Re: Dikduk query

Dear Chevra,

The first syllable is pro-pre-tonic, i.e., two syllables from the stress which has moved to the last syllable. So the Kematz reduces to a sheva. If the first letter was a guttural, like Adarim, Chalomot, etc., it would change to a patach-chataf, and SOUND like a Kametz; but in fact a chataf patach is just a (glorified) which can be supported by a guttural. You can not put a sheva na under a gutteral.

Best,

Eric Levy