Author Archives: Biblical Hebrew

The Hebrew form הִנֵּה (root: נ־ה־ה or variant from ה־י־נ) is not a verb in the strict grammatical sense like other action verbs—it functions primarily as an interjection or demonstrative particle. It means “behold,” “look,” “see,” or “here is / here are.” It introduces attention to something presently visible, about to occur, or dramatically revealed. Although derived from older verbal roots (possibly היה or ננה), in biblical Hebrew it functions grammatically as a particle of immediacy or emphasis, not as a fully conjugating verb.… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew verb הָלַךְ (root: ה־ל־ךְ) is a fundamental verb in biblical Hebrew, meaning “to walk,” “to go,” “to travel,” or “to depart.” It describes physical movement, but also serves as a metaphor for lifestyle, conduct, and spiritual journey. In biblical usage, it appears frequently across all genres—from historical narrative to legal texts, wisdom literature, and prophecy. In the Qal stem it refers to simple movement or walking. In the Hithpael stem it can reflect habitual or wandering movement (“to walk about”), and in Hiphil, causative forms like “to bring someone” appear.… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew verb הָיָה (root: ה־י־ה) is one of the most essential and frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible. It means “to be,” “to become,” “to happen,” or “to exist.” It expresses states of being, identity, transformation, and occurrence. Though simple in form, its theological and grammatical importance is immense—especially in divine names like יְהוָה (YHWH), which is related etymologically to this root. Unlike many verbs, הָיָה lacks a Qal participle and present-tense forms in biblical Hebrew. Instead, presence is usually implied or expressed with particles or suffixes.… Learn Hebrew

The Hebrew verb דָּרַשׁ (root: ד־ר־שׁ) has a wide and rich semantic range. It fundamentally means “to seek” or “to inquire,” but its usage expands into contexts of: Seeking or inquiring after someone or something (including God). Studying or investigating deeply, especially Scripture or law. Preaching, interpreting, or expounding—as seen in Rabbinic Hebrew. This verb is central to the development of midrash (מִדְרָשׁ), meaning “interpretation” or “exposition.” It appears frequently in the Bible, especially in Deuteronomy, Psalms, and prophetic literature.   Qal Binyan Conjugation of דָּרַשׁ (“to seek, inquire, interpret”) Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular דָּרַשְׁתִּי 2nd person masculine singular דָּרַשְׁתָּ 2nd person feminine singular דָּרַשְׁתְּ 3rd person masculine singular דָּרַשׁ 3rd person feminine singular דָּרְשָׁה 1st person plural דָּרַשְׁנוּ 2nd person masculine plural דְּרַשְׁתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural דְּרַשְׁתֶּן 3rd person plural דָּרְשׁוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular דּוֹרֵשׁ Feminine singular דּוֹרֶשֶׁת Masculine plural דּוֹרְשִׁים Feminine plural דּוֹרְשׁוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶדְרֹשׁ 2nd person masculine singular תִּדְרֹשׁ 2nd person feminine singular תִּדְרְשִׁי 3rd person masculine singular יִדְרֹשׁ 3rd person feminine singular תִּדְרֹשׁ 1st person plural נִדְרֹשׁ 2nd person masculine plural תִּדְרְשׁוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּדְרֹשְׁנָה 3rd person plural יִדְרְשׁוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular דְּרֹשׁ 2nd person feminine singular דִּרְשִׁי 2nd person masculine plural דִּרְשׁוּ 2nd person feminine plural דְּרֹשְׁנָה   Usage in Scripture Deuteronomy 4:29 – וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּם מִשָּׁם אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וּמָצָאתָ כִּי תִדְרְשֶׁנּוּ “You will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him, if you search after Him…” Amos 5:4 – דִּרְשׁוּנִי וִחְיוּ “Seek Me and live.”… Learn Hebrew