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 1:3 – וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים יְהִי אוֹר וַיְהִי אוֹר
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” — יְהִי and וַיְהִי express divine creation. - Exodus 3:14 – אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה
“I AM WHO I AM.” — God’s declaration of His eternal being. - Genesis 2:18 – לֹא־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.
