a primitive root; to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally; (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâʼash**, represented by `{{H887}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to smell bad**. It appears 17 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. Figuratively, it expands to describe being morally offensive and is translated as to be abhorred, loathsome, odious, or to have a stinking savour.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H887}}` is used to describe both literal and figurative stench. Its literal meaning is evident in the account of the plagues of Egypt, where the river and the land **stank** from dead fish and frogs ([[Exodus 7:21]], [[Exodus 8:14]]). Similarly, manna that was improperly kept overnight "bred worms, and **stank**" [[Exodus 16:20]]. The word is also used figuratively to describe a person or group becoming repulsive to others due to their actions. After the massacre at Shechem, Jacob fears his sons have made him **to stink** among the inhabitants of the land [[Genesis 34:30]]. Likewise, Israel becomes "had in **abomination**" with the Philistines after a military strike [[1 Samuel 13:4]], and Absalom's actions are intended to make him "**abhorred**" by his father David [[2 Samuel 16:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the consequences of being morally or physically repulsive:
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word is directly linked to the physical conditions that cause a stench. During God's judgment, the fish **dieth** for thirst as the rivers dry up, causing them to stink [[Isaiah 50:2]]. In Egypt, the fish in the river "shall **die**," and the river itself "shall **stink**" [[Exodus 7:18]].
* `{{H2659}}` **châphêr** (to be ashamed, disappointed): This word connects the figurative stench to social disgrace. A wicked man is described as **loathsome** `{{H887}}` and also one who "cometh to **shame**" `{{H2659}}`, linking moral offensiveness to public humiliation [[Proverbs 13:5]].
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent; kill): This highlights the severe danger associated with being abhorred. The Israelites complain that Moses and Aaron have made their savour "to be **abhorred**" `{{H887}}` in the sight of Pharaoh, effectively putting a sword in his hand "to **slay** us" [[Exodus 5:21]].
* `{{H8045}}` **shâmad** (to desolate; destroy): This word points to the ultimate consequence of becoming odious to one's neighbors. Jacob worries that being made "to **stink**" `{{H887}}` will cause his enemies to gather against him and that he and his house "shall be **destroyed**" [[Genesis 34:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H887}}` is found in its connection between the physical and the moral.
* **Symbol of Moral Corruption:** A foul odor serves as a tangible symbol of moral decay. A wicked man is described as **loathsome** [[Proverbs 13:5]], and personal wounds **stink** because of foolishness [[Psalms 38:5]], connecting a repulsive state to sin and folly.
* **Sign of Divine Judgment:** The presence of a stench is often a direct result of God's action. God's rebuke dries up the sea, and "their fish **stinketh**" [[Isaiah 50:2]]. The plagues on Egypt, including the river that **stank**, demonstrate God's power over creation to execute judgment [[Exodus 7:21]].
* **Ruin of Reputation:** The word illustrates how offensive actions can destroy one's standing. The children of Ammon "had made themselves **odious** to David" [[1 Chronicles 19:6]], leading to war. In Ecclesiastes, dead flies causing an ointment to have a **stinking savour** is compared to how a little folly can ruin a reputation for wisdom [[Ecclesiastes 10:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H887}}` conveys more than just a physical smell. It functions as a powerful biblical metaphor, representing both literal decay and figurative revulsion. Whether describing spoiled food, the results of a divine plague, or the social fallout from wicked actions, the word **bâʼash** serves as a stark illustration of how sin, foolishness, and judgment result in a state that is repulsive, offensive, and utterly abhorrent.
TRV