This dissertation suggests that the time reference of verbs in Hebrew poetry can be determined from a combination of form (aspect) and "Aktionsart" (stative vs. fientive). Specifically, perfective forms of stative verbs have past or present time reference. Perfective forms of fientive verbs have past time reference. Imperfective forms of stative verbs have future time reference. Imperfective forms of fientive verbs have present or future time reference. Context still plays an important role in determining time reference, but greater precision can be obtained by paying attention to the interplay of aspect and "Aktionsart." This dissertation also provides guidelines for the identification of preterites in poetry. In some cases it is possible to distinguish long (imperfective) and short (jussive or preterite) prefix forms morphologically. Morphologically short preterite forms tend to occur proximate to a fientive perfective, which has past time reference, or a Past Narrative ("wayyiqtol"), which is a simple past tense. Morphologically short jussives tend to occur proximate to another modal form. These findings assist translators whose target language is tense based by helping them determine the correct time reference of aspect forms in Hebrew poetry. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]