Tag Archives: בָּהַל

The Hebrew verb בָּהַל (root: ב-ה-ל) means “to terrify,” “to alarm,” “to hasten in fear,” or “to panic.” It typically describes sudden emotional or mental disturbance—such as fear, confusion, or urgency—often in response to shocking or overwhelming circumstances. This verb is used in poetic, prophetic, and narrative contexts in the Hebrew Bible. It is most commonly found in the Qal binyan and sometimes in the Niphal (passive or reflexive, “to be terrified”) or Piel (intensive causative, “to cause terror”).   Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּהַל Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular בָּהַלְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular בָּהַלְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular בָּהַלְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular בָּהַל 3rd person feminine singular בָּהֲלָה 1st person plural בָּהַלְנוּ 2nd person masculine plural בְּהַלְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural בְּהַלְתֶּן 3rd person plural בָּהֲלוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular בֹּהֵל Feminine singular בֹּהֶלֶת Masculine plural בֹּהֲלִים Feminine plural בֹּהֲלוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶבְהַל 2nd person masculine singular תִּבְהַל 2nd person feminine singular תִּבְהֲלִי 3rd person masculine singular יִבְהַל 3rd person feminine singular תִּבְהַל 1st person plural נִבְהַל 2nd person masculine plural תִּבְהֲלוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּבְהַלְנָה 3rd person plural יִבְהֲלוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular בְּהַל 2nd person feminine singular בַּהֲלִי 2nd person masculine plural בַּהֲלוּ 2nd person feminine plural בְּהַלְנָה   Usage in Scripture Daniel 5:6 – וְהִתְבַּהֲלוּ מְתַנֵּה “His limbs were terrified…” — describing the sudden fear of King Belshazzar when he saw the handwriting on the wall.… Learn Hebrew