### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâthâh**, represented by `{{H1326}}`, means **desolation** or **waste**. It is noted as a probable orthographical variation for בַּתָּה. Appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, its meaning is highly specific and tied to a single, potent image of judgment and abandonment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H1326}}` is used to describe the fate of a vineyard that has failed to produce good fruit. In [[Isaiah 5:6]], God declares, "And I will lay it **waste**." This act of desolation is further defined by neglect—it will not be pruned `{{H2168}}` or digged `{{H5737}}`—and by the resulting overgrowth of briers `{{H8068}}` and thorns `{{H7898}}`, which are allowed to come up in its place.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the nature of this desolation:
* `{{H7896}}` **shîyth** (a primitive root; to place... lay... make... set): This is the active verb used to inflict the state of desolation, translated as "lay" in the phrase "I will lay it waste" [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* `{{H2168}}` **zâmar** (to trim (a vine); prune): The absence of this action is a key component of the vineyard's desolation, indicating a withdrawal of care and maintenance [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* `{{H5737}}` **ʻădar** (to arrange... a vineyard (to hoe)... dig, fail, lack): Similar to pruning, the lack of digging signifies total abandonment, allowing the land to fall into ruin [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* `{{H7898}}` **shayith** (scrub or trash, i.e. wild growth of weeds or briers... thorns): This word describes the result of the desolation—the land being overgrown with thorns, a symbol of curse and unproductivity [[Isaiah 5:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1326}}` is concentrated in its single use as a metaphor for divine judgment.
* **Divine Judgment:** The state of being waste is not accidental but a direct and deliberate act of God. It is the consequence pronounced upon the vineyard for its failure, as stated in the declaration, "I will lay it waste" [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* **Withdrawal of Blessing:** Desolation is depicted as the reversal of cultivation and blessing. The cessation of pruning `{{H2168}}` and digging `{{H5737}}`, along with the command for the clouds to withhold rain, illustrates a complete removal of divine favor and care [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* **Symbol of Unproductivity:** The result of this desolation is a landscape that produces only briers `{{H8068}}` and thorns `{{H7898}}`, symbolizing a state of spiritual barrenness and curse where good fruit was once expected [[Isaiah 5:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1326}}` provides a concise and powerful image of **desolation** as a form of divine judgment. Though used only once, its context in [[Isaiah 5:6]] gives it significant weight, representing the intentional withdrawal of divine care and the resulting state of ruin and unproductivity. It illustrates how a land of promise can be turned to waste when it fails to yield its intended fruit.
TRV