'behold' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'behealdan,' where 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'healdan' meant 'to hold or keep.'

'behealdan' transformed into the Middle English word 'beholden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'behold.'

Initially, it meant 'to hold or keep in view,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to see or observe something remarkable.'