### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bikrâh**, represented by `{{H1072}}`, is defined as a **young she-camel** or **dromedary**. It is a highly specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a vivid and focused metaphor within a prophetic context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1072}}` is in [[Jeremiah 2:23]], where God rebukes Israel for its spiritual infidelity. The verse challenges Israel's claim of innocence: "How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift **dromedary** traversing her ways". Here, the **dromedary** is used as a powerful image to illustrate Israel's restless, uncontrolled, and chaotic pursuit of false gods, abandoning its covenant relationship with the LORD.
### Related Words & Concepts
The imagery surrounding `{{H1072}}` is enriched by several related words used in the same passage:
* `{{H7031}}` **qal** (swift): This word directly modifies the dromedary, emphasizing the speed and frantic nature of Israel's unfaithfulness. The imagery is not of a steady journey but of a rapid, thoughtless rush [[Jeremiah 2:23]].
* `{{H8308}}` **sârak** (to interlace; traverse): This describes the action of the dromedary, suggesting a crisscrossing, tangled, and aimless path. It highlights a life without clear direction, wandering from one idol to another [[Jeremiah 2:23]].
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road; a course of life or mode of action): The passage points to Israel's "way" as evidence of their sin. The dromedary "traversing her ways" symbolizes the nation's corrupt course of life, in contrast to the straight path God desires for His people [[Jeremiah 2:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1072}}` is derived entirely from its metaphorical use in Jeremiah.
* **Symbol of Spiritual Unfaithfulness:** The "swift dromedary" becomes a symbol for the nation of Israel in a state of spiritual heat, restlessly seeking satisfaction from idols like the **Baalim** instead of from God [[Jeremiah 2:23]].
* **Exposure of Self-Deception:** The image is used to counter Israel's denial of sin. While the people say, "I am not polluted" `{{H2930}}`, God tells them to simply **see** `{{H7200}}` and **know** `{{H3045}}` their own actions, which are as obvious as a dromedary frantically traversing its paths [[Jeremiah 2:23]].
* **A Chaotic Path:** The metaphor illustrates a departure from a divinely guided life. The dromedary's tangled "ways" `{{H1870}}` represent a life of spiritual chaos, directly opposing the call to walk in the LORD's path.
### Summary
In summary, **bikrâh** `{{H1072}}` is a term whose significance is defined by its single, potent appearance in scripture. While literally meaning a "young she-camel," it functions as a sharp, memorable metaphor for Israel's spiritual adultery in [[Jeremiah 2:23]]. It vividly portrays a nation that has become uncontrolled, swift to do evil, and lost in a maze of its own unfaithful choices, serving as a powerful illustration of the consequences of turning away from God.
TRV