Verb Study: אָכַל — “to eat, consume”

The Hebrew verb אָכַל (ʾakhal) means “to eat,” but it also extends metaphorically to mean “to consume,” “to devour,” or even “to destroy.” It is one of the most common verbs in the Bible and is used in both literal and figurative contexts — such as people eating food, or fire consuming offerings, or judgment consuming the wicked.

Below is a complete conjugation of אָכַל in the Qal stem, covering all major tenses and persons. All Hebrew forms are bolded for clarity.

Past Tense (Perfect) — Qal

Present Tense (Participle) — Qal

Future Tense (Imperfect) — Qal

Imperative Mood — Qal

Usage in the Hebrew Bible

The verb אָכַל is one of the first verbs used in the Torah. For example, in Genesis 2:16:

“וַיְצַו יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים עַל-הָאָדָם לֵאמֹר מִכֹּל עֵץ-הַגָּן אָכֹל תֹּאכֵל”

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, From every tree of the garden you may surely eat.”

In many prophetic passages, the verb is used metaphorically — fire eats or consumes (e.g., Amos 1:4, “And I will send fire… and it shall devour”). This consuming aspect connects the verb also with destruction and judgment.

Key Insights

אָכַל is not just a physical action — it’s also a theological and poetic concept. It speaks of nourishment and destruction, blessing and judgment. From divine provision to fiery judgment, the verb plays a rich role in shaping the language and themes of the Hebrew Bible.

Additional Conjugations of אָכַל — Niphal, Piel, Hiphil

The verb אָכַל appears not only in the Qal stem, but also in Niphal (passive), Piel (intensive), and Hiphil (causative) forms in the Hebrew Bible. Each stem contributes different nuances to the meaning of the verb — being consumed, devouring thoroughly, or causing to consume.

Niphal — “to be eaten” / “to be consumed”

Past Tense (Perfect)

Present Tense (Participle)

Future Tense (Imperfect)

Piel — “to consume thoroughly” / “devour”

Past Tense (Perfect)

Present Tense (Participle)

Future Tense (Imperfect)

Imperative Mood

Hiphil — “to cause to eat” / “to feed”

Past Tense (Perfect)

Present Tense (Participle)

Future Tense (Imperfect)

Imperative Mood

Summary

The verb אָכַל is among the most dynamic and theologically rich verbs in the Hebrew Bible. Its various stems add meaning: Qal for basic eating, Niphal for passive consumption, Piel for intensified devouring, and Hiphil for causing others to eat (feeding). Understanding these conjugations deepens one’s appreciation of narrative, law, and prophecy in Scripture.