wa- ' i -b�tra , ' esma

( 34) Wa-yebelu Farisaweyan : yedal lewo s i sayu la-za-yetqannay . ( 1 1 ) Wa-westa ' en,! a �,?�.kemu hagar ,
.
Ba-mal ' akomu la- ' aganent yawa��e ' omu la- ' aganent . wa- ' emma-ni ' a ' � adat , tasa' a1u mannu za-yeda1l ewo ba-westeta , wa-heyya
' enza xederu ' eska ' ama tewa��e ' u .
( 35) Wa- ' ansosawa ' Iyasus westa kWel lu ' ahgur wa-ba�awert ( 1 2) Wa-baw i ' akemu westa bet ,
w es t a ' amexewwa .
yemehher ba-mek rabatihomu wa-yesab bek wange la mangest wa-ye£eww ( 13) Wa- ' emma yeda11 ewa l a-ye ' et i bet , yem�a'
w (36) Wa-re ' eyo bezuxana sa1amekemu l a 'l eha; wa- ' emma- s a ''i�yeqallewa, yegba � 's il:amekemu
kWe l lo dawe wa-k e l lo �emama za-westa �ezb . . . � - ....
.

s ab ' a , maharomu ' esma seruhan ' emuntu wa-gedufan kama ' abage
' za- Ia 'lekemu. ( 1 4) Wa- 1a-za-sa ' i -tawakfak emu wa- ' i - s.am 'ake,mu , ' �.
• . 1 • • ... �

' albo nolnw� . (37) Wa-yebe lomu l a- ' arda ' ihu : , nagarakemu, wa�i ' akemu ' af ' a ' em-ye ' et i bet we:' em-ye ' et i hagar,

Mn' raru - s a bezux , wa- gabbaru xeda�an . (38·) 'AstabqWe

'ewwo negefu �abala ' egarikemu . (IS) ' AIDan ' ebel akemu kama yesexxeta medra
. Sadom wa-Gamora ' ama ' e l at a dayn fadfada ' em-ye ' eti hag�� ( 1 6 ) Wa­
' enka la-ba ' l a ma ' rar kama yefannu gabbara la-ma' raru
w
nahu ' ana ' e£ennewakemu kama ' abage ' ma ' kala tak Hi.t . Kunu ' enka
Chapter X t abibana kama ' arwe medr wa-yawwahana k ama regb . ( 1 7) Wa-ta 'aqabu
19. Ba' enta z a - ' azzazomu 1 a-�awareyat ' em-sab ' ' esma yagabbe ' ukemu westa ' a 'wad, wa-yeqassefukemu b a -

( 1 ) Wa-s. awwe ' omu 1 a- ' asartu wa-ke1 ' etu ' arda' ihu ,
wa-wahabomu se 1tana
w
wa-yefa wwesu k e 1 10 dawe X 4.
' agbe' a in the sense "hand over, betray . "
diba mannfes t rekusan kama yawa��e ' ewwomu
ihomu:
wa-�emll ma. ( 2 ) Wa- 1 a-'asartu wa-kel ' Hu �awareyat kama-ze ' asmat 9 . CG ' atraya t o acquiI e , posses s . Gt taparya pass . terit
; (3) Ya ' qob
qadami Sem 'on za-tasamya Pe�ro s , wa- ' Endreyas ' exuhu possession , property, wealt h . ?ariq copper , smal l coin . ?ariqat
alomewo s ; Tomas thin disk, a cake .
walda Z abdewos wa-Yo�annes ' exuhu ; F i 1 eppos wa-Bart
wa- Lebdeyos z a - 10. �efnat pack, wal let .
wa-Mat tewos ma�abbe�awi ; wa-Ya 'qob walda ' E 1 feyos
14. G nagafa (yengef) to knock off, shake off, dispel . CG

32 . G �amna t 0 b e d':l af and dumb • CG ' as.mama to make deaf, ' angafa idem . G t tanagfa pass . ; t o lose leaves . neguf deciduous .
ss . semwn deaf ?abat dust . ?ebut dus t .
dumb . Gt ta�amama to be made deaf, to feign deafne
15 . G sa:r:ata/Sexta t o be at east , at rest , comfort able , we l l -
and/or dumb .
exhaus tion , t o o ff . o s=ata to put at e as e , al low to rest . CD ' asa:r:xata
G sar�a (yesra�) to l abor to the point of
D . Dt
36 .
=

. C G ' asre�a to t ir e , ex­ tasexxeta pas s . o f D . sexut relaxed , at res t , a t e as e . sZixt tran·
b e affl i cted with diffic ult tasks or duties
haust ; t o cause or impose l abor/m isery .
seru� vexe d , exhaus t ed . qui l lity, rel axati on , rest . 0 dayyana to j udge , condemn , pun i sh .
. gedur an in Dt tadayyana Gt tadayna p ass . dayn j udgment , punishment , condemna­
serZi� (p I . -at) l abor, bother , exhaus tion, affl iction
=

tion, esp . of the Last Judgment .

the s ense of " cast out , rej ected . "
322
mekwrabatihomu, (18) wa-yewassedukemu xaba masafent wa-nagast
ba' ent i ' aya la-sem ' lomu wa- la- ' a�zab . (19) Wa-soba yagabbe 'ukemu ,
' i -taxal leyu ' efo menta tetnagaru, ' esma yetwahhabakemu ba-ye' eti
sa ' at za-tetnagaru. (20) ' Esma ' i-konkemu ' antemu ' ella tetnagaru,
' al Ia manfasu l a- ' abukemu we ' etu yetnagar ba-la' lekemu. (21) Wa­
yagabbe' 'exew ' exwahu l a-mot , wa- ' ab-ni weludo , wa-yetnasse 'u welud
la' l a ' azmadihomu , wa-yeqattelewwomu . (22) Wa-tekawwenu �elu' ana .ba­
xaba kWellu sab ' ba' enta semeya. Wa-za-sa ' azlafa te' gesto we ' etu
yedexxen . ( 23) Wa-soba yesaddedukemu ba-westa zati . hagar, gWeyyu
westa kale ' ta. ' Aman ' ebelakemu : ' i-yetfe��ama ' ahgura ' Esra ' e l
' eska soba yema��e' walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw. (24) 'Albo rad ' za­
ya' abbi ' em-liqu wa- ' i-gabr-ni za-ya' abbi ' em- ' egzi 'u. (2S) Ma�anu
la-rad' yekun kama l iqu , wa-la-gabr-ni kama ' egzi'u. Za-la-ba 'la bet
ba- Be ' el Zebul yebelewwo , ' efo fadfada la-sab ' a betu . (26) ' 1 -
tefrehewwomu-ke ' enka ' esma ' albo kedun za- ' i-yetkassat , wa-xebu ' za­
' i-yet ' awwaq . (27) Za-nagarkukemu ba-�elmat negerewwo ba-berhan, wa­
za-ni westa ' eznekemu nagarkukemu sebekewwo ba-diba ' an�est . (28)
Wa- ' i-tefrehewwomu la- ' ella yeqattelu sega, wa-nafsakemu-sa ' i -yekelu
qatila. Wa-ba�tu ferehewwo la- za-yekel nafsa wa-sega xebura ' ahgWelo
ba-westa Gahannam . (29) ' Akko-nu kel ' etu ' a' waf yessayya�a ba-�ariqa
' asareyon? Wa- ' a�atti ' emennehon ' i -tewaddeq westa medr za' enbala
ya' mer ' abukemu . (30) Wa- lakemu-sa se' erta re' sekemu-ni kWel lon
xWeluqat ' emantu. (31) ' I -tefrehu-ke . 'Em-bezux ' a' waf texeyyesu
' antemu . (32) KWellu ' enka za-ya ' ammen beya ba-qedma sab' ' a ' ammeno
, ana-hi ba-qedma ' abuya za-ba-samayat . (33) Wa-la.- za-sa kehdani ba­
qedma sab ' ' eke��edo ' ana-hi ba-qedma ' abuya za-ba-samayat . (34) ' 1 -
yemsalkemu za-ma�a'ku salama ' eday westa medr. ' I -ma�a'ku ' eday
salama ' alIa ma�ba�ta. (3S) Wa-masa'ku ' eflet be'se ' em- ' abuhu, wa­
walatta-ni ' em- ' emma, wa-mar 'ata-ni ' em-�amata. (36) Wa-�arru la­
sab ' sab ' a betu. (37) Za-yafaqqer ' abahu wa-' emmo ' emmeneya ' i ­
yedal lu lita. Wa- za-yafaqqer waldo wa-walatto ' emenneya ' i -yedal lu
27. na�s (pl . ' an�est) roof, rooftop .
29. ' asareyon a small coin; Gk. assarion .
34 . G Fab� to make an inCision ; to sacrifice . Gt tatab�a
pass . Feb� sacrifice , sacrificial victim . teb�at sacrifice. matbaht
(pI . matii:be � ) knife , sword .
323
lita. (38) Wa- za- ' i-nas ' a masqal o wa- za- ' i-ta1awa dexreya 1 - , .
yedallu Ii tao (39) Za-rakabi la-n'aisu y �gadde� , wa-za-s a
gadafa la-nafs u ba' enti ' aya yerakkeba . (40) 'Za-kiyakemu
tawakfa kiyaya tawakfa, wa- za-kiyaya tawakfa tawakfo la- za­
fannawani . (41) Za-tawakfa nabiya ba-sema nabiy ' asba nabiy
yenasse ' , wa- za-tawakfa �adeqa ba-sema �adeq ' asba �adeq
yenasse' . (42) Wa- za- 'astaya ' ahada ' em- ";llu ne ' usan �e�a 'a
may qWarir ba�tito ba-sem� rad' , ' aHlan ' ebelak'emu : ' I -Yaha�gwe1
'
' asbo .
Chapter X I
20. Ba' enta ' ella tafannawu ' em-xaba Yohannes
(1) Wa-kona ' emza sal la�a ' Iyasus ' azzezotomu la- ' asartu wa-kel ' etu
' ardii.' ihu, xalafa ' em-heyya kama yemhar wa.- yesbek westa 'ahgurihomu .
(2) Wa-sami ' o Yo�annes megbarihu la-Kerestos ba-beta moqeJ:! , fannawa
xabehu kel ' eta ' em- ' arda' ihu . (3) Wa-yebeIo :
'Anta-nu .z a-yema� �e ' ? ...Wa-oo-nu kale.' a . za�n'e sseffo"7 ''''; ' '' :
'
(4) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus , .wa-yebl'!lomu : ' r.-
l;Iawirakemu, zl'!newewwo la-Yo�a!1nes za-t �samme ' u wa-za-t ere ' ' eyu .
(S) ' Ewuran yere " eyu; �ankas��. ya�awweru; ' el la lam� yena��e�u;
wa-�emuman yesamme ' u; mutan yetnasse 'u; wa-naddayan yezzena wu .
(6) Wa-be�u' we 'etu za- .' i-ta' aqfa beya .
(7) Wa-soba xalafu ' ellu, ' aiaza ' Iyasus yebalomu la- ' ahzab ba' enta
Yo�annes :
Menta wa�a' kemu gadama ter ' ayu? Ber' a-nu za-yet�awwas ' em­
nafas? (8) Wa-menta-nu-ma wa�a' kemu t er'ayu? Be'se-nu za-
ressuy ba-qatant ' albas ? Nahu ' el la-sa qa�anta yelabbesu westa
' abyat a nagast hallawu . (9) Wa-menta-nu-ma wa1a' kemu ter' ayu?
42 . ?ewa ' (pl . -at) cup .
XI S . Q �nkasa to l imp , be lame . �ankas lame , crippled .
�enkii:se lameness .
7 . ber ' (pl . ' abra ') reed ; arm of a candelabrum. CG ' a�osa to
move, shake, agitate . Gt ta�osa idem intrans . or pass . ; za-yet�awwas
reptil es , "creeping things . " husat motion , movement . �ewas (p I . -at)
a (physical) sens e . �isii: exc1am . of wonder or admi.ration .
S. qa�in ( f . qaFiin , pl . qatant) fine, del icate; n . fine
clothes . qetnat fineness, delicacy.
324
Nabiya-nu? ' Ewwa ' ebelakemu , wa-fadfada ' em-nabiy. (10) ' Esma
zentu we ' etu za-ba' ent i ' ahu ta�e�fa :
Nahu ' ana ' efennu mal ' akeya qedrna ga��eka, za-ye�ayye�
fenotaka ba-qedmeka .
(11) ' Arnan ' ebe1akemu : ' I-tanse ' a ' em-tewledda ' anest za­
ya ' abbi ' em-Yo�annes Ma�meq, wa-ba-mangesta samayat -sa za­
yene" es ya' abbi ' emennehu. ( 1 2) Wa- ' em-mawa ' el a Yo�annes
Ma!meq ' eska ye ' ze tetgaffa' mangesta samayat , wa-gefu ' an
yethayyadeww� . ( 1 3) ' Esma kWellomu nabiyat wa- ' orit ' eska ( 26)
Yo�annes tanabbayu , (14) wa- ' ernma-sa tefaqqedu t etwakkafewwo ,
we ' etu 'Eley�s za-hal 1awo yem�a' . (15) Za-bo ' a ' zana sami ' a 1a­
yesma ' . (16) Ba-mannu ' astamasela la-zati tewledd? Temassel
daqiqa ' ella yenabberu westa mesy�! wa-ye�ewwe 'u bi�omu wa­
yebelewwomu :
(17) ' Anzarna lakemu, wa- ' i -zafankemu; ' asqoqawna 1 akemu,
wa- ' i -bakaykemu.
(18) ' Esma mas ' a Yohannes ' enza ' i-yeball e ' wa- ' i-yesatti , wa­
yeb!!lewwo :
Ganena botu.
w
( 1 9 ) Wa-ma� ' a walda � eg ii 1 a ' ernma-�eyaw ' enza yebal le' wa­
yesatti , wa-yebelewwo :
Nawa be' si bala' i wa-sataye wayn , ' arka ma�abbe9an wa­ (1)
xate 'an . Wa-�adqat !ebab ' em-daqiqa . wa- ' arda' ihu-sa rexbu, wa- ' axazu yem�awu sawita wa-yebl e 'u . ( 2 ) Wa­
,
(20) Wa- ' emze ' axaza Iyasus ye�ison 1a- ' ahgur ' ella ba-westeton re' eyomu Farisaweyan, yebelewwo :
gabra xayla bezuxa, ' esma ' i -nassehu . ( 2 1 ) Wa-yebelon :
' Ale laki KWarazi. ' Ale l aki Beta-Sayeda. ' E sma soba-sa ba- (3) Wa-yebelomu :
1 2 . G heda (yehid) to take by force , violence . Gt tahayda
pas s . and reflex . hayd violence , taking by force ; booty, prey .
hayadi a violent person, plunderer .
17. Q <anzara to pipe , play a musical instrument . <enzir a
musical instrument of any sort . ma <anzer musician, piper, flute­
player . G zafana to dance . zafan n. dancing . za�ani (f. - t ) dancer.
mez�an a place for dancing .
19 . Glt ta Caraka to become friends (with) . <ark ( f . Carekt ;
pI . ' a <rekt , carkan , carkat) friend .
2 1 . ' aZe Za - Woe unto saqq (pl . -at , ' asqaq) sack, s ack- XII 1 . G ma7;zawa
cloth . ripen (of grain) .
. ....
325
Tiros wa-ba-Sidona tagabra xay:l �a-tagabra ba-westetek en, , em­
wadde ' a ba-saqq wa-ba-�amad ' eFl-nasse�u. ( 2 2 ) Wa-bahtu
' ebe laken : Tiros wa-Sidona sexutata yekawwena 'ama ' e l ata da)�
' emenneken . ( 23) Wa- ' anti-ni Qefernahom, la' emma ' eska samay
teUe ' 'al i , ' eska Gahannam tewarredi . (24) ' Esma soba ba-Sadom­
hu tagabra xayl za-tagabra. ba-westEitek i , , em�h�� l�wat . ' e �ka . yom.
(25) Wa-bii9tu ' ebelakemu kama medra Sadom sexet�a. t.elawwen b . a-
. . ...
' elata dayn ' emenneki .
"'
.
.
Ba-we ' etu mawlt 'el ' awse' a ' Iyasus wa-yebe :
'Esebbe�aka 'Aba ' Egzi ' a samay wa-medr, ' esma xabii'ka zanta ' em­
!abiban wa- � em-m�' meran , wa-kasatkon la-�e9anat . ' ( 27) ' Ewwa,
'Aba, ' e sma kama-ze kona semrateka ba-qedrneka. ( 2 8) KWellu
tawehbani ' em-xaba ' abuya, wa- 'albo za-ya' arnrnera la-wald
za ' enbala iab , wa-l a- ' ab-ni ' alba za-ya' ammero za' enbala wald,
wa-la-za-faqada wald yekset lotu . ( 29) Ne 'u xabeya kWellekernu
seru�an wa-�ewuran , wa- ' ana ' a 'arrefakernu . ( 3 0 ) Nese ' u
' ar 'uteya dibekemu, wa- ' a' meru ' emenneya kama y�wwah
,.
- ' ana 'va-
- - -�P.... ..
te��ut lebbeya, �a�terakkebu ' erafta: la-nafsekemu' ,' , es�a-· - ·
.�
" ar 'uteya sannay, wa-�areya qalil we ' etu.
�. . - ....-
Chapter X I I
Ba-we' etu mawa ' el xalafa ' Iyasus ba-sanbat ' enta mangala garaweh,
Nahu ' arda' ika yegabberu za- ' i -yekawwen gabira ba-sanbat .
' I -yanbabkemu-nu za-gabra Dawit ' ama rexba, we ' etu-ni wa- ' ella
meslehu, zakama bo' a beto la- ' Egzi ' ab�er, wa-xabaweza qWerban
bal 'a, za- ' i-yekawweno la-bali ' wa- ' i -Ia- � ella mes lehu ,
za' enbal a la-kahenat la-ba�titomu? (6) Wa- ' i -yanbabkemu-nu
westa ' orit kama ba-sanbatat kahenat ba-beta maqdas sanbata
yarakkWesu , wa- ' i-yekawwenomu gegaya? (6) ' Ebelakemu kama za­
ya' abbi ' ern-beta maqdas hall o zeyya . (7) Saba-sa ta ' ammeru
ment we ' etu "Me.hrata ' efaqqed wa- ' akko maswa 'ta," ' em- ' i -
30 . ' ar Cut a yoke .
(yem�aw) to pluck . Gt tame�wa pas s . G sawaya to
sawit ear of grain .
32 6
kWannankemewwomu la- ' e l l a ' i-ye 'ebbesu. (8) 'Esma ' egzi '
we ' etu la-sanbat walda 'egW�la ' emma-�eyaw.
21. Ba' enta za-yabsat ' edehu
(9) Wa-faliso ' em-heyya, hora westa mekwr�bomu. (10) Wa-nahu be ' si
za- ' edehu yabsat . Wa-tase" elewwo ' enza yebelu :
Yekawwen-nu ba-sanbat fawweso?
kama yastawli.deyewwo . ( 1 1 ) Wa-yeb�lomu :
Mannu ' em-westetekemu be ' s i ' za-bo ' a�atta bag'a, wa- ' emma
wadqat ba-sanbat westa gebb , ' akko-nu ye ' exxeza wa-yanasse ' a?
(12) ' Efo ' enka fadfida yexeyyes sab ' ' em-bag ' . YekaIYwen-ke
ba-sanbatat gabira sannay.
( 13) Wa- ' emze yebelo la-we ' etu be ' s i : Sefa� ' edeka. Wa-sa�a ' edehu,
wa-�aywat sobeh�, wa-gab ' at kama kale'ta. ( 14) Wa-wa�i ' omu
Faris�wey[n, tam�karu ba' enti ' ahu kama yeqtelewwo . (15) Wa- 'a'miro
' 1yasus , tagel,lsa ' em-heyya. Wa-talawewwo bezuxan sab:. , wa- ' aJ:yawomu
·la_kwello�u . ( 1 6) Wa-gassa�omu kama ' i-yaghedewwo , ( 1 7) kama
yetfassam za-tabehla ba- ' 1sayeyas nabiy ' enza yebel :
Nahu waldeya za-xarayku , fequreya za-samrat nafseya . 'Anabber
manfaseya la ' lehu , wa-kw ennane la- ' a�zab yenagger. ( 19) ' 1 -
yedamme � wa- ' i -ye�arrex, wa- ' albo za-yesamme ' ba-�eggw qal- o.
(20) Ber ' a qe�qu�a ' i-yesabber, wa-su ' a za-ye�ayyes ' i-ya!affe '
' eska yagabbe ' fetJ:a la-mawi ' , (21) wa-ba-sema zi 'ahu ' ahzab
yet ' ammanu .
22 . Ba' enta za-ganen 'ewur wa-�emum
(22) Wa- ' emze ' am� e ' u lotu za-ganen ' ewura wa-�emuma, wa-fawwaso
, eska we ' etu 'ewur wa-�emum wa-bahham nababa-hi wa-re 'ya-hi. (23)
Wa-yeddammamu kWel lomu ' a�zab, wa-yebelu :
'Akko-nu ze-we ' etu walda Dawit?
1 0 . CGlt ' astawadaya t o bring charges against , t o accuse .
1 9 . ?eggw (pl . ?egWagW ) street , mark et-p 1 ace .
20 . Q qatqata to grind; to break . qepqup ground , broken .
qepqape vn . grinding, breaking . su e/sue flax, tinder . G tesa (yetis)
to smoke . CG ' atesa caus . tis smoke .
22 . G behma (yebhaJTI) to be mut e . bahham mut e . behmat mut e -
ness .
_. ..
327
- .
( 24) Wa-Farisaweyan-sa sami ' omu yebelu :
Zentu-sa ' i -yawa��e ' 'aganenta za' enbala ba-Be' el .�Jbul ,
makwanneno"mu' la- ' aganent .
(25) Wa- ' a'miro ' 1yasus xel linnahomu, yebelomu :
KWellu mangest 'enta tetnafaq babaynatiha temasen, IYa-kwellu
hagar wa- ' emma-hi bet ' enta tetnafaq babaynatiha 'i-teqawwem.
(26) Wa- ' emma-sa Sa�an Say�ana yawa��e' , babaYJ.latih,: tanafaqa.
' Efo ' enka teqawwem mangestu? (27) Wa- ' emma-sa ' ana ba- ..
Be ' el
Z�bul 'awa��e ' omu la- ' aganent , weludekemu ba-ment yawa��e ' omu?
Ba' enta-ze ' emuntu fata�ta yekawwenukemu . (28) " Wa- ' emma-sa
' ana ba-manfasa 'Egzi ' ab�er ' aIYa��e ' ' aganenta, ' m i ga ba��at
la' Hkemu mangesta ' Egzi ' ab�er . (29) Wa- ' e.fo yekel inaimu-hi
bawi ' a beta xayy�l wa-newayo hayeda za' enbala ' emma ' i-qadama
' asiroto la-xayyal ? Wa- 'emze beto yebarabber . (30) Za- ' i -kona
mesleya ' edeweya. we ' etu , wa-za- ' i -yastagabe ' ffi..;ls·leya y�_zarrew·ani
· · - - : ':.. - � :-;,--; ..:...."� ..
(31) Ba' enta-ze ' ebel akemu : Kwellu ..x��� �t w���erfat yetxaddag
l a-sab ' , wa- za-sa la-manfas qeddus �ara�a ' i -yetxaddag l otu.
(32) Wa-za-yebe qala la ' la walda ' �gWala ' emma-J:eyaw ;etxaddag
lotu, wa-za-sa yebe la' la manfas qeddus ' i -yetxaddag lotu ' i ­
ba-ze ' alam wa- ' i-ba- za-yema��e' . · ( 33) . 'Emnia ' akko gebaru t e�a
sannaya wa-ferehu-ni sannaya , wa- ' emma ' akko gebaru ' e�a ' ekuya
wa-ferehu-ni ' ekuya, 'esma ' em-ferehu ' e� yet ' awwaq . (34)
Tewledda ' arawi ta medr, ba- ' ayte tekelu s'annaya tanagero ' enza
' ekuyan ' antemu? ' Esma ' em-tarafa lebb yenabbeb ' af . ( 3 5 ) Xer
be ' si ' em-sann�y mazgaba lebbu yaIYa��e ' sannaya, wa-ma' amme�
be' si ' em-mazgaba ' amma�a yawa��e ' ' amma�1t . (36) 'Ane-sa
' ebelakemu : KWel lu nebab �eru ' za-yenabbeb sab ' yagabbe 'u
ba' enti 'ahu qal a ba- ' elata' dayn , (37) 'esma ' em-qlHatika
te�addeq wa- ' em-qalatika tetkWennan .
23. Ba' enta 'ella sa' alu te'merta
(38) Wa- ' emze ' awse ' ewwo sab ' ' em-sahaft wa- 'em-Farisaweyan ' enza
yebe lu :
Liq, nefaqqed ' em-xabeka te'merta ner ' ay.
(39) Wa- 'awsi 'o, yebelomu :
Tewledd ' ammadit wa- zammawit te 'merta taxasses, wa-te'mert ' i ­
yetwahhaba za' enbala t e ' merta Yona.s nab i y . (40) ' E sma kama
328
,_ : :-:"",
Yonas nabara westa karsa ' anbari salus a 'elata wa-salusa lelita,
F
kam�u yenabber walda 'egW�l a ' emma-�eyaw westa lebba la-medr
salusa 'elata wa-salusa lelita. (41) Sab ' a Nanawe yetnasse ' u
' ama kWennan� mes la-z� tewledd wa-yetfate�ewwa, ' esma nasse�u
ba-sebkata Yonas . Wa-nahu za-ya' abbi ' em-Yonas zeyya. (42)
Negesta ' azeb tetnassa' ' ama 'elata dayn mes la-za tewledd wa­
tetfate��, ' esma ma� ' at ' em- ' a �nafa medr tesma ' !ebabo la­
Salomon . Wa-nahu za-ya ' abbi ' em-Salomon zeyya . (43) Wa­
' emkama wa� ' a manfas rekus " em-sab' , ya ' awwed ' enta badw ' enza
yaxasses 'erafta, wa-yaxa!!e ' . (44) Wa- ' emze yebel : ' Egabbe '
westa beteya ' em-xaba wa�a'ku . Wa-ma� i ' o , yerakkebo ' enza
yastarakkeb ' edewa wa-meruga . {45) Wa- ' emze yaJ:lawwer wa-
yama��e' mes lehu sab ' ata kale' 1ina manafesta ' el l a ya' akkeyu
' emennehu, wa-bawi ' omu yaxadderu heyya, wa-yekawwen daxaritu
la-we ' etu be ' s i za-ya' akki ' em-qadamitu. Kamahu yekawwena la­
zati tewledd ' ekit .
(46) Wa- ' enza yenaggeromu la-' �zab , n1ihu ' emmu wa- ' axawihu yeqawwemu
' af' a ' enza yefaqqedu yetnagarewwo . (47) Wa-bo ' em- ' arda' ihu za-.
yebtno :
Nahu ' emmeka wa- ' axawika 'af ' a yeqawwemu wa-yaxassesu
yetnagaruka.
(48) Wa- ' awse ' a wa-yebe la-za-nagaro :
Mannu ye ' eti ' emmeya? Wa- 'ella mannu ' emuntu ' axaweya?
(49) Wa-safJ:Ia ' edehu xaba ' arda' ihu wa-yebe :
Nahu ' emmeya wa- ' axaweya . (50) 'Esma ia-gabra faqado la- ' abuya
za-ba-samayat we ' etu ' exuya wa- ' exteya wa- ' emmeya-ni we ' etu.
40. 'anbari whale .
42. ' azebthe south .
4 3 . badw/bada desert , wasteland, uncultivated area. G badwa
to be desert , etc . CG ' abdawa caus .
44 . CGt ' as tarkaba to be at leisure (for) ; to be ready, oppor­
tune , convenient ; to be busy with , involved in . G ' adawa to sweep .
' edew swept . ' edaw sweepings . G maraga to plaster . merug plastered .
marg plaster .
45 . dax (x)arit end . qaaram it beginning.
329
Chapter X I I I
24 . Ba' enta messal � �
(1) �a=ba-ye ' eti ' el at wa�i ' o ' Iyasus ' em-bet , nabara mangala bahr .
(2) Wa-tagabe 'u ' xab�hu sab' bezux 'eska saba ya' arreg westa J;1amar wa­
yenabber, wa-kw el lu sab ' westa �ayq yeqam�emu . \�) Wa-nagaromu
bezuxa ba-messale ' enza yebel :
N1ihu wa� ' a za-yezarre' yezra' . (4) Wa:" ':enza ye�arre ' , bo za­
wadqa westa fenot , wa-ma� 'u ' a' w1lfa samay . wa-bal ' ewwo . (5) Wa­
bo za-wadqa diba kWakw� , xaba ' albo mareta bezuxa; wa-we ' eta
gize sara�a, ' esma ' albo ' emaqa la-maretu . ( 6 ) .Wa-sariqo 1a�ay,
ma� lawa; wa- ' esma ' albo serwa, yabsa. ( 7 ) Wa-bo za-wadqa westa
sok, wa-baqWala sok wa-xanaqo . (8) Wa-bo ' za-wadqa westa medr
sannayt , wa-wahaba fere , bo za-me ' ta wa-bo za-sessa wa-bo za­
salasa . (9) Za-bo ' ezana sami ' a yesma ' .
( 1 0) Wa-qaribomu ' arda' ihu, yebelewwo ;
Ba' enta ment ba- ' amsal tetnagaromu?
( 1 1) Wa- ' awse " a wa�yebinornu : ... .�
'Esma l akemu taw�hba 'a' mero �ewwuratiha l ; -m�ngesta··s�a.y�t ,
wa-lomu-sa ' i-tawehba. ( 1 2. ) ' Esma la-za-bo yetwahhalio wa-
. . . - '. " . �. ..,
yefadaffed, \�a-la-za-sa 'alba ' ella-hi -bo yahayyedewwo . ( 1 3)
Wa-ba'enta zentu ba- ' amsal ' etnagaromu, ' esma ' enza yere " eyu
' i -yere " eyu, wa- ' enza yesamrne'u ' i-yesamme ' u wa- ' i -yelebbewu .
( 1 4) Wa-yet£e��am la ' lehomu tenbita ' Isayeyas za-yebe :
Sami ' a tesamme' u wa- 'i-telebbewu; wa-na��ero tene��eru
wa- ' i-tere " eyu. (15) 'Esma gazfa lebbu la-ze J:l ezb , wa-
XII I 3. messal e(pI . -yCit, -eyat) parable, proverb , similitude .
5. G 'amaqa (ye 'meq, ye 'maq) to be deep . CG �a 'maqa to make
deep , to penetrate deeply. 'emuq deep . 'emaq depth . ma 'meq (pI .
ma 'ameq) the deep , abyss .
6 . Q ma� Zawa to wil t , wither . CQ ' ama? Zawa caus . Qt tamallZawa
to become withered; to wrinkle the face . mes lew wilted , withered ,
wrinkled.
W W W
7. G baq aZa/baq Za to sprout , grow . CG ' abq aZa caus . baqW Z
(pl . �at) plant , herb , vegetation . baqaZt date-palm. G xanaqa
(yewaeq) to choke , throttl e . Gt taxanqa p as s . and re fl ex .
1 5 . G gazfa (yegzefJ t o b e dense , s tup i d , dul l , stout . gez afl
330 331

ba- ' ezanihomu denqewa s am ' u , wa-kadanu ' a 'yentihomu, kama

Be' s i 1arrawi gabra zanta.
' i -yer ' ayu b a- ' a 'yentihomu, wa-ba- ' e z anihomu ' i -yesme ' u ,
Wa- ' agbertihu-sa yebel ewwo :
wa-ba-l ebbomu ' i -yelabbewu, wa- ' i -yetmaya�u , wa- ' i ­
Tefaqqed-nu ' enka ne�ur wa�ne ' reyon?
yessahalomu.
(29) Wa-yebelomu :
( 1 6) Wa- 1 akemu-sa be1u' at ' a' yentikemu, ' esma yere " eya; wa­
' A lba, kama ' enza t a ' arreyu kerd1ida , ' i �,� e�awu mes lehomu
' e zanikemu, ' esma yesamme ' a . ( 1 7) ' Aman ' ebe l akemu kama
bezuxan nabiyat wa-�adeq1in fatawu yer ' ayu za-tere " eyu, wa- ' i ­
sernaya-ni . �
(30) Xedegu yelhaqu xebu a ' _�;� a rna ' rar , wa-
,
ba-gize ma' rar ' ebelomu ' 1a:-" a1add :
. ."."
re ' yu; wa-yesme 'u za-tesamme 'u, wa- ' i - s am ' u . ( 1 8 ) ' Antemu-ke
' Ereyu qedma kerdada wa-" esere�womu k<irasest a l a ­
seme 'u messalehu l a - z a-yezarre ' . ( 1 9) KWel lu za-yes amme '
andedotomu, wa-sernayo- s a ' astagab e ' u west a
nagara mangesta s amayat wa- ' i -yelebbu, yema� � e ' ' ekuy wa­
mazagebt eya .
yemasse� za-tazar ' a westa lebbu . We ', etu-ke za-tazar ' a west a
w (31) Kal e ' t a mes slile ' am�e ' a lomu ' enza yebe l :
fenot . ( 2 0) Wa- za-sa westa kWak � t azar ' a we ' etu- ze za-nagara
Temas sel mangesta s amayat xe!!ata s enape ' enta nas ' a be ' s i wa­
yesamme ' wa-sobeha ba-fesse�a yetwekkafo . ( 2 1 ) Wa-ba�tu ' alba w
zar ' a we sta garahtu . ( 3 2 ) Wa-ye ' eti t ene ' ' es ' em-k e l l u
serwa l a ' l ehu; l a-gi zeha da ' emu we ' etu, wa-kawino - s a mendabe w
' azre ' t . Wa-soba l ehqat " t a ' abbi 'em-k e l lu ' a�mal wa-tekawwen
wa-seddat ba' enta-ze nagar, ba-gi zeha ya ' al lu . ( 22) Wa- z a - s a
' e9-a ' abiya ' eska yema��e ' u ' a ' wafa s amay wa-yaxadde:r.u.' westa
w e s t a s o k tazar ' a z e-we ' etu za-nagara yes amme ' , wa-tekkaza z e ­
' a' �uqiha,.
' 1ilam wa-s e f!ata be ' l t axanneqo la-nagar, wa- z a ' enbala fere
( 33) Kal e ' ta mes sale nagaromu : .",
yekawwen . ( 2 3) Wa- z a - s a west a medr sannayt tazar ' a ze-we ' etu
Temas sel mangeSta samayat beJ:tu ' a za-nas ' at be" si t wa-xab' ato
za-nagara yes amme ' wa-yelebbu , wa-yefarri wa-yegabber bo za­
wes t a �ari1 za-salastu masal es , wa- ' abJ:te ' a kWe l l o .
me ' ta wa-bo za-sess� wa-bo za-salas � .
(34) Zanta kWe 1 1 0 tanagara, ' Iyasus ba-messale l a - ' aJ:tzab , wa- z a ' enbal a
( 2 4 ) Kal e ' ta messale ' am� e ' a 1 0mu ' en z a yebel :
messale ' i -t anagaromu, (35) kama yetfa� � am za-tabehla ba-nabiy ' enza
Temas s e l mangesta s amayat be ' se za- zar ' a sannaya zar ' a wes t a
yebe l :
garahtu . ( 2 5 ) Wa- ' enza yenawwemu sab ' u, ma� ' a � ala' ihu wa­
' Ekasset ba-mes sale ' afuya, wa- ' enagger za-xebu ' za- ' em-tekat .
zar ' a kerdada ma' kal a sernay, wa-xal afa . (26) Wa-soba baqWala
(36) Wa- ' emze xadigo ' a�zab a , bo ' a westa bet , wa-qarbu xabehu
sa ' ru wa- faraya fere , ' ameha ' astar ' aya kerdad-ni . (27) Wa­
qaribomu ' arde ' tihu l a-ba ' l a garaht , yebelewwo :
28. G ' araya (ye'riJ to p i ck , gather, p luck up/out .
' Egzi ' o , ' akko-hu sannaya zar ' a zara' ka westa garahteka?
30 . G <aqada to harvest . Gt ta <aqaa p as s . <aqadi harvester .
' Em- ' ayte ' enka l otu kerdad?
ma<qad s i ckl e . ke lsest (pl . kaZasest) bund l e , sheaf .
( 2 8) Wa-yebel omu :
31 . xettat grain, s e e d . senape mustard .
32 . �amZ (p l . ' a�al ) vegetat ion , shrub (s) .
gezf density, dul lnes s , stup idity . Q danqawa t o be hard of hearing .
33. G be�' a t o ferment (intrans . ) . CG ' ab�e' a to ferment
denqew hard of hearing ; s low-witted, dens e .
(trans . ) . Gt taber' a G. behu' fermented; l eaven , yeas t . be�' at
21. la-gizeha da' emu we' etu i t is only for a t ime (i . e . t empo-
fe rmentat i on . G �ara4a (ye�reqJ to grind (flour) . Gt ta�arqa p as s .
rary) .
�ari4 flour , dough . ma�raq mi l l , mi l l -ston e . mas lest (pl . masales )
22. CG ' asfapa to persuade , en t i ce , seduc e , deceive . Gt
a kind of measure .
tasaffa p ass . seftat s eduction , lure , enti cement . satapi seducer,
35 . tekat antiquity , yore . za- tekat ancient , o l d , primeval ,
deceiver . CG
pri s tine . ' em-tekat from o f o l d , hi therto , once , formerly.
25 . kerdad weed (s ) . ' atkata = CD ' atakkatd. to (wish) to gain t ime .

•
,
332
' arda' ihu ' enza yebelewwo :
Fakker lana messale za-kerdada garaht .
(37) Wa- ' awse ' a wa-yebelomu :
Za-ye zarre' sannaya zar 'a walda ' egWala ' emma-�eya\� we ' etu; (38)
wa-garahtu-ni 'alam we ' etu; wa-sannay-ni zar ' weluda mangest
' emuntu; wa-kerdad-ni weludu la- ' ekuyj (39) wa-�arrawi -ni za­
zar 'omu Diyabelos we ' etuj wa-ma' rar-ni xelqata 'alam we ' etuj
wa- ' adadd-ni mala' ekt ' emuntu . (40) Kama-ke ya' arreyewwo la­
kerdad wa-ba- �essat yawe " eyeWwo , kamahu yekawwen ba-xelqata
'alamo (41) Ye£ennewomu walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw la­
mala' ektihu, wa-ya' arreyu ' em-mangestu kWel lo ' alaweyana wa­
' el l a yegabberu ' abbasa, (42) wa-yewaddeyewwomu westa 'etona
' essat , wa-ba-heyya yekawwen bekay wa-�aqiya senan . (43)
'Ameha yebarrehu �adeqan kama �a�ay ba-mangesta ' abuhomu . Za­
bo ' ezana sami ' a yesma ' . (44) Ka 'eba, temassel mangesta samayat
madfena za-xebu' westa garaht , wa-rakibo be 'si xab ' a , wa- ' em­
fessehahu �ora, wa-seta kWello za-bo , wa-tasaya!a we' eta
garli.hta . (45) Ka ' eba, temassel mangesta samayat be ' se saya�e
za-yaxasses ba�reya sannaya. (46) Wa-rakibo ' a�atta ba�reya
' enta bezux set�, hora
. . wa-seta
. kWello za-bo wa-tasayata. . (47)
Ka ' eba, ' temassel mangesta samayat garifa ' enta tawadyat westa
ba�r , wa- ' em-kwellu zamada ' asa ' astagabe ' at, (48) 'enta mal i ' a
' a 'ragu westa �ayq , wa-nabiromu ' arayu sannayo westa muday, wa­
' ekuyo-sa gadafewwo ' af' a . (49) Kamahu yekawwen ba-xelqata
' alam : yewa��e'u mala' ekt wa-yefalle!u ' ekuyana ' em-ma'kal omu
l a-�adeqan, (50) wa-yewaddeyewwomu westa ' etona 'essat xaba
bekay wa-�aqiya senan .
(51) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
Labbawkemu-nu ' enka zanta kWello?
36 . fakkara to interpret, expound,
D explain . Dt tafakkara
pas s . fekkare explanation , interpretation, exposition . mafakker in­
terpreter, expounderj soothsayer, prophet .
42 . ' eton (pl . -at) furnace , oven . G �aqaya to grind/grit/
gnash the teeth; to chew. CG ' a�qa:ya caus .
44 . G dafana (yedfen) to cover, hide , conceal. madfen treas ­
ure ; s epul chre .
47 . garif net .
333
Wa-yebelewwo : 'Ew\�a . (52) Wa-yebelomu :
Ba' enta zentu kWellu �a�afi za-ye��ammad la-mangesta s amayat
yemassel be'se ba' la oot za-yawa��e ' ' em-mazgabu �addisa wa­
beluya.
(53) Wa-fa��imo ' Iyasus ' ellonta messaleyata, tanse 'a ' em-heyya. (54)
Wa-�ora hagaro , wa-maharomu ba-mekwrabomu ' eska soba yeddammamu wa­
yebelu :
'Em- ' ayte la- zentu ze-kwellu !ebab .wa-xayl? . (55) 'Akko-nu
zentu we' etu waldu !-a��aral:!:i,? 'Akko-nu ' emmu sema" I>l aryam wa­
' axawihu Ya' qob wa-Yosef wa-Sem' on wa-Yehuda? (56) Wa- ' axatihu
kWellon xabena h� ll �wa? ' Em- ' ayte ' enka 10tu zentu kWellu?
(57) Wa-yangWaraggWeru ba ' enti ' ahu . Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
'Albo ba-xaba ' i-yekabber nabiy za' enba1a ba-hagaru wa-ba-betu.
(58) Wa- 'i -gabra ba-heyya xayla bezuxa ba! enta ' i - ' aminotomu .
Chapter XIV
25 . Ba' enta Yo�ann'es wa-Herode$' :'
(1) Wa-ba-we ' etu mawa ' el sam'a Herodes negus nagaro la- ' Iyasus . (2)
Wa-yebe la- ' agbertihu :
Ze-we ' etu Yo�annes Ma.tmeq . We ' etu tanse ' a ', ' em-muj:1in , wa­
ba' ent� zentu 'yetgabbara xayllit botu.
(3) ' Esma we ' etu Herodes ' axazo la-Yo�annes , wa-moqe�o ba-beta moqe�
ba' enta Herodeyada, be' sita Fileppos ' exuhu , ,(4) ' esma yebelo
Yo�annes lotu:
' I -yekawwenaka tawseba laka.
(5) Wa- ' enza yefaqqed yeqtelo, yefarreh 'a�zaba, ' esma kama nabiy
yere ' ' eyewlVo la-Yo�annes . (6) Wa-kalVino 'elata ledatu la-Herodes ,
zafanat walatta la-Herodeyada ba-ma 'kalomu, wa- ' addamato la-Herodes.
(7) Wa-maJ:!ala lati kama yahaba za-sa' alato . (8) Wa- ' aqdamat 'a 'mero
ba-xaba ' emma , wa-tebe lo :
55. G to helV, do carpentry . ,!erbat woodwork , stone­
f}arciba
work . f}arabi carpenter, craftsman .
5 7 . Q ' angWargWara' t o be angry, vexed; t o murmur, mutter .
XIV 6. D ' addama to please (someone : 0 . 5 . ) . eDt ' asta' addama to
- pleas ­
be pleased with ( a . d . o . ) , to find pl easing, pleasant . ' adaam
ing , pleas ant . ma' addem idem.
334 335

Habani ba- zeyya ba- ��l re ' so l a-Yo�annes Ma!me q . IVa-meseta kawino baJ:1titu hal lo heyya. (24) Wa-�amar - s� nahu ma ' kala
(9) Wa-takkaza negus ba' enta ma�alahu wa-ba' enta ' e l la yeraffequ ba�r hal l o , wa-yethawviak ; em-mogadat; · ·.., �s-:na ' em-qedinehu' we ' etu n�fas .
mes lehu, wa- ' azzaza yahabewwa . ( 10) Wa- fanniwo matara re ' so l a­ (25) Wa-ba-rabe ' t s a ' ata l e l it ma� ' a xabehomu ' Iyasus ' enza ya�awwer
Yo�annes ba-beta moqe� . ( 1 1) IVa- ' am� e ' u r e ' so ba-�aJ:1 l , wa-wah �bewwa diba bahr. ( 26) IVa-sob a ' re'�eWwo ' arda' ihu ' enz.a diba b.1i�r ya�awwer ,
l a-ye ' eti walatt, wa-wasadat l a- ' emma . ( 1 2 ) Wa-ma� ' u ' arda' ihu, wa­ tahawku ' enza yebe1u : . Methat we ' etu. Wil-" em�ge�re�ahu 'awyalvu . ( 2 7)
nas 'u badno , wa-qabarewwo , wa-ma�i ' omu zenawewwo l a - ' Iyasus . Wa-ba-gizeha t anagaromu ' Iyasus ' en z a yebe l :
Ta' amanu . ' Ana w e ' etu . ' I -tefrehu .
26 . Ba' enta xams xebest
( 2 8) Wa- ' awse ' o Pe1=ros wa-yeb e :
( 1 3) Wa- s ami ' o ' Iyasus , tage�sa ' em-heyya ba-J:1amar westa gadam ' enta ' Emma-sa ' anta-hu, ' Egzi ' o , ' az z e zani ' ems.a' xabeka ' enta diba
baJ:1titu . Wa- sami ' omu ' a�zab , talawewwo ba- ' egr ' em- ' ahgur . ( 1 4 ) Wa­ may .
wa�i ' o , re ' ya be zuxana ' a�zab a , wa-me�romu, wa- ' a�yawa dewuyanihomu . (29) Wa-yebe lo : Na ' a . Wa-warido Pe!ro s ' em-diba J:1amar, J:1ora diba
( 1 5 ) IVa-meseta k awino , qarbu xabehu ' arda' ihu ' en z a yebe l u : may yeb�a� xaba ' Iyasus . ( 30) Wa-soba re' ya nafasa xayya l a , farha,
Gadam we ' etu be�er, wa:' s a ' atu-ni xa1afa . Fete�omu 1 a- ' a� zab wa- ' axaza yessa!am. Wa- ' awyawa ' en z a yebel : ' Eg z i ' o , ' adxenani .
kama yeJ:1uru westa ' ahgur wa-yessaya�u la-re ' somu mab1 e ' a . (31) Wa- sobeha sa�a ' edehu ' Iyasus , wa- ' 'axazo , wa-yebelo :
( 1 6) IVa-yebe1omu ' Iyasus : Wexuda haymanot , ba-ment nafaqqa?
' Akko maftew ye�uru . Habewwomu ' antemu za-yeba1 1 e 'u . (32) Wa- 'arigomu ' westa J;!amar , ye ' eta g i ze x.flda�a nafas . (33) Wa-
( 1 7 ) Wa-yebel ewwo : ' e l l a westa �amar sagadu lotu ' enza yebe lu : '
' A1bena zeyya za' enbala xams xebest wa-ke 1 ' e ' as a . ' Aman wal d a ' Egzi ' ab�er ' anta .
( l B) Wa-yebe : (34) Wa- ' adiwomu, ba��u westa medra Genessare! . (35) Wa- ' a' marewwo
' Am�e ' ewwon l ita z eyya. sab ' a w e ' etu be�er, wa- fannawu xaba kWe l lu ' adyam , wa- ' am�e ' u l otu
.
( l 9) . Wa- ' azzazomu l a - s ab ' yerfequ diba sa ' r . Wa-nas ' a we ' eta xamsa w w
k e 1 1 0 �emumana . ( 36) Wa- ' astabq e ' ewwo kama yel kafu zafara l ebsu,
xebesta wa-ke 1 ' e ' asa, wa-na�� ara xaba samay , wa-baraka, wa-fati to w
wa-k e l lomu ' el la 1akafewwo y�ayyewu .
wahaba 1 a- ' arda' ihu xabaweza, wa- ' arda ' ihu 1 a - ' a�zab . (20) IVa-bal 'u
kWe l l omu, wa-� agbu, wa- ' agJ:1asu za-tarfa fetatata ' asarta wa-ke l ' et a Chapter XV

mazare 'a m e lu ' a . ( 2 1 ) Wa- ' el la-sa b a l ' u ' emuntu s ab ' kama xamsa me ' t 2B. Ba' enta ' el l a yaxaddegu t e ' zaza ' Eg z i ' ab�er

za' enbala ' anest wa-daqq . ( 1 ) Wa- ' emze qarbu xaba ' Iyasus ' el l a ma� ' u ' em- ' I yarusalem sahaft
wa-Farisaweyan ' enza yeb e l u :
27. Ba' enta zakama �ora diba baJ:1r

(22) Wa- ' agabbaromu sobeha l a - ' arda ' ihu kama ye 'ragu westa �amar wa­ 26. G matha to be deceptive i n appearance . methat (p l . -iit)
yeqdemewwo xaba ma ' dot ' eska soba yefennewomu l a- ' a� z ab . (23) Wa­ phantom, fantasy , spectre . G garama to be awesome , fear- inspiring .
' emze fat�omu l a - ' ahzab , wa- ' arga westa dabr ' enta ba�titu ye : al l i . o garrama to frighten , terrify. Dt tagarrama to be terrib l e , threat­
ening, fearful . gerrwn awesome , terri b l e , fearsome , awe -inspiring .
B. ?iiJ:"l dish, bowl , p l atter . germa/gerrema terror, awe ; awesome nature . tegremt threat s , terrors .
19 . G fatata = D fattata to break (bread) ; to distribut e , give 30 . CG ' as tama to submerge , immerse , fl ood . Gt tasatma to s ink
out . Gt tafatata = Dt tafattata p as s . fett (pl . fe tat , -iit) p art , (intrans . ) . setmat submers ion , s inking . mastem adj . submerging ,
porti on , mors e l ; gift . fetat (p l . -iit) idem. flooding .
20 . mazare ' (pl . only) b askets , containers . 36. G "lakafa (ye "lkefJ to t ou ch . CG ' a"lkafa to to uch , cause to
21. daqq (col I . ) chi ldren and/or servants . touch. Gt taZakfa p as s . 2aJar (' azfCi:rJ hem or fringe o f a garment .

•
336
337

La-ment ' arda ' ika yet 'addawu ser" ata liqanat , ' esma ' i­ ' Adi-hu ' ante�u'-ni ' i-labbaweyan ' antemu? ( 1 7) ' I -ta' ammeru-nu
yetxa��abu ' edawihomu soba xebesta yeballe 'u? k'ama kWellu za-yebawwe ' westa ' af westa kar$' yetgammar wa-�emma
(3) Wa- ' awse ' a wa-yebelomu:
yetgaddaf? ( 1 8) Wa- za- s'a yewa��e' ' em-westa ' af ' em-lebb
La-ment ' antemu-ni tet 'addawu te' zaza 'Egz i ' ab�er ba' enta ye\�a��e' , wa- ' emuntu yarakkWes ewwo la-sab' . (19) ' Esma ' em­
ser 'atekemu? (4) Wa- 'Egzi' ab�er-sa yebe : westa lebb yewa��e ' xel l inna ' ekuy : qatil , maJ:zan, zemmut ,
'Akber ' aba wa- ' emma, wa- za-ya�ammi 'aba wa- ' emma mota serq, sem ' ba-J:assat, wa-�erfat . (20) , Ellu'-ke za-yarakkwese\�o
yemut . la-sab ' , wa- za' enbala taxadebo ' eda\�-sa balf r"·';' r.:-jra'l'llk kw eso la­
(S) Wa- 'antemu-sa tebelu:
sab' .
Za-yebe la- ' ab wa- la- ' em "Habta za- ' em-xabeya za­
baqwa 'kuka" ' i-yakabber ' abahu wa- ' i- ' emmo . 29. Ba' enta Kananawit ' enta walatta ta' abbed
(6) Wa-sa 'arkemu qalo la- ' Egzi ' ab�er ba' enta ser ' atekemu . (7) ( 2 1 ) Wa-wa�i ' 0 ' Iyasus ' em-heyya, tageJ:sa westa dawala Tiros wa­
Madlewan, sannaya tanabbaya ' I sayeyas la 'lekemu ' enza yebel : Sidona . (22) Wa-nahu be' sit Kananawit ' em-we 'etu ' adwal wad ' at ' enza
. ;. . .!.....
Ze-hezb ba-kanaferihomu yakabberuni, wa-ba-lebbomu-sa tesarrex wa-tebel : .
." . . ',
,�
.
"'... ... ."' .

nawwaxa yere��equ ' emenneya; (9) wa-kanto yamal lekuni .

Ma�arani , ' Eg zi ' o , walda ' Dawit . Walatteya ' ekuy ganen ' axaza .
. ..• .

' enza yemehheru temherta ser ' atata sab' . ( 2 3 ) Wa- ' i-yawse ' a ' Iyasus qala . Wa-qaribomu ' arda ' ihu,
( 1 0) Wa-�awwe 'omu la-�ezb , wa-yebeIomu : ' astabqWe 'ewwo ' enza yebelu :
Seme 'u wa-labbewu ( 1 1 ) kama ' akko za-yebawwe' westa ' af za­ F annewa, ' esma te�arrex ba-dexrena.
yarakkWeso la-sab ' , ' al la za-yewa��e' ' em-westa ' af we ' etu ( 24) Wa- ' awse' a; wa-yebe .:
yarakkWeso la-sab ' . ' I -tafannawku za' enbala xaba ' abage ' za-tahagWla za-beta
( 1 2 ) Wa- ' emze qaribomu ' arda' ihu, yebelewwo : ' Esra' e l . � . .

