a primitive root; to trample down, i.e. (figuratively) despise; kick.
Transliteration:bâʻaṭ
Pronunciation:baw-at'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1163 (בָּעַט, *bâʻaṭ*) is a primitive root, conveying the literal and forceful action of "to kick" or "to trample down." This physical act of forceful contact inherently carries a connotation of disregard or aggression. From this literal foundation, the word extends semantically to a powerful figurative meaning: "to spurn," "to despise," or "to treat with contempt." The transition from a physical "kick" to a metaphorical "spurning" implies an active, deliberate rejection or disdain, often accompanied by a sense of superiority or ingratitude. It is not merely to disregard, but to actively push away or treat as worthless.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H1163 appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet its limited occurrences are profoundly significant, each illustrating a severe act of contempt against God.
1. **[[1 Samuel 2:29]]**: "Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons more than Me, by making yourselves fat with the choicest of all the offerings of My people Israel?"
Here, the Lord confronts Eli, the high priest, concerning the egregious sins of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The phrase "kick at" (תִּבְעֲטוּ, *tivʻaṭu*) describes their sacrilegious behavior. They were not merely neglecting their duties or taking more than their share; they were actively treating God's holy sacrifices with contempt and disdain. This was a deliberate spurning of the divine institution of worship and a profound dishonor to God Himself. Their actions were a direct assault on the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the covenant relationship, prioritizing their own gluttony and self-interest over the reverence due to the Lord.
2. **[[Deuteronomy 32:15]]**: "But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, you grew thick, you are gorged! Then he forsook God who made him, and scorned the Rock of his salvation."
This passage is part of the Song of Moses, a prophetic warning to Israel. "Jeshurun" is a poetic name for Israel, often implying uprightness, used here ironically. After God had blessed Israel with prosperity ("grew fat, grew thick, are gorged"), instead of gratitude, they "kicked" (וַיִּבְעַט, *vayyivʻaṭ*). This act symbolizes a rebellious and ungrateful rejection of their divine Benefactor. It signifies a turning away from the Lord out of arrogance and self-sufficiency, spurning the very God who had created them, delivered them, and provided for them. It is an act of apostasy born of ease and abundance.
In both contexts, H1163 portrays a deliberate, active, and contemptuous rejection of God's commands, provisions, or very person, leading to severe divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1163 includes words and concepts related to contempt, rejection, rebellion, and unfaithfulness.
* **`{{H936}}` (בּוּז, *bûz*)**: "to despise," "to hold in contempt." While H936 can denote a general feeling of scorn, H1163 implies a more active, even aggressive, expression of that contempt.
* **`{{H3988}}` (מָאַס, *māʼas*)**: "to reject," "to despise," "to abhor." This term frequently describes God's rejection of individuals or nations, or humanity's rejection of God's law or prophets. It shares the sense of spurning but might not carry the same forceful, physical imagery as H1163.
* **`{{H6586}}` (פָּשַׁע, *pāshaʻ*)**: "to rebel," "to transgress." This word focuses on the act of breaking covenant or law, often implying defiance. H1163 can be seen as a specific, contemptuous manner of rebellion.
* **`{{H4603}}` (מָעַל, *ma'al*)**: "to act unfaithfully," "to commit a trespass." This term often relates to a breach of trust or sacred duty, which is a core component of the sin described by H1163 in [[1 Samuel 2:29]].
The concept of ingratitude, particularly in response to divine blessing, is also strongly related, as seen in [[Deuteronomy 32:15]].
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent use of H1163 imbues it with significant theological weight. It describes not merely disobedience or error, but a profound and contemptuous disregard for God's holiness, His commands, and His covenant relationship with humanity.
In the case of Eli's sons, "kicking at" God's sacrifices represents a direct assault on the very heart of Israelite worship and the divine order. It demonstrates a complete lack of reverence for the sacred, transforming acts of devotion into opportunities for personal gain and defilement. This deliberate sacrilege underscores the severity of sin that directly dishonors God's name and institutions, leading to catastrophic judgment on Eli's house.
In the context of Jeshurun, "kicking" against God signifies the grave danger of prosperity leading to spiritual arrogance and apostasy. It reveals the human tendency to forget the source of blessings and to turn against the Benefactor when comfort replaces dependence. This highlights the theme of Israel's chronic unfaithfulness despite God's unwavering faithfulness, a recurring motif in the prophetic literature.
The word H1163 thus serves as a stark warning against treating God or His sacred things with contempt. It portrays a deliberate, active spurning of divine authority and grace, emphasizing that such actions are not trivial but incur severe divine displeasure and judgment. It speaks to the gravity of ingratitude and the profound offense of dishonoring the Holy One of Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1163 (בָּעַט, *bâʻaṭ*) literally means "to kick" or "to trample," but its rare biblical usage extends powerfully to "to spurn" or "to despise." Appearing only in [[1 Samuel 2:29]] and [[Deuteronomy 32:15]], this verb describes acts of profound contempt and active rejection against God. In the former, it highlights the sacrilegious behavior of Eli's sons who "kicked at" God's sacrifices, treating them with utter disdain. In the latter, it depicts Jeshurun (Israel) "kicking" against God in arrogant ingratitude after receiving divine blessings. In both instances, H1163 signifies a deliberate, contemptuous spurning of divine authority, holiness, or provision, underscoring the severe consequences of such spiritual rebellion and dishonor towards the Lord.
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