### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâkâʼ**, represented by `{{H1056}}`, refers to **Baca, a valley in Palestine**. Its base definition is derived from a word for weeping. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its specific context crucial to its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1056}}` is used to describe a place that pilgrims pass through on a journey of faith. The verse states that those "passing through the valley of Baca make it a well" [[Psalms 84:6]]. This passage highlights a transformation; a place potentially associated with sorrow ("weeping") becomes a source of life-giving water. The environment is further blessed when "the rain also filleth the pools" (`{{H4175}}`, `{{H1293}}`), indicating that the travelers' faith is met with divine provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of the valley of Baca:
* `{{H1057}}` **bâkâʼ** (the weeping tree; mulberry tree): This word is the same as `{{H1056}}` and reinforces the theme of weeping. It is used to mark a strategic location where David was instructed to wait for a sign from God before engaging the Philistines in battle [[2 Samuel 5:23]].
* `{{H6010}}` **ʻêmeq** (a vale, vale, valley): This specifies the geographical nature of Baca as a broad depression. Valleys in scripture are often settings for pivotal divine encounters or judgments, such as the valley of Jehoshaphat [[Joel 3:2]].
* `{{H4599}}` **maʻyân** (fountain, spring, well): This is what the valley of Baca is turned into. The word signifies a life-giving source and is used metaphorically for the "wells of salvation" [[Isaiah 12:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1056}}` comes from its symbolic representation of spiritual trial and renewal.
* **Transformation of Sorrow:** The "valley of Baca" is a metaphor for a place of trial or weeping. The pilgrims' action of making it a "well" `{{H4599}}` demonstrates that faithful passage through hardship can transform sorrow into a source of spiritual refreshment [[Psalms 84:6]].
* **Faith and Divine Blessing:** The travelers' proactive faith is met by God's provision. The rain that fills the "pools" `{{H1293}}`, a word also meaning "blessing," shows that God responds to and rewards the perseverance of the faithful. This connects to the promise that the "blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich" [[Proverbs 10:22]].
* **Passage Through Trial:** The key action is "passing through" `{{H5674}}` the valley, not remaining in it. The concept of moving through difficulty is a recurring theme, seen in God's promise to be with His people when they "passest through the waters" [[Isaiah 43:2]]. The valley of Baca represents a temporary trial to be overcome, not a permanent condition.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1056}}` is far more than a simple place name. It functions as a powerful emblem of the human spiritual journey. Its sole biblical mention illustrates that a "valley of weeping" can be transformed by faith into a place of life and divine blessing, teaching that perseverance through trials leads to renewal and strength.
TRV