Ta ' ammer-hu kama Farisaweyan sami ' omu qalaka ' angWargWaru? (25) Wa-qaribo , sagadat lotu ' enza tebel :
(13) Wa- ' awse ' a wa-yebe : ' Egzi ' o , rede' ani .
KWellu takl ' enta ' i-takala ' abuya samayawi tesserraw . ( 1 4) ( 26) Wa- ' awse ' a , wa-yebela:
Xedegem�omu . ' Ewuran ' emuntu ' amre�ta ' ewuran . 'Ewur la- 'ewur ' I -kona sannaya nasi ' a xebesta welud wa-wehiba la-kalabat .
la' emma mar�o , kel ' ehomu yewaddequ westa gebb . ( 2 7) Wa-tebe :
( 1 5) Wa- ' awse' a Pe�ros , wa-yebelo : ' E��a, 'Egzi' o , ' esma kalabat-ni yeball e 'u ' em-ferfarat za­
Negerana zanta messale . yewaddeq ' em-ma' eda ' aga'eztihomu .
( 1 6) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus : ( 2 8) Wa- ' emze ' awse' a ' Iyasus , wa-yebela:
'O-be' sito, ' abiy haymanoteki . Yekunki bakama tefaqqedi .
xv 4. G 1amaya (yermiJ to curse, revile, slander . �emuy dis- Wa-�aywat walatta ' em-ye' eti sa ' at .
graceful , shocking . hamet vn .
5 . This i s a difficult sentence . The Eth . appears to mean : 30 . Ba' enta ' ahzab ' e lla tafawwasu ' em-bezux dawehomu
It is a gift on my part that I have been of any profit to you . " (29) Wa-xalifo ' em-heyya ' Iyasus , ba��a xaba �ayqa baJ:r za-Galila,
habta is i n construct with the nominali zed za-' em-xabeya . The za- of wa- ' arigo dabra, nabara heyya . (30) Wa-qarbu xabehu ' a�zab be zuxan
W
baq a <kuka may be compared with that of the construction treated on ' en z a bomu mes lehomu J:ankasana, ' e\�urana, �emumana , �ewwusana, wa-
§ 29 . 3 ; it may be a simple relative , however : "That by which I have
been a profit to you is a gift on my part . " 27. farrar/farfur (pI . -at) cl'umb , ma' ad (p I . -iit) t ab l e .
8 . k�afar (pl . kanafar) l ip , edge, hem . 30 . dawwus weak , crippled, maimed . CD ' acj.a1Jwasa to weaken,
338 339

ta' anune]'u fakkero , wa� t a ' amera mawa ' e-l � s a ' i -ta' ammeru? (4)
ba ' e dana be zuxana, wa-gadafewwomu xaba ' egarihu l a - ' Iyasus , wa­
Wa-yebelomu :
fawwas omu , ( 3 1 ) ' eska s ob a ' a�zab yanakkeru ' en z a yere " eyu kama
Tewledd ' e lut wa- zanuna te"'merta t axasses , wa-te ' mert ' i ­
bahhaman yetnagaru, wa-�ankasan ya�awweru, wa- ' ewuran yere" eyu. Wa­
yetwahhaba za' enbal a t e ' merta Yonas nab i y .
s abbe�ewwo l a- ' Am l aka ' E sra ' el .
Wa-xadagomu, wa-�ora .
31 . Ba' enta sab 'u xebest
32 . Ba' enta be�u' a Farisaweyan
(32) Wa- �awwe ' omu ' Iyasus l a- ' arda' inu, wa-yebelomu : -
(5) Wa-ba�i�omu ' arda ' ihu ma' do t a , ras ' u xebes t a nasi ' a ; ( 6 ) Wa­
Yame�teruni ' e l lu ' a � zab , ' esma nahu salus a mawa ' ela ye� anne�u
yebe l omu ' Iyasus - s a :
xabeya, wa- ' albomu za-yebal l e ' u . Wa- ' i -yefaqqed ' efannewomu
�ewumana kama ' i -yema� l ewu ba- fenot . ' Uqu wa-ta' aqabu ' em-be�u' omu la-Farisaweyan "wa-Saduqaweyan .
(7) Wa-xall ayu babaynatihomu ' en z a yebel u :
(33) Wa-yebel ewwo ' arda ' ihu :
Xebesta ' i -nas a ' n a .
' Em- ' ayte ' enka l ana ba-gadam xebes t za-ya�aggeb l a - za-ma�ana­
(8) Wa- ' a' maromu ' Iyasus , wa-yebel omu :
ze �ezb?
Menta texe l l eyu babaynatikemu, �e�u�ana haymanot , ' esma xebesta
(34) Wa-yebe l omu ' Iyasus :
' albekemu? (9) ' Adihu ' i -t e lebbewu-nu, wa� ' i - te zzekkaru za­
Mi-matana xabaweza bekemu?
' ama xams xebest ' e l l a l a- xamsa me ' t , wa..:mi-ma�an? mazare ' a
Wa-yebe1 u :
' ag�askemu? ( 1 0 ) Wa- s ab 'u xebest ' e l l a la��"arbe ' a �� ' t , wa-mi ­
Sab ' u, wa-xeda� ' asa .
'."".�"
ma�ana ' as f'aridata ' agJ:taskemu? ( 1 1 ) ' Efo za- ' i -t elebbewu kama
Wa- ' az zazomu l a-�ezb yerfequ diba medr . ( 36) Wa-nas ' a s ab ' u xebesta
' akko ba' enta xebest za- ' ebe 1 ak��u? T a ' aqapu ' emenna be� ' atomu
wa- ' asa-ni , wa-ye ' et a gi ze ' a' kWito , fatata wa-wahaba la- ' arda ' ihu ,
l a-Farisaweyan wa-S aduqaweyan·.
wa- ' arda' ihu l a-�ezb . (37) Wa-bal ' u kWel lomu wa-� agbu, wa- za-tarfa
( 1 2 ) Wa- ' emze l abbawu kama ' akko za-yebe yet ' aqabu ' emenna be� ' ata
fetatata ' ag�asu sab ' ata ' a s faridata me lu ' a . (38) Wa- ' e l l a- s a bal 'u
xebes t a ' al Ia ' emenna t emherta Farisaweyan wa-Saduqaweyan .
' edaw konu ' arbe ' a me ' t za' enbala ' anest wa-daqq . (39) Wa-fati�o
' a�zaba, ' arga westa �amar, wa-�ora westa dawala Mag�dal .
33. Ba' enta za-tas e " elomu ba-Qis"areya

Chapter XVI ( 1 3) Wa-ba;;i�o ' Iyasus be�era Qis areya za-P i l eppos tas e " e lomu l a ­
' ard�' ihu ' enza yebel :
( 1 ) Wa-ma? ' u F arisaweyan wa-S aduqaweyan ' en z a yamekkerewwo , wa­
Manna-hi yebe 1ewwo yekun s ab ' l a -walda ' egWli l a ' emma-�eyliw?
s a ' a l ewwo t e ' merta ' em-samay yar' eyomu . ( 2 ) Wa- ' awse ' a , wa-yebelomu :
' Emkama masya wa-kona �awaya, tebelu : "geryew beryer, ' esma
5. G pas 'a (yepsa 'J to forget ; to be negl i gent ; to err; to be
yaqya�ayye� s amay . " (3) Wa- ' emkama ;;ab�a, tebe l : "Yom- s a-k1l
impious , wi cked . CG ' apse 'a caus . Gt taPas 'a p as s . ; to fal l into
yezannem, ' esma yaqya�ayyery samay denunun a . " Ga!?!?a samay-nu
error/s i n . pase ' forgetful , negl i gent , imp i ous . rasi ' impious , sin­
ful . res 'at forgetfulnes s , neg l i gence , imp i ety . res 'an, pes 'enna
cripp l e , maim.
idem .
XVI 2. �eway the red glow o f the evening sky . sehew serene . Note
13. behla with direct obj e ct and obj ect complement means "to
that in speaking o f the weather Eth . wi l l use be�ep (the l and) as the
call someone something . " The yekun , however, nece s sitates a more
subj e ct where Eng l i sh has the impersonal " i t . " Q ' aqya�ye�a to grow
comp l i cated analys i s : the obj e ct suffix of yebe Zewwo is anti cipatory,
redd i s h .
and yekun belongs to a k i n d of result c l aus e . Ther� i s undoubt edly a
3. D dammana to cl oud over, obscure; to become cloudy . CD
mixing of tHO constructions her e , resul ting from a s l avish rendering
' adammana i dem . demmun cloudy . damanmin rather cloudy .
340 341
.
,
_, r

(14) Wa-yebe� ll : yegaddefi, wa'- z a- s a . gadafi l a-nafsu ba' enti . ' aya yerakkeba .
Bo - ' e l l a Yo�annes -ha Ma!meqa, w�-kale ' an ' E l eyas-ha, wa­ ( 2 6) Wa-menta-nu yebaqqWe 'o la-sab ' la' e�a kWellb 'alama rabha
manfaqomu ' Eremeyas -ha, wa- ' emma ' akko ' ahada ' em-nabiyat . wa-nafso hagW l a? Wa-menta ' em-wahaba sab ' bezaha la-nafsu?
( 1 5) Wa-yebelomu : ( 2 7) ' Esma hal 1 awo l a-walda ',egWala ' ' emma-�eyaw yem;;a' ba­
' Antemu-ke manna tebeluni kawina? w
s ebhata
. ' abuhu mesla mala' ektihu, wa- ' ameha ya ' asseyo l a-k e l 1u
- - .
." .

( 1 6) Wa- ' awse ' a Sem ' on Pe!ro s , wa-yebe :
' Anta we ' etu masi � waldu la- ' Egzi ' ab�er �eyaw .
( 1 7 ) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus , wa-yebe lo :
Bedu ' ' anta, Sem'on walda Yona . ' E s ma sega wa-dam ' i -kasata
laka , ' al 1 a ' abuya za-ba-samayat . ( 1 8) Wa- ' ane - s a ' ebelak a
w 34 .
kama ' anta kWak\�� , wa-diba zati kWak � ' �anne!1a l a-beta
Keresteyan , wa- ' anaqe�a S i ' o l ' i -yexeyye lewwa . ( 1 9) Wa­
' ehubaka maraxuta mangesta s amayat . Wa- za ' as arka ba-medr
yekawwen ' esura ba- samayat , wa- za fata�ka ba-medr yekawwen
fetu� ba- s amayat .
( 20) Wa- ' emze gassa!1omu l a- ' arda' ihu kama ' albo l a - z a yengeru kama
we ' etu ' Iyasus Kerestos . ( 2 1 ) Wa- ' em- ' ameha ' Iyasus ' axaza yengeromu
bakama megbaru . (28) ' Arnan ' ebelakemu ; bo � ' e l la hal - l awu ' em-
' e l 1 a yeqawwemu zeyya ' el l a ' i -ye!e "emewWo la-mo,t . � eska ' ama
yere " eyewwo l a-walda ' egW ala ' emm�-i:eyaw ba- sebhata ' abuhu .
Chapter XV I I
Ba ' en t a zakama t awal la!a ba-qedmehomu ' Iyasus
(1) Wa- ' emdexra sessu mawa ' e l nas ' omu ' Iyasus l a-Perros wa- la-Ya'qob
wa- la-Yo�annes ' exuhu, wa- ' a 'ragomu westa dabr nawwax ' enta bal)titomu .
( 2 ) Wa-tawa l 1 ara ra ' yu ba-qedm�homu , wa- " abreha ga�;;u kama �aJ:ay , wa­
J ' albasihu-ni kona ;; a ' ada kama berhan . (3) Wa-nahu ' astar' ayewwomu
��� e �� Pe!ros
Jj Muse wa- ' E l eyas ' enza yetnagaru meslehu .
yebelo l a- ' Iyasus :
(4) wa- ' wa­

l a- ' arda. ' ihu kama hal lawo ye�ur ' {yarusalem , wa-bezuxa ya�ammemewwo �
' Egzi ' o , s'annay we ' etu l ana h'a I 1 �wci' z�yy "'�� ' � a:-S ;!"�efaqqed,
rabbanat wa- liqana kahenat wa-�a�aft , wa-yetqattal , wa-ba-salest negbar ba- zeyya salasta saqale\� a, ' a�atta l aka wa- ' al)atta la-
' e l at yetnassa. ' . ( 2 2 ) Wa-tasa!wo Pe!ros , wa- ' axaza yegasse�o ' en z a Muse wa- ' a�atta la- ' tl l eyas . ,. , '�....

yebe l : (5) Wa- ' enza yetnagar, nahu dammana beruh ;;al lalomu, wa-nahu qal ' em­
�asa l aka ' Egzi ' o . ' I -yekun la' leka zentu . westa dammana ' enta tebe l :
(23) Wa- t amaye!o , yebelo la-Pe!ros : Ze-we ' etu waldeya za- ' afaqqer, za-botu samarku, wa-lotu
�ur ' em-dexreya Say!an . Ma ' qafeya lita ' anta, ' esma ' i -texe l l i s eme ' ewwo .
za- ' E gzi ' ab�er z a ' enbala za- s ab ' . (6) Wa-sami 'omu ' arda' ihu, wadqu ba-ga��omu, wa- farhu �eqqa . ( 7) Wa­
( 24) Wa- ' emze yebelomu ' Iyasus la- ' arda ' ihu : qarba ' Iyasus wa- lakafomu, wa-yebe :
Za-yefaqqed yetlewani , ye� l a. ' nafso , wa-ya!be ' , wa-yensa' Tanse ' u , wa- ' i - tefrehu.
masqala motu wa-yetlewani . ( 2 5 ) Wa- za-yefaqqed yadxena l a-nafsu (8) Wa- ' anse ' u ' a 'yentihomu, wa- ' albo za-re ' yu wa- ' i -manna-hi
za' enbala ' Iyasus bai:tito . (9) Wa- ' en z a yewarredu ' em-dabr, ' azzazomu
of the Greek . ' Iyasus ' enza yebe l :
21. rabban (pl . -at , rabbanat) teacher, leader (an Aramai c ' I - tengeru wa- ' i - l a-mannu-hi za-ra ' ya ' eska ' ama walda ' egWala
word) . ' emma-Deyaw ' em-mutan yetnassa. ' .
22. Gt tasatwa to accep t , receive, take ; to respond (to : 0 . 5 .) . ( 1 0) Wa-tas e " e l ewwo ' arda' ihu ' enza yebelu :
24. G pab <a to be wi l l in g , ready (to do something) . CG Wa- ' efo yebelu ;; al}aft : " ' El eyas hal l awo yem�a' qedma?"
' a'�be <a to do something wi l 1 ingly (with fo I l . coordinated verb� ; to (11) Wa- ' awse' a ' I yasus \-Ia-yebel omu :
persevere , be constan t , firm, undeterred; caus . of preceding meanings. ' E leyas yeqaddem ma� i ' a wa-yastarate ' kW e l l o . ( 1 2 ) Wa-
tebu < wi l l in g , qui ck , e ager , ready , undet erre d , b o l d , p e rsevering ,
wa-yapbe < wa-yensa' " and let him be wil 1ing to take up . " XV I I 4. saqaZa (p l . saqaZew) t abernac l e , tent .
342
34 3
'. ebelakemu bahtu
. kama ' E l eyas wadde ' a ma� ' a, wa- ' i -ya' marewwo ,
Liqek emu - s a , ' i -yehub-nu s abaht a?
e u kWe 1 1 0 zakama faqadu, wa-kamllhu la-walda
wa-ba�tu gabru la ' l-h . .
( 2 5 ) Wa-yebe :
'

' Ewwa. Wa-bawi ' o westa bet , · " aq'daf

' egWala ' emma-�eyaw-ni hal l awo y�memewwo . mi. ' Iyasus behi loto :
Menta tebe l , Sem ' on? Nagas ta medr
( 1 3) Wa- ' emze ' a ' maru ' arda ' ihu kama ba' enta Yo�annes Matmeq yebelomu: ' em-xaba mannu yenasse ' u
sabaht a wa-gada? ' Em-xa ba weludomu-n
u wa-mi -ma ' em- xaba nakir?
B a ' enta za-nagargar (26) I�a-yebe : ' Em-xaba nakir . Wa-ye belo ' Iyasu s
35. :
' Enga ' ag ' a zeylln-nu ' emunt u welud
( 14) Wa-ba� il;lOmu xaba ' a�zab , qarba xabehu be ' s i , wa- sagada lotu
omu? ( 2 7)· · wa-ba�tii� · . kama ' i ­
yangWargWeru, J:!ur westa ba�r , wa-
day maqat ena, \�a- za-qadfune·
' enza yetma�al l e l wa-yebe l :
, 'wa- t er �kkeb din ira
' asgarka 'asa nesa' wa-ke set ' afahu
( 1 5 ) ' E g z i ' o , tasahal l i ta w.a ldeya, ' esma ' ekuy ganen ' axazo ,
setet iri L Kiyah u nesa' , wa-habomu
wa-yangaraggero, wa-mabzexto yewaddeq westa ' es sat wa-bo ' ama l ita-h i wa- l aka.

westa may . ( 16) Wa- ' am�a' kewwo xaba ' arda' ika, wa-se' newwo
Chap t er lCVI I I
fawwes o . 37. Ba ' enta ' e l l a yebel u mannu ya 'a?bi
( 1 7 ) Wa- ' emze ' awse ' a ' Iyasus , wa-yeb e :
( 1 ) Wa-ba -ye ' et i s a ' at qarbu xabeh
u ' arda ' ihu l a - ' Iyasu s ' en z a yebel u:
' O - t·ewl e dd ' i- ' amanit wa- · e lut , ' e ska mll ' ze-nu ' ehl'H lu
Mannu ' enga ya 'abbi ba-mangest a s amllya
mes lekemu? ' Eska ma ' ze-nu et eggasak emu?. ' Ams e ' ewwo ! i t a t?
( 2 ) Wa- �awwe ' a �e�ana wa- ' aqamo ma' kalom
, , - �

zeyy a . · u, (3) wa-ye be :

' Aman ' ebela kemu : ' Emma ' i -tamayatkemu wa- ' i -konkemu kama
( 1 8) Wa-gassa�o ' Iyasus , wa-wa� ' a ganenu ' em- la ' lehu, wa-�aywa �e�an
- �e�anat , ' i - tebawwe ' u wes ta mangesta
( 1 9) Wa- ' emze qaribomu ' arda' ihu ' enta bah. titomu , samllYl! t : ·· ··(4) Wa- za­
ba-ye ' et i s a ' at .
' at�at a re ' so kama·- ze �ec;Ian ze-we ' etu
za-ya ' abbi ba-ma ngest a
yebelewwo l a - ' Iyasus :
s amayat . ( 5 ) Wa- za-hi tawak fa ' ahada hedana
B a ' enta ment ne�na s e ' enna ' aw�e ' oto? , . za-kam a- z e ba-
semey a, - kiyaya tawakfa : (6) Wa-za -hi
"
.,. �� .

' asJ:tatomu l a- ' ahadu ' em­

(2 0) Wa-yebe lomu ' Iyasus :
' e l lu n e ' usan ' e l l a ya ' ammenu beya, yexey
Ba ' enta hesas a hllymanotekemu. 'Amlln ' ebelakemu : ' Emma bekemu yes o kama ye ' seru ba­

� �a� ana xettat

kesadu maJ:tra �a ' adg wa-ya stemewwo westa
haymllnot s enape , tebelewwo la- ze dabr "Peles ' em­ l eggWa ta bllJ:!r. ( 7)
' Ale-I o l a - ' alam ' em-mansut , ' e sma gebr
z ·eyya xaba ka�a , " wa-yefal les , wa- ' albo za-ye s s a " anakemu . yema� � e ' mansu t , wa­
bllhtu ' al e - l o l a-we ' etu b e ' s i za-bot u
yema� � e ' mansut . ( 8) Wa­
( 2 1 ) Wa- za-kama-ze ' i -yewa��e ' za' enbal a ba-�om wa-ba-�alot .
' emma ' edeka ' aw ' egreka tllse� �etak a,
metera wa-ge def ' em­
( 2 2 ) Wa- ' enza yansos ewu westa G al i la , yebelomu ' Iyasus :
lll ' leka . Yexey yes aka tebll ' westa �eywa
t �anka seka wa-�ewwuseka
Hal lawo l a-walda ' egWal a ' emma-�eyaw yagbe ' e��o westa ' eda sab' ,
' em- ' enza beka kel ' e ' eda wa-ke l ' e ' egra
tetwa day westa ' es sat
wa-yeqatt e 1 e�"0 , wa- ' ama sal e s t ' e l at yetnassa ' .
za- l a- 'alam o (9) Wa- ' emma-h i 'ayneka tase� �etak a, mel
Wa- t akkazu teqq a . exa wa­
gedef ' em- I a ' l eka . Yexeyyesaka naqqWareka
tebll' westa �eywat
36. Ba ' enta ' e l l a yes e " elu �aba�ta
25 . gada g i ft ( for a sup erior) .
( 2 4) Wa-ba� i�omu Qefernah om, ma� " u e l l a s. abah. ta dinar yenasse ' u xaba
27. maqaten (pl . only) hooks , fi sh-hooks . sete tira . s t ater
Petros , wa-yebelewwo :
( co i n ) .
W
XVI I I 6 . ' adg ( f . adegt ; p I . ' a' dug) ass . tegg at (pI . -at) depth
Qt tama�tata to b es eech, suppl i cate .
'
14.
of the sea, abyss .
15. mabzexto adv . often, frequently.
7. gebr ba-gebr adv . out of nece s s i t y , neces sari l y , sure l y ,
ka� , kaQa, ka�aka , ka��ka , ka�k thither, t o that p l ac e ;
=
20 .
certainly .
further on . W
9. naqq ar one - eyed , b l ind .
 344
345
' em- ' enza kel 'e ' ayna be)<.a tetwaday wes'ta Gahannama ' e s sat .
' am�e ' u lotu ' a�ada za-yefaddi ' e lfa ,makaiey a . ( 25) Wa-xa�i ' o
( 1 0) 'Uqu ' i -t�sta�qerewwomu l a- ' a�adu ' em - ' el lu ne ' usan . -
za-yefaddi , ' az zaza ' egzi ' l1 yesi�ew\'Q mesla b e ' s itu wa-me s l a
' Ebel akemu kama mal a ' ektihomu ba-samayat watra yere " eyu ga��o w
we ludu wa-k e l l o za-bo ' eska y.efaddi . ( 2 6) Wa-wadqa ' enka
la- ' abuya za-ba- samayat . (11) ' Esma ma� ' a walda ' egWala ' emma­
we' etu gabr, wa-s agada ' en z a yebe l :
�eyaw yexses wa-yadxen za-tahagW l a .
w
' E g zi ' o , t a ' aggasani , . wa-J,· e l l o ; efaddeyak a .
38. Ba' enta me' t ' abage ' (27) wa-ma�aro ' egzi ' u l a-we ' etu gabr, wa�fat�o, wa- ' edahu-ni
xadaga lotu . ( 2 8) Wa-wa�i ' o we ' etu gabr, rakaba ' a�ada gabra
( 1 2 ) Ment tebelu? ' Emma-bo be ' si za-botu me ' ta ' agabe ' a , wa­
,
' emenna abya�- �' h u za-yefaddeyo me ' ta dinara , wii:," axazo yexneqo
' emma t agadfa ' a�adu ' em-westetomu , ' akko-hu yaxaddeg tas 'a wa­
' enza yebe l :
tas 'ata wes ta ' adbar, wa-ya�awwer yexses za-tagadfo? ( 1 3) Wa­
Hab, s e l e � za-tefaddi .
' emkama rakabll., ' amll.n ' eb e l akemu kama yet�SSll.� ba' enti ' aha .,
,
(29) Wa-wadqa w e ' etu gabra egz� u, wa- ' as t ab qwe '0 ' enza yebe l :
fadfida ' em-tas 'a wa-t as ' atu ' el l a ' i - t agadfu . (14) Kamahu-ke w
Ta ' aggasani , wa-k e l l o ' efaddeyaka·.
' i-yetfaqqad ba-qedma ' abuya za-ba-s amayat kama yethagWal
(30) Wa- ' abayo , wa-�ora wa- ' amoqeJ:lo ' eska yefaddeyo . ( 3 1 ) Wa­
' ahadu ' em- ' e l lu n e ' usan . ( 1 5 ) Wa- ' emma-ni ' abbasa laka ' exuka,
re ' eyomu ' abya� ihu z.akama ras s ayo ; takkazu �eqqa, wa-�awiromu
�ur wa-gasse�o ba-ba�titekemu, ' anta wa-we ' etu, wa- emma
nagarewwo l a- ' egzi ' omu kWel lo z akama kon a . - ' · (32) Wa- ' emze '
sam ' aka, raba�ka ' exwaka. ( 1 6) Wa- ' emma- sa ' i - s am ' aka, nesa ' - '.
I .- - s. awwe 'o ' eg z i ' u, wa-yebiH o : '�
mes leka ba- dagem ' a�ada ' aw kel ' e kama ba- ' afa ke l ' e wa- sal astu
w
G abr ' ekuy, k e l lo ' eda - xa
- daggu 1. �k a ' esma ' as t abqWa 'kani.
rru:;ar' -bi��ka bakama
s ama ' t yequm kWel lu qal . ( 1 7 ) Wa- ' emma-sa ' i - s am ' omu l omu-hi ,
(33) ' Akko -hu maftew ' anta-hi te ' ana
neger ba-beta Kerestiyan, wa- ' emma-sa la-beta Keresti yan ' i -
maJ:larkuka? -
s am 'a, yekunka kama ' arami wa-ma�abbe�awi . ( 1 8 ) ' Aman - .. .
, w_
•

(34) Wa-tam ' e '·a ' egzi ' u , wa-ma!!awo la'- ' el 1 a :�"k-�1TIenu ' eska
' ebelakemu : Za- ' as arkemu ba-medr yekawwen ' esura ba- samayat ,
' ama yesalle� kWel lo z a-yefaddeyo . (35) Kamahu-ke ' abuya-ni
wa- za- fata�kemu ba-medr fetu�a yekawwen ba-samayat . ( 1 9) Wa­
samayawi yegabber l akemu ' emma ' i -xadaggemu la-bi�ekemu ' em-
' adi ' ebelakemu : La' emma xabru kel ' etu ' emennekemu ba-westa
l ebbekemu .
medr ba' enta kWe l l u gebr za-sa ' alu , yetgabbar l omu ba-xaba
' abuya za-ba- samayat . (20) ' E sma xaba hal l awu kel ' etu wa­ Chap ter X I X
salas tu gubu ' an ba- s emeya, heyya hal l awku ' ana ma' kalomu . 40. Ba' enta ' e l l a tase' ' e lu ' emma yekawwen�adiga be ' sit
( 2 1 ) Wa- ' emze qarba xabehu Pe�ro s , wa-yebe lo :
(1) Wa-kona ' emza fa� � ama ' Iyasus zanta nagara, tanse ' a ' em-Gal i la,
' Eg z i ' o , s e fna ' emma ' abbasa la ' leya ' exuya ' exdeg lotu? ' Eska
wa-basha westa behera Yehuda rna' dot a Yordanos . ( 2 ) Wa-talawewwo
� �
seb ' -nu? '
' aJ:l z a be zuxan , w - fawwasomu ba-heyy a . (3') Wa-ma!? ' u xabehu
( 2 2 ) Wa-yebe ' Iyasus :
F arisaweyan ' en z a yamekkerewwo wa-yebelu :
' I -yebel aka '' ' Eska s eb ' " ' al I a " ' adi ' eska sab ' a ba-ba-seb ' . " w
Yekawwen-hu la-be ' si xadiga be ' s it ba.-,k e l lu z a- ' abbasat?
39 . Ba ' enta za-yefaddi ' elfa makaleya
G t tahasaba p ass . Glt ta�asaba to t ake up accounts with . �asab com­
( 2 3) Ba' enta- ze temas s e l mangesta s amayat be ' se negusa za­
putation , reckoning, account ; quantity, pri ce ; portion , share . gabra
faqada yegbar �asaba mes l a ' agbertihu. (24) Wa- ' enza yet0asab ,
�saba to settle accounts .
24. ' e Zf (p I . ' a' Zaf) myriad, 1 0000 . te' !,efi t , me' Zefit a
21 . setna interrogative adv . hOI, many time s ? how many?
vas t nL�be r . makZit (p l . maka ley ) talent (wt . ) .
23. G hasaba to compute , reckon ; to think , bel ieve , impute .
27. r ecTa debt , gui l t .

.. •
 . .

346
347
(4) Wa- ' awse ' a, wa-yebelomu :
Liq, ment-nu xer za- ' em-gabarku, �e�yata za - l a- ' alam ba-za
' I -yanbabkemu-nu kama za- fa�aromu ' em-tekat be ' se wa-be ' si t a ,
ewarre s ?
.� .

gabromu? ( 5 ) Wa-yeb� : Ba' enta-ze yaxaddeg be ' s-i ' abahu wa­
( 1 7) Wa-yebelo :
' emma , wa-yetal l ewa la-be ' situ, wa-yekawwenu ke l ' ehomu ' a�ada
Menta t e s s e " alani ba' enta xer? ' A�adu we ' etu xer , wa- ' emma-sa
sega . (6) ' Enka-sa-ke ' i -konu k e l ' e z a ' enbala ' a�adu sega
v

t e faqqed teba ' westa _�eywat, ' eqab t e ' zazata .

' emuntu. Za- ' Eg z i ' ab�er-ke �amara, sab ' ' i -yefl e � .
( 1 8) Wa-yebe lo : ' Ayyat a? Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus :
(7) Wa-yebelewwo :
' I -qat i l a nafs , ' i -tamaJ:1ezo , ' i -sar iq ,- ' i -J:1asse;�6 s em ' . (19)
' E fo ' enka ' azzaza Muse yahabu ma��afa fel tan wa-yexdegewwa .
' Akbero ' abuka wa- ' emmeka, wa- ' afqero bi�"eka kama or e ' s eka .
( 8) Wa-yebelomu :
( 20) Wa-yebel o we ' etu wareza :
Mus e - s a bakama ' ekaya lebbekemu daxarakemu texdegu ' anesteyakemu ,
Zanta kWello ' aqabku ' em-n e ' seya . Ment ' enka za-tarfani?
wa- ' em-t ekat- s a ' akko kama- ze za-tagabra . (9) Wa- ' ebelakemu
( 2 1 ) Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus :
bahtu kama ' emma-bo za-xadaga b e ' sito za' enbala ba-zemmut , wa­
' Emma - s a t efaqqed- fe� �uma tekun, �ur , si� �eritaka, wa-hab la­
' aw s aba kale ' ta, zammawa . Wa- ' enta da�arewwa z a- ' awsaba
meskin, wa-ta!arri mazgaba ba-samayat . Wa-n a ' a , t e lewani .
zammawa .
( 2 2 ) Wa- s ami ' o wareza zanta nagara, xalafa ' enza yetekkez, ' esma-bo
( 1 0) Wa-yebelewwo ' arda' ihu:
bezuxa terit a . ( 2 3) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus l a- ' arda ' ihu :
' Emma kama- ze we ' etu ser ' ata be ' si mesl a be ' situ, ' akko sa�nay
' Arnan ' ebelakemu kama ba ' e l:- ' em- ' e�-ub ba ' at u mangesta s amayat .
' awsebo?
( 24) Wa-ka' eba ' ebelakemu : Yeqa l l e l ba' ata gamal ' enta
( 1 1 ) Wa-yebe lomu :
seqWrata marfe ; ' em-ba ' el bawi: a mangesta ':Egi {' ��er .
' Akko kWe l l u za-yagammero la- zentu qal , z a ' enbala la- ' e l l a
(25) Wa- s ami ' omu ' arda ' ihu, ' ankaru feqqa _ : en,za yebelu:
tawehba . ( 1 2 ) ' Esma-bo xe�ewana ' el l a kamahu tawaldu ' em-karsa
Mannu ' enga yekel dexina? •

' emmomu, wa-bo xe�ewan ' e l l a xa� awomu s ab ' , wa-bo xe� ewan ' e l la
(26) Wa-na�� aromu ' Iyasus , wa-yebelomu :
xa� awu re ' somu b a ' enta mangesta s amayat . Wa- z a - s a yekel
Ba-xaba sab ' ' i -yetkahha l - z e , wa-ba-xaba ' E gz i ' ab�er - s a kW e l l u
fa� � emo la-yefa�� em .
yetkahhal .
( 1 3) Wa- ' emze ' al1l�e ' u lotu daqqa kama yanber ' edehu la_ ' lehomu wa­
( 2 7) Wa- ' emz e ' awse ' a Pe�ro s , wa-yebe lo :
ye�al l i , wa- gasse�ewwomu ' arda ' ihu . ( 1 4) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
Nahu ne�na xadagna kWe l l o wa-talonaka . Menta ' enga nerakkeb?
Xedegu daqiqa, wa- ' i -tekl e ' ewwomu ma� i ' a xabeya, ' esma l a- ' el l a
( 2 8) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
kama- ze ye ' et i mangesta s amayat .
' Arnan ' ebelakemu, ' antemu ' e l l a talokemuni , ' ama dagem l edat ,
( 1 5) Wa- ' anbara ' edehu l a ' l ehomu, wa-xal afa ' em-heyya .
' ama yenabber walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw diba manbara seb�atihu,

41 . Ba' enta ba ' e l za-tas e " elo la- ' Egzi ' ena ' antemu-ni tenabber diba ' asartu wa-kel ' etu manabert ' enza

( 16) Wa-nahu ma� ' a ' a�adu , wa-yebelo :

18. Glt tcul/a�ezo t o fal l/be in love ; t o commit adul tery .
ma�az (pl . - an ) l over ( m . or f . ) . ma1aza (pl . -t) youth, a youth;
XIX 6. G ¢amara 0 1ammara to j oin, affix , connect , attach. Glt
lover (m. or f . ) . ma�zen i l l icit affairs .
=

.
ta�amara t o as s oclate -
l t h ( one another) . d
. emrat J
- o ining , connection.
W 23. ' em- re?ub adv . hardl y , s carcely .
ma1Qmer ( f . -t) p artner, mat e , companion, spous e . W W
24. seqWrat apertur e , openin g . G saq ara (yesq er) to pierce ,
8. G daxara t o sanct ion, al l ow . madxar s ancti on, b l e s s ing . W
dig out/through . Gt tasaq ra pas s . sequr perforat ed , excavat ed,
9. G da�ara (yedQar) t o divo rce, repudi ate .
breached . G rai' a t o s ew . Gt tarai' a pas s . ref' at suture , s ewing .
12. G xa?awa t o castrate . xe?ew castrated; n . eunuch .
mfG.' i tai lor . ref' 0 s elYD wOl.k . . marfe' (pl . marafe' t) needl e .
 )I , , � :'!o> ..
348 , 349

w
tekW�nnenu ' asarta wa-kel ' eta hezba ' Esra ' e l . ( 2 9) Wa-k el lu ( 1 2 ) ' E llu daxart ' a�att'a s a ' ata taqanyU , wa-
za-xadaga ' abyata wa- ' axawa wa- ' axata wa- ' aba wa- ' emma wa­ ' asta ' arraykomu mes l ena lar " e l la � orp.a k ebada wa-lahba
b e ' s i t a wa-weluda wa-garaweha ba ' enta s emeya me ' ta mek ' ebi t a l a - 'e lat .
yenass e ' , wa-�eywata z a - l a- ' alam yewarres . (30) Wa-be zuxan ( 1 3) Wa- ' awsi ' o , yebelo l a- ' ahadu ' emennehQmu : , ".
yekawwenu qadamt dexra, wa-daxart qedma . Kal e ' eya, ' i -gafa ' kuka. ' Akko-nu ba-dinar 'takahalkuka?
(14) Nesa ' z a-yerakkebaka, wa-�ur . F aqadku ' an a l a - z e
Chapter XX daxari ' ahabo kama l aka . ( l S ) ' I -ye.kawwe.n ani -'hu ' egbar
42. Ba ' enta za-ta ' asaba gaba ' ta z a- faqadku ba-newayeya? ' Ayneka-nu !)amami we ' etu ' esma
( 1 ) ' Esma temassel mangesta s a�ayat be ' se ba ' l a bet z a-wad ' a ' ana x(\r ' ana?
ba-nagh yet ' asab gaba ' ta l a - ' a�ada waynu . ( 2) Wa-takahala ( 1 6) Kamlihu-ke yekawwenu daxart qedma wa-qadamt dexra , ' esma
mes l a gaba't ba-ba -dinar h..l e l at , wa- fannawomu westa ' a�ada waynu. be zuxan ' emuntu � ewwu 'an , wa-xeda�lin xeruyan .
(3) Wa-wa�i ' o gize salas s a ' at , re ' ya kal e ' ana ' en z a yeqawwemu ( 1 7) Wa- ' en z a ya ' arreg ' Iyasus ' Iyarusalem, nas ' omu la- ' asartu wa­
wes t a mesya� �eru 'ana . (4) Wa- l omu-ni yebe : ke l ' �tu ' arda' ihu ' enta ba�titomu, wa- ' ag�asomu ' em- fenot , wa­
�uru ' antemu-ni westa ' a� ada wayneya , wa- za-b a-retu ' yebe1omu:
' ehubakemu. ( 1 8) Nahu na ' arreg ' Iyarusalem, wa-ye ' exxe z ewwo l a-walda
Wa- ' emuntu-hi �oru. (S) Wa-ka ' eba wa�i ' o gize s e s s u wa-tas ' u ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw, wa-yagabbe ' .ewwo xab � l iqana kahenat wa­
s a '�t , gabra kamlihu kema . (6) Wa-gi ze ' asru wa- ' a�atti wadi ' o � a!)aft , wa-yekWennenewwo ba-mot , ' ( 1 .9'. wa-yeme!!ewe
O l a"�ezb ,
WW
rakaba kal e ' ana ' enza yeqawwemu, wa-yebelomu : wa-yessalaqu l a ' l ehu, wa-yeqassefewwo; wa-yesaqqel ewwo , wa-ba­
Ment ' aqamakemu z eyya kWel l o ' elata �eru 'anikemu? salest ' e l at yetnassa' .
Wa-yeb�H ewwo : ..�. :-:

43 . Ba' enta daqiqa Zabedewos

' Esma ' albo z a - t a ' asabana .
(7) Wa-yebe Iomu : (20) Wa- ' emze rna;; ' at xabehu ', emmomu la-daqiqa Zabed�wos mes l a daqiqll.,
�uru ' antemu-ni westa ' asada wayneya, wa- za-rat ' ani wa-s agadat lotu ' enza t e s e " el ' em-xabehu . ( 2 1 ) Wa-yebe H l : Ment
' ehubakemu . tefaqqedi ? ( 2 2 ) Wa- tebe lo :
(8) Wa- ' emza masya, yebe ba ' l a ' a� ada wayn la-maggabihu : Ras si l i t a kama yenbaru ' e l lu daqiqeya kel ' ehomu ' ahadu ba­
$ awwe 'omu la- gaba ' t , wa-habomu ' asbomu, wa- ' axaz qedma yamaneka wa- ' atadu ba-�agameka ba-mangestek a .
' em-daxart ' eska qadamt . ( 2 2 ) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus wa-yebe :
(9) Wa-ma� ' u ' el l a ' asru wa- ' a�atti s a ' at , wa-nas ' u ba-ba dinar. ' I - ta' ammeru za-tes e " e l u . Tekelu-ni s ateya ' z a- ' ana' hal l awku

( 1 0 ) Wa-ma� ' u qadamt , wa-mas alomu z a-yafadaffedu nasi ' a , wa­ � ewa ' a ' e s t ay?

nas ' u ba-ba dinar ' emuntu-hi . ( 1 1) Wa-nasi ' omu, ' angWargWaru Wa-yebe lewwo : Nekel . ( 2 3) Wa-yebelomu :

la ' lehu l a-ba ' l a bet ' enza yebelu : � ewa ' eya- s a t e s atteyu, wa-nabira ba-yamaneya- s a wa-ba-�agameya
' akko ' ana za- ' ehub , z a ' enbala la- ' el l a ' ast adalawa l omu ' abuya.

29. mek ' ebit n . doub l e , the doubl e amount . mek 'ebita adv . ( 2 4) Wa- s ami ' omu ' asartu hazanu ba' enta kel ' ehomu ' axaw . ( 2 S ) Wa­

twofold, doub l y . me' ta mek 'ebita a hundredfo l d . � awwe ' omu ' Iyasus wa-yebelomu :
w
xx 1. gaba!i (p I . gabCi' t) hireling, wage -worker . Ta' ammeru-nu kama mak anentihomu l a - ' a�zab ye ' e z z e zew\;omu, wa­

2. G l t takahata mesta t o come to an agreement with . ' abaytomu yesse l l a!u l a ' lehomu. ( 2 6 ) ' Akko-ke kama - z e za-yekun

5. kema a p o s tpo s i t i v e part i c l e emphas i z ing the preceding ba-xabekemu-sa, ba�tu z a-yefaqqed ' em-I,e stet ekemu ' ab i y a ye kun

word : " a l s o , even, too . " yekunkemu l�' ka; ( 2 7 ) wa-za-hi-yefaqqed ' emenn�kemu yekun l iqa
 ; � '.

350
351

yekunkemu gabra . ( 2 S ) , Bakama ' i -ma� ' a walda ' egWal a ' emma­
' Ams e ' u ' edegta wa- 'ewala, wa-rahanu ' albasihomu l a 'lehon, wa­
�eyaw yet la' akewwo , za' enbala yet l a ' ak wa-yahab nafso beza
�
ta� " ena ' Iyasus . �
(S) �a- za- �e a z zex �e�b n ��afu: ' albasihomu westa
.
be zuxan .
fenot , wa-kal e ' an-hi yematt eru ' a ' �uqa ' em-we�ta 'e�aw wa-yena��efu

44 . B a ' enta kel ' � ' eWuran westa fenot,. ( 9 ) Wa-�ezb-sa ' el l a ya�awweru qedmeh� wa- ' e l l a-hi
yet a l l ewu ye� arrexu ' enza yebe lu :
( 2 9 ) Wa- ' enza yewa��e' u ' em- ' Iyari�o , talawewwo sab ' be zuxan . ( 3 0) ,
Hosa 'na l a - walda Dawit . Buruk za-yema� � e ' ba-s ema ' E gz i ' ab�er .
Wa-nahu kel ' �tu ' ewuran yenabberu �eqqa mangad, wa- s ami 'omu kama
Hosii 'na ba- ' aryam.
' Iyasus yaxal l e f , � arxu ' enza yeb e lu :
( 1 0) Wa-bawi ' o ' Iyasus ' Iyarusalem , tahawkat kWe l la hagar ' en z a tebel:
Tasahalana ' E g z i ' o , wal d a Dawit .
Mannu we' etu zentu?
( 3 1 ) Wa- s ab ' - s a yegesse�ewwomu kama yarmemu, wa- ' a ' bayu sarixa ' enza
( 1 1 ) Wa-yebe lu ' a�zab :
yebelu :
Ze-we' etu ' Iyasus nabiy za- ' em-Nazeret za-Gal i la .
Tasahalana ' E gz i ' o , walda Dawit .
( 1 2 ) Wa-bo ' a ' Iyasus b�ta maqdas , wa-sadada kWe l l omu ' el la yesayyetu
( 3 2 ) Wa-qoma ' Iyasus , wa- � awwe ' omu, wa-yebe :
wa-yessayatu ba-beta maqdas , wa-gaft e ' a , ma' edatihomu la-mawal l e�an
Menta tefaqqedu ' egbar l akemu?
wa-manabertihomu l a - ' e l la yesayye�u regb a . ( 1 3) Wa-yebelomu :
( 3 3) Wa-yebel ewwo :
Sehuf: beteya beta � a l o t yessamm�y.l I'!,a- ' ant.e,Tu-sa teres s eyu
' E gz i ' o , kama yetkasata ' a ' yentina .
ba ' ata--saraqt . . �. . �.

( 34 ) Wa- ' am�arewwo l a- ' Iyasus , wa-l akafomu ' a ' yentihomu, wa-ba-gi zeha
na��aru wa- talawewwo . 46 . Ba' enta 'ewuran wa-seburan

Chapter XX I ( 1 4 ) Wa-ma� ' u xaMhu ' ewuran wa-�ankasan ba-b� � m�q �:� t wa- ' a�yawomu.
( 1 5 ) Wa- ' emza re ' yu liqana kahenat wa-�a�aft mankera za-gabra, wa­
45 . B a ' enta ' ewal
daqiqa-ni ' en z a ye�arrexu ba-beta 1naqdaS wa�yebe l u : "Hosa 'na la­
( 1 ) Wa-qaribo ' IyarusAlem, ba��a Beta Fage xaba Dabra Zayt . Wa- ' emze
walda Dawi t , " ' i -�awwazomu . (16) Wa-yebe l ewwo :
fannawa ' Iyasus ke l ' et a ' em- ' arda' ihu, (2) wa-yebelomu :
Tesamme ' -nu za-yebelu ' e l lu?
�uru hagara za-qedmekemu, wa-ye ' et a gize t erakkebu ' edegta
Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
' es erta wa- ' ewala mes l eha . Fete�u wa- ' am� e ' u l it a . ( 3 ) Wa­
' Ewwa. ' Albo -hu ' ama ' anbabkemu kama ' em- ' afa daqiq wa-�e�anat
' emma-bo za-yebel akemu menta tegabberu, balu, '' ' E gz i ' omu
" astadalawka seb�ata?
yefaqqedomu , " wa-ba-gi zeha yefennewomu .
( 1 7) Wa-xadagomu, wa-wa�' a ' af ' a ' em-hagar Bityaneya -ha, wa- ' as lala
(4) Wa- ze-kona kama yetfa�� am ba-nabiy za-tabehl a :
heyya .
( 5 ) Bal ewwa l a-walatta �eyon : Niihu neguseki yema � � e ' xabeki ,
, - la
yawwah, enza ye� � e an d 1' b a ' e d egt wa-dl'ba ' ew-al ' egWa
- "
7. G ra�ana to spread (as a s addle) , to s addle .
' edegt .
S. G na4afa/na?afa to spread, l ay out . G t tana¥fa p as s .
( 6 ) Wa-�awiromu ' arda ' ihu, gabru bakama ' az zazomu ' Iyasus . (7)
ne?uf spread. man?af anything l ai d out : rug , covering.
9. hosa 'na (Hebrew) Save us ! Hosanna!
30. teqqa/ba-teqqa prep . near, beside . mangad pub l i c road ,
12. Q gafte' a to overturn . Qt tagafte' a pass .
hi gh\�ay ; trip , j ourney, p i l grimage . G nagada to make a j ourney', t o
15. D �awwaza to p l eas e , de l i ght , b e p l easing t o . CGt
travel o n busines s . negd trave l , trade . nagd (pl . -an) a travel e r ,
' asta�awaza to be p l eased. CDt ' asta�awwaza to regard ' as p l easing,
stranger, guest . nagadi trave l er , merchant . C f . ' engeaa.
a cceptable; to p l ease , de l i ght . CGlt ' as ta�awaza idem . �awwez (p l .
XXI 2. ' ewal young of an animal , esp . the foal of an as s .
-at) pl easure , d�lj:�t . �awwaz p l e asant , d e l i ghtfu l , agree ab l e .
 .,

.�
352 353

47. Ba' enta balas ' enta yabsat 49. Ba ' enta kel ' e ' axaw messale
,
( 1 8) Wa-� abiJ:!o ' enza ya 'arreg Iyasus hagara, rexb a . ( 1 9) Wa-re 'ya ( 2 8) Wa-lI\enta t.ebelu? B e ' s i boto. kel ' et a we luda ' axawa, wa­
'e�a balas ba-mangad, wa-�ora xabeha, wa- ' albo za-rakaba westeta yebelo l a -qadlimawi :'
za' enbala qWa� l ba�titu. Wa-yebel li : Waldeya, J;tur taqanay yom westa 'a�ada wayneya.
' I -yekun ' enka fere ' em-westeteki l a- 'lilam . ( 2 9) Wa- ' awse ' a, wa-yebe ' ' 'Enbeya . '' Wa- ' emdexra- ze t anas s eha ,
Wa-yabsat ba-gi zeha ye ' eti balas . ( 2 0 ) Wa-re ' eyomu ' ardli' ihu, wa-�ora . ( 30) Wa-l a-klil e ' u-ni yebel o kamahu , wa-" al,, ;e ' a wa­
' ankaru wa-yebe lu : yebe : " ' Oho � ' eg zi ' eya . " Wa- ' i -�ora. ' ( 3 1 ) Mannu ' enka ' em­
' E fo ba- gi zehli yabsat balas? " kel ' ehomu za- gabra faqlida ' abuhu?
( 2 1 ) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus , wa-yebelomu : Wa-yebel eli o : "Qadamawi . " Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
W
' Aman ' ebe lakemu , ' emma bekemu haymanota wa- ' i -tenafequ, ' akko ' Aman ' eb e lakemu kama ma� abbe�liweyan wa- zammaweyat yeqaddem
ukenu
kema za-balas za-tegabberu , 'adi l a- z entu dabr ' emma t eb e l ewwo westa mangesta ' Egzi ' abh�r, ( 3 2 ) ' esma ma� ' a xabekemu YoJ;tannes
w
"Tanse' wa-tawaraw westa baJ:!r , " yetgabbar . ( 2 2 ) Wa-k e l l o z a ­ ba- fenota ,?edq, wa- ' i - ' amankemewwo , wa-ma!?abb e�liweyan- sa wa­
s a ' alkemu ba- � alot ' enza t a ' ammenu tenasse ' u . zammaweyat ' amnewwo . Wa- ' antemu-sa re' eyakemu-h i , ' i ­
nasslihkemu !eqqa ' emdexra la- ' amin bot u .
48. Ba' enta ' el la tase" e l ewwo " kahenat wa-rabbanat l a - ' Iyasus
ba-maba�ta mannu tegabber zanta 50. Ba' enta ' a�ada ��yn messa�e

( 2 3) Wa-bawi ' o b�t a maqdas , qarbu xabehu ' enza yemehher l i qana ( 3'3) Kal e ' ta mes sale seme ' u . -8'e ' si b[ ' l a b�t , wa-takal a ' a�ada
'
kahenat wa-malaheqta �ezb ' en z a yebelu : wayn, wa- gabra:- I O tu �aqWana� wa-karaya w��t�tu m�kyada , wa­
Ba-mabaJ;tta mannu zanta tegabber, wa-mannu wahabaka zanta J;tana�a maxfada , wa-wahabo l a-J:!ar�st , wa-nagada . ( 34) Wa- ' ama
sel!ana? ba��a gize ferehu, fannawa ' agbertihu xaba �arast kama yense ' u
(24) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus wa-yebelomu : ferehu. (35) Wa'-nas ' ewwomu �arast la- ' agbertihu , wa-bo . za­
' Es s e " alakemu ' ana-hi ' aJ:!atta qal a za- ' emkama nagarkemuni zaba!u, wa-bo za-qatalu, wa-bo za-wagaru . (36) Wa- ' emze
' ana-hi ' ayadde ' akemu ba- ' ayy sel!lin ' egabber zanta . (25) fannawa kal e ' ana ' agberta ' e l l a yebazzexu ' em-qadamt , , wa­
Temqatu l a-YoJ;tannes ' em- ' ayte we ' etu? ' Em - s amay-nu wa-mima kiyahomu-n i kamahu rass ayewwomu . (37) Wa-dexra fannawa
' em-sab ' -nu? xabehomu waldo , ' enza yeb e l :
Wa-xal l ayu babaynatihomu, wa-yebe lu : Yaxafferewwo la-waldeya- s a .
' Emma nebe za- ' em- samay, yebelana " Ba- ' efo-ke za- ' i ­ ( 3 8 ) Wa-soba re ' yewwo J;tarast la-waldu, yebelu babaynatihomu :
' amankemewwo?" (26) Wa- ' emma-hi nebe za- ' em-sab ' , nefarrehomu Nawli ze-we ' etu ware s . Ne ' u , neqtelo wa-yekunana l ana
l a-�ezb , ' esma kama nabiy ba-xabehomu YoJ;tannes . restu .
( 2 7 ) Wa- ' a,.is e ' ewwo la- ' Iyasus , wa-yebe 1 u : ' I -na' ammer . Wa-yebel omu ( 39 ) Wa-nas ' ewwo , wa- ' aw�e ' ewwo ' af' a ' em- ' as ada wayn, wa-
we ' etu-hi :
' Ana-hi ' i - yayadde' akemu ba- ' ayy s e l tan zanta ' egabber . 29. ' enbeya excl amation : No ! refuse l
30. ' oho exc l amation o f assent : Very we l l , I wi l l (do so) .
W W
, 33 . G qaq ana t o surround with a fence o r wal l . ijaq an fenc e ,
24 . CG ' ayde <a to inform, t e l l ( s o me one : o . s . ) . Gt tayad <a
wal l . maxfad tower .
p as s . 34 . G �arasa (ye�res) to p l OW . Gt ta�arsa p a s s . �arasi (pl .
25 . mima interrogative p art i c l e , here introducing the s econd
�.arast) p l oHman , farmer, tenant farmer . mal;zras (p l . ma�res ) p l ow .
part of a doub l e quest ion : Is it x or is it y?
 355
354
' as t adal awku, wa-tabahku magaz e ' t eya �- 'aswareya, wa­
qat a l ewwo . (40) ' Emkama ' enka ma-? ' a ' egzi ' a ' a-?ada wayn, menta
kWe l lu delew ; ne ' u wasta kabkabeya .
yere s seyomu la- ' el l ekWtu harast?
( 5 ) Wa- ' emuntu-sa tahayyayu wa-xalafu. B o - za-hora westa
(41) Wa-yebelewwo :
garahtu , wa-bo za-hora westa t agbaru . (6) Wa- ' e l la-sa tarfu
Ba-�esum l a- ' ekuyan yeqattelomu, wa-wayno-hi yehub l a-ka l e ' an
' axazu ' agbertihu wa-qatal ewwomu, wa-kiyahu-ni � a ' al ewwo .
' aqab t , l a- ' e l l a yehubewwo ferehu ba-ba gi zehu . (7)
Wa-tam ' e ' a negus, wa- fannawa �arrahu yeqte rewwom�, la- ' el l ektu
(42) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
qat a l t ; wa-qatal ewwomu, wa'-hagaromu-ni ' aw ' ayu ; ' (8) Wa- ' emze
' Albo-hu ' ama ' anbabkemu westa masaheft :
yebelomu l a - ' agbertihu :
' � bn ' enta mannanewwa nadaqt ye ' et i konat westa re ' s a
Ba ' a l eya-sa delew we' etu, wa-ba�tu la- ' e l l a ' assarnahomu­
m� ' zent . ' Em-xaba ' Egzi ' abh�r konat zati , wa-manker
sa ' i -kafalomu. (9) �uru-ke ' enka westa marahebt wa-
ye ' eti la- ' a ' yentina . .
w '
' anaqe� , wa-k e l l o za-rakabkemu � awwe ' u westa kabkab .
(43) Ba' enta zentu ' eb e l akemu kama yethayyad ' em-xabekemu
( 10) Wa-wagi ' omu ' emuntu ' agbert westa fenaw , ' astagabe ' u
mangesta ' Egzi ' abh�r! wa-tetwahhab la-�ezb za-yegabber fereha .
kWel l o za-rakabu ' ekuy�na wa-xerana, wa-ma l ' a beta ba ' al ' em­
(44) Wa- za- s a wadqa diba ye ' et i ' ebn yetqa�aqqa� , wa- la-za-hi
' e l la yeraffequ . ( 1 1 ) Wa-bawi ' o negus yer ' ayomu la- ' e l l a
wadqa dibehu yedammeqo .
yeraffequ, rakaba ba-heyya be ' s e za- ' i -Iabsa I-ebsa mar ' a . (12)
(45) Wa- sami 'omu l iqana kahenat wa-Farisaweyan ' ams al atihu, ' a ' maru
Wa-yebHo :
' kama ba ' ent i ' ahomu yeb e l . (46) Wa- ' enza yefaqqedu ye ' xazewwo , farhu ,-

KiH e ' eya , ' efo bo ' ka zeyya z a ' enbala t elbas leb'sa mar ' a?
' a�zaba, ' esma kama nabiy we ' etu ba-xabehomu .
Wa-tafa�ma we ' etu , ( 1 3) Wa- ' emze ' azzaza negus l a-gaza ' t :
Chapter XX I I Ye ' serewwo ' edawihu wa- ' egarihu wa-yaw�e ' ewwo westa
51 . Ba' enta ' el la ta�awwe ' u westa kabkab � anafi � elmat westa bekay wa-�aqiya s �nan,
( 14) ' esma bezuxan ' emuntu � ewwu ' an , wa-xeda�an xeruyan .
( 1) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus dagema, wa-nagara ba-messale ' enza yeb e l :
( 2 ) Temass e l mangesta samayat be ' se negusa za-gabra kabkaba l a­
52. Ba' enta ' e l l a t as e " e l u ba ' enta dinar
wal du . (3) Wa-fannawa ' agbertihu ye�awwe ' ewwomu l a- ' e l l a
( 1 5 ) Wa- ' emze �oru F arisaweyan wa-tamakaru kama yas�etewwo ba-qalu.
t a ' assaru westa kabkab , wa- ' i -faqadu yem� e ' u. (4) Wa-dagema
( 1 6) Wa- fannawu xabehu ' arda ' ihomu mesl a sab ' a Herodes , wa-yebel ewwo :
fannawa kale ' ana ' agberta ' enza yebel :
Balewwomu l a - ' e l la ' assarnahomu : Nahu mesa�eya
CQ ' amazge' a to fat t en . sor (p l . ' aswar) ox , steer .
5. tagbar bus ines s , activity, t as k , j ob .
41 . ba-�esum adv . phras e : vi l e l y , wretchedly, without p i t y .
8. G kafaZa (yekfeZ) to divide (up) ; to apportion, dis tribut e ;
42 . D mannana to rej e c t , repudiat e , despise . D t tamannana
to make someone a parti c ipant/partaker in; impersonal l y : to be one ' s
pas s .mennun rej ected, desp i s e d ; unsuitable, worth l es s , vile .
portion (' i-kafa Zomu i t was not their portion ; they were not worthy
mennane repudiation , rej ection ; worthl essnes s , wickednes s .
of i t ) . Gt takafZa pass . ; to divide up among (ones e l ves ) ; to hes i ­
44 . Q qa pqa pa to crush , grind up . Qt taqa pqata pas s .
tat e , b e o f divided mind . kefuZ divided . kefZ (pl . -at) part , por­
crushed , groun d . qe pqape vn . crushing, grinding, dest ruction .
tion, share; section , category; chapter . makfaZt part , port ion , share .
damaqa to grind up, crush .
12. G faqama ; D faqgama to s top up , Obstruct , make speechless.
XX I I 3. D 'assara to call a meeting , to invite . Dt ta 'assara p as s .
Gt tafa¢ma tafaq�a pass . ; to be speechl es s .
Dt
'asur/ 'assur feas t , banque t .
1 3 . G gaz' a to s erve a t a feast , gez' /gaz' feas t , banquet .
4 . G mas� to dine , sup . CG ' amse�a caus . mesa� meal , din ­
gazza! ; gaz« i (p l . gaza' t) wai ter, attendant (at feast) .
ner; banquet , feast . magze' (p l . magaze' t) fattened cat t l e , fatlings.
356 35 7

Liq, na' ammer kama rate ' ' anta wa-ba-�edq temehher fenota ' AmI aka �eya.wa.n-ke. we' etu, wa- ' akko ' amI aka !Dew_u"':.�n ; (33) Wa-
' Egzi ' ab�er, wa- ' i - ta�ass eb manna-hi , wa- ' i -tadal lu l a-ga� � a s ami 'omu � e zb , ' ankaru mehlroto .

sab ' . ( 1 7) Negerana-ke ' enka za-yeratte ' aka yekawwen-hu wehiba
54 . Ba' enta � a�afi za-tas e " elo ' ayy t e ' zaz ya ' abbi
�aba�ta dinar l a-negus , wa-mima ' i -yekawwen-nu.
( I S) Wa- ' a ' maromu ' Iyasus ' ekayomu, wa-yebelomu : (34) Wa-s ami ' omu F ari s aweyan kama fa�amomu la-Saduqaweyan , t agabe ' u
Menta tamekkerun i , madl ewan? ( 1 9) ' Ar ' eyuni ' al ada dinar . xabehu . (35) Wa-t as e ' ' e lo ' ahadu ' em-westetomu .;; al}a:t;e" hagar ' enza
Wa- ' amse ' u lotu dinar a . ( 2 0) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus : y�l'lkkero :

Za-mannu zentu malke ' u wa-mashafu? Liq , ' ayy-nu te ' za z ya ' abbi ba-westa 'orit? .
.. .

