Volitional Moods

  Verbs in the volitional mood are typically expressing some kind of wish or command; see here.

Cohortative

Cohortative verbs appear only in the first person (just as imperatives are only second person and jussives are third person).  A cohortative verb does not carry the full force of a command (We must do this…), but it conveys a stronger meaning than a simple suggestion or statement of possibility (We could do this…).  The meaning is somewhere in the middle.  In English, a cohortative is often translated with a helping verb such as “let” or “want” or “will,” depending on the context (“Let us do this!”). Thus, the cohortative verb functions as an indirect command; the reader must examine the context to determine the strength of desirability being expressed in each specific instance.

video or KHW chp. 41.1.

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Imperative:

Imperative verbs are used to express positive commands or instructions directed to another person(s). Thus, they are always in the second person.  Imperative verbs can express actions with varying degrees of desirability, including instructions, requests, permissions, invitations, assurances, wishes, etc. The context must determine the meaning of each instance.

Hebrew does not use the Imperative form to express negative commands; see here.

Qal imperative:

Nifal imperative:

Hifil imperative:

Piel imperative:

Hitpael imperative:

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Jussive:

Jussive verbs look very similar to YQTLs and will be in the third person.  If possible (as with third-ה verbs), the jussive will apocopate.  The general rule is that when a third person YQTL (and no vav-conversive) is the first word in its clause, it is a jussive.  If it is not the first word in its clause, then it is just a regular YQTL.

In terms of its meaning, the jussive is very much like the cohortative.  It’s meaning falls somewhere between a full command and a simple statement of possibility.  In English, a jussive is often translated with the helping verb “may” or “let,” depending on the context (May he do this! or Let him do this!). Thus, a jussive verb can be an indirect command.

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Qal Jussive:

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Pual Jussive

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Hitpael Jussive