### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâʻâh**, represented by `{{H1158}}`, is a primitive root that expresses concepts of gushing, swelling, and earnest seeking. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meanings range from the physical, such as water boiling or a wall swelling, to the figurative, signifying a deep desire to inquire or seek something out.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1158}}` is used to illustrate both physical and metaphorical intensity. It describes the physical effect of divine power, where a fire causes waters to **boil** to make God's name known to His adversaries [[Isaiah 64:2]]. It is also used as a metaphor for impending judgment, portraying iniquity as a breach that is **swelling out** in a high wall, just before it suddenly breaks [[Isaiah 30:13]]. In a different context, it signifies a call to action, where a watchman urges the people to **enquire** [[Isaiah 21:12]], and it describes the thoroughness of judgment, where the hidden things of Esau are **sought up** [[Obadiah 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which **bâʻâh** is used:
* `{{H2664}}` **châphas** (a primitive root; to seek): This term is paired directly with `{{H1158}}` to emphasize a thorough and diligent search, as when the things of Esau are "searched out" and "sought up" [[Obadiah 1:6]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (a primitive root; to turn back): Following the call to "enquire" `{{H1158}}`, this word presents the necessary response. The act of seeking is linked to the act of returning to God [[Isaiah 21:12]].
* `{{H6919}}` **qâdach** (a primitive root to inflame): This word highlights the physical intensity associated with `{{H1158}}`. A fire that "burneth" `{{H6919}}` is the direct cause for the waters to "boil" `{{H1158}}` in a display of divine power [[Isaiah 64:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1158}}` is seen in its powerful imagery.
* **Impending Judgment:** The word illustrates the nature of sin and iniquity as a force that is "swelling out" within a wall, signifying a breaking point where collapse is sudden and inevitable [[Isaiah 30:13]].
* **Manifestation of Divine Power:** `{{H1158}}` is used to create a vivid picture of God's might. The boiling of waters is not a natural event but a purposeful sign intended to make His name known and cause nations to tremble before Him [[Isaiah 64:2]].
* **The Call to Seek:** The act of "enquiring" is presented as an urgent opportunity. In [[Isaiah 21:12]], it is part of a direct command from a watchman, linking the desire to seek with the need to "return" and "come."
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1158}}` is a dynamic word that conveys a sense of building pressure and urgent action. Though used sparingly, it powerfully depicts concepts ranging from the physical swelling that precedes a collapse to the earnest inquiry that precedes a spiritual return. It serves as a potent descriptor for the manifestation of God's power, the certainty of judgment, and the critical importance of seeking.
TRV