Quick Answer
The word “behold” in the Bible generally means “look,” “see,” “pay attention,” or “take notice.” It is an expression used to draw attention to something important.
In older English Bible translations, especially the King James Version (KJV), “behold” appears frequently. It can introduce an important event, person, message, promise, or revelation.
For example, Genesis 1:31 says:
“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”
Here, “behold” draws attention to the condition of God’s creation.
Another famous example is Matthew 1:23:
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel.”
In this context, “behold” directs the reader’s attention to something remarkable.
So, when you encounter “behold” in the Bible, you can often understand it as:
“Look!”
“Pay attention!”
“See this!”
“Take notice of what is happening.”
What Does “Behold” Mean in the Bible?
The word behold is an old English expression that means to look at, observe, see, or pay attention to something.
The word is especially common in older English Bible translations because translators used it to represent Hebrew and Greek expressions that call attention to something.
In Scripture, “behold” can serve several purposes.
It may:
- introduce something surprising,
- emphasize an important event,
- draw attention to God’s work,
- introduce a divine message,
- highlight a person or object,
- announce something that is about to happen,
- or encourage the reader to stop and notice something significant.
Therefore, “behold” isn’t merely decorative language.
It often tells the reader:
“Pay attention. What follows is important.”
Why Does the Bible Say “Behold” So Often?
Biblical writers often wanted their readers or listeners to notice something important.
Imagine someone saying:
“Look!”
That immediately gets your attention.
“Behold” often functions in a similar way.
For example:
“Behold, the Lamb of God!”
John the Baptist wasn’t simply mentioning Jesus.
He was directing people’s attention toward Him.
The word helps create a sense of announcement and importance.
Behold Meaning in Hebrew
One important Hebrew word translated as “behold” is hinneh (הִנֵּה).
The Hebrew expression is frequently used to call attention to something.
Depending on the context, it can communicate ideas such as:
- behold,
- look,
- see,
- here,
- now,
- notice,
- or pay attention.
It functions as an attention-grabbing expression.
For example, Genesis 1 repeatedly describes God’s creative work. Genesis 1:31 says:
“And, behold, it was very good.”
The expression directs attention toward the completed creation and its goodness.
Behold Meaning in Greek
In the New Testament, the Greek word idou (ἰδού) is frequently translated as “behold.”
It is related to the idea of seeing and is commonly used to call attention to something.
For example, Matthew 1:20 says:
“Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream.”
The word draws the reader’s attention to the extraordinary event that follows.
Similarly, Matthew 3:16 says:
“And, lo, the heavens were opened unto him…”
Different English translations may render these attention-getting expressions as:
- behold,
- look,
- see,
- suddenly,
- or other equivalent wording.
The exact English wording can therefore differ between translations.
1. “Behold” in Genesis 1:31
Genesis 1:31 says:
“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”
This is one of the earliest uses of the word in the Bible.
The word “behold” emphasizes the result of God’s creation.
God saw everything He had made.
Then Scripture invites us to take notice:
“Behold, it was very good.”
The word gives emphasis to the goodness and completeness of creation.
Lesson
Sometimes “behold” tells us to stop and recognize God’s work.
2. “Behold” in Genesis 22:13
When Abraham was tested with Isaac, Genesis 22:13 says:
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns.”
Here, “behold” introduces something Abraham suddenly sees.
The ram becomes the provision that Abraham can offer instead of Isaac.
The word helps emphasize the unexpected discovery.
Lesson
In this passage, “behold” draws attention to God’s provision.
3. “Behold” in Exodus 3:2
When Moses encountered the burning bush, Exodus 3:2 says:
“And he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.”
The word emphasizes the unusual nature of what Moses saw.
A bush was burning.
But it wasn’t being destroyed.
This was the beginning of Moses’ encounter with God at Horeb.
Lesson
“Behold” can introduce something extraordinary that demands attention.
4. “Behold” in 1 Samuel 17:23
When David arrived at the battlefield, Scripture says:
“And, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name…”
The word introduces Goliath’s appearance.
