from בָרַךְ; a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place); (fish-) pool.
Transliteration:bᵉrêkâh
Pronunciation:ber-ay-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בְּרֵכָה (bᵉrêkâh, `{{H1295}}`) is consistently translated as "pool" or "reservoir." Its etymological root is linked to בָרַךְ (bārak, `{{H1288}}`), which commonly means "to bless" or "to kneel." This connection is illuminating, suggesting that a bᵉrêkâh is a place where one might kneel to drink, a source of refreshment and sustenance, thus implicitly a place of blessing. The base definition provided indicates a "reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)" and "fish-pool," highlighting its practical utility for both livestock and human food sources. The semantic range therefore encompasses various forms of collected water, typically man-made or adapted natural depressions, serving as vital water supplies in an arid climate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term bᵉrêkâh appears a number of times in the Hebrew Bible, almost always referring to a significant body of collected water, often of strategic importance.
* In [[2 Samuel 2:13]], the "pool of Gibeon" is the site of a deadly contest between the forces of Joab and Abner, underscoring its military significance as a critical water source.
* Jerusalem's numerous pools are frequently mentioned. The "upper pool" ([[2 Kings 18:17]], [[Isaiah 7:3]], [[Isaiah 36:2]]) on the highway of the fuller's field was a key strategic point during the Assyrian siege, where the Rabshakeh delivered Sennacherib's taunts. This highlights the vital role of water supply in city defense.
* Nehemiah's account of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls mentions the "King's Pool" ([[Nehemiah 2:14]]) and the "Pool of Siloam" ([[Nehemiah 3:15]]), both essential components of the city's infrastructure and water management system. While "Siloam" itself is שִׁלֹחַ (`{{H7975}}`), the term bᵉrêkâh is used to describe it as a pool.
* [[Ecclesiastes 2:6]] records Solomon's grand projects, including the making of "pools of water" to irrigate his forests, demonstrating their use in large-scale agriculture and landscaping.
* A unique, metaphorical usage occurs in [[Song of Solomon 7:4]], where the beloved's eyes are compared to "the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim." Here, bᵉrêkâh evokes a sense of depth, clarity, and perhaps alluring tranquility.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root בָרַךְ (bārak, `{{H1288}}`), "to bless" or "to kneel." This etymological link suggests a profound connection between the physical act of kneeling to drink from a pool and the spiritual concept of receiving blessing or kneeling in worship.
Other Hebrew words for water sources or collections include:
* בְּאֵר (be'er, `{{H875}}`): a well, usually dug.
* עַיִן (ayin, `{{H5869}}`): a natural spring or fountain.
* מַעְיָן (ma'yan, `{{H4599}}`): also a spring or fountain, often flowing.
* מִקְוֶה (miqveh, `{{H4723}}`): a collection of water, sometimes used for ritual immersion.
Conceptually, bᵉrêkâh is tied to themes of life, sustenance, survival in arid lands, and the strategic importance of resources. It stands in contrast to "broken cisterns that can hold no water" ([[Jeremiah 2:13]]), which symbolize unreliability and spiritual futility.
### Theological Significance
The bᵉrêkâh holds significant theological weight, primarily as a tangible representation of divine provision and blessing.
1. **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** In the semi-arid ancient Near East, water was synonymous with life. Pools, whether natural or man-made, were critical for survival, representing God's gracious provision for His people and creation. Even human efforts to construct pools were ultimately dependent on God's gift of rain and springs.
2. **A Place of Blessing:** The etymological connection to בָרַךְ (to bless/kneel) imbues bᵉrêkâh with a spiritual dimension. It is a place where one receives the blessing of refreshment and life, mirroring the spiritual kneeling before God to receive His grace and sustenance.
3. **Strategic Importance and Spiritual Warfare:** The prominent role of pools in military strategy (e.g., the upper pool in Jerusalem) can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual battles fought over access to the "living water" that God provides. Securing a water source was securing life; similarly, clinging to God, the source of living water, is spiritual life.
4. **Metaphorical Purity and Beauty:** In [[Song of Solomon 7:4]], the eyes like "pools in Heshbon" suggest not only beauty but also depth, clarity, and perhaps a reflection of inner purity or wisdom.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בְּרֵכָה (bᵉrêkâh, `{{H1295}}`) denotes a "pool" or "reservoir," a crucial collection of water in the biblical world. Its etymological link to בָרַךְ (bārak, `{{H1288}}`), meaning "to bless" or "to kneel," subtly elevates its meaning beyond mere utility, suggesting a place of refreshment and divine favor where one receives essential provision. Biblically, bᵉrêkâh refers to vital water sources for daily life, agriculture, and military strategy, particularly evident in the pools of Jerusalem. Theologically, the bᵉrêkâh serves as a powerful symbol of God's life-giving provision, the preciousness of sustenance, and the blessings found in turning to the divine source. It underscores the profound dependence of humanity on God's sustaining grace, both physically and spiritually.
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