from בָּצַר; strictly a clipping, i.e. gold (as dug out); gold defence.
Transliteration:betser
Pronunciation:beh'-tser
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בֶּצֶר (betser, `{{H1220}}`) is derived from the root בָּצַר (batsar, `{{H1219}}`), which primarily means "to cut off," "to make inaccessible," or "to fortify." From this root, בֶּצֶר develops a dual semantic range. Its most direct meaning is "a clipping," which extends to "gold (as dug out)," suggesting gold in its raw, unrefined form, such as nuggets or fragments. This emphasizes its intrinsic value as a precious metal. The secondary, yet equally significant, meaning is "gold defence" or, more broadly, "strength," "fortification," or "inaccessibility." This aspect connects directly to the root's sense of making something secure or impregnable, implying the protective or securing quality of gold, or even a strong, fortified place itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בֶּצֶר (betser, `{{H1220}}`) appears in the book of Job, illustrating its semantic breadth:
* **[[Job 22:24]]**: "Then you will lay your gold (בֶּצֶר) in the dust, and the gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent-bed." Here, betser clearly refers to physical gold, paralleled with "gold of Ophir," a renowned source of fine gold. Eliphaz is exhorting Job to return to God, implying that earthly riches, even precious gold, should be devalued and discarded in favor of spiritual wealth and divine favor.
* **[[Job 22:25]]**: "and the Almighty will be your gold (בֶּצֶר) and your precious silver." This verse immediately follows, employing a profound metaphorical usage. God Himself is declared to be Job's betser, signifying that the divine presence and relationship with the Almighty are the true, ultimate, and inexhaustible source of wealth, security, and value, far surpassing any material possession.
* **[[Job 36:19]]**: "Will your cry for help avail, or all the efforts of your strength (בֶּצֶר)?" In this context, Elihu speaks, and betser is used to denote "strength" or "fortification," not physical gold. It questions the efficacy of human power or fortified defenses in the face of divine judgment or adversity. This usage aligns with the "defence" aspect of the word's definition, referring to human efforts to secure oneself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of בֶּצֶר is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **בָּצַר (batsar, `{{H1219}}`):** The verbal root from which betser derives, meaning "to cut off," "to fortify," "to make inaccessible," or "to gather (grapes)." This root directly informs both the "clipping" (of gold) and "fortification" aspects of betser.
* **בָּצוּר (batsur, `{{H1225}}`):** An adjective meaning "fortified," "inaccessible," or "cut off." It emphasizes the defensive and unassailable qualities inherent in the root.
* **מִבְצָר (mibtsar, `{{H4013}}`):** A noun meaning "fortress," "stronghold," or "fortified city." This term further solidifies the concept of defense and security derived from the shared root.
* **זָהָב (zahab, `{{H2091}}`):** The general and most common Hebrew word for "gold." Betser may denote a specific quality of gold (e.g., raw, unrefined) or emphasize its role as a source of security or value, distinguishing it from the broader term.
* **Wealth and Security:** Betser intersects with broader biblical themes concerning the nature of true wealth (spiritual vs. material) and the source of ultimate security (divine protection vs. human fortifications or riches).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בֶּצֶר is profound, particularly as revealed in the book of Job. The shift in meaning from literal gold to God Himself as betser in [[Job 22:24-25]] is a powerful theological statement. It underscores the biblical truth that material wealth, though valued by humanity, is ultimately transient and subordinate to the enduring and incomparable value of God. Eliphaz's counsel, while flawed in its application to Job's specific situation, articulates a core principle: God is the ultimate treasure and the only true source of security and prosperity. He is the "gold" that never perishes, the "defense" that cannot be breached.
Furthermore, the potential use of betser to denote human strength or fortifications in [[Job 36:19]] serves as a contrast. It highlights the futility of relying on one's own power or earthly defenses when facing divine purposes or judgment. In this sense, betser becomes a word that can represent both a desirable earthly commodity and, more significantly, the divine nature of God as the ultimate source of true value and impregnable security for His people, contrasting the transient nature of material wealth with the enduring nature of divine blessing and presence.
### Summary
H1220 (betser) is a multifaceted Hebrew term derived from `{{H1219}}`, "to cut off" or "to fortify." It primarily signifies "gold," particularly in its raw or unrefined state, as seen in [[Job 22:24]]. However, its most profound usage is found in [[Job 22:25]], where God Himself is declared to be Job's betser, signifying that the Almighty is the supreme and inexhaustible source of true wealth, value, and security, far surpassing any material treasure. The term also carries a secondary meaning of "strength" or "defense," as suggested by its use in [[Job 36:19]], referring to human efforts or fortifications. Thus, betser encapsulates both the allure of earthly riches and, more significantly, the theological truth that true and lasting security, value, and strength are found solely in God, contrasting the transient nature of human endeavors and possessions with the enduring power and provision of the Almighty.
TRV