וַ/יִּבָּקְע֖וּ
𐤅/𐤉𐤁𐤒𐤏𐤅
bâqaʻ
and were divided
To split or break open by force, especially by cleaving, rending, or bursting. The root denotes a forceful separation of a whole, especially in natural or violent contexts. Used of splitting the earth, rocks, water, or human-made objects; sometimes metaphorically of causing a breach or starting an action marked by sudden force.
Exodus 14:21 · Word #20
Lexicon H1234
| Lemma | בָּקַע |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤁𐤒𐤏 |
| Transliteration | bâqaʻ |
| Strong's | H1234 |
| Definition | To split or break open by force, especially by cleaving, rending, or bursting. The root denotes a forceful separation of a whole, especially in natural or violent contexts. Used of splitting the earth, rocks, water, or human-made objects; sometimes metaphorically of causing a breach or starting an action marked by sudden force. |
Morphology HC/VNw3mp
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | V — Verb — An action or state |
| Binyan | N — Niphal — Simple passive or reflexive |
| Conjugation | w — Sequential Imperfect — Imperfect with waw-consecutive, narrating past events |
| Person | 3 — 3rd person — Third person ("he/she/they") |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | p — Plural — Plural |
Common Translation
| Phrase | and were divided |
SIBI-P1 Translation H1234-31
and they were split open
| Morphological Notes | Verb, Niphal (passive/reflexive), sequential imperfect (waw-consecutive), 3rd person masculine plural. |
| Rendering Rationale | The Niphal stem conveys a passive or reflexive sense, indicating that the subjects underwent the action of being forcefully split. The rendering preserves the root’s core idea of violent cleaving or breaking open and reflects the 3rd person masculine plural sequential form. |
View full lexicon entry for H1234 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
and they were split open
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 is correct. The passive plural fits the Hebrew form and the narrative context of the sea being physically split. |