The Hebrew verb זָחַל (root: ז־ח־ל) means “to crawl,” “to creep,” or “to slither.” It is used to describe slow, gliding, or low-to-the-ground motion, particularly that of reptiles, insects, or creeping creatures. In a figurative sense, it may also imply approaching with fear, trembling, or humility.
This root is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible and appears mostly in poetic or prophetic contexts. It is often associated with creatures that move close to the ground and is thematically related to reverence or trembling in the presence of the divine.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of זָחַל (“to crawl, creep”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | זָחַלְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | זָחַלְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | זָחַלְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | זָחַל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | זָחְלָה |
| 1st person plural | זָחַלְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | זְחַלְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | זְחַלְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | זָחְלוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | זֹחֵל |
| Feminine singular | זֹחֶלֶת |
| Masculine plural | זֹחֲלִים |
| Feminine plural | זֹחֲלוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶזְחַל |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּזְחַל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּזְחֲלִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִזְחַל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּזְחַל |
| 1st person plural | נִזְחַל |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּזְחֲלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּזְחַלְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִזְחֲלוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | זְחַל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | זִחֲלִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | זִחֲלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | זְחַלְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Micah 7:17 – יְלַחֲכוּ עָפָר כַּנָּחָשׁ כְּזֹחֲלֵי אֶרֶץ
“They shall lick the dust like a serpent, like crawling things of the earth.” — poetic judgment imagery using the participle זֹחֲלֵי.
Summary
The verb זָחַל evokes slow, humble, or fearful movement, often associated with reptiles or creeping things. In prophetic literature, it intensifies imagery of humiliation, submission, or dread. Though rare, its vivid sensory connotation makes it memorable in contexts of divine judgment or awe-filled approach.
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