### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bûwk**, represented by `{{H943}}`, is a primitive root used to describe being involved or entangled, either literally or figuratively. It carries the meaning of being perplexed or confused. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, making each usage significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H943}}` depicts a state of being trapped or in disarray. Pharaoh, observing the Israelites, concludes they are **entangled** in the land, with the wilderness shutting them in [[Exodus 14:3]]. The word is also used to describe social confusion; after a royal decree is issued by King Ahasuerus and Haman, the entire city of Shushan was **perplexed** [[Esther 3:15]]. Finally, the term extends to the natural world in a prophecy from Joel, where the herds of cattle are **perplexed** because there is no pasture for them [[Joel 1:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which this perplexity occurs:
* `{{H5462}}` **çâgar** (to shut up): This root, meaning to close up or enclose, is used directly alongside `{{H943}}` to describe the physical predicament of the Israelites. Pharaoh believes the wilderness "hath shut them in" [[Exodus 14:3]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): This term for a city is the subject of the confusion in Esther. It is not just an individual, but "the city Shushan" that was **perplexed** [[Esther 3:15]] by the king's shocking decree.
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (beef cattle or an animal of the ox family): This word for cattle is used to show that the state of perplexity can extend even to animals. In Joel, the "herds of cattle are perplexed" [[Joel 1:18]] due to the lack of food.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H943}}` highlights several key themes:
* **Physical and Mental Entrapment:** The word captures both a literal, physical state of being trapped, as with the Israelites in the wilderness [[Exodus 14:3]], and a state of figurative, mental confusion, as seen in the city of Shushan [[Esther 3:15]].
* **Confusion from Crisis:** In each case, perplexity arises from a dire situation. For Israel, it is the apparent dead-end in the wilderness. For Shushan, it is a life-threatening royal decree. For the cattle, it is a devastating lack of pasture [[Joel 1:18]].
* **Universal Distress:** The term is applied to the chosen people of Israel, a Persian city, and even herds of cattle. This demonstrates a shared experience of confusion and distress that can affect all of creation when faced with overwhelming circumstances.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H943}}` **bûwk** is a potent, though rare, term for being entangled or perplexed. Its three appearances in Scripture paint a vivid picture of distress, whether it is the physical entrapment of a people, the civic confusion of a city, or the desperation of animals in a famine. The word effectively communicates a state of being hopelessly caught, both literally and figuratively.
TRV