Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

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

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

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