The Hebrew verb בָּקַר (root: ב-ק-ר) means “to seek,” “to inquire,” “to examine,” or “to inspect.” It often implies a deliberate and careful investigation—whether of people, things, or situations. While it shares a root with nouns like בֹּקֶר (morning), the verbal form is distinct in usage and meaning.
This verb appears most often in the Qal binyan (to investigate, examine) and also in Piel (to inspect thoroughly or supervise). It is commonly used in priestly, legal, and administrative contexts, especially in regard to sacrificial animals, health examinations, or inquiries about someone’s welfare.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּקַר
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּקַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּקַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּקַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּקַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּקְרָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּקַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּקַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּקַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּקְרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בֹּקֵר |
| Feminine singular | בֹּקֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | בֹּקְרִים |
| Feminine plural | בֹּקְרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְקֹר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְקֹר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְקְרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְקֹר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְקֹר |
| 1st person plural | נִבְקֹר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְקְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְקֹרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְקְרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּקֹר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בִּקְרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בִּקְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּקֹרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- 1 Samuel 17:18 – וְאֵת אֲחֵיכֶם תִּפְקֹד לְשָׁלוֹם
“And see how your brothers are doing (lit. seek their peace).” - Leviticus 13:36 – וְרָאָהוּ הַכֹּהֵן וְהִנֵּה
“The priest shall examine him…” — used for inspection of skin diseases. - Zechariah 11:16 – כִּי הִנְנִי מֵקִים רֹעֶה בָּאָרֶץ אֶת־הַנִּכְחָדוֹת לֹא יִפְקֹד
“I am raising up a shepherd… who will not seek the lost.”
Summary
The verb בָּקַר expresses careful observation, inquiry, and supervision. Whether used to describe a priest inspecting a person for disease, someone checking on another’s well-being, or divine investigation of human hearts, it conveys thorough and purposeful attention. Its appearances offer valuable insight into biblical views of responsibility, care, and justice.