( 2 1 ) Wa-yebe 1ewwo : Za-nag�s i . Wa-yebe lomu : (37) Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus :

w w
Habu za-nag�si la-nag�s i , wa- za- 'Egzi ' ab�er la- ' Egzi ' ab�e r . ' Afqer ' Egzi ' abl}er ' amlakaka ba-k e l lu l ebbeka wa-ba-k e l lu
w w
( 2 2 ) Wa- s ami ' omu, ' ankaru wa-xadagewwo wa-xalafu . nafseka wa-ba-k e l lu xayleka wa-ba-k e l lu x e l l innaka . (3S)
Zati t e ' zaz ' abay wa-qadamit . ( 39) Wa-kal e ' ta-hi temassela :
53. Ba' enta Saduq�weyan ' e l l a yebelu ' albo tens a ' e mewutan ' Afqer bi � aka kama nafseka . (40) Ba- ' el lantu kel ' e t e ' zaz
(23) Wa-ba-ye ' et i ' e lat mas ' u xabehu Saduqaweyan ' e l l a yebe lu ' albo tasaqlu kWe l l u ' orit wa-nabiyat .
tensa ' e mewutan . Wa-tas e " e lewwo ' enza yebel u :
55. Ba' enta Farisaw eyan zakama t as e " elomu ·Kerestos walda
Liq, Muse yebe : ' Emma-bo za-mota ' exuhu ' enza ' albo weluda ,
mannu w e ' etu Kerestos
yawseb be ' s i ta ' exuhu wa-yaqem weluda l a- ' exuhu . ( 2 5 ) Hal l awu
' enka xabena s ab ' at u ' axaw, wa- za-yel ehheq ' awsaba wa-mo t a , wa­ (41) Wa- ' enza gubu ' an Farisaweyan , t as e " elomu · ' Iyasus . ·(42f '� enza- .

' esma ' albo \'/e luda, xadaga be ' sito l a - ' exuhu . (26) Wa-kamahu yebel :

kale ' u-ni wa-salesu-hi ' eska s ab ' at ihomu . ( 2 7) Wa-dexra Menta tebelu ba' enta Kerestos? Walda mannu we ' etu?
kWe l l omu motat ye' eti be ' si t . (2S) ' Ama yetnasse ' u ' enka Wa-yebiil ewwo : Za-Diiwi t . (43) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus :
mewutan , l a-mannu ' em-s ab ' atihomu tekawwen be ' s i t a , ' esma ' E fo ' enka l a l ihu Dawit ba-manfas qeddus yeba :
kWe l l omu ' awsabewwa? (44) Yebelo ' eg z i ' l a- ' egzi ' eya : Nebar ba-yamiineya ' eska

(29) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus , wa-yebelomu : ' iigabb e ' omu la-�al ii ' teka tii�ta makayyada ' egarika .
Tese��etu ba- ' i -ya' mero ma�a�eft wa- ' i -xayla ' Egzi ' ab�er . ( 30) (45) Za-lalihu ' enka Dawit ' egzi ' eya yeb e l o , ' efo ' enka
' Ama-s a ya�ayyewu mewutan , ' i -yawassebu wa- ' i -yetwasabu , ' al Ia yekawweno waldo?
kama mal a ' ekta ' Egzi ' ab�er ba-samayat ' emuntu. ( 3 1 ) Wa-ba ' enta (46) Wa- ' albo za-kehla ' awse ' oto qiila, wa - ' albo za-�ab ' a ' em-ye ' et i

t ensa ' e mewutan-sa, ' i -yanbabkemu-hu z a - t abeh l a lakemu ' em-xaba 'elat tase " eloto menta-ni .

' Egzi ' ab�er, za-yebe :

Chapter XXI I I '
' Ana ' E gzi ' ab�er , ' amlaka ' Abreham wa- ' amlaka Yes�aq wa­
' amlaka Ya ' qob . ( 1 ) Wa- ' emz e nagaromu ' I yasus l a-�ezb wa- la- ' arda ' ihu ' enza yeb e l :
( 2 ) Diba manbara Muse nabaru �a�aft wa-Farisiiweyan . KWe l lo za­

16. l it . : "you regard/consider no one" "You take no account maharukemu gebaru wa- ' eqabu . ( 3) Wa-bakama yegabberu - s a ' i ­

of p erson , i . e . are impart i a l . " tegbaru, ' esma za-yemehheru ' i -yegabberu . ( 4) Wa-ya' as s eru

19. ' aZad coin . �ora ' abiya wa-kebuda, wa-yas akkemewwo l a- sab ' diba matiikeftu,

2 0 . G Zak' a to impre s s (a seal) , to ins crib e . Gt taZak' a

pass . ; to be affixed . Zeku' impressed, ins cribed, affi xed . ma Zke' XXI I I 4 . G sakama to carry on the shoulders . CG ' askama caus . Gt

seal impress i on , l ikenes s , figure . tasakma = G. matkaf(tJ (p l . matakeft) shoulder .

358 359

w mahala botu wa-ba- z a-yenabber westetu .... (22J�'Wa- za-hi ma�a l a

wa- lal ihomu-s a ' i -ye l akkefewwo ba- ' a�ba 'tomu . (5) Wa-k e l lo
-
megbaromu za-yegabberu l a - ' ayna s ab ' yegabberu, wa-ya ' abbeyu samaya ma�ala manbara ' Egzi ' ab�er wa-ba- za-yenabber dibehu .

' az f�rihomu , (6) wa-yafaqqeru re ' s a merfaqat ba-westa mesa�at , (23) ' Al e l akemu �aJ:!aft wa-Farisaweyan , madl ewan ,- ' e l l a
w tabawwe ' u 'l1serata ' edehu la- ' azab wa- Ia-selan- wa-.la-karnin, wa­
wa-nabira fe� �uma ba-westa ' a ' wada t , (7) wa-t a ' amex a ba-westa
me5ya�'at , wa-yebelomu s ab ' "Rabbi . " (8) ' Antemu- s a-ke ' i ­ xadaggemu z a-ya ' abbi t e ' zazata ' orit : �edq a , wa-me�wata , wa­

tess amayu rabbi , ' esma ' a�adu we ' etu mamehherekemu , wa- ' antemu­ haymanota . Ze -ni maftew tegbaru, wa-kiyahu-ni ' i -t�xdegu.

sa ' axaw kWe l l ekemu . (9) Wa- ' i -terasseyu ' aba ba-diba medr , (24) ' Amre�ta ' ewuran , ' el l a sadota tena!� efu wa-gamala-sa

' esrna ' a�adu we ' etu ' abukemu samayawi . (10) Wa- ' i -tessamayu tewexxe!u . (25) ' Ale lakemu �a�aft wa-Faris aweyan-, madl ewan ,

mamehherana , ' esrna ' ahadu mamehherekemu we ' etu Kerestos . (11) ' e ll a t axa��ebu �ewa 'a wa-�a�la ' enta ' af ' ahu, wa-wes�u-sa

Wa-ba�tu za-yelehheqakemu yekunkemu l a ' ka , ( 1 2 ) - ' esma za- ' a 'baya melu' hayda wa- 'amma�a wa-te 'gelta . (26) F arisawi 'ewur , qedma

re' so yaxasser, wa- za- ' at�ata re ' so yekabber. xe�ebo l a- � ewa ' wa- la-�a�l ' enta wes!u, kama yekun ne�u�a ' enta
' af' ahu-ni . (27) ' Al e l akernu �a�aft wa-Farisaweyan , madlewan,
56 . Ba' enta ' ale-lomu la-�a�aft wa-Farisaweyan ' el l a t emas selu maqabera gebsusana, ' e l l a ' enta .' af' ahomu

( 1 3 ) ' Ale l akemu �a�aft wa-Farisaweyan , madl ewan , ' esma yastare " eyu sannayana, wa- ' enta westomu- s a me lu'ana ' a 'semta
.
, w w· ·
tebal l e 'u ' aby�ta mabal l atat wa-tamakanneyu wa-tabaz zexu �alota. wa- abd enta wa-k e l l 0 rek s a . (28) Kamahu-ke ' antemu-ni ' enta

Ba' enta zantu terakkebu fadfada kWennane . ' Ale l akemu � a�aft ' af' akemu t e��eddaqu la- 'ayna s ab ' , wa- ' enta westekemu-s a
melu ' an ' antemu ' amma1a wa-hayda"w�- ' adlewo : (29) ' Ale lak emu
wa-Farisaweyan , madl ewan, ' esrna ta ' a� � ewu mangesta samayat ,
� �aft wa-F arisaweyan , madl ewan , ' e l l a tenaddequ maqaberihomu
west a ga��u l a - s ab ' . 'Antemu-hi ' i -tebawwe ' u wa- l a- ' el l a-hi
( 1 5 ) 'Ale lakemu s ahaft wa­ l a-nabiya t , wa-tastasaneyu z exro�u l a-�adeqan , (30) wa-tebelu:
yebawwe ' u tekal l e ' ewwomu bawi ' a .
Soba-s a hal l awna- ba-rnawa 'el a ' abawina,. ' emma ' i -xabarna
Faris aweyan, madl ewan , ' esma t a ' awwedu ba�ra wa-yabsa kama
mes lehomu neqtel nabiyata .
ta!mequ ' a�ada falas e . Wa- ta�amiqo , teress eyewwo ka 'batakemu
(30) Nahu-ke lal ikemu ta' ammenu ' kama daqiqomu ' antemu l a-qatalta
la-Gahannam . (16) ' A l e l akemu � a�aft wa-Farisaweyan , ' amre�ta
nabiyat . (32) ' Anternu-hi fa�� emu masfarta ' abawikemu . (33)
' ewuran , ' e l l a tebelu: Z a-ma�ala ba-beta maqdas daxen w e ' etu,
(17) ' Abdan wa­ 'Af 'ot , tewl edda ' arawita medr, ' efo tekelu ' amse!o ' em­
wa- za- sa ma�ala ba-warqa beta maqdas yegegi .
kWennane Gahannam? ( 34) Ba ' enta-ze nahu ' ana ' e fennu xabekemu
' ewuran . ' Ayy ya ' abbi : warq-nu wa-mima beta maqdas-nu za­
nabiyata wa-tababta wa- �a�afta, wa-teqattelu ba-westetornu, wa­
yeqeddeso l a-warq? (18) Wa- z a-maJ:!al a ba-maswa ' t daxen t ebelu, w
tesaqqelu, wa-teqassefu ' ern�westetomu ba-mak arebtihomu , wa­
wa- za- s a ma�ala �en��o yegegi t ebelu . ( 1 9) ' Abdan wa- ' ewuran .
tes addu ' em-hagar westa hagar, (35) kama yeb�a� l a ' l ekemu darna
' Ayy ya ' abbi : senhah-nu wa-mima meswa ' za-yeqeddeso l a-we ' etu
�en�a�? (20) Za-ke ma�ala ba-meswa' ma�ala botu wa-ma�ala
w 23 . <aserata ' ed a tithe . ' azab/' azab/' azob hyssop , mint .
ba-k e l l u za-dibehu . ( 2 1 ) Wa- z a-hi ma�ala ba-beta maqdas
se Zan di l l . kamin cummin .
24 . ?agot/?a?ot gnat , fl e a . G natfa to strain out . ne�uf
XXI I I 4 . G sakama to carry on the shoulders . CG ' askama caus . Gt
strained, pure . man�aft strainer , s i eve . G wexta/waxata (yaxat) to
tasakma = G. matkaf(t) (p l . matakeft) shoulder .
swal low.
13. maba ZZat (p l . -at) widow; nun . CQ ' amaknaya to preten d ,
27. gebses gypsum, p l aster. gebsus pl ast ered . <aqm (p l .
make excus es . mekneyat (fal se) excus e , pretext ; reason , caus e .
' a <demt) bon e .
1 5 . teresseyewwo ka <batakemu Za-Gahannam You make him your
33 . ' at' o t vipers .
double for Gehenna (i . e . , twi ce as l iab l e to Gehenna as yourselves) .
18. ?en�a� s acrifice , offering .
360 361

kWel lu �adeqan za-take ' wa diba medr ' em-dama ' Abel �adeq ' eska wa-ye� all e ' u babaynatihomu wa-yetqatalu . ' ( 1 1 ) Wa-bezuxan

dama Zakareyas walda Barakeyu , za-qatalkemu ba-ma ' ka l a beta J:assaweyana nabiyat ' yema�� e ' u, wa-bezuxana yasehbetu. (12) Wa­
maqdas . (36) ' Aman ' eb e l akemu : Yeba�� eha la- zati tewledd ze­ ' em.- bezxa la- ' ekay tesekkwe s feqra bezuxan . ' (1 ;)
Wa- z a-sa
kWe l lu . (37) ' Iyaruslilem, ' Iyarusalem, ' enta teqat t e l omu l a ­ ' azlafa te ' gesto we ' etu yedexxen . (14) Wa-yessabbak z e-wangel a
nabiyat wa- ' enta teweggeromu l a-�awareyat la- ' e l l a tafannawu mangest wes ta kWel lu ' [lam kama' yekun S em' a Hi. ' l a kWe l lu ' aJ:zab,

xabeha, mi-matana faqadku ' astagab e ' omu l a-weludeki kama ' enta wa-ye ' eta ' amira yebll��e� xelqat . ( 1 5 ) Wa- ' �ma :re/ikemu xasaro
tastagab e ' doreho ' afrextiha ta�ta kenafiha , wa- ' abaykemu . (38) l a-mus ena za-tabeh l a ba-Dane ' e l nab'iy ' enza yeq;\",;e� westa

Nahu yetxaddag l akemu betekemu badwa. (39) ' Aman ' ebelakemu : makan qeddus ' (za-yanabbeb yelabbu) , (1'6 ) ' runeha ' el l a �esta

' I - tere " eyuni ' em-ye ' ze ' eska soba tebel u : Buruk za-yema � � e ' Yehuda yegWayyu wes t a ' adba r , ( 1 7) wa- za.-west a naJ:s ' i -yerad

ba- s ema ' Eg z i ' ab�er . yens1i.' z a-westa betu, ( 1 8 ) wa- za-westa garaht ' i -yetmaya�
dexrehu yensa' l ebso . ( 1 9 ) ' Ale Ion baJ:tu l a -�en.usa.t wa- l a­
Chapter XXIV ' e l l a yaJ:a��ena ba-we ' etu mawa ' e l . (20) , Wa-�al l eyu b�tu kama
57. Ba' enta xelqata ' a l am ' i -yekun gWeyyake�u ba-keramt wa-ba-sanbat , ( 2 1 ) ' esma yekawwen

( 1 ) Wa-wa�i ' o ' Iyasus ' em-beta maqdas , �ora, wa-qarbu ' arda ' ihu, wa­ ye ' eta ' amira ' abiy J:emam wa-mendabe za- ' i -kona ' em-qedma ' a l am
w wa- ' eska yom, wa- ' i -yekawwen-hi . ( 2 2 ) Wa- soba ' akko-hu za­
' ar' ayewwo �en�ahu l a-mek rab . (2) Wa- ' awse ' a, wa-yebelomu :
Tere " eyu-nu zant a kWe l l o ? ' Aman ' eb e l akemu, ' i -yetxaddag xa�ara ' emantu mawi i< e 1 , ' albo za-! em-�exna mannu-hi za-sega,

zeyya ' ebn diba ' ebn za- ' i -yetnassat . wa-ba�tu b a ' enta .xeruyan- yaxa� � era ' �mantu mawa'< e l . (23) '

(3) Wa- ' enza yenabber ba-Dabra Z ayt , qarbu ' arda' ihu xabehu ' enza ." ' ....
' Ameha ' emrna-bo . za-yebe l akemu "Nawa zeyya 'haUo Keresto s , w.a -

yebelu ' enta bahtitomu : nawa ka�ak , " ' i - t e ' manu , (24) ' esma yema� � e ' u �assaweyana masih

Negerana ma' ze yekawwen - z e , wa-ment t e ' mertu l a-me s ' ateka wa- wa-�assaweyana nabiyat , wa-yegabberu t a�amera ' abayta wa­

l a- xe l qata ' alamo mankera l a - ' as�eto , s oba-sa yetkahha1 omu , l a-xeruyan-hi . (25)
(4) Wa- ' awse ' a ' Iyasus wa-yebelomu : Nahu qadamku nagirotakemu. (26) ' Emrna-ke yebelukemu "Nawa
'Uqu ' albo za-yas�etkemu, (5) ' e sma bezuxan yema� � e ' u ba- s ema gadruna hal l o , " ' i -te�a ' u ; wa-"N awa westa ' abyat , " ' i -· t e ' manu ,
z i ' aya ' enza yebelu, '' ' Ana we' etu mas i�, 1 1 wa-be zuxana yase��etu. (27) ' esma kama ' enta mabraq yewa��e ' ' em - � ebaJ: , wa-yast are" i

(6) Wa-hal l awakemu t e sme 'u qatl a wa-dem�a �aba ' it . ' Uqu ' i ­ ' eska ' arab , kamahu mes ' atu l a-walda ' egWa l a ' emrna-�eyaw . (28)
t e dange�u, ' esma gebr yekawwen kamahu, wa- ' akko ba- gizeha za­ Xaba hal l awa gadala , heyya yetgabe ' u ' ansert . (29) Wa-ba­
yaxal l eq . ( 7 ) Wa-yetnassa' �ezb diba �ezb wa-nagast diba gi zeha ' em-dexra �emamon l a - ' emantu mawa' e l , ��ay-ni ye�al l em,

nagast , wa-yema�� e ' raxab wa-bedbed wa-hakak ba-ba ba�awert ihu . wa-warx-ni ' i -yehub berhano , wa-kawakebt yewaddequ ' em-samay ,
w wa-yanqal aqqel xayla s amayat . (30) Wa-ye ' eta ' amira yastare " i
( 8 ) Wa- ze-k e l lu qadami ma�mam . (9) ' Ameha yeme��ewukemu la­
mendabe , wa-yeqassefukemu wa-yeqatte lukemu wa-ye� al l e ' ukemu t a' amerihu l a-walda " egWal� ' ernrna-heyaw ba-samay . ' Ameha
kWe l lu hezb ba' enta semeya . ( 1 0 ) Wa- ' ameha ya ' a l l ewu bezuxan , �
yebakkeyu kWe l lu ' a�zaba medr, wa- ere " eyewwo l a-walda ' egWala
' emma-�eyaw ba-dammanata s amay yema� � e ' mes l a xayl wa-s eb�at
37. doreho (p l . daware h) m . f . chi cken , hen , rooster . ' afrext/ bezux. ( 3 1 ) Wa-ye£ennewomu l a-mala ' ektihu mes l a qal a qarn

' afxert ( co l I . ) chicks .

W
XXIV 2. G nasata (yen set) to destroy, overturn . Gt tanasta p as s . 12. D sakk asa to ceas e , come to an end , die out .

nesut destroyed. nestat destruction . 28. gadaZa corpse (s) , cadaver (s} .
6. �aba' it/?aba' i t b at t l e , fighting. 29. CQ ' �aqalqala intrans . : to move , shak e , quake ; t rans . : to

7. hakak tumul t , chaos . mov e , shak e , agitate . naqalqal mot ion , shaking , agitation .
362 363
' abiy, wa-yastagabe ' omu l a -xeruyanihu ' em- ' arba ' tu makan ' em­ ,
i - ta�az z aba wa-ba-gize ' i-ya' mara, (5l ).�wa-yekWenneno �a­
' a�n�fa s am�y ' eska ' a�nafa s amay. (32) Wa- ' em-balas ' a' meru yemattero wa-yiigabbe' .makfal to mes l a madl.ewan xaba bekay wa­
' amsal ihu : ' emkama kona ' a�qa dekuma wa-qWa�la l amlama, �aqiya s��an .· ,
ta' ammeru kama qarba ma ' raru . (33) Kamahu-ke " antemu-hi
' emkama re ' ikemu zanta kWe l l o , ' a ' meru kama qarb a wa-hal l o xaba Chap'ter' XXV
xoxt . (34) ' Aman ' ebelak emu kama ' i -taxal lef za-tewl edd ' e ska 59. Ba' enta ' asru danage l
w
z e-k e l lu yetgabbar . (35) Samay wa-medr yaxallef wa-qal eya-sa ( 1 ) ' Ameha temassel mangesta samayat ' asru d��gela ' e l l a nas ' a
' i-yaxal l e f . maxatewihon wa-wa� ' a westa qabbala mar ' awi . (2) Wa-xams ' em­
westeton ' abdat ' emantu , wa-xams !ababat . (3) Wa- ' abdat -sa
58. Ba' enta s a ' at wa- ' elat
nasi ' on maxatewihon ' i -nas ' a qeb ' a meslehon, (4) wa-!ababat -sa
(36) Wa-b a ' enta ye' eti-sa ' elat wa-ye ' eti s a ' at ' albo za­ nas ' a qeb ' a ba-gama ' eyehon mes l a maxatewihon . (5) Wa- gWandeyo
ya' ammer�, wa- ' i -mala' ekta sam�y wa- ' i -wald za' enbala ' ab mar' awi daqqasa kWe l l on wa-noma . (6) Wa-ma' kala lelit w ewwe ' a
bahtitu . (37) Wa-bakama kona ba-mawa ' e l a Nox kamahu yekawwen kona:
mes ' atu l a-walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw . (38) Bakama y e ' eta Nahu mar 'awi ma� ' a . · 9a ' u westa qabbalahu .
' amira ' em-qedma ' ayx yeba l l e 'u wa-yesatteyu wa-yawas s ebu wa­ (7) Wa- ' emz e tanse ' a ' e l i eku danagel kWel lon , wa- ' asannaya .
yetwasabu, ' eska ' ama bo ' a Nox westa tabot , (39) wa- ' i -ya ' maru maxatewihon . (8) Wa- ' el l eku ' abdat yebe lahon l a-tababat :
. .
' eska soba mas. ' a maya ' axy wa- ' a!fe ' a kWe l l o , kamahu- ke
...

Habana ' em-qeb ' ek'en , ' esrii'a ni�xat'ewina -!af' ��"
, w
yekawwen me� atu la-wal d a ' eg _ala ' emma- h. eyaw - . (40) ' Ameha (9) Wa- ' aws e ' lih�n, t ababli�_ ' e� z � yeb�la :
��� :
' ; ·
kel ' � yehel l ewu westa garaht : ' a�ada yenasse ' u wa-kal e ' o ' Emma �bo , -ya' akkelana lana w"a,:"l aken . l;Iura
yaxaddegu . ( 4 1 ) Wa-kel ' et i y�arre�a ba- ' a�adu ma�ra� : ' a�atta xabehomu l a- ' el l a yesayye�u wa-tasaya! � l aken .

r
yenasse ' u wa-kal e ' ta yaxaddegu . Wa-ke l ' e yesakkebu westa (10) Wa-hawiton yessayata , ba��a mar 'awi , wa-bo ' a mes lehu
' a�adu ' arat : ' a�ada yenasse ' u wa- ' a�ada yaxaddegu . (42) ' el leku del ewat westa kabkab , wa-ta ' a�wa xoxt . ( 1 1 ) Wa-dexra
Tegehu ' enka, ' e sma ' i -ta' ammeru ba- ' ayy s a ' at yema�� e ' ma� ' � ' el l ektu-hi danagel , wa-yebela : � Egzi ' o , ' egzi ' o ,
. ' eg z i ' ekemu . (43) Wa- z anta ba�tu ' a ' meru : soba ya' ammer-hu

I
' arxewan a . ( 1 2) Wa- ' awse ' on , wa-yebe :
ba ' l a 'bet g i ze yema� � e ' s araqi , ' em-tagha wa- ' em- ' i - xadaga ' Amlin ' ebelaken kama ' i -ya ' ammeraken .
yetkaray betu . (44) Ba' ent a - ze ' antemu-hi del ewanikemu hal lewu, ( 1 3) Tegehu-ke , ' esma ' i -ta ' ammeru ' elata wa- sa 'ata .

I
' esma ba-gi ze ' i -ta ' ammeru yema� � e ' walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw .
(45) Mannu ' enga gabr ma ' man wa-�abib za-yesayyemo ' egzi ' u 60 . Ba ' enta ' el l a nas ' u mak�leya berur
westa betu kama yahabomu s i sita ba-gi zehu? (46) Be�u' we ' etu
gabr za-ma�i ' o ' egz i ' u yerakkebo ' enza zanta yegabber . (47) f ( 14) ' Esma kama be' s i za-yenagged, wa- s awwe ' a ' agbertihu,

' Aman ' ebelakemu kama diba kWel lu !eritu yesayyemo . (48) Wa ­ SO . G . �azaba to think , believe , suppos e . Gt t�zba = Dt
' emma-sa yebe we' etu gabr ' ekuy ba- l ebbu, "YegWanaddi ' at iwa ta�azzaba = G ; also : to exp ect ; to fear, avoid; to care, be con­
' egzi ' eya, " (49) wa-yezabbe! ' abya�ihu, wa-yebal l e ' wa-yesatti cerned . te�zebt opinion , belief, expectation , fear .
mes la sakart , (50) wa-yema�� e ' ' egzi ' u l a-we ' etu gabr ba- ' e l at XXV 1. qabaZa/qabbaZa a meeting, encounter; westa qabbaZa prep .
phras e : out to meet .
49 . G sakra (yesker , yeskar) to be intoxicate d . CG ' askara 4. gem 'e (p l . gama 'ey) flask , container for oil .
caus . sekv� inebriated, drunk . sakar intoxicating drink; intoxica­ 6. D wawwe 'a to shout . wewwe 'a a shout , cry .
tion . sekrat intoxication . sakG:r>i (p l . s.akart) drunkard . 9. ) el7U7la-bo kama perhap s.
364 365
'"
w . . . •'

wa-wahabomu newayo yetgabbaru . ( 1 5 ) Wa-bo la-za wahabo xamesta ( 2 9) ' Esma l a-k e l l u" l a� za-Db Y.e'h.uhewwC! wa-yewes sekewwo ,
maklita, wa-bo l a - z a ke l ' e , wa-bo l a - za ' a�ada : l a- I a ' a�adu wa- Ia-za-sa ' albo ' �l l a-hi -bo Yahayyxaewwo . (30) Wa- I a­
bakama yekel u . Wa-nagada ba-gi zehli . ( 1 6) Wa-�ora zeku za­ gabr-sa ' ekuy " aw1e ' ewwo westa '�an�fi !ielmat xaba bekay
xamsa maklita nas ' a, wa-tagabbara bontu, wa-rab�a kal e ' t a xamsa wa-�aqiya s enan .
makl ita. (17) Wa-kamahu za-hi kel ' eta rab�a kaI e ' t a kel ' et a .
61. Ba' enta me� ' atu la-Kerestos
( 1 8 ) Wa- za- ' �atta-sa nas ' a xal afa wa-karaya medra wa-xab ' a
: b�- s eb�atihu,
- '
warqa ' egzi ' u. ( 1 9) Wa- ' emdexra be zux mawa' el. ' atawa ' egzi ' omu ( 3 1 ) Wa- ' ama yema��e' walda ' egWala ' en:ma-�eya
w
la- ' e l leku ' agbert , wa- ta�asaba meslehomu . (20) Wa-qarba za­ wa-k e l l omu mala' ektihu mes i ehu, ' ' ameha yenabber westa manbara
xamsa makal eya nas ' a, wa- ' am�e" a kale ' t a xamsa makaIeya ' enza seb�atihu . (32) Wa-yetgabe ' u kWe ll omu ' a�zab ' qedmehu, wa­
yebe l : yefa l l e!omu za-za z i ' ahomu kama no lawi yefal le! ' abage ' a ' em�
' Egzi ' o , xamsa makaleya wahabkani , wa-nahu xamsa kal e ' t a ' atal i . ( 33) Wa-yaqawwem ' abage' a ba-yamiin wa-" ataIe ba-�agam .

rab�ku. ( 34) ' Ameha yebel negus la- ' e l l a ba-yam� :

(21) Wa-yebelo ' egzi ' u : N e ' u burukiinihu la- ' abuya. Terasu mangesta z a- ' as tadiilawa
' O - gabr xer wa-me ' man . Ba-�eda� konka me 'mana . Westa l akemu ' em-qedma ' alam o ' Esma rexebku wa- ' abla' kemun i ,
bezux ' esayyemak a . Ba' westa tefse�ta ' egzi ' eka . � ama ' ku wa- ' astaykemuni , wa-nagda konku wa-tawakafkemuni .
( 2 2 ) Wa-ma� ' a za-ke l ' eta-ni maklita nas ' a, wa-yebe : ( 36) ' Araqqu wa- ' al baskemun i , dawayku 'wa-�awwa!i'kemun i ,

' E g z i ' o , ' akko-hu kel ' eta makaleya wahabkani? Niihu t amoq�ku wa-nababkemuni .
ke l ' eta klile ' ta makaleya ' el l a rabahku . (37) ' Ameha yawasse ' u �adeqan; -wa-yeb� lu :
. .
( 2 3) Wa-yebel o ' egzi ' u : ' Egzi ' o , ma ' ze re' inaka rexubaka wa"::"'ab\�<i1aka, wa-
' O - gabr xer wa-me ' man . Ba-�e1at konka me ' mana . Westa � emu ' aka wa- ' astaynaka? '(38) Wa-m_e re ' inaka ' engediika

bezux ' esayyemaka . Ba' west a fesse�ahu l a- ' egz i ' ek a . wa-tawakafnaka, wa- ' eraqaka' wa- ' '� i basnaka? (39) Wa­

(24) Wa-ma� ' a za- ' a�atta-ni maklita nas ' a, wa-yebe : dewuyaka-ni wa-.�awwa�nak a , wa-muq�aka wa-nababnaka?
' Egzi ' o , ' a' ammeraka kama deruk b e ' si ' anta . Ta' arrer (40) Wa-yawasse ' negus, wa-yebelomu :

xaba ' i - z ara ' ka, wa-tastagab e ' ' em-xaba ' i - z arawk a . (25) ' Aman ' ebelakemu : kWe l l o za-gabarkemu l a- ' ahadu ' em­
Wa- fariheya �orku wa-xaba' ku maklitaka westa medr . Nahu ' e llu ne ' usan ' axaweya ' el l a ya' ammenu beya, lita
' enka makl iteka. gabarkemu ..
( 26) Wa- ' awse ' o ' egzi ' u , wa-yebe lo : (41) Wa- ' emz e yebelomu la- ' el l a ba-1agiim :

' Ekuy gabr wa-hakkay . Ta' ammerani kama ' a' arrer xaba �uru regumlin westa ' essat za- Ia- ' alam za-de l ew l a - s ay�an
' i - zara ' ku wa- ' astglibe ' ' em-xaba ' i - zarawku . (27) ' Em­ wa- I a-malli' ektihu. (42) ' Esma rexebku wa- ' i -yab l a ' kemuni,

nasa ' ka warqeya , wa- ' em- ' agba ' ka westa ma' ed , wa-ma�i ' eya �amli ' ku wa- ' i -yastaykemuni , (43) ' wa-nagda konku wa- ' i ­
' em- ' astagabbarkewwo l aliya ba-rede . (28) Nese ' u ' em­ t awakafkemuni , ' araqqu wa- ' i -yalbaskemuni , dawayku wa- ' i ­
xabehu maklita, wa-habewwo la-za-botu ' asarta maklita . �awwa�kemuni , tamoqli�ku wa- ' i -nababkemuni.
(44) ' Ameha yawasse ' u ' el l a ba-�aglim ' enza yebel u :

14. Note Dt tagabbara in the sense "to invest , " and COt (vs . ' E gzi ' o , ma ' ze re ' inaka rexubaka wa-semu' aka wa- ' engedlika
27 belDly) "to recover one ' s investment . " wa- ' eraqaka wa-dewuyaka wa-tamoqi � aka wa- ' i -tal e ' eknaka?
24 . deruk harsh , savage . (45) Wa- ' emze yawasse ' omu negus ' enza yebe l :

27. rede interes t ( finan c i al ) . Gt taradya to l end at inter­

est , to receive intere s t . G l t taradaya i dem . 32 . taZi ( f . - t ; pl . ' a�a Zi) goat .
366 367
... -

' Arnan ' ebelakemu : za- ' i - gabarkemu l a- ' ahadu ' em- ' el l u 63. Ba' enta z akama tase " ' el ewWo ba-xaba' yasiimal ewu ,-lotu F e sha
n e ' us an , l i t a ' i -gabarkemu .
( 1 7) Wa-ba-qadamit 'e l at a F esQ. . ,qar.b.u ' arda ' ihu la- ' Iyasus wa­
(46) Wa-ya�awweru ' e l l a-hi westa kWennane za-la- 'alam , wa­
yebel ewwo :
�adeqan - s a west a � eywat z a - l a- ' a l am .
Ba- ' ayte te 'faq'qed nas tadalu l aka t ebla ' Fes�a?
( 1 8 ) Wa-yebelomu ' Iyasus : ."
Chapter XXVI
l;Iuru xaba ' egale wa-bal ewwo : Yebe liq : I I G i ze' y."a ' qar�a, wa­
( 1 ) Wa-kona ' emza fas sama ' Iyasus zanta kWe l l o nagara , yebelomu la­
xabeka ' egabber Fasika mes l a ' arda ' eya . "
' arda' ihu :
( 1 9) Wa- gabru ' arda' ihu bakama ' az zazomu ' Iyasus , wa- ' astadalawu
( 2) Ta' ammeru kama ' eska kel ' e ' mawa ' el yekawwen Fas i k , wa­
Fe5�a . (20) Wa-meseta kawino , rafaqa mes la ' asartu wa-ke l ' etu
ye ' exxezewwo la-walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw wa-yesaqqe l ewwo .
' arda' ihu. ( 2 1 ) Wa- ' enza yebal l e 'u , yebe :
(3) Wa- ' emze tagabe ' u l iqana kahenat wa- l iqanat a �ezb westa ' a�ada
' Arnan ' ebelakemu kama ' ahadu ' emennekemu yagabbe ' ani .
l iqa kahenat za-s emu Qayafa, (4) wa-tamakaru kama ' Iyasus-ha ba-�ebl
( 2 2 ) Wa-takkazu !eqqa wa- ' axazu yebalu ba-ba ' ahadu :
ya' axazewwo wa-yeqtelewwo . ( 5 ) Wa-yebe l u : Bahtu ' akko-ke ba-ba 'al ,
' Ana-hu ' en�a ' Egz i ' o ?
kama hakaka ' i -yekun westa �ezb .
( 2 3) Wa- ' awse ' a , wa-yebe :
Za- s abxa mes leya ' edehu westa ma�bex we' etu yagabbe ' ani . ( 24)

�.
62 . Ba' enta ' enta qab ' at o la- ' Egzi ' ena ' e frata
" Wa-walda ' egWala ' emma-�eyaw ya�awwer bakama �eQ.uf ba' enti ' ahu,
(6) Wa-ba� i�o ' Iyasus Bitany[ beta Sem ' on za- l am� , (7) ma� ' at xabehu ,

wa-bahtu ' ale lotu l a-we ' etu b e ' s i za-ba- Hl 'l �hu yetmeHawewwo
"

be ' si t ' en z a bat,i berale za-me l u ' ' e frata westetu za-bezux setu, wa­ ,
' Em-xayyaso soba ' i -tawalda , l a-
so!at diba re ' su l a- ' Iyasus ' en z a yeraffeq . (8) Wa-re ' eyomu
we ' etu be ' s i .
' ard[' ihu, tame " u wa-yebe lu :
(25) Wa- ' awse ' a Yehuda za-yagahbe ' o , wa:"yebe : ' Ana-hu ,� en'ga- �rabbi?
La-ment-nu matana-ze ' ahgWa l at ? (9) Za- ' em-t asay!a ba-bezux
Wa-yebe 1o :
wa-yahabewwo me�wata la-naddayan .
' Anta tebe .
( 1 0) Wa- ' a' mara ' Iyasus , wa-yebelomu :
64 . B a ' enta ser ' at a mes!ir
La-ment tasarre�ewwa l a-be ' s it? �annaya gebra gabrat la ' leya .
( 1 1 ) Wa-naddayan - s a zalfa t erakkebewwomu, wa-kiyaya-sa ' akko ( 26) Wa- ' enza yebal l e 'u, nas ' a xebesta ' Iyasus , wa-baraka, wa-fatata,
zalfa za-terakkebuni . ( 1 2) Wa- zanta-sa ' e frata za-sotat diba wa-wahaba la- ' arda ' ihu , wa-yebe :
re' s eya la-qabareya gabrat . ( 1 3) ' Arnan ' ebel akemu : Ba-xaba ' Enkemu bel e ' u . Ze-we ' etu segaya.
tasabka z e-wangel ba-westa kWe l lu 'alam yanabbebu za-gabrat za­ (27) Wa-nas ' a � ewa ' a, wa- ' a' kW ata, wa-wahabomu ' en za yebe l :
ni wa-yezakkerewwa . S et ayu ' em-westetu kW e l l ekemu . ( 2 8 ) Ze-we ' etu dameya z a-haddis
(14) Wa- ' emze �ora ' ahadu ' em- ' asartu wa-kel ' etu ' arda ' ihu za-semu ser ' at z a-yetka" aw ba' enta bezuxin kama yetxadag xati ' at .
Yehuda ' Asqorotawi xaba l iqana k1'lhenat , ( 1 5) wa-yebelomu : (29) Wa- ' ebel akemu : ' I -yesatti ' enka ' em- ze fere wayn ' eska
Mi -matana tehubuni wa- ' ana l akemu ' agabbe ' o? ' entakti ' e lat ' ama ' es att eyo �addisa mes lekemu ba-mangesta
Wa-wahabewwo salas a berura . ( 1 6 ) Wa- ' em- ' ameha yefaqqed yerkab saxta ' abuya.
kama yagb e ' o .
17. Fes� Passover . Fasika i d em .
XXVI 7. berale/birale beryl , crystal ; here an alabas ter vessel .
� 23. G �abxa t o dip . �abx sauc e , gravy . ma�bex dish, bowl .
'efrat un gu en t . G sota (yesu�) to pour . Gt tasCiJ.J}ta p as s . and reflex. 26. ' enkemu � ' enka . This p art i c l e i s thus s e en t o b e com-
sewut poured . sutat vn . pouring , emptying . pose d of an e l ement ' en- p lus a s e cond p erson pronominal e l ement .
368
369
(30) Wa- ' anbibomu , wac;l ' u westa Dabra Zayt . (31) Wa- ' emze yebelomu
wa-yebelomu :
' Iyasus :
Numu ' enka- sa, wa- ' a 'refu. Nahu ba�l)a gi zehu, wa-yagabbe ' ewwo
KWe l lekemu ta' a l l ewuni ba- zati l e l i t , ' esma yebe ma��af :
la-walda ' egWala ' emma-heyaw westa · ' eda xate ' an . (46) Tanse ' u ,
' Eqattelo l a-nolawi , wa-ye z z arraw ' abage ' a mar' etu .
nel)ur . Niihu qarba z a-yagabb e ' ani .
(32) ·Wa- ' emkama tansa ' ku , ' eqaddemakemu Gal i l a .
(33) Wa- ' awse ' a Pe!ro s , wa-yebe lo : 65. Ba' enta geb ' atu la-Kerestos -
' Emma-hi kW e l l omu ' alawuka, ' i -ya' allewaka gemura . -
(47) Wa- ' enz a zanta yetnagar, nahu Yehuda ' em:: <asartu· '�a-kel ' e ��
(34) Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus :
' a�adu ma� ' a, wa-mes lehu bezux s ab ' mes l a ma�abe� wa- 'e aw � ' em­
1
' Arnan >ebe l aka kama ba-zati l e l i t selsa teke�l)edani za' enbala
xabehomu la-l iqana kahenat wa- liqanata �ezb . ·(48) Wa- za-yagabbe ' o
yenqu doreho .
wahabomu t e ' merta ' enza yebe l :
(35) Wa-yebelo Petros :
Za-sa 'amku we' etu. Kiyahu ' axazu .
' Emma-hi motku mes l eka, ' i -Yeke��edak a .
(49) Wa-qarba xaba ' Iyasus , wa-s a 'arno , wa-yebelo .: Bal)a Rabbi . ( 5 0)
Wa-kamahu yebelu kWe l l omu ' arda ' ihu . (36) Wa- ' emze I)ora mes lehomu
Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus :
' a� ada wayn za-semu Geteseman , wa-yebe lomu l a- ' arda' ihu :
Kale' eya, ma� a ' ka-nu?
Nebaru z eyya ' es ka soba ' �awwer ka�a wa- ' e�all i .
Wa- ' anse ' u ' edawihomu , wa- ' axaz�wwo la- ' Iyasus . ( 5 1 ) Wa-niihu ' al)adu
(37) Wa-nas ' o la-Pe!ros wa- l a - ke l ' ehomu daqiqa Zabdewos , wa- ' axaz a
' em- ' el l a mes l ehu l a- ' Iyasus s afl)a : e dehu wa-malxa ma!ba�to , _ wa­
yetakke z wa-ye�zen . (38) Wa- ' emze yebelomu :
z �ba!o la-gabra liqa kahenat , wa-mataro ' e zno-. - .c5� iji-yebelo
Takkazat nafseya ' eska l a-mawit . Nebaru z eyya, wa-tegehu
' Tyasus :
mes l eya . ·
' Agbe ' ma!bal)taka wes ta betu, ' esma kW e l l omu ' e l l a ma!bal)ta
( 39) Wa- t a ' atata Qeqqa ' em-heyya, wa-s agada ba-ga� �u , wa-�al laya, wa­
yanasse ' u ba-ma!bal)t yemawwetu. -(5 3) Yema:;sel akemu-nu za- ' i ­
yebe :
yekel ' astabqWe ' oto l a- ' abuya wa-yaqem l ita fadfada ' ern- ' asartu
' Abuya, ' emma- s a yetkahhal , yexlef ' emenneya z e - � ewa ' . Wa­
wa-kel ' etu s arawit a mala' ekt? (54) 'Efo ' enka yet fa� � am qala
ba�tu faqadaka yekun , wa- ' akko faqadeya .
ma�l)af z a-yebe kama- ze hal l awo yekun?
(40} Wa-I)ora xaba ' arda ' ihu, wa-rakabomu ' enza yenawwemu, wa-yebe lo
(55) Wa-yebelomu la-I)ezb ' Iyasus s obeha :
la-Pe!ros :
Kama za- s araqi tedegenu rna�a' kemu ba- ' e9aw wa-ba-ma�abel)
Kama- ze-nu s e ' enkemu tagiha ' �atta sa' ata mes leya? (41) w
ta' axazuni? Wa- z alfa ' enabber mes lekemu ba-rnek rab wa- ' emehher,
Tegehu wa- �alleyu kama ' i -teba' u westa mansut . Manfas - s a
wa- ' i - ' axazkemuni .
yefattu, wa-sega dekum . w
( 5 6 ) Wa- ze-k e l lu za-kona kama yeb�a� qala nabiyat . Wa- ' emze
(42) Wa- ka' eba hora dagema , wa- � al l aya , wa-yebe :
kWellomu ' arda' ihu xadagewwo wa_gW ayyu . (57) Wa� ' e l l a ' axazewwo la­
' Abuya, ' emma ' i -yetkahhal z e -xal i fa z a ' enbala ' esteyo , yekun
' Iyasus wasadewwo xaba Qayafa liqa kahenat xaba tagabe 'u' �al)aft wa­
faqadaka.
l iqanat . (58) Wa-talawo Pe!ros ' em- re�uq ' eska ' a�ada liqa kiihenat ,
(43) Wa- gab ' a ka ' eba xaba ' arda ' ihu, wa-rakabomu ' enza yenawwemu,
wa-bo ' a westa, wa-nabara mes la wa 'ali yer ' ay rnaxlaqto la-nagar . ( 5 9 )
' esma ' a ' yentihomu kebudat . (44) Wa-I)ora ka ' eba ba-sales , wa-? al l aya
�
wa-yaxasses l iqana kahenat wa-� al)aft wa-l iqanat wa-kw ellu ' awd
kiyiihu kema qal a ' enza yebe l . (45) Wa-gab ' a ka' eba xaba ' arda ' ihu ,
sarna 'ta hassat ba- z a yeqte l ewwo la- ' Iyasus , wa- ' i - rakabu . (60) Wa-

39 . �eqqa adv. a little , a little whi l e , a short distance .

47. red i n the s ense " c lub . "
ba-�eqqa suffi cient ly, enough ; very much , altogether .
52. bet in the sense " s h eath . "
44. Note the emphat i c use of kiHa- kema : the very s ame words .
55 . kama za- l ike , as though, as it were .
370 371

ma� ' u be zuxan s ama 'ta �as s at , wa- s e ' nu . Wa-dexra ma� ' u ke l ' etu, ( 6 1 ) �e l s a teke��edani za' enbala yenqu doreho .
wa-yebeI u : Wa-wa1' a ' af ' a , wa-bakaya marira .

Yebe - z e : ' Ekelo nasitoto l a-bet a ' Egzi ' ab�er wa-ba-salest
.Chapter; X :v I I .
' e l at ' anse ' oto .
(62) Wa-tanse ' a l iqa kahenat , wa-yebe l o : ( 1 ) Wa-� abi�o t amakaru kWe l lomu l iqana kahenat wa- liqanata �ezb

' I -tesamme ' -nu z a-ma�ana- z e yastawadeyuka? yeqtel ewwo l a- ' Iyasus . ( 2 ) Wa- ' asiromu, was adewwo wa:!1faHawewwo l a­

(63) Wa- ' i -yawse ' o ' Iyasus . Wa-yebelo l iqa kahenat : P i latos P an�anawi l a-mal ' aka ' ilh zab .

'Am�al kuka ba- ' Egzi ' ab�er �eyaw kama tengerani ' emma ' anta-hu
67. Ba ' enta zakama n as s e�a Yehuda· .."
Kerestos waldu l a- ' Egzi ' ab�er..
(3) Wa- ' emze soba re ' ya Yehuda za- ' agbe ' o kama ' arse�ewwo , nas s eha
(64) Wa-yebelo ' Iyasus :
' Anta tebe , wa-ba�tu ' ebelakemu : ' Em-ye ' ze-sa tere " eyewwo la­ wa- ' agbe ' a salasa berura la- liqana kahenat wa- l a- l iqawenta �ezb , (4)

walda ' e gWa l a ' emma-�eyaw ' enza yenabber ba-yamana xayl wa­ ' enza yebel :

' enza yema� � e ' ba-dammanata s amay. ' Abbasku za- ' agba ' ku dama �adeq .

(65) Wa-sa�ata ' albasihu l iqa kahenat ' en z a yebe l :

Wa-yeblH ewwo :

Menta ' enka tefaqqedu l otu s ama 'ta? Nahu �arfa, wa-sama 'kemu Mi - l a ' l ena? ' Anta ' a' mer.

