Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

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.

The Hebrew Verb בָּכָה: To Weep or Cry

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 emotion—whether in personal grief, national tragedy, or divine lament. The verb appears mostly in the Qal and Piel binyanim: – Qal: simple weeping, often spontaneous or uncontrolled. – Piel: intensive or formal weeping (e.g., wailing, prolonged mourning).   Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּכָה Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular בָּכִיתִי 2nd person masculine singular בָּכִיתָ 2nd person feminine singular בָּכִית 3rd person masculine singular בָּכָה 3rd person feminine singular בָּכְתָה 1st person plural בָּכִינוּ 2nd person masculine plural בְּכִיתֶם 2nd person feminine plural בְּכִיתֶן 3rd person plural בָּכוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular בּוֹכֶה Feminine singular בּוֹכָה Masculine plural בּוֹכִים Feminine plural בּוֹכוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶבְכֶּה 2nd person masculine singular תִּבְכֶּה 2nd person feminine singular תִּבְכִּי 3rd person masculine singular יִבְכֶּה 3rd person feminine singular תִּבְכֶּה 1st person plural נִבְכֶּה 2nd person masculine plural תִּבְכּוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּבְכֶּינָה 3rd person plural יִבְכּוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular בְּכֵה 2nd person feminine singular בְּכִי 2nd person masculine plural בְּכוּ 2nd person feminine plural בְּכֶינָה   Usage in Scripture Genesis 45:14 – וַיִּפֹּל עַל־צַוְּאַרֵי בִנְיָמִין אָחִיו וַיֵּבְךְּ “He fell on the neck of his brother Binyamin and wept.”… Learn Hebrew
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Measuring Judgment: Distributive Syntax and Temporal Framing in Ezekiel 4:10

Introduction: Symbolic Acts and the Grammar of Famine In Ezekiel 4, the prophet performs symbolic actions that embody the coming siege and judgment upon Yerushalayim. Verse 10 forms part of YHWH’s instructions for Ezekiel’s food rationing during his enacted siege, emphasizing scarcity and controlled survival: וּמַאֲכָֽלְךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֹּאכֲלֶ֔נּוּ בְּמִשְׁקֹ֕ול עֶשְׂרִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל לַיֹּ֑ום מֵעֵ֥ת עַד־עֵ֖ת תֹּאכֲלֶֽנּוּ׃ And your food that you shall eat shall be by weight—twenty shekels a day; from time to time you shall eat it. This verse uses a combination of relative clauses, distributive syntax, accusative object fronting, and temporal markers to convey restriction, rhythm, and ritualized deprivation.… Learn Hebrew
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Standing in the Midst: Participles, Command Chains, and Theological Transition in Joshua 4:10

Introduction: Narrative Suspension and Liturgical Obedience at the Jordan Joshua 4:10 presents a narrative interlude during the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, emphasizing the role of the priests and the obedience to divine command mediated through Moshe and Yehoshua. The verse reads: וְהַכֹּהֲנִ֞ים נֹשְׂאֵ֣י הָאָרֹ֗ון עֹמְדִים֮ בְּתֹ֣וךְ הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ עַ֣ד תֹּ֣ם כָּֽל־֠הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֨ה יְהוָ֤ה אֶת־יְהֹושֻׁ֨עַ֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל־הָעָ֔ם כְּכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־יְהֹושֻׁ֑עַ וַיְמַהֲר֥וּ הָעָ֖ם וַֽיַּעֲבֹֽרוּ׃ And the priests bearing the Ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that YHWH commanded Yehoshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moshe had commanded Yehoshua; and the people hurried and crossed over.… Learn Hebrew
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The Hebrew Verb בִּין: To Understand, Discern, or Perceive

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 knowledge (דַּעַת) and wisdom (חָכְמָה). It often implies not just comprehension but discernment and the capacity to distinguish between things. בִּין most frequently appears in the Qal and Hiphil stems: – Qal: to have understanding or insight. – Hiphil: to cause to understand, to teach, or to explain.… Learn Hebrew
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Perception, Predicate Structure, and the Recognition of Holiness in 2 Kings 4:9

