or (shortened) בְּשֹׂרָה; feminine from בָּשַׂר; glad tidings; by implication, reward forgood news; reward for tidings.
Transliteration:bᵉsôwrâh
Pronunciation:bes-o-raw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בְּשׂוֹרָה (bᵉsôwrâh, `{{H1309}}`) is primarily defined as "glad tidings" or "good news." It is derived from the verb בָּשַׂר (bāśar, `{{H1319}}`), which means "to bring good news," "to announce glad tidings," or "to preach." This etymological connection underscores the active nature of communicating news that is inherently positive, bringing joy, relief, or hope to the recipient. Beyond the content of the message itself, בְּשׂוֹרָה also carries the semantic range of "reward for good news" or "reward for tidings." This secondary meaning highlights the cultural practice in ancient Near Eastern societies of compensating messengers who delivered significant and beneficial information, thereby valuing the news itself and the effort of its conveyance. The word thus encapsulates both the content of the message and the associated recompense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of בְּשׂוֹרָה (bᵉsôwrâh, `{{H1309}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are relatively few but highly illustrative of its core meanings. A prominent cluster appears in the book of Samuel, often in the context of military or political announcements. In [[2 Samuel 4:10]], the word explicitly refers to the "reward for the tidings" of Saul's death, emphasizing the implied expectation of a recompense for significant news, even if the news itself was morally ambiguous. Later, in the aftermath of Absalom's defeat, the word appears multiple times. In [[2 Samuel 18:20]] and [[2 Samuel 18:22]], Joab tells Ahimaaz not to run with the "tidings" (בְּשׂוֹרָה) because the news of Absalom's death would be grievous to David. Conversely, when a Cushite messenger arrives, he proclaims, "Let my lord the king receive good tidings!" (בְּשׂוֹרָה) in [[2 Samuel 18:31]], referring to the victory in battle, though this "good news" is tragically intertwined with the death of the king's son. These instances demonstrate the word's application to news of significant public or personal import, often carrying life-or-death implications, and the associated value placed on its delivery. Another notable occurrence is in [[1 Kings 20:10]], where the boastful and threatening message from Ben-Hadad is termed "tidings" (בְּשׂוֹרָה), though the context makes clear it is *not* good news, underscoring that the term can refer to any significant official announcement, not exclusively joyful ones, though "glad tidings" remains its primary sense.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root בָּשַׂר (bāśar, `{{H1319}}`), from which בְּשׂוֹרָה (bᵉsôwrâh, `{{H1309}}`) is derived. This verb means "to bring good news," "to announce glad tidings," or "to preach," and is used extensively throughout the Old Testament. For instance, it is used in prophetic contexts to describe the announcement of salvation or comfort, such as in [[Isaiah 40:9]] ("O Zion, you who bring good news") or [[Isaiah 52:7]] ("How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news"). This verbal root lays the foundation for the noun's meaning of "good news." Conceptually, בְּשׂוֹרָה also finds a profound parallel in the New Testament Greek term εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, `{{G2098}}`), which translates as "gospel" or "good news." While not a direct lexical translation, the theological continuity between the Hebrew concept of "glad tidings" and the Christian "Gospel" is undeniable, both conveying a message of hope, salvation, and divine intervention. Other related Hebrew terms for "news" or "report" include שְׁמוּעָה (shᵉmûʿâ, `{{H7723}}`) and דָּבָר (dāvār, `{{H1697}}`), but בְּשׂוֹרָה is uniquely characterized by its inherent positive or significant nature, often warranting a reward.
### Theological Significance
While בְּשׂוֹרָה (bᵉsôwrâh, `{{H1309}}`) itself is often used in contexts of human communication (e.g., military victory, royal announcements), its theological significance is primarily derived from its close connection to the verb בָּשַׂר (bāśar, `{{H1319}}`). This verb is frequently employed to describe God's communication of salvation, comfort, and restoration. Prophets like Isaiah use בָּשַׂר to speak of the "good news" of Zion's redemption and the coming of God's kingdom (e.g., [[Isaiah 40:9]], [[Isaiah 52:7]], [[Isaiah 61:1]]). This prophetic usage elevates the concept of "good news" beyond mere human affairs to divine revelation and promise. The anticipation of a deliverer bringing "good news" of salvation to the afflicted and captive, as seen in [[Isaiah 61:1]], finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament proclamation of Jesus Christ's ministry as the embodiment of the Gospel. Thus, בְּשׂוֹרָה, by virtue of its root, prefigures the ultimate divine "good news" of redemption and the establishment of God's reign, underscoring God's character as the ultimate bringer of hope and salvation to humanity. The "reward" aspect of בְּשׂוֹרָה can also be seen metaphorically in the spiritual blessings and eternal life promised to those who receive and proclaim God's ultimate good news.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בְּשׂוֹרָה (bᵉsôwrâh, `{{H1309}}`) signifies "glad tidings" or "good news," and by extension, the "reward" for delivering such news. Derived from the verb "to bring good news" (בָּשַׂר, `{{H1319}}`), it highlights the value placed on significant, often positive, announcements in ancient Israelite society, particularly in military or royal contexts as seen in the books of Samuel and Kings. While its direct occurrences are limited, its conceptual and etymological ties to the verb בָּשַׂר imbue it with profound theological resonance. This connection positions בְּשׂוֹרָה as a foundational concept for understanding the prophetic announcements of divine salvation and anticipates the New Testament's "Gospel" (εὐαγγέλιον, `{{G2098}}`), portraying God as the ultimate source of life-altering, joyous news for humanity.
TRV