### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâchôwn**, represented by `{{H969}}`, refers to an **assayer of metals** or a **tower**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 verse** of the Bible. Its meaning is derived from the root word `{{H974}}` `bâchan`, which signifies the act of testing, proving, or investigating, blending the concepts of a tower for observation and an assayer for evaluation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical application of `{{H969}}` is found in [[Jeremiah 6:27]], where God speaks to the prophet. God states, "I have set thee for a **tower** and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way." Here, the word is used figuratively. Jeremiah is not being made into a literal building, but is being appointed to a specific role: to be a point of observation and examination among the people of Israel to assess their character and actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Jeremiah 6:27]] help clarify its meaning:
* `{{H974}}` **bâchan** (to test... investigate): This is the root of `{{H969}}`. It describes the purpose of the tower, which is to **try** the people. God uses this same word when He promises to **try** His people as gold is tried [[Zechariah 13:9]].
* `{{H4013}}` **mibtsâr** (a fortification... fortress): Used in parallel with `{{H969}}`, this word emphasizes the strength and divine appointment of the role. Elsewhere, God tells Jeremiah He has made him a "defenced **city**" [[Jeremiah 1:18]].
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a course of life or mode of action): This is what is being examined. The prophet is tasked with testing the people's **way** [[Jeremiah 6:27]], a term often used to describe a person's moral path [[Proverbs 3:6]].
* `{{H5971}}` **ʻam** (a people): This specifies who is being assayed. The test is conducted among God's chosen **people** [[Jeremiah 6:27]], highlighting a theme of internal evaluation within the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H969}}` is centered on the theme of divine scrutiny and assessment.
* **A Role of Divine Assessment:** The term defines a God-appointed function rather than a physical object. Jeremiah is set as a **tower** to fulfill the role of an assayer, tasked to "know and **try** their way" [[Jeremiah 6:27]], reflecting a process of spiritual evaluation.
* **Fortified for the Task:** The pairing of **tower** `{{H969}}` with **fortress** `{{H4013}}` indicates that the one who performs this examination is divinely strengthened and set apart for the difficult duty of scrutinizing God's own people.
* **God's Examination of His People:** The ultimate purpose of the **tower** is to test the "way" `{{H1870}}` of the people `{{H5971}}`. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God actively examines the lives and hearts of His followers, as stated, "I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways" [[Jeremiah 17:10]].
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, `{{H969}}` **bâchôwn** offers a powerful metaphor for a divinely appointed role of spiritual assessment. It combines the imagery of a **tower** used for observation with the function of an **assayer** who tests for purity and value. Its use in [[Jeremiah 6:27]] frames the prophet's difficult ministry as a necessary, God-ordained process of examining the character and conduct of the nation of Israel.
TRV