Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

The Hebrew verb אָשַׁם (root: א-ש-ם) carries the core meaning of “to be guilty,” “to offend,” or “to bear guilt.” It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in both legal and cultic contexts. This verb is particularly important in discussions of sin, responsibility, atonement, and offerings, such as the אָשָׁם (guilt offering) described in Leviticus. In the Qal binyan, it typically denotes the state of being guilty or having incurred guilt. In some forms, it may also express passive nuance—“to become guilty.”… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew verb אָסַר (root: א-ס-ר) means “to bind,” “to tie,” or “to imprison.” It is found frequently in both narrative and legal sections of the Hebrew Bible. In literal contexts, it refers to physical binding with cords or imprisonment. In figurative contexts, it can refer to restrictions or prohibitions, including vows and obligations. This verb is primarily used in the Qal binyan for active voice and in the Niphal for passive or reflexive meanings (“to be bound”).   Qal Binyan Conjugation of אָסַר Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אָסַרְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular אָסַרְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular אָסַרְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular אָסַר 3rd person feminine singular אָסְרָה 1st person plural אָסַרְנוּ 2nd person masculine plural אֲסַרְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural אֲסַרְתֶּן 3rd person plural אָסְרוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular אוֹסֵר Feminine singular אוֹסֶרֶת Masculine plural אוֹסְרִים Feminine plural אוֹסְרוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶאֱסֹר 2nd person masculine singular תֶּאֱסֹר 2nd person feminine singular תֶּאֱסְרִי 3rd person masculine singular יֶאֱסֹר 3rd person feminine singular תֶּאֱסֹר 1st person plural נֶאֱסֹר 2nd person masculine plural תֶּאֱסְרוּ 2nd person feminine plural תֶּאֱסֹרְנָה 3rd person plural יֶאֱסְרוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular אֱסֹר 2nd person feminine singular אִסְרִי 2nd person masculine plural אִסְרוּ 2nd person feminine plural אֱסֹרְנָה   Usage in Scripture The verb אָסַר appears in numerous legal, narrative, and poetic contexts: Genesis 39:20 – וַיִּקַּח אֲדֹנֵי יוֹסֵף אֹתוֹ וַיִּתְּנֵהוּ אֶל־בֵּית הַסֹּהַר מְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אֲסוּרֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲסוּרִים “So Yosep’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound.”… Learn Hebrew