בִּי (bi)
bi
please
H:PartQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Part
Word Overview
The Hebrew particle bi functions as a polite marker of address, roughly equivalent to "please" or "excuse me." It does not carry lexical meaning on its own but serves to soften an entreaty, signaling respect for the listener’s authority or status. In the biblical text, it appears twelve times, often introducing requests that require careful handling due to their sensitive nature.
This particle is most frequently found in narrative contexts involving high-stakes interactions. For instance, it opens Abraham’s plea to God regarding Sodom in Genesis 18:30, where he negotiates the fate of the city with reverent caution. It also appears in Judges and 1 Kings, typically when a speaker approaches a figure of power—whether a prophet, king, or divine judge—to make a request that might otherwise seem presumptuous.
Its presence highlights the cultural importance of humility in petition. By using bi, the speaker acknowledges the gap between their position and that of the one being addressed. Translators often render this nuance through tone rather than a specific word choice, as English "please" lacks the same formal weight. The particle reminds readers that biblical requests are framed within relationships of respect and deference.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bi acts as a polite marker, softening requests to show respect for the listener’s authority. It appears twelve times in Scripture, often when individuals approach figures of power with humility. This particle reminds us that biblical petitions are framed within relationships of deference and care.
In Genesis 44:18, Judah uses bi before asking Pharaoh’s steward to listen, acknowledging the gap between his position and the king’s. Similarly, Moses employs it in Exodus 4:13 when pleading with God to send someone else. These moments highlight how reverence shapes our communication.
This word invites us to consider how we approach those in authority or even God Himself. It encourages a tone of humility and respect in our own prayers and interactions, fostering relationships built on mutual honor rather than presumption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pardon me11×
- pardon us1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּ֣י11×
- בִּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 44:18
Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh.
Judah uses bi to soften his plea before Pharaoh’s steward, showing how the particle acknowledges authority while making a sensitive request.
-
Exodus 4:13
Moses said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else.”
Moses includes bi in his desperate appeal to God, highlighting how even bold petitions can be framed with reverent humility.
-
Numbers 12:11
Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, please don’t count this sin against us, in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned.
Aaron employs bi when asking Moses not to count their sin, demonstrating the particle’s role in seeking mercy from a superior.