1erfato . (66) Menta ' enka tebelu? (5) Wa-gadafa we' eta berura westa mekwrab , wa-�ora, wa-taxanqa . (6)

Wa- ' awse ' u , wa-yebe l u : Yeqt e l ewwo . (67) Wa- ' emze taf'u westa ga� �u, Wa-nas' u l iqana kahenat we ' eta"\erura', wa-yebeiu : .... . ..: ). . .. , .
w ' I -yekawwen nedayo west a qWerban , ' es�a seta dam we ' etu.
wa-k ar ' ewwo , wa-� a f ' ewwo ' en z a yebe lu :
Tanabbay l ana Kerestos . Mannu we ' etu za-�af ' aka? ( 7 ) Wa-tamakiromu , t asayatu botu medra l ab�awi l a-'m�qabera ' engeda.
(8) Wa-tas amya we ' etu medr medra dam ' �ska yom . . . (9) Wa-ye '.�ta ' amira
66. Ba' enta z ak1bna ke�da Petros ba��a qal a ' Eremeyas nabiy z a-yebe :

(69) Wa-Pe�ros yenabber ' af ' a westa 'a�ad . Wa-mas ' at wal att , wa­ Wa-nas ' u salasa berura se�o l a-kebur za- ' akbaru ' em-daqiqa
tebelo : ' Es ra ' e l , (�O) wa-wahabewwon l a-garahta lab�awi bakama ' a zzazani
'Anta-hi mes l a ' Iyasus Galilawi hal l awka . ' Egzi ' ab�er .
w ( 1 1 ) Wa-qoma ' Iyasus qedmehu l a-mal ' aka ' �zab , wa-tas e " elo mal ' aka
( 70) Wa-ke�da ba- ga��a k e l l u ' enza yebe l :
' I -ya' ammero za-tebe l i . ' a�zab , wa-yebe lo :
( 7 1 ) Wa-wa1i ' o xoxta, re ' yato kale ' t , wa-tebel omu l a- ' e l l a heyya ' Anta-hu negusomu l a - ' Ayhud?

yeqawwemu : ( 1 2 ) Wa-yebe ' Iyasus : ' Anta tebe . Wa- ' enza yast awadeye�vo l iqana

Z e -ni hal lo mes l a ' Iyasus Nazerawi . kahenat wa- l iqawenta �ezb , ' albo za-yawasse ' omu wa- > -ment a-hi . ( 1 3)

( 7 2 ) Wa-kehda ka 'eba, wa-mahala kama '' ' I -ya' ammero l a-we ' etu be ' s i . "
Wa- ' emze yebelo P i l a�os :
' I - tes amme ' -nu rna�ana yast awadeyuka?
(73) Wa-�eqqa behilo , ma? ' u ' e l l a yeqawwemu wa-yebel ewwo l a-Petros :
'Aman ' anta-hi ' em-xabehomu ' anta, wa-nagareka ya ' amveqaka . (14) Wa- ' i -yawse ' o wa- ' i - ' a�atta qal a ' eska yanakker mal ' ak . (15)

( 7 4 ) Wa-m�al a, wa-taragma kama ' ' ' I -ya ' ammero l a-we ' etu b e ' s i . " Wa­ Wa-ba-ba' al yal ammed mal ' aka ' �zab ' a�yewo ' a�ada la-hezb ' em-westa

ba-gi zeha naqawa doreho . ( 7 5 ) Wa-tazakkara Pe�ros qalo la- ' Iyasus muqu�an za- faqadu . ( 1 6 ) Wa-bo ' ameha muqu� z a - s emu Barban , s emu ' ,

ze-yebe I o :
XXV I I 7. labQawi pot t e r .
W W lamada (ye lmadJ to b e accustomed ( t o do : inf . ) . CG
6 7 . G taf' a t o spi t . tef' at s p i t . G k ar' a o r D k arre 'a to 15. G
W ' almada i dem . lerrrud accustomed , usual . lemad custom, h ab i t .
strike s omeone ' s head with one ' s fists . Gt tak ar 'a p as s .
372
wa-ya'ammero kWellu. ( 1 7 ) Wa- ' enza gubu' an ' emuntu, yebelomu Pila!os
la-hezb?
Manna tefaqqedu ' a�yu lakemu, Barbanha-nu wa-mima ' Iyasusha-nu
za-semu Kerestos?
' Esma ya' ammer kama la-qen' atomu ' agbe' ewwo . ( 1 9 ) Wa- ' enza yenabber
'awda, la' akat xabehu be'situ ' enza tebel :
'Uq ' i-ta' abbes la ' la we' etu �adeq , ' esma bezuxa �amamku yom
ba-�elm ba' enti ' ahu.
( 20) Wa-liqana kahenat wa-liqawent . ' aha ' abalu J:tezba kama Barbanha
yes ' alu wa- ' Iyasusha yeqtelu. ( 2 1 ) Wa- ' awse ' a mal ' aka ' ahzab ' enza
yebelomu:
Manna tefaqqedu ' em-kel ' ehomu ' �yu l akemu?
Wa-yebelu : Barbanha . ( 2 2 ) Wa-yebelomu Pila!os :
Menta ' enka ' erasseyo l a- ' Iyasus za-semu Kerestos?
Wa-yebelu kWellomu : Seqelo . ( 2 3) Wa-yebelomu mal ' ak :
Menta ' ekuya gabra?
Wa- 'afadfadu �arixa ' enza yebelu: Seqelo, seqelo . (24) Wa- ' emza
re 'ya Pila�os kama ' alba za-yebaqqWe ' za' enbala kama 'adi hakaka za­
yekawwen, nas ' a maya, wa-taxa�ba ' edehu ba-qedmehomu la-�ezb ' enza
yebe l :
Ne�u� ' ana ' em-damu la-ze �adeq . ' Antemu 'a'meru .
( 2 5) Wa-yebelu kWellu �ezb : Damu la ' lena wa- la ' la weludena. ( 2 6 ) Wa­
' emze fatha lomu Barbanha , wa-qasafo la-' Iyasus , wa-ma�!awomu
yesqelewwo . ( 2 7 ) Wa- ' emze mastarate 'ata J:tarra nas ' ewwo la- ' Iyasus
' em-mekw ennan, wa- ' astagabe' u maxbaromu. ( 2 8 ) Wa- ' albasewwo kalameda
za- layy . (29) Wa-dafaru ' aklila za-sok, wa- ' astaqa�� alewwo \�esta
re' su, wa-xel lata westa yamanu . Wa- ' astabraku qedmehu, wa-yessalaqu
la 'lehu, wa-yebelewwo : Ba�a, negusa ' Ayhud . ( 30) Wa-yewarrequ
la 'lehu, wa-yekWarre 'ewwo ba-xellat re' so . ( 3 1 ) Wa-tasal iqomu
la ' lehu, salabewwo we ' eta kalameda , wa- ' albasewwo ' albasihu, wa-
27 . a guard, so 1 di er .
mas ta:r>ate <
2 8 . kaZameda za- Zayy robe of purple.
2 9 . G �fa:r>a (yeqfer) to weave, p lait . Gt ta4afra pass .
4efur woven, p laited . q.efro p laited work . q.efrot vn . weaving , j oin­
ing, plaiting . COt ' astaqa??aZa to crown (someone : 0 . 5 . ) with (a . d .
0 . ) . qa??aZa crown, diadem . xel Zat reed, cane . CGt ' astabl'aka to
kneel . berk (pl . ' abrak) knee .
373
wasadewwo yesqelewwo . (32) Wa- ' enza yewa��e ' u, rakabu be'se Qarenaw�,
za-semu Sem'on , wa- ' abba!ewwo. ,y e�ur masqalo . (33) Wa-ba��omu be�era
za-semu Golgol ta, za-ba-tergW�e�u qaranyu, ( 34 ) " wa.-wahabewwo yestay
wayna wa-J:tamota 'demmura, wa-�e ' imo ' abaya s ateya . ( 3,5.) Wa-' emze" .
saqalewwo , "!a-'t akafalu ' albasihu ' enza yet 'a�awu. (36) Wa-nabaru
ya' aqqebewwo heyya. (37) Wa- ' anbaru mal 'elta re'su �e�ifomu z a-kona
' enza yebelu: Ze-we ' etu negusomu la- 'Ayhud ' Iyasus . (38) Wa- ' emze
tasaqlu meslehu kel ' etu fayyat , ' al}adu ba-yam'an wa:'" a�adu ba-�agam.
(39) Wa- ' ella yaxal lefu ye�arrefu la 'lehu ' enza ya�am�esu re ' somu,
(40) wa-yebelu :
Za-yenasseto la-mekw rab wa-yaJ:tanne�o ba-salest " ' elat , ' adxen
re' saka . ' Emma-sa walda 'Egzi ' abJ:ter ' anta, rad ' em-masqaleka .
(41) Wa-kamahu l iqana kahenat-hi yes salaqu mesla �a�aft wa-l iqanat
' enza yebelu:
(42) Ba ' eda ' adxanl! wa-re ' �o" � i�yekel 'ad3ceno . ' Emma negusa
'Esra'el we' etu; " yerad ; em-masqal , wa-ne'man
. ,...
botu . (4 3) Za-
' . -. . ..�
ta'amna ba- � Egzi ' ab�er, Iiahu ye'-ze yadxeno ' emma yefilqqedo,
. - # .-
' esma yebel : Walda ' Egzi ' abJ:ter ' ana .
(44) Wa-kamahu fa�at-ni ' ella tasaqlu meslehu yezanaggWegWewwo .
w
(45) Wa- ' em-sessu sa�at ��lma 'k ellu �a-lam- ' esk'a: ' ta5 � U sa' at . (46)
Wa-gize sa 'at tasu 'at � arxa ' Iyasus ba-qal 'abiy ' enza yebel .
' Elohi , ' Elohi , lama sabaqtani?
Ze-we ' etu behil : ' Amlakeya, ' Amlakeya, la-ment xadaggani? (47) Wa­
sami ' omu ' ella yeqawwemu heyya, yebelu : ' E leyas-ha ye�ewwe ' ze-sa.
(48) Wa-we' eta gi ze ro�a ' ahadu ' em-xabehomu, wa-nas' a sefnega wa­
mal ' o behi ' a , wa- ' asara westa xellat , wa- ' ahzazo . (49) Wa-bo ' ella
yebeIu :
Xedeg ner' ay ' emma yema��e" -nu ' Eleyas yadxeno .
(50) Wa-�arxa ka ' eba ' Iyasus ba- ' abiy qal , wa-wa�' at manfasu . ( 5 1 )
31 . G saZaba (yes Zeb) to take (a . d . o . ) away (from : 0 . 5 . ) , de­
prive of, strip off. Gt tasalba reflex. and pass . seZbat vn .
34 . 7;zamot gal l .
35 . ta <aq.(]J;}a t o cast lots . <eq.a a lot . <e14Ji:ll;e/ <uCjJiwe vn .
casting lots .
3 8 . fayyat thieves ; fayy�tawi a thief.
48. sefneg , sefnag sponge . be�i' vinegar . The meaning of the
verb ' a�zaza is not clear .
 375
374

wa-kel ' et a ' ebn mes l a sagarat .

Wa-tasa' na man�o l a ' t a beta niaqdas ' em- H l ' lu ' eska ta�tu,
w .
kon a . Wa- ' adlaqlaqat rnedr, wa-naq ' a kWak � . ( 5 2 ) Wa- t akastu .
'

Chapter XXV I I I
rnaqaberat , wa-t anse ' u be zuxan ' abdentih omu la-�adeq an , (53) wa-wa1 ' u
e ' u , wa­ ( 1 ) Wa- sarka sanbat l a - � abi�a ' e�ud , ma� ' at Marya �agdal�wit wa­
' em-maqab erihomu, wa-bo ' u hagara qeddesta ' em-dexra tans
w kale ' ta-ni Marya yer ' aya maqabera . ( 2 ) Wa-nahu kona deleql eq . ' abiy ,
' ast ar ' ayewwomu l a-be zuxan . (54) Wa-mak annena me ' t wa- ' el la mes l ehu
, .. . . . w w
zakama yekawwen , ' e sm a ma I ' a ka ' E gZl. abh-
. er wara d a ' em- samay, wa-qarba, \�a- 'ank ark ara
ya ' aqqebewwo l a- ' Iyasus re ' eyomu we ' et a deleqle qa wa-
• -

ze . ( 5 5 ) Wa- l a- ' ebn , wa-nabara dibeha. (3) Wa-ra'yu kama za�'inabr �q , ' wa- lebsu
farhu t. eqqa, wa-yebe lu : ' Aman walda ' Eg z i ' ab�er w e � etu-
w
k e l l o za-kon� �a' da. kama za-barad . (4) Wa- ' em-·ferhatu tahawku wa-konu kama ' abdent
hal l awa heyya be zuxat ' anest ' e l l a yere " eya ' em-re�uq
yet l a " akahu : (56) Marya ' el l a ya ' aqqebu. (5) Wa- ' awse ' a mal ' ak , wa-yebelon' la- ' anes t :
' e l l a talawahu la- ' Iyasus ' ern-Gali la, ' e l la
wa- ' emmornu l a­ ' I -tefreha ' anten-sa, ' esma ' a' ammer kama ' Iyasus�ha t axasses3.
Magdalawit wa-Marya ' enta Ya ' qob wa- ' emmu la-Yo sef
za-taqat l a . (6) ' I -hal lo zeyya . Tanse ' a bakama yebe . Na'a
daqiqa Z abdewo s .
re ' eya xaba taqabra . ( 7 ) Wa-fe!una �ura , negerahomu l a­
68. Ba' enta zakama s a ' al a segahu la- ' Egzi ' ena Yosef ' arda ' ihu kama tanse ' a ' em-mewutan , wa-nahu yeqaddemakemu
emu Yosef, wa­ Gal ila, wa-ba-heyya tere " eyewwo . N1lhu ' ayd.a : kuken .
(57) Wa-maseyo ma� ' a be ' s i ba ' e l ' em- ' Armatey as za-s
(58) Wa-�ora xaba Pi la�os , wa- s a ' a l a (8) Wa-xa1 afa fe!una ' em-xaba maqab,er ba-ferhat �a-ba- fesse�a ' abiy,
:
we ' etu-hi t adamdo l a- ' Iyasus .
�
''
. (59) Wa-nasi ' o badno wa-ro�a yengera l a- ' arda ' ihu : ' ,' ( 9 ) Wa-nahu ' r.Y'�us.. lil.raKii.pOn J � a ­
badno l a- ' IY sUS , wa- ' azzaza P i l a�os yahabewwo
aro westa maqaber �addis yebe : Ba�eken . Wa-qarba ; wa- ' axaza ' egarihu; wa�sagaaa l btil: · ( 1 0)
Yosef, ganazo ba-sendun ne�u� , (60) wa-qab
w w w abiya diba xoxta Wa- ' emze yebelon ' Iyasus :
za- ' awqara westa kWak � , wa_ ' ank ark ara ' ebna '
rnaqabe r, wa-xal afa . ( 6 1 ) Wa-hal lawa heyya Marya Magdal awit wa­ ' I - tefreha� !;Iura , negerahomu la- ' axaweya kama yehuru Gal i la ,
( 6 2 ) Wa-ba- sanit a , ' enta wa-ba-heyya yere " eyuni�
kal e ' ta-hi Marya yenabbera qedma maqabe r .
isaweyan xaba (1 1 ) Wa-xalifon ' emantu , ' atawu sagarat hagara wa-nagaru l a - 1iqana
ye ' et i ' emdexra ' arb , tagabe ' u liqana kahenat wa-Far
kahenat kWe l lo z akama kon a . (1 2 ) Wa-tagab e ' u , wa-makaru mes la
P i la!o s , (63) wa-yeb e lewwo :
ama �eyaw we ' et u : 1 iqawent , wa-wahabewwomu bezuxa warqa la-sagarat . ( 1 3) Wa­
Tazakkarna , ' egzi ' o , za-yeb e zeku giguy '
' Ama sal e s t ' e l at ' etnassa' . (64) ' Az z e z ' enka ye ' qabu yebel ewwomu :
e ' u ' arda' ihu wa­ Bal u : ' arda' ihu l e l i t a ma� ' u wa-s araqewwo ' en z a nenawwem .
maqaberihu ' eska s alus rnawa ' el , kama ' i -yern�
zb : Tanse ' a ' em-mewutan. ( 1 4) Wa, ' emkama t as am ' a-ze ba-xaba mal ' aka ' ��ab , ne�na
' i -yesre qewwo lelita wa- ' i -yebal u l a-he
' em-qadami t . na' arnmeno , wa-kiyakemu -ni ' el l a za' enbala �azan . nere s s eyakemu .
Wa-tek awwen daxari ta gegayu ' enta t a' akki
( 1 5 ) Wa-nasi ' omu berura , xalafu, wa-gabru bakama maharewwomu . Wa­
(65) Wa-ye belomu Pi la!os :
a ta' arnmeru . wa? ' a z e-nagar ' em-xaba ' Ayhud ' eska yom. ( 1 6 ) Wa-�oru Gal i 1 a
Nese ' u sagarata , wa-�uru, ' a�ne ' u bakam
' a�ne ' u , wa-xatamewwa l a-ye ' et i ' asartu wa- ' �adu ' arda' ihu dabra za- ' az zazomu ' Iyasus , ( 1 7 ) wa­
(66) Wa-�o ru, wa-qa ttaru maqab ero , wa-
re ' yewwo , wa- s agadu lotu, wa-nafaqu . ( 1 8 ) Wa-qarba ' I yasus , wa­
ing . tanagaromu ' enza yebel :
5 1 . manpo Za <t (pl . manpawaZe C) vei l , cover
Tawehba lita kWe l lu kWennane samay wa-medr . ( 1 9 ) l;Iuru , maharu
5 9 . sendun/sendon fine l inen .
60 . G waqara 0 waqqara
=
CG ' awqara to dig , excavate . N
=
kWe l l o ' ahzaba ' enza ta!ammeqewwomu ba-sema ' ab wa-wald wa-
nakWarkwar n . rol l ing .
' ank ark ara to ro l l (trans . and intrans . ) .
W W
w w XXV I I I 1. sark evenin g , twi l i ght . sarka Sanbat S abbath evening
mank arak er whee l .
of the next day . 'la- f! abi�a ' ehud at the dalm (inf . ) of the
65 . sagar at (pl . ) guard s .
b e ginning

6 6 . 0 qattara to s eal , l o ck . qettu

r l o cked, s ealed . first day of the wee k .
 - t
377
376
Matthew V , 1 - 24 in Ethiopic Sc��pt.
.....
manfas qeddus . (20) Wa-maharewwomu kWe 1 1 0 ye 'qabu za­ - , ....
w
' az zazkukemu, wa-nahu ' ana mes 1ekemu ba-k e11u mawa ' e 1 ' eska
xe1qata ' a1 am .
'l"6&-tf! . � !

�I l; ! Oh1.,. ' 1I 0-'}1 " mCh,..·. J\�tin ; OC'l I m-i!.,. I f.1iC ,

:f I m)o.C' .,.CO- 1 ..,o./Jo 1 J\C"Ih./Jo II mhlP.,. • J\4-/Jo 1 mOD UI!ar>: ; "
•
·
l: 1H J f.1I &\ II 1I0-'}1 , �"I11 1 OOD1&..ll J hllOJ;l 1 iI-- , f.ht , ;.;;,,,
II : '?P'''' J 1'I"'I1i' II 1I0-,}1 1 hll. , f.l\ihm. J K-MI. • hllOD I "d»..11: ,
·
:!i'1 f.+I..P'tho :: 11&-'}1 , f'l'Y1 , hllOD I hOOo11: • f.mClltp , 1I'1"�
11 C II 1I 0-'}1 J h/\ • f.CiO- ' m.e?'I"h- ' /\111:+ I "lIOD • hOOo'} 1: :
i; I f.�'?o- " 1I0-'}1 J OD.ftCI1 • hliOD , hOOo11: 1 f. ·r OD·tho{. :: 1I0-'}
Z1 '} • 1�.ft) , &\11 : hllOD • hOOo11: • f.&.MWJ . Ilh'?ll.,hllm.C :: 110-
ft I ,}1 . ,QCI) . fII\'I" • hliOD • hOOo.11: • m-A- f. .. ·h'?lI..J\lIm.C 1 f.n
II OD¥- 11 1l&-'},} I h/\ • f.l'lf..c;.. . OA1'" ' 111:.» : AliOD I 11-000 . f.kt I
19 I OD'}'?P'''' I 1'1"'11+ " 11&-,}1 I 1t.1+000 . (lfl • f.1'I1:.ibOOo I mf.ti.,
""1-'11 000 I mf.)O- ' 'd-II- l 1.hf 1 1\61\.'11 000 1 h1H 1 f.m.llm. 1 OA11;
Ii! I J\f II "'t.P'tho I m·,.thlP¥- ' hllau 1 OllllbOOo , 1I1f"i • m-h1: . Of)
"'11+ II hliOD 1 hOD1I I 1'If.1:?»ooo . M o.l+ 1 hll. 1 7t'l"....1:�booo ::
• --.p
. .. . . 4��·�--.
If I J\1+000 1
m-h1: • ""m' • Il'l"J':C 1 mhODI'I �:""CJ1c_:. Illl.., 1 0'l"1-r). .
� • ..� ....

�
__
,

·
f.TrI:I'I'I" " J\&\itb, 1 h1h I /\Hf.0.,...6 . Hh10 1I .M-'ttf! . J\tf!J\ . OJ ... \"o� _....
...

IlI I f.hf.f. . 1'11Ih II J\1+"... • m-h1: ' lICY� • i\,}h'l" ,,- h. i'b&\ • V'l
l:!i I C . "''''lIh . h1r . OD&\/JtI.'" I f.lI C I +)lIC II OJh,;Y'\TOJ; I "'I1.f.
.,. 1 bOD • 1111C'I' • ;l'ih.,. • bt.C I J\I\ • -'to • "'.»'1''''1 ' m;l'OCIJ ,
•

Ii I h'd-ir>"'" 1 hh • m-ll.,. .• 0.+ II h"'l/Jo : f.lI&- U • lICnbOOo : 0 ....1:

OD J 1'1lIh • hOD • f.CJ\¥- • 9""IQtbOOo • lPfjf • OJf.fllIih?» : lIJ\o-b
IX I 000 . HOI'I"'l1+ II h.f.'I"U&\bClQ>o 1 HOD�Ml- I "llOC ' ht'" '·m)o.l

.,. 11 h.OD�h'n· 1 hilOC'OOo I )11\ , h&..1.''/''''·'' II J\"'I,} I hllllbou' , u: I

hilh 1 f"'Atf! . fI"'If. ' m'l"1:C . fm-IlJo' h1.,. 1 J\th1: ' .... CB;I' 1 h.
"''''&\tf! ' M" ht+ I hllh , (10 I 'd-h- • f.T 'l OC II Hb, • t.+th 1 J\,h XII 1
.,. 1 A'I"A I\ 1 +A IfIfT • h1.,. , 'hh1111 , mf.�uC ' hOD1I I hflllA 1
ih�? . f.flODf. 1 OOD1'?P'''' • (1"'11+ • mHI'I . f.�lJC I mf.'l llC '
m-A1: I Oo.f 1 f.flODf. 1 OOD '}'?P'''' 1 fI"'Il+ II fj/Jo 1 hll t\ b OOo ' h 8 I

OD I hOD , i'..&..1:t.f. : 11.(�:.»bOOo 1 t.1:4-f. 1 M" ?th tf!+ I mA'I"t.t

/JIB"n , h. +Om-h- , m-/l.,. 1 OD '}'?P'''' I 1'1"'11+ " fI"'I6bOOo , b il1i I
OD, ' "" 11011. ' 1I.,.f.'I"+ I Jl.+ ....+ &\ I )tf!fI . mllfl • .,..,.11 : 1.1Ith I m-
M: 1 t\'d-U, II OJJ\,}fI , AlII\bOOo 1 'd-A- I IIl'1"b{) , hitp/Jo : l./I,h ! 'illf. !
m-A1: , 1I'd-�� • mH'l. ' f.o. 1 A1tp/Jo 1 HBC.» • l.iJth , m-A 1: , 110 m-
1: II mH 'l. • f.o. , J\1I.e- 1 l.itth , m-h1: 1 MnOD ' hfl+ II mA'I"hoD iff i
b, , ;l'Om-h 1 J\'I":}h I m-/l.,. • 'I"P''I'{) • mOOf 1 .,.Hhch 1 hODn •

k.,.h • Hf thf.flh II 11:"1 , iJf , ODf)hh • ip1:OD : 'i"P'tp/J I fIlrb.C ' ill :
+J':OD ' +\1,)1 ' rllii I ia�h • fIlM"" I 'l1l.J\h • hl1h • h9"�b ::
378 -- . ..� ..... . 379

A S e l ected Bibl iography . Schneider, R . L ' expression des complements �e verbe et de nom et la
A. Grammars and Dict ionari es place de l ' adjective epithete en gueze. Paris , 1 9 5 9 .
U 1 1 endorff, E . The Semi tic Languages of Ethiopia. A Comparative Pho­
Chaine , Marius . Grammaire e thiopienne. Nouvel l e edition . Beirut :
no logy . London : Taylor ' s Press , 1955 .
Imprimerie Catho1ique , 1 9 3 8 .
D i 1 1mann, Augus t . Lexicon linguae aethiopicae. Leipzi g : Weigel , D. Bib l iographies and Surveys
1865. Reprinted New York : Ungar, 1955 , and Osnabruck , 1970 . Gui d i , 1 . Breve s toria de lla letteratura etiopica'- RaIne ;' 1 9 3 2 , .

Ethiopic Grammar. 2nd ed . enl arged and improved by C . Les 1 au, Wol f . BibZiography of the Semitic Languages of Ethiopia.
Bezold, trans l ated by J . A . Crichton . London : Wi l l i ams and
.

New York : New York Pub l i c Library , 1946 .

. '. .... �

Norgat'e , 1 9 0 7 . An Annotated Bibliography of the Semitic Languages of Ethi-

Grebaut , S . Supp lement au Lexicon linguae aethiopicae de A . Dil lmann opia. The Hague : Mouton , 1 96 5 .
et edition du Lex-�q�e de Jus te d ' Urbin. Paris : Imprimerie "Eth iopia and South Arab ia , " in Current Trends in Linguis­
national e , 1 9 5 2 . tics (ed. T . S ebeok) , Vol . 6: Linguis tics in South Wes t Asia
Praetorius , F . Gramma tica aethiopica. Karlsruhe and Leipzi g : H . and North gfrica, pp . 467- 5 2 7 . The Hague : Mouton, 1 97 0 .
Reuther, 1 8 8 6 . Littmann , E .Geschichte der athiopischen Literatu� Leip zi g , 1909 .
B. The Traditional Pronunciation o f Ge ' ez Simon, J . "Bib l iographi e ethiopi enne 1 ( 1 946- 5 1 ) , " OrientaZia n . s .
2 1 E 1 952) , 44- 6 6 ; 209 - 30 .
Cohen, M. "La prononciation traditionel l e du gue ze (ethiopien
U l 1 endorff, E . The Ethiopians : An' Introd�dtion to Country and Peop le.
c 1ass ique) , " Journal Asiatique ( 19 2 1 ) , 2 1 7 - 269 .
3rd ed . Oxford : Oxford Univer�ity, Pres s , 1 9 7 3 .
Littmann , E . Ge <ez-Studien I�II. Nachrichten von der k. Gesellscha�
der Wissenschaften zu Gottingen , phi1 . -his �.' .K1 as s e , 1 9 1 7 , pp . E. Some Sources for Pub l i shed_1exts
672- 702 . III, ibid . , 1 9 1 8 , pp . 3 1 8-339 . The hundreds of pub l i shed Ethiopic texts are s c attered among many
Mittwoch , Eugen . Die traditione l le Aussprache des Athiopischen. Ber­ j ournal s , series , and individual book s . The fo l lowing i.s merely a
..

l i n : W . de Gruyt er, 1926 . samp ling of some maj or sources .

Trumpp , E . "Uber den Akzent im Athiopischen , " ZDMG 28 ( 1 874) , 5 1 5 -
1. Bib l i cal and Relat ed
561 .
Boyd , J . 0 . , ed . The Octateuch in Ethiopic. Leiden , 1 9 09 - 1 1 .
C. Mis ce l l aneous Grammatical and Lexi cal Studies
Charles , R . H . The Ethiopic Version of the Book of Enoch . Oxford,
Hetzron, Rob ert . Ethiopian Semitic: Studies in Classification. Jour­ 1 89 3 .
nal of Semitic Studies , Monograph No. 2 . Manchester : Manchester The Ethiopic Version o f the Hebrew Book of Jubi lees .
Univers ity Pres s , 1972 . Oxford, 1 8 9 5 .
L es 1 au, Wol f . " South-east S emit i c : Ethiopic and South Arab i c , " JAOS D i l 1mann , A . Biblia Veteris Tes tamenti A ethiopica . Leip z i g , 1 8 35-94.
7 2 ( 1 943) , 4 - 14 . P l at t , T. P . Novum Tes tamentum Domini nostri et servatoris Jesu
"Arab i c Loanwords i n Geez , " Journal of Semitic Studies 3 Christi aethiopice. London , 1 8 3 0 .
( 1 958) , 146- 1 6 8 . Wange l Qeddus za- ' Egzi' ena wa-Madxenena ' Iyasus Kerestos wa-ma?a�ef­
Littmann , E . "Die athiop i s ch e Sprach e , " Handbuch der OrientaUsti k, tihomu la-�awareyatu qeddusan . Leip z i g , 1 8 9 9 . Reprinted in
vo l . III: Semitistik (Lei den : E . J . Bri l l , 1 954) , pp . 350- 375 . 1949 and distributed by the Ameri can Bib l e Society .
NOldeke , Th . " L ehnworter in und aus dem Athiopischen , " Neue Bei trage
zur s emitischen Sprachwissenschaft (Stras sburg, 1 9 10) , pp . 31-6n
 381
380
2. Non- Bib lical Glossary

Kebra Nagast: Die HerrZiohkeit der Konige . AbhandZungen

Bezo l d , C . The words in the G l05sary are arrange;d , according to consonantal

der k. Bayerisohen Akademie XXI I I , 1 . Munich, 1909 . roots in the fol l owing alphabeti c order :.
Corpus Soriptorum Christianorum OrientaZium. Scriptores aethiopioi . , < b d cf. f g h 7;L k Z m n p q r s s ? t t w x y z
This maj or source contains over sixty volumes devoted to Ethi-
By standard convention , words not properly derivab l e' !r6� a ' consonan­
opic texts .
tal root , such as loanwords and certain proper name,s ;', : afe l isted by
D i l lmann, A. Chres tomathia aethiopica. Leip z i g , 1 8 6 6 . Reprinted
consonant structure alone , with , initial Ci-/ce- an d Cu /Co - - t aken as
Berl in , 1 9 5 0 .
CY- and CW- respectively . Thus ,
Patro Zogia OrientaZis .Paris .
Note should also be taken of the many maj or t exts pub lished by A . E . ' aamas is alphab etically ' am-
' Orit " ' wr-
W . Budge .
diyaqon "
dyy-
W
The l abiovelars (k , l, W
qW , and x ) are not distinguished in
the alphab etical ordering from their p lain counterparts .
The subj unctive form of all G verb s , when knolffi , is given in
parenthes es :

' abaya G (ye' bay) to refus e

The p lural suffixes -at/-t and -an are to be attached ' directly
to the preceding word . E . g.

te' mert (pl . -at , ta' amer, -at) is to be read as

te' mert (pl . te'mertat, ta' amer , ta' �erat) .

Because some words containlng 4 or � have not always been nor­

mal i zed in the texts , the reader should rememb er to check each pos si­
b i l ity in locating a word .
In his Grammar and Lexioon A . D i l lmann uses a numerical system
for i dentifying the various conj ugational types of verb s . That sys­
tem corresponds to ours as fo l lows :
1 2 3
G D L
II CG CD CL
III Gt Dt Lt/Glt
IV CGt CDt CLt/CGlt
V designates N verbs (see § 5 0 . 3)

Thus 1 1 , 2 des i gnates a CD verb ; 1 1 1 , 1 a Gt verb , e t c .

382
383

' egr (pI . ' egar , " a' gar) f , m . foot ;' ' egra if.a;ay ray of sunl ight ;
-'a suffix denoting direct quotation . It i s added to the first few westa/xaba ' egara at the feet of; ba-' egr on foot .
words of a quotation and to the last , or, more rarely, to every ' Egzi' ab�er God .
s ingle word of the text . ' a�adu (acc . ' a�daJ m. one , a certain (one) ; ' a�atti (acc . ' a�atta)
' ab (w . pron . suff. : ' abu- , acc . ' aba- ; p l . ' abaw) father ; fore­ .
f . idem. ' ahatta adv . once , .one t ime . ' ehud the first day of the
father , ancestor; beta ' ab famil y . .week .or month .
' .
' abba an honorific t i t l e applied to venerated men of any station i n ' akala G (ye' ka l/ye' ke l) to be suffici ent for , .to s.atis fy ( o . s . or
rel igious l ife . la- ) ; to be approximately. ·CG ' a'. ka la Gt ta' akta to be sati s
=
­
' abda G (ye' badJ to be mad , to rage . · CG ' a' bada caus . CGt ' asta' bada fi ed, have enough . . ' ekut suffi cien t , enough . ma' kala prep
. (w .
to regard as or treat as a foo l ; to despis e , ridicul e . ' abd ( f . ·
pron . suff . : ma' kale- , but see § 1 0 . 1) among , in the midst o
f ; ba­
' abedd; p l . ' abd2in , ' abdat) foo l i s h , stupid, ignorant , imprudent ; ma' kala idem; ' em-ma' kala from among .
mad, insane; n . foo l . ' ebud idem . ' akal (p l . -at) body, l imb s , statur e ; substanc e , hyposta sis , p erson
.
' abat (p l . -at) l imb o r member o f the body; body, self, person . lehqa ba-' akalu he reached maturity .
' ebn (p l . ' eban, ' a' ban) m . f . stone . ' ebna barad hai lstone ( s ) . W
' a' k ata CG to prai s e . Gt ta' akWta p as s . " ekut praised, lauded .
' abbasa D to commit a crime or s in (against : ta < ta, la-) . ' ebbus W
' a' k ati one who renders prai s e or thanks . ' a' kWatet prai s e ,
wicked, criminal . ' abbasi = ma'abbes sinner , criminal . ' abbasa glory, thanksgiv in g .
(pl . - t ) sin, crime , gui l t . ' akko neg . no , not , it. . is not ( s e e . § 29 . 3) . . . ... :: .. .

' abaya G (ye' bayJ to refus e , be unwi l l ing (to do : inf . ) ; to spurn , ' akya G (ye' kay) to. b e evi l , bad , wicked . CG ' a' kaya t o make (some­
disobey, say no to (a . d . o . ) . thing : a . d . o . ) bad ; to act badly (toward : la <la/diba) . ' e kuy (f.
' ed ( w . pron . suff . : ' ede- ; p l . ' edaw) f . m . hand; diba ' edawa ' ekit) evi l , bad, wicked . ' ekay Ip.1 .-·--at) evi l', wi·ckednes s .
through the agency o f . ' ekit n . idem; ba-' eki t direly, witnout pity .
' adg ( f . ' adegt ; p I . ' a' dug) ass . ' a lbo neg . of bo : there is/ are not (see § § 28 . 2 , 3 , S) .
' admas the hardest substance (Gk . adamas ) . 'alad a coin .
' addama D to p l ease (someone : o . s . ) . CDt ' asta' addama to be p leased ' elf (pI . ' a' lllf) myri ad, ten thousand . te' lefi t , me' lefit a vast
with ( a . d . o . ) , to find p l easing, pl eas ant . ' addam p l easing , number .
p leasant . ma' addem idem . ' alla conj . but , rather; except , un les s .
' adim l eather . ' el la reI . pron . c . p l . ( § 2S . l ) ; ' e lla mannu pl . of mannu .
' adawa G to sweep . ' edew s\�ept . ' edaw sweepings , refuse . ' e lla dem o pron . f . p l . these ; ' e l lu idem m . p l . the s e .
' af (w . pron . suff . ' afu- , acc . ' aj'a- ; p I . ' afaw) mouth . ' e llantu (acc . ' e l lanta) dem o pron . f . p l . these; ' e l lontu (ac c .
' af' a/' af' a adv . outside, on or to the outside; ' af' a ' em- prep . on ' e l lonta) idem m . p l .
or to the outside o f . ' ale la- exclam . : Woe unto
' af 'ot vipers . ' em-/' emenna prep . (w. pron . suf f . ' emenne- ) from . ' emze adv . then,
'Afrenj the Romans . next , thereupon . ' em-kama conj . as soon as . ' emza conj . when .
' efo interro g . adv . how? in what way? why? ' em- conditional partic l e . See § § S l . 1 , 2 .
' agada l arge bone of the leg; tibia, shin-bone . ' em- ' em- conj . either . . . or .
' egale inde f . pron . /adj . a certain (person) , such - and- such (a person) . ' ama ( 1 ) prep . at the time of (see § 2 S . 2 ) ; ( 2 ) conj . "hen; ( 3 ) reI .
' egw2i l (p I . -at) ca l l . and sing . : the young of any animal or fowl , adv . when . ' ame hi'i adv . at that time, then , next ; ' em-' ameha from
including humans ; ' egWa la ' emma-�eyaw mankind, man .
that t ime onward .
384
385
'
' emma, Za-' emma conj . if. ' emma-bo kama perhaps . ' emma-hi . . . emma- guest . - .....

hi either . . . o r . ' emma-' akko adv . otherwis e , if that were not so. ' enka , ' enkemu part . s o , then, therefor e (see § �� .. .4 ;)o .
' emm (p l . -at) mother; ' emma-�eyaw the mother of the l iving (Eve) . ' anqa?/' anqa1 (pl . ' anaqe? ) m: f . gate (of city, t emp l e , or other
' emmat (pl . -at) cubit ; forearm . large s tructure) .
' amna G (ye'man) to be true ; to believe (a . d . o . or Za- , esp . with ' anest (p I . of be' sit) women ; ' anestiya (co I L ) the women , the women­
persons ) ; to believe in (ba- ) , have faith in . Gt ta' amna/ta' amana fo l k .
to be believed; to beli eve in (a . d . o . or ba- ) ; to confess (sins : ta' ansasa Qt to become l ike a brut e animal . ' ensesQ: animal s , .. L"":--���

beasts ,
a . d . o . ) ; to be confident , sure . CG ' a' mana to convert (a . d . o . , in catt l e . ' ensesawi adj ; animal , bestial ."
religious s ense) ; to profes s , assert , confirm as a fact . ' emun ' anta pron . you (m. s . ) ; ' anti idem (f. s .') ; ' ahtemu idem (m . p l . ) ;
faithful , trustworthy, tru e ; ' emuna adv . truly , in truth . ' amani ' anten i dem ( f . pl . ) .
one who believes ; adj . faithful . ' emnat · faith, belief . ' amin ' enta ( 1 ) re I . pron . f . s . (or poetic for m . s . ) , s ee §ZS . I ; (2) prep .
idem . ' aman t ruth ; as adj . (read ? ' amman ) true , faithfu l ; ' amana, via, by way o f .
ba-' aman adv . truly, in truth . ma' man , me'man, ma'men ( f . -t) ' enza conj . whil e , when , as ; s e e § 31 . 2 , § 32 . 3 .
adj . faithful , believing; true , trustworthy ; n. a believer . ' araft (pl . ' ararat) m . f. wal l , I? artition . ·
' a' mara CG to know, understand , comprehend, real i z e , l e arn . . Gt ' aragay ( f . - t , ' aragi t ; p I . ' a' rug) old person . ' aragawi ( f . -t) ··
ta' amra p as s . D ' ammara to t el l , show, indicat e , make known idem.
(somethin g : a . d . o . ; to : o . s . ) . Dt ta' ammara pass . of D ; to give a , arami (col l . ) pagans , heathens ,
non-Chri stians . " aramawi adj . , idem�
s i gn , to s i gna l . CD ' a' ammara = D. ' emmur known , recogni z ed . ' arara G- (ye' rer/ye' rar) . to harvest . ma'rar harv�� .
' a' mero know l edge ; ' i-ya' mero ignorance . ma'mer ski l l ed, knowing ; ' araray a style of church singing for certain feast -days and happy
n . soothsaye r . te' mert (pl . -at , ta' amer , -at) m . f . sign , omen; o ccas i ons . .
miracl e . ' arwe (pl . ' arawi t) m . f. animal , wild beas t ; ' arwe medr snake , s er­
' amir m . f . day . Only i n fixed expressions : ' em-/' eska we' etu/ye' e ti pent .
' amir from/until that day (past or future) ; we' eta/ye' eta ' amira ' araya G (ye' ri) to pick, gather, pluck up/ ut .
W ?
on that day ; k e ZZo ' amira a l l day , every day . ' aafareda (pl . -t) basket .
-.

' emantu pron . f . p l . they; ' emuntu idem m . p l . they . ' as�atya m . f . i c e , hail , snow, frost .
' ammexa D to greet , p ay respect to . Glt ta' amexa to greet one an­ ' eska prep . up to , unti l , as far as ; conj . until ; to the extent that ,
other, to k i s s (in greeting) . ' ammexa a greeting, k i s s ; a gift with the result that ; ' eska soba conj . idem .
offered out of respect . ' eama conj . ( 1 ) because , since , for; ( 2 ) that , the fact that (+ n .
, amekaZa a thorny p l ant . clause) . ' em-we' e tu ' eama an examp l e of this is . . . .
, ana pron . I . ' asara G (ye' aer) to tie up , bind ( a . d . o . ) ; to tie s omething (a . d . o . ;
' anbapa (p l . ' anabep) locust ( s ) . to : ba-/westa) . Gt ta' asra p as s . ' esur bound , tied , captive , re­
' enbaZa, za-' enbaZa (w. pron . suff . : ' enbaZe-) prep . without , except stricted . ' esrat n. binding, tying. ma' sar, ma' ser , ma' sart (pl .
for, excep ting. S ee � 2 8 . 5 . ma' aser , -t) m . f . bond, fetter; vow .
' enbeya interj . No . I refuse . , asareyon a smal l coin . (Gk . assarion) .
' anada m . skin , hide , leather; �ab Za ' anada thong . ' essat m. f . fire .
' enga part . used esp . in questions to mark an inference from a pre­ ' atata G (ye' tet) to go away , be removed . CG ' a' tata to remove , take
ceding statement , often with a nuance of doubt (see § 5 l . 4d) . away. Gt ta' atata Dt ta' attata G or pass . of CG . ' e tut re-
=

ta' angada Qt to be a s tranger/gues t . ' engeda (p l . ' anaged) stranger, mote , distant .
 '*"4'

386 387

' atawa G (ye' tu/ye' taw) to go home; to depart (for home) . CG ' a' tawa commanded by . te' zaz ' (pl . -at;) f . m . command , order;· edict , law,
.
commandment ; ba-te' zaza at the command o f .
to send home , l e t go home ; ·to bring home/indoors . ' e"f;wat/' etot n .
return (home) ; return, yi eld (of crops) . me' taw home , p l ace to
which one returns ; act of returning . - ..

, eton (p 1 . -Zit) furnac e , oven . ma 'bal/ma 'bel (pl . -�t) m . f . wave , flood .
' aw conj . or. 'Ebrawiycm the Hebrews .
' 0- voc . part . O! Oh ! Usually prefixed, as in 'o-negus , but with 'abbaFa D to comp e l , force , coerce .
, Egzi' it is regularly suffixed : ' Egzi' o 0 Lord ! It may also ex­
'abya G (ye 'bay) to be big , " l arge , great , important . CG ' a 'baya to
make great , increas e , augment ; to extO l , exalt . Dt ta 'abbaya to
press wonder or gri e f .
be boastful , arrogant . 'abiy (f. 'abay ; p l . 'abayt) big, great ,
' ewwa adv . surely, indeed, even; yes .
l arge , importan t ; ba- 'abiy qa l in a loud voice . 'ebbuy arrogant ,
' oha exclam. of assent : Very wel l , I wil l (do so) .
' Grit the Mosaic Law, the P entateuch . . boas t ful , ins o lent , haughty . 'ebay (p I . -at) greatness , s i ze ;
' exw (acc . ' exwa or ' exwa ; w . pron . suff . : ' exu- , acc . ' exwa_ or magn i ficence , maj esty . te 'bit arrogance , ins o l ence .
'ed (p I . -aw) col I . men , mal e s ; the menfolk (of a given commun i ty) ;
L
, exwa- ; p l . ' =aw) brother .
, ext (pl . ' =at) s i ster . a l so used as the p l . of be' si .

' axaza G (ye' xaz/ya' =az § 39 . l) to s e i z e , grasp , hol d ( a . d . o . or ba-);
to take captiVe ; to pos s es s , contro l , occupy; to begin (to do :
'Zidi adv . sti l l , yet , again, moreov�r, s t i l l more . With pron . suff .
'
to s t i l l b e , as In "l enza ;adif7.a· ·zeyya �h i l e we- · are .s ti l l here ;
'adiya J:!eyaw I am s t i l l alive . With fol r. ' ii�:e-"wo ;d:" �o;;,- �a5 in�
=

'
subj . : kama) . Gt ta' exza pas s . CG ' a' xaza to order (someone : '
'adi xamus five days more .
a . d . o . ) hel d . G l t ta' Qxaza t o b e involved i n a bat t l e o r s imi l ar
'edew (pI . -an) enemy .
'adawa G (ye 'du/ye 'daw) to cross ( a . d . o . or acc . o i goal or prep';
activity (with : mesla) . ' exuz captive , h e l d ; pos s e s s ed by ( e . g . . ..._-:,..--

' exuza ' aganent) ; j oined, continuous . ' =azi owner , pos s es s o r ;
phrase) . Gt ta 'adawa to transgre s s (a law : ' em- ; against a person:
master, lord . ' =az/' Qxz m . fist .
' i- . ne g . not (prefixed direct ly to el ement negated) .
lZi < la) ; also G . CG ' a 'dawa t o bring/ l ead/t ake across . ma <dot
=

(pI . ma <adew) the opposite side (of river, mountain et c. . ) ; ma <dota

' epis qopos (p l . -at) b ishop . liqa ' eris qoposat archbishop .
prep . across , to the oppos i te s ide of, beyond . See §43 . l ( e). <edZi
' iyor , ' ayar (pl . -Zit) air , atmosphere (Gk . aer) .
debt , guilt .
' ayte interr . adv . where? ba-' ayte idem . ' em-' ayte whence? from
where? <eq. (p I . -aw) m . f . t re e ; grove , woods ; wood (mat erial ) ; a club .
' Ityopya E thiop i a . 'a<j.ada G (ye <�ed) to harvest . G t ta <a1da pas s . <acpidi harvester .
ma 'q.ad s i ckl e .
' ayx the De luge .
'aifm (p I . ' a <q.emt) bone .
' ayy (pl . -at) interr . adj . which?
' azab , ' azah, ' ezob hyssop , mint . ta 'aq.awa to cast lots . 'ecpi a lot . 'eq.q.awe/ 'uq:awe n . casting lots .
' ezn (p I . ' ezan , ' a' zan) f . ear . ma' zen (t) , ma' zan (t) (p I . ma' azen) <a<j.aya/ <aq.ya G to putrify, get wormy . <eifE (p I . -yat , <eq.ayat) worm,
caterp i l l e r .
corner .
<efrat unguent , ointment .
' azeb the sout h .
' azzaza D to order, command (someone : 0 . 5 . ; to do : subj . ) . Dt . ta <aggala D t to cheat , defraud ; t o oppre s s , treat unj ust l y , rob .

ta' azzaza p as s . ; to obey ( s omeon e : la- ) . ' ezzuz commanded , te <ge lt fraud , defrauding , robbing ; inj ury , damage .
ordered ( o f person or thing) ; ' ezzuz we' etu kama + subj . : i t has ta 'aggasa Dt to be p a t i ent , persever e ; to pract i c e res t raint , ab s t i ­

been commanded that . . . ; ba-kama ' ezzuz ba-xaba . . . as has been nence . C D t ' asta 'aggasa caus . o f Dt ; to bear p ati.ent l y . ta <aggasi
388
1 389
.. ...
patient , perseverin g . te 'gest temperance, continence, patience , 'a <qafa to impede , pres ent an obstac l e to (o . s . )�.-: , ceqeft (p I .
to lerance . masta 'agges temperant , patient , long-sufferin g . -at) impedimen t , obstacl e , hindrance . maCqaf/ma Cqef idem .
'alam (p l . -at) m . f. world, this world, the s e cular world ; the uni ­ ' a cqala C G to co l l ect water in . a basin o r res ervoir . me rqal (pl .
vers e , a l l creation ; eternity; a l l time p as t , present , and future . -at) basin, reservo i r .
la- ',Ham forever . ' eska la- calam, la- 'alama c1i.lam idem. 'alamawi Caqqama D to define , s et l imi ts to . c aqm (or Caqqem) ' measure , degree,
( f . -t) adj . wor l dly, of this worl d . extent; moderatio n ; end, comp letion, maturation ; ��- Caqm ' moder�
'alawa G (ye 'lu) t o pervert ; t o act pervers ely, t o transgress ( l aws ately. caqma werz awe maturity, manhood . Ceqqum l imi ted, defined,
e tc . ) ; to be rebel lious , evi l , refractory, apostate , heretical . determined . 'eqqame det ermina tion , de finit-ion ; .
CG ' a c lawa c aus . ; to trans late ( from 'one l anguage into another) ; 'araba/ 'arba (ye C rab/ye C reb) to s et (of heavenly bodies ) . CG ' a 'l'aba
to copy or trans cribe . ceZew (f. 'eZut) crooked, perverse , evi l ; to cause to set . < arab wes t ; Arab i � <arb Friday ; re lata <arb ,
rebel lious , heretical . 'eZwat disaster; p erversity, heresy, apo s ­ rarb <elat idem . re rbat n . settin g . 'arabi western; Arabian .
t acy; copy , trans cription . calawi wicked, p ervers e ; infide l , 'arabawi idem . me r rab the west ; me < raba qa�ay idem .
hereti cal . ' a 'rafa CG ( 1 ) intrans . : to re's t , ' find rest , come to res't ; "t'o" dle'; -
'am, 'amat (pl . camatat) f . m . year; la- la- camu adv . yearly , every (2) trans . : to give rest (to : o . s . ; from : ' emenna) . re ru! adj .
year . restin g , stil l ; dead . <e raft (pl . -at) f . m . rest , peace , quiet ;
' am Cam mud, s l ime . death. me r ra! (pl . -at) a quiet p l ac� " resting-p l ace ; one ' s final
'
'amd (p l . ' a cmad) column , p i l l ar . resting-p lace; a measure of length ; a s't ad e; �h apter of.. a, book .
c amma� D t o sin , act unj ustly o r wickedly; t o harm, injure . camma4i
'
�
'arga G (ye rreg/ye rrag) to !is cend, come/go up , c imb:�' f'�C G ',ex �r:.aga to
unj ust , wi cked, criminal . 'amma� inj ustice , wickedness .
<-

bring/ l e ad/take up ; to offer up ( a s acrifi ce) . 'e rgat as cent ,

ma 'ammed. = <ammadi.
. as cension; assumption (into heaven) ; e l e¥ation (of, the Host) .
<amaqa G (ye 'meq/y e 'maq) to be deep . CG ' a 'maqa to make deep , to ma 'reg (p I . ma 'areg, -at) m . f . (pl ace of) ascent ; grade , degre e ,
penetrate deep l y . 'emuq deep . cemaq depth . ma 'meq (pl . ma rameq) l eve l , c l as s ; stairs , l adde r . me 'rag idem.
the deep , abys s . ta 'araka Glt to become friends (with) . 'ark (f. 'al'ek t ; p I . 'a 'rekt,
<anbari \�hal e . 'arkan/ 'arkat) friend .
ranzara Q t o pipe , p l ay a mus ical instrument . renzira a musi cal in­ 'a rqa/ 'araqa to be naked , empty; to be orphaned . CG ' a r raqa to strip
s trument of any sort . ma ranzer musi ci an , piper, flute-p layer . bare ; to empty out . Gt ta ' arqa to be stripped, denuded, emptied .
caqaba G (ye rqab) to guard , keep watch on ; to take care o f , preserve , 'e ruq naked, empty . 'e raq (appositional pron . suff . ob li gatory)
keep s afe ; to observe , keep (e . g . the law) . Gt ta raqaba p as s . of naked, empty, alone . 'e rqan nakednes s ; shame (the s exual parts ) .
G; to guard one ' s s e l f (against : ' emenna or o . s . ) . CG ' a rqaba to Carat (pl . -at) bed .
hand (a. d . o . ) over to ( someone : o . s . or xaba) for safekeeping . 'array a D (rarely G 'araya, ye c ri) to be l eve l , smooth ; to be equal
<equb ( 1 ) under guard, in custody; ( 2 ) set as i de , res erved (for : (to : la-, mes la , kama) ; to make equal , l eve l ; to share (a . d . o . )
la-) ; (3) cautious , guarded ; c eqebt (pl . <equbat) concubine , harem­ equal ly. C D ' a Ca rraya t o make (s omething : a . d . o . ) equal (to :
woman . Caqabi (p l . 'aqabt) guard ; Caqabe « a?ada) wayn vintner, mes la) . Dt ta'arraya p as s . of C D . c e rZ'Uy ( fern . 'e rrit) equal (to:
one in charge of the win e ; Caqabe re' s/sega body-guard; caqabe Za-, mes Za) , the s ame (as ) ; 'erZ'Uya ba- <erruy adv . equally, to
nabi b speaker, spokesman ; 'aqabe gannat gardener ; 'aqabe s e ray the s ame extent . <erl'eyenna/ 'el'l'inna equality.
doctor, physi ci an . 'eqbat n . guardin g , observing, keeping; w at ch , 'arraza D to prepare or furnish clothing . c ara z (or 'arraz) (pl .
v i gi l . ma cqab (p I . ma 'aqeb , -t) guard , gua r d - p o s t . -at) clothing , vestment s .

ta 'aqfa to be hindered , imp e ded ; to stumb l e , knock against . CG casaba G (ye CsebJ to hire for wage s . 'asb wages , hire , p ay , reward .
 1
390 3 I

<assab hireling, m rc n lry . fnml l i r, w l l - known .

