בְּעָא (be.a)
be.a
to ask
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb be’a means to ask, seek, or make a petition. In the Old Testament, it appears only six times, all within the book of Daniel. This limited usage highlights its specific role in narratives where characters request favor or intervention from God or human authorities.
While it generally covers asking and seeking, the context often distinguishes between simple requests and those aimed at gaining advantage or mercy. For example, when individuals seek favor, the term implies a deliberate effort to obtain goodwill or relief, rather than just casual inquiry. Translators typically render it as "ask" or "seek," depending on whether the focus is on the request itself or the desire for a favorable outcome.
Its exclusive presence in Daniel underscores the book’s themes of prayer and divine response. The word captures moments where believers actively turn to God, reflecting a relationship built on communication and trust. This concise usage reminds readers that seeking God is a central act of faith in times of uncertainty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word be’a appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, marking moments where individuals actively seek God’s intervention or human favor. It is not a casual inquiry but a deliberate petition for mercy or wisdom. When Daniel and his friends faced death, they did not panic; instead, they asked for time to seek divine help. This verb reminds us that faith involves bringing our specific needs directly to the Lord.
In your own life, this word encourages honest communication with God. Whether you are seeking clarity in a difficult decision or asking for protection from harm, be’a shows that God welcomes these requests. It is an act of trust to admit we need help and to wait for His response. The text highlights that such petitions are met with divine attention, offering comfort in times of uncertainty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we asked1×
- to/ ask1×
- he asked1×
- and/ they sought1×
- and/ he asked1×
- I was asking1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/מִבְעֵא֙1×
- וּ/בְעָ֣ה1×
- וּ/בְע֛וֹ1×
- בְּעָ֣א1×
- בְעֵ֣ינָא1×
- אֶבְעֵֽא\־1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:18
that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
This verse shows the word used for seeking mercy from God to avoid death, highlighting its role in desperate prayer.
-
Daniel 2:16
Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.
Here Daniel asks the king for time, demonstrating how the term applies to requesting opportunity rather than just divine favor.
-
Daniel 7:16
I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. “So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
Daniel uses this verb to ask an attendant for the truth behind a vision, showing its use in seeking understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word be’a mean?
Why is be’a only found in Daniel?
How is be’a different from other words for asking?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
So the decree went out, and the wise men were to be slain. They sought Daniel and his companions to be slain.
Daniel 2:16Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation.
Daniel 2:18that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not…
Daniel 2:23I thank you and praise you, O God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what…
Daniel 2:49Daniel requested of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of…
Daniel 7:16I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. “So he told me, and made me know…