Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

The Hebrew verb בָּצַע (root: ב-צ-ע) primarily means “to cut off,” “to break open,” or “to divide.” Over time, it developed figurative meanings, including “to plunder,” “to gain by violence,” or “to profit unjustly.” In biblical usage, it often carries … Continue reading →

The Hebrew verb בָּנָה (root: ב-נ-ה) means “to build,” “to construct,” or “to establish.” It is a foundational term in biblical Hebrew, used both literally—for constructing houses, cities, or altars—and metaphorically—for establishing families, dynasties, or spiritual legacies. It occurs frequently … Continue reading →

The Hebrew verb בָּלַע (root: ב-ל-ע) means “to swallow,” “to devour,” “to consume,” or “to destroy.” It often conveys a violent or sudden action, such as an enemy overtaking someone, the earth swallowing the wicked, or time consuming strength. It … Continue reading →

The Hebrew verb בָּלַט (root: ב-ל-ט) is a relatively rare verb that carries the sense of “moving stealthily,” “acting secretly,” “sneaking away,” or “slipping quietly.” It often appears in poetic or narrative contexts, describing hidden or cautious movement, either physically … Continue reading →

The Hebrew verb בָּכָה (root: ב-כ-ה) means “to weep,” “to cry,” or “to lament.” It is one of the most emotive verbs in the Hebrew Bible and appears frequently in narratives, poetry, and laments to express sorrow, mourning, or intense … Continue reading →

The Hebrew verb בִּין (root: ב-י-ן) is a hollow verb meaning “to understand,” “to discern,” “to consider,” or “to perceive with insight.” It is a central concept in biblical wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, where understanding (בִּינָה) is prized alongside … Continue reading →