The Hebrew verb בָּהַל (root: ב-ה-ל) means “to terrify,” “to alarm,” “to hasten in fear,” or “to panic.” It typically describes sudden emotional or mental disturbance—such as fear, confusion, or urgency—often in response to shocking or overwhelming circumstances. This verb is used in poetic, prophetic, and narrative contexts in the Hebrew Bible.
It is most commonly found in the Qal binyan and sometimes in the Niphal (passive or reflexive, “to be terrified”) or Piel (intensive causative, “to cause terror”).
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּהַל
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּהַלְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּהַלְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּהַלְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּהַל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּהֲלָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּהַלְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּהַלְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּהַלְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּהֲלוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בֹּהֵל |
| Feminine singular | בֹּהֶלֶת |
| Masculine plural | בֹּהֲלִים |
| Feminine plural | בֹּהֲלוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְהַל |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְהַל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְהֲלִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְהַל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְהַל |
| 1st person plural | נִבְהַל |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְהֲלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְהַלְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְהֲלוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּהַל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בַּהֲלִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בַּהֲלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּהַלְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Daniel 5:6 – וְהִתְבַּהֲלוּ מְתַנֵּה
“His limbs were terrified…” — describing the sudden fear of King Belshazzar when he saw the handwriting on the wall. - Psalm 6:4 – וְנַפְשִׁי נִבְהֲלָה מְאֹד
“My soul is greatly dismayed.” - Isaiah 13:8 – וְנִבְהָלוּ פָּנִים לְהָבוֹת
“They shall be amazed; their faces will be aflame.”
Summary
The verb בָּהַל captures intense emotional reactions—fear, panic, haste, and alarm. It often depicts sudden inner turmoil or public chaos. Found in poetry and prophecy, it serves as a vivid descriptor of human response to divine judgment, danger, or emotional shock. Recognizing its forms across the Qal binyan allows deeper access to dramatic moments in the biblical narrative.
