The Hebrew verb אָשַׁם (root: א-ש-ם) carries the core meaning of “to be guilty,” “to offend,” or “to bear guilt.” It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in both legal and cultic contexts. This verb is particularly important in discussions of sin, responsibility, atonement, and offerings, such as the אָשָׁם (guilt offering) described in Leviticus.
In the Qal binyan, it typically denotes the state of being guilty or having incurred guilt. In some forms, it may also express passive nuance—“to become guilty.”
Qal Binyan Conjugation of אָשַׁם
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אָשַׁמְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | אָשַׁמְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אָשַׁמְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | אָשַׁם |
| 3rd person feminine singular | אָשְׁמָה |
| 1st person plural | אָשַׁמְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אֲשַׁמְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אֲשַׁמְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | אָשְׁמוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | אָשֵׁם |
| Feminine singular | אָשֵׁמָה |
| Masculine plural | אֲשֵׁמִים |
| Feminine plural | אֲשֵׁמוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶאְשַׁם |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תֶּאְשַׁם |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תֶּאְשְׁמִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יֶאְשַׁם |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תֶּאְשַׁם |
| 1st person plural | נֶאְשַׁם |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תֶּאְשְׁמוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תֶּאְשַׁמְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יֶאְשְׁמוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | אֱשַׁם |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אִשְׁמִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אִשְׁמוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אֱשַׁמְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Leviticus 5:6 – וְהֵבִיא אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ לַיהוָה
“And he shall bring his guilt offering to the LORD…” - Numbers 5:7 – וְהִתְוַדּוּ אֶת־חַטָּאתָם אֲשֶׁר עָשׂוּ וְהֵשִׁיב
“They shall confess their sin…”—often connected to the idea of guilt (אשם). - Isaiah 53:10 – תָּשִׂ֤ים אָשָׁם֙ נַפְשֹׁ֔ו
“When his soul makes a guilt offering…”
Summary
The verb אָשַׁם expresses one of the most important moral and legal concepts in biblical thought: guilt. It is the foundation of sacrificial offerings for transgressions, a cornerstone of Israel’s covenantal ethics. Knowing how to recognize and conjugate this verb enables deeper understanding of Levitical laws, prophetic messages, and theological teachings throughout the Bible.
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