### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâthaq**, represented by `{{H1333}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to cut in pieces; thrust through**. This potent term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance makes its context crucial for understanding its severe implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1333}}` is found in a prophecy of judgment in [[Ezekiel 16:40]]. The verse describes a grim punishment: "They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and **thrust thee through** with their swords." Here, **bâthaq** depicts a violent and lethal action, part of a twofold execution method involving stoning and piercing with swords, carried out by an assembled group.
### Related Words & Concepts
The words surrounding `{{H1333}}` in its only context illuminate its meaning of severe, corporate judgment:
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend, bring up): In [[Ezekiel 16:40]], this word is used for bringing up a company to execute judgment. It can also signify rescue, as when God brought Israel up from a pit [[Psalms 40:2]], or restoration, as in the promise to bring health and a cure [[Jeremiah 33:6]].
* `{{H6951}}` **qâhâl** (assemblage, company): This word denotes the "company" that carries out the sentence in [[Ezekiel 16:40]]. It is often used for a congregation or assembly gathered for a specific purpose, whether for battle [[1 Samuel 17:47]] or for religious observance [[Exodus 12:6]].
* `{{H7275}}` **râgam** (to stone): Paired with being thrust through, this word describes a form of capital punishment, often carried out by the entire community for severe offenses ([[Leviticus 20:2]], [[Leviticus 24:14]]).
* `{{H68}}` **ʼeben** (a stone): The instrument of stoning in [[Ezekiel 16:40]]. While used for judgment here, a stone can also be a symbol of God's foundation [[Isaiah 28:16]] or something to be removed, as with a "stony heart" [[Ezekiel 36:26]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (a cutting instrument, sword): The weapon used to "thrust through." The sword often acts as an instrument of divine judgment [[Isaiah 27:1]] but is also prophesied to be beaten into plowshares in a future time of peace [[Isaiah 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1333}}` is tied to its role in divine retribution.
* **Corporate Punishment:** The act of being "thrust through" is not an isolated event. It is part of a judgment executed by a "company" `{{H6951}}`, highlighting a communal responsibility in carrying out a divine sentence, a theme also seen in the command for the congregation to stone offenders [[Numbers 15:35]].
* **Finality of Judgment:** To be "thrust through" with a sword `{{H2719}}` is a fatal action. It is combined with stoning `{{H7275}}`, another form of execution, emphasizing the absolute and irreversible nature of the punishment described in [[Ezekiel 16:40]].
* **Instruments of Judgment:** The use of swords `{{H2719}}` and stones `{{H68}}` in [[Ezekiel 16:40]] portrays them as tools of severe judgment. The sword, in particular, is elsewhere identified as the LORD's instrument for punishing His enemies [[Isaiah 27:1]] or even His own shepherd [[Zechariah 13:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **bâthaq** `{{H1333}}` is a stark and specific term for a violent death. Its single appearance in scripture embeds it within a scene of severe, communal judgment. Surrounded by terms of assembly, execution, and weaponry, **bâthaq** serves as a powerful descriptor for a final, piercing punishment, illustrating a biblical theme of profound consequences for transgression.
TRV