### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bârûwth**, represented by `{{H1267}}`, means **food** or **meat**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible. Its sole usage defines its scriptural meaning not as a general term for sustenance, but as a specific element in a scene of profound suffering and cruelty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical context for `{{H1267}}` is in a lament of deep distress. In [[Psalms 69:21]], the psalmist cries out that his tormentors gave him gall for his **meat**. In this verse, the expectation of receiving life-giving food is met with the perverse offering of poison, highlighting the extreme nature of the persecution being described. The word is used to establish a stark contrast between what is needed for life and what is offered for torment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H1267}}` is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only appearance:
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This primitive root, meaning to give, put, or make, is used for the cruel action of providing poison instead of food [[Psalms 69:21]].
* `{{H7219}}` **rôʼsh** (gall, poison): This is what was given in place of **meat** `{{H1267}}`. Defined as a poisonous plant, gall, or venom, it stands in direct opposition to the concept of nourishing food.
* `{{H6772}}` **tsâmâʼ** (thirst): This word describes the psalmist’s physical state of need, which, like his hunger, is met with a cruel substitute [[Psalms 69:21]].
* `{{H2558}}` **chômets** (vinegar): Paired with the offering of gall, vinegar is given to quench the psalmist's thirst, compounding the act of cruelty.
* `{{H8248}}` **shâqâh** (to drink): This word, meaning to cause to drink, is used to describe the act of forcing the psalmist to consume the vinegar [[Psalms 69:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1267}}` is derived entirely from its context of affliction.
* **Perversion of Sustenance:** The primary theme is the twisting of a life-sustaining act into one of torment. The expectation of receiving **meat** is subverted by the act of being given `{{H5414}}` **gall** `{{H7219}}`.
* **Symbol of Injustice:** The word's use in [[Psalms 69:21]] serves as a powerful symbol for the experience of a righteous sufferer who receives evil in return for their vulnerability and need.
* **Expression of Anguish:** Rather than contributing to a doctrine of food, `{{H1267}}` functions to measure the depth of anguish. The denial of something as basic as **meat** and the provision of poison in its place captures a state of absolute rejection and persecution.
### Summary
In summary, **bârûwth** `{{H1267}}` is a term whose significance is not in its definition of **food** alone, but in its unique and dramatic biblical usage. Appearing just once, it serves as the focal point in a depiction of extreme suffering in [[Psalms 69:21]]. Its meaning is forever tied to the contrast between the life-giving sustenance it represents and the bitter poison that was offered in its stead, making it a powerful scriptural symbol of injustice and affliction.
TRV