Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

The verb זָקֵן (root: ז־ק־ן) is a stative verb in Biblical Hebrew meaning “to grow old” or “to become aged.” It reflects a process of aging or maturing and is closely related to the noun זָקֵן (“old man” or “elder”). This verb typically appears in the Qal binyan and conveys a passive or intransitive process rather than active action. Though less frequent than some other verbs, זָקֵן carries significant theological and narrative weight in Scripture. The concept of aging is often tied to wisdom, honor, and divine favor.… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew verb זָכַר (root: ז־כ־ר) means “to remember,” “to recall,” “to call to mind,” or “to be mindful.” It is one of the most significant verbs in biblical theology, describing not only human memory but also God’s covenantal mindfulness of His people, promises, and mercy. This verb appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, and is used in contexts of prayer, judgment, historical reflection, covenant obligation, and even divine forgiveness.   Qal Binyan Conjugation of זָכַר (“to remember”) Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular זָכַרְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular זָכַרְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular זָכַרְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular זָכַר 3rd person feminine singular זָכְרָה 1st person plural זָכַרְנוּ 2nd person masculine plural זְכַרְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural זְכַרְתֶּן 3rd person plural זָכְרוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular זוֹכֵר Feminine singular זוֹכֶרֶת Masculine plural זוֹכְרִים Feminine plural זוֹכְרוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶזְכֹּר 2nd person masculine singular תִּזְכֹּר 2nd person feminine singular תִּזְכְּרִי 3rd person masculine singular יִזְכֹּר 3rd person feminine singular תִּזְכֹּר 1st person plural נִזְכֹּר 2nd person masculine plural תִּזְכְּרוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּזְכֹּרְנָה 3rd person plural יִזְכְּרוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular זְכֹר 2nd person feminine singular זִכְרִי 2nd person masculine plural זִכְרוּ 2nd person feminine plural זְכֹרְנָה   Usage in Scripture Exodus 20:8 – זָכוֹר אֶת־יֹום הַשַּׁבָּת לְקַדְּשׁוֹ “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew verb זָכָה (root: ז־כ־ה) means “to be innocent,” “to be pure,” “to be acquitted,” or “to attain” or “gain” something. It combines legal, moral, and spiritual connotations. In a legal sense, it refers to being declared clean or righteous; in a spiritual or moral sense, it refers to purity or blamelessness. In some contexts, especially in the Hiphil stem, it can mean “to gain,” “to earn,” or “to merit” a reward or status. The root is also connected to the noun זַכַּי (“innocent one”) and to Modern Hebrew words like זְכוּת (“merit, right”).… Learn Hebrew