The Hebrew verb בָּלַט (root: ב-ל-ט) is a relatively rare verb that carries the sense of “moving stealthily,” “acting secretly,” “sneaking away,” or “slipping quietly.” It often appears in poetic or narrative contexts, describing hidden or cautious movement, either physically or emotionally.
In most biblical occurrences, בָּלַט functions in the Qal stem, though it is primarily used in participial or adverbial forms (e.g., בַּלָּט, meaning “secretly” or “quietly”). It is less commonly used than other verbs for concealment, but it offers vivid imagery when it does appear.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּלַט
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּלַטְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּלַטְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּלַטְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּלַט |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּלְטָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּלַטְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּלַטְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּלַטְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּלְטוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בֹּלֵט |
| Feminine singular | בֹּלֶטֶת |
| Masculine plural | בּוֹלְטִים |
| Feminine plural | בּוֹלְטוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְלַט |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְלַט |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְלְטִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְלַט |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְלַט |
| 1st person plural | נִבְלַט |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְלְטוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְלַטְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְלְטוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּלַט |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בִּלְטִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בִּלְטוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּלַטְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Judges 4:21 – וַתָּבֹא אֵלָיו בַּלָּט
“And she came to him stealthily.” — describing Yaʿel’s cautious approach to Sisera. - Isaiah 29:15 – הוֹי הַמַּעֲמִיקִים מֵיְהוָה לַסְתִּיר עֵצָה
“Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD…” — while not directly using the verb, this verse uses similar imagery of secrecy found in בָּלַט.
Summary
The verb בָּלַט enriches biblical narratives with imagery of stealth, subtlety, and quiet action. It conveys the nuances of secrecy, caution, and hiddenness, offering a verbal lens into moments where actions are veiled—whether in strategy, intimacy, or sin. Though rare, it is powerful in its poetic and narrative deployment.