Introduction: Hospitality, Discernment, and the Prophetic Figure 2 Kings 4:9 records the words of the Shunammite woman as she speaks to her husband regarding the prophet Elisha. Her declaration serves as the turning point for their household’s hospitality and the theological development of the chapter. The verse reads: וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל־אִישָׁ֔הּ הִנֵּה־נָ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֛י אִ֥ישׁ אֱלֹהִ֖ים קָדֹ֣ושׁ ה֑וּא עֹבֵ֥ר עָלֵ֖ינוּ תָּמִֽיד׃ And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who continually passes by us.”… Learn Hebrew
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The Hebrew Verb בָּטֵל: To Cease, Be Idle, or Be Nullified

The Hebrew verb בָּטֵל (root: ב-ט-ל) means “to cease,” “to be idle,” “to become null,” or “to be ineffective.” It conveys the idea of stopping an action or rendering something void or powerless. In biblical Hebrew, this verb appears both in literal contexts—such as cessation of labor or activities—and in legal or theological contexts—such as nullifying covenants or abolishing ordinances. בָּטֵל is primarily found in the Niphal (passive/reflexive: “to be nullified”) and Hiphil (causative: “to make void” or “to abolish”) stems, but its Qal form also carries the meaning of “to be idle” or “to cease.”… Learn Hebrew
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Conditional Syntax and the Language of Belief in Exodus 4:8

Introduction: Signs, Skepticism, and Theological Assurance Exodus 4:8 captures a divine anticipation of Israel’s skeptical response to Moshe’s mission. God provides Moshe with miraculous signs and predicts their effects using a conditional structure that weaves together belief, hearing, and persuasion. The verse reads: וְהָיָה֙ אִם־לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לָ֔ךְ וְלֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֣ת הָרִאשֹׁ֑ון וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ לְקֹ֖ל הָאֹ֥ת הָאַחֲרֹֽון׃ And it shall be, if they do not believe you and do not listen to the voice of the first sign, then they shall believe the voice of the latter sign.… Learn Hebrew
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The Hebrew Verb בָּטַח: To Trust, Rely Upon, or Be Confident

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.… Learn Hebrew
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Imperative Syntax and the Economics of Wisdom in Proverbs 4:7

Introduction: Wisdom as Commodity and Command Proverbs 4:7 is a pivotal statement in the wisdom tradition, combining instructional tone with poetic parallelism. It exhorts the learner to prioritize wisdom above all possessions, using the language of acquisition and possession. The verse reads: רֵאשִׁ֣ית חָ֭כְמָה קְנֵ֣ה חָכְמָ֑ה וּבְכָל־֝קִנְיָנְךָ֗ קְנֵ֣ה בִינָֽה׃ The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; and with all your acquisition, get understanding. This verse is both poetic and didactic. It emphasizes not the abstract value of wisdom, but the practical and existential necessity of actively acquiring it.… Learn Hebrew
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The Hebrew Verb בָּחַר: To Choose or Select

The Hebrew verb בָּחַר (root: ב-ח-ר) means “to choose,” “to select,” or “to prefer.” It plays a crucial theological role in the Hebrew Bible, often used in relation to divine election—God choosing individuals (like Avraham or David), tribes (like Levi), or the nation of Yisra’el. בָּחַר appears primarily in the Qal binyan, where it describes the simple action of choosing. It is frequently followed by the preposition בְּ (indicating the one who is chosen).   Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּחַר Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular בָּחַרְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular בָּחַרְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular בָּחַרְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular בָּחַר 3rd person feminine singular בָּחֲרָה 1st person plural בָּחַרְנוּ 2nd person masculine plural בְּחַרְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural בְּחַרְתֶּן 3rd person plural בָּחֲרוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular בֹּחֵר Feminine singular בֹּחֶרֶת Masculine plural בּוֹחֲרִים Feminine plural בּוֹחֲרוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶבְחַר 2nd person masculine singular תִּבְחַר 2nd person feminine singular תִּבְחֲרִי 3rd person masculine singular יִבְחַר 3rd person feminine singular תִּבְחַר 1st person plural נִבְחַר 2nd person masculine plural תִּבְחֲרוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּבְחַרְנָה 3rd person plural יִבְחֲרוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular בְּחַר 2nd person feminine singular בַּחֲרִי 2nd person masculine plural בַּחֲרוּ 2nd person feminine plural בְּחַרְנָה   Usage in Scripture Deuteronomy 7:6 – בְּךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה “The LORD has chosen you…” — referring to the election of Yisra’el.… Learn Hebrew
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