from בָּצַר; inaccessible, i.e. lofty; vintage (by confusion with בָּצִיר).
Transliteration:bâtsôwr
Pronunciation:baw-tsore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1208}}` (bâtsôwr) is primarily derived from the verbal root `{{H1219}}` (bâçar), which means "to cut off," "to enclose," or "to fortify." Consequently, `{{H1208}}` fundamentally conveys the sense of being "inaccessible," "fortified," "lofty," or "impregnable." It describes something that is set apart, walled off, or so high as to be unreachable.
A significant aspect of its semantic range, as noted in its lexical definition, is its usage by "confusion with `{{H1210}}`" (bâtsîyr), which means "vintage" or "grape gathering." This suggests that in certain contexts, `{{H1208}}` can take on the meaning of "harvest" or "vintage," particularly referring to the gathering of grapes, possibly due to phonetic similarity or a specific idiomatic usage that evolved. Thus, `{{H1208}}` presents a fascinating dual semantic trajectory, requiring careful contextual analysis for accurate interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H1208}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illustrating one of its distinct semantic possibilities:
1. **Micah 7:1**: "Woe is me! For I am like the gleanings of the summer fruit, like the grape gathering (`{{H1208}}`) of the vintage; there is no cluster to eat, no first-ripe fig which my soul desires." In this lament, the prophet Micah uses `{{H1208}}` to describe the state of having been thoroughly harvested, leaving nothing behind. The parallelism with "gleanings of the summer fruit" clearly indicates a meaning related to "grape gathering" or "vintage." Here, the word evokes a scene of utter desolation and scarcity, a complete stripping away, reflecting the spiritual and moral barrenness of the people and the impending judgment that will leave them bereft. This usage aligns with the "confusion with `{{H1210}}`" aspect, clearly signifying a harvest or vintage.
2. **Zechariah 11:2**: "Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, for the majestic ones are laid waste; wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the impenetrable (`{{H1208}}`) forest has come down." In this prophetic oracle concerning the destruction of the shepherds and their flock, `{{H1208}}` is applied to the "forest" (יַעַר). The context demands a meaning of strength, impregnability, or inaccessibility. The "impenetrable forest" (יַעַר הַבָּצוֹר) refers to a dense, formidable, and perhaps even fortified wooded area, symbolizing powerful, majestic, or seemingly unassailable entities (likely referring to the leaders or nations of the world). The fall of such a forest signifies the sweeping destruction of what was once considered unassailable, emphasizing the irresistible power of divine judgment. This usage directly reflects the primary meaning derived from `{{H1219}}`, "inaccessible" or "fortified."
These two occurrences demonstrate the word's capacity to convey vastly different concepts based on its context, ranging from the act of harvesting to the quality of being unassailable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H1208}}` is its root, `{{H1219}}` (bâçar), a verb meaning "to cut off," "to make inaccessible," or "to fortify." This root is also the basis for `{{H1218}}` (betsârâ), meaning "fortress" or "stronghold," and `{{H1219}}` (bâtser), an adjective meaning "fortified" or "inaccessible." These terms collectively form a semantic field related to strength, defense, and impenetrability.
The other significant related word is `{{H1210}}` (bâtsîyr), meaning "vintage" or "grape gathering." This noun is clearly related to the agricultural process of harvesting grapes. The lexical note about `{{H1208}}` being used "by confusion with `{{H1210}}`" highlights a unique linguistic phenomenon where two distinct words, perhaps phonetically similar, converge in usage in specific contexts. This points to the dynamic nature of language and how meanings can shift or overlap.
Conceptually, `{{H1208}}` relates to ideas of human strength and vulnerability (when fortresses fall), divine judgment and sovereignty (when the "impenetrable" is broken), and themes of scarcity and spiritual barrenness (in the harvest context).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1208}}` is twofold, reflecting its dual semantic range.
In its meaning of "inaccessible" or "impenetrable" (as in [[Zechariah 11:2]]), `{{H1208}}` speaks to the transient nature of human power and security. What appears to be an unassailable "fortified forest" or a mighty human construct is ultimately subject to divine will and judgment. God's sovereignty is underscored as He is able to bring down even the most formidable of human or natural powers. This emphasizes that true security rests not in human strength or fortifications, but in reliance upon the Almighty. It serves as a reminder that all earthly strength is relative and can be undone by the Creator.
In its meaning of "vintage" or "grape gathering" (as in [[Micah 7:1]]), `{{H1208}}` vividly portrays a state of utter desolation and judgment. The prophet's lament that there is "no cluster to eat" after the `{{H1208}}` signifies a complete spiritual and moral barrenness, a thorough stripping away of any remaining good fruit. Theologically, this illustrates the severity of divine judgment when a people have turned away from God, leaving them with nothing but the bitter consequences of their actions. It highlights the principle that persistent sin leads to spiritual famine and the removal of divine blessings, much like a field completely gleaned after the harvest.
Thus, whether denoting an unassailable stronghold or a devastating harvest, `{{H1208}}` ultimately points to God's ultimate control over human affairs and the consequences of human choices, whether through the breaking down of prideful human strength or the complete removal of spiritual fruit.
### Summary
`{{H1208}}` (bâtsôwr) is a Hebrew term with a dual semantic range, derived primarily from the root `{{H1219}}` meaning "to fortify" or "make inaccessible," and secondarily used by association with `{{H1210}}` meaning "vintage" or "grape gathering." In [[Zechariah 11:2]], it describes an "impenetrable forest," symbolizing unassailable power brought low by divine judgment, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all human and natural strength. In [[Micah 7:1]], it refers to the "grape gathering" of the vintage, depicting a state of utter desolation and spiritual barrenness, illustrating the severe consequences of sin and judgment. Both usages, though distinct, underscore the themes of divine judgment, the transience of human power, and the ultimate control of the Almighty over creation and human destiny.
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