The Hebrew Verb בֵּרֵךְ: To Bless, Kneel, or Bestow Favor

The Hebrew verb בֵּרֵךְ (root: ב-ר-ךְ) means “to bless,” “to bestow favor,” or “to praise.” While the root can also be connected to the idea of “kneeling” (from a different form in the Qal binyan), in the Piel binyan—which is the most common form—the verb almost always means “to bless.” It is one of the most frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible in both divine and human contexts.

בֵּרֵךְ is almost exclusively used in the Piel binyan when referring to “blessing,” and it plays a major role in biblical theology and liturgy, including the priestly blessing, patriarchal blessings, and divine promises.

 

Piel Binyan Conjugation of בֵּרֵךְ

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular בֵּרַכְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular בֵּרַכְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular בֵּרַכְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular בֵּרֵךְ
3rd person feminine singular בֵּרְכָה
1st person plural בֵּרַכְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural בֵּרַכְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural בֵּרַכְתֶּן
3rd person plural בֵּרְכוּ

Present (Participle) Tense

Gender/Number Form
Masculine singular מְבָרֵךְ
Feminine singular מְבָרֶכֶת
Masculine plural מְבָרְכִים
Feminine plural מְבָרְכוֹת

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֲבָרֵךְ
2nd person masculine singular תְּבָרֵךְ
2nd person feminine singular תְּבָרְכִי
3rd person masculine singular יְבָרֵךְ
3rd person feminine singular תְּבָרֵךְ
1st person plural נְבָרֵךְ
2nd person masculine plural תְּבָרְכוּ
2nd person feminine plural תְּבָרֵכְנָה
3rd person plural יְבָרְכוּ

Imperative Mood

Person Form
2nd person masculine singular בָּרֵךְ
2nd person feminine singular בָּרֲכִי
2nd person masculine plural בָּרְכוּ
2nd person feminine plural בָּרֵכְנָה

 

Usage in Scripture

  • Genesis 1:22וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתָם אֱלֹהִים
    “And God blessed them…” — the first blessing in Scripture.
  • Numbers 6:24יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
    “May the LORD bless you and keep you.” — part of the priestly blessing.
  • Psalm 103:1בָּרְכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶת־יְהוָה
    “Bless the LORD, O my soul.”

 

Summary

The verb בֵּרֵךְ carries immense spiritual and relational weight. It signifies a pronouncement or bestowal of goodness, favor, or empowerment. Whether God blesses creation, people bless God in praise, or patriarchs bless their children, this verb expresses the flow of grace, favor, and covenantal promise at the heart of biblical faith and community life.

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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