בָּדַל (ba.dal)
ba.dal
to separate
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb badal means to divide or separate, often with a sense of creating a clear distinction between things that were previously mixed or indistinguishable. In the Old Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from the cosmic separation of light from darkness in Genesis 1:4 to the ritual division of clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11. The word carries a strong connotation of setting something apart for a specific purpose or identity.
A key feature of badal is its use in establishing boundaries, whether physical or moral. For instance, God separates waters from dry land (Genesis 1:6), and priests are instructed to distinguish between holy and common, clean and unclean (Leviticus 10:10). This act of separation is not merely destructive but creative, defining order out of chaos. The related noun badal implies a difference or distinction, reinforcing the idea that separation creates identity.
Translators often render badal as "separate," "divide," or "distinguish," depending on context. In Leviticus 20:26, God commands Israel to separate themselves from other nations, highlighting the word’s theological weight in defining a people set apart for God. The verb thus bridges physical division and spiritual consecration, showing how boundaries shape both creation and covenant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word badal describes a deliberate act of separation that creates order and identity. In Genesis, God divides light from darkness and waters from dry land, establishing the structure of creation. This is not merely destruction but the setting apart of distinct purposes. When you encounter this concept in Scripture, it reminds you that distinction is often the first step toward holiness and clarity.
In the life of faith, this separation defines who we are called to be. God sets Israel apart from other nations, not for isolation, but for a specific relationship with Him. This pattern continues as priests distinguish between holy and common items, teaching that some things are reserved for sacred use. Your own life involves similar boundaries, where you set aside time, habits, or relationships to honor God.
Understanding this word helps you see that being set apart is a gift rather than a burden. It clarifies your path by removing ambiguity about what belongs to God. As you navigate daily choices, remember that these distinctions guide you toward a life of purpose and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he separated3×
- you will set apart2×
- to/ separate2×
- separating2×
- he will separate [it]2×
- he set apart2×
- and/ you will separate2×
- and/ to/ separate2×
- and/ they separated themselves2×
- I have separated2×
- you have separated/ them1×
- they have separated themselves1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/הַבְדִּ֕יל2×
- וּֽ/לֲ/הַבְדִּ֔יל2×
- וַ/יַּבְדֵּ֣ל2×
- הִבְדַּ֥לְתִּי2×
- תַּבְדִּ֥יל1×
- תַּבְדִּ֣יל1×
- נִבְדְּל֞וּ1×
- מַבְדִּלִ֔ים1×
- מַבְדִּ֔יל1×
- יַבְדִּילַ֛/נִי1×
- יַבְדִּיל֒1×
- יַבְדִּֽיל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 1:4
God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.
This verse establishes the foundational pattern where separation brings light into existence and defines order out of chaos.
-
Leviticus 20:26
You shall be holy to me, for I, Yahweh, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that you should be mine.
Here the term connects physical distinction with spiritual identity, explaining why Israel is called to be holy as God is holy.
-
Exodus 26:33
You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.
The veil physically separates the holy place from the most holy, illustrating how boundaries protect sacred space and define access to God.
-
Leviticus 10:10
You are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.
Priests are instructed to make a distinction between holy and common, showing that this word requires active discernment in worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word badal mean?
How is badal different from other words for separation?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 5 verses
God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.
Genesis 1:6God said, “Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.”
Genesis 1:7God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse;…
Genesis 1:14God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to…
Genesis 1:18and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good.