from בָּקַר; properly, examination, i.e. (by implication) punishment; scourged.
Transliteration:biqqôreth
Pronunciation:bik-ko-reth
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בִּקֹּרֶת (biqqôreth, `{{H1244}}`) derives from the verbal root בָּקַר (baqar, `{{H1239}}`), which fundamentally means "to seek," "to inquire," "to inspect," or "to visit." This root often implies a close, careful examination or investigation. Consequently, בִּקֹּרֶת inherently carries the primary sense of "examination" or "investigation." However, in its sole biblical occurrence, the term takes on a more specific, implied meaning: the *result* or *consequence* of such an examination, particularly in a judicial context. Thus, it signifies "punishment" or "scourging," understood as the disciplinary outcome of a thorough inquiry into a transgression. The semantic range therefore extends from the act of scrutiny to the infliction of the consequence determined by that scrutiny.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בִּקֹּרֶת (biqqôreth, `{{H1244}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Leviticus 19:20]]. This verse is part of the Holiness Code, detailing various laws concerning moral and ritual purity within the Israelite community:
"And if a man lie with a woman that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged: they shall not be put to death, because she was not free." [[Leviticus 19:20]]
In this context, בִּקֹּרֶת is translated as "scourged" (KJV) or "punished" (NIV, ESV). The passage describes a specific legal case involving sexual transgression with a betrothed female slave who has not yet been fully redeemed or granted freedom. The unique legal status of the woman—betrothed but not fully free—mitigates the severity of the punishment, preventing the death penalty that might otherwise apply to adultery. Instead, the prescribed consequence is בִּקֹּרֶת. This implies a formal, judicial "examination" of the circumstances that leads to a specific, lesser form of "punishment" or "visitation" upon her. The "scourging" or "punishment" is not arbitrary but is the direct result of a legal assessment based on her particular status, demonstrating a nuanced application of justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root בָּקַר (baqar, `{{H1239}}`) is foundational to understanding בִּקֹּרֶת. This root is versatile, appearing in various forms:
* בָּקַר (baqar, `{{H1239}}`) as a verb: "to inquire," "to seek," "to inspect." For instance, a priest would בָּקַר (inspect) a person for leprosy ([[Leviticus 13:36]]), or one might בָּקַר (inquire) in God's temple ([[Psalm 27:4]]).
* בֹּקֶר (boqer, `{{H1242}}`): "morning," perhaps from the idea of the breaking forth of light, or the time when herds are "inspected."
* בֶּקֶר (beqer, `{{H1241}}`): "cattle," possibly referring to animals that are "inspected" or "cared for" by a herdsman.
The concept of divine "visitation" or "inspection" is also frequently expressed by the root פָּקַד (paqad, `{{H6485}}`), which, like בָּקַר, can signify both a benevolent oversight and a punitive judgment. Both roots highlight God's active involvement in human affairs, discerning and responding to actions. In the context of בִּקֹּרֶת, the related concepts include justice, legal process, discipline, accountability, and the careful determination of consequences.
### Theological Significance
Though בִּקֹּרֶת (biqqôreth, `{{H1244}}`) appears only once, its presence in [[Leviticus 19:20]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the meticulous nature of God's justice within the covenant community. The term highlights several key principles:
1. **Divine Scrutiny and Judgment:** The root meaning of "examination" implies that God, through His laws and those entrusted with their enforcement, thoroughly investigates situations before judgment is rendered. This speaks to God's omniscience and perfect justice, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that judgments are based on full understanding.
2. **Proportionate Punishment:** The specific application of בִּקֹּרֶת in [[Leviticus 19:20]] demonstrates God's nuanced justice, where punishment is carefully calibrated to the degree of culpability and the specific circumstances of the transgression. The bondmaid's status mitigates the penalty, revealing a divine concern for equity and mercy alongside strict adherence to law.
3. **Holiness and Accountability:** The placement of this law within the Holiness Code ([[Leviticus 19]]) emphasizes God's demand for purity and integrity within His people. בִּקֹּרֶת serves as a tangible reminder that actions have consequences and that the community is held accountable to divine standards. It illustrates that the covenant relationship involves both blessings for obedience and disciplinary measures for disobedience.
### Summary
בִּקֹּרֶת (biqqôreth, `{{H1244}}`) is a unique Hebrew noun derived from the root בָּקַר (baqar, `{{H1239}}`), signifying "examination" or "inspection." In its singular biblical occurrence in [[Leviticus 19:20]], it denotes the "punishment" or "scourging" that results from a judicial inquiry into a specific transgression. This term encapsulates the divine principle of thorough investigation leading to a just and proportionate consequence. Theologically, בִּקֹּרֶת illuminates God's precise and equitable justice, His demand for holiness within the covenant community, and the fundamental principle of accountability, where divine judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from a careful and complete "examination" of all circumstances.
TRV