Lexical Summary bahal: To be dismayed, terrified, disturbed, or alarmed Original Word: בָּהל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be make affrighted afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash, thrust out, A primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e. (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously -- be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to disturb, terrify NASB Translation dismayed (12), disturb (1), disturbed (2), eager (1), hastened (1), hastens (1), hastily (1), hasty (1), hurried (1), hurriedly (1), hurry (2), quickly (1), terrified (7), terrifies (1), terrify (3), terrifying (1), tremble (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [בָּהַל] verb (Late Hebrew id. Passive participle בהול disquieted; Pi`el disquiet; ᵑ7 Pa`el בַּהֵיל hasten, be precipitate, also dismay: but  is be quiet) — Niph`al Perfect נִבְהַל 1 Samuel 28:21; נִבְהֲלָה Psalm 6:4; נִבְהַלְתִּי Isaiah 21:3; וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי consecutive Job 21:6; נִבְהֲלוּ Genesis 45:3 +, etc.; Imperfect וַיִּבָּהֵל Judges 20:41; 2masculine singular תִּבָּהֵל Ecclesiastes 8:3; יִבָּהֵלוּ֑ן Psalm 104:29, etc.; Participle נִבְהָל Psalm 30:8; נִָֽבֳהָל Proverbs 28:22; feminine נִבְהָלָה Zephaniah 1:18; — 1 be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, Genesis 45:3 (E) Judges 20:41; 1 Samuel 28:21; 2 Samuel 4:1 ("" וַיִּרְמּוּ יָדָיו, compare Ezekiel 7:27 above); of bones of sufferer Psalm 6:3 ("" compare below Psalm 6:4); of hands of dismayed people Ezekiel 7:27; especially at chastisements & judgments of ׳י Exodus 15:15 (song, in E) Psalm 6:4 (subject נֶפֶשׁ, "" compare above Psalm 6:3) Psalm 6:11 ("" בושׁ) Psalm 30:8; compare Psalm 104:29; Psalm 83:18 ("" בושׁ) Psalm 90:7; Isaiah 13:8; Isaiah 21:3 (followed by מִן of occasion of fear) Job 23:15 (id.) Jeremiah 51:32; Ezekiel 26:18 (strike out ᵐ5 Co); Job 4:5 ("" לאה), compare also Job 21:6 as adjective terrible Zephaniah 1:18 כָּלָה אַךְנִֿבְהָלָה. 2 be in haste, hasty (late, compare Aramaic above): Ecclesiastes 8:3 מִמָּנָיו תֵּלֵךְ ׳אַלתִּֿבּ be not hasty (to) go from him; Proverbs 28:22 נִבֳהָל לַהוֺן hastening after riches. Pi`el Imperfect וַיְבַהֵל Esther 2:9; suffix יְבַהֲלֻהוּ Daniel 11:44; וִיבַהֶלְךָ Job 22:10; יְבַהֲלֵמוֺ Psalm 2:5; 2masculine singular תְּבַהֲלֵם Psalm 83:16; אַלתְּֿבַהֵל Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:9; Infinitive suffix לְבַהֲלֵנִי2Chronicles 35:21; םָ֯2Chronicles 32:18; Particle מבלהים Kt, מְבַהֲלִים Qr Ezra 4:4 (BeRy prefix Kt, see בלהּ); — 1 dismay, terrify, followed by suffix 2 Chronicles 32:18 ("" ירא), Daniel 11:44; Job 22:10 (subject מַּחַד), Psalm 2:5 (subject ׳י) Psalm 83:16 ("" רדף; subject ׳י); compare also Ezra 4:4 (see below בלהּ). 2 hasten, make haste, act hastily (late), 2 Chronicles 35:21 וֵאלֹהִים אָמַר לְבַהֲלֵנִי God hath given command to speed me (RVm); followed by infinitive make haste Esther 2:9; of hasty speech Ecclesiastes 5:1 ׳אַלתְּֿב עַלמִּֿיךָ ("" וְלִבְּךָ אַליְֿמַהֵר לְהוֺצִיא דָבָר); of anger Ecclesiastes 7:9 בְּרוּחֲךָ לִכְעוֺס ׳אַלתְּֿב. Pu`al Participle plural מְבֹהָלִים Esther 8:14, compare מְבֹהֶלֶת Qr Proverbs 20:21 (so read with Vrss Now Str; AV RV); Kt מבחלת see בחל; — hastened Esther 8:14 of royal posts ("" דְּחוּפִים); hastily gained ׳נַחֲלָה מְב Proverbs 20:21. Hiph`il Perfect suffix הִבְהִילָ֑נִי Job 23:16; Imperfect suffix וַיַּבְהִלוּהוּ2Chronicles 26:20; 3 masculine plural וַיַּבְהִלוּ Esther 6:14; — 1 dismay, terrify, followed by suffix Job 23:16 (subject שַׁדַּי; "" הֵרַךְ לִבִּי). 