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The Hebrew Verb בָּהַל: To Terrify or Alarm
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