בְּהַל (be.hal)
be.hal
to dismay
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb be.hal carries a sense of sudden disturbance, primarily meaning to frighten or dismay. In its most common Pual form, it describes a state of being startled or alarmed by an external threat. This usage appears seven times in the Old Testament, with a heavy concentration in the book of Daniel, where it captures the visceral reaction of kings and rulers facing divine judgment or mysterious visions.
While less frequent, the Ithpa'al stem introduces a related nuance: to hurry or hasten. This suggests that the shock of being dismayed can lead to frantic action, as if one is rushing away from fear. The participle form also describes someone who is in a state of alarm, emphasizing the lingering anxiety rather than just the initial moment of fright.
Translators often render this word as "dismay," "frightened," or "alarmed." In Daniel 4:19, for instance, King Nebuchadnezzar’s spirit is troubled by a dream, reflecting this deep inner disturbance. The word highlights how overwhelming events can shake a person’s composure, leaving them in a state of urgent confusion or fear.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word be.hal describes a sudden, physical shock that leaves a person trembling or confused. It is not merely worry about the future, but a visceral reaction to something overwhelming and unexpected. In the Old Testament, this reaction often appears when human power meets divine mystery, leaving even kings unable to maintain their composure.
For believers today, this word reminds us that our strength is not found in having all the answers or remaining calm at all times. When life brings sudden changes or confusing visions, it is okay to feel shaken. The biblical figures who experienced this dismay still sought God’s wisdom rather than hiding in their fear.
Ultimately, this term points to a humble recognition that we do not control every outcome. By bringing our confusion before the Lord, we find peace that surpasses understanding. You are not alone when your heart is troubled; God meets us in those moments of uncertainty with grace and clarity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they alarmed/ me2×
- in/ haste2×
- they alarmed/ him1×
- they alarm/ you1×
- [was] alarmed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִתְבָּהַ֔ל1×
- יְבַהֲלוּנֵּ֑/הּ1×
- יְבַהֲלוּ/ךְ֙1×
- יְבַהֲלֻנַּֽ/נִי\׃1×
- יְבַהֲלֻנַּ֗/נִי1×
- בְּ/הִתְבְּהָלָ֔ה1×
- בְּ/הִתְבְּהָלָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:6
Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another.
This verse captures the physical reality of be.hal, where Belshazzar’s knees knock together as he faces divine judgment.
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Daniel 7:15
“As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
Daniel experiences this same inner grief and trouble when witnessing heavenly visions, showing that even prophets felt human fear.
-
Daniel 5:9
Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.
The king’s changed face and troubled thoughts illustrate how be.hal disrupts both emotional stability and physical appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word be.hal mean?
Where is this word most commonly found in the Bible?
How is be.hal different from general anxiety?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 7 verses
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said this to him: “I have found a man of the children of…
Daniel 3:24Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste. He spoke and said to his counselors, “Didn’t we cast…
Daniel 5:6Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and…
Daniel 5:9Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.
Daniel 5:10The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O…
Daniel 7:15“As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
Daniel 7:28“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face was changed in me; but…