An infinitive absolute is the less common of the two kinds of Hebrew infinitive. more or video
Infinitive absolutes will never have a prefix (an infinitive with a prefix is an infinitive construct). The infinitive absolute is usually used to intensify the meaning of a prefix form of the verb (KHW 40.2a).
(Gen. 2:17) כִּי בְּיוֹם אֲכָלְךָ מִמֶּנּוּ מוֹת תָּמוּת׃
…because in the day you eat from it, you will surely die.The red is an infinitive absolute. It is translated into English by adding 'surely' before the verb 'die'. Thus, it intensifies the meaning of the verb. video
More info:
- It is also sometimes translated into a simple -ing form of the verb; slaying, eating, etc.
- If it stands after the verb, it can serve to emphasize the duration or continuation of this verb. “keep on listening…” “continue to read…” etc.
- Sometimes it is simply translated like a finite verb as in Ex. 20:8 and 2Sam. 24:12.
