בָּטַח

figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

Definition

The Hebrew verb בָּטַח (bâṭach) fundamentally means 'to trust, to have confidence in, or to feel secure.' While its core idea is relational trust—often directed toward God, as seen in 2 Kings 18:5 where Hezekiah 'trusted in the LORD'—it also carries a concrete sense of physical safety and security, such as a city living 'secure' and unsuspecting of attack (Judges 18:7, 27). This trust can be misplaced when placed in human strength (Judges 9:26) or military fortifications (Deuteronomy 28:52). The word encompasses a state of being without care or anxiety because of a perceived reliable object of trust.

Biblical Usage

בָּטַח appears 117 times, predominantly in the poetic and prophetic books (Psalms, Isaiah, Proverbs) where trust in God is a major theme. It describes a secure, confident reliance, whether on God (2 Kings 18:5), on other people (Judges 9:26), or on military defenses (Deuteronomy 28:52). A key pattern is the contrast between trusting in the Lord, which brings blessing, and trusting in human power or idols, which leads to downfall, a theme powerfully developed in the prophets like Jeremiah.

Etymology

As a primitive root, בָּטַח originally conveyed the concrete idea of 'hiding for refuge' or 'leaning on something for support.' This physical sense developed into the abstract meanings of trust and security. It is distinct from חָסָה (H2620), which implies a more desperate, immediate fleeing for protection. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the core ideas of safety and firmness.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical concept of faith. It describes the posture of the believer toward God—a confident, secure reliance that is the antithesis of fear. Understanding בָּטַח enriches reading by highlighting that biblical trust is not a vague hope but a firm leaning on God's character and promises, as modeled in the Psalms. It underpins key doctrines of salvation, covenant faithfulness, and the folly of idolatry.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, trust was often tied to tangible symbols of security like fortified cities, walls, and military alliances. The biblical use of בָּטַח frequently subverts this, calling people to transfer their trust from these visible, human defenses to the invisible God. The security described could also imply a carefree attitude, which could be positive (when based on God) or dangerously naive (when based on false assumptions).

חָסָה (châsâh, H2620) — to flee for protection, a more urgent seeking of refuge. יָרֵא (yârê', H3372) — to fear, revere; the respectful awe that underlies trust. קָוָה (qâvâh, H6960) — to wait for, hope with eager expectation.

Word Details

Scripture References