The Hebrew verb דִּבֵּר (root: ד־ב־ר) means “to speak,” “to declare,” or “to command.” It is one of the most frequent and foundational verbs in the Hebrew Bible, used to describe speech ranging from divine revelation to human conversation. Unlike the verb אָמַר (“to say”), which can introduce dialogue or quotations, דִּבֵּר typically refers to formal, weighty, or purposeful communication—especially that of God.
It appears primarily in the Piel stem, indicating intensive or purposeful speech. In contrast, the Qal stem of this root appears in nouns like דָּבָר (“word,” “matter,” “thing”) but not as a verb form in the Hebrew Bible.
Piel Binyan Conjugation of דִּבֵּר (“to speak”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | דִּבַּרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | דִּבַּרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | דִּבַּרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | דִּבֵּר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | דִּבְּרָה |
| 1st person plural | דִּבַּרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | דִּבַּרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | דִּבַּרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | דִּבְּרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | מְדַבֵּר |
| Feminine singular | מְדַבֶּרֶת |
| Masculine plural | מְדַבְּרִים |
| Feminine plural | מְדַבְּרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲדַבֵּר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּדַבֵּר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּדַבְּרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יְדַבֵּר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּדַבֵּר |
| 1st person plural | נְדַבֵּר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּדַבְּרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּדַבֵּרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יְדַבְּרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | דַּבֵּר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | דַּבְּרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | דַּבְּרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | דַּבֵּרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Exodus 20:1 – וַיְדַבֵּר אֱלֹהִים אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה
“And God spoke all these words…” — introducing the Ten Commandments. - Genesis 45:12 – וְהִנֵּה עֵינֵיכֶם רֹאוֹת וְעֵינֵי אָחִי בִנְיָמִין כִּי פִי הַמְדַבֵּר אֲלֵיכֶם
“You can see with your eyes… that it is my mouth that is speaking to you.” — Yosep affirming his identity. - Deuteronomy 5:4 – פָּנִים בְּפָנִים דִּבֶּר יְהוָה עִמָּכֶם
“Face to face the LORD spoke with you.” — emphasizing divine closeness in revelation.
Summary
The verb דִּבֵּר is the principal Hebrew term for formal or solemn speech. It is used most often for divine communication, lawgiving, and prophecy. While אָמַר introduces speech, דִּבֵּר emphasizes content, authority, and intentionality. Its theological significance and frequent use throughout the Tanakh mark it as one of the central verbs of revelation and instruction.
