The Hebrew Verb הָיָה: To Be, Become, or Happen

The Hebrew verb הָיָה (root: ה־י־ה) is one of the most essential and frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible. It means “to be,” “to become,” “to happen,” or “to exist.” It expresses states of being, identity, transformation, and occurrence. Though simple in form, its theological and grammatical importance is immense—especially in divine names like יְהוָה (YHWH), which is related etymologically to this root.

Unlike many verbs, הָיָה lacks a Qal participle and present-tense forms in biblical Hebrew. Instead, presence is usually implied or expressed with particles or suffixes. The past and future tenses, however, are fully functional.

 

Qal Binyan Conjugation of הָיָה (“to be, become”)

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular הָיִיתִי
2nd person masculine singular הָיִיתָ
2nd person feminine singular הָיִית
3rd person masculine singular הָיָה
3rd person feminine singular הָיְתָה
1st person plural הָיִינוּ
2nd person masculine plural הֱיִיתֶם
2nd person feminine plural הֱיִיתֶן
3rd person plural הָיוּ

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֶהְיֶה
2nd person masculine singular תִּהְיֶה
2nd person feminine singular תִּהְיִי
3rd person masculine singular יִהְיֶה
3rd person feminine singular תִּהְיֶה
1st person plural נִהְיֶה
2nd person masculine plural תִּהְיוּ
2nd person feminine plural תִּהְיֶינָה
3rd person plural יִהְיוּ

Imperative Mood

Hebrew does not use the verb הָיָה in the imperative in biblical style. Instead, requests or commands for “being” are made using modal forms like יְהִי (“let there be”).

 

Usage in Scripture

  • Genesis 1:3וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים יְהִי אוֹר וַיְהִי אוֹר
    “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” — יְהִי and וַיְהִי express divine creation.
  • Exodus 3:14אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה
    “I AM WHO I AM.” — God’s declaration of His eternal being.
  • Genesis 2:18לֹא־טוֹב הֱיוֹת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֹ
    “It is not good for man to be alone.” — abstract state of being.

 

Summary

The verb הָיָה is foundational to biblical Hebrew, expressing existence, identity, occurrence, and transformation. It plays a key role in theology (e.g., the divine name YHWH), grammar (linking subjects and predicates), and narrative flow. Though structurally simple, it forms the backbone of countless biblical statements about life, being, and God Himself.

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.
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