Abstract
The article provides a list of 16 known examples of the idem per idem construction, then examines each in its context to determine its meaning and function. The author offers seven concluding points: (a) it may express totality or intensity of the verbal action; (b) an associated adverbial locating phrase (e.g. ba'ašer) stresses the extent of the verbal action; (c) a temporal phrase in the subordinate clause describes an extended period of time; (d) it can be used as a way of expressing the desire for the appointment of an alternative to the speaker; (e) in a conditional context, the speaker is making a personal commitment to a dangerous course of action; (f) terminating an argument is only a secondary function; (g) the traditional thesis that the form refers to freedom of choice is unsubstantiated.
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