<asaya G (ye <si) to repay . un 0 b repai d , accept p ayment . Cora G (y. r ur) 0 be b l ind . CG ' a rora to .blind . D t tacawwara to
r eset payment , reward . negl CL , overlook , let pass unnot i ced; t o despi s e . r ewU!' b l ind .
rasa (p I . -t) fis h . rurat b l indne s s .
<asru (ac e . idem) f . t en . 'aoar tu ( ee. rasarta ) m . t en . raser ( f . rawyawa Q to wai l in mourning . c awyiit n . wai l in g .
-t) adj . t enth . riiB6rawi ( f . - t) idem . raseriiy ( f . rasent) idem. tarayyana D t to s e t up camp , to camp ; with Za r Za : · to bes ieg � . rayn
rasU!' the tenth day (of the month) ; ten days . rasr/ <esr f . ten ; (pI . ' a ryent) f. eye ; sab' a <ayn spi es , scout s . te·ryent (p I . -at ,
resra adv . t en times . resra twenty. <aserat a tenth , t i the . ta rayen) army , ho s t ; camp , encampmen t ; tent ( s ) ; gather�g ; congre­
rassara D to cal l a meeting; to invite (a . d . o . ) . Dt ta rassara p as s . gation.
<asur/ rassur feast , banquet . r ezl a mode of church s inging used during Lent and for funerals and
<a?aba/ ca?ba G (ye <?eb/ye c?ab) t o b e hard, harsh , difficult (for : o . certain feast-days .
s . ) ; to be necess ary . ce?ub harsh, diffi cul t , onerous ; diffi cul t razaqt (pl . -at, razaqat) f . m . wel l , c i s t ern .
(to do : la- + inf. ) ; ba- ce?ub , ' em- < e?ub adv . with diffi cult y .
re?ab , ra?iib harshnes s , di ffi culty; need, want . B

<a?ad (pl . ' a r?ad, -at) m . f . any circumscribed area : courtyard ,

�
ba- prep . in , into ; by , with (o f agent) . Wi th pron . suff . : § 28 . 1 .
atrium; pen , s t al l ; fie l d , · farm; vi l l age ; <a?ada wayn vine a:Td . E xpressing possession : § 28 . 2 . Express ing .existence : §28 . 3. bo
<a?f (p I . -at , ' a c?eft) m . tuni c , cloak , mantl e . za- as inde f . pron ; : § 2 8 . 4 . :
... ._=: .. .' :;: � __ . .. .
ra?q (p I . ' a r?Uq , --at) m . f . branch, palm-branch . ba' enta (w. pron . suff . ; ba' enti' a-) prep . about , concerning; because
ra�awa/ ra�a (ye r?ew) to c l o s e , shut , lock , b o l t . Gt ta 'a?wa pass . of, on account of; for the s ak e · o f . ba' enta ment why? ba' enta-ze
<e?ew locked, c l os e d , bol t e d . ra?awi doorkeepe r . ma <?o (pl . thus , therefore . ba' enta za- becaus e .
ma ca1;lut) door , gat e ; l o ck , 'b o l t . be' si (pI . sab' ) man , husband, person . be' s{t (pI . ' anest) woman ,
catana G (ye cten) to burn incen s e . re t� incens e . ma Cpant (p l . wife .
ma rapen) cen s e r , thuribl e . ba rada G to change , alter . Gt taba rada = G l t tabii rada to move away ,
roda G (ye Cud) trans . : to go around, surround; to avo i d , circumvent emigrate ; to be change d , altered, a l i en , unfami l iar . be rud · dif­
( a . d . o . ) ; intrans . : to go around, circul a t e , tour . CG ' a coda to ferent, al i en , s trange . ba red (f. ba <edd) other, different ;
lead/take around , cause to circulate . cudat circ l e , ci rcuit , strange , alien . be rdenna change , di fferenc e .
orbi t . cawadi mes s enger, heral d , preacher . cawd (p l . ' a "Wad) en ­ be r la G (yeb ralJ t o be rich , wealthy . CG ' ab rala t o make rich .
virons , neighborhood , vicinity; area in general ; a court of l aw ; a be rul (f. be reU) rich , wealthy . ba re Z ( f . - t ; p I . ' ab re Zt) rich,
circuit , period of time ; threshing-fl oor . cawda prep . around, weal thy . ba r l (f. ba reZt; p I . ' ab reZt) owner, possessor, master .
surrounding (suffixes added as to an acc . noun) . ba r ra Z i dem . ba riil (pl . -at) m . f . feas t , festival ; gabra ba raZa
cof (pI . ' a cwaf) bird ; fow l . o hold/c lebrate a festival ; ba riil teke Zt a fixed festival ; ba ral
rewal young o f an animal , esp . the foal o f an as s . 'f t.k. Z t n movab le festiva l . be rl wealth, riches .
com (p I . ' a "Wiim, -at) tree ( s ) , dens e grove , woods . badh,�d(! Q 0 die . bedbed p l ague , fatal i l lnes s .
coqa G (ye <uq) to beware o f , t ake care for , be cautious of ( l a 'l a , / ' (, III (p l . ' abd�ni ) III. corpse .
Za- , or acc . ) ; esp . common in the imperative with a neg . su� j unc /' 11, 1/',1 r, (1/ bd '1") to hurry , precede , arrive first . CG ' abdara to
t ive : take care not t o , b e careful not to ( Cuq kama ' i . . . J . CG II ,. I t· , choo e , s e l e c t , favor ; with fo l l . inf . : to do something
' a roqa to make known , show ( a . d . o . ; to : o . s . ) . Gt ta rawqa to be , I y, w I l l ingly, with undivided attention . Gt tabadY'a pass . of
noticed, pel ceived , recogn i z ed ; to be made known , reveal e d . 'Qww/ I,. [ , I t taMdazoa t o compete with (in running) , t o race . badr
392
393

contest , race . (pro fess ional ) .

badwa G to be desert , wasteland. CG ' abdawa caus . badw , bada des er4 baIera L to res cue , save , l iberate . Lt tabaZera p � s s . baZahi lib-
wasteland, uncultivated area. erator, pro tector .
ba4 <a/ba? <a G (yeb4a <) to vow . CG ' ab4e <a to make or declare blesse� mabaZZat (pl o -at) widow , wi dowhood ; nun .­
to obtain a vow; to become happy, blessed. be4u </be?u < fortunate , baZas/baZasa (p l . -t, ' ab Zas) fig (s ) , fig-tre e .
b l e s s ed; vowed, dedicated. beq <at vow . be qu <awi ' beat i fi c , baZya G (yebZi) t o be O l d , worn out , �ecrepit , obso let e . , C G '
ablaya
b l e s s ed . beq <an beatifi cation, bless edness . caus . ,be luy (f. be Ut) o l d , et c . ; ljegg BeUt the O l d T�stamen
t.
bag < (pl o ' abage < ) sheep . baZayi o l d , wearing out .
behIa G (imperf . yebe l , subj . yebal; speci al preterite yebe - I ; see § ba Ixa G (yebIax) to be sharp . CG ' ab Zexa to sharp en . baZix sharp
.
3 9 . 2 ) to s ay , speak ; to cal l (someone : o . s . ; something: a . d . o . ) . beZx sharp point or edge .
Gt tabehIa to be spoken , s ai d ; to be mentioned, named , spoken o f . baqW <a G (yebqWa <) to be useful , of benefit , profitab l e , SUitab l e
,
Glt tabahala to speak (debate , discus s , argue) with o n e another appropria te ( t o a person : o . s . or Ia-) ; beqWe <ani, P l eas
e . CGt
'
(mesIa, babaynat- , acc . ) . , as tabqWe <a to p l ead , beseech, praY (with, t o : 0 . 5 . ) . baqWe <
use-
behma G (yebham) to be mut e . bahham mut e . behmat mutenes s . ful , benefic ial . baqWa <i idem; als o : ,benefac tor . baqw 'et use
,
ba�/ba�a (w. or without pron . suff . of the 2nd p ers . ) exc l am . Greet­ usefulnes s ; baqW < idem.
w " .'
ings l ba�a be�Za to greet . baq a�aIbaqWZa G (yebqwe, Z/ye.bqW aZ) to sprout, grow . , CG ' abqWaZa
be�' a G to ferment (intrans . ) . CG ' abQe' a to ferment (trans . ) . Gt �-

.
;: :2QaQ ii �a
�aus . baqW Z (pI -at) plflTlt : .'herb �. �e:f;et: tiC:) ; a > te -palm.
tabe�' a = G. beru' fermented ; leaven, yeast . be�i' vinegar . her r (pl . .J abpQ: t") reed� arm o f -a cande i �b;um . .
','

be�' at fermentation . barbara Q to p i l l age , s � � bai'bar -barbar ians , plunder

: ers .
be�er (p l . ba?awert) m . region , province , district . barad m. hai l .
ba� (pl . ' abQert) f . m. sea, o cean . ba�ey (p l . -at) pearl . barha G (yebrah) to shin e , be bright , be light . CG ' abreha to i l lu­
ba�tit- adj . /adv . alone, s o l e , only; used appo s i tional ly, always with minat e , cause to b e bright ; to emit light . beruh bright , shining;
,
a pron . suff . , e . g . ' ana baQtiteya I alon e ; rakabkewwo ba�tito I cheerful , happy . berhan (pl . -at) m. light ( l i t . and fig . ) .
found him alone ( o r : him only) . ' enta bartit- by one ' s s e l f , berhanawi ( f . -t) of o r pertainin g to l i ght , esp . in hea.venly or
alone; e . g . nabara ' enta ba�titu he s at by hims e l f . bartu adv . spiritual sens e .
but , however . May occur first in the claus e as wa-ba�tu or be ' astabraka CGt t o knee l : berk (pl . j abrak) knee .
placed after the first main e l ement of the claus e , esp . i f this i s baraka L to bless (a. d'. o . or la <Za) . Lt tabaraka pass . buruk ( f .
an e l ement preposed for emphasis . burekt) blessed; fortun ate, happy; excel lent, outstandin g.
taba�tawa Qt to take up a l ife of solitude . be�tew adj . alone, sol i ­ barakat (pl . -at) m . f . blessing . burake (pl . -yat) idem.
tary . baQtawi anchorite, one who l ives i n solitude . be�tewenna beraZe/biraZe beryl , crystal ; alabaster ves sel . '
anchori tism. baraqa G (yebreq) to lightning, flash l ike lightning. CG ' abraqa
w caus . mabraq (p l . mabareqt) m . lightning .
tabak ra Gt to b e the firstborn ; to give birth for the first time .
w berur (pl . -at) m. silver .
bak r firstborn ; the usual construction of this word is with a
w bert m. copper .
pronominal suffi x , as in wa Z da za-bak ra her firstborn son ( l i t .
w tabaraya Glt to fo l low success ively, to do by turns .
her son which was her firstborn) . bek renna status of firstborn . ' ebret alt erna­
bakaya G (yebki) to weep , mourn (ove r : diba , Za < Za , ba' enta) . G lt tion, success ive turn (s ) ; round or tour of duty or offi ce . ba­

tabakaya to weep together , mourn mutually . CG ' abkaya to move to ' e bre ta during the admin i s trat i on o f ; ba-ba-' ebre tomu each in h i s
tears . bekay m. weeping , l amentation . mabkey mourner own turn .
 9..2

394 395

besrat/besserat good news , gosp'e l . dabtara (pl . dabater) t en t , t abernacl e .

ba�� G (yeb�a�) to arrive ; to happen (to : O . s . or Za <Za , diba) . CG dabe ZCi (p l . -t) male o f any animal , esp . ram, h e � goat .
' ab?e� caus . G l t taba�e�a t o bring ( s omeon e : a . d . o . ) before a dafana G (yedfen) to cover , hide , conceal . �adien treasure ; s epul­
j udge . be��t arrival . .chre .
bataka G (yebtek) to break (trans . ) . Gt tabatka to break (intrans . ) . dagama G (yedgem) with inf o or coordinated verb ; to do again . , . dagem
betuk broken . betkat fractur e , rupture , breakin g . ( f . -t) adj . second , other , further ; dagema adv . again , ' a � e col1d
batr (p l . ' abter) s t aff , branch . time ; further , moreover .
....
bo' a G (yeba' ) to enter (westa, ba-) . CG ' abe' a to bring/ l e ad/t ake da�ara G (yedQar) to divorce, repudiate .
. . . ..

in ; to introduc e , insert . G l t tabawe' a to intrude , s l ip in unin­ dakma (yedkem/yedkam) to be t ired, weary, weak , feeb l e , i l l . CG
vited (into , among : acc . ) . ba' at (p l . -at) entry, entran c e ,
' adkama caus . dekum (f. dekemt) ti red , etc . dekam wearines s ,
entering; cave , l ai r , den, c e l l . muba' /mebwa' (pl . -at) p lace of infirmit y , weakne s s .
entry; act o f entering . maba' (pl . -at) offerin g . ' adZaq Zaqa Q to shake , qu�ke , tremb le ; also caus . of the same .
' abe� C G to a l l ow , permit (o . s . of person + subj . o f verb) . Gt deZeqZeq vio l ent motion , s t orm, temp e s t ; earthquake .
tabaw�a pass . ; to have power over ( Za < Za, diba, ba-) . CGt daZawa G (yedZu) to weigh ( a . d . o . ; out to : o . s . ) ; to be useful , sui t ­
� astabaw� t o ask for permi s s i on . be� Za- i t is permitted for abl e , proper , correct ( for someone : O . S , ; to do something : subj . :
( Za- : someone) t o do (subj . ) . maba�t power, authority, permi s sion. kama) . CG ' adZawa to, p.l ease , . s ati.;sfy (someone : a . d . o . or Za- ) ; to
r __
CD ' abayyana to make , : . ... . �.#.�
.

bayyana D to di s c e rn , distinguis h , make out . 'Dt 'tadaZlgu;a t o' prepare OIle ' s s e l f ,
adulat e , falffl over; fl atter ,
.,� ,"

,
c l ear , evident . ba-baynati- (pron . suff . required) prep . amon g , g e t ready; to l ive in luxury . CDt ' astcida'Uawa t prepare. ,. make
�
between (used mainly with verbs denoting r eciprocal act ivity . See ready (trans . ) . CGlt ' astadaZawa idem . deZew ( f . de Zut) adj. .
Vo c . 24) worthy (to d o : subj , ) , desJ
� rvin g ; ,proper ; weighed... '''''' �Zwat weight ,
bayya� a D to s eparate , dis tinguis h , discern . Glt tabaya?a to be come worthines s , propriety . madZew (pI . -an) hypocrite',' fawner ; an
companions . bi? ( sing . or co l I . ; p l . ' abya?) friend , comrade , unj ust offi cial or j udge . . madaZew (p l . ) s cales , balance . tadZa
companion; neighbor; s ingle individual . preparation ; propriety, appropri atenes s , worthiness ; luxury , afflu-
bet (pl . ' abyat) m . f . hous e ; room; s heath . ence .
bezawa Q to redeem . CQ ' abezawa caus . Qt tabezawa to redeem for one's dam (p l . -at) m . f . blood .
s e l f ; to be redeemed . beza ransom; as prep . : in exchange for . dam� G (yedme�/yedma4) to sound . CG ' adma?a caus . demd soun d ,
bezawi redeeme r , s avior . mabezawi idem . noise .
bazxa G (yebzax) to be many, much, numerous , abundant . CG ' abzexa t o ' admama CG (rare) t o astonis h , s tupi fy . G t tadamma D t tadammama to
multiply, make numerous ; t o produce a l o t o f , have a l o t o f . be astoni shed, amazed, s tup i fi ed . madmem marvelous , astonishing ;
bezux ( f . bezext) many , much , numerous , abundant . bezx mul t i tude , n . miracl e , marve l .
l arge number or amount . mabzext maj or part , maj ority; most o f ; dammana 0 to c l oud over , obscure ; to become c l oudy . CO ' adammana
mabzexto adv . often , frequen t l y . idem. demmun cloudy. dammana. (p l . -t) m . f . c l oud ( s) . damanmin
rather cloudy.
o
damaq a G to grind up , crush .
da' emu adv . j us t , mere l y , only ; furthermore , moreover ; rather, but , dammara 0 to ins ert , mi x i n , j oin together, uni t e . Ot tadammara
on the contrary . pass . ; to be marr i e d . demmur mixe d , united , j o ined . demmare
tadbab roof , top , summit , pinnac l e . dabub the nort h . uni on , j o ining , uni t in g , tedmel't union , marri age .
dabl' (pl . ' adbal') m . mountain ; monastery. dangaqa Q to be astoni shed, stup i fi e d , amazed , disturbed in mind ,
 -. '""

396 397

terrified. CQ > adangaga t o astonish e t c . dengu� astonished, etc . D

'

denga� astoni shment, e t c . madange� adj . astonishin g , etc .

qab> a/?ab> a G (ye�a» to figh� , make war·. (with : a . d . o ..) .. G l t
denge Z (pl . danage Z) virgin; as applied to men : monk , celibate .
ta?abe> a to fight one another ( a . d . o . cir �es ia) . sab' (p I . ' a?ba' ,
dengeZenna virginity.
- t) m. f . war, battl e ; hora ?ab' a to go out to batt l e . ?aba> i
danqawa Q to be hard of hearing . denqew hard of hearing; s l ow-witted,
warrior, so ldier . ?aba> it f . m . army , troop s ; bat t l e , fighting .
dense .
' a�ara/' a?bara ?ebura to work c l ay . �ebur/?ebur clay , mud .
daqiq (co l I . ) chi l dren; offspring , progeny; Daqiqa > Esra> e Z the I sra-
�<J.e mo th , worm.
e lites . daqq (co l I . ) chi l dren and/or servants . . .'��

�fara G (ye�fer) to weave , p l ait . Gt taq.afra p as s r' q.efur woven ,

daqqasa D to s l eep . deqqas s l e ep .
p l ai ted . qefro p l aited work . q.efrat n ; weaving� j oining , . plai t -
derge,a a patch.
ing .
deruk harsh, savage .
' asta�ge <a C Lt t o p l ace o n a bed o r l itter. �eg < , 4ega < p i l l ow,
dase t (pl . dasayat) i s land . W
mattres s . ma�g e < a paralyt i c .
dexna G (yedxan) to es cape s afe ly (from: > emenna) ; to be s afe , un ­
<j.agam the left hand o r side ; <j.egm idem .
harmed; to be s aved (in the religious s en s e) . CG > adxana to s ave ,
q.a�ay/<j.a�y (pl . -at) m . f . sun . Hagara ·qa�ay He l i opolis .
k eep s a fe , res cue ; t 0 s ave (reI . s ense) . dexun s a fe , unharmed ;
> a�e> a CG to l i sten t o , to hear .
s aved (re I . s ens e) ; immune t o , free of (> emenna) . daxen s afe ,
<j.amada G (ye�ed) to j oin, bind to gether, . yoke . Gt .t_alj.aJnda p ass . ; to
� :..�� Ubmit
who l e , sound, unharmed . daxn s afety, wel l -bein g , s ecurity . a:axnal
dedicate one ' s s e l f t o , . pursue as s i duoUS I one ' s s eif to ,
dexna idem. madxen = madxani s avior, redeeme r . madxanit m . f .
minis ter to . <j.emud j oined, connected; zealous , assiduous ; as' n . :
s alvation , safety, redemption .
devote, discip l e , s ervant . <j.emd yoke , pai r . gammad s ectari an ,
dexra adv . afterward . dexra (w. pron . suf. : dexre-) prep . behin d , in
zealot, devo t e . ma<j.mad rop e , thong .
back of; ba-dexra idem; > em-dexra from behin d , after (of time) ;
_

damara G <j.ammara D to j oin , affix, connect , attach . G lt taq.amara

> em-dexra-ze after thi s , afterwards ; > em-dexra conj . aft e r .
=

to associate with (one another) . <J.emrat n . j oining, connecting .

dax (x)arit end .
ma<j.mer/ma<j.mar (p l . maq.-amer , -t) partner, mat e , companion , spous e .
daxara G to allow, s anction . madxar s anction , bles sing .
q.amr m . f . wool .
dawaZ (pl . > adwaZ) region, district , territory.
meq.nega < rai l ing, rai l ed enclosur e ; a p lace where one l e ans or re ­
doreho (pl . dawareh) m . f . chicken , hen, rooster .
c l ines .
dawaya G (yedway) to be s i ck , i l l . Dt tadawwaya to feign i l lnes s .
q.ansa G (ye<j.nes/yecfna s) to be come pregnant (by : > em-) ; to conceive (a
C G > adwaya to make i l l . dewuy/dewey ( f . deweyt) s ick , i l l . dawe
chi l d : a . d . o . ) . Gt ta�ansa to be conceived . q.enest ( f . ) pregnant.
(pl . -yat) f . m . s i ckness , i l lnes s , diseas e .
<j.ens pregnancy.
diba (w . pron . suff . : dibe-) prep . on, upon , onto, again s t ; ba-diba w
daq ana G (yeq.qwen) to surround with a fence or wal l . �aqwan/.daqwn
idem; > em-diba from on , from upon .
fence , wal l .
degana Q/L to pursue , chas e ( a . d . o . or dexra , > em-dexra) .
> alj:Pe <a CG (in trans . ) to ceas e , stop , be at res t ; (trans . ) to bring
> adyam (pl . ; p l . -at) are a, region, environs , neighborhood , adj acent
to a s top . Gt ta<j.ar <a CG intrans . q.eru < inert , at rest , brought
di strict .
=

to a s top . q.er <at ces s ation, res t ; za' enbaZa q.er <at without ceas ­
dayyana D to j udge , condemn, punis h . Dt tadayyana = Gt tadayna pass .
ing , without interrupt ions .
dayn j udgment , punishment , condemnation , esp . of the Last Jud'gment.
�arfa/<j.arafa G (ye<J.ref) to bl aspheme (against : Za<Za, Za- , or acc . ) .
diyaqon (pI , -at) deacon . diquna di aconat e , office of deacon .
�eruf blasphemous , wicked , impious . �arafi bI asphemer .
q.erfat bl asphemy.
.�

398
1arq (pl . ' a4reqt) patch, tatter . za-�q patched, threadbare .
' a¢rara CG to be hostile. Glt taqa -rara to act hostilely toward , be
an enemy of. ¢arr (pl . ' a¢rar) enemy, adversary . 4arrawi adj .
enemy, hostil e .
10ga G t o b e savage , wild, perverse, evil , mal ignant . 1ewug
1awwag savage, etc . 1ug perverseness etc .
' adawwasa CD to weaken , cripple, maim. 1ewwus weak, crippled , maimed.
1ewawa Q/L to take captive , lead away captive , deport, exile. Qt
ta1ewawa pass . 1ewew/1iwew captive, exiled . �ewa , �wawe , 1iwawe
captivity, exil e .
F
fadfada Q to become numerous " abundant , to increas e; to surpass , be
superior; wa-za-yefadaffed ' em-zentu and what ' s more . CG
' afadfada caus . ; to surpass (someone in: two acc . ) . fadjada adv .
exceedingly, very much, ' greatly.
fadaya G (yefdi) to pay back, to pay a debt'. Gt tafadya to exact
paymeI:lt or punishment; to receive payment or punishme'Qt, to be
paid back . feda repayment , retribution; punishment, revenge .
fadQy (i) one who pays back. mafde money; reward, payment .
fa�a G ; fa4�a D to stop up , obstruct . Gt tafaqrna ; Dt tafa1�a
pass . ; to be speechles s .
fa�na G t o have a fever . fa4ant fever .
feJ:un (pI . ' afl:Zun) carbon, coal .
fakkara D to interpret , expound, explain . Dt tafakkara pass .
fekkare exp lanation , interpretation, exposition . mafakker inter­
preter, expounder; soothsayer, prophet .
faZag (pI . ' afZag) . river .
faZasa G (yefZes) to separate, go away, depart , emigrate; to secede ,
split off (from: ' emenna) ; faZasa xaba to go over to the side of;
falasa ' em-zentu 'alam to die . CG ' afZasa to send away, deport ,
exile, remove . Glt taja Zasa to wander as exiles from one place to
another; to pass from one generation to another . fe lus exiled, in
exil e . fe Zsat wandering , travel ; exile; death ; assumption (into
heaven) . Felsata Babi lon the Babylonian Exi l e . falasi an exi le,
alien , pi lgrim .
falapa G (yeflep) to separate, divide, segregate, put into a separate
group or category; to d i s t ingu i s h , dis cern . Gt tafal pa pass . CG
�- .
399
' aflapa to speak distinct ly, to make a d-istinc,t ion. Glt tajaZapa
to separate from one another . fe Zup separat e, distinct . fe Zpat
separation , division , distinc tion .
fannawa D to send . Dt tafannawa pas s . Glt ta�anawa to bid farewell
to (0 . 5 . ) . fennew sent . fenot/fennot (pl . fenaw/fennaw , -e) f.m.
road, way, path . fenna ( 1 ) ; fenot; , (2) fenn� sark early 'evening .
faqada G (yefqed) to want, wish, desire , require ; .�req . �ith
subj . :
kama . Gt tafaqda pas s . faqad (pI . -at) m . f. ·desire, wish , wi
ll;
ba-faqadu of his own accord; maswa 'ta faqad voluntary offerin
g;
za' enbaZa faqad involun tarily. faqadi one who activel y seeks
something (e. g. mercy, revenge ) ; (pI . faqadd) necromancer .
' afqara CG to love . Gt tafaqra pas s . Glt tajaqara to love one
an­
other; to love (someone : mesZa) . fequr (f. feqert) beloved , loved.
feqr love .
fer�ar, ferfur (pl . -at) crumb .
farha G (yefrah) to be afraid; to fear (a . d . o . or ' em-) . '.' q:s. ,t farha
to be feared . CG ' afreha to, fri ght'e� . farahi fearful , reverent .
. a,
farrah fearful , timi4. ferhat (pl . -at) fear, d��ad, awe; fear­
fulness , timidity . mafreh fear-ins piring, dreadful .
faras (pI . ' afras ) m. f. horse. sabj a ' afras horsemen .
' afrext/' afxert (colI . ) chicks .
faraya G (yefray) to bear fruit , be fruitful . CG ' afraya caus . ; also
; G. fere (pl . -yat, fereyat) m. fruit (lit . and fig . ) , blossom,
bud; gabra/wahaba fere to produce fruit . mafrey fruitful .
tafasse;a Dt to rej oice (in : ba- , ba' enta , Za ' Za , diba) . fessu�
happy, j oyous , rej oicing. fesse�a j oy, happiness . tefse�t (pl .
-at) idem.
Fes� Passover.
fa??ama D to complete , finish, end; to fulfi l l , accompl ish; with foIl.
inf . : to finish doing something . Dt tafa??ama pas s . fe??um done ,
accomplished, completed , fulfilled, cons'UJnmated ; perfect , whole,
compl ete . fe??ame consummation, end, completion , perfection .
taf?amet idem.
fat�a G (yefta�) to untie, loosen , open; to let loose, set free; to
forgive (sins : a . d . o . ) ; to pass j udgment . Gt tafat�a pass . CG
' afte�a to bring to j udgment . Glt tatate� to engage in a legal
case (with : mesZa or acc . ) . fe tu� open ; forgiven (persons or
s ins ) . fata�i (pl . fat a � t ) j udge . fe t� j udgment (act or fact) .
400 ....
401
fata � G (yefte Z) t o twis t , spin . Gt tafatZa pas s . 'Je tuZ spun ,
CGlt J astagabeJ a to' gather , assembl e (i:rari$ ·) ,� � i:u.tagabeJ a miixbara
twi s ted . fat Z (p l . J afta Z , J afte Zt) thread, cord . fe tZo twi s t ed
.•

Za <Za to convene an ecclesia stica( 'couhcil" against . gebJ a t return;

work .
conversio n (to : westa) ; betrayal . gabaJ i (pl . gabaF t) mercenary ,
fatana G (yeften) to investigat e , explore; to examine , test . CG
hired worker . gubuJ gathered, co l l ected . megbaJ refuge, p l ace to
J aftana to hand over for examination . Gt tafatna pass . of G .
return to .
fetun inves t i gated , examined , tested . fatani examiner, tester .
gebb (pl . gebab , J agbab ) ho l e , cave, l ai r .
fatata G = fattata D to break (bread) ; to distribute , give out . Gt
gabra G (yegbar) t o act , work, function; �to maker-creat e ,. 'fashion,
tafatata = Dt tafattata pas s . fett (p l . fetat) part , portion ,
produce; to do, perform, enact , carry out·. . ,G t tagabra pas s . , CG
morsel ; gift . fe tat (pl . -at) i dem .
.•

J agbara to make or orqer (someone : a . 'd : o . Y to do or make (s ome-

fatawa G (yeftaw) to desire strongly (often , but not necessari ly, in
thing : a . d . o . ) . Dt tagabbara to work" do work ; to work something ,
' bad s ense : to lust for, be greedy for) . CG J aftawa caus . ; to
esp . i n agri cultural sens e : t o work l and; t o transact bus iness
p l ea s e , s at i s fy . fe tew desired , desirabl e , p leasing, p l easant .
(with : mesZa) ; to inves t . CD J agabbara CG ., CDt J astagabbara t o
fetwat (pl . -at) desire, lust , craving; the thing desired, p l ea s ­
=

recover one ' s investme'nt , gabr (p I . J agbert) servant . gebr (p I .

ure . fe twatawi libidinou� given to excessive desires . maftew it
-at, gebar) m . f . deed , act; work, task, busines s ; religious s erv­
i s neces sary, fitting, proper, obligatory (fo I l . by subj . � kama) .
ice, liturgy; product , artifact , cre"ation; as ,acLv . : neces s ar i ly,
fapana G (yeften) to be quick , swift . CG J afpana to hurry, hasten;
out of neces si ty ; ba-gebr idem. gabari {p I . gabart) maker,
.
freq . with info or coord . verb : to hurry to do, to do qUlckly.
fashioner , craftsman ; this word �ares ma�y " o'f''' t � e idioms. a s s oci ­
fe tun swift , quick .
ated with G gabra . . gabMr (col I . ) worke s ; l �b-ore� s ; ' Uqa: gabbar
fa �ara G (yeft. er ) t 0 cr eate , produce,' to devi s e , fabricate . Gt :r:

taJ�a.tra pass . fe� '-' creat e d .

. ","
� . rat the act of creation; what is
J�'et
foreman . megbq:r. Cpl . -at) action, practice; b�havior, custom (sj';
. ..
�
�" ,
. ,.,
�Jt.t'<

busines s , activity .
-
"" .� '
tagber.r busine!15, .actj,v.ity, task; j ob . ,
created, creatures ; nature , character ; kind, species . fatari cre ­
gebses gypsum, p l aster . gebsus p l astered .
ator (always refers to God) .
Gabaza JAksum Guardian of Aksum, epithet of the Mother Church at
fawwasa D to cur e , heal ( a . d . o . of person or diseas e ; a . d . o . of p er-
Aksum.
son , from : J
em- ) . J Uww
Dt ta� � " 'asa pas s . '
J�aww
es (p I . -at) cure ,
gada gift (for a sup erior) .
healing; medicine, medication . mafawwes phys ici an .
gaaafa G (yegdef) to throw , cas t ; to throw away, dis card; to l o s e by
faxara G (yefxar) to espouse , become engaged t o (a . d . o . woman) . Gt
waste or negl ect . Gt tagadfa p as s . geduf thrown , cas t ; dis carde�
tafaxara/tafexra pas s . fexert fiancee . faxari fiance .
l o s t , rej ected .
fayyat (col I . ) thieves ; fayyatawi a thief.
gWaagWada Q to knock (on a door) ,
G tagadaZa Glt to struggl e , contend , esp . in rel igious s ense of strug­
gl ing against temptation . gadZ (p l . -at) a strugg l e , contest , esp.
ge <za G (yeg <az) to migrat e; to be free (i . e . not ens l aved) . CG
of saints and martyrs ; .t itle of works dealing with the l ives of
J ag <aza caus . ge <z (1) (pl . -at) mode of l i fe , manner; nature ,
saints and ascetics . mastagade Z a contender , " s o ldier of Christ . "
qual ity, e s s ential nature; ba-ge za prep . in accord with the view
<

gaaaZa corpse ( s ) , cadaver ( s ) .

of; (2) ordinary mode of church singing; ( 3 ) Ge <z/J Ag <azi the
gadam (pl . -at) wildernes s ; any remote , ' uninhabited area . gedm Cp l ,
Ethiopian s ; be�era Ge <z/' Ag razi Ethiopia .
gedam) width , breadth ,
gabJ a G (yegbaJ ) t o come/ go back, t o return . CG J agbeJ a to bring/
gaf <a G (yegfCi. <) t o harm, inj ure , oppres s . Gt tagaf<a pas s . gefu <
lead/take back; to turn back , defl ect ; to hand over , betray (a . d .
inj ured, h arm e d ; vio l ent . gef' harm, inj ury ; vio l ence ; oppre s s i on.
0 . ; to : westa J eda) . G l t tagabe' a t o gather , a s s embl e (intran s . ) .
gafCi. <i oppressor, tyran t .
402
403
gafte' a Q to overturn . Qt tagafte' a pas s . gassa?a D to rebuke , reproac h; to instruct . Dt tagaSsa�a pass
.
' aghada CG to make pub l i c , show openly, make manifest ; to act or speak gessu? wel l instruc ted, lea ned .
� �aB.ai�� teacher , instruc tor .
openly. Gt tagehda pas s . gehud (f. gehedd) clear , manifest , tagsa? (pl . -at) rebuke , reproac h, admonit i �n , instruction
.
open, obvious . gahhad idem . ; gahhada adv . openly , manifest ly, ga?? (pI . -at) face; aspect , appearanc� ;, type : ' SCiFt-.
:
pub l icly. gehdat opennes s . gegaya Q/L to err, go astray, get lost; to' sin;' cpmmi t error.

:>;iqu
N
' ag�sa CG t o t ake aside , divert ; to remove , t ake away . G t tage�sa ' angegaya to wander back and forth, l1ither' ruid' y n :
� y lost ,
to depar t , withdraw . erring; sinfu l , wicked . gegay (pI , -at), error, ' Sin , crime
, gui l t .
gaZ e (pl . -at, ' agZe 't) a pot . gesa G (yegisJ to do somethi ng early in the day:: gesain"raJ
�dv . t o-
gem' e (pl . gama 'ey) flas k , container for oi l . morrow .
W
gamaZ (pl . -at, ' agmaZ) m . f . c ame l . g ayya G (yegWyay/yegWyiJ to flee . CG ' agWyaya t o put to flight
.
W
' agmara CG to perfe c t , finis h , consummate ; to include comp l etely, to g ayay (iJ fugitive . gWeyya flight ', megWyay refuge, asylum.
comprehend. Gt tagamPa pas s . gemura adv . always , altogether , gize (pl . -yat) m . f . time : (1) the specific ti�e of or for an event
;
completely; common with neg . : (not) at al l . Za-gemura adv . for- ( 2 ) time in a more general , durative sens e . Frequent i n set
ever, always . phras es : we' eta/ye' eta' gize at that time ; (ba-J gize ?eba�/me set
Genbot Eth . month name : May 9 - June 7 . etc. in the morning/ evening; ba-gizehu at its/the proper t ime
W W ; ba­
g end (p l . -at , ' ag nad) trunk o f a tre e ; a restraining devi c e , stock. gizeha immediat ely, s traight\�ay; ba-kwe Z Zu gize always . Gize i s
W
g andaya Q to l ast , remain ; to delay , tarry, be' s iow in coming ; with
•

also equivalen t to a conjunct ion before verBal clauses: when ,

M _ .,\

inf. : t o be t ardy or late in doing, to be too long in doing . C Q whenever , e . g . gize ?ClhJWa 'kani when you summoned me . The s ame i
W W s
' ag andaya to put off, delay , defer. Qlt tag anadaya to de l ay in ,true of the compounds ba-gize , ' em-gize , and ' eska gize .
doing (Za 'Za , za ' za + inf. , or inf o alone) . gaz ' a G to serve at a feas t . gez' /gaz' feast , ·banquet . ffI!zzZi'­
ganen (pl . ' aganent) demon , evil spirit ; za-gCinen (pl . ' e Z Za ' aganent) gaza' i (pI . gazi'J:' t) waiter, attendant (at feast) .
one possessed by an evil spirit . ' egzi' (pl . ' aga' ezt , ' aga' est) lord , master, leader , chi e f .
gannat (pl . -at) f. garden ; the G arden of Eden . ' Egzi' ena Our Lord . ' egze' t l ady, mistres s . ' Egze' tena Our Lady
ganaya G (yegnayJ to bow down; to submit , be s ubmiss ive ; to render (Mary) . ' Egzi' ab�er God .
humbl e thanks . CG ' agnaya to subj ect . G l t taganaya to confe s s gazfa G (yegzefJ to be dense , stupid, dul l , stout . gezf, gezaf dens -
one ' s sins , to s eek pardon . genZiy humb l e thanks . ' ..- .
ity, dul lness , stupidity .
ganaza G (yegnezJ to prepare (a body) for burial . Gt taganza pass . gazama G (yegzemJ to cut down (a tree) ; to fe l l ; to cut , hew (wood) .
CG ' agnaza caus . genuz prepared for burial . genzat preparation Gt tagazma pass .
for burial . magnaz materials used in preparing a body for burial .
W ' W W
tag ar aya to strangle (or hang) one ' s s e l f . g er'e (p l . g ara' it) H

throat , neck . had' a G (yehda' J to be qui e t , tranqui l . C G ' ahde'a to paci fy , calm,
garif net . make tranqui l . hedu' quiet , tranqui l , p l acid. hed' at peace ,
garaht (pl . garaweh) field, arab l e land. tranqui l l i ty.
garama G to be awesome , fear- inspiring. D garrama to frighten , ter­ W W W W
hag Za/hag aZa G (yehg aZ/yehg eZJ to perish , d i e ; to l o s e , suffer a
loss (of : a . d . o . ) . CG ' ahg aZa to des tro y . Gt tahag Za to pe ri s h,
ri fy . Dt tagarrama to be terrib l e , threatening, fe ar fu l . gerrum/ W W
gerum awesome , terribl e , fearsome, awe- inspi ring . gerrema/germa W
die, be destroyed . heguZ lost, destroyed . hag Z destruction , en�
terror, awe ; awesome nature . tegremt threats , terror s . W
mahg e Z a
mahg aZi destroyer ; dj . destructive .
W
gessat touch , t ouc h in g,
=

gasasa G (yegsesJ t o touch . G t tagassa p as s . hagar (p l . ' ahgur) f . m . city; sometimes used vague l y for regio n ,
404 405
,....
d i s trict ; Xams ' ahgu:r Pentapol i s . hagari t town, city . embrace . 1e<j.nat n . nourishin g, nursing . 7;e � · (pl . -at) infant
� ,
hakak tumu l t , chaos . very young chi l d . ma�qn (pI . -at, ma�a4en) womb ; ba westa
...
tahakaya Gt to be i d l e , lazy, negligent , remi s s ; to cease , stop, b e ma�q.ana she is pregnant .
inactive . CG ' ahkaya caus . hakkay lazy, i d l e , etc . haket l a z i ­ ma�/ma7;�e axe .
nes s , idlenes s , etc .
�egg (pl . 7;egag) m . f . l aw; the Law (s criptural sens e ) ; gabra 7;egga t o
haZ Zawa D to exi s t , b e ; see §44 . 2 for deta i l s on meaning and construc­ perform/c arry out the law; ba-�egg l egal ly , l awful ly. " ,

tions . he Z Zawe b e ing, e s s ence, nature, substance . tamayta xaba �agay summe r .
. ; .<".• .

.,'
heZ UZwehu he r eturned to his normal stat e . Q.C!-Zaba G (ye�Zeb) to mi l k . r;aZib mi l k , j uice .
-hu interrog . part i c l e ; s e e § 8 . 3 . haZama G to dream. Dt ta�Z Zama to dream dreams , s ee visions . 7;e Zm
hoka G (yehuk) to move , agitate , disturb . Gt tahawka pass . hawk (p l . �e Zam, ' a7;Zam) dream, vision .

motion , movement , agitation , disturbance ; mob , crowd, tumult . � Zaya G (ye�Zi) to s ing, make mus i c ; to s ing about (a . d . o . ) . 7;aZayi
hukat idem. ( f . - t ; p I . �layt) s inger . ma7;Zet (p I . -at., ma7;aZey) song, sing­

hosa <na (Heb . ) Save us . Hosanna . ing , mus i c . ma7;Zetay musician , Singer .

-hi encl . part . even , the very ( s ee § 5 1 . 4b) ; added to interrog . pron . �da G Gt ta�da to be burned to ashes . 7;amad ash (es ) .
=

to form indef . pron . (see § 29 . 2) . �Z (pl . ' a�aZ) vegetation, shrubs .

heda G (yehid) to take by force . Gt , tahayda pas s . and refl ex. (i . e . ljamle Eth. 'month name , July 8 - Aug . i . ..
J
for one ' s s e l f) . hayd vio l ence, taking by force; booty, prey. f:amma/�mama (ye�am/ye�em) to be ii I , suffer i l lne s s ; 'pain or d i s ­
tre s s . CG ' a�ama to affl i ct w i t h i l lness , ' pain , distr � s s . G l t
taQiimama to hate one another . CG l t ' astaJjamama t � t �ke ' p �i �s ,;i th;';'
hayadi a vio l ent person, p l underer .
haymanot m . f. faith (esp . Chris t i an) . mahaymen ( f . -t) adj . /n .
fai thful (in the religious s ens e) ; a bel iever . give careful attention t o ; devote one ' s s e l f 'to . �e�Qn i l l ,
' ahyaya CG to caus e to forget , to induce amnes i a . Dt tahayyaya t o affli cted, distre s s e d . 7;emam (pl . -at) i l lnes s , pain , disease,
neglect, skip , b e unconcerned about . heyyat negligence , forge t ­ affli ction. ma�em grievous , affl icting with grief or pain .
fulnes s , amne s i a . 7;emmat soot . maya 7;emmat ink .
heyyci adv . ther e , i n that p l ac e ; ba-heyya idem; ' em-heyya from there, 7;amar (pl . ' a�ar) f . m . boat , ship .
thence . heyyanta (w. pron . suff . : heyyante-) prep . in p l ace of, taQiimawa Glt to acquire an in- l aw . �am (w . pron . suff . : �_ , acc .
instead of. �- ; pl . ' a�aw) father-in - l aw , son-in- l aw . �at mother-in­
l aw , daughter- in- law . ta�a in- l aw relationship .
�ot gal l .
�abZ (p l . ' a�baZ) m . f . rop e , cord. �aya G (ye7;mi) t o curs e , revi l e , s l ander. �emuy disgraceful , shock­
' a�bara CG to c l ean , pol i s h . �ebr (pl . -at, �ebar) color . hebur ing . �et n . cursing, revi l ing, s l ander .
variegated . �ankasa Q to l i mp , be lame . �kas l ame , cripp l ed . �enkase l ameness.
ta�aya Gt to assume resF ons i b i l ity for (o . s . ) , stand as guarantor �a?a G (ye�ne�) to bui l d , construct . Gt ta�?a pass . CG ' a�na?a
for (o . s . ) to (a third party : ' emenna) . habi (p l . �ayt) prefect, caus . 7;enu? bui l t , construct e d . 7;ana?i archi tect , bui l der . �en?,
governor , procurator; �be me' t centurion . �en?at , 7;en?a bui lding, construct ion .
�ddasa D to renew , renovate , restore . Dt ta�ddasa pas s . �ddis �aq Z (p l . ' a�qu l , ' a7;qa Z , ' a�eZt ) f i e l d ; any vast and empty tract .
( f . �addas , p I . 7;addast) new . Ifegg Haddis the NT . 7;aqqa Z farmer .
7;aqana G (ye�qen) to nurs e , nourish , foster , cu ltivate ; to take care ' as ta�ara/' asta�laqara CGt to revi l e , ridicul e . 7;equr vi l e , desp i c ­
of (one ' 5' young) . Gt ta1La(j:na pas s . 7;e<j.n (p l o 7;e<j.an) bosom, ab l e .
 ,I
406
407
�eqqa adv . a l i t t l e , a l i t t l e whi l e , a short distance . ba-�eqqu s uf- w i t h O . S . of pers on so affe cted
) . �e�u� mino r, Tes s , sma l l ,
in7
ficiently, enough; very much , altogether . feri or, defi C i ent , l ackin g. �
e �a� , �e??at" de crea se , dimin ution ,
'

�qaya G to grind/gnash the teeth . CG ' a�aya caus . defi cienc y, l ac k .

�aqWe (p l . -yat) l o ins . ��. (p I . ' a��a , - t) arro\., .
Qara1a G (ye�e1) to grind ( fl our) . Gt taQar1a pas s . �ri1 flour , ratata G (ye�t et) to inve stig at e , exam
in e , s crut ini z e ; to ques t ion,
dough . ma�ra1 mi l l , mi l l - stone . inte rrog at e . Gt ta�atata pas
s . � tata inve stig atio n, inte
. rr.oga­
�rama G to set aside as sacred , to dedicate ( a . d . o . )· to a deity; to . tion . 'mii �tat test imon y; a
' witn es s , test ifi e r .
regard as taboo . D Qarrama to anathemat i ze . CG ' a�rama = G ; al so: �ora G (ye�or. ye�lur) to go . �ura t
(p l . -at) n . go ing, manner of go ­
to make or decl are as taboo . Dt taQarrama to be taboo , prohibited; ing; departur e , j ourney; way
of l i fe , mann ers , cust oms .
to abstain from for reasons of taboo ; to be supers t it ious . �rum/
�areya
(p l . - t) apos t l e . me�war (pl
. -at) the dist ance one may
trav el in
�
�errum sacred , forbidden , tabo o , anathemati ze d ; abst inen t . �ermat a give n time (e . g . me l;zwiira sa
Zus a thre e-da y ' S j our ey) ; cours e
(p l . -at) anything sacred ; ritual , ceremony . me�Qm (pl . -at) ,
orbit .
sacred precinct , temp l e . te�emt abstinen c e , devotion . ' a�osa CG to move , shak e , agit ate (tran
s . ) . Gt ta�aw8a idem intr
�ra/�rara G (ye�ar/ye�er) to burn (intrans . ) , be ablaz e . CG ans .
or pass . ; za-yet�O:wa
w s repti l es , " cree ping thin gs . "
�usat moti on,
' ahrara to burn (trans . ) . �rur heat , fervor , passion , ardor . movement . �eWa8 (p l . -at) a
phys i cal s ens e . �awisa excl
am . of
�arra (col I . ) army, troop s , s o l di er s . wonder or admirati on .
�rasa G (ye�es) to plow . ta�rsa pas s . �rasi (pl . �ast )
Gt �a?a D to insp ect , look at (a . d
. o . ) ; to look in on, vi s.it (
a. d . o . );
p lowman , farmer , tenant farmer . ma�as (pl . ma�res) a �plow . to look afte r {goo d and bad
sens es) . Dt t�awa w ?� pass . �ewwa?e
Qaraweya (pl . ' a�rew ) p i g , sow, swine . Vi s i t , ViSi tati on, attention _
.
�sa interj . Heaven forb i d ! Let it not be so ! �eway the red glow of the evening
. sky .
�w'a to accuse o f
�ssawa D t o 1 1 e , b e dece1' tfu 1 , fa I s e . CD ' ahass� �awwa za D t o plea s e , del i ght ,
be p l e as ing to . CGt ' as ta�aw
aza t o be
fal s ehood . Dt ta�88awa t o be accused of fal s ehood , be found out pl eased . CDt ' asta �awa w za. to regard as p l easi ng , acceptab
l e ; to
a l i ar . �ssat a l i e . �essew fal s e , deceitful . �assawi a l i ar . p l ea s e , deli ght . CGlt ' a8 ta�aw
aza idem . �wwez (pl . -at) pl eas­
�sama G t o b e bad, fou l , evi l . CG ' a�sama to act wickedly; to make ure , d e l i ght . �awa w z pl eas ant , d e l i ghtful , agre eab l e .
foul , evi l ; to harm, damage . �e8wn bad , foul , evi l , harmful . �yq (pl . -at) shor e ( o f s ea or l ake)
.
�e8am (pI . -at) wickednes's , evi l ; crime, harm. ba-heswn adv . �esa G (ye�i s) to S C O l d , repr
ove . G� ta�aysa pas s . �is repr
oach ,
vi l ely, wretchedly, without pity. s co l ding .
�sar chaff, piece of straw . �ywa G (ye�yaw) to l i v e , be alive ;
to revi ve , corne back to l i fe ;
to
ta�8aya/ta�a8ya Gt to rej o i ce (in , at : ba- , ba' enta) . haset happ i ­ reco ver, get wel l . CG ' a�yaw
a to rest ore to l i fe ; to heal , cure
;
nes s , j oy . to l e t l ive . �eyaw ( f . -t) aliv
e, l ivin g ; ' emma-�eyaw Moth er
of
�asaba G to comput e , reckon ; t o think , b e l i eve , impute . Gt ta�asaba the Livi ng (i . e . Eve) . �eywat
m. f . l i fe , l i feti me . ma�y ew
,
pas s . G l t ta�asaba t o take up accounts with . �asab computat ion, ma�yawi l i fe-gi ving , s alvi f i c .
reckoning , account ; quantity , pri ce; portion , shar e . gabra �asaba �zaba G t o think , beli eve , Supp os e .
Gt tabazba =D t ta�zzaba = G ;
to s ett l e accounts . also : to expec t ; to fear , avo
i d ; to care , be conc erne d . te�z
hasasa/hassa G (yehses) to decrease (in quantity) , become inferior
ebt
� �U�� ity) , b � d � ficient ;
. . opin ion , belie f; fear , expec tatio
' n.
( n to be subtract e d . CG ' a�a�a t o ' bezb (p l . ' a�zab , �ezab) peop l e , natio
n ; crow d; NT the Gent il e s .
dimin i s h , make l es s , wors e , inferior; t o be defi c i ent ( i n doing : �zana G (ye�z en/ye �zan) to be s ad . CG
' a�zana to make sad; ofte n
inf . ; in : acc . or ' emenna) ; to subtract , cause a loss of ( a . d . o . used impe rson al ly : ' a�zano he
was s addene d . �azan sadn ess ,
gri e f .
408
409
hezun (f ' h. ezen t) s ad . ma
• - h.zen, mah.zani saddenin g , provoking s ad-
concern ing : ba' enta) . CG ' ak�da to contradict , not b e l i eve
nes s ; also mabzan cause of sadnes s . See a l so ma�zen sub m�z .
= (some­
one : a . d . o . ) ; to l ead (someon e : a . d . o . )
from the fai th . ka!:Cidi
K infidel , unbel ieve�; rebe l . ka� l ack o f
faith, i mpiety , heresy ;
disobe dience , rebe l l ion ; za' enbaZa kCi�d withou
k(i < eb ( f . -t) adj . s econd, other; ka < eba adv . again , a s econd t ime ; t doubt , . without
fear of contradictio n . ke�dat denial ,
further, moreover . mek < ebit n . doub l e , the doub l e amount; aposta cy, rebe l l ion .
W w
k ak b rock (s ) , stone (s ) .
mek < ebi ta adv . twofo l d , doub l y ; me' ta mek<ebita a hundredfold .
ka l' a G ·(yek.Za' ) to prevent (someone : 0 . 5 . ; from doing
ka <awa (yek 'aw) to pour out , spew out (trans . ) . Gt take ' wa idem in­ : in'f. ) ; to
withho l d (somet hing : a . d . o . ; from : ' emenna
trans . ) . Gt takaZ' a pass . ; to
, abstai n (from : ' emenna ) . keZ' at prohib ition,
kabda G to be heavy , s erl0US . CG ' akbada to make heavy,' to be bur- prevention .
kale' ( f . -t) adj '. · other , anothe r , s econd; n . compan
densome . kebud ( f. kebedd) heavy. kebad heavine ss . kabd the ion . keZ' e m . f .
two . ke Z' etu (acc . kel' e ta) m . two; ke Z' e ti (acc
l iver ; the s tomach. . keZ' e ta) f . two.
kalb (pl . kaZabat, ' aklebt, ' akZab) dog .
kabkab wedding, wedding feast .
kaZ ZeJ:a D to cry out , shout . kelZa� a cry, shout .
kabra G (yekbar) to be glorious , magn i ficen t , great , famous , i l lu s ­
kalZaZa D to crown, to surround like a crown . Dt
trious . CG ' akbara to make of regard as glorious , et c . kebur ( f . taka Z Zala to be
'crowned'· (loiith : acc" e . g . taka ZZaZa kebra he,
wa"�'. �owned with
ki
kebert) glorious , etc . kebr gl ory , honor ; spl endor, magnificence .
gldry; .or ba-) . ke ZZuZ ' CTowned (witl'1 : . ba-)
kadana G (yekden) to cover, prote c t ; to pa�don (sins ) . Gt takadna : e itz ze n . crowni ng,
coronat ion. ' akZiZ (pl . -at) crown , diadem ·
pas s . kedun covered, protec�e'd . kediin (pl . -at) covering; esp . W
...

k e ZZ_ quantif ier : al l , each , ' every (see § 1 0 . 3) . kWe

tun i c , garment . kednat protection . kadiini protector . . Z lanta_ (w. pron:
suff . ) a l l of, the who l e o f . kWe Z Zo adv . altoget
kafaZa G (yekfe Z) to divide (up ) ; to apportion , distribut e ; to make her, complet ely;
(not) a t al l . kWeZ Zahi/kW e Z Zehi adv . everywh ere
someone a part i cipant/partaker in/of; impersonal l y : to be one ' s ; . wher�v er; ba­
W
k e Z Zahi idem.
portion ( e . g . ' i-kafa Zomu i t was not their portion = they were not
kaZameda rob e , vestment .
worthy of it) . Gt takafZ a pas s . ; to dl' vl' de up among ones elves ; to
ke Zsest (p l . kaZasest) bundl e , sheaf.
hesitate , be of divided mind . kefuZ divi de d . kefl (pl . -at) part,
, maklit (pl . maka Zey) talent (wt . ) .
portion , share ; s ectl0n , cat egory; chapter . mak+'
< Zt part , portion,
Ja
kama (w . pron . suff . : kama- ) ( 1 ) prep . l i k e , as ; kama-ze
share . like thi s ,
thus , i n thi s way; kamahu idem; (2) conj . �hat (introd
ar) container for measuring, a bushe l .
kafar (pl . ' ak,- ucing a noun
c l ause) ; so that , in order that (+ subj . ) ; kama
kehZa G (imperf. yeke Z , subj . yekhaZ) to be abl e (to do : inf. ) ; to ' i- so that not ,
l est (+ subj . ) . ba-kama ( 1 ) prep . accordi ng to , in
prevail against (0 . 5 . or mes Za) . Gt takehZa ( 1 ) = kehZa , esp . accorda nce
wi th; ( 2 ) conj . accordi ng as , as . za-kama cOl1j .
when used, by attraction , with a foI l . inf o of a Gt verb ; ( 2 ) im­ how . ' em-kama
conj . as soon as , when .
personal : to be possible (for someone : o . s . ; t o do : inf. ) . CG
kema postpositive part . : a l s o , even, too .
' akhaZa to enab l e , make ab le . kahaZi powerful , s trong , capab l e ;
W kamin cummin .
kahaZe k e Z Zu omnipotent; kaha Zi Za- + info or v . n . : capab l e of
kanfar (p l . kanafer) lip ; edge , hem .
(doing) . G l t takahala mes la to come to an agreement with .
W
k annana D to j udge , condemn , punish ; to rul e , have power (over : acc .
kahen (pl . -at) pri e s t ; Ziqa kahenat chief priest . kehnat priesthood.
or ba- ) .
w
CD ' ak annana to put ( s omeon e : 0 . 5 . ) in charge of (acc .
kaha, kaJ:aka, ka�ak, ka�a (kaJ adv . thither, to that pl ace ; further 'on.
�
W W
or Za 'Za) . Dt tak annana pas s . of D . G l t tak anana to become
ke da G (yekJ:adJ to deny, repudiate ; intrans . : to l ack faith , be an
W
reconci l ed (with : mesZa) . k ennun j udge d , condemn ed, subj e c t to
unbeliever . Glt taka�ada to argue with, contradict (s omeone : 0 . 5 . ;
W
punis hment . k ennane (p l . -yat) j udgment , condemnat ion ,
410 411

w W takayada kidana mes la/xaba to make a treaty , e t c . with . Kidan is

punishment . mak annen (p l . mak anent) j udge , administrator, high
,
o fficial . also used o f the benefit promised by God to those who celebrate
the commemoration of a particular s aint .
kantu vanity, emptine ss ; freq . in constr. phrases , e . g . xe llinna
kantu vain thoughts . ba-kantu kanto adv . in vain ; fortuitou s l y ,
=

L
without purp o s e , without reward or resul t .
W W
0 k arre <a t o strike someone ' s head with one ' s fist s . Gt la- prep . to , for (dative) ; for forms with suffixes ', ' see � 2 0 . I ; cf.
k ar <a G =
'
W also § 1 0 . 2 .
tak ar <a pas s .
karabo baske t . la'aka G (ye l' ak) t o s end (message/me s s enger : ' a . d . o . ; to : la- , xaba) .
kirube l cherub , cherubim . kirub i dem . kirubawi adj . cherubic. Gt tale' ka to s erve , adminis ter to (a . a . o . ) . le' uk s ent ; n . apo s ­
karbe myrrh. t I e , mes s enger . L a' k (p I . -an) s ervant . ma l' ak (pI . malO:' ekt)
w angel , mes s enger. maZ' ekt (p l . -at) epi s t l e , l etter; l egate ,
mek rab (pl . -at) temp l e , shrine , synagogue .
kerdad weed ( s ) . l egation ; ministry , s ervice , offi ce, functi on .
karama/karma G to spend the winter ; to belong to the previous year . la-' emma-nu con j . whether .
"
keramt winter; rainy season; year . karami o f o r p ertaining t o the la <ala G to be high, sup erior . CG ' a Z <ala = CO aZa "aia to rai s e
previous year . up , e l evat e , exa l t . Ot tala "aZa/tale "ela p ass . of CD ; t o be,
higher ,(than : ' erilenna) . le :ul/ee < <:<l higl,"\, toity, slJperio r ,
Kerestiyan Chri s t i an ; beta Kerestiyan (pl . -at, ' abyata Kerestiyanat)
church; the Church . Kerestiyanawi ( f . -t) a Chri stian ; adj .
exal ted . la C"Za prep . (w . pron . , s �fi . : l� < le-) 'on', t;pon ; (motion)
down onto ; ,·over , ab � ve ; about', co � cern1ng .
'
Chri s t i an . Kerestenna Christia nity . ?a < lu ;tdv . above ;
,
kars (p I . -at) b e l ly , s,tomach . freq . in the adj . phrase za-Za <lu upper, esp . in the s ense "celes­
tial , heaven ly" ; ' e'!1-X wa-la <lu ' emennehu from X onward (in enu­
merations) ; ba- la <lu above , o� � i i� ;: : em-Za < lu from above , from on
kertas ' parchment , p aper.
karaya (yekri) to dig ( e . g . a well) , dig in (the ' ground) , dig
G
high. mal <e U upper part or surface' (If anything; mal <e Ua prep .
through ( a wal l ) . Gt takarya p as s . karayi (pl . karayt) in
karaye
above .
maqaber grave-d i gger .
kesad/kesad (p l . - a t , kesawed, kasawed) m. f. neck . lebb (pl . ' albab) m . f . heart ; mind, inte l l ect .
kasata G (yekset) to reveal , uncover, lay bare ; to open (esp . l ips , lab/;l?J.lui potte r .
mouth, eyes ) ; to reveal , make mani fes t . Gt takasta p ass . kesut labsa G (yelbas) to dress (intrans . ) ; to don ( a garment : a . d . o . ) . CG
uncovered , bare ; open (esp . of the eyes ) . ' a lbasa to clothe , dress (trans . ) , with acc . of person and acc. of
kokab (pl . kawakebt) m. star; kokaba meset/?eba� evening/morning star. garment . Gt talabsa pas s . and reflex. lebus dres sed , clothed .
kona G (yekun) t o b e , become . See Voc . 8 . wa-kona soba and when, lebs (p l . ' a lbas) m. clothes , clothtng ; ' a garment . lebsat v . n .
and whi l e . makan (pl . -at) m. f . p l ace, l ocal e . dre S S ing, clothing , donning . , malbas (t! (p l . maZ4bes) garment ,

-ke ( ! ' enka) encl . part . therefore ( s ee § S l . 4c) . tunic .

keda G (yekid) to tread, tramp l e (on : a . d . o . ) ; to thresh (by tread­ labbawa D to ' comprehend, unders tand ; to be intel l i gent ; to be aware ,
ing) . CG ' akeda to cause to tread ; to thresh . Gt takayda p as s . cons cious (o f : ' emenna) . CD ' a Zabbawa caus . Dt talabbawa to be
of G . mekyad s o l e of the foot , footprint ; bas e ; threshing floor . comprehended, unders tood . lebbew inte l l igent , comprehending .
makayyad/makyad idem; foo t s to o l . labbawi idem . lebbawe mind, intel l ect . Zebbunna idem; ski l l ,
takayada G lt to make a treaty , pact , covenant (with : mesla or o '. s . ) ; cl everness .
to promi s e . kidan (p I . -at) m . f . ( 1 ) pact , treaty , covenant ; (2) Zare wa- lare adv . thi s way and that , back and forth . mangala lare
wi l l , tes tamen t . Kidan Be li t OT ; Kidan ijaddis NT . gabra/sema/ wa- Zate idem . ma <dota late on the other s i de , oppos ite .
412 413

W
Zegg at (p l . -at) depth of t h e sea, abyss . M
Zahaba G to flame , burn . CG ' aZhaba to burn, i gnite (tran s . ) . Zahb
-ma enc l . part : See § S I . 4f .
flame , heat . ma' ed (pl . -at) tab l e .
Zehqa G (ye Zhaq) to grow up ; to grow o l d ; (rarely) to increase in ma' s/mCi <s (p I . ' wn' est , ' am <est) m. f . skin, hide , l eather.
s i ze/quantity. CG ' aZhaqa to rai s e , rear (e . g . chi l d , p l ants ) .
me' t (p 1. ' am' at) hundred .
Zehqat o ld age . Zehqenna i dem . Zehiq ( f . Zeheqt) grown up , adult;
ma' ze interr . adv. when?
o l d , e l dest . Ziq (p l . -an, Ziqawent, Ziqanat) e lder , chief.
tam Ce <a/tame Ha/tam <a Gt t o b e come an'gr� , enrig� � ( s ee . s21 . 1 ) . Glt
maZheqt ( co l I . ; p l . -at, maZaheqt , -at) elders , s eniors (in rank tama <e <a to g e t mad a t one another . CG ' am ie <a t o enrage . ma c Cat
or age) . m . f . wrath.
Zahm (pl . ' aZhemt) m . f . bul l , cow . <a�ada ' aZhemt stockyard . me <ra adv. once, one time .
Za�a L to mourn , grieve . ZuJ;!ew/ZeJ;!ew adj . grievin g . ZaJ;! grief,
ma <ar honey. ma <ar fir sweet . CQ ' ama <rara to . sweeten .
mourning . me <za G to sme l l goo d , be fragrant . CG ' am <aza to scent , p e rfume .
laJ;!osas whispering; a style of s inging . Ot tame « eza to be s cente d , fragrant . me <uz fragrant , sweet .
ZaJ;!aya G to be beaut i ful . ZaJ;!ey ( f . -t) beautifu l . ma caza (pI . -t) fragrance . .
Zak' a G to impress ( a seal ) , t o inscrib e . G t taZak' a p ass . ; to be
medr (pl . -at , ' amdar) f . m . the earth; earth , ' ground , so i l ; land,
affixed . Zeku' impressed, inscribed , affixed . malke' a seal
distr i ct , country. medra' irebah. eastern country; ' "arwe. /'Iledr (p I .
. .

impres sion, l ikeness , figure .

