The Hebrew verb בִּשֵּׁל (root: ב-ש-ל) means “to cook,” “to boil,” or “to ripen.” It appears in the Piel binyan, which expresses an intensive or causative action, and refers primarily to the preparation of food by boiling or cooking. It can also be used figuratively for ripening or completion.
The root also gives rise to the noun בָּשֵׁל (ripe) and תַּבְשִׁיל (dish or cooked food). In the Hebrew Bible, this verb typically appears in narratives involving food preparation or sacrificial practices.
Piel Binyan Conjugation of בִּשֵּׁל
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בִּשַּׁלְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בִּשַּׁלְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בִּשַּׁלְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בִּשֵּׁל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בִּשְּׁלָה |
| 1st person plural | בִּשַּׁלְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בִּשַּׁלְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בִּשַּׁלְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בִּשְּׁלוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | מְבַשֵּׁל |
| Feminine singular | מְבַשֶּׁלֶת |
| Masculine plural | מְבַשְּׁלִים |
| Feminine plural | מְבַשְּׁלוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲבַשֵּׁל |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּבַשֵּׁל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּבַשְּׁלִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יְבַשֵּׁל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּבַשֵּׁל |
| 1st person plural | נְבַשֵּׁל |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּבַשְּׁלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּבַשֵּׁלְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יְבַשְּׁלוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בַּשֵּׁל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בַּשְּׁלִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בַּשְּׁלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בַּשֵּׁלְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Exodus 12:9 – אַל־תֹּאכְלוּ מִמֶּנּוּ נָא וּבָשֵׁל מְבֻשָּׁל בַּמָּיִם
“Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all in water.” — referring to the Passover lamb. - Genesis 25:29 – וַיָּזֶד יַעֲקֹב נָזִיד (related meaning: to stew)
“Jacob cooked a stew…” — a different root, but similar culinary context. - 2 Chronicles 35:13 – וַיְבַשְּׁלוּ הַפֶּסַח בָּאֵשׁ כַּמִּשְׁפָּט
“They boiled the Pesaḥ offering with fire as prescribed.”
Summary
The verb בִּשֵּׁל is closely associated with food preparation in ancient Israel. It reflects the domestic and cultic practices of boiling meat or preparing offerings. As a verb, it contributes not only to the daily life scenes in the Hebrew Bible but also to moments of ritual and divine instruction. Understanding its form and usage helps paint a fuller picture of ancient Israelite culture and worship.
