a primitive root; perhaps to swell up, i.e. blister; swell.
Transliteration:bâtsêq
Pronunciation:baw-tsake'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1216 (בָּצֵק, *bâtsêq*) is a rare term in the Old Testament, appearing only once. It functions as a noun, derived from a primitive root that signifies the action of "swelling up" or "blistering." This underlying root meaning suggests expansion or fermentation. As a noun, H1216 specifically denotes "dough," a substance inherently capable of swelling when leavened. The semantic range, therefore, encompasses the raw material for bread, particularly in its state before or during the process of rising.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of H1216 (בָּצֵק, *bâtsêq*) is found in [[Exodus 12:39]]. The verse reads: "And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared provisions for themselves." In this critical passage, bâtsêq refers to the dough that the Israelites carried with them as they fled Egypt. The crucial detail is that this dough was "not leavened," directly contrasting with the inherent meaning of the root from which the word is derived (swelling). This unleavened state is explicitly attributed to the extreme haste of their departure, driven by God's command and the Egyptians' urgency. The context underscores a moment of immediate divine intervention and human obedience, where there was no time for the natural process of leavening to occur. The dough, therefore, represents the raw, unadorned, and unprocessed state of their provisions, reflecting their complete reliance on divine timing and sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate H1216 (בָּצֵק), it is helpful to consider related terms and concepts within the biblical lexicon:
* `{{H2556}}` (חָמֵץ, *chamets*): This word refers to leaven or leavened bread, standing in direct contrast to the unleavened state of the bâtsêq in [[Exodus 12:39]]. The prohibition against *chamets* during Passover highlights the significance of unleavened bread.
* `{{H4682}}` (מַצָּה, *matstsa*): This term specifically denotes unleavened bread, the final product made from the bâtsêq in the Exodus narrative. The Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates this very event.
* `{{H3899}}` (לֶחֶם, *lechem*): A general term for bread or food, providing a broader category within which bâtsêq (dough) resides.
* The concept of haste and urgency is paramount, as seen in the phrase "could not delay," emphasizing the divine imperative of the Exodus.
* The broader theme of divine provision and the Israelites' lack of self-prepared provisions underscores their dependence on God.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H1216 (בָּצֵק, *bâtsêq*) in [[Exodus 12:39]] carries profound theological weight. It is inextricably linked to the climactic event of the Exodus and the institution of the Passover.
1. **Urgency of Divine Deliverance:** The unleavened bâtsêq symbolizes the swiftness and immediacy of God's redemptive act. There was no time for the natural process of fermentation, signifying that God's deliverance was sudden, decisive, and required immediate response from His people.
2. **Obedience and Trust:** The Israelites' action of carrying unleavened dough demonstrates their obedience to God's command to depart immediately, even if it meant foregoing prepared provisions. It underscores a radical trust in God's ability to sustain them in their unprepared state.
3. **Purity and Separation:** The unleavened nature of the bâtsêq foreshadows the theological symbolism of unleavened bread (matzah) in the Passover, which represents purity, freedom from sin (leaven often symbolizing corruption or sin), and the separation of God's people from the defilement of Egypt.
4. **Commemoration:** The bâtsêq becomes a foundational element of the Passover narrative, serving as a tangible reminder for future generations of the conditions under which Israel was delivered from bondage.
### Summary
H1216 (בָּצֵק, *bâtsêq*) is a unique Hebrew noun, derived from a root meaning "to swell," yet its sole biblical occurrence in [[Exodus 12:39]] describes dough that explicitly *did not* swell. This "unleavened dough" is central to the narrative of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt, symbolizing the divine imperative for immediate departure and the Israelites' hurried obedience. Theologically, bâtsêq underscores the urgency and decisiveness of God's deliverance, the necessity of trust and obedience in the face of the unknown, and the foundational purity associated with the Passover commemoration. Its singular appearance powerfully encapsulates a pivotal moment in salvation history, emphasizing divine timing and provision over human preparation.
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