What does בָּקַר mean in the Bible?
e. (figuratively) to inspect , admire , care for , consider".
Hebrew · H1239
בָּקַר
Properly, to plough , or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect , admire , care for , consider
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
בָּקַרH1239
What does בָּקַר mean in the Bible?
בָּקַר is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to plough , or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect , admire , care for , consider".
Full entry for בָּקַר (H1239) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H1239?
The BSB source-word alignment has 7 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include and seek Him (1), and seek them out (1), I will look for (1), inspect (1), look for (1).
Where does בָּקַר appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Leviticus 13:36. Its strongest book concentrations include Ezekiel (2), Leviticus (2), 2 Kings (1), Proverbs (1).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders Itand seek Him1×Psalms 27:4
and seek them out1×Ezekiel 34:11
I will look for1×Ezekiel 34:12
inspect1×Leviticus 27:33
look for1×Leviticus 13:36
to reconsider1×Proverbs 20:25
to seek guidance1×2 Kings 16:15
Show sample aligned rows
Leviticus 13:36יְבַקֵּ֧רtolook forVerb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singularLeviticus 27:33יְבַקֵּ֛רtoinspectVerb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular2 Kings 16:15לְבַקֵּֽר׃toto seek guidancePreposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive constructPsalms 27:4וּלְבַקֵּ֥רtoand seek HimConjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive constructProverbs 20:25לְבַקֵּֽר׃toto reconsiderPreposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive constructEzekiel 34:11וּבִקַּרְתִּֽים׃toand seek them outConjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine pluralEzekiel 34:12אֲבַקֵּ֣רtoI will look forVerb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowLeviticus 13:36
Aligned rows7
Books represented5
Leviticus22 Kings1Psalms1Proverbs1Ezekiel2
Source forms
לְבַקֵּֽר׃2xlə·ḇaq·qêr2 Kings 16:15, Proverbs 20:25
אֲבַקֵּ֣ר1x’ă·ḇaq·qêrEzekiel 34:12
וּבִקַּרְתִּֽים׃1xū·ḇiq·qar·tîmEzekiel 34:11
וּלְבַקֵּ֥ר1xū·lə·ḇaq·qêrPsalms 27:4
יְבַקֵּ֧ר1xyə·ḇaq·qêrLeviticus 13:36
יְבַקֵּ֛ר1xyə·ḇaq·qêrLeviticus 27:33
Parsing patterns
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct2x2 Kings 16:15, Proverbs 20:25
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular2xLeviticus 13:36, Leviticus 27:33
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural1xEzekiel 34:11
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct1xPsalms 27:4
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular1xEzekiel 34:12
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. properly, to plough , or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect , admire , care for , consider
Source Gloss
properly, to plough , or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect , admire , care for , consider
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider BDB: inquire Usage: (make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups1Aligned forms3
Pielintensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action3×
ImperfectLev 13:36 · Lev 27:33 · Ezek 34:123×
Word Origins
בָּקַר is a primitive root - no further derivation.