The Hebrew verb בִּקֵּשׁ (root: ב-ק-שׁ) means “to seek,” “to request,” or “to desire.” It belongs to the Piel binyan, and unlike many verbs, it does not typically appear in the Qal. Its form is intensive or causative by nature, indicating purposeful, often passionate pursuit or solicitation.
This verb is frequently found throughout the Hebrew Bible in contexts of seeking something from God, searching for wisdom or peace, or requesting a favor or item. It plays a key role in narrative, prophetic, and poetic texts.
Piel Binyan Conjugation of בִּקֵּשׁ
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בִּקַּשְׁתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בִּקַּשְׁתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בִּקַּשְׁתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בִּקֵּשׁ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בִּקְשָׁה |
| 1st person plural | בִּקַּשְׁנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בִּקַּשְׁתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בִּקַּשְׁתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בִּקְשׁוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | מְבַקֵּשׁ |
| Feminine singular | מְבַקֶּשֶׁת |
| Masculine plural | מְבַקְּשִׁים |
| Feminine plural | מְבַקְּשׁוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲבַקֵּשׁ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּבַקֵּשׁ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּבַקְּשִׁי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבַקֵּשׁ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּבַקֵּשׁ |
| 1st person plural | נְבַקֵּשׁ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּבַקְּשׁוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּבַקֵּשְׁנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבַקְּשׁוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בַּקֵּשׁ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בַּקְּשִׁי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בַּקְּשׁוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בַּקֵּשְׁנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Deuteronomy 4:29 – וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּם מִשָּׁם אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ
“And from there you will seek the LORD your God.” - Psalm 27:4 – שִׁבְתִּי בְּבֵית־יְהוָה … אֶת־פָּנָיו אֲבַקֵּשׁ
“To dwell in the house of the LORD … to seek His face.” - Jeremiah 29:13 – וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּם אֹתִי וּמְצָאתֶם
“You will seek Me and find Me.”
Summary
The verb בִּקֵּשׁ is central to biblical expressions of longing, petition, and purposeful pursuit. Whether one is seeking God, wisdom, peace, or practical help, this verb captures the intensity and intentionality of the search. Found in prayer, law, prophecy, and narrative, it is a cornerstone of spiritual vocabulary in the Hebrew Bible.
