The Hebrew word bâʻaṭ, represented by H1163, is a primitive root meaning to trample down, i.e. (figuratively) despise; kick. This impactful term appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses, yet its usage conveys a powerful message of insolent rebellion. It describes an action of contemptuous rejection, often born from a state of pride and abundance.
The two appearances of H1163 illustrate a clear pattern of behavior. In Deuteronomy 32:15, Jeshurun (a poetic name for Israel) "waxed fat, and kicked." This act of kicking is directly linked to prosperity and physical well-being, as the people had grown "fat" and "thick." This abundance led them to forsake God and lightly esteem their salvation. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 2:29, God questions Eli about why his sons kick at the sacrifices and offerings. Their action is a sign of despising holy things, as they honored themselves above God by taking the best parts of the offerings.
Several related words from its context enrich the meaning of H1163:
- H8080 shâman: This primitive root means to shine or, by analogy, to become (make, wax) fat. It is used in Deuteronomy 32:15 to describe the state of prosperity that precedes the act of kicking.
- H5203 nâṭash: A root meaning to thrust off, reject, or forsake. It is used immediately after H1163 in Deuteronomy 32:15 to describe the consequence of kicking: forsaking God.
- H5034 nâbêl: This word means to wilt, fall away, or figuratively, to despise or lightly esteem. It shows the internal attitude that accompanies the external act of kicking in Deuteronomy 32:15.
- H3513 kâbad: Meaning to be heavy or, in a good sense, to be rich or honorable, this word is used in 1 Samuel 2:29 to show that Eli's sons honour themselves over God, which is the motivation for their contempt.
The theological weight of H1163 serves as a stark warning.
- Rebellion from Abundance: The word establishes a direct link between being blessed with abundance and the spiritual danger of rebellion. In Deuteronomy 32:15, it is only after Jeshurun has "waxed fat" and "grown thick" that he kicks against his benefactor.
- Contempt for the Holy: The act of "kicking" is directed at God's sacred institutions, specifically His sacrifices and offerings 1 Samuel 2:29. This signifies a profound level of disrespect and a choice to elevate personal desire above divine commands.
- Active Rejection of God: Paired with words like "forsake" H5203 and "lightly esteemed" H5034, kicking is not a passive drifting away but an aggressive and deliberate act of spurning God's authority and provision.
In summary, while H1163 is used rarely in scripture, its meaning is sharp and unambiguous. It is more than a physical kick; it is a figurative trampling on divine grace and authority. The term powerfully illustrates the spiritual peril of pride that can arise from prosperity, warning that the very blessings from God, if not received with humility, can become the catalyst for forsaking Him.
TRV