. ' .

' arawita medr) snake . medrCiwi (�� -t) .�g*ldly., o � the world .
Zakafa G (ye Zkef) to touch. CG ' aZkafa to touch, caus e to touch . Gt
maggaba 0 to administrat e , be in ' charge of (a. d . o : ) ; to surround and � .
taZakfa pas s . protect (with : ba-) . co ' amaggaba to p lace ( s omeone : a . d . o . ) in
lamada G (yelmad) t o b e accustomed (to do : inf . ) . C G ' aZmada idem .
charge of ( a . d . o . or Za..c Za , diba',� oa-)': Ot tamaggaba to be . p l aced
Lemud accustomed, usual . l emad custom, hab i t .
in charge of. meggeb/megb offi c e , pos t , duty , mini �y . maggabi
LamZama Q to bloom, grow green ; to be tender . lemLame verdure , ten-
(pl . -yan, maggabt) administrator , guardian; a general des i gnation
derness . for various types of rulers : prefect , proconsul , sat rap , governo r .
lam? ' l eprosy; za-Zam? l eper. Maggabit Eth . month name : Mar . 1 0 - Apr . 8 .
LaqqeJ;!a 0 to lend . Ot taLaqqeJ;!a to borrow. leqqaJ;! a loan .
' amagze' a CQ to fatten (catt l e ) . magze' (pl . magaze ' t ) fattened
ZasJ;!a G (yeZsaJ;!) to be uns e asoned , insip i d , tast e l es s , fatuous .
catt l e , fat lings .
lesuJ;! ins ip i d , dc . mahara G (yemhar) or mahhara 0 to teach (s omeone : o . s . ;, something :
Lesan (p I . -at) m. f. tongue, l anguag e . lesana Yonanawiyan Greek ;
a . d . o . or ba- , ba'enta) . Ot tamahhara/tamehhera to be t aught
Zesana <Ebrayesp Hebrew ; Zesana ' Afrenj Latin ; Lesana <Arabi
(subj ect is either p erson t aught or matter taught) ; to l earn (a . d .
Arab i c ; Zesana Ce cz G e ' e z .
0. ) . mehur/mehhur l e arned, expert (in : ace . o r ba- o r constr . ) .
' aZ?aqa C G to b e near , approach ; with Za- + inf . ; t o be about to .
mamehher/mamher ( f . -t) teacher . temhert (p l . -at) what i s taught,
G l t taLa?aqa to s t i ck together , be connect e d . CGlt ' astaZCi?aqa to
doctrine , teaching; study, l earning .
glue together, j oin, connect . le?uq j oined, adherin g ; connected,
mahraka Q to take captive , take as boo ty . mehreka bo oty , spoi l s .
continuous .
maha La G (yemJ;!aZ) to swear (an oath) . CG ' amJ;!aZa to beswear , adj ure .
maZtaJ;!t (pl . malateJ;!) j aw , cheek . G lt tamahala to take a mutual oath, to conspire . maJ;!aZa oath ,
Zelit (p l . ZayaZey) m . f . night . treaty.
Zayy purp l e cloth . tamaJ;!ZaZa Qt to beseech, s upp licat e . meJ;!Zela supp l i cation ( s ) .
414
415
me�a G (yem�) t o have mercy , p ity (on : la- o r o . s . ) . C G ' am�ara
matakot lordsh ip , deity , divini ty . malakotawi divine .
to move' to pity. G t tame�a to be shown p ity/mercy. CGt mamlaki
one who Imrship s God or gods .
' as tam�ra to be merciful ; to move to p i ty . me�rat (pl . -at) malxa G (yemtax) to tear out , uproot , draw out
. Gt tamatxa pass ,
mercy , pity; gabra me�ata la-/mes la/la <la to have pity on , show
me lux uproot ed, torn out .
mercy toward. ma�ari (one who i s ) merciful .
' amandaba CQ to aff l i ct , oppres s (a . d . o . ) .
Qt tamandaba pas $ .
ma�a G (yem�) to p luck , Gt tamebwa p as s .
mendabe m . f. affl i ction, torment . "

tamaQaza G l t t o fal l /be i n love ; t o commit adultery . ma�az (pl . an )

-
mangala prep . (1'1 . pron . suff . manga le-) to ; toward
, ' in the 'direc tion
lover (m . or f . ) . ma�za (pI . -.t ) youth , a youth ; lover .(m. or of. ba-mangala idem . ' em-mangala from the direc tion o f ; on the
f. ) . mahzen i l l i cit affairs .
part o f .
tamakke� Dt to boas t . mekke� n . boastin g . temke�t idem . makka� .mankwasa Q t o become a monk , l ive a monas tic
l i fe . manakos (pl . -at)
boastful . monk , nun . manakosayt nun . menkwesenna ·

I
monast icis m .
makana G (yemken) to be steri l e , chi ldles s . D makkana = CG ' amkana mannana D t o rej e ct , repudi ate , despis e . Dt
tamannana p ass . mennun
to orphan . makan ( f . of unattested *makin) steri l e , chi ldless , rej ected, despis ed; unsui tab l e , worth l es
barren . meknat chi ldles snes s . I
I
tion, rej ection ; worth l e s sness , wickedness
s , vile . mennane repudi a­
.
' amaknaya CQ to pretend , make excus es . mekneyat (fal s e) excuse , pre-
text; reason , cause . I ' amansawa CQ to l ead to destru ction/ temptation
. Qt tamansawa pass .
mensew l iabl e to tempta tion/punishment . . . mansl{t
(pl . manasew)
makara G (yemker) to p l an , prop o s e , decide on ( a . d . o . or subj . ) ; to temptation , danger ; calami ty ,- divine punishment .

\
men�awe idem .
take counsel (with : mes la) ; to tes t , choose by testing . CG
•.

ment (acc'- menta) inter-ro g . pron. - what? ta:men

t , ba' enta ment why?
' amkara to advis e , give coun s e l to (o . s . ) . G l t tamakara to take '
ment-hi/ni anything, n'�t-hing Jsee § 29 . 2) .
coun s e l together (with : mesla) ; to deliberate and decide (to do : mannu (acc . manna) interr og . pron . who? mannu- hi/ni anyone , no one

\
subj . ) . Dt tamakkara to be tested , tempted , tried . CD ' amakkara (see § 2 9 . 2) .
t o t es t , try, t empt , examine . mekr p lan, couns el , advi c e ; con- tamar <awa Qt to get marrie d (to a woman : o . s . )
. mar <a weddin g, mar­

\
s i deration , deliberation ; prudence , wisdom; opinion , point of view. riage . mar <awi groom, son-in - law . mar <at
(p l . mara <ew) bride ,
mak"G:ri counse l Or , advi sor. mamker (pI . mamakert) i dem, mekkur daughte r-in - l aw .
tempted, tried . makkara (pl . - t) temptation , testing , trying , j
maraga G t o p l as ter. merug p l astered . marg p l aster .
examination . 1 W W
tamarg aza Qt to l ean upon . merg ez s t aff.
mal' a G (yemla' ) ( 1 ) trans . : to fi l l (x with y : two acc . or acc . +
I marha G (yemra�) to l ead , guide ; to show (the way
: a. d . o . ; to : o . s . ) .
la <ra/westa/ba-) ; (2) intrans . : to be ful l , fi l l ed (of/with : acc . 1 Gt tamar� p ass . mara�i l eader. mar� (pl . ' amre�t) l eader, guide
I .
or ' emenna) ; to be fulfi l le d , comp l eted; to aboun d , be abundant . marra/marara G (yemrar/yemrer) to be bitter ( l it . and
I fi g . ) . CG
Gt tamal' a to be fi l l ed (with : acc . or ba-) . me lu' ful l (of : ' em­ i ' amrara to be bitter ; to make bitt e r , exacerbate ,
aggravate ; to
or acc . ) ; abundant , copious ; fi l l ing (ace . ) . mel' what fi l ls ( e . g. behave bitter ly or sharp ly. marir ( f . marar) bitter .
merar (pl .
mel' a ' ed a handful) ; ba-me l' u (or w . other suff . ) in toto , com- -at) bittern es s . merrat i dem .
p l etely. maret dirt , dust . mare tawi adj . dust , of dust .
malaka G (yemlek) to take pos s es sion 0 f , o ccupy , rule . Gt tamalka
tamarraya Dt G l t tamaraya to divin e , practi ce divinat i on ,
s oothsay­
=

p ass . CG ' amlaka to worship God , to worship as a god ( a . d . o . or ing . mari (p l . mareya n, mareya t , marayt ) heathe
n pries t , sooth­
la- ) . Gt tamalka to be made lord or divine . meluk occupied , po s - sayer .
sessed, subj ect ; p i ous . malaki owner , rul e r , hei r . me lkenna masha G to dine , sup . CG J ClT'Iseh.a caus . mesa� meal , dinner; banquet ,
dominion , power , authorl' t y . " - k the Lord .
' Am"a ' amtakawi divine . feast .
416 417

)
'

. . - i adJ' . Christian .
. �. "

masi� the AnOl-nte d , the Mess;� ah ', masihaw matara G (yemterJ to cut , cut off ( l i't : and' fi g " ; to decre
e. Gt
�
meskin p auper, poor p erson . meskinat poverty . tamatra pass . 0 mattara
. .

G . Ot' tamattara ' 'Gt . metur cut off,

�
=
=

Maskaram Eth. month name : Sept . I I -O ct . 10 . amput ated; decided, decreed . metrat n : cutting (off)
. metar frag-
, appear as
masaZa G (yemsaZJ to resemb l e , be l ike (a . d . o . ) ; to seem ment , s egment .
also fo I l .
(ac c . of pred . n . or adj . ; o . s . of person perceiv in g ; mapana prep . during, forito the extent o f . ba-mi-matan for how much?
; often used imperson al ly :
by kama and n . c lause ; exx . in V o c . 35) , amtCina conj . as long as .
. .

it s eems (o . s . of p erson ; + kama/za- and n . c l ause) .

CG ' amsaZa matpawa 0 to surrend er, hand over ( a . d . 0'. ; to :, ' 0 � . or·
' Za- J . 01:
•

tamapt;awa pass . ; to accep t , receive ( § 2 2 . 1) . mept;ew . h

art ded over,
deliv ere d .
mo' a G (yema' J to conquer , defeat , subdue . G t tamaw'
a pass . C G
' amo' a/' ame' a to make ( someone : a . d . o . ) victor ious (over
: Za ( la/
ba- ) . mu' at victory (for s e l f) ; defeat (for another).
.. ... mawa' i
idem.
l ikenes s , form, image; proverb . ' amsaZ (p l . -at) victor ious .
prep . with , in the company of (w . obj . suff . ,: mesZe-) . messaZe moqa G (yemuqJ to grow hot ; to become inte'nse ( o f the heat)
. CG
(p I . -yat) p ar ab l e , proverb , s imi l itude . , amoqa caus . CGlt ' as tamawaq
a to cause to become hot . moq heat .
corrupt , rot ­
masana L to be ruined, destroy ed; to peris h ; to become muqat he'!.� . mewuq hot ,.
< {i
t en . CL ' amasana to corrup t , destroy , wipe out . tt tamasana p ass. moqe� Q t o put into chains/bonds , cast into pr :t s6ii . Q t
tamoqe�
- cal , moral) ,
of CL . musun corrup t( ed) . musena corrupt ion (physi pass . CQ" amoqe�a caus . moqe� (pl ., mawaqe �t) bonds , fetter s ,
destruction . mas ani perishab l e , corrupt ib l e . chains . J asara/wadaya westa moqe.h t9 cast .into bonds/pr
ison .
. . '
mes pir (p l . -at) m . f . mystery ; the Euchari s t . b eta.;,moqe� ·prison . ' ' -_.

meset (p l . -at) evenin g, twi l i ght . mota G (yemutJ to die . ' CG ' amota/' amata to let die ; to put
to death;
carry o f f by
masapa G (yemsep J to snatch , snatch away , se;� z e and to' have kil l e d . mot m . f . death . mewut/mewet (f . mewett;
_

pl .
pass . and reflex .
force . CG ' amsapa to flee, escap e . Gt tamaspa �ewutan , mewetan , mutan) dead . mawati mortal . maweta corp s
e ; the
of G . mesut s e i zed, snatche d . masapi (pl . masapp
) rap acious , W
dead; ' eg ala maweta orphan (s ) .
vio l ent . mamsat hand l e , l ever . may (p I . -at) m . wat e r ; l iqui d .
S . : to happen to , to
ma?' a G (yem?a' ) to come ; with diba/Za ( la or o . mima coordina ting part . e i ther, or, whether ( s e e § 5 1 . 4f) .
; to cause to hap­
occur to , come upon . CG ' ams. e' a to bring , offer meta G (yemipJ trans . : to turn away , divert ; to turn , direct (e .
g.
. , comin g . mem?a' p l ace
n g about . me?' at arriva l , advent
p en , brl- face; toward : xaba) ; to return ( a . d . o . ) to its o ri ginal p
lace ; to
of origin . convert , trans form (a . d . o . ; into : la- , westa) . Gt tamayta
p as s . ;
. Qt tama? Zawa to be-
, mas Zawa Q to wi lt , withe r . CQ ' ama? Zawa caus intrans . : to turn aroun d , return , come back; to be converte
d
wi lted , wither ed ,
come wither ed; to wrinkl e the face . mes lew (re l i g . s ense) . mi�at (p l . -at) a turning (to or from) ; return
;
wrink l e d . change .
ma?aw/ma1aW sprin g (season) . Miyazya Eth . month name : Apr . 9 - May 8 .
tama�wata to recei ve
ma?wata Q to give alms , practi c e charit y . Qt
alms . me?wat act of charit y , benefa ction
. N

met (pl . ' amtat) husba nd. na- introd . part . used to prepose and emphas i ze a pronomi na l e l emen t ;
matha G to be de cep t ive in appe ar ance . methat (p l . -at) phanto m , infl ected : naya as for me , nayo him , naya . . . her , nay ana . , .
fantasy , spect re . us , nayomu . . . them (m . ) , nayon them (f . ) .
418 419

ne' sa G (yen' as) to be smal l , l i t t l e ( in s i z e or importance) ; t o b e destitut e ; n . poor person .

youn g . ' CG ' an' asa caus . ne' us ( f . ne' est) small , l it tl e , young . naq.afa/nafafa G to spread, l ay out . - Gt ' tanO.?fa .pas� ; .$ojrelfuf
manl!af anythin g l ai d out : rug, cove.ring , -
. spread .
·
na' as a young girl . ne' s chi l dhoo d , infancy. nestit a l i ttl e , a
sma l l amount ; used in construct ( e . g . nestita xebest) or appo s i ­ narjza G (yen"q.ax) to stri k. e , beat.;<;i<ri'eck down , t ramp 1 e .
_ ._� . , . __ Gt tana-'
. -a
"'"
tionally as an adj . (e . g . hagar nestit) ; nestita adv . a l i tt l e , pas s .
for a l i t t l e whi l e ; ba-ba-nestit l i t t l e by l i tt l e . nafaqa G (yenfeq) to divi d e , separat e . L nafaqa to · d fvide '(usuall y
ne <- Imptv. bas e : come . Inflected : m . s . na <Q:, f . s . ne <i , m . p I . ne <u , in hal f , into two parts or faction s ) ; to be , ha�it
ant , , doubtful ,
skeptic al . Lt tanafaqa to divide (intrans '. i,
f . p I . na <a . break tip\ into fac­
na <awa G (yen <aw) t o hunt ; to catch hirds . na 'Clwi hunter . na <awe/ tion s . Gt tanafqa idem. nefuq divi ded, split
. : nufuq hesit ant,
na 'We hunting . doub t ful . nafq compart men t , box. nefq hal f ,
one o f two part s .
' anbe <a CG to weep . ' anbe < (p l . ' anabe <) tear ( s ) . nuj7Lqe divisio n, d i s s ention , skept i cism . manfaq hal f ,
one o f two
nababa G (yenbeb) to speak, t e l l ( a . d . o . ; to Za- or o . s . ) . Gt parts ; faction , s e c t , spl inter-group ; the half-wa
y point .
tanabba to be read , recited . G l t tanababa to speak with (mes Za , nafsa G , to blow (o f the wind) . , CG ' anfasa to breathe (someth
' ing : a .
xaba , or acc . ) . CG ' anbaba to read, recit e ; to study , meditat e . d . o . ) out ; t o res t , t ake a breathe r, find r e l i e
f ( from : ' emenna) ;
nebab speech; what one s ays , manner o f speaking . nababi garrulou s , to give rest or r e l i e f to . nafs (pl . -at) m . f . soul , spiri t ,
talkative , boas t ful ; capab l e o f speech , rational . breath, vit al l i f e - fo r c e ; a person ; , s e l �: naj7Ls
(pl . -at) m . f .
' anbaZbaZa Q/N to flame . nabaZbaZ flame . wind . manfas (p I . -at , manafes t) m . r ; spirW';
the' Spirit o f God ;
nabara G (yenbar) to s i t , sit down; to s tay , remain; to continue ; t o a spirit or demon (good or bad) ; Manfas Qeddus the
Holy Spi ri t .
live ; dwe l l . CG ' anbara t o s e t , p l ac e , deposit ; to settle , caus e manfasawi ( f . -t) spiritua l , o f the spirit ._
to dwe l l . nebur s itting , s eated, s ituated; residin g ; n . resident . nafa?a G (yenfelf) to fl ee , escape . CG ianfafa to' put ''to fl ight .
nebrat n . s i tting down; s e s s i on ; position; condition , stat e ; man­ naj7Lfi fugitive . naja?it remnan t , what survive s .
ner or mode of l i fe ; dwel ling , abode . manbar (pl . manabert) m . f . nafxa G (yenfax) to blow , breath; to b l ow into , inflate ; nafxa
ba­
thlon e , seat , chair . manbart stat e , condition , mode of l i fe . qarn to blow a horn . Gt tanafxa to b e inflate d, to swel l .
nefxat
menbar p l ace where something i s put ; place o f res idenc e ; bas e , inflation, b l owing.

foundation . nagada G (yenged) to make a j ourney, to travel on busine s s . negd

nabiy (pl . -at) p rophet . Dt tanabbaya to prophesy (to : Za- ; again s t : trave l , trade . nagd (p l . -an) a trav e l er, strange r,
guest .
Za < Za) . tenbit prophecy . nagadi t raveler, merchant . mangad pub l i c road , highway; t rip ,
nad' a G (yenda' ) to drive (as cat t l e) . Gt tanad' a pas s . nada' i one j ourney, p i l grimage . C f . ' engeda .
W W
who drives , e xpel s . nag adg Cid (p l . -at) thunder .
nadda G (yended/yendad) to burn ( subj e ct is fire , fl ame , anger , e tc . ) . nagafa G (yengef) to knock off, shake off, dispel . CG ' angafa idem.
CG ' andada t o s e t afire , ignite (a . d . o . ) . G l t tanCidada t o burn G t tanagfa pass . ; to l o s e leaves . neguf deciduous .
with a mutual passion . nedud adj . burning , f l aming . neddat flame, nagha G to dawn, grow l i ght . CG ' angeha to do something early in
burning . nadd m. flame; nadda ' essat idem. nadadi adj . burning , the day . nagh early morning .
b l azing (of fire , wrath, lust ) . mendad furnac e , oven , firep l ace . nagara G (yenger) to s ay , t e l l ( a . d . o . ; t o : dat . suff . or Za- ) . Gt
nadaqa G (yendeq) t o bui ld, erect . Gt tanadqa pas s . nedq bui lding, tanagra to be tOld, spoken . G l t tanCigara to speak with (mes Za,
structure, wal l . nadaqi bui l der . xaba, or acc . ; about : ba-/ba' enta or ac c . ) ; to speak ( a l anguage :
nadya G (yendi) to be poor , d e s t itute ; to be deficient (in : ba-) . CG
ba- ) . naga2' (p I . -at) speech , accoun t , narrative ; thing , affair,
' andaya to reduce to poverty. nedet/nedyat poverty . nadday poo r , situat i on .
420
421
' angargara Q/N to ro l l , spin (trans . and intrans . ) . nagargar a type W
naqq ar one-eyed, blind .
of epi l epsy; ro l l ing , spinning . naqawa G D naqqawa t o emit its appropri ate sound
( subj � �t n;ay be
=
W W
' ang arg ara Q/N to be angry , vexed; to murmur , mutter . bird or anima l) . neqaw animal sounds .
nags a G (yenges/yengas) to become king, rul er ; to rule (over : �a/ nasse � D to repent (o f : , ' emenna/ba' enta)
. . bt tanasse �_ idem . CD
�a '�a/diba) . CG ' angasa to make someone (a . d . o . ) king (over : �a/ ' anasse� caus . nessu (z repentant . nassa
�i one · who"'i s · repen tant .
� cta) . negs reign, rul e . negus (p l . nagast) king , ruler . nesse.(za repentance , regre t , penit ence .
negest (p l . -at) queen . nagasi (p l . nagast) king , rul er. mangest ..c:-
nesr (p l . ' anser t) eagl � , vul t�re .
(p l . -at) m . f . kingdom; kingship , maj esty; mangesta samayat the , ansosawa Q/N to wal k , stro l l,.
Kingdom of Heaven ; zamada/we tuda mangest the royal fami ly. nas' a G (yensa' ) to rai s e , l i ft , p i ck up
; to t ake , recei ve, accep t ;
nZihu introductory part i c l e , usua l ly rendered as "beho l d . " I t cal l s to captur e ; to take as a wi fe . Gt tanas
' a p as s '. ; tanse' a to arise,
attention to t h e immediacy (spat ial o r temporal ) of what fol lows . get up ; to ris e ( from the dead) ; to ris
e up again st ( la C la) . CG
I f used alone with a fo l l owing noun, it may be taken as a ful l ' anse' a to rai s e , cause .to rise ( from a s
eated ' or lying pos it i on) .
predication : " Here , now, i s x . " Usually, however , i t introduces tensa' e resurrecti on; Ba 'ala Tensa' e Feast
of the Resurrecti on
and emphas izes a prepo sed noun , e . g . nZihu ma�' ak ma�' a xabeya , (Easte r) .
where it may be omitted in English or rendered by such express ions nasata G (yenset) to · destr oy, overturn . G
t tanasta pas s . nesut de­
as " suddenly, to my surpris e , of all things" or as " I t was/ i s X stroye d . nestat des truct i on . I
who . . . " C laus es introduced by nahu may sometimes be trans l ated na��a G (yen�a�) to be pur e , clean . CGi ' an�e�
a caus . ne?u� pure ,
as subordinate in English: "now that " c lean ; innoc ent, uncorrupte d, s incer e .
ne�� purif icatio n , e t c .
ne�na w e . ne?�enna purit y, chast ity, innoc ence .. , man'ie
.�i on� who purif i es .
na�s (p l . ' an�est) roof, rooftop .
Na�se/Na�se Eth . month name : Aug. 7 - Sept . 5 .
, an?af�afa Q(N to oo z e , drip ; trans . : " to " ; fu
ae·in ·d'!bp� . "na ?af?af
j ui ce , drop s . ?aff}af i dem.
' ankara C G t o wonder , marvel . b e amazed (at : a . d . o . or ' emenna/ na??ara D to look , look at ( a . d . o . or westa
, xaba) . Glt tana�ara to
ba' enta/ba-) ; to regard as s trange or marvelous . Gt tanakra p as s . look at one another . CG ' an?ara to look (manga
ta : t oward) .
G l t tanakara to repudiate . be alienated from (o . s . ) . nakir (f . ne??are look , glanc e , vi ewing ; s ight ( abil
ity to see) .
nakar ; p l . nakart) adj . strange , al i en , foreign ; other . di fferent ; ' an te 'a CG to tear o ff/apart .
marvelous , wonderful . manker (p l . -at) mirac l e , marvel , wonder; .
natafa G to strain out . ne tuf strai ned, pure
. mantaft strai ne r ,
adj . (f. -t) marvelous , wondrous . sieve .
W W W W
' ank ark ara Q/N to ro l l (trans . and intrans . ) . nak ark ar n . rol l - mantoZa 't (p l . mantawaZe ') vei l , coverin g .
w w
ing . mank arak er wheel . -nu interro g . part . See §8 . 3 .
naq ca G (yenqa C) trans . and intrans . : to sp lit , burst , rupture . CG
nawa intro d . part . equival ent to nZihu ( q . v . above) .
' anqe C a G trans . nequ" sp l i t , ruptured. cracked . naq C (pl .
tano Zawa Qt to function as a ' shepherd, to tend flocks . no lQwi (p l .
=

' anqe C t) fountain , source , spring. neq Cat spl i t , crack , fissure .
nolot) shepherd .
manqe r t thigh .
noma G (yenum) t o s l eep . CG ' anoma/' anama t o put to s l eep . newam m .
naqha G (yenqah) to wake up , be awak e , be al ert . CG ' anqeha to
s l eep .
aI'iaken , revive . nequh awak e , watchful , alert . neqhat watchfu l -
neway (pl . -at) m . ves s e l , utensi l , inst rument ; property , p o s s e s s i ons ,
ness , alertnes s .
wealth .
' anqalqala Q/N intran s . : t o move , shak e , quake ; trans . : t o shake ,
��xa G (yenux) to be h i gh , loft y ; to be t al l , l on g ; to be d i s t ant ,
agitat e . naqalqal motion , shaking , agitation .
far off. CG ' anoxa/' anexa to extend , put forth (e . g . one ' s hand) ;
422 423

to l engthen, make long (er) ; t o rais e high, e levate , exa l t ; ' anexa occur first/beforehand . Glt taqadama to go/ come ' out to meet .
manfasa Za ' Za he was patient about . nawix ( f . nawax; nawaxt) qadami adj . : firs
. t , previous , prior, ant ecedent ;
.
'
't- ·n. : :. . ;g'�
ing ,
: " . .
adj . high, etc . nawwax idem . nux m . l ength (of time , space) ; first or b e s t o f anything ; (p l . qadamt) the ancient s , men o f o l d ,
height . those who came before ; nob l e s , prince s ; as adv . at firs t , i n the
nexZa G (yenxaZ) to c o l l apse , fal l into ruin , be dest royed . CG beginning, previous l y . qaa:am e , qaa:amihu adv . idem. qaa:amit n .
' anxaZa to knock down , dest roy, devast ate , topp l e . beginning . qedma prep . before (of p l ace) , in the. presence o f ; . ba­
-
-ni enc l . part . even , the very ( s e e § S l . 4b) ; added to interro g . pron . qedma ider,l; ' em-qedma from before , from the pre s ence of; . berore
to form indef . pron . (see § 29 . 2) .
. ' ':- ',
(of time) , prior t o ; as conj . (with subj . ) before . qedma . adv .
'
naya s e e na- above . previous l y , beforehand . qadimu adv . firs t , at firs t , previous l y ,
nazaza L to cons o l e . Lt tanazaza p as s . nazazi cons o l e r . nuzaze before thi s ; ' em-qadimu idem; a l s o us ed a s a noun i n a few fixed
cons o l ation . expressions : mawa 'ela qadimu days of o l d ; za-qadimu things of o l d .
maqdem n . beginnin g ; maqdema adv . first , beforehand �
p
qaddasa D to sanctify , make or regard as ho ly; to perform s acred
W
Fag emen Eth . month name : Sept . 6 - Sept . 1 0 . offices . Dt taqaddasa pass . qeddus ( f . qeddest) holy, s acred; as
pappas (pl . -at) b i s hop , archbi shop , metrop o l i t an ; Ziqa pappas at n . : saint , esp . in t i t les , e . g . Qeddus Marq·os . . Saint Mark .
p at r i arch (of the Church) . peppesenna the office of pappas : epi s - qeddesat ho l ines s , s anctity, s acredness ; frequen't .in const r .
copacy, see . . ... phrases , e . g . hagara qeddesat holy city . . qeddesenna idem.
qeddase (pl . -yat) s anct i f� cation , consecration ; the s acred s erv -
Q
i ce or l iturgy. maqdas t emp l e , sanctuary ; Beta Maqdas the Temp l e
qWa ' (p I . -at) raven, crow . in J erus alem.
qab' a G (yeqba' ) to smear, anoint . Gt taqab' a pas s . and reflex. qal (pl . -at) m . f . voi ce, sound, word , s aying .
qebu' smeared, ano inted . qe� ( o l ive) o i l , ointment , but t e r . qWe l 'e ( f . - t ; p l . -yat) s ervant , dome s t i c .
qeb' at ano inting . qalala G to be l ight , easy, swift , s l ight . CG ' aq ZaZa to l i ghten ,
taqabbaZa Dt to go out to mee t ; to wel come , accept , receive . qabala/ diminish a burden ; to make swi ft , agi l e ; to s corn , disdain , make
qabbala a meeting , encounter; westa qabbala prep . out to meet . l i ght o f . CD ' aqaZ ZaZa to consider l i ght , to l i ghten . CGlt
qabara G (yeqber/yeqbar) to bury , int e r . Gt taqabra pas s . CG ' as taqaZaZa to l ighten; to s corn , disdain , despi s e , revi l e . qalil
' aqbara caus . qebur buried . qabar buri al , funeral . maqbart (p l . (f. qaZaZ) l i ght , etc. maq Zali one who l i ghtens or a l l eviates .
maqaber, -at) m . grave , tomb , s epul chre ; p l . also = s ing . qan' a G (yeqna' ) to be zealous , eager; to envy , be j ealous o f (per­
qab?a G (yeqbe?/yeqba?) to be dis couraged, be in distre s s ; qaba?a son : Za- ; thin g : ' emenna) ; to emu l at e , imitate (a . d . o . ) . CG
tas[a to l o s e hop e , to despair ; to abandon, give up on . CG , aqne' a to incite to zeal or imit at i on . G l t taqane'.a to be j eal­
' aqba?a to cause to despai r . qebu? dis couraged, despairing . ous o f one another . CGI t ' astaqane' a to cause to b e mutual ly
qeb,!at despair. envious . qan' = qen'at j ealousy ; zeal ; emu l at i on , intense hate or
qadra G (yeqda�) t o draw water. Gt taqad�a pass . qada�i drawer of love . qana' i (one who is) j e alous , zealous .
wat e r ; cupbeare r . maqde�t water-j ar . qWenqWene moth, worm.
W
qadama G (yeqdem) to go before , precede (o . s . or la-/' emenna) ; with q en?eZ (pl . qWana�e l) wo l f , fox .
info or coord . verb : to do b e forehand, to do first . CG ' aqdama qenat (pl . -at , qenawet) m. b e l t , cincture .
to put or p l ace fir s t ; to happen/exi st first/previous ly/before ­ q«aaya G (yeqni) to reduce to servitude , to subj e ct , rul e ; to force
hand; with info or coord . verb = G in s ame usage . Gt taqadma to to work . CG ' aqnaya idem . Gt taqanya pas s . o f G; t o s erve ,
 1
424 425

min i s t er to (a person) ; to work (e . g . a field) . qenuy sub j ect , qattara 0 to seal , lock . qettur locked ; s ea l ed ..
. .
s ervant , s l ave . qene s ervitude; s ervi ce , ministry; t as k , offi ce , qatp noo n , midday; gize qatr idem . :a . " .. ...

.
function . qenyat dominat ion , dominion , s ub j ection . qapin (f. qapan ; pI . qapant) fine ; del icat e ; n . . fine clothes . qapin
qene church singing , church mus i c . (co l i . ) servants , dome s t i c s . qetnat finenes s , delicacy . maqapen
qarba G (yeqrab) to draw near , approach (xaba, westa, Za-) . Glt (p l . only) hooks , fish-hooks .
taqaraba to approach one another , come c l o s e together ; to have qatqapa Q to grind; to break . Qt taqapqapa pass'. qetqirt; 'groun d ,
s exual intercour s e . CG ' aqraba to cause to approach , to bring broken . qe pqape n . grinding, � reaking ; destru.ction . · -,
near , to o ffer. qerub near, nearby , adj acent (to : Za-/xaba) ; at qobar (p I . -at) b l ackness , · darkn es s . . -.' - : :' :" .

hand, nigh ( o f time) ; ba-qeruba· prep . n e ar (suff . added as to noun qoma G (yequm) to aris e , stand; to stand, take a po sition ; to come to
W
in the acc . q erban (pl . -at) o ffering , s acri fi c e ; spec . the a halt , stop . G l t taqawama to oppo s e , \�i thstand, t ake a s t and
eucharist . meqrab neighborhood , vicinity . against (a. d . o . or mes Za/Za ' Za/qedma) ; to s t and up for (Za-) . CG
qara�/qara?a G to inci s e , s culp t . Gt taqar� a p as s . qer�at/qer?at/ ' aqama to set up , estab l i s h ; to confirm the truth of; to carry out
W
q er?at the s troke of a letter; s troke , mark , incis ion . the terms of; to cause to cease ( e . g . rain) . qom m. stature ,
taqarana G l t to oppos e , res i s t . qarn (p l . ' aqrent) horn (of animal ) , hei ght . qumat nature , state, condition . qawami standing , s t ab l e ;
horn (blown in b att l e , e t c . ) ; tip , end . taqarani contrary , re­ n . patron , protector . meqwam (pl . -at) lo cation, p l ace 'where 'one
s i s ting, opposin g . mastaqaren idem. stands or stops ; meqwama may po ol .. tCl;piam pedest al , lamp - s t and .
." � . .
W W W _.

q arra/q arara to b e col d , coo l ; to coo l (of anger) . CG ' aq rara qe� G to grow red. qaye�/qayi � (i. qaY a�r red ,' " q't:�at rednes s . Q
' .. . - , ...
W W W
caus . q arir ( f . q arar) cold, coo l . q err co l d , coldness . ' aqya�ye� to make/become reddish.
qassama 0 to s eason , make tasty . Ot taqassama pas s . qessum w e l l
.. -- .... ....
R'
seasoned, tas ty . maqsem (pl . maqasem) highly s easoned foo d .
qasis/qassis (pl . qasawest ) presbyter , e l der . re' s (pI . ' ar' est) m . f . head; top , summi t ; ' chi e f , l eader; with pron .
qasafa G (yeqsef) to beat , whip ; to aff l i ct , punish . Gt taqasfa p as s . suff . : s e l f .
qesuf beaten , whipped, affl i cted . qesfat punishment , aff l i ct ion . re'ya G (yer' ay) to s e e . Gt tare' ya to appear , seem (pred . n . or
maqsaft (pl . -at) m . f . pun ishment , beating , whipping; divine pun- adj . may be in the acc . ) . G l t tara' aya to look at one another,
i s hment . see one another (ga�� a ba-ga?? face to face) . CG ' ar' aya to show
qasama G (yeqsem) to pick ( frui t ) , gather, co l l ect , harvest . Gt (something : a . d . o . ; to someone : o . s . ) ; to reveal , make mani fest .
taqasma p as s . qasm harves t , pi cking; the crops harvested (p l . CGt ' astar' aya to app ear , become visib l e , man i fest (unto : o . s . ) ;
' aqsam) . qasami/qassam a p icker o f fruit . to make visib l e . ra' y (pl . -at) vision, revel ation ; app e arance ,
' astaqa� �aZa C O t to crown (someone : o . s . ) with (a . d . o . ) . qa??aZa form, aspect . re' yat appearance, form , aspect . ' ar' aya image ,
crown, diadem. form, likeness , appearanc e ; type, standard , norm, pattern ; copy .
W W
q a? Z (pl . ' aq ? e Z ) m. f . l eaf, fo l i age . trans cription . ra' ayi (pI . -yan/-yat ; ra' ayt) obs erver , s eer;
qa?ara G to enclose or forti fy with a wal l . qe?r/qa?r (p l . ' aq?ar) ra' aye xebu' at soothsayer; ra' aye kokab astrologer .
wal l , enclosure , fortification wal l . , ar Cut yok e .
qataZa G (yeqte Z) t o ki l l , murde r . G t taqatZa pass . C G ' aqtaZa re Cya G (yer Cay) to pastur e , tend (herd s , flocks ) ; to graze ( subj ect :
caus . G lt taqataZa to fight or k i l l one another ; to fight (with : f l o cks ) . Gt tare Cya to graze , be tended. mar Cet (p l . -at ,
mesZa or acc . ) . qetuZ s l ain . qatZ n . ki l l ing , murder; battl e , mara Cey ) catt l e , flock , herd; pasture . mar <ay idem . mer <ay a
fighting; gabra qaHa mes l.a t o fi ght a bat t l e \'i i th . qeHat murder, pastur e .
ki l ling. qataZi (pl . qataZt) murderer, k i l ler . ' arba c ( acc . - a ) f . four; ' arba Ctu (ac e . ' arba C ta) m. fou r . rab e c

.. .:-�
426 427

(f. - t) adj . fourth . rabe <awi (f. -t) idem . rabe <ay (f. rabe <it) finding; acqui s ition . merkab acqui s i tion ; ' p ay', - stip en d .
W w
idem. reb < f . four; reb < a adv . four times . ' arbe <a forty . rakwsa G (y erk e s/yerk as) to be unclean: impur e , pollut � d , con t ami ­
rababa G to expand , extend, spread out (trans . ) . Gt tarabba pas s . nated; to be bad (in genera l ) . CG ' �rkwasa �o po l lut e , defi l e .
W
and intrans . rebbat expan s i on , extension . marbab � net . pekus ( f . rek est) unclean , e t c . rekws p]1cleanness , pollution ;
mbban (p 1 . at, rabbanat) teacher , leader .
- anything unc l ean , vi l e .
rab � G (yerba�) to gain (as) profit ; to be profitab l e . CG ' arbe� ' armama CG to b e si l ent; t o make s i l ent . Gt" iaramma ' to be. pas s ed
to make profi t ab l e , to make ( someone) profit . reba�/raba, profit , over in s i l ence . CGlt ' astaramama t ; ��ke s i l ent , quiet down ,
'
interest , gain . make tranqui·1 . maY'l11em s i l ent . armami s ilent , not speaking .
....

racf a G (yerda' ) to help ( someone : o . s . ) . Gt tarad' a pass . Glt ras 'a G (yersa <) to forget ; to be negligent ; to . err; to ' be impious ,

1
tarade' a t o render mutual aid, to help ( a . d . o . o r mesZa) . rada' i wicked . CG ' arse <a caus . Gt taras <a pas s . ; to fal l into error/
helper, assistant . rad' et help , assistance ; helper, ass i s t ant . s in . rase < forgetful , n�gl igen t , impious . ras i < impious , s inful .
rad' (p 1 . ' arda' , ' arde' t) helper , assistant ; discip l e , fo l lower . pes <at forgetfulnes s , negl igence , impiety . :res <an , res <enna idem .

i
taradya G t to l end at interest , receive interest . G l t taradaya idem . ras1;za G to be subj ect or. l i ab l e (to : Za-) , to be in danger o f ; to be
rede intere s t . a defendant; to be 'un c l ean , dirty . CG· ' ar se � to condemn ; to make
raf' a G to s ew . Gt taraf' a pass . ref' at suture, s ewing . raja' i d irty, pol lute, contaminate . resu� dirt Y , · &t c . ; the accus ed , de­
tai lor . ref' o sewn work . marfe' (pl . marafe' t) need l e . fendant . res�at (p l . -at) dirt , filt h , pol lution; crime , gui l t . ,
mfaqa G (yerfeq) to reclin e at a meal . CG ' arfaqa caus . merjaq a '
mssciya D to put , p lace:; s et ; to: imp��, .c some thing: :
. . i : d . o . Y "to ( some­
p l ace to recl ine ; a meal , p arty, sympos ium . marfaq threshho ld . one : Uz <la , la- ) ; to make i regard ( ;ometh·i.J;lg : - a . d .o . ) as/into
.

regb (p 1 . ' argab) dove . ( s omething : a . d . o . or kama/westa/Za- ) ; to make (someqne : a . d. o . )

ragama G (yergem) to cur s e , execrat e . Gt taragma pas s . G l t taragama do something (subjunctive) . ressuy - prepared, ' made ready, equipped.
pass . regum cursed, execrate d . ragami curser , execrat or . margam tersit adornment , equipment ; adoption .
(p l . -at) cur s e , execration . ras' a G (yersa' ) to grow o l d . CG ' arse' a caus . res' , res' enna ,
re�ba G (yer�b) to be wide , spacious , ample . CG ' ar�aba caus . res' an o ld age .
re�ub wide , spacious . re�ib ( f . ra�b ) idem. re�b widt h , breadth. rat <a G (yerta < ) to be j us t , righteous , truthful , s incere . CG
r�b , re�bat idem . mar�eb (pl . mara�ebt) a wide place , stree t , ' arte <a to make right , correct , s traight , stab l e . retu <' ( f .
forum, marketp l ace . rete <t) j us t , righteous ; straight , l eve l , even ; correct , proper,
ra?ana G to spread ( a . d . o . ) as a saddle , to saddl e . orthodox; haymano t rete <t the orthodox faith . rate r ( f . -t) j u s t ,
re �a G (yer�q) t o b e distant , remo t e , far off (both spatial and righteous , truthful , s incere . re t < j us t i c e , what is right ; trut h .
temporal ) . CG ' ar�qa to remove, put at a distance ; to delay . mas tarate < so ldier, guard.
G l t tara�qa t o s eparate (mutually; from : ' emenna/mes Za/o . s . ) . ro?a G (yeru?) to run . Glt tarawa?a to run as a group . CG ' arosa to
re�uq far away, remo t e , distant ; re �uqa ma « at s low to anger . cause to run (esp . horses) . rawa?i swift , running . merwas di s ­
re�uqa ba-re�uq adv . at a distance ; ' em-re,uq from afar . re �at
= t ance run , cours e ; race .
period of time or interval o f space . rexba G (yerxab) to be hungry. CG ' arxaba caus . rexub hungry, st arv­
rakaba G (yerkab) to find , come upon ; to acquire . Gt tarakba to be ing. raxab/raxab hunger , famine .
found, to be (pred. adj . or n . may be in the acc . ) . CG ' arkaba ' arxawa CG to open (trans . ) . Gt tarexwa t o open ( i ntrans . ) , be
caus . G l t tarakaba to congregat e ; to j oin , associate with (me s Z a opened . rexew open . marxo (pl . maraxut) m . f . key .
or ace . ) . ' astarkaba to be at lei sure ( for) ; to be busy
CGt ' aryam (p l . on ly) h i ghest heaven , the heavenly hei ght s ; mahleta
with , invo lved in ; to be ready , conven i en t , opportune . rekbat n . ' aryam a mus i cal term .
428
429

s
sedsa adv . six times . sessa s i xty .
-sa enc l . part . but , however , on the other hand . saf/:ia G(yesjQ1;z) trans . : to spread ' out , 'ext'end , exp and ; intrans . idem.
sa' aZa G (yes' aZ) to ask for ( a . d . o . ; from someone : xaba, ' em- , o . s . ) . Gt tasaf1;za idem intrans . sefuQ spread out , extende d; wide , spa­
Glt tascr aZa to find out by asking around . Dt taseJ J e Za to ask cious , amp l e ; open, s incere , gui l e l es s ; generous .
se� eA�an s i on ,
(someon e : 0.5. or ba-xaba ; about something : a . d . o . or ba' enta) . extension; width , expan s e ; s incerity; warp (of a lo�m) . se�at
seJ Zat reques t , prayer, petit ion . extension, width, cap acity . masfe": hammer , mallet ; anvi l .
seJ na G to be unab l e (to do : inf . ) . Gt tase' na to be impo s s i b l e ( im­ safana G (yesfen) to become strong , powerful ; t o exerci s e contro l ,
personal + 0.5. and inf. ) . seJ un impoten t , power l es s . se' nat rul e (over : diba/Za 'Za/Za- o r a . d o . ) . sar
: ani ru}.e�, . contro l l er,
impotence, inab i l ity. governor . masfen (p l . masafent) rul er , goVeTIIOr , pr�fect , high
sa 'at/sa 'at (p l . -at) hour , time . offi ci a l , j udge;
masfena me' t centurion : mesfena the offi ce or
sa 'ama G (yes 'am) to ki s s . Gt tase 'ma pass . Glt tasa 'ama to k i s s status of a masfen .
one another . se 'mat a ki s s . sefna interro g . adv . how many? how many time s ?
sa 'ara G (yes 'ar) to destroy, violat e , annul , d i s s o lve , bring to an sefneg/sefnag sponge .
end . G se 'ra = Gt tase 'ra pass . of trans . G . s e 'rat destruct i on , safara G to measure out . Gt tasafra p as s . Glt tasafara to met e out ,
viol ation , annulment ; dismi s s al , removal from office . distribut e . sefur measured . masfart (p I . masafer) a measure;
tasabbe J a Dt to become man , be incarnate . sab' (pl . ) peop l e , men s�cific amount .
.
(pl . o f be' si ) j man, mankind . tesbe' t incarnat i on . ' asta ta CG to persuade , 'enti ce , seduc,e , "deceiV'e . " Gt tasaffa p as s .
sab 'u (acc . i dem) f . seven . sab 'atu/saba'tu (acc . sab 'ata) m . s even . sefpat . s educti on , l ure , enticeinen t . sajQpi seducer, deceiver.
sabe ' ( f . -t) adj . s eventh . sabe 'O,wi ( f . -t) i dem . sabe 'ay ( f . ' asaffawa C D t o promls e '( somethin g : a . d . o . ; to someone : o . s . or Za- ) .
sabe 'it) i dem . sabu' the s eventh day (o f week o r month) ; s even Dt tasaffawa to hope for, expect , l"ook fOl'w<l;rd to. '(�i":"a . 0 . ) . tasjQ
days . seb' f. s even ; seb ' a adv . s even time s . sab ' a s eventy . (p l . -t) m . f . hope , expectation , promi s e .

sabbe1;za D to prai s e , l aud , g l orify . Dt tasabbe� p as s . sebbu1;z safaya G (yesfi) to s e w . Gt tasafya p as s . sarayi sewer, t ai l or ,
prai s ed , gl ori fied . s ebba1;ze prai s e , glori ficat i on , hymn . sebhat cobb l e r . masje awl .
(pl . -at) prai s e , glory , maj es ty; Zotu sebQat To Him be prai s e sagada G (yesged) to bow down ( t o : Za-/qedma) . s egud prostrate (in a
(formu l a after divine names ) . sebbe1;zat idem . pos it ion of worship/ adorat ion ) . s egdat prostrat ion , act of adora­
sabaka G (yesbek) t o preach (a . d . o . o r ba- ) . Gt tasabka pas s . tion . mesgad p l ace of worship , shrin e , mosque .
.
. . . .... -.,

s ebkat n . preaching, proclamation ; a preaching miss ion . sabaki J asgaZa CG to divine , pract ice augury . CGt J as tasagaZa idem ; to con­
preacher . sult diviners . sagaZ divinat i on . masagge Z (p l . -an) diviner,
sabara G (yesber) to break (into p i eces) . Gt tasabra pass . ; to b e magi c i an , soothsayer .
overcome b y d i s aster. s ebur broken . sebr fragment , p iece . sebar sa �a G (yes1;zab) t o pul l , drag, draw ; t o attract (to : xaba) ; to pro ­
idem . s ebrat n . breaking. tract (qaZa nagara) . G t tese1;zba pas s .
J
sadada G (yesded) to pers ecut e ; to drive out , banis h , exp e l ; to ex­ se1;zta G (yes�t) t o err , get l o s t ; t o s tray ( from a path o r doctrine).
communicat e ; to divorce ( a wife) . Gt tasadda pas s . sedud ex­ CG J as�ta to lead a s tray; to l e ad into sin or erro r . se1;zut err­
p e l l e d , exi l ed , excommuni cat ed . seddat exi l e , expul s ion; persecu­ ing , l ed into erro r . se1;ztat (pl . -at) error, s in ; za' enbaZa
tion . sadadi pers ecutor; exorcis t . se1;ztat wi thout error .
sedestu (acc . sedesta) m . s i x . sessu ( ac c . idem) f . s i x . sades ( f . sakaba G (yeskeb/yeskab) to l i e down . CG J askaba caus . sekub adj .
-t) adj . s i xth . sadesawi ( f . -t) i dem . sadesay ( f . sadesit) i dem, lying dO IVT1 . meskab (pl . -at) p l ace to l i e down ; bed, couch .
sadus the s i xt h day (of the week or month) ; six days . seds f . six; ' askaZ (pl . -at) grape ( s ) .

