בְּנָה (be.nah)

be.nah

to build

H1124 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 18 verses

A:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 18 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb bānâ means to construct or build, appearing eighteen times in Scripture with a notable concentration in the book of Ezra. In this context, it describes the physical reconstruction of the temple and city walls after the Babylonian exile. The word covers both the act of building and the state of being built, as seen in its passive form where structures are described as having been erected.

Its usage is concrete and architectural rather than metaphorical in these occurrences. It refers to the labor of assembling materials to create a permanent structure. This focus on physical construction highlights the restoration of community life and worship centers during a period of significant historical change for the Jewish people.

The prevalence of bānâ in Ezra underscores the importance of rebuilding as a central theme of that biblical book. It serves as a tangible marker of renewal and divine provision, showing how the returned exiles worked to restore their religious identity through physical labor and communal effort.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word bānâ describes the physical act of constructing something lasting, such as a temple or city wall. In Ezra, it captures the tangible effort of returning exiles who worked to restore their worship centers after years of displacement. This verb reminds us that faith often involves practical labor and communal cooperation to establish places where God can be honored.

When we read about these builders, we see a community united by a shared purpose. They faced opposition and delays, yet they persisted in laying foundations and raising walls. This history encourages us to value the steady, often unseen work of building up our own spiritual lives and communities. It shows that God’s presence is often found in the diligence of His people.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.

to/ build6×
it will be built3×
let it be built2×
let them build1×
he built/ it1×
built1×
and/ they built1×
and/ [we are] building1×
[were] building1×
[they are] building1×
[it is] being built1×
[is] being built1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

תִּתְבְּנֵ֔א2×
תִתְבְּנֵ֔א1×
מִתְבְּנֵא֙1×
מִתְבְּנֵ֖א1×
לִ/בְּנֵֽא\׃1×
לִ/בְּנֵ֔א1×
לְ/מִבְנֵ֛א1×
לְ/מִבְנֵ֖א1×
לְ/מִבְנֵ֔א1×
לְ/מִבְנְיָ֔ה1×
יִתְבְּנֵ֥א1×
יִתְבְּנֵ֔א1×

Key Verses

Ezra 5:2
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.

This verse marks the restart of temple construction under Zerubbabel, showing how leadership and prophetic support combined to resume the building work.
Ezra 6:14
The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

The elders built and finished the house according to God's commandment, highlighting that their success came from divine direction rather than just human effort.
Ezra 5:16
Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been being built, and yet it is not completed.

This passage notes that the work had been ongoing for years without completion, illustrating the long-term patience required to see a building project through to the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does bānâ mean in the Bible?

The Hebrew verb bānâ means to build or construct. It is used primarily in the Old Testament to describe the physical erection of structures like temples, walls, and cities. In Ezra, it specifically refers to the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple after the exile.

Why is this word important in the book of Ezra?

Bānâ appears frequently in Ezra because the book focuses on the return from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple. The verb tracks the progress, opposition, and eventual completion of this central project, showing how the community restored their worship life through physical labor.

Is bānâ used metaphorically for spiritual building?

In the specific occurrences provided, the usage is concrete and architectural. It refers to actual stones, timber, and walls. While other biblical texts use building imagery for spiritual growth, Ezra uses this word to describe the literal restoration of the sanctuary.

Every Occurrence (18 verses across 1 books)

Ezra 18 verses

Ezra 4:12

Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the…

Ezra 4:13

Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…

Ezra 4:16

We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.

Ezra 4:21

Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.

Ezra 5:2

Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build God’s house which is at…

Ezra 5:3

At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…

Ezra 5:4

They also asked for the names of the men who were making this building.

Ezra 5:8

Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…

Ezra 5:9

Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”

Ezra 5:11

Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house…

Ezra 5:13

But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.

Ezra 5:15

He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in…

Ezra 5:16

Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even…

Ezra 5:17

Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…

Ezra 6:3

In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house…

Ezra 6:7

Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of…

Ezra 6:8

Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…

Ezra 6:14

The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…