the same as בׇּצְרָה; Botsrah, a place in Edom; Bozrah.
Transliteration:Botsrâh
Pronunciation:bots-raw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H1224, בׇּצְרָה (Botsrâh), is a proper noun referring to a prominent city in Edom. Its meaning is directly tied to its linguistic root, likely the verb בָּצַר (batsar, `{{H1219}}`), which conveys the sense of "to cut off," "to enclose," "to fortify," or "to make inaccessible." Thus, the name Bozrah inherently suggests a "fortress," a "stronghold," or an "inaccessible place." This etymological connection highlights the city's perceived strength and defensive capabilities. While the term can also relate to grape gathering or vintage (as in a walled vineyard), in the context of a city name, the meaning of a fortified enclosure is primary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Bozrah (H1224) appears a handful of times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently within prophetic contexts concerning the nation of Edom.
* In [[Isaiah 34:6]], Bozrah is mentioned as a place where God's "sword" will be "bathed in heaven," signifying a severe divine judgment against Edom. It is a key location targeted for destruction in the day of the Lord's vengeance.
* [[Isaiah 63:1]] presents a powerful image of a divine warrior, likely the Messiah, returning from Edom, "with dyed garments from Bozrah." The imagery of garments stained as if from a winepress strongly links Bozrah to the execution of fierce divine wrath, where the blood of the enemies is trodden underfoot like grapes.
* [[Jeremiah 49:13]] records a solemn oath from the Lord that Bozrah will become "a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse," emphasizing the totality of its impending destruction as part of God's judgment against Edom's pride.
* [[Jeremiah 49:22]] describes the swift and devastating attack upon Edom, with the "warrior of Edom" likened to an eagle swooping down on Bozrah, further illustrating its vulnerability despite its presumed strength.
* [[Amos 1:12]] prophesies that "fire will be sent upon Teman, and it will devour the fortresses of Bozrah." This reinforces the city's identity as a fortified place and confirms its destiny for fiery destruction.
Across these occurrences, Bozrah consistently functions as a symbol of Edomite strength and a prime target for God's righteous judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which Bozrah derives:
* **`{{H1219}}` בָּצַר (batsar)**: "to cut off, enclose, fortify, make inaccessible." This root directly informs the meaning of Bozrah as a fortified city.
Other related terms and concepts include:
* **`{{H1220}}` בֶּצֶר (betser)**: "gold ore" or "strong city," also derived from the same root, reinforcing the idea of strength and value (though in Bozrah's case, strength that ultimately fails).
* **Edom**: The nation with which Bozrah is inextricably linked. Edom is frequently portrayed as hostile to Israel and therefore a consistent object of divine wrath in prophetic literature.
* **Teman**: Another prominent city in Edom, often mentioned alongside Bozrah as a target of judgment, highlighting the widespread nature of the coming desolation.
* **Divine Judgment/Wrath**: The overarching theme associated with Bozrah's appearances, underscoring God's sovereignty over nations and His justice.
* **Winepress Imagery**: Particularly in Isaiah 63, the vivid metaphor of treading the winepress is used to describe the fierce judgment enacted upon Edom, with Bozrah as the source of the "dyed garments," signifying the blood of the slain.
### Theological Significance
Bozrah holds significant theological weight primarily as a symbol of human strength and pride arrayed against divine sovereignty, and consequently, as an object of God's righteous judgment.
1. **Symbol of Edomite Resistance and Pride**: As a fortified city, Bozrah represents the self-reliance and perceived impregnability of Edom, a nation characterized by its historical antagonism toward Israel. Its strength, however, proved futile against the Lord.
2. **Object of Divine Wrath**: The repeated prophecies of Bozrah's utter destruction underscore God's absolute authority over all nations. Its desolation serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences for those who oppose God's people and purposes. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to Edom's historical animosity and spiritual rebellion.
3. **Prophetic Fulfillment**: The prophecies concerning Bozrah's ruin contribute to the broader testimony of the reliability and veracity of God's spoken word. Its eventual fate served as a tangible demonstration that divine pronouncements are indeed fulfilled.
4. **Messianic Judgment**: The imagery in Isaiah 63, depicting a divine warrior returning from Bozrah with blood-stained garments, is profoundly significant. It portrays the Messiah (or the Lord Himself) as the executor of ultimate eschatological judgment upon the enemies of God. Bozrah thus becomes a representative site for the final, decisive victory of God over all opposition, where even the most formidable human strongholds cannot withstand His righteous fury.
### Summary
H1224, בׇּצְרָה (Botsrâh), or Bozrah, is a pivotal city in the ancient land of Edom. Its name, derived from a root meaning "fortress" or "inaccessible place," reflects its reputation as a formidable stronghold. However, its biblical occurrences consistently portray it not as a bastion of safety, but as a primary target of divine judgment. Featured prominently in the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, Bozrah symbolizes the pride and resistance of Edom, a nation hostile to Israel, and is destined for utter desolation. Most powerfully, in [[Isaiah 63:1]], Bozrah is linked to the imagery of the divine warrior executing fierce judgment, staining garments as if from a winepress, signifying the comprehensive and irreversible nature of God's wrath against His adversaries. Bozrah stands as a potent theological reminder that no human strength or fortification can ultimately withstand the sovereign will and righteous judgment of the Lord.
TRV