Means to seek diligently, search for, require, or request. Distinguished from dārash (H1875), which emphasizes investigation and inquiry, bāqash stresses the intensity of desire — it is seeking with purpose, often with urgency. It is used for seeking God's face, seeking someone's life (to kill), seeking wisdom, and seeking the welfare of others.
The theology of seeking God's face is central to Israelite worship. David's great exhortation — 'Seek (baqqĕshû) the LORD and his strength: seek his face evermore' (1 Chr 16:11) — establishes seeking as the posture of the worshipping community. God promises to be found by those who seek: 'Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart' (Jer 29:13). Yet the prophets also indict Israel for not seeking God (Isa 9:13; Hos 7:10). The word reveals a reciprocal dynamic: God commands seeking, promises findability, and grieves when His people do not seek. Psalm 27:8 captures this beautifully: 'When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.'