The Hebrew word bôwʼ, represented by H935, is a primitive root meaning to go or come. It appears a remarkable 2579 times in 2307 verses, highlighting its versatility and importance in the scriptures. Its application is incredibly wide, covering actions like entering, bringing something forth, arriving, or causing an event to come to pass.
The core meaning of H935 emphasizes not just movement, but the completion or result of movement – an arrival or entrance. This distinguishes it from verbs of general locomotion, highlighting the destination or the state achieved upon reaching it. For instance, in the context of human action, it frequently describes entering a house, a city, or a specific location, as when Bathsheba went in unto King David 1 Kings 1:15 or when the Philistines came and dwelt in the forsaken cities 1 Samuel 31:7. This directional aspect is crucial, often implying the crossing of a threshold, whether physical or metaphorical.
Beyond physical entry, H935 is vital for expressing the initiation of states or the occurrence of events. In its Hiphil (causative) stem, it means "to bring" or "to cause to come," often reflecting divine agency. God promises to bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam 1 Kings 14:10 or upon Ahab's house 1 Kings 21:21, demonstrating His active role in judgment. Similarly, David's men brought the spoils to Ziklag 1 Samuel 30:26, signifying the successful conclusion of their raid. This causative usage underscores the verb's capacity to denote the initiation or materialization of an outcome, whether by human effort or divine decree.
The verb also carries significant weight in expressing temporal arrival, marking the onset of a period or condition. Phrases like "the day came" or "the time came" signal crucial junctures in the narrative. For example, the time when David and his men came to Ziklag 1 Samuel 30:1 marked a turning point in their fortunes. This temporal aspect extends to the "coming in" and "going out" as a metaphor for the totality of one's life or daily activities, reflecting a complete cycle of existence or duty, as seen in Solomon's prayer for wisdom to go out and come in before his people 2 Chronicles 1:10.
In biblical usage, H935 describes both human and divine action. It can depict a direct approach, as when David comest to the Philistine in the name of the Lord 1 Samuel 17:45. It is frequently used as a command or invitation to draw near to God, such as the call to "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving" Psalms 100:4. Prophetically, it announces future events, with the recurring phrase "Behold, the days come" signaling a time of divine action, such as the making of a new covenant Jeremiah 31:31. God also uses this word to describe His own acts of judgment, promising to bring every work into judgment Ecclesiastes 12:14.
The verb H935 frequently describes intimate personal encounters, specifically sexual relations, often rendered as "went in to" or "came in to." This usage is seen in the patriarchal narratives and later historical accounts, such as Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir 1 Chronicles 2:21 or when Ephraim went in to his wife 1 Chronicles 7:23. This particular application highlights a deep level of personal proximity and union, emphasizing the act of entering into another's space in a profound and life-altering way, leading to conception and continuation of lineage.
In military and political contexts, H935 powerfully depicts acts of invasion, conquest, and the movement of armies. Enemies are frequently described as "coming against" or "entering" a territory, signifying hostile intent and the initiation of conflict. For example, the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim 1 Chronicles 14:9, marking their aggressive advance. Similarly, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah 2 Chronicles 32:1, illustrating a direct military assault. This usage underscores the verb's capacity to convey the disruption of peace and the imposition of external force.
H935 is used to describe the regular and ceremonial bringing of offerings, tithes, and treasures into sacred spaces. This highlights acts of worship, dedication, and the fulfillment of religious duties. The Levites were responsible to bring ministering vessels in and out of the temple 1 Chronicles 9:28, and the people were commanded to bring the collection into the house of the LORD 2 Chronicles 24:9. King Solomon brought in the dedicated silver, gold, and vessels into the house of the LORD 1 Kings 7:51, symbolizing the consecration of resources to God. This demonstrates H935's role in describing structured, communal acts of piety and stewardship within the cultic life of Israel.
Several words related to motion and arrival add context to H935:
- H1980 hâlak: Defined as to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively), this word often describes a person's way of life, such as those who walk in the law of the LORD Psalms 119:1.
- H3318 yâtsâʼ: This word, meaning to go (causatively, bring) out, serves as a counterpart to H935. The psalmist praises God for preserving his "going out and thy coming in" Psalms 121:8, capturing the full scope of life's movements.
- H7725 shûwb: Meaning to turn back or return, this verb is crucial for the concept of repentance. It is used when the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and then come to Zion Isaiah 51:11, linking the act of returning with the act of coming.
- H926 bâhal (to be alarmed, hasten): This verb often describes a rapid or urgent movement, which can characterize the manner of H935 (coming or going). It implies a swift approach or departure driven by fear or urgency, contrasting with a deliberate or casual arrival.