2 (late) hasten, hurry (transitive), 2 Chronicles 26:20 וַיַּבְהִלוּהוּ מִשָּׁם and they hurried him thence ("" נִדְחַף); make haste, followed by infinitive Esther 6:14 לְהָבִיא ׳וַיַּב and they make haste to bring Haman. Topical Lexicon Bahal (Strong’s H926) Overview Bahal portrays the sudden, disquieting alarm that seizes a person, community, or even the natural world when the Lord’s hand disrupts normal order. Whether the panic comes as judgment upon the wicked, a wake-up call to wavering covenant–keepers, or a fleeting crisis in a believer’s life, Scripture treats this fear as real, memorable, and ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God. Distribution in the Old Testament Around thirty-seven occurrences are scattered across the Torah (Genesis 45:3; Exodus 15:15), the Historical Books (1 Chronicles 28:20), Wisdom Literature (especially Psalms 6:3; 48:5; 90:7; 104:29; 143:4), and the Prophets (Isaiah 13:8; Jeremiah 49:24; Zephaniah 3:16). The concentration in Psalms underscores its devotional and pastoral importance; the prophetic cluster highlights its role in divine judgment against nations. Major Thematic Uses 1. Divine Judgment That Terrifies God can deliberately “panic” hostile nations so that they crumble before His people. “Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab” (Exodus 15:15). The same motif recurs in Isaiah 13:8 and Jeremiah 49:24, reminding readers that world powers, no matter how secure, can be unhinged at a word from the Lord. 2. Holy Fear in the Presence of God Fear grips even the righteous when confronted by unexpected manifestations of God’s power. Psalm 90:7 confesses, “For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath.” Yet the Psalmist moves from alarm to renewed trust, modeling authentic worship that neither denies fear nor allows it to prevail. 3. Personal Spiritual Distress In individual lament psalms the word exposes inner turmoil. “My soul is deeply distressed; how long, O LORD, how long?” (Psalm 6:3). The believer pours out panic before God, only to find that honest prayer becomes the pathway from alarm to assurance (Psalm 6:8-10). 4. National Crisis and Military Defeat Prophets employ bahal when enemy armies approach and morale collapses (Isaiah 19:17; Jeremiah 50:37). The panic is both psychological and theological, proving that trust in idols yields instability, while covenant faithfulness grants security (Isaiah 30:15). 5. Creation’s Response to Its Creator Psalm 104:29 transfers the concept to the animal realm: “When You hide Your face, they panic.” The verse elevates bahal from human emotion to cosmic experience, affirming that every living thing depends moment by moment on God’s sustaining favor. Historical Progression • Patriarchal period: Joseph’s brothers are “terrified in his presence” (Genesis 45:3), showing how guilt and sudden revelation intertwine. Theological Reflections • Fear as Judgment and Mercy: The same event that terrifies the impenitent may awaken repentance in the humble (Isaiah 19:22). Pastoral and Ministry Significance 1. Diagnosing Fear Bahal warns that unchecked panic often flows from misplaced trust. Pastors can guide believers to examine whether their dread signals an idol in the heart or merely a trial calling for deeper dependence on God. 2. Proclaiming Assurance Verses such as 1 Chronicles 28:20 rescue the anxious: “Be strong and courageous… do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD God… is with you.” Echoing this promise, ministry can replace paralyzing fear with confident obedience. 