a primitive root; to gush over, i.e. to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask; cause, inquire, seek up, swell out.
Transliteration:bâʻâh
Pronunciation:baw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1158 (בָּעָה, bâʻâh) is a primitive root carrying the core semantic idea of "to gush over" or "to swell." This initial physical sense provides the foundation for its derived, more abstract meanings. Figuratively, this "swelling" or "overflowing" translates into an intense internal state, leading to "earnest desire." By implication, such earnest desire naturally expresses itself outwardly as "to ask," "to inquire," or "to seek up." The range thus moves from a physical manifestation of fullness or overflow to an emotional intensity, and finally to an active pursuit or request. The idea of something being full to the point of overflowing or expanding is central to all its applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring Hebrew verbs, H1158 appears in significant contexts, illuminating its semantic range:
* **Earnest Request/Pleading:** The most prominent usage is found in the book of Exodus, where Pharaoh repeatedly asks Moses and Aaron to "plead" or "entreat" with the Lord on his behalf to remove the plagues.
* In [[Exodus 8:8]], Pharaoh commands, "Plead with the Lord to remove the frogs from me."
* Similarly in [[Exodus 8:28]], [[Exodus 9:28]], and [[Exodus 10:17]], the term denotes an urgent, desperate appeal. This usage underscores the intensity of the request, a "gushing forth" of desperate need from the supplicant.
* **Intense Emotional Response:** In [[1 Kings 5:7]], when Hiram hears Solomon's words, it is said that he "rejoiced greatly" (KJV) or "was very glad" (ESV). Here, H1158 captures an emotional "swelling out" or overflowing of joy, signifying a profound and uncontainable delight. This demonstrates the root's capacity to describe an internal state of abundant feeling.
* **Seeking/Inquiring:** The term also conveys the sense of seeking or inquiring, often with a dedicated purpose.
* In [[Isaiah 21:12]], the watchman instructs, "If you will inquire, inquire! Come back again." This suggests a persistent and earnest seeking of information or understanding.
* In [[Isaiah 65:1]], God declares, "I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me." Here, H1158 describes the act of seeking out God, implying a desire for relationship or truth.
* **Divine Attentiveness:** A unique usage appears in [[Psalm 66:19]], "But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer." While often translated as "heard" or "listened," the use of H1158 here can imply God's active "attention" or "inclining" to the prayer, as if His ear "swells" or "gushes" towards the earnest cry of His people. This highlights God's reciprocal engagement with fervent human supplication.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1158 intersects with several other Hebrew terms that express desire, seeking, or prayer:
* **Seeking/Inquiring:**
* `{{H1245}}` (בָּקַשׁ, bāqaš): "to seek, search for, desire." Often used for earnest seeking, similar to H1158 in Isaiah.
* `{{H1875}}` (דָּרַשׁ, dāraš): "to seek, inquire of, consult." Frequently used in the context of seeking God's will or presence.
* **Asking/Requesting:**
* `{{H7592}}` (שָׁאַל, shāʼal): "to ask, request, demand." A more general term for asking, lacking the inherent intensity of H1158.
* **Prayer/Supplication:**
* `{{H6419}}` (פָּלַל, pālal): "to pray, intercede." This term specifically denotes the act of prayer, often with an emphasis on intercession.
* **Overflowing/Abundance:**
* `{{H7227}}` (רֹב, rov): "multitude, abundance." While not a verb, it speaks to the concept of overflowing quantity, conceptually related to the "gushing over" aspect of H1158.
* `{{H7646}}` (שָׂבַע, sābaʿ): "to be satisfied, have enough." Can imply a state of being filled to capacity, resonating with the "swell out" meaning.
H1158 stands out by uniquely combining the physical sensation of "swelling" or "gushing" with the abstract concepts of intense desire and earnest seeking, whether in prayer, inquiry, or emotion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1158 lies in its portrayal of both human spiritual earnestness and divine responsiveness:
* **Intensity of Human Supplication:** The use of H1158 for "pleading" (Exodus) elevates prayer beyond mere words to an outpouring of the soul. It suggests a profound and often desperate longing that "gushes forth" from the human heart towards God. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on fervent prayer (e.g., [[James 5:16]]).
* **God's Attentiveness to Earnest Prayer:** The instance in [[Psalm 66:19]] where God "attends to" or "hears" the prayer using H1158 is deeply significant. It implies that God is not passively receiving requests but actively inclines Himself, as if His divine being "swells" or "leans" towards the genuine cries of His people. This underscores His compassionate and interactive nature.
* **The Nature of Seeking God:** When H1158 describes "inquiring" or "seeking" God (Isaiah), it points to an active, intentional pursuit of divine truth and relationship. It is not a casual curiosity but a deep, earnest desire to know and experience God. This highlights the importance of spiritual diligence and the divine invitation to draw near.
* **Divine Design of Emotion:** The "swelling" of joy in [[1 Kings 5:7]] suggests that intense human emotions, when rightly directed, are a part of God's design, capable of overflowing in worship and gratitude.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1158 (בָּעָה, bâʻâh) is a powerful term whose core meaning of "to gush over" or "to swell" extends to convey an "earnest desire," "to ask," "to inquire," or "to seek up." This semantic range illustrates a progression from a physical state of fullness to an intense internal longing, culminating in an active outward expression. Biblically, H1158 vividly portrays the intensity of human supplication, depicting prayer as an urgent, "gushing forth" of need, as seen in Pharaoh's pleas in Exodus. It also captures the profound "swelling" of human emotion, such as Hiram's great joy in 1 Kings, and the diligent act of "seeking" or "inquiring" after truth and God, as found in Isaiah. Furthermore, its unique application to God "hearing" or "attending to" prayer in Psalm 66:19 suggests a divine reciprocity, where God actively inclines Himself towards the earnest cries of His people. H1158 thus illuminates the depth of human longing and the compassionate responsiveness of the Divine, underscoring the vital, intense nature of the relationship between humanity and God.
TRV