- H914 bâdal (to divide, separate): In contrast to H935 which signifies an act of joining, entering, or coming together, H914 denotes the act of setting apart or being separated. It highlights the conceptual opposite of integration or presence.
- H909 bâdad (to be separate, solitary): This verb describes a state of isolation or being alone, standing in direct antithesis to the active presence or entry implied by H935. It reflects the absence of "coming in" or communal gathering.
The theological weight of H935 is significant, often pointing to moments of divine intervention and fulfillment.
- The Day of the Lord: The word is central to prophecies about divine judgment and salvation. The day of the LORD cometh Joel 2:1, burning like an oven Malachi 4:1, and God will come with vengeance to save His people Isaiah 35:4.
- Messianic Prophecy: H935 is used to foretell the arrival of the Messiah. The sceptre will not depart from Judah until Shiloh come Genesis 49:10, and Zion's King cometh lowly and having salvation Zechariah 9:9. The Lord whom they seek will suddenly come to His temple Malachi 3:1.
- Invitation to Worship: The word extends an invitation for humanity to approach God. Believers are called to "come, let us worship and bow down" Psalms 95:6 and to come before his presence with singing Psalms 100:2.
- Covenant Fulfillment: God's promises are brought to pass through this word. The Lord promises to bring His people to their own land Ezekiel 34:13 and to bring in everlasting righteousness as part of His covenant work Daniel 9:24.
- Divine Accountability: H935 is frequently used to describe the inevitable "coming" of consequences, particularly divine judgment or retribution for sin. God promises to bring evil upon those who disobey 1 Kings 14:10, signifying His active involvement in upholding justice. This theme underscores that actions have repercussions, and God ensures that judgment will ultimately come upon the disobedient, as seen in the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah due to his humility 2 Chronicles 32:26.
- Access to Sacred Space: The verb marks the solemn act of entering into the sanctuary or temple, emphasizing the holiness of God's dwelling and the proper protocols for approach. Priests and Levites are explicitly given the right to come into the house of the LORD for service 1 Chronicles 24:19, while others are often restricted or must follow specific purification rituals. This sacred entry signifies a direct encounter with the divine presence, as when Hezekiah invited all Israel to come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the passover 2 Chronicles 30:1.
- Symbol of Leadership and Governance: The phrase "to go out and to come in" using H935 and H3318 often functions as a comprehensive idiom for effective leadership, encompassing all the activities of governing, leading, and caring for the people. Solomon prays for wisdom to go out and come in before his people 2 Chronicles 1:10, indicating his desire for divine guidance in all aspects of his kingship. This idiom signifies the full scope of a leader's public and private life, under divine oversight.
The Hebrew verb H935, bôwʼ, stands as a foundational and remarkably versatile term in the Old Testament, extending far beyond simple physical locomotion. Its essence lies in signifying an arrival, an entrance, or the coming to pass of an event, emphasizing the completion or result of movement rather than mere transit. This inherent directionality shapes its usage, whether describing a person's physical entry into a place, the onset of a new time or condition, or the solemn approach into sacred space.
H935 captures both human and divine agency in dynamic ways. It depicts human actions ranging from David's approach to Goliath 1 Samuel 17:45 to intimate personal unions 1 Chronicles 2:21, and from the bringing of offerings into the temple 2 Chronicles 24:9 to the leadership idiom of "going out and coming in" 2 Chronicles 1:10. In its causative (Hiphil) form, it powerfully conveys God's active role in bringing about judgment, blessings, or covenant fulfillment, ensuring that His word and promises come to pass, as when He promises to bring His people to their own land Ezekiel 34:13 or to bring every work into judgment Ecclesiastes 12:14.
The theological landscape illuminated by H935 is rich and varied. It is central to prophecies concerning the "Day of the Lord" and the long-awaited Messianic arrival Malachi 3:1, signaling pivotal moments of divine intervention. It serves as an invitation to humanity to come and worship God Psalms 95:6, fostering a relationship of proximity and devotion. Furthermore, the verb underscores themes of divine accountability, as evil and consequences come upon those who transgress 1 Kings 21:21, yet also highlights the privilege and sanctity of coming into God's presence in the sanctuary 2 Chronicles 30:8.
In sum, H935 is indispensable to the biblical narrative, articulating the movement of individuals, nations, and divine purposes. From the mundane act of entering a dwelling to the profound declaration of God's coming to judge the earth 1 Chronicles 16:33, this verb encapsulates the entire spectrum of interaction, manifestation, and fulfillment within the sacred text, revealing a God who is both immanent in His active engagement with creation and transcendent in His ultimate control over all that "comes to pass."
TRV