בָּנָה (ba.nah)
ba.nah
to build
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 300 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb banah means to build, but its scope extends far beyond construction projects. While it frequently describes erecting physical structures like cities, walls, and temples, it also applies to building altars and even the deck of a ship (Ezekiel 27:5). This breadth shows that for ancient Israelites, building was an act of creating order and permanence in a chaotic world.
A striking nuance appears when banah is used metaphorically. It can mean establishing a family line or giving someone a stable home. In Jeremiah 24:6, God promises to build up the exiles rather than tear them down, using construction imagery to describe restoration and security. Similarly, Genesis 16:2 links the idea of building with obtaining children, suggesting that a lasting legacy is itself a structure being raised.
The word’s root sense involves setting something firm and enduring. Translators often render it simply as "build," but this can miss the weight of establishing something that will stand. Whether referring to Solomon’s temple or the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, banah carries the implication of intentional, lasting creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word banah carries the weight of creating something that endures. It is not merely about stacking stones or raising walls; it is about establishing order, stability, and a lasting place in a world that often feels chaotic. When you see this word used for building altars or cities, it points to an intentional act of setting boundaries and making room for God’s presence.
This concept extends beyond physical structures into the very fabric of family and legacy. In Scripture, God promises to build up His people rather than tear them down (Jeremiah 24:6). This means that your life, your relationships, and your faith are being constructed with purpose. Even when circumstances seem unstable, you can trust that God is laying a firm foundation for your future.
Consider how Noah built an altar after the flood (Genesis 8:20) or how Abram built altars as he traveled (Genesis 12:7). These were not just religious rituals but acts of anchoring themselves in God’s promises. Your daily life offers similar opportunities to build something meaningful by prioritizing worship, community, and integrity. This is a reminder that what you construct today matters for tomorrow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 300 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he built59×
- to/ build38×
- he built24×
- he will build11×
- he had built11×
- I have built11×
- you will build10×
- and/ they built9×
- build6×
- and/ you will build5×
- they built4×
- and/ they will rebuild4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּ֥בֶן10×
- לִ/בְנ֥וֹת9×
- לִ/בְנ֣וֹת9×
- וַ/יִּ֤בֶן9×
- וַ/יִּבֶן֩8×
- וַ/יִּ֙בֶן֙8×
- בָּנָ֣ה8×
- בָּנָ֖ה7×
- וַ/יִּ֧בֶן6×
- לִ/בְנֽוֹת\־5×
- לִ/בְנ֤וֹת5×
- בָּנָ֥ה5×
Key Verses
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Genesis 8:20
Noah built an altar to Yahweh, and took of every clean animal, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Noah builds an altar as an act of worship and gratitude after the flood, establishing a place of encounter with God.
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Genesis 12:7
Yahweh appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” He built an altar there to Yahweh, who had appeared to him.
Abram builds an altar immediately after God promises him the land, marking the spot where God’s word becomes tangible.
-
Genesis 33:17
Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
Jacob builds a house for himself and shelters for his livestock, showing the practical aspect of banah in establishing a stable home.
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Exodus 17:15
Moses built an altar, and called its name “Yahweh our Banner”.
Moses names an altar 'Yahweh our Banner,' using the structure to commemorate God’s victory and provide a lasting reminder of His protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does banah mean in the Bible?
How is banah different from other words for building?
Where does banah appear most frequently?
Does banah only refer to physical structures?
Every Occurrence (300 verses across 32 books)
Genesis 16 verses
Yahweh God made a woman from the rib which he had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
Genesis 4:17Cain knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city, and named the city after the name of his…
Genesis 8:20Noah built an altar to Yahweh, and took of every clean animal, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on…
Genesis 10:11Out of that land he went into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah,
Genesis 11:4They said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make a name for…
Genesis 11:5Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built.
Genesis 11:8So Yahweh scattered them abroad from there on the surface of all the earth. They stopped building the city.
Genesis 12:7Yahweh appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” He built an altar there to Yahweh, who…
Genesis 12:8He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai…
Genesis 13:18Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.
Genesis 16:2Sarai said to Abram, “See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will…
Genesis 22:9They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound…
Genesis 26:25He built an altar there, and called on Yahweh’s name, and pitched his tent there. There Isaac’s servants dug a well.
Genesis 30:3She said, “Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her.”
Genesis 33:17Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place…
Genesis 35:7He built an altar there, and called the place El Beth El; because there God was revealed to him, when he fled from the…