The Hebrew verb הָלַךְ (root: ה־ל־ךְ) is a fundamental verb in biblical Hebrew, meaning “to walk,” “to go,” “to travel,” or “to depart.” It describes physical movement, but also serves as a metaphor for lifestyle, conduct, and spiritual journey. In biblical usage, it appears frequently across all genres—from historical narrative to legal texts, wisdom literature, and prophecy.
In the Qal stem it refers to simple movement or walking. In the Hithpael stem it can reflect habitual or wandering movement (“to walk about”), and in Hiphil, causative forms like “to bring someone” appear.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of הָלַךְ (“to walk, go”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | הָלַכְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | הָלַכְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | הָלַכְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | הָלַךְ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | הָלְכָה |
| 1st person plural | הָלַכְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | הֲלַכְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | הֲלַכְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | הָלְכוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | הֹלֵךְ |
| Feminine singular | הֹלֶכֶת |
| Masculine plural | הֹלְכִים |
| Feminine plural | הֹלְכוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֵלֵךְ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תֵּלֵךְ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תֵּלְכִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יֵלֵךְ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תֵּלֵךְ |
| 1st person plural | נֵלֵךְ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תֵּלְכוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תֵּלַכְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יֵלְכוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | לֵךְ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | לְכִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | לְכוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | לֵכְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Genesis 12:1 – לֶךְ־לְךָ מֵאַרְצְךָ
“Go from your land…” — God’s command to Avram to depart on a divine mission. - Psalm 1:1 – אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” — metaphorical for living a certain lifestyle. - Deuteronomy 8:6 – לָלֶכֶת בִּדְרָכָיו
“To walk in His ways” — used often to describe obedience to God.
Summary
The verb הָלַךְ is a cornerstone of biblical expression, used for physical movement, metaphorical conduct, and spiritual journey. It expresses more than direction—it conveys relationship, decision, and identity. Whether describing Abraham’s departure, Israel’s wilderness journey, or walking in God’s commandments, this verb remains a vital image of movement and purpose in Hebrew thought.
