בָּאַשׁ

bâʼash /baw-ash'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally
KJV usage(make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour)
Idioms & phrasesidiom utterly.
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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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 17 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Absolute 1×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Hithpael Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 16 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in Exodus (6 verses).

1
Genesis
6
Exodus
2
1 Samuel
2
2 Samuel
1
1 Chronicles
1
Psalms
1
Proverbs
1
Ecclesiastes
1
Isaiah

Verse Explorer

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