The Hebrew verb בּוֹשׁ (root: ב-ו-ש) means “to be ashamed,” “to be confounded,” or “to be disappointed.” It is most commonly used in poetic and prophetic contexts to express emotional distress, embarrassment, or failure. The shame described may be social, moral, or the result of unmet expectations.
This verb is primarily used in the Qal binyan, where it expresses a passive state of shame or confusion. It often appears with prepositions like מִן (because of) or עַל (on account of).
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בּוֹשׁ
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בּוֹשְׁתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בּוֹשְׁתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בּוֹשְׁתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בּוֹשׁ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בּוֹשָׁה |
| 1st person plural | בּוֹשְׁנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בּוֹשְׁתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בּוֹשְׁתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בּוֹשׁוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בוֹשׁ |
| Feminine singular | בוֹשָׁה |
| Masculine plural | בוֹשִׁים |
| Feminine plural | בוֹשׁוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֵבוֹשׁ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תֵּבוֹשׁ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תֵּבוֹשִׁי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יֵבוֹשׁ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תֵּבוֹשׁ |
| 1st person plural | נֵבוֹשׁ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תֵּבוֹשׁוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תֵּבֹשֶׁנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יֵבֹשׁוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בּוֹשׁ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בּוֹשִׁי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בּוֹשׁוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בּוֹשֶׁנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Psalm 25:3 – גַּם כָּל־קוֶיךָ לֹא יֵבוֹשׁוּ
“Indeed, none who wait for You shall be ashamed.” - Joel 1:11 – הֹבִישׁוּ אִכָּרִים
“Be ashamed, you farmers.” - Jeremiah 17:13 – כָּל־עֹזְבֶיךָ יֵבוֹשׁוּ
“All who forsake You shall be ashamed.”
Summary
The verb בּוֹשׁ conveys deep emotional and spiritual distress—particularly related to guilt, disgrace, or public exposure. It is a favorite word in poetic and prophetic rebuke, often paired with terms for shame, confusion, or judgment. Understanding its irregular forms, especially in Qal, enhances comprehension of key biblical themes of honor, failure, and restoration.
