| 37. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with the Qal imperfect erdof {אֶרְדֹּף | ʾer-dōf} ‘I will pursue’, establishing resolute forward motion toward the object oyevai {אֹיְבַי | ʾō-ye-ḇai} ‘my enemies’. The conjunction vav with Hiphil imperfect veashigem {וְאַשִּׂיגֵם | wə-ʾaś-śî-ḡem} ‘and I will overtake them’ introduces a causative nuance, intensifying the pursuit. The phrase veloashuv {וְלֹא־אָשׁוּב | wə-lō-ʾā-šûḇ} ‘and I will not return’ combines vav, the negative particle lō, and the Qal imperfect ashuv to underscore unyielding advance. Finally, the preposition ad {עַד | ʿaḏ} ‘until’ with the Piel infinitive construct kallotam {כַּלּוֹתָם | kal-lō-ṯām} ‘their finishing’ frames the action as ongoing until complete destruction. The sequence of imperfect verbs without a second explicit conjunction creates a terse, forceful progression that culminates in decisive defeat. |