behold

Everyday

1. To behold is to see or look at something, especially something wonderful. tree →
2. («Behold!») Look! Pay attention to what comes next. tree →

In the lessons

in fairy tales, a grand way of saying «look» or «see»; «it was a sight to behold» means it was worth looking at

Examples

• Behold, the king is coming! tree →
• The children beheld a castle on the hill. tree →
• It was a sight to behold. tree →
• Behold, her mother's words were true! tree →

Note

nothing for maths

In Jewish tradition

Old word meaning "look!" or "see!", used to draw attention to something surprising or important. It translates the Hebrew hineh.

Interpretation. In prayer, Abraham's reply "Hineni," here I am, is seen as a model of readiness. The word often marks a turning point in the story.

Examples

• And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. (Torah GEN.41.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.' — (Torah EXO.4.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they said one to another: 'Behold, this dreamer cometh. (Torah GEN.37.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? (Prophets EZK.17.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor. (Writings RUT.3.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, He snatcheth away, who can hinder Him? (Writings JOB.9.12, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

nothing for maths

Early Modern English

Meaning

To see or look at something, or as a cry: look! tree →

Then and now

Old-fashioned today, mostly used in old tales and the Bible. We would say look or see.

Examples

• And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. (Torah GEN.41.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• It was very beautiful to behold. (Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen) tree →
• As the prophet Isaiah exclaimed: "Behold! (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Today: look!; here is.