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בַּקָּשָׁה (baq.qa.shah)

baq.qa.shah

request

H1246 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Definition

Definition

request, entreaty, petition

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[בַּקָּשָׁה] n.m. request, entreaty

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

request, entreaty, petition

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When we bring our needs before God or those in authority, we are engaging with a fundamental human act of dependence. This Hebrew word for request captures the specific moment when a need is articulated clearly. It reminds us that faith often involves speaking our truth into existence rather than keeping it hidden.

In the book of Esther, this term highlights how courage and timing intersect. Esther did not just hope for deliverance; she made a formal request to the king. This shows that while God works in mysterious ways, He also invites us to take responsible steps to bring our situations into the open.

Your own prayers are a form of this sacred request. You do not need to guess what is needed; you can state your desires honestly. Whether asking for wisdom or protection, bringing your case forward with clarity is a powerful way to align your heart with God’s provision and peace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • [is] request/ your4×
  • request/ my1×
  • request/ his1×
  • for/ request/ my1×
  • and/ request/ my1×

Forms in the text

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

  • בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛/ךְ3×
  • וּ/בַקָּשָׁתִֽ/י\׃1×
  • בַּקָּשָׁתֽ/וֹ\׃\ \פ1×
  • בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥/ךְ1×
  • בַּקָּשָׁתִ֑/י1×
  • בְּ/בַקָּשָׁתִֽ/י\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Esther 5:3
    Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.”

    The king explicitly asks for the request, showing that clear communication invites generous response.

  • Esther 7:3
    Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.

    Esther uses this term to plead for her life and people, linking the request directly to survival.

  • Ezra 7:6
    this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to Yahweh his God’s hand on him.

    The king grants Ezra's request because God’s hand was upon him, showing divine favor backing human petitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word baq.qa.shah mean?

It is a noun that translates to 'request' or 'petition.' It refers to a specific appeal made to someone in authority for help, permission, or justice.

How is this word different from other words for prayer?

While many Hebrew words cover general communication with God, baq.qa.shah specifically denotes a formal request or petition. It emphasizes the content of what is being asked for rather than the act of worship itself.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in Ezra and Esther. These contexts show it used in royal courts where subjects petitioned kings for favor or protection.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)