The Hebrew verb בִּין (root: ב-י-ן) is a hollow verb meaning “to understand,” “to discern,” “to consider,” or “to perceive with insight.” It is a central concept in biblical wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, where understanding (בִּינָה) is prized alongside knowledge (דַּעַת) and wisdom (חָכְמָה). It often implies not just comprehension but discernment and the capacity to distinguish between things.
בִּין most frequently appears in the Qal and Hiphil stems:
– Qal: to have understanding or insight.
– Hiphil: to cause to understand, to teach, or to explain.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בִּין
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בַּנְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בַּנְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בַּנְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בִּין |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּנָה |
| 1st person plural | בַּנּוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בַּנְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בַּנְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּנוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בּוֹנֵן |
| Feminine singular | בּוֹנֶנֶת |
| Masculine plural | בּוֹנְנִים |
| Feminine plural | בּוֹנְנוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אָבִין |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תָּבִין |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תָּבִינִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יָבִין |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תָּבִין |
| 1st person plural | נָבִין |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תָּבִינוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תָּבֵנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יָבִינוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | הָבֵן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | הָבִינִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | הָבִינוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | הָבֵנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Proverbs 2:2 – לְהַקְשִׁיב לַחָכְמָה אָזְנֶךָ תַּט לִבְּךָ לַתְּבוּנָה
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding (בִּינָה).” - 1 Chronicles 28:9 – כִּי כָל־לְבָבוֹת דֹּרֵשׁ יְהוָה וְכָל־יֵצֶר מַחֲשָׁבוֹת מֵבִין
“For the LORD searches all hearts and understands every inclination of thoughts.” - Daniel 9:2 – בִּינֹתִי בַּסְּפָרִים
“I understood by the books…”
Summary
The verb בִּין lies at the heart of biblical wisdom and perception. It goes beyond mere knowledge and indicates thoughtful, discerning insight. Often used to describe the mental and spiritual clarity granted by God, it reminds the reader that true understanding is both a cognitive and moral virtue. Recognizing its irregular forms and common biblical settings deepens comprehension of many crucial passages.
