בָּקַשׁ (ba.qash)
ba.qash
to seek
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 188 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb baqash means to search for something with intent, whether that object is a person, an answer, or a physical place. In the Hebrew Bible it appears frequently in narratives and prayers, describing active efforts to locate what is missing or desired. For example, Jacob’s brothers go out to find Joseph (Genesis 37:15), while David seeks God’s presence in times of distress (Psalm 34:14). The word captures a deliberate movement toward a goal rather than passive waiting.
A key feature of this verb is its use in the Piel stem, which intensifies the action. This form often describes seeking someone’s face, a phrase that can mean literally visiting a superior or metaphorically pursuing God in worship. In 1 Samuel 28:7, King Saul seeks a medium to consult the dead, showing how the word applies even to desperate, unauthorized spiritual inquiries. The sources note that it can also mean to demand or require something, as when laws are exacted or penalties are sought.
The root likely relates to touching or feeling, suggesting a hands-on approach to finding what is needed. Unlike words that imply casual inquiry, baqash carries weight and urgency. Translators often render it simply as "seek," but the Hebrew context usually reveals whether the search is physical, legal, or spiritual. This range of meaning helps readers see how ancient Israelites connected daily needs with deeper spiritual longings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word baqash describes a deliberate search, whether looking for lost items or seeking God’s presence. It implies active effort rather than passive waiting. When we turn to Scripture, this term reminds us that faith involves moving toward what matters most.
In Deuteronomy 4:29, the promise is clear: those who seek Yahweh with all their heart will find Him. This assurance encourages us to pursue a relationship with God through prayer and study. The search is not about earning favor but about connecting with the One who desires to be found.
Even in difficult seasons, like Saul’s search for lost donkeys or Gideon’s quiet calling, baqash shows that God meets us in our honest quests. Whether seeking guidance, peace, or direction, we can trust that He responds to those who look for Him with sincerity and open hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 188 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ seek22×
- [those who] seek15×
- seek9×
- and/ he sought9×
- [are] seeking9×
- he seeks7×
- [is] seeking7×
- I will seek5×
- they have sought3×
- seeking3×
- he sought3×
- and/ to/ seek3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְבַקְשֵׁ֣י9×
- לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ7×
- מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ5×
- מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ4×
- מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ4×
- לְ/בַקֵּ֣שׁ4×
- וַ/יְבַקֵּ֥שׁ4×
- וַ/יְבַקְשׁוּ֙4×
- מְבַקֶּשׁ\־3×
- מְבַקְשִׁ֖ים3×
- לְ/בַקֵּשׁ֙3×
- לְ/בַקֵּ֖שׁ3×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you shall seek Yahweh your God, and you will find him when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
This verse promises that seeking Yahweh with all heart and soul leads to finding Him, highlighting the spiritual depth of the word.
-
Exodus 33:7
Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and he called it “The Tent of Meeting.” Everyone who sought Yahweh went out to the Tent of Meeting, which was outside the camp.
Moses pitched a tent outside the camp where everyone who sought Yahweh would go out, showing baqash as communal pursuit of God's presence.
-
Genesis 37:16
He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”
Jacob’s son asks where his brothers are feeding the flock, illustrating the physical search for loved ones that defines the root meaning.
-
I Samuel 9:3
The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. Kish said to Saul his son, “Now take one of the servants with you, and arise, go look for the donkeys.”
Saul is sent to look for lost donkeys, demonstrating how baqash applies to everyday concerns before leading to a divine encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word baqash mean?
How is baqash different from other words for 'ask'?
Where does baqash appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (188 verses across 31 books)
Genesis 5 verses
That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by…
Genesis 37:15A certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. The man asked him, “What are you looking for?”
Genesis 37:16He said, “I am looking for my brothers. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock.”
Genesis 43:9I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you,…
Genesis 43:30Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and…