plural active participle of בָּכָה; (with the article) the weepers; Bo-kim, a place in Palestine; Bochim.
Transliteration:Bôkîym
Pronunciation:bo-keem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1066 בֹּכִים (Bôkîym) is a proper noun, specifically a place name, derived from the plural active participle of the verb בָּכָה (bākhāh), Strong's `{{H1058}}`, meaning "to weep" or "to lament." Thus, בֹּכִים literally translates to "weepers" or "those who weep." As a place name, it signifies "the place of weeping" or "the place of the weepers." The name itself is descriptive of a significant event that occurred there, immediately conveying a sense of profound sorrow, lamentation, or contrition. It is not merely a geographical marker but a poignant memorial to a specific emotional and spiritual state of the people of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Bochim appears exclusively in the Book of Judges, specifically in two verses: [[Judges 2:1]] and [[Judges 2:5]]. Its singular occurrence in the biblical narrative marks it as a site of profound national significance. The context describes a pivotal moment in Israel's post-Joshua history. The Angel of the Lord (or a messenger of the Lord) ascends from Gilgal to Bochim to deliver a severe rebuke to the Israelites. This divine message reminds them of God's covenant with them, His promise to bring them into the land, and His command not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land or tear down their altars. The Angel then confronts them with their disobedience, stating, "But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this?" [[Judges 2:2]].
Upon hearing these words, the children of Israel "lifted up their voices and wept" [[Judges 2:4]]. This collective lamentation was so intense and widespread that the place was named Bochim, meaning "weepers." The weeping signifies a moment of corporate conviction, sorrow over their sin, and perhaps a fleeting repentance. They also offered sacrifices there to the Lord [[Judges 2:5]], indicating a renewed, albeit temporary, act of worship and covenant affirmation. This episode at Bochim serves as a somber prelude to the cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance that characterizes the era of the Judges.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H1066 is its root verb, בָּכָה (bākhāh), `{{H1058}}`, which denotes the act of weeping, crying, or mourning. This verb is used extensively throughout the Old Testament to describe various forms of emotional distress, sorrow, or lamentation. Examples include Abraham weeping for Sarah [[Genesis 23:2]], Esau weeping bitterly [[Genesis 27:38]], and the Israelites weeping over their hardships [[Exodus 2:23]]. The weeping at Bochim, however, carries a distinct connotation of remorse and a response to divine judgment, setting it apart from mere sorrow or despair.
Concepts closely associated with Bochim include:
* **Repentance (שׁוּב, shuv, `{{H7725}}`):** While not explicitly stated as full repentance, the weeping at Bochim suggests a turning or a recognition of wrongdoing.
* **Lamentation (קִינָה, qinah, `{{H7015}}`):** The act of lifting voices and weeping aligns with the biblical tradition of communal lament in times of distress or national sin.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, berit, `{{H1285}}`):** The divine rebuke at Bochim directly references God's covenant with Israel, highlighting their failure to uphold their obligations.
* **Divine Rebuke/Judgment:** The Angel of the Lord's message underscores God's active involvement in confronting human sin and demanding accountability.
The naming of Bochim also aligns with other biblical place names that commemorate significant events or emotional responses, such as Ebenezer ("stone of help" [[1 Samuel 7:12]]) or Babel ("confusion" [[Genesis 11:9]]).
### Theological Significance
Bochim stands as a profound theological marker in Israel's history. Its very name, "weepers," encapsulates the deep pathos of God's relationship with His chosen people.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Human Failure:** Bochim highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even as He confronts Israel's profound disobedience and spiritual apathy. The Angel's message underscores that Israel's struggles were a direct consequence of their failure to obey, not a failure on God's part.
2. **The Nature of Repentance:** The weeping at Bochim, while seemingly a genuine expression of sorrow, proved to be superficial for many, as the subsequent history of the Judges demonstrates. This raises questions about the depth and longevity of true repentance, suggesting that emotional outpouring alone is insufficient without sustained obedience and transformation. It serves as a cautionary tale: true repentance leads to lasting change, not merely temporary remorse.
3. **God's Grief and Patience:** The scene at Bochim implicitly reveals God's own "grief" over His people's waywardness. His rebuke is not merely punitive but stems from a desire for His people to return to Him. It demonstrates divine patience and persistent calling to fidelity, even in the face of repeated rebellion.
4. **A Prophetic Foreshadowing:** Bochim acts as a microcosm of the entire period of the Judges, foreshadowing the recurring cycle of sin, oppression, crying out to God, and temporary deliverance. The weeping at Bochim is an initial, collective cry for help that would be repeated by various segments of Israel throughout the subsequent generations.
### Summary
Bochim, meaning "weepers" or "place of weeping," is a uniquely significant location in the biblical narrative, appearing only in [[Judges 2:1-5]]. Derived from the Hebrew verb בָּכָה (`{{H1058}}`) "to weep," its name directly reflects the profound lamentation of the Israelites who, upon hearing the Angel of the Lord's rebuke for their disobedience, lifted up their voices and wept. This event marks a critical turning point after the death of Joshua, serving as a poignant reminder of Israel's failure to uphold their covenant with God. Theologically, Bochim underscores God's unwavering faithfulness despite human sin, challenges the depth of superficial repentance, and highlights God's persistent call for His people to return to Him. It stands as a powerful symbol of national contrition, even if fleeting, and a somber prelude to the tumultuous era of the Judges.
TRV