Greek:
If you take the case ending off a noun you are left with the stem. The stem of a verb is the part of the verb that carries its basic meaning. The form λυομεν means “we loose.” The stem is λυ-. Distinguish stem from lexical form.
Hebrew:
In Hebrew, a verb stem is an offshoot of the root that is used to indicate the properties of voice and aspect. There are seven major stems, each with its own characteristics:
Qal Stem | Simple action | active voice |
Nifal Stem | Simple action | passive voice |
Piel Stem | Intensive action | active voice |
Pual Stem | Intensive action | passive voice |
Hifil Stem | Causal action | active voice |
Hofal Stem | Causal action | passive voice |
Hitpael Stem | Intensive action | reflexive voice |