### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâʻal**, represented by `{{H1166}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be master**, **to marry**, or **have dominion over**. It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses, establishing a powerful connection between the concepts of lordship, ownership, and the covenant of marriage. Its usage illustrates a spectrum of meaning from legal statutes to profound theological metaphors.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1166}}` is used in both literal and figurative contexts. In law, it defines the marital state, such as when a man has taken a wife and **married** her [[Deuteronomy 24:1]] or in the case of a woman **married** to a husband [[Deuteronomy 22:22]]. The word also denotes authority and control, as when other lords are said to have had **dominion** over Israel [[Isaiah 26:13]] or when certain men had **dominion** in Moab [[1 Chronicles 4:22]]. Figuratively, the term is elevated to describe God's relationship with His people, as when the LORD declares to Israel, "I am **married** unto you" [[Jeremiah 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of marriage, lordship, and authority:
* `{{H1167}}` **baʻal** (a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner): This is the noun form from which the verb is derived, often appearing alongside it to define a married woman as belonging to a **husband** [[Deuteronomy 22:22]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman; wife): This is the direct counterpart to a husband in the marital union. The act of `{{H1166}}` establishes the relationship between a `man` `{{H376}}` and a **wife** [[Deuteronomy 24:1]].
* `{{H113}}` **ʼâdôwn** (lord, master, owner): This word reinforces the theme of sovereignty. It is used in parallel with `{{H1166}}` to describe the "other **lords**" who had dominion over Israel [[Isaiah 26:13]].
* `{{H1350}}` **gâʼal** (to redeem): This word is linked to the idea of a kinsman redeeming property or marrying a widow. It is used alongside `{{H1166}}` when describing God as Israel's **Redeemer** and **husband** [[Isaiah 54:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1166}}` is immense, framing the covenant between God and His people in the intimate terms of marriage.
* **Divine Husbandry:** The LORD describes Himself as a **husband** `{{H1166}}` to Israel, even when they broke His covenant [[Jeremiah 31:32]]. This illustrates His faithfulness and the deep, personal nature of His bond with them.
* **A Redeemed Bride:** The name Hephzibah, meaning "my delight is in her," is given to the restored land, which is described as "Beulah," meaning **married** `{{H1166}}`. This signifies a renewed relationship where God rejoices over His people like a bridegroom [[Isaiah 62:4-5]].
* **The Maker as Husband:** God's role as Creator is directly tied to his role as husband. In [[Isaiah 54:5]], Israel is told, "For thy Maker is thine **husband**," linking His authority as creator with his loving commitment as a spouse.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1166}}` is more than a term for marriage or mastery. It serves as a foundational word that connects the legal, social, and spiritual realms. It begins with the earthly reality of dominion and a husband's role and expands into a profound theological picture of God's covenantal love, authority over, and delight in His chosen people, whom He claims as His own.
TRV