Lexical Summary bachal: To be troubled, to be dismayed Original Word: בָּחל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abhor, A primitive root; to loath -- abhor, get hastily (from the margin for bahal). see HEBREW bahal Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [בָּחֵל] verb feel loathing (compare Syriac  **NöZAW xvii {1897}, 188 disproves Syriac  , and adopts the view of GeiUrschrift 270 (בחל euphemism for a √ II. בעל = loathe, with בְּ, assumed (Thes Buhl) for Jeremiah 3:14; Jeremiah 31:32; see below) (so in lexicons) nauseated (yet see GeiUrschrift, 270); NSyriac  envy compare StoddardGram. 12, 57) — Qal Perfect3feminine singular בָּֽחֲלָה Zechariah 11:8 וַתִּקְצַר נַפְשִׁי בָּהֶם וְגַם נַפְשָׁם בִי ׳בּ felt a loathing against me. II. [בָּחֵל] verb (Arabic Pu`al Participle נַחֲלָה מְבֹחֶלֶת an inheritance gotten by greed Proverbs 20:21 Kt; < Qr Vrss מְבֹהֶלֶת ׳נ, see בהל. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Field The verb conveys the idea of inward revulsion that leads to hasty, impulsive action. It joins two notions—disgust and impatience—so that the subject both loathes something and refuses to wait for it. Scripture employs the word when hearts recoil from covenant responsibilities and rush toward self-serving choices. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Proverbs 20:21 – “An inheritance gained quickly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.” Wisdom Literature: Proverbs 20:21 • The proverb warns against grasping for wealth apart from God’s timing. The haste implied by the verb reveals a heart unwilling to trust the Lord of the inheritance (Numbers 27:8–11). Prophetic Literature: Zechariah 11:8 • Context: Zechariah enacts a sign oracle portraying the rejection of the Good Shepherd. Israel’s shepherds (civil and religious leaders) are removed, yet the flock detests the very One who rescues them. Historical and Cultural Context • Inheritance law safeguarded family land (Leviticus 25:23–28). A son who schemed to secure the estate early despised both his father’s authority and God’s provision—an attitude mirrored in the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:12). Theological Reflections 1. Covenant Faithfulness: The verb exposes the heart’s capacity to become weary of God’s ways (Malachi 1:13). Scripture answers with the Lord’s unwavering patience (2 Peter 3:9). Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Character Formation: Teach believers to discern between godly zeal and rash impulse (Proverbs 19:2). Spiritual maturity waits on God’s timing even when opportunities appear advantageous. Related Biblical Themes • Impatience versus Endurance – contrast with Isaiah 40:31; James 5:7-11. Christological Perspective Jesus embodies the antithesis of בָּחל. He “endured the cross, despising its shame” (Hebrews 12:2), not loathing but loving those who loathed Him (Romans 5:8). His patient obedience secures an inheritance for the saints “that will never perish” (1 Peter 1:4), reversing the curse of an inheritance “not blessed in the end.” Homiletical Snapshot Sermon Title: “When Impatience Turns into Loathing” Text: Proverbs 20:21; Zechariah 11:8 Outline: 1. The Lure of Quick Gain Application: Cultivate a heart that waits, worships, and receives blessing in God’s time. Summary בָּחל surfaces rarely yet pierces deeply, unveiling a heart that both detests and rushes. In Proverbs it cautions against impatient acquisition; in Zechariah it describes covenant treachery. For the disciple, the word is a mirror—warning against impulses that spurn God, and inviting patient trust in the Shepherd who never grows weary of His flock. Forms and Transliterations בָּחֲלָ֥ה בחלה מְבֹהֶ֣לֶת מבהלת bā·ḥă·lāh bachaLah bāḥălāh mə·ḇō·he·leṯ məḇōheleṯ mevoHeletLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 20:21 HEB: [מְבֻחֶלֶת כ] (מְבֹהֶ֣לֶת ק) בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה NAS: An inheritance gained hurriedly INT: an inheritance abhor the beginning the end Zechariah 11:8 2 Occurrences |
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be avaricious); only