2. Adjectives
Words used to describe nouns or pronouns.
Adjectives are words that answer questions like
“what kind of ____?” or “which _____?” or “how
many _____?”
Attributive Adjectives (simple descriptors):
Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the
throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back,
sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel
proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open
the scroll and break its seals?” (Rev 5:1-2 NRSV)
3. Adjectives (2)
Predicate Adjectives: the “point” of the sentence
is to link a noun or pronoun with a descriptor by
means of a linking verb (a form of
be, become, etc.)
“No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth
was able to open the scroll” (Rev 5:3)
“No one [S] … was [V] able [Pred Adj]”
“No one was found worthy.” (Rev 5:4)
“You are worthy to take the scroll.” (Rev 5:9)
4. Adjectives (3)
Substantive Adjectives: Adjectives can be used
as nouns, as in the title, “The Good, the Bad, and
the Ugly.”
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the
earth…. Blessed are the merciful, for they will
receive mercy. (Mt 5:5, 7 NRSV)
“meek” and “merciful” are actually adjectives. Here it is
understood that Jesus is talking about “those who are
meek” or “the meek ones.”
5. Adjectives (4)
Adjectives have “degrees”
Positive: “holy,” “righteous,” “good”
“you are my strong refuge” (Ps 71:7)
Comparative: “holier,” “more righteous,” “better”
“And the LORD made his people … stronger than their
enemies (Ps 105:24)
Superlative: “holiest,” “most righteous,” “best”
“The anger of God rose against them and he killed the
strongest of them” (Ps 78:31)