3. Interceding for the Nations Prophetic uses encourage prayer that God would graciously “alarm” hostile powers, not only to restrain evil but to open doors for the gospel. 4. Preparing for Eschatological Realities Zephaniah 3:16 anticipates a day when Zion “will not fear.” Preaching the consummation of redemption helps believers face present alarms with hope: what terrifies now will be banished then. Summary Bahal illumines the anatomy of fear from Genesis to the Prophets. Whether describing Joseph’s brothers, besieged cities, or trembling saints, the word insists that panic is never ultimate. The Lord who provokes righteous terror also speaks peace, leading His people from alarm to adoration and ensuring that final deliverance belongs to those who trust in Him. Forms and Transliterations אֶבָּהֵ֑ל אבהל הִבְהִילָֽנִי׃ הבהילני׃ וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ ׀ וְיִבָּהֲל֣וּ וְיִבָּהֲל֥וּ וְנִבְהֲל֛וּ וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי וִֽ֝יבַהֶלְךָ וַ֠יְבַהֵל וַיִּבָּהֵ֖ל וַיַּבְהִ֙לוּ֙ וַיַּבְהִל֖וּהוּ וַתִּבָּהֵֽל׃ וּֽלְבַהֲלָ֑ם ויבהל ויבהלו ויבהלוהו ויבהלך ולבהלם ונבהלו ונבהלתי ותבהל׃ יְבַהֲלֵֽמוֹ׃ יְבַהֲלֻ֔הוּ יִֽבָּהֵ֫ל֥וּן יבהלהו יבהלון יבהלמו׃ לְבַֽהֲלֵ֑נִי לבהלני מְבֹהָלִ֥ים מבהלים נִֽבֳהָ֥ל נִבְהֲל֖וּ נִבְהֲל֣וּ נִבְהֲל֥וּ נִבְהֲלָ֣ה נִבְהֲלוּ֙ נִבְהַ֖לְתִּי נִבְהַ֣ל נִבְהָֽלְנוּ׃ נִבְהָֽל׃ נִבְהָֽלוּ׃ נִבְהָלָה֙ נבהל נבהל׃ נבהלה נבהלו נבהלו׃ נבהלנו׃ נבהלתי תְּבַהֵ֥ל תְּבַהֵ֨ל תְבַהֲלֵֽם׃ תִּבָּהֵ֤ל תִּבָּהַ֑לְנָה תבהל תבהלם׃ תבהלנה ’eb·bā·hêl ’ebbāhêl ebbaHel hiḇ·hî·lā·nî hiḇhîlānî hivhiLani lə·ḇa·hă·lê·nî ləḇahălênî levahaLeni mə·ḇō·hā·lîm məḇōhālîm mevohaLim ni·ḇo·hāl niḇ·hă·lāh niḇ·hā·lāh niḇ·hā·lə·nū niḇ·hă·lū niḇ·hā·lū niḇ·hal niḇ·hāl niḇ·hal·tî niḇhal niḇhāl niḇhălāh niḇhālāh niḇhālənū niḇhaltî niḇhălū niḇhālū niḇohāl nivHal nivhaLah nivHalnu nivHalti nivhaLu nivoHal ṯə·ḇa·hă·lêm tə·ḇa·hêl ṯəḇahălêm təḇahêl tevahaLem tevaHel tib·bā·hal·nāh tib·bā·hêl tibbaHalnah tibbāhalnāh tibbaHel tibbāhêl ū·lə·ḇa·hă·lām ūləḇahălām ulevahaLam vaiyavHilu vaiyavhiLuhu vaiyibbaHel vattibbaHel Vayvahel venivHalti venivHalu veyibbahaLu Vivahelcha wat·tib·bā·hêl wattibbāhêl way·ḇa·hêl way·yaḇ·hi·lū way·yaḇ·hi·lū·hū way·yib·bā·hêl wayḇahêl wayyaḇhilū wayyaḇhilūhū wayyibbāhêl wə·niḇ·hā·lə·tî wə·niḇ·hă·lū wə·niḇ·hā·lū wə·yib·bā·hă·lū wəniḇhālətî wəniḇhălū wəniḇhālū wəyibbāhălū wî·ḇa·hel·ḵā wîḇahelḵā yə·ḇa·hă·lê·mōw yə·ḇa·hă·lu·hū yəḇahălêmōw yəḇahăluhū yevahaLemov yevahaLuhu yib·bā·hê·lūn yibbaHeLun yibbāhêlūnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 45:3 HEB: אֹת֔וֹ כִּ֥י נִבְהֲל֖וּ מִפָּנָֽיו׃ NAS: not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. KJV: not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. INT: answer for were dismayed his presence Exodus 15:15 Judges 20:41 1 Samuel 28:21 2 Samuel 4:1 2 Chronicles 26:20 2 Chronicles 32:18 2 Chronicles 35:21 Esther 2:9 Esther 6:14 Esther 8:14 Job 4:5 Job 21:6 Job 22:10 Job 23:15 Job 23:16 Psalm 2:5 Psalm 6:2 Psalm 6:3 Psalm 6:10 Psalm 30:7 Psalm 48:5 Psalm 83:15 Psalm 83:17 Psalm 90:7 37 Occurrences |
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