. � ·r
 431
430
pas s . (pre d . n . in the �c c . ) . CG ' asmaya ' � o be . well known , famous,
sakama G t o carry on the shoul ders . CG ' askama caus . Gt tasakma = �
outs t anding . semuy named, cal led; famous , il 1ust:r'i-o-u�'. -
sakra G (yesker/yeskar) to be intoxicated . CG ' askara caus . sekur
inebriated , drunk . sakar intoxicating drink; intoxicat ion . samay (pl . -at) m . f . heaven , sky . samayawi ( f . - t ) heaven ly, divin e ,

sekrat intoxi cation . sakari (p l . sakart) drunkard .

celes t ial .
w tasana' awa Qlt to come to an agreement, be in accord .
sakk asa D to ceas e , come to an end , die out .
W W ' asanbata CQ to obs erve the s abbath or Sunday . sanbat (pI-. -at,
sak at/sakot (pl . ' ask at) stre e t , quarter.
sanabet) s abbath; Sunday (sanbata. Kerestiyan) ; week �:: .
maskot (pl . masakew) m . f . window .
sendon/sendun fine linen .
sa laba (; (yesleb) to take (a. d . o . ) away ( from : o . s . ) , deprive o f ,
senn (pl . s enan , ' asnan) tooth .
strip off. G t tasalba reflex . and p as s . se lbat n . deprivin g ,
taking away. tasannana D t = G lt tasanana to enter into l itigation with , to contend
wit h . tasnan lawsuit , liti gation , controversy .
sa� m . f . s afety , p eace ; ba-salam s afe ly, in p eace ; gabra salama
senape mus t ard .
mes la to make peace with ; salam laka Greetings ! La <lehu salam May
sanuy ( f . sanit) the s econd day (of week or month) , two days ; sQnit
peace be upon him !
« e Zat) the next day; s anita idem ; ba-sanita on the next day (or
se lan dil l .
night) .
tasalaqa G lt to j oke, sport , p l ay ; to mock , make fun o f (la <la) . I
saqala G (yesqe Z) to suspend, hang up ; to crucify . 'Gt tq.�aqZa p a,ss . ;
selaq sport , p l ay , mockery. mastasaleq mocker, s corner .
salata G ( 1 ) to be who l e , p erfect ; ( 2 ) to accept/bring back (some­
I
I
to depend (on : ba-/:x:aba) ; to. adhere , cl ing (t o : wes ta} . 's equZ

1
hanging , suspended, crucified; dep·endent . seq lat crucifixion .
thing : a . d . o . ) who l e/ comp l et e/ in its entirety; to pay back; ( 3 ) to
masqal (pl . masaqel) m. cross .
consummate , finish up/off. D sallata = G (2) and G (3) ; also : t o be
saqala (pl . saqalew) tent, tabernacl e .
effective, to accomp l ish results . G t tasalta D t tasallata to be
w w
=
W
finished, consummated . sella�e comp l etion . saq ara (yesq er) to pierce, dig out/through . Gt tasaq ra p as s .
W
sequr p erforated, excavated, breached . seq rat ap erture , openin g .
sem (p l . ' asmat) m . name ; fame , reputation .
obey" listen ' asqoqawa Q to lament , s i n g a dirge . saqoqaw dirge , lamentation .
sam <a G (yesma <) t o hear, hear o f , hear about ; t o heed,
C G caus . ; t o summon masqoqew mourner; adj . lamenting, mourning.
to (acc. or la- ) . Gt tasam <a p as s . ' asme <a
' asrab (pl . only) cataracts , downpours .
G lt tasame <a to hear and understand one
( a . d . o . ) as a witness .
saragala (pl . - t) cart, wagon, chariot .
another, each other ' s language . semu < famous , i l lustriou s ; notori­
' asargawa CQ to adorn , deck out , beautify . Qt tasargawa p as s . and
ous . sam2i <i adj . hearing , l i st ening to , obedi ent ; n . (p I .
sama <t)
reflex. sergew adorned, decorated, made beautiful . sargW (pl .
\vitne s s , martyr . sem < (pI . -at) m . f . rumor , report ; t' estimony ;
-at) adornment , beauti fi cation .
martyrdo m, martyrs .
masmak (t) prop , sup­ sar�a G (yesra�) to labor to the point of exhaustion , to be affl i cted
' asmaka CG to l e an ; to prop up, cause to ' lean .
with di fficult tasks or duti�s . CG ' asre�a to t i re , exhaust ; to
port . mesmak idem.
caus e or impose labor/mi s ery . seru� vexed, exhausted . s erah (pl .
samen the south .
-at) l abor , bother, exhaustion , affl iction.
samani (acc . idem) f . eight . samanitu , samantu (acc . samanta) m .
samenawi ( f . -t) idem. sark evening, twi l i ght; sarka Sanbat Sabbath evening .
eight . sQmen (f. -t) adj . e i ghth .
the eighth day (of the month) ; saraqa G (yesreq) to steal . C G ' asraqa caus . Gt tasarqa p as s .
samenay (f. samenit ) i dem . n
sannl
saraqi (pl . saraqt) thief. serq/sarq stolen obj e c t ; theft .
eight days , a week . semn f . eight ; semna adv . eight times .
sarara G (yesrer) to fly . serur adj . flying , in fl i ght . serrat
samaneya eighty .
. 1 6) . Gt tasamya fli ght , flying. sarari serur.
samaya G (yesmi) to name ( for constru ctions s ee Voc
=

..:s . ,.
432

....
sarwe (pl . sarawi t) troops , army , cohorts ; a mi l itary leader . ' asgara CG CO ' asaggara to cast net s , fi s h ; cap f�re by trapping.
=

... .:...:, - 'v

saraya G (yesray/yesri) to forgive , excus e , p ardon. Gt tasarya p as s . Gt tasagra to be captuxea, ensnared . , . masagg�r ' Cpl . ' ':'an) , fisherman.
• +. •

CGt ' astasraya to seek pardon (from : ' emenna) . masgart (pl . masager) snare , net , trap . sagarat (pi . ) guards .
tasatafa Lt to as sociate with ( acc . or mesZa) ; to share (something : ' asgari hunter, fisherman .
ba-) with (someone : acc .) sutuf companion , partner . sutaf/sutare tasahaZa G l t to show mercy (to : a . d . o . ) ; to forgi e . sahZ mercy,
.:'
m . f . sing . and c o l I . , companion, associat e , cons ort . kindness . mastasaheZ m�,rciful , l enient, ; s eeking mercy or forgi ve­
satya G (yestay) to drink . CG ' astaya caus . Gt tasatya pas s . sete ness .
= satay = maste a drink (the act or what i s drunk) . satay (i) a sa�aqa/seJ;zqa G (yes�aq) to ridi cule ( a . d . o . or Za ' Za) ., ' CG ' as�aqa
drinker, one who i s fond of drinkin g . mes tay a p l ace for drink ­ caus . saJ;zq/sa7;zaq ridicul e . mes�q comedy 'the'at er.
ing, a watering p l ace . sazas (acc. -a) f . thre e ; saZastu (acc . saZasta) m. thre e . saZes ( f .
' as tama CG to submerge , immers e , flood . Gt tasa�a to s ink (intrans.). -t) adj . third. saZesawi (f. - t ) idem. salesay ( f . saZesit) idem.
setmat submersion, s inking. mastem adj . submerging, flooding . saZus the third day (of week or month) ; three , days . seZs f. three;
setetira a stater ( coin) . seZsa adv . thri c e . saZasa thirty. masZest (pl . masaZes) a kind
tasapwa Gt to accep t , receive , t ake; to comply with; to respond . of measure .
soba conj . when; wa-kona soba and when . ye' eta sobe at that time . saZlata 0 to have power, authority.. CD ' asaZ lata ,:: CG ' asZata to '

i
sobeha adv . immediately, then, thereupon . give power to . Dt tasaZ lata Gt 'tasaZPa to acquire power, author­
" S�'iFG.rt' (PI .
=

sawwara D to hide , cover over, conceal , protect . Dt tasawwara refl e� ity; to rul e . seZut/seZ Zup P9'lerful �-h1 p ;;we ;:

i
-at)
and p ass . s ewwur hidden, covered, conceal ed. mesewwc.r hidden power, authority. - ' .. _ -: '
.:

place, hiding p lace . samra G (yesmar) to take delight , be p l eased (with/ in : ba- ) . CG
sor (p I . ' aswar) o x , s teer . i ' asmara to pl eas e , delight � give p l easure to (6 . s ."'or la- ) . semur
suraje Z s eraph, s eraphim. j
,
p l easing (to : Za-/ba-xaba/ba-qedma ) , nice , p leasant . semrat favor,

(
sota G (yesut) t o pour . G t tasawta p ass . and refl ex. sewut poured . approval , consent; ba-semrata with the consent o f . masmer/masmari
pl easing (to : xaba/Za-) .
I
8upat n . pouring, emptying .
s exin frankincense Sene/Sene Eth . month name : June 8 - July 7 .
sayf (pI . ' asyaf, ' asyeft) m . f . sword. sannaya 0 t o b e beaut i fu l , fine , excel l ent , goo d , fitting, appropri ­
sesaya Q/L to nourish, sustain , provide for . Qt/Lt tasesaya p as s : - � at e . CD ' asannaya to adorn, deck out , array ; to make ( a . d . o . )
sisay sustenance , food, provi s i ons . sisit idem . good; t o do (somethin g : inf . ) wel l . sennuy adorned, decked out ,
say tan (pl . -at) S at an ; a devil , demon, advers ary . lovely. masanney the best (of) , the best part (of) . senn beauty.
mesennay masanney . sannay (f. -t) beauti ful , fine , excel l ent,
good (both physi cal and moral senses ) .
sa' n (p I . ' as' en, ' as' an, ' asa' en) sho e , s andal . saqq (p l . -at, ' asqaq) sack, sack-cl oth .
se <ra G to grow green, to grow . sa rr (p I . ' as <ert) herbage , vegeta­ saqaya L to affli ct, vex, torment . Lt tasaqaya pass . seqay vexa­
tion , gras s . se <ur gras sy , covered with vegetation. se <ert (pl . tion , torment . masqe goad; weaver ' s comb .
' as <ert) hair (of head or body) . sar ia G (yesra <) to put into order, arrange ; to establish, set up ,
sa <aya G to l'iinnow . mas <e winnowing-fork . ordai n . Gt tasar 'a pass . seru < arranged , ordered, established ,
sega (p l . - t ) m. fl esh , meat (human or animal ) ; body; the flesh as ordained . ser<at (p l . -at) order, arrangement , disposition ;
oppo s ed to the spiri t . segawi of the flesh (not spiritual ) ; de cree , edict , command; law , statute ; treaty, pact , testament ;
carna l . custom, habit , any fixed pattern .
 .�
434 435

saraba G to drink i n , absorb . s"axxata . tq put at e as e , a l low to rest oCQ .� asaxxata O . Ot

' :
. • =

sernay/sernay wheat . tasexxeta p as s . of ' O . sexut r e l axed , at rest :;. ;): ease . saxt
sarara L to found , es t ab l i sh . Lt tasarara pass . serur/surur founded, t ranquility, rel axat ion , rest .
e s t ab li shed . surare foundin g , foundation . sarari founder .
masarrat (pl . -at) foundation , firmament , bottom. CQ ' amasrata to S

found . Qt tamasrata p ass . �a cdawa Q to be white . CQ ' a?a cdawa caus . ? e c dew a�j : white .
�.
saraqa G (yesreq) to ris e , shine (of the sun) . CG ' asraqa caus . ?a cda/?a cada (pl . ?acadew) adj . whi t e . ?e c·dawe whttenes
. .. .. ... s .
sarq (p l . ' asraq) r i s ing (of heavenly bodies ) ; the east ; the new .
?acadcid whi t i s h .
moon, the calends . serqat r i sing , ·appearance . saraqawi east ern . �a c a ra G (ye? C a Z) t o cur s e , revi l e . 0 sac c aZa i d e m . O t ta� e c ceZa/
mesraq (p l . -at) the east . ta?a c ca Za pass . � e c u Z/?e c cu Z desp i sed . ? e c Zat n . curs ing , revi l -
sara?a/sar?a G (yesre?/yesra? ) to sprout . CG ' asra?a caus . sar? a
v

ing . ?acaZi curser, revi l er .

sprout , sprout ing . ?ac cana 0 t o load ( an animal o r vehi cl e ) . Ot ta?e C Cena to moun t ,
sarawa G = 0 sarrawa to eradicat e , ext i rpat e . Gt tas�ua = Ot r i d e o n (animal o r vehi c l e ) ; a l so o f a demon possessing a p erson .
tasarrawa pas s . serw (p l . -at, seraw, ' asraw) root ; nerve , musc l e , �e c cun laden; riding, mounted . masta?e c cen horseman .
t endon . serrawe eradicat i on . ' a? Caqa CG to press in on , to confine . ?e 'uq narrow, confined . �aCq
sarwe (p l . sarawi t) beam , timber . confinemen t , press ; need . ma? c eq adj . pr·es.s ing , confinillg .
seray (pl . -at) medi cine , herbs , e t c . ; incantations , spe l l s , mag ic ; ?e cra 'G to be grteved, paine d , affl�cted . . ' � G ' a? C �
-
;q.
·
':' C O ' asa c c ara
... ' ..�-r....... . ." .
za-/J a Z Za seray , sab) a seray dealers in . magic and spel l s . to infli ct gri ef or pain upon . Ot ta?e C Cera p as s . of CO . ?e cur/
sataqa G (yes�eq) t o cut , s p l i t . G t tasatqa p as s . setuq cut , spl i t . ?e c cur grieved, pained, afflicte d . ?a Cr pain , torment, grief,
setqat n . cutting , splitting; a cut , spl i t . affl i ction .
satata G (yes�e�) to t e ar (apart ) , r end . Gt tasatta pas s . setut sQb' a G . See �b' a.
torn , rent . settat n . tearing, rending; the p art torn off, t at te� ' a?ba Ct (pl . J a?aDe C ) f . m . finger , toe .
fragment . ?abba/?ababa G (ye?beb) to be ( too) narrow; to narrow , confine . CG
su c/su c flax, tinder . J a?baba caus . ?abib ( f . ?abab) narrow, confined . ?ebbat narrow­
saw ca G (yesu C) to s acri fi ce , offer ( a . d . o . ; to : Za- ) . Gt tasaw ca nes s . masbeb a narrow p lace , p as s .
p as s . sawa ci (pl . sawa Ct) priest , sacri fi cer . maswa Ct (p l . -at, ?ab� G (ye?ba�) to grow l i ght , to dawn ; ?abiQa at dawn . Glt
masawe C) m . s acri fic e ; alt ar . meswa c (pl . -at) altar . ta?abe�a to greet early i n the day . ?eba� (p l . -at) m . f . early
sok (pl . J aswak) thorn , s t in g . morning; the eas t .
sawaya G t o ripen ( o f grain) . sawit ear of grain . ?abbe� 0 to exact/ co l l ect taxes o r tribut e . C O J a?abbe�a caus .
sema G (yesim) to appo int (to an office) , des i gnate (a . d . o . : obj . ?abba�t tribute , taxes . ma?abbe� tax-co l l ector . ma?abbe�i idem .
comp l . in acc . ) ; to put , p l ace , set . Gt tasayma pass . (pred. n . me?ebba� tax offi ce .
i n acc . ) . seyum appointed , s e t , p l aced ; n . appointe e , offi c i al , ?abaZ dus t . ?ebuZ dust .
governor, prefect . simat (p l . -at) m . f . ordinat ion ; offi ce , p os i ­ ?abxa G to dip . ?abx s auce, gravy . ma?bex dish , bowl .
tion . masayemt (pl . ) container ( s ) , basket ( s ) . ?adfa G to rush, plunge headlon g . CG J a?dafa caus . ?adf (pl . J a?daf)
se �a G (yesit) to s e l l (to : xaba, Za-) . Gt tasayta pas s . G lt precipitous p l ace, precip i c e , abys s .
tasayata to buy . se� pri c e , value . sayati (pl . sayatt) sel l er , �adaZa G to shine , be sp l endi d . C G J a?daZa t o shine , emit l i ght ,
merchant . mesyat (p l . -at) marketp l ac e . gl eam. ?edu Z shining, sp l endi d . ?adaZ sp l endor, l i ght , g l e am .
saxata/sexta G to be a t eas e , a t res t , comfort abl e , I,el l off . 0 ?adqa G (ye?deq/ye?daq) to b e righteous , j us t , true, faithful . Ot
436 437

ta�addaqa to give the appearance ( fa l s e ly) o f being righteous . CG ' a? Za Za CG to furnish shade ; to s eek t h e shade ; to s i t , l i v e , dwel l .

' a� daqa to make righteous , j us t ; to declare j ust or inno cent . D ?aZZa Za to shade., cover . Dt ta?aZZaZa tq!'he sha'aed, dark .

?adeq ( f . -t) righteous , etc . '1edq (p l . -at) j us t i c e ; rightn es s , ?aZaZo lampbl ack, s oo t . ?eZa Zot/f!e Z ZaZot sh�de , shadow ( s ) , dark ­

truth; ba-'1edq l egally, rightful l y . ness . mef!ZaZ/mef!e Z la l a shady p lace , arbor , pavi l i on . ma? a Z Zat
?adiiy autumn . tabernacl e , t ent ; Ba raZa Ma?aZ Zat Feast o f Tabernacles .

?aqot/?a?ot gnat , fl ea . ?aZma/?a Zama G (ye? Zam/ye? Zem) to grow dark , b e ' black ; of · eyes : to

'1af ra G (ye'1fa r) to strike , s lap , box . Gt ta'1af�a pass . ?efrat a grow b l ind; f!aZma ga??u he b ecame angry . Ct; ' af! lama caus . ?e Zum

b l ow , s l ap . dark, obscured, b l inded . f!aZim ( f . ?a'Zam) black . f!eZmat m . f .

'1efnat pack, wal l et . darknes s ; the days of the month after the 1 5th are known as

' a'1faqa to make dens e ; to do something frequently (+ inf. ) . Gt mawa re la f!e lmat (days of wane) ; note the formul a ' ama X-u Za­

ta'1afqa to be dense , crowde d . f!efuq den s e , thick , cro\�ded; fre ­ f!e lmata Y on the X day (using qatuZ form) o f the second hal f of

quent . the month Y .

f!agba G to be s at e d , fi l led, sat i s fi e d ; to be s i ck o f s omethin g . CG f!aZlaya D to pray (to : xaba/qedma; for : ba' enta/Za r Za/diba) , to pray

' a'lgaba t o satiat e , satisfy . '1egub s ated, ful l , s at i s fi e d . 'legab for ( something : a . d . o . ) . f!aZot (pl . '-at) prayer ( s ) . mef!e Uay

s at i ety , abundance . p l ace to pray, chap e l .

w w w ?am' a G (ye?ma' ) to be thirsty (for :, Za-) . CG "a.?!!!.e' u ' caus. ' f!emu'
�egg (pl . '1eg ag ) s treet , marke t - p l ace .
"...:.�.�: .
?agWr hair (human or animal ) ; fur, feathers , plumage . thirsty . ? em' thirst .

�aggawa D to show grace or favor (to : o . s . or Za- ) ; to bestow gi ft s . ?amhayaya Q to wither; dry up .

Dt ta�aggawa to be shown grace or favor . '1aga (p l . -t) m . f . grace, ?amma G to be deaf and dumb . CG ' a�mama to make deaf, dumb . Gt
' '
favo r , kindnes s ; gift , payment , reward; ba-�aga grat i s , as a gi ft . ta?amama to be made deaf, to feign deafnes s . ?emum deaf and/or

?aggawi/�agawi liberal , generous . dumb . f!emma , ?emmita, ba-§emmit adv . secret ly, in secre t , in

'1agaya G to flower . 'leguy adj . flowering, adorned with flowers . privat e .

�ege (pl . -yat) flower . f!amawa L (yef!O:mu) to l abor, toi l . CL ' af!amawa to inf l i ct harsh labor

'lehqa G (ye?haq) to des ire ; to be eager for , pursue d i l i gently; t o on; to morti fy (the f l e s h , as an ascetic practice) . ?ama/�ama

take care o f . C G ' a� haqa caus . ?ehuq desirous , eager, concerned . (pl . -t) m . f . l abor , to i l , work ; devi c e ,. artifi ce .

?ahq desire, eagerness . ?an ra G (ye?na r) to b e strong , powerful , firm, sure; lasting, endur­

f!alJafa G (yef!lJaf) to write . Gt ta'1e�fa pas s . CG ' af!lJafa caus . ing ; hard, harsh, s evere . CG ' asne ra to make strong, etc . ; to

?e�uf written . '1e�fat writing (act or product) . ?a�afi (pl . grasp firmly (ba-) ; to learn by heart (ba-Zebb-J . ? enu r ( f .

'1alJaft) s cribe; l earned person . maf!lJaf (p l . ma�a�eft) m . f . book , ?ene rt) s trong, e tc . f!ana ri (p l . sana rt) strong , firm; forti fi ed .

document ; wri ting , inscription . 'len ", f!en rat hardn es s , firmnes s ; strengt h , power, forc e ; '1en ra

f!a�Z dish, bow l , p l atter . samay the firmament o f the sky. mef!na r (p l . -at) firm bas e ; firma­

?e�ew s er ene . ment .

f!a Z' a G (ye? Za' ) to hate , be host i l e toward (a . d . o . ) . Gt ta?a Z' a �enf (pl . ' a?naf, ?enaf) m. edge , margin , hem; shore , bank; end,

pas s . and refl ex . G l t ta?a Ze' a to behave in a hos t i l e way toward l imi t . ' af!nafa medr the ends o f the earth . ?anafi adj . exterior,

one another . � e Zu' hated, hateful . '1eZ' /f!aZ' hatred , hos t i rity, extreme , outer .

enmity . ?aZ'8! i (p I . 'laZa' t) enemy , hater , detracter . ?an�a G (ye?na�J to wai t , awai t , expect; to be imminent (to : o . s . or

{la ZlJawa Q to act treacherous l y . ?eZ�ew treacherous , gui l eful . Za- ) ; to l i e in wait for . C G ' a?ne�a to set traps or snares for ;

?eZ�ut treachery, gui l e , mal i c e . to promis e ( i . e . cause to expect) ; to prepare (something : a . d . o . ;


T
438
for :la- ) . ?enu; waiting, expectant ; put aside, reserved.
?en�a� sacrifice , offering.
ta?annasa Dt to be impoverished, reduced to poverty . ?ennus poor,
indigent , wretched . ta?nas poverty, wretchednes s ; lack , defi­
ciency.
geT< Greece, the Greeks . ba-$eT< in Greek . $eT <awi adj . Greek .
�aTaba G to hew, do carpentry . ?eTbat woodwork, stonework . ?aTQbi
carpenter, craftsman .
�eT� (pI . ' a?Ta� , ' a�Te,t) room, chamber , house ; bedroom.
?aTiq copper, small coin . ?aTiqat thin disk, cake .
?aTxa G (ye�TClx) to cry out . ?eTClx a cry, shout .
sawwe <a D to cal l , summon; to invite; to proclaim. Dt ta?awwe < a pass.
?8WWU < summoned, invited . ? ewwe <a cal l , summons , invitation .
?ewwa <e i dem.
seula < (p I . -at) cup .
?oZa ' (pl . -at/-t) rock (s ) .
?oma G (ye?um) to fast . ?ewum adj . fasting . ?om (pl . ' a�Wiim , -at)
fast, fasting.
soma 't (pl . -at) monk ' s cel l .
. ., '...
?OTa G (ye?OT/ye?UT) t o carry , bear (lit . and fig . ) . C G ' a?OTa/
' a?aTa caus . Gt ta?awTa pass . ?ewUT adj . bearing, burdened
(with : ace. ) . ?OT (pl . ' a?WClT) burden . ?aUJWClT carrier es) , por­
ter es) . sawiiri (f. - t ; pl . ?awaTt) one who carries, bears (e . g .
pebab , zena) .
?e' aG to rot . �eyu' rotten, decayed . ?i'at rot , decay.
?e,a G (ye?i,) to make level , to pave (a road) . Gt ta?e,a pass .
?eyu� level , even, paved; easy. ma?ya�t highway .
few salt .
T overflow from Kings) . taTaf/taTf idem . taTiifi survivor .
tiibot (pl . -at) ark (of Noah, of the Covenant) .
tab <a to be brave, manly. teb < , teb 'at bravery , courage , virtue .
taba < t (pl . ' atbu < ) n . a mal e . tabba <
= taba <i (pl . taba <t) adj .
male, strong . taba < tawi (or -ay) adj . male, mas culine .
taf' a G to spit . tef' at spit , saliva.
tagha G to be wakeful , watchful , vigilant, attentive . teguh wakeful ,
etc . tegah vigi lance , watchfulness .
te�ta G to be humbl e . CG ' at�ata to make humble, to subj ect . Dt
F'V' ....=-=
...
439
tate!*eta to humble one ' s s elf, be s�bmi!5si ve, : t.� act or be infe ­
rior, lowly. tehhut humble, modest , .obedient ; lowly, ignoble .
te�,etenna humi lity, humbleness . ta�ta prep . under , below, be-
neath; adv. below, from below. mat�ett lower or inferior part ;
mat,etta prep . below, under, beneath .
matkaf(t) (pl . matakeft) shoulder .
. . .• ...
takaZa G (yetkeZ) to plant; to fix in , implant . :G-t tatakZa pass . CD
' atakkaZa to push, shove, hit . tekuZ planted; implanted. fixed .
takZ (pl . -at, ' a tke Zt) a plant , tree; <a?ada ' atke Zt orchard,
grove; also fig. : taUa ?edq , takZa haymanot . matka Z {pl . matake l)
stake, peg. matke Z idem.
W W
tak Za (p l . -t, tak aZut) wolf.
' atkata CG to wish to gain time . CD ' atakkata idem. tekat antiquity,
yore; za-tekat ancient, old, primeval , pristine ; ' em-tekat (u) fro�
of old, hitherto , once , formerJY.
takkaza D to be sad, distressed, troubled inmind.,_ t � be coricerned .
CD ' atakkaza caus . tekkuz sad, etc . tekkaz (pI . -at) sadnes,s ,
grief, care , concern; business , task.
taZawa G (yeUu) to fol low, accompany (a . d.. o . or Za-J . CG '_aJ;�
caus . GI t tatalawa recipr. te Zwat/teZot n . fol lowing; dowFY .
taZawi follower; disciple, pupil ; sectarian, successor. matZew
adj . fol lowing . maUew/mat td that which follows , succession; rest,
remainder . maUewa adv . then , immediately thereafter, in succes ­
sion .
taTfa/taTafa G (yetTef/yetTaf) to be left over, remain , survive . CG
' atTafa to leave (as a remainder) . teruf left , remaining; abun­
dant; excellent , outstanding. tel'eft (pI . terufii t ) virtue , excel ­
I ence, perfection . tel-af remainder , residue; overflow, abundance;
TeTafiita Nagast the aT book of Chronicles (lit . the remainder or
W
taTg ama Q to trans late (from . . . into : ' emenna . . . xaba/la-) . Qt
W W
tataTg ama pas s . terg iime (pl . -eyat) m . f. trans lation , interpre­
tation; za-ba-teTg amehu , ze-we' etu teTgwiimehu the interpretation
W
of which is . . . mataTgWem translator, interpreter .
tes <u/tas <u (acc . idem) f. nine. tes <atu/tas <atu , tasa <tu (ace . -tal
m. nine . tase < (f. -t) adj . ninth. tase <awi ( f . - t) idem .
tase <ay ( f . tase <it) idem . tasu < the ninth day ( o f the month) ;
nine days . tes < f. nine; tes ta adv . nine times .. .... tes
...
'a/tas <a
440
441
ninety .
wal l s ; ' ahgura peqm forti fied cities .
totan (pl . -at) thong , 1 ace; tota-na aa' n shoelace , s andal -thong . '
peqqa adv . very, extrem ely; exact ly, accurately;
Taxsas E th . month name : Dec . 1 0 Jan . 8 . -
stil l , " even . peqqa ,
ba-teqqa. prep . near , besid e .
. : .:",.. -

T Terr Eth . 'month name : Jan . 9 Feb 7 .

-

' apraya CG t o acquir e , posse ss . G t tatarya pass

�a <ot (pl . -at) m . heathen idol ( s ) . . terit pos s ession ,
propert y, wea l th .
. <ma/ta <ama G (ye to <am/yeot < em) t 0 t as t e , to experience (e . g . death) ;
te
to � e tasty, d e l icious . CG ' a� <ama caus . ; to make sweet , p l easant.
peraz (p l . -at) fragment, fas cicle o f a book .
. �yaqa D to examin e , observe close ly, s crutin
te <wn tasty, d e 1 �c�ous , swe et , p l e asant . t.a <m (p I . -at) m . f . i z e , inves tigat e , ex­

� ast e ,
·
plore; to ascert ain by examining . CD ' apayyaqa to i n form (some ­
flavor; sweet taste , p leasant taste ; reason , good s ense .
one : o . s . ) o f somet hing ( a . d . o . ) .
Dt tapayyaqa to s eek certa inty,
pe <ya G (yep <ay) to be healthy, wel l . CG ' at <aya to make healthy ,
try to make sure; a l s o pass ive : to be ascer
wel l , cause to recover . pe <uy ( f . pe <it) wel l , healthy (of person taine d , found out for
sure . peyyuq preCi s e , accur ate ; certa
or p l ace) . p e < inna good health . in, sure; peyyuqa adv . pre ­
ci s e l y , accurat e l y , for a certai nty .
tab <a G to be wi l l in g , ready (to do something) . CG ' atbe <a to do
pesa G (yePis ) to smoke . CG ' apesa caus . tis smoke .
something wi l l ingly (with fo I l . coord . verb ) ; to persevere , b e
cons tan t , firm, undeterred; caus . o f same meanings . tebu < w i l l ing,
w
quick, eager , ready, undeterred, b o l d , perseverin g .
Wa- conj . 'il-n d .
tabba G (yePbab/ye�beb) to be w i s e , prudent ; to be ski l led, expert .
we' etu (acc . we' eta) m . s . pron . he; that one , that
Dt tatabbaba to be crafty, cunnin g . CG ' a�baba to make wi s e , e t c . (pron . and adj . ) .
' wa <ala/we <la G (ya <aZ ) to pass the day, remain . ,
pabib ( f . pabab ; p I . tababt) wis e , e t c . tebab (p I . -at) wis dom , wa 'Q:�i attend ant ,
servan t . <elat (p l . -at , mawa <e Z) day; time (s e e Vo c . 1 0)
prudence , ski l l . . maCaZt
(p l . mawa <e Z) m . f . day, daytim e; ma <a lta
tab� G to make an incision; to sacrifice . Gt tapab� pass . peb� during the day; p l . also
. period, era .
' . 1 v;� ct;� m . �eb�t s acrifice . mat.ba�t (p l .
s acrifi c e , s acr� f �c�a
=

matabe�) knife , sword .

we Cya G (ya <ay) to be burned up , consumed by fire
. CG ' aw Caya to
burn up (trans . ) ; t o burn, scorch . we Cuy
par a G (yeya' ) to go out (of a light or fire) ; to perish, vani sh . ho� burnin g . wa <y fire,
. hea t , burnin g . we Cyat n . burning, confl agrati
CG ' a �fe' a to extinguish; to d estroy, ann� hilate . t.ef' at ext inc- on .
wadde' a D to finish , comp l et e ; used as an aux i l iary
t i on , destruction , loss . verb in the sense
of " a lready" : e . g .
wadde' a yenabber already sits , is already posi ­
tafara G to roof over, put up a c e �' l �; ng . t.a�J ar
' roo f , cei l ing .
tioned . Dt tawadde' a pas s .
taZZa
. G to be mois t . CG ' atZaZa to moi sten , b edew . te ZuZ moi s t ,
wadqa G (yedaq) to fal l , fal l down , col l apse . CG ' awdaqa
rich , fat , prosperous ta7� 7� d ew . mat7a7�
. • . � � " adJ' . moi s t ening , re- to drop,
l et fal l ; to throw down , cast down ; to fel
freshing. l , hew down . weduq
fal l en , lying fal l en . deqat fal l , ruin , col
ta li (f. - t ; p I . ' apaZi ) goat . laps e . denqata adv .
sudden ly, unexpe ctedly .
'apmaqa CG to bap t i z e . Gt tatamqa pas s . pemuq bapt i zed . pemqat
baptism. matmeq b ap t i z e r , esp . Yohannes Matmeq John the Baptis t . wadaya G (yeday) to put , place , set . Gt tawadya pass . CGlt
. .
mepmaq p l ace for b ap t i z in g ; b ap t i s try ; pool . ' astawadaya to bring charges agains t , to accus e . wedet charge ,
accus ation . muday (pl . - at ) a container of any s ort ; basket ,
taqaba G to s ew , at t acI1 by s ew�' ng . t.eqbat n . s ewing , st itch .
;eqemt Eth . month name : Oct . 1 1 Nov . 9 . hamper .

peqm wal l ,
-

city wal l , fortifi cation wal l . ' arafta peqm forti fi cat ion waq.' a G (yeq.a' ) to go/come fo rth, emerge ; with ' em- : to l eave depart
,

fr om, to spring from , originate in . CG ' awqe' a to bring / l e ad/take

442 443

forth; to exp e l ; to put forth, produc e . wequ' adj . depart ing ; waqara G = D waqqara CG ' awqarqt to dig" excavate .
. .- " :..
=

emerging; l a cking (in : ' em-) ; a l ien (to : ' em-) . qa' at exit , de ­ warada G (yerad) to d e s cend, come down", go down . CG ' awrada to bring!
partur e ; ' em-X �a' atu he is a native of X . muqa' p l ace of exi t , s end/ l ead down . redat descent . I77l4rad p l ace of descent , downward
source . s l op e .
wafara G (yewfer, yUfar) to go out into the country . wafr the coun- warq m . gol d , money .
trys ide , fie lds , farms , farml and . mur-ar farm l and, pasture . waraqa G (yewreq) to sp i t . meriiq spitt l e , s aliva :
mogad (p l . mawaged) wave . warasa G (yeras) to inheri t . CG ' awrasa to make s omeone an hei r . Gt
wagara G (yegar, yewger) to throw, cas t ; to stone (someone : o . s . : tawarsa to gain by inheritance . G l t tawarasa to inherit (j ointly
ba-' ebn) . Gt tawagra to be stoned . G l t tawagara to throw stones or singly) , gain po s s e s s ion o f . warasi
rest (p l . -at) in-
he i r .
at one another . D waggara G . Dt tawaggara
= G t . wagr (pl .
= heritance . mawares t (pl . ) heirs . Wares heir (very rare) .
' awger, -at) h e ap , mound , hi l l . mogart s l ing . warx (p l . ' awrax) m . f . moon , month . warxawi lunat i c .
' awgaza CG to excommunicat e , anathemati z e , curs e . Gt tawagza p as s . warwa G (yewru) t o thro�, cas t . G t tawarwa p as s . and refl e x .
G l t tawagaza to a l i enate one ' s s e l f from (a . d . o . ) . weguz excom­ wareza (p l . warazut) a youth, young 'man . werzawe manhood, maturity .
municated , curs ed . wegzat/gezat excommunication . werzut idem.
wahaba G (imperf. yehub , subj . yahab) to give ( s omething : a . d . o . ; to : ' awsaba CG to marry ( subj . man ; obj . woman) . CGlt ' astawiisaba to
dat . suff . ) Gt tawehba p as s . habt (p l . -at) gift . wahabi one give someone in marriage , to marry o ff . s�sab�ma��iage .
who gives , donor; adj . generous . wasada G (yesad/yesed/yewsed) to l ead, conduct " bring, take (a . d . o . ;
we�za (yew�z/ya�az) to flow . CG ' aw�za to cause to f low (esp .
G to: xaba/wes ta/la-J .
tears ) . we�iz (pl . -at , wa�yezt) river, stream ; flow , current . wassaka D to add (a . d . a . ; to : diba/la <la) ; to increas e, augment ( a . d .
'
0 . ) . D t tawassaka t o b e add� d (to : we�talxdba. 5X:� o . s . ) . tawsak
-
we�zat flow, flowin g . mu�za may aqueduct , canal .
tawakfa Gt to accep t , receiv e , t ake unto one ' s s e l f ; also p as s ive o f addition .
same . Dt tawakkafa idem. wekuf/wekkuf accepted, acceptab l e , was sana D to d e l imi t , mark o ff , define . Dt tawas sana p as s . wassan
agreeab l e , p l ea s ant . boundary, l imi t .
tawakkala Dt to trust or have faith (in : ba-/diba or o . s . ) . wekkul westa (w. pron . suff . : westet-) prep . in, into , t o ; ba-westa idem;
trus ting, confiding, dependent . tewke lt trus t , faith , confidence . ' em-westa from in , from within .
walada G (ye lad) to bear (a chi l d) ; to beget (a chi l d : a . d . o . ; by : wessape interior, mi dd l e .
ba-xaba) . Gt tawalda tawalada to procreat e ; to in ­
p as s . G lt ' awse' a CG to respond, answer; to take up a discours e . Glt tawase' a
crease or flourish by procreation . CG ' aw lada to beget ; to cause t o speak against , contradi c t ; t o di sput e , argue (with : 0 . 5 . or
to bear . wald (p l . we lud) son , chi l d , boy , l ad ; p l . also used as la- ) . sii' sa' e l oquence , refined manner of speaking .
s ingu l ar . walatt (p l . ' awaled) daughter, gir l . we lud ( 1 ) p l . of ' awtara CG to continue , persevere in , be a s s i duous in ( a . d . o . or
wald; (2) syn . o f wald in s ingular ; (3) adj . born , begotten . in f . ) ; to direct (hands , eyes ) to (xaba/la <la/la-) . watra adv .
ledat birth . wa ladi ( f . - t) p arent . mulad p l ace o f birth , native always , perpetua l l y , continuous l y , assiduous ly .
land . tewledd (p l . -at) offspring , fami l y ; rac e , trib e , fami l y , watana G (yepan/yewpen) to begin (a . d . o . or sub j . or inf . ) . Gt
speci es ; generat ion . tawatna pas s . tent n. beginning; ' em-tent from the beginning .
wal lata D to change , alter , trans form . Dt tawaUapa pas s . weUu,p wawwe <a D to shout . wewwe < ii a shout , cry.
changed, transformed , di fferent . we l late change , alteration , wexda G to be few , smal l . wexud few , smal l , scanty . wexdat p auc i t y ,
tran s format ion . tawlat change ; exchange , price . s cantiness .
wange l m . f . gospe l . wange lawi (f . -t) adj . gospe l ; n . evange l i s t . wexta/waxapa G (yaxatJ to swa l l ow .
444 445

UJayn (pl . " awyan) m . vine , win e . <al!ada UJayn vineyard . xedat a smal l amount , a i�ttle; adj . (p l ! , -at) few . ,
xa9nba G (yexq.eb) to wash , wash aw<J.Y. Gt taiaifba to wash one ' s s e l f
x
( a part o f the body may b e' added a s a . d . o . ) . xe rfub washed . xedbcrt
xaba (w . pron . suff . : xabe- ) prep . by , with , a t , near ; t o , toward , washing, ablut ion . mexq.2ib (p l . -at) b�th , bathing p l ace .
unt o ; ba-xaba idem; ' em-xaba from with, from the presen ce o f ; maxfad towe r .
through the agency o f , by means o f . A s reI . adv . where, see § 2 5 . 2 . xafara/xafra G (yexfar) t o be ashamed ( o f :, ' ba� �nta ; , t6 do something :
'
xab' a G (yexbct ) to hide " conceal . Gt taxab' a reflex. and pass . info or verbal noun or sUbj . ; before ,., in th,e . p resenCe; o f :' gal!?a ,
xebu' hidden, concealed; s ecret , arcane ; ba-xebu' s e cre t l y , in I ,
' emenna) ; to fear, revere (someone :' gal!?a, ' emenria) . Gt taxafra
s ecret . mexba' (p l . -at) hiding p l ace , hidden p l ac e ; receptac l e .
I to be ashamed , put to shame . xafrat (pl . -at) s � ame, improp ri ety ,
xabra/xabara G (yexbar) to be connected or associated (with : mesZa) ; I turpitude . xefur ashame d . xaf2iri ashamed; shameful .

J
to j oin , associate (with : mesZa) ; to conspire ( against : la < Za) ; ,to xaZafa G (yexZef) to pass (by : ' enta , ' enta xaba; through : ' enta
be in accord with, agree with (mes Za, ba- ; subj ect usua l l y words , UJesta; among : ' enta ma' kaZa ; away from, i . e . to l eave : ' em- , ' em­
things , stories ) ; to share something (a . d . o . ) with (mes Za) ; with
inf o or coord . verb : to do j ointly, together . CG ' axbara to
'\ xaba) ; to peri s h . G l t taxaZafa to wander to and fro .
to cause to pas s ; to pass {time) . xeZuf .�d?
CG ' axZafa
cro s s in g , p assin g .
,
asso ciate (someone : a . d . o . ; with : mesZa) ; to make a conspiracy; to xaZafi (pI . xaZaft) p ass er-by; adj . tr'ansi tory . xaUifi t ( co l l . )
be in agreemen t , accord . G t taxabara to be associated (wit h : tho s e passing by . mexZaf p lace fo� crossing Or p,as s inK �?rough .
mesZa) . xebur j oined, associated; xebura adv . together , j o in t l y , xe ZZat reed, cane . '," " -

at one and the s ame time . xebrat union, j oining , asso ciation ; xaZqa G (yexZaq/yexZeq) t o come to an end', ' be fini shed, consummated;
consensus , accord . maxbar m . f . congregation , gathering; crowd , to perish, disappear . CG ' axZaqa to destroy, finish, consumm a te .
tumu l t ; counci l ; col l eagues , associates ; monastery, convent . xe Zqat end, consummation , comp l etion; death: �Z�t end, comp l e ­
xabaza G (yexbez) to bake . xabazi baker . xebest (pl . xabaUJez) m . tion ; consummation , cl imax, death; performance , execution .
UJ UJ UJ UJ
bread, piece o f bread . x aZ Zaq a !5 to count , numb,e r, reckon . Dt tax aZ Zaq a p ass .
UJ UJ UJ
xadaga G (yexdeg) ( 1 ) to leave , abandon , desert ; ( 2 ) to divorce (a xUJe Z Zuq ( ) counted, numbered, reckoned . x e Zq /xUJaZqUJ (p l .
UJ UJ UJ UJ
wife) ; (3) to forgive (someone : Za- ; of or for sins or debt s : a . d . x e Zaq ) number, sum. x e Z Zaq e n . numbering , counting . ' albo
J UJ
0 . ) ; (4) t o negl ect , ignore; ( 5 ) t o renounce , give up; ( 6 ) t o l e t , xU e lq a N there i s no l imit to N , N i s boundl ess .
allow, permit ( s omeone : 0. 5 . or Za- ; to do : subj . ) ; ( 7 ) to stop , xaZ laya D to think , ponder, meditate (about : a . d . o . or ba' enta) ; to
cease , desi st . Gt taxadga pas s . G l t taxadaga to divorce (some­ think up , devis e ; to decide (to do : kama + subj . ).; to t ake thought
one : mesZa) . xedug l eft, abandoned , deserted ; divo rced . xedgat of, to take care o f , look after ( s omeone : 0.5. or ba' enta/la- ) .
remis s i on (of sins or debts ) . xedgat/xedag2it divorce ; ma?�afa CD ' axaZ Zaya to caus e ( someone : o . s . ) to think about or decide to
xedgat divorce do cument . do . Dt taxaZ Zaya to be thought of, conceived . xe Z Zinna (p l . -t)
xadara G (yexder) to res ide , dwe l l , inhabit (usually with a prep . mind , thought , intel lect ; product o f thought , idea ; proces s o f
phrase , but sometimes with the acc . ) ; xadara Za< Za to res ide i n , thought , thinking , cogitation; propo sal , advice, opinion .
po ssess (said o f demons o r spirits in a person) . CG ' axdara caus . xams (acc . -a) f . fiv e . xamestu (acc . xamesta) m. five . x2imes ( f .
Gt taxadra to be inhabited . G l t taxadara to l ive together , cohabit -t) adj . fifth . xQmesaUJi ( f . - t ) idem . xQmesay ( f . xamesit) idem.
(with : mesZa) . xedur adj . residing , dwe l l ing . xedrat n . residing, xamus the fi fth day (of week or month) ; five days . xems f . five ;
dwel l ing . maxdar (pl . maxader) dwel ling-pl ace , res idenc e ; room , xemsa adv . five t imes . xamsa fifty .
cel l . xanaqa G (yexneq) to choke , thrott l e . Gt taxanqa pas s . and reflex .
Xedar E t h . month name : Nov. 1 0 - Dec. 9 . xaraya G (yexray) to choos e , s e l ect . Gt taxarya pass . xeruy chosen,
446
1 447

s e l ected; p l easing, acceptab l e ; an arbiter, mediator; xeruyan the
E l ect ( i . e . tho s e who wi l l b e s aved at the Last Day) . xeryat
cho i ce , s e l ection .
xasra G (yexsar) to be in bad straits , wretched, mi s erab l e ; to suffer
l o s s , be reduced to poverty; to be dishonored, v i l ified, desp i s ed .
CG ' axsara to cause/inflict/afflict (with) any o f the preceding
yexeyyesani kama + subj . it is better for me that · . . . CD
' axdyyasa to make bett e r , more p� easing., .xisan exc e l l ence .
y
ye' e ti (acc . ye' eta ) f . s . she ; that , that one (pron .. o·r · adj . ) .
ye' eze (i niJ adv . now . ' em-ye' eze from now on . " eska . ye' eze up
.

states (a . d . o . of person) . xesur wretched, impoverished, unt i l now .

afflicted , vi l e , despi s e d . xasar (p l . -at) m . f . wretchednes s , yabsa G (yeybas) to be dry , ari d . CG ' aybasa ca:us .: ' yebus dry, arid .
.

poverty, i gnominy . yabs dry l and, the dry groun d .

xasasa G (yexses) to, s eek , look for ; to demand , require (from: ba­ ' ayde <a to inform, t e l l ( s omeone : a . d . o . ) . Gt tayad <a pas s .
xaba/' emenna) ; to study, pursue di l igent l y . Gt taxassa pas s . and Yakatit Eth . month name : Feb . 8 - Mar . 9 .
reflex. (for one ' s s e l f) . Glt taxasasa to inquire co l l ectively, yaman the right s i de o r hand . yemn idem; yemna ' adv . on/to the right .
discuss with one another ( something : o . s . ) . xasasa (p l . -t) wi s h , y emuna adv. r i ght l y , corre ctly.
desir e . yogi adv . perhap s , by chance , perchance .
xa?in (p l . xa?awent) m . iron; sword , weapon; too l , imp l ement . yawha G to be gen t l e , mi l d , modes t " submis�fve" �innocen t , simp l e ;" to
xa?ara G (yex?er) to be short . CG ' ax?ara to shorten , diminish, sub ­ p l eas e , charm, p ersuade , entice . ,0- y aw0.
eha idem . yawhat mi ldness,
.
tract from. xesur short , shortened . xa?ir ( f . xa?ar) idem. etc . yawwahat idem. yawwa h adj . mild; gent'l e , etc. yawhenna

xasawa G to castrat e . xe?ew castrated; n . eunuch . mildnes !? , et c .

xat' a G to lack, not hav e , not find; (rarely) to s i n . CG ' axte' a to yom adv . today; o n this day (of the year) .
deprive (someone : a . d . o . or o . s . ; of: a . d . o . ) , t o cause to lack ; Yonanawiyan the Greeks '.
to cause to sin . Gt taxat' a to withdraw, go away; to be absent , yawpa the Gk. l etter iota .
lackin g . xetu' not having, deprived . xati' at (p l . xapawe' ,
z
xaFQye' ) m . f . sin e s ) . xate' ( f . -t) s inful , wicked; n . sinner .
xe ppat grain, s eed . za- reI . pron . m . s . § 2 S . I ; absolute reI. § 2 S . 1 e - f ; prep . of § 2 S . l g ;
xatama G (yextem) to seal , close and seal . Gt taxatma p as s . xetum conj . that , the fact that (introducing noun c l ause after verbs o f
s ea l ed , signed , xatami one who s ea l s , signer . maxtam (tJ a s ea l . speaking , e t c . ) . ba' enta za- conj . becaus e . za- i n c l e ft s en ­
xatawa G to burn , be alight . CG ' axtawa to l ight (a lamp ) ; to burn , tences § 29 . I , § 2 9 . 3 . za- in questions § 2 9 . 1 .
emit l ight . maxtot (p l . maxatew) lamp . za- f . s . this (adj . and pron . ) .
xo?a s an d . ze- (acc . za-) m . s . this (adj . and pron . ) .
xoxt (pl . xoxat, xawaxew) m . f . door, doorway . zabata G (yezbet) to b e at , whip ( a . d . o . ; the part o f the body may be
xela G to become wel l , strong . D xayyala to be s t rong , mighty, power­ spec i fied with diba/westa/la < la) . Gt tazabta p ass . Glt tazabata
ful ; to prevai l over , be superior to ( a . d . o . ) . CD ' axayyala t o recipr . zabapi ruffian, fight er . zebut beaten . zebpat n . beat­
make strong, etc . Dt taxayyala to b e strengthened , strong; to ing, whipp ing .
preva i l , dominat e ; to act with force (good or bad sense) again s t . zafana G to dance . zafan n . dancing . za�ani' ( f . -t) dancer . mez[«a
xeyyul strong , e t c . xayyiil idem . xay l (p l . -at) strength, power , p l ace for dancing .
might; army , troops . zafar (p l . ' az�ar) hem or fringe of a garment .
xer ( f . - t) goo d , exc e l l ent . xirut exc e l l ence , goodnes s , virtue . zagaba G (yezgeb) to st ore up , accumu l at e , hoard ; to s tore away , hi de.
xayyasa D to be better, more out s tanding . Often imp ersonal : Gt tazagba pas s . mazgab (p I . mazagebt) treasure , wealth ; store-
 • • -- � jIo

448 449

room, magazine . s eed; progeny.

