Hebrew · H974, H3629, H3820

בֹּחֵן כְּלָיוֹת וָלֵב

To test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate · a kidney (as an essential organ ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self) · the heart ; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings , the will and even the intellect ; likewise for the centre of anything

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 the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.

Words in this compound — expand to study each participant

בָּחַן H974 to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
Pronunciation yiḇḥănû
Testing that reveals true quality through refinement; metaphorically, trial that exposes character or faith.
Open lexicon entry →
כִּלְיָה H3629 a kidney (as an essential organ ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
Pronunciation kelayot
Kidneys as seat of inner emotions and moral consciousness, especially in covenantal loyalty and divine testing.
Open lexicon entry →
לֵב H3820 the heart ; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings , the will and even the intellect ; likewise for the centre of anything
Pronunciation lev
The seat of will, intellect, and emotion—the inner moral and spiritual center governing all human motivation and choice.
Open lexicon entry →

What does בֹּחֵן כְּלָיוֹת וָלֵב (bochen kelayot valev) mean in the Bible?

בָּחַן · כִּלְיָה · לֵב is a Hebrew phrase meaning "test kidneys and heart, examine inner person".

Full entry for בֹּחֵן כְּלָיוֹת וָלֵב (H974, H3629, H3820) · Open the biblical lexicon

Questions this entry answers

What does בָּחַן · כִּלְיָה · לֵב mean in the Bible?

בָּחַן · כִּלְיָה · לֵב is a Hebrew phrase meaning "test kidneys and heart, examine inner person".

How many biblical occurrences are listed for H974, H3629, H3820?

H974, H3629, H3820 is connected to 656 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.

Evidence Summary

Hebrew phrase. test kidneys and heart, examine inner person

Source Gloss

test kidneys and heart, examine inner person
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 groups 3 Aligned forms 13
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 10×
Participle active 1Chr 29:17 · Jer 11:20 · Jer 17:10 · Jer 20:12
Imperfect Job 12:11 · Job 34:3 · Ps 11:4 · Ps 11:5
Perfect Mal 3:15 · Ps 17:3
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject
Perfect Ezek 21:18
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action
Imperfect Gen 42:15 · Job 34:36
Sources