a primitive root; to cut in pieces; thrust through.
Transliteration:bâthaq
Pronunciation:baw-thak'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1333}}` בָּתַק (bâthaq) is a primitive root, conveying the core semantic range of "to cut in pieces" or "to thrust through." This definition immediately suggests a violent, decisive, and destructive action. Unlike verbs that might imply a clean cut or a surgical incision, בָּתַק denotes a more brutal and dismembering process. The idea of being "cut in pieces" indicates a complete and utter fragmentation or destruction, while "thrust through" implies a fatal penetration. The primitive nature of the root suggests a foundational and raw expression of this destructive force, often in the context of judgment or violent confrontation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H1333}}` בָּתַק (bâthaq) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly potent and significant.
* **[[Ezekiel 23:47]]**: "And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire."
In this prophetic passage, Ezekiel describes the severe judgment against Oholibah (representing Jerusalem) and Oholah (representing Samaria) for their spiritual harlotry and idolatry. The phrase "וּבָתְקוּ אֹתָן בְּחַרְבוֹתָם" (u'bâthqu otan b'ḥarbôtām) translates to "and they shall cut them down with their swords" or "they shall thrust them through with their swords." The "company" or "multitude" is God's instrument of judgment. The use of `{{H1333}}` here emphasizes the brutal and comprehensive nature of this divine retribution. It is not merely a defeat but a complete annihilation, a severing of life and existence, executed by the sword. The context is one of divine wrath unleashed against profound spiritual rebellion, signifying a decisive and irreversible end to the unrighteous.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular occurrence, `{{H1333}}` stands out for its specific, violent connotation. However, it relates to a broader semantic field of words describing destructive actions, particularly in the context of divine judgment or warfare.
* **Words for "killing" or "slaughtering":** Verbs like `{{H2076}}` (zâbach - to slaughter, often sacrificially but also in general killing), `{{H2492}}` (châlal - to pierce, wound, often fatally), `{{H6992}}` (qâṭal - to kill, slay), and `{{H7812}}` (shâchaṭ - to slaughter, often in a ritualistic or decisive manner) share the outcome of death, but `{{H1333}}` carries an added nuance of dismemberment or thorough destruction.
* **Words for "cutting":** While not directly synonymous, verbs like `{{H3772}}` (kâraṯ - to cut off, cut down, make a covenant) can also imply severance, but `{{H1333}}` is more specifically about violent, destructive cutting of a living entity.
* **Concepts:** The action of `{{H1333}}` is inextricably linked to concepts of divine judgment, retribution, violent overthrow, and the ultimate consequences of sin and idolatry. It embodies the severity of God's justice against those who forsake Him.
### Theological Significance
The singular, powerful use of `{{H1333}}` in [[Ezekiel 23:47]] underscores the gravity and finality of divine judgment. It portrays God's response to profound spiritual apostasy not as a gentle correction, but as a devastating and complete act of destruction. The phrase "cut them down with their swords" (or "thrust them through") signifies a total eradication, leaving no room for recovery or escape. This vivid imagery serves as a stark warning to Israel (and by extension, to all who would stray from God) about the dire consequences of spiritual harlotry and idolatry. It highlights God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, demonstrating that persistent sin will ultimately meet with severe and decisive retribution. The use of this particular verb emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving no part untouched or whole.
### Summary
`{{H1333}}` בָּתַק (bâthaq) is a rare yet impactful Hebrew verb, meaning "to cut in pieces" or "to thrust through." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 23:47]] powerfully depicts the severe and decisive nature of divine judgment against spiritual rebellion. The verb emphasizes a violent, dismembering, and utterly destructive action, signifying the complete eradication of those who face God's wrath. While unique in its usage, it resonates with broader biblical themes of divine justice and the ultimate consequences of sin, serving as a solemn reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His righteous indignation against idolatry.
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