from בָּקַע; properly, a split, i.e. a wide level valley between mountains; plain, valley.
Transliteration:biqʻâh
Pronunciation:bik-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בִּקְעָה (biqʻâh, `{{H1237}}`) is derived from the verbal root בָּקַע (baqaʻ, `{{H1234}}`), which means "to cleave," "to split," or "to break open." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the core meaning of biqʻâh. It literally refers to a "split" or "cleft" in the earth's surface.
Semantically, biqʻâh denotes a specific type of geographical feature: a wide, level valley or plain that is typically situated between mountains or elevated terrain. It implies a sense of openness and expanse, often formed as if the higher ground has been "split apart." This distinguishes it from narrow ravines (גַּיְא, gay' `{{H1516}}`) or seasonal riverbeds (נַחַל, nachal `{{H5158}}`), emphasizing its breadth and flatness, making it suitable for habitation and agriculture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בִּקְעָה (biqʻâh) appears in several significant biblical contexts, consistently referring to a broad, flat geographical expanse:
* **The Plain of Shinar:** The most notable occurrence is in [[Genesis 11:2]], describing the place where humanity settled after the flood and embarked on building the Tower of Babel: "And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain (בִּקְעָה) in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there." This context highlights the suitability of a biqʻâh for large-scale human habitation and collective enterprise, serving as a backdrop for a pivotal moment of human ambition and rebellion.
* **The Plain of Jericho:** In [[Deuteronomy 34:3]], Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, including "the plain (בִּקְעָה) of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar." This refers to the fertile and desirable plain surrounding Jericho, emphasizing its agricultural richness and strategic importance as part of Israel's inheritance.
* **The Valley of Mizpeh:** [[Joshua 11:8]] mentions "the valley (בִּקְעָה) of Mizpeh eastward" as a location where the Israelites pursued their enemies. This suggests a strategic plain used for military engagements.
* **The Valley of Lebanon (Beqa' Valley):** Repeatedly mentioned in [[Joshua 11:17]] and [[Joshua 12:7]], "Baal-gad in the valley (בִּקְעָה) of Lebanon under mount Hermon" refers to the prominent Beqa' Valley, a significant and fertile intermontane plain in modern-day Lebanon. Its inclusion underscores the term's application to well-known, large geographical features.
* **The Plain of Megiddo:** This biqʻâh is particularly significant. In [[2 Chronicles 35:22]], King Josiah engages Pharaoh Necho "in the valley (בִּקְעָה) of Megiddo," leading to Josiah's death. Later, [[Zechariah 12:11]] prophesies a great mourning in Jerusalem "as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley (בִּקְעָה) of Megiddon." The Plain of Megiddo (Jezreel Valley) is historically a major battleground, lending the term a connotation of conflict and lamentation, especially in prophetic contexts.
Across these occurrences, biqʻâh consistently describes broad, flat, and often fertile plains, which serve as sites for human settlement, agriculture, and significant historical or military events.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding בִּקְעָה (biqʻâh, `{{H1237}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and other geographical terms:
* **Root בָּקַע (baqaʻ, `{{H1234}}`)**: The verbal root is fundamental. It signifies a forceful breaking or splitting. This is seen in:
* The splitting of the Red Sea by divine power [[Exodus 14:16]].
* The cleaving of the rock to bring forth water [[Numbers 20:11]].
* The earth breaking open to swallow Korah and his company [[Numbers 16:31]].
The noun biqʻâh thus conceptually represents a landscape feature that has been "split open" or "cleaved" by geological forces, creating a wide, open space.
* **Other Geographical Terms:**
* עֵמֶק (ʻemeq, `{{H6010}}`): A more general term for "valley," which can be deep and narrow or broad. While biqʻâh is a specific kind of ʻemeq, ʻemeq does not necessarily imply the specific "split" characteristic of biqʻâh.
* מִישׁוֹר (mishor, `{{H4334}}`): "Plain" or "level ground." This term often refers to a more extensive, flat plateau or steppe, not necessarily defined by surrounding mountains as biqʻâh often is. The mishor can be very large and open, whereas biqʻâh implies a plain *within* a larger geological formation.
* נַחַל (nachal, `{{H5158}}`): "Wadi," "brook," or "torrent-valley." This refers to a typically dry riverbed that carries water only during rainy seasons, often a narrow and deep cut in the landscape.
* גַּיְא (gay', `{{H1516}}`): "Valley" or "ravine," often implying a deep, steep-sided gorge or glen.
Biqʻâh thus stands out as a term for a broad, level plain specifically formed by a geological "splitting" or opening between higher landmasses, offering fertile and accessible ground.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בִּקְעָה (biqʻâh, `{{H1237}}`) emerges from its physical characteristics and its biblical contexts:
* **Divine Design and Provision:** The existence of these wide, level plains speaks to God's providential ordering of creation. They are often fertile and habitable, providing essential space and resources for humanity. The plain of Jericho, for example, represents a part of the rich, promised inheritance that God prepared for His people, demonstrating His care and provision.
* **Human Ambition and Rebellion:** The most profound theological association of biqʻâh is with the plain of Shinar [[Genesis 11:2]], the setting for the Tower of Babel. This vast, open space facilitated human unity and collective ambition, leading to a project aimed at self-glorification and defiance of God's command to fill the earth. Here, the biqʻâh becomes a symbolic stage for humanity's capacity for pride and rebellion against divine will.
* **Strategic Arenas in Redemptive History:** The recurring mention of biqʻâh as battlegrounds (e.g., Megiddo) highlights their strategic importance in the unfolding of Israel's history. These plains were often sites where God's hand was evident, whether in delivering victory or executing judgment. The "valley of Megiddo" in particular carries strong eschatological weight, becoming a prophetic symbol of future great conflicts and divine judgment ([[Zechariah 12:11]]).
* **Echoes of Divine Power:** While biqʻâh refers to a geographical feature, its derivation from בָּקַע (baqaʻ, `{{H1234}}`) subtly links it to the concept of powerful divine action. The "splitting" of the earth to form these plains can be seen as a silent testament to God's creative and sustaining power, reminiscent of His miraculous acts of dividing waters or cleaving rocks.
### Summary
The Hebrew term בִּקְעָה (biqʻâh, `{{H1237}}`), rooted in בָּקַע (baqaʻ, `{{H1234}}`) meaning "to split" or "cleave," precisely describes a wide, level valley or plain, typically formed as a "cleft" between mountains. This geographical feature is consistently depicted in the Bible as a significant space for human activity. From the infamous plain of Shinar where the Tower of Babel was constructed [[Genesis 11:2]], symbolizing human ambition and rebellion, to the fertile plain of Jericho, a key part of the Promised Land [[Deuteronomy 34:3]], and the strategic battleground of Megiddo [[2 Chronicles 35:22]], biqʻâh serves as a vital backdrop for both mundane and monumental events in biblical history. Theologically, biqʻâh underscores divine provision in creating habitable landscapes, yet also illustrates the arenas where human choices, both obedient and defiant, play out within God's overarching plan for salvation history.
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