### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בַּקָּרָה (baqqârâh, `{{H1243}}`) is an intensive noun derived from the verb בָּקַר (bâqar, `{{H1239}}`). The root בָּקַר carries the primary senses of "to seek," "to inquire," "to inspect," "to search out," or "to consider carefully." As an intensive form, בַּקָּרָה amplifies these meanings, conveying a thorough, diligent, or meticulous "looking after" or "seeking out." It suggests an active, purposeful investigation or a careful oversight, going beyond a mere glance to a painstaking examination or search. The nuance is one of earnestness and deep commitment in the act of seeking or caring.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בַּקָּרָה (baqqârâh, `{{H1243}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its singular occurrence particularly weighty and significant.
* [[Ezekiel 34:12]]: "As a shepherd seeks out (בַּקָּרָה) his flock on the day that he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
In this pivotal passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a powerful message concerning the unfaithful shepherds (leaders) of Israel and the promise of God's own direct, divine shepherding. The context of [[Ezekiel 34]] is one of lament over Israel's dispersion due to the negligence of its human leaders. God declares that He Himself will intervene to gather and care for His scattered flock. The use of בַּקָּרָה here is highly illustrative. It describes the diligent, painstaking effort of a shepherd who, finding his flock scattered, meticulously searches for each lost sheep. It is not a casual search but an intense, purposeful act of recovery. This single occurrence of בַּקָּרָה thus emphasizes the depth of God's commitment and the thoroughness of His redemptive pursuit of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core meaning of בַּקָּרָה is best understood in relation to its root and other semantically similar terms:
* **Root Verb:** בָּקַר (bâqar, `{{H1239}}`): This verb is foundational, meaning "to seek," "to inquire," "to inspect." It is used in contexts ranging from a priest inspecting a skin disease ([[Leviticus 13:36]]) to an individual inquiring of the Lord ([[Psalm 27:4]]). The intensive nature of בַּקָּרָה highlights the thoroughness implied by the root.
* **Other Derivatives:**
* בָּקָר (bāqār, `{{H1241}}`): "cattle" or "herd," possibly related to the idea of inspecting or tending livestock.
* בֹּקֶר (bōqer, `{{H1242}}`): "morning," perhaps alluding to the time of "breaking forth" or when light allows for inspection.
* **Related Verbs of Seeking/Searching:**
* דָּרַשׁ (dārash, `{{H1875}}`): "to seek," "to inquire," often with an emphasis on seeking God, His will, or justice.
* בָּקַשׁ (bāqash, `{{H1245}}`): "to seek," "to desire," "to request."
* חָקַר (ḥāqar, `{{H2713}}`): "to search out," "to explore," "to investigate," often implying a deep and thorough examination.
While these terms share semantic overlap, בַּקָּרָה stands out due to its intensive form, specifically chosen to convey the meticulous and diligent nature of the search, particularly in the context of divine care.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of בַּקָּרָה in [[Ezekiel 34:12]] carries profound theological weight, revealing crucial aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **The Divine Shepherd:** This word powerfully portrays God as the ultimate, diligent Shepherd. Unlike the negligent human leaders who failed to "seek out" their flock, God Himself undertakes this intensive task. It underscores His active involvement and personal commitment to His people's welfare.
* **Redemptive Pursuit:** The "seeking out" described by בַּקָּרָה is not merely an act of identification but an act of rescue and restoration. God's search is purposeful, aimed at gathering His scattered sheep and bringing them back to safety and flourishing. It is an integral part of His redemptive plan for Israel.
* **Compassion and Meticulous Care:** The intensive nature of the word highlights God's deep compassion and meticulous care for each individual within His flock. He does not simply look generally but seeks out each one, demonstrating a personal and active pursuit of the lost.
* **Assurance of Restoration:** For a people dispersed and suffering, this divine promise of an intensive search offered immense hope and assurance of future restoration. It affirmed that despite their circumstances, they were not forgotten by their God.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ:** This imagery finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. His parables of the lost sheep ([[Matthew 18:12-14]], [[Luke 15:3-7]]) echo the very concept of the diligent, painstaking search for the one lost sheep, culminating in the declaration that the Son of Man "came to seek and to save the lost" ([[Luke 19:10]]). בַּקָּרָה in Ezekiel thus provides a foundational Old Testament concept for understanding Christ's redemptive mission.
### Summary
בַּקָּרָה (baqqârâh, `{{H1243}}`) is a unique and potent Hebrew term, an intensive form of the verb בָּקַר (bâqar, `{{H1239}}`), signifying a thorough, diligent "seeking out" or "looking after." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezekiel 34:12]] is profoundly significant, depicting God's meticulous and compassionate search for His scattered people, akin to a shepherd painstakingly finding his lost sheep. This word underscores God's character as the faithful Divine Shepherd, committed to the active rescue and restoration of His flock. בַּקָּרָה encapsulates the depth of divine care and the intensity of God's redemptive pursuit, a theme that resonates throughout biblical theology and finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
TRV