The Hebrew verb בָּרַח (root: ב-ר-ח) means “to flee,” “to escape,” or “to run away.” It is a common action verb used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe physical flight from danger, pursuit, judgment, or conflict. It can also be used metaphorically for fleeing from sin, judgment, or responsibility.
This verb appears primarily in the Qal binyan (simple action) and is used in both narrative and poetic contexts. The form is typically regular and predictable, making it a foundational vocabulary word for students of Biblical Hebrew.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּרַח
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּרַחְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּרַחְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּרַחְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּרַח |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּרְחָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּרַחְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּרַחְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּרַחְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּרְחוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בֹּרֵחַ |
| Feminine singular | בֹּרַחַת |
| Masculine plural | בֹּרְחִים |
| Feminine plural | בֹּרְחוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְרַח |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְרַח |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְרְחִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְרַח |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְרַח |
| 1st person plural | נִבְרַח |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְרְחוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְרַחְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְרְחוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּרַח |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בִּרְחִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בִּרְחוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּרַחְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Genesis 39:12 – וַיָּנָס וַיֵּצֵא הַחוּצָה
“He fled and went outside” — Joseph fleeing from Potiphar’s wife. - Psalm 68:2 – כְּהִנְדֹּף עָשָׁן תִּנְדֹּף כְּהִמַּס דּוֹנַג מִפְּנֵי־אֵשׁ יֹאבְדוּ רְשָׁעִים מִפְּנֵי אֱלֹהִים
“As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire…” — the wicked fleeing before God. - Proverbs 28:1 – רָשָׁע נָס וְאֵין רוֹדֵף
“The wicked flee when no one pursues…” — highlighting the guilty conscience.
Summary
The verb בָּרַח is a vivid and dynamic term describing the act of fleeing or escaping. It spans a wide range of contexts—from the literal running away from danger or enemies to the metaphorical fleeing of the wicked before God’s presence. Simple and powerful, it encapsulates themes of fear, guilt, and deliverance throughout the Hebrew Bible.