It essentially tells the reader:
Pay attention—here comes Goliath.
This contributes to the dramatic presentation of the story.
5. “Behold” in Isaiah 7:14
One of the most famous uses of “behold” occurs in Isaiah 7:14:
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Here, “behold” introduces a significant prophetic announcement.
The reader is being told to pay attention to what follows.
Matthew later applies this prophecy to the birth of Jesus.
6. “Behold” in Matthew 1:23
Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah:
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel.”
The word highlights the extraordinary nature of the announcement.
The passage identifies Jesus as Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”
In this setting, “behold” functions like a declaration:
Look at what God is doing.
7. “Behold the Lamb of God”
One of the most famous phrases in the New Testament is found in John 1:29:
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!”
John the Baptist points people toward Jesus.
The word “behold” is particularly meaningful here because John isn’t merely giving information.
He is directing attention toward Jesus.
The statement identifies Jesus as:
“the Lamb of God.”
Spiritual significance
The command to “behold” can be understood as an invitation to look toward Christ and recognize who He is.
8. “Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock”
Revelation 3:20 says:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…”
Here again, “behold” commands attention.
The image is intended to make the reader stop and consider the One standing at the door.
The verse continues with the familiar words:
“If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him…”
The use of “behold” adds emphasis to the announcement.
9. “Behold, I Make All Things New”
Revelation 21:5 says:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
This is one of the most encouraging uses of “behold” in Scripture.
The statement occurs in the context of the vision of the new heaven and new earth.
The word calls attention to God’s promise of renewal.
The emphasis is:
Look at what God is going to do.
10. “Behold, I Am With You”
Matthew 28:20 contains another important use of the word:
“And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Some translations use “behold” or another equivalent expression in related passages.
The statement emphasizes Christ’s continuing presence with His disciples.
The broader message is one of confidence:
Christ does not abandon His followers.
What Does “Behold” Mean in Modern English?
Because “behold” sounds old-fashioned, many modern readers wonder what it would mean in everyday language.
Depending on the context, you could replace it with:
| Biblical Word | Possible Modern Meaning |
|---|---|
| Behold | Look |
| Behold | See |
| Behold | Pay attention |
| Behold | Notice this |
| Behold | Look at this |
| Behold | Take a look |
| Behold | Here is something important |
However, no single modern word perfectly replaces “behold” in every biblical passage.
Its meaning depends on context.
Is “Behold” a Command?
Sometimes behold functions like a command to look or pay attention.
For example:
“Behold the Lamb of God.”
The statement directs people to look at Jesus.
In other passages, “behold” functions more like an attention marker.
For example:
“And, behold, a ram…”
The narrator is drawing attention to something that has appeared.
So it isn’t always a strict command in the same grammatical sense.
Its primary function is to focus attention.
Is Behold a Positive Word in the Bible?
Not necessarily.
“Behold” itself is not inherently positive or negative.
It simply draws attention to something.
The thing being highlighted determines the emotional or spiritual meaning.
For example:
“Behold, it was very good.”
This is positive.
But other passages use “behold” when describing:
- danger,
- judgment,
- enemies,
- suffering,
- death,
- or troubling circumstances.
Therefore, the meaning of “behold” is essentially:
Pay attention to what is being revealed.
What Is the Difference Between “Behold” and “Lo”?
The King James Version sometimes uses both “behold” and “lo.”
Both can function as attention-getting expressions.
For example:
“Lo, I am with you alway…”
Other passages say:
“Behold…”
Modern translations often replace these older expressions with more natural wording.
The important point is that both expressions can direct attention toward something significant.
Why Is “Behold” Important for Understanding the Bible?
Understanding “behold” can make older Bible translations easier to read.
When you see the word, you can mentally translate it as:
“Stop and pay attention to this.”
This can help reveal the emphasis of the passage.
For example:
Genesis 1:31
Behold → Notice the goodness of creation.
Genesis 22:13
Behold → Notice God’s provision.
