Tag Archives: בָּחַן

The Hebrew verb בָּחַן (root: ב-ח-ן) means “to test,” “to examine,” or “to scrutinize.” It is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible. Often appearing in wisdom literature and prophetic books, it describes the testing of hearts, intentions, and individuals to reveal what is true or genuine. This verb primarily occurs in the Qal binyan and often takes YHWH as the subject—indicating divine examination of human beings.   Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּחַן Past (Perfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular בָּחַנְתִּי 2nd person masculine singular בָּחַנְתָּ 2nd person feminine singular בָּחַנְתְּ 3rd person masculine singular בָּחַן 3rd person feminine singular בָּחֲנָה 1st person plural בָּחַנּוּ 2nd person masculine plural בְּחַנְתֶּם 2nd person feminine plural בְּחַנְתֶּן 3rd person plural בָּחֲנוּ Present (Participle) Tense Gender/Number Form Masculine singular בֹּחֵן Feminine singular בֹּחֶנֶת Masculine plural בּוֹחֲנִים Feminine plural בּוֹחֲנוֹת Future (Imperfect) Tense Person Form 1st person singular אֶבְחַן 2nd person masculine singular תִּבְחַן 2nd person feminine singular תִּבְחֲנִי 3rd person masculine singular יִבְחַן 3rd person feminine singular תִּבְחַן 1st person plural נִבְחַן 2nd person masculine plural תִּבְחֲנוּ 2nd person feminine plural תִּבְחַנְנָה 3rd person plural יִבְחֲנוּ Imperative Mood Person Form 2nd person masculine singular בְּחַן 2nd person feminine singular בַּחֲנִי 2nd person masculine plural בַּחֲנוּ 2nd person feminine plural בְּחַנְנָה   Usage in Scripture Psalm 139:23 – בְּחָנֵנִי אֵל וְדַע לְבָבִי “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”… Learn Hebrew