English · KJV
H1226

בַּצֹּרֶת

batstsôreth /bats-tso'-reth/ Ask about this word
Rootfeminine intensive from בָּצַר
Meaningrestraint (of rain), i.e. drought
KJV usagedearth, drought.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of batstsôreth — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word batstsôreth, represented by H1226, signifies a drought or dearth. Derived from a root meaning "restraint," it specifically refers to a restraint of rain. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

Both occurrences of H1226 are found in the writings of Jeremiah. In one instance, the word sets the entire stage for a divine message, where the "word H1697 of the LORD H3068" comes to the prophet Jeremiah H3414 specifically concerning the dearth Jeremiah 14:1. In the other, it is used metaphorically to describe a time of trial. A person who trusts in God is compared to a tree H6086 planted by waters H4325 that is not careful H1672 in the year of drought and does not cease H4185 from yielding fruit H6529 Jeremiah 17:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and impact of a drought:

  • H2527 chôm (heat): This word means heat; heat, to be hot (warm). It is a condition that naturally accompanies a drought, yet the tree planted by the river does not see H7200 it when it cometh H935 Jeremiah 17:8.
  • H1672 dâʼag (be anxious): This term means to be afraid (careful, sorry), take thought. A person who is spiritually nourished will not be careful H1672, or anxious, during the year of drought H1226, showing a state of trust that overcomes fear Jeremiah 17:8.
  • H6529 pᵉrîy (fruit): Meaning fruit (literally or figuratively), this represents the productivity and reward that are threatened by a drought. For the one who trusts in God, yielding fruit H6529 does not cease H4185 even in such difficult times Jeremiah 17:8.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1226 is centered on the contrast between physical hardship and spiritual faithfulness.

  • An Occasion for God's Word: The dearth H1226 in the land prompts a direct word H1697 from the LORD H3068, indicating that such calamities are not merely natural events but moments for divine communication and judgment Jeremiah 14:1.
  • A Test of Spiritual Foundation: The "year of drought" H1226 serves as a metaphor for a period of testing. The one whose roots H8328 are spread by the river H3105 is proven resilient, as their source of life is not dependent on external conditions Jeremiah 17:8.
  • Symbol of Unfailing Provision: The image of a tree H6086 whose leaf H5929 remains green H7488 during a drought H1226 powerfully illustrates God as an inexhaustible source. Trust in Him provides sustenance that allows one to flourish when worldly resources have failed.

Summary

In summary, batstsôreth H1226 is a focused term used exclusively by Jeremiah to convey the severe condition of drought or dearth. While limited in use, it functions significantly as both a literal catalyst for a prophetic message and a potent symbol for a time of trial. It starkly contrasts the vulnerability of the world with the unwavering, life-giving security found in the LORD H3068.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 4 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • בַּצָּרָה
  • בַּצָּרוֹת

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1697 דָּבָר from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, H3068 יְהֹוָה from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹו H3414 יִרְמְיָה or יִרְמְיָהוּ; from רוּם and יָהּ; Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah. H6086 עֵץ from עָצָה; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks); [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, H4325 מַיִם dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase H1672 דָּאַג a primitive root; be anxious; be afraid (careful, sorry), sorrow, take thought.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in Jeremiah — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.