The Hebrew verb בָּחַן (root: ב-ח-ן) means “to test,” “to examine,” or “to scrutinize.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible. Often appearing in wisdom literature and prophetic books, it describes the testing of hearts, intentions, and individuals to reveal what is true or genuine.
This verb primarily occurs in the Qal binyan and often takes YHWH as the subject—indicating divine examination of human beings.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּחַן
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּחַנְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּחַנְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּחַנְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּחַן |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּחֲנָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּחַנּוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּחַנְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּחַנְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּחֲנוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בֹּחֵן |
| Feminine singular | בֹּחֶנֶת |
| Masculine plural | בּוֹחֲנִים |
| Feminine plural | בּוֹחֲנוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְחַן |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְחַן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְחֲנִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְחַן |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְחַן |
| 1st person plural | נִבְחַן |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְחֲנוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְחַנְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְחֲנוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּחַן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בַּחֲנִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בַּחֲנוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּחַנְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Psalm 139:23 – בְּחָנֵנִי אֵל וְדַע לְבָבִי
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” - Jeremiah 17:10 – אֲנִי יְהוָה חוֹקֵר לֵב בֹּחֵן כְּלָיוֹת
“I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the kidneys.” - Job 7:18 – תִּפְקְדֶנּוּ לִבְקָרִים לִרְגָעִים תִּבְחָנֶנּוּ
“You visit him every morning, you test him every moment.”
Summary
The verb בָּחַן emphasizes the divine or moral act of examination—of thoughts, hearts, and motives. It is a key term in wisdom and prophetic theology, highlighting God’s role as the tester of truth. Learning this verb equips readers to recognize one of the Bible’s most searching and spiritually reflective concepts.
