The Hebrew Verb בִּשֵּׁל: To Cook, Boil, or Ripen

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 12:9אַל־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 25:29וַיָּזֶד יַעֲקֹב נָזִיד (related meaning: to stew)
    “Jacob cooked a stew…” — a different root, but similar culinary context.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:13וַיְבַשְּׁלוּ 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.

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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