בָּשַׁס

to trample down

Definition

The Hebrew verb בָּשַׁס (bâshaç) means to trample down, tread upon, or crush underfoot. It conveys a strong image of forceful, destructive pressure, often implying the complete subjugation or ruin of something. In its single biblical occurrence in Amos 5:11, it describes the oppressive actions of the wealthy who 'trample on the poor' and 'take from them levies of grain,' highlighting a context of social injustice and exploitation. The term is exclusively used in this negative, violent sense of oppression within the prophetic literature.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in the book of Amos. It appears in a prophetic oracle of judgment (Amos 5:11) where Amos condemns the wealthy upper class in Israel for their systemic oppression and exploitation of the poor. The usage is metaphorical but vivid, depicting social and economic abuse as a physical act of trampling. The context is a lawsuit speech where God pronounces judgment for violating covenant justice.

Etymology

בָּשַׁס is a primitive root verb in Hebrew. Its core meaning relates to treading or trampling. Cognate words exist in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian 'basāsu,' which also means to trample. The development of meaning is straightforward, moving from the physical act of trampling to a metaphorical use for oppression and crushing underfoot, as seen in its biblical application.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates a key theme of the prophetic books: God's fierce opposition to social injustice, especially the oppression of the poor and vulnerable by the powerful. In Amos 5:11, it is a central term in God's covenant lawsuit against Israel. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by revealing the visceral, concrete nature of the prophets' language—injustice is not an abstract concept but a violent act of 'trampling' that provokes God's judgment.

In an ancient agrarian society, 'trampling' could refer to the literal crushing of crops or vineyards by animals or invading armies, leading to economic ruin. Amos uses this powerful agricultural and martial imagery to critique the economic practices of the elite, who were exploiting the peasant class through heavy taxation and legal manipulation. The metaphor would have been immediately understood by his audience as a description of total destruction and humiliation.

כָּבַשׁ (kābash, H3533) — to subdue, bring into bondage; often used for conquest or domination. רָמַס (rāmas, H7429) — to trample, tread upon; can be used more generally for walking or trampling in a physical or figurative sense. דָּרַךְ (dārak, H1869) — to tread, march; often used for treading a path or treading in a winepress.

Word Details

Scripture References