­
zar 'a G alternate spei l ing for the prec�din-g :
"' _ � . ",

zehna G to be calm, tranqui l . CG ' az�ana caus . ze�un calm , tranquil.

za� calm, tranqui l ity. mazare ' (pl . ) baskets , containers .
zakara G (yezker) t o remember , mention . Gt tazakra p as s . 0 zakkara zarawa G (yezru) to s catter , dispers e , distribute . Gt tazarwa pass .
= G. Ot tazakkara = G. zekur mentioned, remembered . zekr men­ zerew s cattered, dispersed . zerwat dispers ion . __ zarawi (one) who
tion, memory; commemoration . tazkar memorial s ervice or holiday , s catters , dispers e s ; prod�gal , extravagant . "
commemoration; memory; memorandum, notation; gabra tazkara to zati (acc . 'lata) f . s . this (pr6n . and adj . ) .
celebrate a commemoration; 'eZata tazkar day of commemoration . tazaxxara/tazexxera Dt to boas t ; to braw l . 'leXXU!' boas1:ful , arrogant ;
w W
zeku (acc . zek a) m . S . that (adj . or pron . ) ; zektu , zek tu I dem � 8 . 4 . quarrelsome . tezxert n . boasting, inso l enc e ; s trife , brawling .
' azZafa CG to continue (doing) , p ersevere in (doing) , fo l lowed by zexr tomb, monument .
acc . verbal noun or acc . info ze Zufa , Za-ze Zufu adv . continu­ 'lema melody , tune , song . Ze " u Z zema a s tyle of s inging .
ous ly, continual ly , p erpetually, forever . zaZfa adv . idem; always, zeyya adv . her e ; ba-zeyya idem . ' em-zeyya from ' here , hence .
regularly, frequently , often . ' i- . . . zaZfa never . za-zaZf adj .
perpetual . Za-zaZafu, Za-ze Zafu Za-ze Zufu. =

zaZgasa Q to be afflicted with a dreadful disease ( l eprosy , elephant�

asis ) . ze Zgus leprous . zeZgase l eprosy, e l ephantias i s .
tazamda Gt to be rel ated . zamad (p l . ' azmad) m . fami ly , kin , rela­
tives , clan ; tribe , kind, sort , species . Sing . and p l . forms are
used interchangeably. tezmedd fami ly, trib e , race , spe cies .
zammara 0 ( 1 ) to make mus i c ; to p lay instruments , sing; ( 2 ) to state
or proclaim authoritative ly, to bear witness to . CG ' azmara = 0
(2) . zemmur authority, witne s s . zemmare ps alm, hymn . mazamme r
PSalmi s t , church s inger . mazmur (pl . -at) p s alm, the psalter ;
chorus of singers . mezmiir authority, witnes s .
zammawa 0 to commit adultery; t o have i l l i cit intercours e (with :
mesZa or a . d . o . ) . CO ' azammawa caus . zemmut adul tery, harlotry .
zamm a whore , adulterer, forn i cator . zammawi idem . Thes e terms
appl i ed to both males and females .
zanma G to rain . CG ' aznama to bring rain , cause to rain . zenam
(pl . -at) m . f . rain .
zange 'a Q to be insan e , mad , crazy. zengu ' mad , raving; stupid,
inep t .
W W - w_ w_
'lang ag a Q to rldlcul e , hoI d ln s corn . zeng ag e s corn , rl d lCU I e .
- - -
.

zentu (ac c . zanta) m . s . this (pron . o r adj . ) .

zenawa L/Q to inform . Qlt tazeyanawa recipr . zena (pl . -t) m . f . _
news , report; narrative , story, account; pronouncement .
zeqq (pl . -at) wineskin .
zar' a G t o sow , s catter (s eed) . Gt tazar' a pas s . zar' (p l . J azre' t)
450 451

The Principal Parts of G Verbs P erfect I mperfect Subjunctive Imp.era tive Meanin g
we/tza ( 1 2 ) yewe/trez ( 3 9 ) yaltaz (4 1:,-_
The numbers in parentheses refer to lessons in the grammar where the to flow
bo' a ( 1 5 ) yebawwe' (42) yeba! ( 4 2 ) biiJ (42)
given form and its inflection are discus s e d . to enter
/tora ( 1 5 ) ya�er (42) ye�or/ye/tur �r/�ur to go
a. Standard Types
(42) (42)
Perfect Imperfect Subj unct ive Imperative we 'ya ( 14 ) yewe " i ( 4 3 ) ya 'ay ( 4 3) to burn
Root Type .
qataZa ( 1 1) yeqatteZ ( 3 2 ) yeqte Z ( 33) qeteZ ( 3 4 ) ' akya (14) ya' akki ( 4 3 ) ye' kay (43) .. . ':" " ",. '> : . ...to be bad
S ound . .
nabara ( 1 1 ) yenabber ( 3 2 ) yenbar ( 33 ) nebar ( 34 ) wadaya ( 1 4 ) yewaddi (43) y eday (43) • q.ag - (43) . to pI ace
yegbar ( 33) gebar ( 3 4 ) . raywa (14) y e�yu ( 4 3) y e�1(aw (43) _
: �eyc/;,; (43)
gabra ( 1 1 ) yegabber {32) to live
yaJ asser (38) yeJ s e r ( 38) ' eser ( 3 8 ) J atawa ( 1 4 ) ya' attu (43) ye' tu/yeJ taw to go home
I -Guttural J asara ( 1 1 ) J etu/J e taw
J arona ( 1 1 ) ya' curunen (38) yeJ man ( 38) ' eman ( 3 8 ) ( 43) (4 3 )
I I -Guttural saJ a Za ( 12 ) yese" eZ (39) yesJ a Z ( 39) sa' aZ ( 3 9 )

kelJ.da ( 1 2) yeke ��ed ( 39) yek�ad ( 3 9 ) ka�ad ( 3 9 )

Synopsis o f t h e Sound Tri l itera1 V erb
�
I I I -Guttural ma? J a ( 1 3) yema��eJ (40) yemsaJ (40) me�a' (40)
rad ( 4 1 ) :he umbers refer to the lesso� s where detai l s on
I -W warada ( 1 1 ) yewarred ( 4 1 ) yerad ( 4 1 ) a given form a.li.d
-­ l.ts l.nflection may be found. Forms in bracke
wadqa ( 1 1 ) yewaddeq ( 4 1 ) yedaq ( 4 1 ) daq ( 4 1, ts. :are rare'. . Consonantal
weger/gar ' doubl ing found in the tradit ion, but not adopte
wagara ( 1 1 ) yewagger ( 4 1 ) yewger/yegar ' d in our tran s l i t era­
(4 1 ) t i on , is indica ted by parent hes es .
(41)

I I -W qoma ( 1 5 ) yeqawwem (42) yequm ( 4 2 ) qum ( 4 2 ) Perfect Imperfect Subj unctive Imperative
�ora ( 15) ye�awwer ( 4 2 ) ye�or/ye?ur ?or/?ur . -.'"..,..
G qataZa yeqattel yeqte l
(42) qete l
(42)
gabra yegabber yegbar gebar
sema ( 1 5 ) yesayyem ( 4 2 ) yesim ( 4 2 ) sim (42)
I I -Y CG ' aqtala ( 2 6 , 27)
fetaw ( 4 3 ) y1lqdtte l (45) yaqte l (45) ' aqte l (45)
I I I -W fatawa ( 1 4) yefattu ( 4 3 ) yeftaw ( 4 3 )
Gt taqatla ( 2 1 ) yetqattaZ (44) yetqatal (44) taqataZ (44)
bakaya ( 14) yebakki ( 43) yebki ( 4 3) beki ( 4 3)
I I I -Y CGt ' astaqtala (49) y1lstaqatte l yas taqtel ' astaqtel (49)
satya ( 14) yesatti ( 4 3) yestay (43) setay ( 4 3 )
(49) (49 )
Glt taqatala (24) yetqa(t) tal
b.
yetqataZ (44) taqatal (44)
Mixed Types and Irregular Verbs
(44)
Imperfect Subjunctive Imperative Meaning CG l t
P erfect J astaqataZa (49) yastaqa.t (t) e l yastaqa.te l J astaqate l (49)
yereJ J i/yereJ J i yerJ ay (43) reJ i (43) to see
reJ ya ( 14) (49) (49)
( 43) D qattala ( 1 1) yeqettel (46) yeqatte l (46) qattel ( 4 6 )
y esawwe ' (42) yesu ' (42) su ' (42) to offer up
saw 'a ( 1 5 ) CD J aqattaZa ( 2 6 , 2 7) yaqette l (48)
' axaz (39) to seize yaqatte Z (48) ' aqatte Z (48)
J axaza ( 1 2 ) yeJ exxez ( 39) ye' xaz/ya' axaz
Dt taqattala ( 2 2 ) yetqettal yetqattal taqattal (48)
( 39)
( 48) ( 48)
yekhaZ (39) kahaZ ( 39) to be abl e
kehZa ( 1 2 ) yeke Z (39) CDt J astaqattala yastaqe tte l yo.staqatte l ' astaqattel
behZa (12) yebe Z (39) yebaZ (39) baZ (39) t o say.
( 49) (49) (49)
hab ( 4 1 ) to give (49)
wahaba ( 1 2 ) yehub (41) yahab ( 4 1 )
q.a' (41) to go out L qataZa ( l l)
wadJ a ( 1 3) yewaq.q.e' (40) yeq.a' ( 4 1 ) yeqat (t) e l (49) yeqate l (49) qate l ( 4 9 )
degana ( l l ) yedeg( g) en (49) yedegen (49) degen (49)
452

P erfect Imperfect Sub j unctive Imperative

, . - .-.

moqel;!a ( 1 3 ) yemoq (qJ e1;t ( 4 9 ) yemoqe1;t ( 4 9 ) moqe1;t (49)

CL ' aqatala ( 2 6 , 27) yaqa .rt) e l (49) yaqate l (49) ' aqate l (49)
Lt Like G l t above (49)
CLt Like CGlt above (49)

P e rfective Verbal
Infinitive Agent Noun
P art icip l e Adj ective
( L e s son 3 0) (Les son 3 1 )

G qati Uot-J qatil.- qetul ( 3 5 ) , qataZi (34)

qatil. ( 1 8 ) ,
qate l ( 1 7)
CG ' aqte Zo (t-) ' aqtiZ- [' eqtuZ] maqte l, maqtali,
,
aqtal.i (45)
Gt taqat re no ( t-J taqatil- [ teqtul] [ taqatal.i ]
CGt ' as taqate lo ( t- J ' astaqatil.- [' esteqtul ] mastaq (aJ tel (49)
Glt taqCJ:telo (t-J taqCJ:ti Z- [ taqatal.i ]
CG l t ' as taqate lo (t- J ' astaqati Z- mastaqatel (49)
0 qatte lo (t-) qattil.- qettul (47) , qattal.i,
qattiZ ( 1 8) maqat�e Z (AD
.

CO ' aqatte lo (t-) ' aqattil-

Ot taqatte lo (t-J taqattiZ-
COt ' astaqatteZo ( t-) , astaqatti l- mastaqattel
L qateZo (t- ) qati Z- qutul (49) qatal.i, maqate l
( 49)
, ' aqati Z-
CL aqate Zo (t-)
Lt Like G l t above .
CLt Like CG1t above .

Verbal Nouns :

G qetZ, qetZat, qetaZ, qetaZ, qataZ, qatZ, [qataZa], [qata Z ] (36) .

CG [' aqtaZa L [' eqte Za ] ( 4 5 ) .
CGt [' es teqtaZl
o qattel, qettel, qettaZe, qettaZe, qetteZa (47) .
Ot teqte Zt, taqtaZ (48) .
L qutaZe, quteZa (49) .
For al l Quadr i l iteral and Quinqui l iteral verbs s e e Les son SO .
 I
, i
,

Elementa Linguarum Orientis AltiithiopiscQ

ELO Grammatik des Ge ' ez
mit Dbungstexten un� Glossar
Band 2

'.- '
. ..._....

Josef Tropper

Herausgeber

Josef Tropper • Reinhard G . Lehmann

.�. . -.

U garit-Verlag U garit-Verlag
MUnster 2002 MUnster 2002
 258
Ubungstexte 259

Vorbemerkung: Die Interpunktio�szeichen � l!mschriftpart wurden y o m Ver­

Ubungstexte in Original- und Umscbrift fasser gesetzt und folgen syntakttschen �ltenen . ., � ., ' _ .::� '.� ,_ '

.
Text 1: Johanen sevangelium, Kapitel l, Verse wangel za-yohann�s: m� c'raf 1
.' .�:
1-1 8 ' .
1. qridamih� qal w� ,�t;t, wa-�� '�tu qal !J.aba . ,�gzl ' ,ab �h, er w� ,. �tu
wa- '�gztab�her w� �tu qal. , .
2. wa-z�ntu '��-qadimu fJaba '�gztab��er w� �tu.
'

' .
•. . , .

W17.A : H t'-lh 1i1 :1

3. kW�llu bottu kona, .
r 6&-� 1 Ii I ,. ' . . . : : �k, : . .
wa-za- '�nbalehu-ssa 'albo za-kona, wa- l-m�nt��nz ,�m-za- ona
� "'�Otf.. u- : :PA 4. bottu h�ywat w� '�tu,
J I
I I OJ-'l. 1:
I OJOJ-'l.1: I :PA

OJ-'l. 1: : OJ'l. "'IH. h1J Ih.C I m-'l.

: -\11 : 'l.'"1H.h-oth.C I , ,
wa-��ywat�-ssa b�rhanu la- �gWiil� �m (m) a,����w. w� '�tu.
1: I :PA I: OJ1f"}1: : 'l."' ",-\ CJIh
I I
I 111 1
5. wa-b�rhan�-ssa za-w�sta -r�lmat yabarr�h wa-yar� ,l,
: (11: : h) : WH'l. "}III\.,,.,, : hA
h"'lH .h1J th.c : OJ-'l.1: II ti"i\o
(1 I uh wa-s�lmat�-ni 'i-y�rakk�bo
a f � : WJa.."" T� : 'l. "'Hh� :1 (11: .
r ihf.OJ+ : m-'l.1:
I OJ ihf.w +� I 1JC 6. wa-hallo 'ah , adu b� 'asi, za-tafannawa. '�mfJaba ,�gzl ,ab��er,
'§ t y� I "h� " : hoo lltYm- 1 . OJ-'l. 1:
:: w1J CY") � : Hm- II.,. I �A oo+
:y
za-s�mu yohann�s.. .
Z I IICIl : wYcJa,. I W� Aoo +t :
Ja,.f.l)Jfl I: OJIlII- : hth,r;. I 1Jhtt I 7. wa·w� ,�tu m� ,a la-s�ma C, sama Cfa y�kun ba ,�nta b�rhan,
r I ,"t.�w I 'l.r 111 , 'l."'II1)l1J th.C
H
kama kW�llu y� 'man bottu. .. .
: Hilao. : r-,h "}11 :: wm-'l.1: oo�
1ll,,..6 : �o7 6"' , f.h-1 : 1I'l."} .,.
I h: 8. wa-Iallihu-ssa 'i-kona b�rhana, d� 'm �_ sama Cta- y�kun ba- '�nta
: 1JCY "} : hOD : tfo". : f.'l. oo"} b�rhan. ,_. .
9. za-w� '�tu b�rhana -r�dq, za-yabarr�h la-it'�IIu sab �, -...
: (1
.,: :1 WA ILu- � : ...
� I Ja,.h ) I 1JC Y) : �'l.CJIh : �"'6'" : f.h-
,} I IIh '}.,. : 1J C
!I J Y'} I: Ht»-k'.: : 1Jr. n : �'.�
<}> : HfIlCII : " ti"It· : �1J'l. : Hf.oo za y�mass� ' w�sta calam. .
10. w�-w�st�'
�� I 0J0
calam hallo, wa- calam�:ni bottu konal :va- a��m�-ssa
c.

/I'" : 'A r :: (JJ OJ- /l1' : 'It?"

r J
: VAo I w' I\"' � : (11: : tI� : w,\Ar .
I1i J Ja..f'l. oo c I: OJo/l .,. : ",h Uo I oo1t �: . . 'maro «
,lya * 'i· 'a 'maro [perf. A1 3.m.sg.;
.
§ 36.22]). .
.,
_

h : OJh l\.h V-� I h.1' tD)J , '

li!jJJ II w 'a, wa- "�lli ahu-ssa l-tawa"'IrE. 0 J �ww .
Z; hu mas
If f

IE f
A 'l.A� : "'wh�9' I mUflaoo : rA
� : A'l.r\ I h"' � : fllI(Jl)o II 'l.r\ I Ja,.tI
il)� I t»-i\o S!. I 'l.'"1rlh1J
th.C I f.h- ��: ::��:- �17a-ssa t�wakf�wwa, wahabomu s�ltana, w�luda �gzl ,ab��er
, .

�o I 'l.9n � : HS!.9" I OJJa,. 'l. "'l.:J" �kunu la- '�lla 'amnu ba-s�mu.
13 ��lla 'i:konu '�m�nna za-dam, wa- 'i- '�m-faqiida f�twat za-s�ga,
. , .
S!. : �'low:r o I Hr ;J : CDJa,. 'l.r
""'''' 1. 1' : 1J'l. tt : 1. 1\ : 'l.9" ·

. ,
'l.'"1 H.h 1Jdt.
ra f C : "'w A� _ I: wm 'h°l: I 7A : ""';J wa- ,1- �m- s'''''"m"''ata b"""" 'si '�lla '�m- '�gzi 'ab��er tawaldu. .
: tI � : OJ1 f.1. I 1\6t\ � I wCJa,. :
1I1J""1;u- : hOD : 1J1l "", " : flll• .,;_
� 14 wa-w� '�tu qal s�ga kona, wa-fJadara la Clena, wa-r:; ,ma ��bh. atl · 'hu,
: 'Pihf"o : I\h aouo I H,.. i\o 'l. I �;J kama s�b�ata 'a�adu wa��d la- 'abihu, za-m�lu -ragga wa-mogasa
:
W tp'1� I m�'f"o.,. :: t'-,1.111 : fI",6 1:
·

.n; J
: 1I'l.'} th lJo : hA th : w f.
o. I 11 wa-s�dqa.
OJ°'l.1: : Hho, A hOD- : h� : fI'l. '}t 15.yoh�nn�s samii Ctu ba· '�nti '�hu kal�� w�:y�be.
huo : f.OD1t'l. I 'l.9"1.'1&.f
I HVtto I
,
.n I h"'+1.'�f : 'l. il t7P : m°'l.1.: : "'S!. oo� z�-w� '...'" tu za- '�belakk�mu ana ,ba- �ntl ahu:
:: 'l.iI(1D I 'l."'''' l l. : H.
n; I �UfM : 1ih � I h'-A � : g;J : Ill''}''',: g ;J
hv- I y�m�p ' '�m-d�fJreya za�hallo �mq�dmeya,
, IIJt fl : �;J I: 'l.1I°o : 11t'lo ,� ma w� '�tu qadamannz.
�
: .
f100-t\, : 1°m- Ufl+ : M : mg ;J� w
: 1t�+ I f1 Ja,. ffl.1I I hCiI .f.iI
I h� I:
16 '� ma '�m -tarafa zi 'ahu naSa 'na n�l;na kW�ll�na -ragga h�yyanta
Xg ; Ah"J rt.h 1JIh.CfI : 1. A(1 I HC'l. t'-
: '"1111'0 t. : 11'1 : OJA� : 'P1111.'
I HV
sagga.
"0 I 0J01I .,. : ihM I 1.a- .,o : OJ-h1:
: �11. � :1 17. " �sma 'ont ba-muse taw��'bat lana,
wa-sagga-ssa wa-s�dq . ba- iyasus kr�stos kona.
,
_

1 8 la- '�gzi 'ab�her�-ssa 'alba za-r� �yo g�mura,

'alla wald wal;�d, za-hallo w�sta 1;�4na 'abuhu, w� ,�tu nagaranna.
·
 260 Ubungstexte
Ubungstex�e 26 1
Text 2: Matthausevangelium, Kapitel
6, Verse 9-13
(Das "Vater-Unser") 9. kama-z;}-ke �all;}yii. 'ant;}mu-ssa:
:: hODlIh. I
,abuna za-ba-samiiyat, y;}tqaddas s;)m;}ka..
RA� : h'F" oo-� :: ho- � • HfM "71 !l J .
+ : f.+."f.iI r il9" h :: +9"�h 1 O. t;}m�a ' mang;}st;}ka, y;}kun fiaqa-daka, b a-kama ba-samiiy wa-ba-
I OD II
'l"'lP'+h �: f.h-'l : t..4"f.h I IIhOD
: flll"7 f. : mfl9".l!'Ct :: tt� r� I H ·m;}dr;}-ni.
1\1'\ : ,M+ � : um I l'- 9" :s m1 .l!'"'1 nl 1 1 . sisiiyana za-Ialla c;}lat;}na habanna yom.
12 . wa-b;}d;}g lana 'abbasana, kama ndJ;na-nz ":f!b d�;} . f,a- a� ;abb .sa
: ,,� : h fl�� : hOD : "}lh �t �1� .
'

I Xl i
"'I : "rtl1flf\ : M :: m1t .:t-lI 11� : OJ-il
.,. : OD'l tl-+ : hl\ : h� 1U � � � i' . c:
I)Ath � : h9" ltl\- r Ml-f. :: "ilOD I
: m Xf I lana.
tt.l1 h : f."t : OD ,,}"'IP'+ : 1.eA r 13. wa- 'i-tab;} 'anna w;}sta mansut"
'
milll .lt+ : "'MOD I 'M9" : h"7."} :1 'alla 'adh;}nanna wa-biil;}J;anna ;}m-kw;}ilu d�kuy.
_
,dsma zi ';ahu y;} ,;}ti mang;}st fJayl wa-sdbJ;at la- alama calam. ,amen.
Text 3: Matthausevangelium, Kapitel .
5 (sogenannter "B-Text")
9"/J &-ca: r j'; ; m;} carat 5
" .
ba- 'dnta bdfu "lin ( = Uberschrift)
l; f flh 1.,. : 1I0-'}1 II mChl'- : 1 . wa-� 'dYO 'aJ;zaba, . carga W;}Sta dabr. wa-nabiro, qarbu fJabehu
hihtlfl : OC., : lD-il.,. r f.lI
C:
m�fl. .f!" I .,.CO- : �fl,o- I hC II;1t.
o- :: (Dh lPT : h4.o- I mOD ve 'arda 'ihu. .
Ofh I A , 3
"}H I f.lIA -:1 1I0- 'n : �1I;1
1 1 ll oo'lt.iI : AilOD 1 A-Ofh t t 2. wa-kaSata 'atahu wa-maharomu, ;}nza Ydb l.
.
. _

: A : OD") - an ba-mantas, ';}sma . lomu y;} ,;}tz mang;}sta samayat.

, _

3. b dSU ' can nadday

"'IP' T : 1l"71+ :: 1I0- 'n I h"
: f.l\ih m. I .eMf. , hilOD : Aoo- ,
bd§U can ';}lla YdlaJ;dwu y;} '�ze, ,;}sma dmuntu y;}tfiess ";}hu.
�.
11: I
.eTta I'"m. I: 110- '1 : r'PY1 : _
.

AilOD : A Ofh 'l1: 1 f.mCiI 'P I

A9"Y: . bd§U. "lin yawwahan, ';}sma ';}muntu y;}WaTTdSdwwa l�-m;}dr.
c :1 11 8-'} 1 : hA I f.C1o- : m.e
�9" � : ,,��+ I Ailoo : A 00- 6. bd4u "an ';}lia YdrdfJdbu wa-y;}�ammd ,u la- -.sddq, dsma ,dmuntu
'i 1 1: 1
-
T
.eK"1o- :1 1I8- '}1 1 oo.lt CI'l I AilOD y;}�aggdbu.
: Aoo- "}"f: I .e+OD�M. I: 118- "
,

1 1 1�"'� : A1I 1 Ail OD 1 Aoo ' 7 bdSU can mahardyan, ;}sma dmuntu YdtmaJ;aru.
-,,}1: 1 .e&.A.e¥J I "A"1tlhl1th.C
'1 : 11)CI� : �1\9" 1 Ail oo 1
11 118- 8·. bd§U can nds�hana
. . l;}bb, ';}sma 'dmuntu Ydre ';}YdWWO la- ,:gzz. ,�b;}J;er.
AOfh'l1: : lD-1\-1. I A"1tt.l111th. .
C , .e� 9. bdfu can gabardyana salam, "dsma �muntu w;}luda ;}gzz ab ;}h . er
Ir oo� II 1I 8-''l : AA : .ellf.� I flA'l
T : �.l!'+ I Ailoo 1 A-Ofh I .ekt;
: y;}ssammayu.
001 "'11"' + : 11"7 1+ I: 118-'1
: h'l +1JIk : (lfl ,· .e1l��bOfh I 10. bdfu can 'dila y;}ssaddadu ba ';}nta �ddq, ,dsma lomu y;} ,dti mang;}sta
m.eH�
�"'boo- I mf.�o- : tt-A- I Ah r
: I\/J/l.boo- : A'l H I .eda.IIm. samiiyat.
, flA'lt
hr :: Tt.P'm. : OJTthlP� 1 1 b;}su can 'antdmu soba y;}sadd;}du�dmU wa-YdzanaggWdgukdm u wa-
.
d�abbu kWdUO ';jkaya la clekdmu, dnza y;}J;essdwu �a ,dntz ,aya,.
' Alloo • Oill1 boo - : 1111-
1 : lD-A"f: : flll
12 �a aSs;}hu wa-tahaSayu, ';}sma "asb;}k�mu bdZUfJ Wd ;}tu ba-samayat.
"71+ ::Ail oo : hoo ." : �f..l!'¥J00- I "�fl . _
· _

l+ : ,,1\ : A9"+.l!'''7.boo- ::
II I h'l +oo- I lD-A 1: : ?a.m- . "9"
�c : tD'AoolI . ?a.OJo : Ail.., . 119"
'lT). :
· �
, ma kama-zd 'sadad;}wwomu la-nabiyat ';}ila ';}m-q;}dmek;}mu.
.eTt� 9" I: hA flb. : 'A'lh : "Hf.
fl",.../J : H'A'l flA : '''-\ If! : hlf! 13. 'antdmu W;} ,;}tu �ew la-m;}dr wa- ';}mma s(s)a sew . lasha, ba-m;}nt;}-
�
f.h.ep.. : 111I'A :1 h'l +OO- : OJoA
1: : 1ICY� : " 'A9" II A.. TbA
h:m
nu y;}tqessam. ,alboke ';}nka la-za-y;}baqq d " za- ,dnbala la-gadit ,at,a
_ .

C I T111 t. : 'A'lT : OOA /JA

: V1 wa-ydkayy�do sab '.
,
14. 'ant�mu Wd '�tu b;}rhanu la- calam. 'i-tdk'l hagar tabab;} 0 ,;}nta
T : 1.1IC : +�l1C :I m1...1 1+
lD.. : "'11
.,.
.,. I hOD : 1111 C'P : :i"iht' :
ht.C : h l\ : Jtfl : ++'P"'I : m;J
-flCv : mat�lta dabr t;}nabbdr.
15. wa- 'i-yahatt;}wu ma�tota kama ya�b�r�wwa_ taJ;ta _
Ii J I\ti-A-OO- I "li : ID-lB + : 0.+ jar 'alla diba
ka,/',
I -nC Y1b i!l1P- : (It{p
:: h"7o- : f.ll .&.U

ta wiima wa-tiibaTT;}h
1:
1m : a1Jh : hOD :
f,C llf. : r''''JO t)}cgp.. : LP'i"f I mf.lll1ih la-kw;}ilomu ;Jila W;Jsta bet.
16 ka�iihu y;}brah bdrhan;}k;}mu ba-qddma sab ' kama Ydr ,ay� � ;}gban­
¥J I t\hll- h _ .

00- I "fI�"71+ ::
k;}mu sanniiya wa-y;}sabbdJ;;}WWO la- 'abubmu za-ba-samayat.
·

"
 262 Obungstexte
Obungstexte 263
1....e�"'A))DD- : Hoo�M.. ,
'hIl OC I 1a&+ • w�R.' IX I
.,. II 1... oo �}. 11- I }'1I0{!00- I Jr."
I }.l. ?" 'fIIIP' U Jr."'I
l , �l1 M)OD ' I rg I
>'lIh , f�Att: I "'1I7.e , m�1:C ' fm-
1lJ : �1"' : Jr.th t : +CO;J' : 1�
MAtt: I >' � 1at+ I >'lIh : MI :
ti"ho I .e+ ·lI1 C :: Hh. : &.T th I
Jr.th Xli :
+ : >'� >'I\ , +}.tf tf+ : }. 'H' : 1'thX"X"
: m.e DlV C : h00 1l I t\I'I11 }. I
ih&'R I .e", oo.e : OOO l'1FT
I "''''I f '''' , 0," ",
, .eDlVC : W.e 111C :
""kf: : OR.f ' .e", oo.e : Ooo l'1F
T : "'117 fT :: C;o- : }.l1 lU)oo- : h
uP I >.ou I 1... l. l." : g j
1: X"1:+))00- : t.1:i-" : >'?" Rth tt:''''
: m�� &.&
1Jm-11 . 1...+O m-h- : m-1I1'
: oul'1 F+ : "'117f+ I: 1'1"'1 6))00-
:h I g;6
uP J+l1Vt\ , t\.,.f. �+ , 1...+++A :
��'" : mil,., : .,..,.il : lilth I m-
Ai: , t\ti"�� :: mJl 'M : }.11 t\))00- I ti"l\- I
HI9"iJ6 : >'1"' 0- : llllh � iiI I
"">' 1: : Ati"�� I lDH'/. , .eo. I >'1"' 0-
: HOC+ : lildt I m-A1: I ADm -
Y: :, wH '/. I .eo. : Jr.11 t: : lildt
I "">' 1: I t\ 1Y� ou
: }.,.,+ :1 w>' � hoo iif 1
II. I ;1-0m->. I Jr. ��h I
m-1I 1' I IJOtv",6 : m O V f I +Hh Ch I
houp :
A'1-h I Hfdt.f."'h :: 11:'1 : V f I ooll
Jlh : +1:ou : �P''''6 I m,h.c : iil1 l
+1: 00 • +V. �1 : � 1I t\ I >' '1-h I m>' �l1
: 1R.Jl h • Jr.11>' • Jr.��h ::
b-1 , mR.O : t\ 6 1:m-h I Ij:m-� •
>'1H • Vt\m-h I 9"11"'0- • ""11 +
• � iIi I
-:it , hoo : 1....eoom-h : 61:m-h I t\ou
ho1 1 I moo ba1 1 I t\ "�11- :
mm-II+ I 'l"+ih I + ''''w''
.e II Jr."'I 1 ' Al1t\h I 1... Tmj }. I
A9" Vf : >. il l
IIh I MI : T&."t I 'I'� '" I ti"I\'> I
I "''''I6 ))1IP' I hou : "'l1Vt\ : 1...
+119" iX I
tIJ4 I: mJl1 '" I >'11 t\))00- I ti"1 I
\- 1I.e�1... I l1>.tt.,. : lD.et.+
", I lDf.' � I
A I Bou m I Ilt l O An- :: >.00
: O.e 1h : A 1+ :
f"'l1 , :J-lI ih+ h ' 9" iiB I
A:> : lDAtIJ461a • >.9"I\6A.h :: Ahoo
• .e'\.ell h : hOD : .eT
dt1vA , h
th", I A9") I AllA h , "9"ltl\- • tv:'Jh , f,T
tD".e • tlJ4h1' • 1)')9" ::
m>.oo • "')+ I f"7') • "foh
I ;1-lI ih+ h • 9"T�
• mJlm-1J1a : >.9"
1\6 eJ 1
A.h II "1100 • .e'\.f."'h I
.etdt1vA I htfa", ' ''9'') : AllAh : }.9"ti't\
);1-". I F;lh I tlJ4l1+ I 1Y�9" • .eTm1.f.
II m+ l1Vt\ : H"'i" 1 ' l1>.tt
!1}J i
f. • fUll I oo,."'&. I 1f.';ltV
II mA ') '" I "111\))00- I hoo
I ti'I\- : Hf !1}I :
"'i1:GI} I l1"ttfo , n>.')Ot\ : Tnoo-
: .e�hl l Tn "... = lDny, ' 1f.'GI}+ . !1}l
J
"'.... 0 I HDDOI :: m'uUB • 1l"'l6hQPo ,
hoo I +l1UA I 1\+1.9"+ I 1...
+SJDthi\e : ada "':" : "'''11h. a flih1:
I AhGl} tf.h l1th.C • ODthl\hoo-o
n
OIA'M I A-IJ hhOlh I
h..+9"du\· ' "I""'� :1 w1... Il"'lf
: AiIOO : ou ')o 2111 :
{..tuauc'.UB.3'u1im.c I tJ1)oi\iP = mA., r1:: 1.. :
I
iad'B.rm I OUill» f� I i\'MVo J {!j1J J
.e"t a lDA.. fl h.. r �,.,A.9" I " hOD I U 1{" .eA
I t I t\')1- F : Ofl.e ::
264
Ubllngstexte
Ubllngstexte 265

36. wa- 'i-ba-r;J 'as;Jka t;Jmhal

. ';Jsma 'i-t;J�l 'ahatta
-., . s;J .e;Jrta
. r;J 'as;Jka sa
. cada
rasS;Jya wa- 'i- 'asl;Jma.- -
37.y;Jkun ba!J(;Jt)tu' nagar;Jk;Jmu 'dmma-h/ 'dwwa ';Jwwa wa- ';Jmma-hi
'alba 'alba wa-fadfiida-ssa 'dm�.';Jllu 'dm- 'dkkuy W;J ';Jtu.
38.sama ck;Jmu kama tab;Jhala: eayn beza Cayn wa-Sdnn beza S;Jnn.
39. wa- 'an;J-ssa ';Jb;Jlakk;J:Zu: 'i-t;Jtqawam;Jwwa la- ';Jk(k)uy, wa-Ia-za­
hi �ara-ka ';Jnta yamiin malta!Jtaka mit Iattu kiil;J 'tii-hi.
40. wa-fa-za-hi Ydfaqq;Jd ydt Caggalka wa-malbasaka YdnSii,' g;Jd;Jg Zattu wa­
ldbsaka-ni. - 41. wa-la-za-hi cabbataka md criifa 'a!Jada !Jur mdslehu
kdteta. - 42. la-za YdS;J 'dZakka hab wa-la-za Ydfaqqdd ';Jmgabeka
Ydtlaqqii!J 'i-tdkld 'a.
43. sama cbmu kama tab;JhaZa: 'afqdr bi�a-ka wa-�;Jlii ' �afii ';Jka.
44. wa- ' and-ssa 'dbdfakkdmu: sannaya g;Jbaru la- ';Jl/a y;J�alld 'uk;Jmu. wa­
�alldyu ba- 'dnta ';Jlla Ydsaddddukdmu.
45. kama tdkunu wdluda la- 'abubmu za-ba-samiiyiit. 'dsma fa!Jiiya
yiiSarrdq la efa 'dk(k)uyiin wa-geriin. wa-yiizanndm zdniima fii cIa
�iiddqiin wa- cammiifdyiin. _

46. wa- 'dmma-ssa tiifaqq;Jru 'za-yiifaqqdrakkdmu mdnta casba biJkdmu.

'akko�hu m�abbd!Jiiwdyiin�-hi kamiihu y�gabbd",u. - ' �- '�'..:.- : > "' �;;�- ,
47. wa- 'dmma ta 'amiigkdmu 'agawikdmu kdmma mdnta 'dnka fadfiid;].
tdgabbdru 'akka-nu 'a!Jziibd-ni kiyiihu-ssa y'dgabbdru. _ ,

48. kunu-ke 'dntdmu-ssa fd��umiina kama 'abukdmu samiiyiiwi fd��um ·

Text 4: -Das Buch Henoch, Ka

pitel l, Verse 1-9 Vorbemerkung: Die Versziihlllngen der Textallsgabe einerseits und der Um­
9" b t. tt: li :: schrift andererseits weichen voneinander ab (letztere folgt M. A. Knibb, The
Ethiopic Book of Enoch, Oxford 1978). Ein Hinweis Zllr Orthographie: Nach
li :Pit (J � h T N 't'i tl H h an fl l. h Glltturalen werden /a/ und /ii/ promisclle gebraucht.

1 ?- Y � w� � .4' � }, It tJlt UJ. .e.

'rr �. md c'riif 1
1 M It .,· 9° '}� n.. It '" II fUr' tr It· }, 1 . qiiIa barakat za-henak
'rr
Y '} m� t'I.. � '} :: za-kama biiraka gdruyiina wa-�addqana
,dlla hallawu Ydkunu ba- Cdlata mdndiibe
e m }J w-- /,JJl1 'terti w.e n.. I 11 }, 1I. la- 'asasSdto kWdllu 'dkkuyiin wa-rasi Ciin
� � + ,,}, r i 11 h"1 H.h l1th. C }, '} 2a. wa- 'awsd 'a henak wa-Ydbe
N
h o � '} tu" h lJJ· ;J" :'-' Wf. �h . t-. bd " si �iiddq za- 'dmgaba 'dgzi 'abd!Jer
}, f ,dnza 'a cydntihu kdSUtiit wa-Ydre 'i
+ � II N II II '"!Y :'" r tlh Ch r.% ovl\}, ra 'ya qdddusa za-ba-samiiyiil
fi t- m "' D1l o h� H � � ·H l.U' OD- 'rtft'"
c za- 'ar'ayuni malii 'dkt
m h h OD C 'rr h� tI }, � h. :: wa-sama cku za- 'dmgabehamu kWdlla
wa- 'a 'marku 'ana za- 'dre 'i
266 Ubungstexte
Ubungstexte 267

E m 11 t1 1\ 11 -rQ}-o A � : 11.1\ 1\ 1I
.e qo 2b. wa- 'akko la-z� t�wl�dd . ' . � . :. ""'='"�

�'h - :r-m-t\ � C'� . � ·} : n 'allii la-za-y�m��� 'u t�wl�dd r�fJuqiin

. . ... .

� 1 i' 1 ?­
Y 1 � IL I m11 m- Uf � & n h 1
1; 11 ,rOD­
3. ba '�nta h�ruyan '�be
'r h l\ 1I f, m 8 � ��- il mf} IJ
.p. � t1'f 1
• wa- 'awsa 'ku ba '�nttahomu m�sla283
f.. ? m h r l\ h f}l\ r :: za-y�waff� ' q�ddus wa- <iibiy ,�m-ni.iifJdaru wa- 'amlOka: ealam
§ m � r Uf f, h f, � -'S. 1l lV , f,.
.tl C 4. wa- '�m-h�y(y)a y�kayy�d diba sina dabr
mY il i' Ch. Il T() f, 1 1: : m Y il
'I'C �. wa-yiista;� 'i ba-t� <ay�ntu
1l �' 1 0 �f, I\- 'h lJO fltrlJ f, I wa-yiistar� 'i ba-��n <a fJiiylu '�m-samiiy .
m � '( ClJ'
-
H I\- I my �I\ "'A � T r Y 1
: mf, �p' 5. wa-y�fa"�hu kW�llu
1't OD- � C y:,- CD l f} .e-
'Hl .e 'h il h wa-yiidLaqaZZ<Jqu t�guhiin
wa-Y<JnaSs<J 'omu !<Jrhiit wa-ra <iid Ciibiy
Jt ?lIJ .( f}1\1JO :: .
'<Jska '�nii!a <iiLam
l; mf, f.� -?8· Jt .e- I1 C �CP i"
mf, I

'f;dt 1: h tD--? C: �P.· �1 1 mf, 'l- qo fl 6. wa-y�danagg�fu 'adbiir nawwiifJan ( = ntiwwatza!l)

OJ. wa-Y<JttelJatu 'awg<Jr nawifJan ( = nawitziin )
"
h qo ODf} l -?t. }-. 1JO I\ U·tl I
.

m T fl m 9D wa-Y<Jtmassawu kama ma ciira g�rii '�m-Lahb

r�C m h'- ft- 11m- h i' lr �C ,r, :r.
:

:}70 A : m.e h m- 1 tt::" fh I\()I\ 7. wa-t�ssat!am m�dr

H-ft- : wa-kw�llu za-w�sta m�dr Y�tfJiiggWaL ( = yathaggWal).
m " ° ft � .e,. ,4» 1 H- I\-' OD- :: wa-y�kaww;;ln !�tlJ liicLa kW�llu .
. Z ta � � ,4» '} fI fl I\ qo .e 1 ofl C !tano . wa-Lii cLa �iid�qan k'"�llomu
:
m f f} <l' o OD- t\ 1 ?- Y '} : m .e h m- '� 8. la-�iid�qan�-ssa saliima y;;lgabb�r lomu
Uf lJ t\ 1\ ° t\, U" OD- : m.e h m- �- 'rI' flu wa-ya <iiqq;;lbomu La-fJ�ruyiin
(ID.
1Ih lJO I\ n I m .e Uf, C ,h. m .e
wa-y�kaww�n siihl lii <lehomu
J :'- () t: n. wa-y�kaww�nu kill�llomu za- 'amlak
m.e, Il C U I\-'OD- l1C Y� Jt rl\ n I: wa-y�se"�lJu wa-y�tbii"aku
:t m lJ rr OD ?i il wa-y�ba"�h lomu b�rhiina 'amliik
11 :'- 'hA 6.. :,. .p�_
In : hOD f. "1 IJ C � ·l·dt I\ot\, U"ou- : 9. wa-niihu m� 'a ba-t� 'a/fit q�ddusiin
mY 1 1.. tt.. ou- 1\ t: II. f} 1 : m f, :" CP 4' 1l kama y�gbar f�tlJa Lii c1ehomu
wa-yiifJgIII�lomu ( = yiihglllalomu) la-rastan
H- tr- fffP ;J : 1l }-. 1 1' H- ta- 1I 1
11 ?- OI l wa-y�twiiqas klll�llo za-s�gii
II � I\ 01t (1- :} 1' 11 1 ml ll. f} '� :: ba- ' �nta kill �llu za-gabru wa-rassayu Lii clehu fJa(� 'iin wa-rasi can

283 Andere Textvarianten bieten statt masla entweder masiile oder masla miJsiile.
�:a. ..... __ ..,-41. . .� :::>
 268 Ubungstexte Ubungstexte 269

Text 5: S31Ul f<J!rat ("Beauty of Creation"), Abschnitte 1-7

�
V rbemerkung: Handschriftliche Wiedergabe des Textes durch Getatchew

.
Haile _
Mlsrak Amare, Beauty of Creation ' Manchester 1991 (S . 52f.) , vgl . hlerzu
' d Ie
' ' unter
. .
§24.2 prasenherte Schrifttabelle. Der Wechsel von Gutturalen und der Promiscue
-
Gebrauch von /a/ und /a/ nach Gutturalen wird nicht erlautert.

1. ciDch /, ; lDlID nt:

0 luw '- "Ad) H.n.()clbC :
1. ba-s�ma '�gzi 'ab��er ma�ari wa-mastaSiih�1
V1 'l1� " ( sic ) 7 �d, tt: " n'r� li!'f'l;J-.·t lJ. , h"'f,"l H. 'h n����f s�na f�tratiitihu la- '�gzi 'ab�J;er
{1(h, c ', H£fl)U4- � " n � lJ. ', is ()1!'r, ({Oro'cJ/r.� :
za-maharuna kiyiihu 'abawina, mamh�riina q�dd�st beta kr�stiyiin .
..
labbiwomu '�m- 'orita muse nabiy.
:f1 �hf" fl,t'- 1Jcl1t "-"7 '" h fl tytfl)-. ', "llCfD 'f,/:. ,�sma y� '�ti t�zenu �awiit�wa f�!ratiiiihu la-z�ntu jatiire kW�llu,
+" ov.ti : 'Tn)!. : '11I7 a1J -· t'nt; ', 4 N,r : gtpr 'amliik�na,
to � OJ' l. :J. .f: lJ.: A 14 �-t: " In tT} � : '(rt/-t. : '1> r ">
" y�tbiirak s�mu, wa-y�tle iii z�kru
C

'fl�: f, !f'1L\l " h((lft� OJ��h.�1l -, lIrJlr : '"A n '�sma 'ams� .

'a ciilama '�m- 'i-hall�W
. - - . .Q ....rlciba hall�wo
.
ba-hirutu
. ... .

tfD ', 'nr-k 'f, ', t7h([() : '"f1ru n.tJc,� : �n ', V� r kama y�nunanna rabii�a . _. :.:. .....
:

wa-kama y�t Ciiw(w)aq ( = 01 bzw. 02) k�hilotu ba-�aba sab ' wa­
n-t t,. -f! �(llIO ' S!- 'fr'7'T : l.fl ch (J)'fJ(J7) � � '7 roT:
: - ! '.
malii '�kt; wa-kama y�sbii� ba- 'f!-fa '�llu ia- ciilama ciila'!f:_'"'amen.
'fl ll. fT.-t: n "" n ', n-n '"h tJ) LWf) '�f'f1 r : tP 'n ao �
: �

f. n fJ:h n' h 6.: -y, ft. . hC1t f. (1() � '1o'fJ : 'h tPt.'"f ;:
'

2 , ··"'fO 1>g;av: a-, hn'1 r " tp t:(JV " U Itt> " 'X 2, '�m-q�dma Ciilamiit, q�dma hallo '�gz(ab��er
If') tt"{,.[1,h,c n 1--,.w1111+ : n't} ,.,·t lJ.: ({) 0 +'P,'"
-,
ba-t�sl�sta 'akiiliitihu wa-ba-tawii��dota malakotu

I
�+" lroll'p-f: !: tOIlO', tL4>� : 11 11 fJ:ht-f! ;6.. 1'�: wa-soba jaqada ba-za-bii�titu jaqiid
kama y�ft.�r f�!ratiita
'fllJV �f.PlC : l}.tJ;JL:f. + : (llOC � : tTD,n..1- : na1J
:
ba-war�ii maggiibit 'ama 20-wa-9, ba- C�lata '��ud
1;{O� n bll + ', YtlJ.,e: ', J: 4'?t7i'L++' �mL" i o'll 8 f�!ratiita fa!ara : 7 ba- 'arm�mo wa-l ba-nabib
C ?DCfV' £01 f1'7(l. 1J " i� 'i1+(W. : flUClf. : m7D� I
za-w� '�tomu samiiy wa-m�dr wa-miiy wa-nafs wa- '�siit wa-��lmat wa­
c " lO��" t.O'1lr h : d)',!,Il!�; (l)�11av!f.' malii '�kt.
(1)lfO I)Yll1 1- ' LV "fJ/)o'1t" "i Q! trL:J. +: � mL: n1, wa- '�llontu 7 f�tratiita fatara ba-gize sark '�m-�aba 'albo.

)t -, ri C 'f]: "hVO i O: �!J l)r ' ', c1J "f7tf'1l : (1 0 '. htht
wa- '�m-z� soba s��ata diyiib�los ba-t� 'abita r� 'asu
fatara kii c�ba z�ta siim�niiya f�trata '�m-�aba 'albo
��"(}hoh: otrOtl.-r : cotf.. · 6.. 01L : ''1b(J : 1l'(J'P: za-w� '�tu b�rhiin
?iro'1 q' 4! (1j1 L t : t,f{'J� f1 'hI:! (1 H ct). 'n-F �nc 't
.. ' :: "
'�nza y�bal : la-y�lam b�rhiin.
'1 "0; Ii �-{I� . A I{.- 11--,., -{1 C 't� :
'. '. ..

.:: "
270 Dbungstexte Ubungstexte 27 1

...
3, '.,llu '.,muntu j.,[ratiita 'g�ud
J.h lr " 'nao.�-F : c}!� ( C 1'. 8 7 b ) L}t " wa- '.,�ud bghil 1 b.,hil w., '.,tu
'Yl(�� :" lD 'rllJr.t; ', �n 'i b '. '.,gii 'ab.,J:terOJ-ni bghil w., '.,tu
I "[) �L /:) '. (/}''n�p.
ar�-F ' ·/1 [, �t-'l.'. vn
� :

L\'1 lt'h -Oclb C't.: rn LJ.. � ·, ,orit.,-ni b.,hil zenii b.,hil w., '.,tu

'-L /;-" , H, � , "n 'i /;)� ar�t �

4, wa- '.,mma t:Jbe
4, (0 1) ( 0 1'. 7b ) (([} " f [}, : ro7 f : n �ch f : m.,nt '��aqo la- '.,gzi 'ab.,�er y.,ft..,r j.,[ratiita
h"N1 »'�h{l cn, C! 0 t � a;' C 0 tplljll.t+" . "ir{]l\ : ,.,b.,l : ba- 'gnta 4 nagar w., '.,tu
O"hoz,-t- '. :q � 1 C : ([}....fl�F ' "-O n crv " 'll"1 Ito-{ulb Q : ,.,sma '.,gzi 'ab.,�er kahiili w., '.,tu
'l1 "Ih.', lJ}.'n-F :'- lD'1f1� : £O�:hb.� lOC 'fI, o{J : fi n. wa-bii C.,l wa-jatii�i wa-r.,kub za-" i-y.,trakkab w., '.,tu

� :r L'l1.fl: lJ}t}l-F :'. tOO"'o-t, +ll ' Yl-t, H : JI1b J'.. Lp' wa-ba, '.,nta-z., 'gnza yii[eyy.,q

'l1 au 11 tr Jl. !J t ' 'll /;) f 4t " (l � � :h,p: � a1. 1. :

kama '.,llu 4 fotii hall.,wiin bottu
" : ;

q! � l. t � : �
�.,��qa jarira j.,!ratiit.

5, CO'(,aD : � a," r"'tl &n�n'r'-" t: f'1 �h n 'h 5. wa- '.,mma t.,be kii C.,ba
c roqu ' 6.. tl1 L " n ��+ ' 1 �'PftO , '"/l..n l) : ba- '.,nta m.,nt ba- 'armamo ja!ara '.,llonta 7 �awiit.,wa..
fl "f,7+ " fln.u!,w, ', '1t�� " l1UC]b1oz,':, ':Jb.,l : ba- ':Jnta za- 'i-hallawu 'amehii samii C.,yiin.
6, r"11 'Ul-{1 "L" 6.. {Jll!-j:; , ..n e l.I '1: � n{ID ', JWA
(� ' "it tit1,'I ', ?J tJ1l fJ y.:;" un -1 'n11=1- £0 11�-t,t-H '. '(J
0
6. ba-nabib.,-hi ja[irotu b.,rhiina

dO ', ". o.'1'fD 4- rUIn.7, of ', "6'{D I)"ll 'i LJ. ' n., 11...0 ', /,...
,.,sma za-hallawu 'amehii samii C.,yiin malii '.,kt
�
wa-ba- ' .,nta-z., kama yii 'm.,ru '.,muntu 'amliik.,nniihu
m L', "O C lJ � :" ba-nabib ja!ara b:Jrhiin.
7. lO 'oUV', !Jo n, : 0,)1..: n 'n� ·r ', f'-z, :,. o n il
+� '!>L " +�l1jl�+ ', ·IlC'I'lr' 'ofD'1: 'X I\- 7. , "knll: '(J
� " 7. wa- '.,mma t.,be Cadi

tID ', f.'(}o-t, ', "h'[Oq h : ao'Zz,,} p1.�, fl CTCl � :r ', (l'l1 rw ', 0.()
:
ba, '.,nta m.,nt 'astada�iira ( = Astz) taja[rota b.,rhan 'fJm.,nna '.,llu

c: "' -" ', J? -t,r. n : n yo ?; l\UO!I- : �f1{1Cj IJ-. : 'Yl'fl'llt : a,!)

'.,b.,l : kama y.,kun 'amsiil mang.,sta samayiit

fV� .e"6 f- Il : rr-, I)I[O : H � ov � "it: J:tlJI.: ''Il7, H : 'f.. {IfF

ba-kama b.,rhiin y:J�eyy:Js '.,m-�"lmat
kamiihu '.,m-z.,-ni ciilam y:J�eyy:Js ciilam za-y.,m�p ' d.,�ra
6...1l1 L : n '"A�+ : 'tnt : 'fd7+�-;c!" : h..nC �17" "hqo�%:: ,.,nza y.,b�l ja[iiri.
ba- '.,nta z.,ntu 'astada�iiro la-b.,rhiin ':Jm.,nna 7.
 272 Ubungstexte

Text 6: Das Buch der Jubilaen, Kapite1 50, Verse 12-13

Schrifttabelle (Vokale gemaB tradioneller Aussprache)
. . -
Vorbemerkung: Der folgende Text, die letzten Verse des Jubilaenbuchs, wird nur in
ath. Schrift prasentiert (nach J. C. Vanderkam, The Book of lubilees [CSCO 510 /
87], Leuven 1989) . Zur leichteren Lesbarkeit des Textes sind - nach Vorbild der U ha tJ- hll 'I. h i '/ ha '/, he U h, ha . t! ho
amharischen Orthographie - Konsonantengeminationen durch zwei Punkte fiber
entsprechenden Schriftzeichen markiert. Die Unterscheidung zwischen �_ Vokalis­ fI la fI- lu Il li 1\ la fI. Ie A I, la fl· 10
mus und Murmelvokal bei Schriftzeichen der 6. Vokalordnung ist eigenstandig
(h ha rh- h u rh. hi � ha m,. he rll· � ; �j ,+. ho
vorzunehmen.
-
50 : 1 2 OJtt fi· : ("I11h : IIf.1 11C : "'111 l : OJII'/.
au ma au- mu t7Yf. mi "., ma <7'l; me (jO m':rni qo rn o
: ffh
W'C OD11 f.. : alii'/. : f."" "'�f. : OJlj:l : OJ"� '/. : 0 0. -1: LP sii !Po su "L Si .., sa "/. se P' s , Sa 'I' so
:
OJho;. '/. : O tt;\. : ODi n :: OJII '/. : 1 i-X; l. ra 0:- r u t ri t- ra to re C r, ra C' ro
� : " ... .,. : OJ,,'/. I
101--01 :
-'to : ttl\- : h1 il ... :: OJ II'/. : f.�-1 � 1'1 sa t'I- su n. si t) sa t'I. se II s, s·a (I so
: Om ODC : lJtl1 l : OJtt it- :
fll1h : IIf.II.fl'J' : OJf."':}A : 9'"1 .,.'/. </' qa 'l! 1: q i :J' qa 1: qe � q, qa If. qo
: OJII '/. : fmCX- : h1 il ... qu

OJ? t.. : OJII'/. : hF 1l : h;;" '/. I hC'£ n ba (l- bu n. bi ba b, ba

: OJ?t.. : OJhm, '/. : '}..., : 11 n. be ·0 n bo
OJII '/. : f.�izj.9'" : OJf. 'l.fl C : 811 "
: O�t\ .,. : fl1 0 '-" : 50: 1 3 OJfl .,- ta .,: til .,: ti ;r fa -I; te :)- t, t ;J., ·r· to
l1h : IIf.'l .flC : ttiio : IIh9'"lI : O�t\ .,.
: fl10'-" : 1000-.-,. :: hOD :
.�
ba au '1. bi :> ha '\. he . '1 h, ha . lj h o
.e h- ). : OJ-I\-f.. : hilt- 1t.A : h111 : - 't-
Ifl �.fl i: : OhOD : '-"h ",,+ : � na .,.. nu �. n i r, na � ne '} n , n a lj no
fl1U ;t-+ : 9'"�.:C : OhOD : "·�·mt.
. : h9'" OJ-il + : �. �:,. : IIOJU 1\ a Ji- t 1\. 'I. � 'a ho'e
:
�"d
.. '.-..-
1-." 'a
�':'"' :...-
O � : OJ-il + : hf.. 'e f : hOD : h�
m� : t\h : m'l 'l : 'LII. : OJ'Ll" : t) ka
h ka h- ku h. ki h. ke h k, b tJ ko
0 0 : h-cS.fl. : . OD'l'� lLrr
::
OJ wa aJ. wu 'P. wj 'P wa if we (J)- w,wa sP wo
Gramti ma sche Hilfestellungen:
Syntaktische Struktur (Y. 12 bis V. 1 3a)
: :
; k <J/lu sab za- . . . wa-za
wa-za-hi . . . wa-za-hi . . . wa-za-hi . . . wa-k -hi . .. Oa 0- 'u 'l. rj qa tt e () 'a Po

�'
<J/lu sab za- . . . wa-za-hi . . . H za f1. zu H. zj If za H. ze 11 z, za tl zo
wa-za-hi . . . wa-za-hi . . . (V. 13) wa-s
ab ' za-y<Jgabbar kwallo za- 'am-za
ba- 'alata sanbatyamut "Wer auch immer r ya I! yu f� yi J' ya f· ye f!- y, ya r- yo
. . . wer auch immer irgendetwas
von diesen (Dingen) am Sabbat tut, der
soll/muJ3 sterben" (verallgemei­
nende Relativsatze mit Apodosis; §65.6 6). � da � du -':. di -': da f.o de � d, da P. do
ba-kwallu makin i "an irgendeinem (anderen) Ort" (§5 1.913
). 1 ga 1- gu 1. gi ;J g a 1. ge "'I g, ga .., g o
ya��e Can < *Y<Jt�e Can (§36. 5 1) tIer reite
t": unregelmaJ3ig (wie Impf. T )
gebildetes Impf. Tl zu I� cn (§44 .631) . 2 m fa m- {u tTl {i fTJ {a tn. {e 'J' { , f <J O
(Tl f
manta-hi (§4 1.81) . - wa-za-hi 'a§gara
"und wer (ein Tier) fangt": Man A po
beachte den Gebrauch des Perfekts; nach A pa A- pu A. p i A pa � pe *' p , p a
wa-za-hi steht im Text sonst
,. $0
Impf. (vgl. §65.6 6). Ein Manuskript biete
t yiisagg<Jr (Impf. Al) statt 'a§gara. 1. $a l'r $LI 'h... $i � $a l'.. $e 1.' $ , $iJ
fab 'a "Kampf' (Akk. ); siehe im Lexikon
unter �ab '.
(Y. 13b) yiisanabbatu "sie halten den Sabb
at"; Impf. Al (§44. 73). 8 .fa 8- i u 'I. Ii ., fa " se I; f, $<J P $0
t�allfa "(wie) geschrieben steht ": Perf. Tl
(§44.532). u L fi a t.., fe fa
4-- f 4. f
fa if. f ,f
a
�agaga gize wa-gize babba kufole mawii calihu t... b.
(§56. 6).
T pa -r; pu T pi ;r pa b pe Tp, p a 7- po