The Hebrew Verb בָּקַר: To Seek, Inquire, or Inspect

The Hebrew verb בָּקַר (root: ב-ק-ר) means “to seek,” “to inquire,” “to examine,” or “to inspect.” It often implies a deliberate and careful investigation—whether of people, things, or situations. While it shares a root with nouns like בֹּקֶר (morning), the verbal form is distinct in usage and meaning.

This verb appears most often in the Qal binyan (to investigate, examine) and also in Piel (to inspect thoroughly or supervise). It is commonly used in priestly, legal, and administrative contexts, especially in regard to sacrificial animals, health examinations, or inquiries about someone’s welfare.

 

Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּקַר

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular בָּקַרְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular בָּקַרְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular בָּקַרְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular בָּקַר
3rd person feminine singular בָּקְרָה
1st person plural בָּקַרְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural בְּקַרְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural בְּקַרְתֶּן
3rd person plural בָּקְרוּ

Present (Participle) Tense

Gender/Number Form
Masculine singular בֹּקֵר
Feminine singular בֹּקֶרֶת
Masculine plural בֹּקְרִים
Feminine plural בֹּקְרוֹת

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֶבְקֹר
2nd person masculine singular תִּבְקֹר
2nd person feminine singular תִּבְקְרִי
3rd person masculine singular יִבְקֹר
3rd person feminine singular תִּבְקֹר
1st person plural נִבְקֹר
2nd person masculine plural תִּבְקְרוּ
2nd person feminine plural תִּבְקֹרְנָה
3rd person plural יִבְקְרוּ

Imperative Mood

Person Form
2nd person masculine singular בְּקֹר
2nd person feminine singular בִּקְרִי
2nd person masculine plural בִּקְרוּ
2nd person feminine plural בְּקֹרְנָה

 

Usage in Scripture

  • 1 Samuel 17:18וְאֵת אֲחֵיכֶם תִּפְקֹד לְשָׁלוֹם
    “And see how your brothers are doing (lit. seek their peace).”
  • Leviticus 13:36וְרָאָהוּ הַכֹּהֵן וְהִנֵּה
    “The priest shall examine him…” — used for inspection of skin diseases.
  • Zechariah 11:16כִּי הִנְנִי מֵקִים רֹעֶה בָּאָרֶץ אֶת־הַנִּכְחָדוֹת לֹא יִפְקֹד
    “I am raising up a shepherd… who will not seek the lost.”

 

Summary

The verb בָּקַר expresses careful observation, inquiry, and supervision. Whether used to describe a priest inspecting a person for disease, someone checking on another’s well-being, or divine investigation of human hearts, it conveys thorough and purposeful attention. Its appearances offer valuable insight into biblical views of responsibility, care, and justice.

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.
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