The Hebrew verb בָּטַח (root: ב-ט-ח) means “to trust,” “to be confident,” or “to rely upon.” It is one of the most important and frequently used words in biblical Hebrew for expressing faith, security, and dependence—especially on YHWH. The verb implies a deep sense of assurance or placing one’s confidence in something or someone.
בָּטַח appears predominantly in the Qal stem, often followed by the prepositions בְּ (in) or עַל (upon), and is richly used in Psalms, Proverbs, and prophetic literature.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּטַח
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּטַחְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּטַחְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּטַחְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּטַח |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּטְחָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּטַחְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּטַחְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּטַחְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּטְחוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בּוֹטֵחַ |
| Feminine singular | בּוֹטַחַת |
| Masculine plural | בּוֹטְחִים |
| Feminine plural | בּוֹטְחוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְטַח |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְטַח |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְטְחִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְטַח |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְטַח |
| 1st person plural | נִבְטַח |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְטְחוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְטַחְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְטְחוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּטַח |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בִּטְחִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בִּטְחוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּטַחְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Psalm 4:6 – בָּטַחְתִּי בַיהוָה
“I have trusted in the LORD.” - Proverbs 3:5 – בְּטַח אֶל־יְהוָה בְּכָל־לִבֶּךָ
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” - Isaiah 12:2 – בָּטַחְתִּי וְלֹא אֶפְחָד
“I will trust and not be afraid.”
Summary
The verb בָּטַח is one of the central expressions of biblical faith. It denotes not just intellectual belief, but heartfelt reliance and security in another—especially in God. Appearing in psalms of confidence, prophetic appeals, and wisdom exhortations, it defines the spiritual posture of the righteous: trusting not in man, weapons, or wealth, but in YHWH alone.