Exodus 3:2
Behold → Notice this extraordinary sight.
John 1:29
Behold → Look at Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Revelation 21:5
Behold → Pay attention to God’s promise of renewal.
10 Important “Behold” Bible Verses
Here are several verses worth studying.
1. Genesis 1:31
“And, behold, it was very good.”
Theme: God’s creation.
2. Genesis 22:13
“And, behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket…”
Theme: God’s provision.
3. Exodus 3:2
“And, behold, the bush burned with fire…”
Theme: God’s revelation.
4. Isaiah 7:14
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive…”
Theme: Prophecy and the promised child.
5. Matthew 1:23
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child…”
Theme: Jesus’ birth and Emmanuel.
6. Matthew 28:7
“Behold, he goeth before you into Galilee…”
Theme: The resurrection.
7. John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God…”
Theme: Jesus Christ.
8. Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…”
Theme: Christ’s invitation.
9. Revelation 21:5
“Behold, I make all things new.”
Theme: Restoration.
10. Revelation 22:12
“And, behold, I come quickly…”
Theme: Christ’s return.
Behold in the Bible: What Can We Learn?
The repeated use of “behold” gives us an important reading principle.
When Scripture says “behold,” slow down.
Don’t rush past the next words.
Ask:
What am I being asked to notice?
Is it:
- God’s creation?
- God’s provision?
- God’s promise?
- God’s judgment?
- Jesus Christ?
- A prophetic event?
- A spiritual truth?
- A future hope?
The word can function almost like a highlight marker in the biblical text.
“Behold” and the Christian Life
The concept behind “behold” can also be valuable spiritually.
Behold God’s Creation
Genesis reminds us to recognize the goodness and order of God’s work.
Behold God’s Provision
Genesis 22 reminds us of God’s provision for Abraham.
Behold Christ
John 1:29 directs attention toward Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Behold God’s Promises
Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to notice what He has promised.
Behold God’s Future Work
Revelation 21:5 points toward God’s promise:
“I make all things new.”
The biblical pattern is therefore:
Stop → Look → Recognize → Respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “behold” mean in the Bible?
“Behold” generally means look, see, notice, or pay attention. It is used to draw attention to something important in a biblical passage.
What does “behold” mean in simple words?
In simple modern English, behold can often be understood as “look!” or “pay attention!”
What is the Hebrew word for behold?
One of the major Hebrew words translated “behold” is hinneh. It is frequently used as an attention-getting expression.
What is the Greek word for behold?
A major Greek word translated “behold” is idou. It is commonly used in the New Testament to call attention to something.
Why does the King James Bible use “behold” so much?
“Behold” was natural in older English Bible language and was used to translate biblical expressions that draw attention to something. Modern translations may use words such as “look,” “see,” or other contemporary expressions instead.
What does “behold the Lamb of God” mean?
In John 1:29, John the Baptist directs attention toward Jesus and identifies Him as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
What does “behold, I make all things new” mean?
Revelation 21:5 uses “behold” to draw attention to God’s promise of renewal. In the context of the passage, it points toward the new creation and God’s restoration of all things.
Is “behold” still used today?
Yes, but it is uncommon in everyday conversation. It is most familiar today through older literary language and traditional Bible translations such as the KJV.
Final Thoughts: What Behold in the Bible Means
So, what does “behold” mean in the Bible?
The simplest answer is:
“Behold” means to look, see, notice, or pay attention.
But its importance goes beyond its dictionary definition.
When biblical writers use “behold,” they are often telling the reader to stop and notice something significant.
Sometimes it highlights God’s creation:
“Behold, it was very good.”
Sometimes it highlights God’s provision:
“Behold behind him a ram…”
Sometimes it directs attention toward Jesus:
“Behold the Lamb of God…”
And sometimes it points toward God’s future work:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
Therefore, whenever you encounter “behold” while reading Scripture, consider slowing down and asking:
What does God want me to notice here?
That simple question can help you read the surrounding passage with greater attention and appreciate why the biblical writers used such a distinctive word.
