בָּצֵק

perhaps to swell up, i.e. blister

Definition

The Hebrew noun בָּצֵק (bâtsêq) refers to a swelling or blistering, specifically describing a condition where the skin becomes inflamed and rises. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes a physical ailment that did not afflict the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The word likely derives from a primitive root meaning 'to swell up,' capturing the visual and tactile sense of something puffing outward. While some translations render it as 'blister,' the context suggests a more general swelling or inflammation of the feet, a common hardship for desert travelers.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in nearly identical contexts describing God's providential care during the Exodus. In Deuteronomy 8:4 and Nehemiah 9:21, it is stated that the Israelites' clothing did not wear out and their feet did not swell (לֹא בָצֵקוּ) throughout the forty years in the wilderness. This usage highlights a specific physical protection from a common desert hardship, serving as a tangible sign of divine sustenance.

Etymology

בָּצֵק is a noun derived from the primitive root בצק (bâtsaq, H1216), which means 'to swell' or 'to puff up.' This root concept is visually descriptive. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the meaning of swelling or fermenting. The noun form specifically denotes the resulting state—a swelling or blister.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates God's meticulous and compassionate care for His people in the most practical, physical details. The prevention of swollen feet (Deuteronomy 8:4, Nehemiah 9:21) was a miraculous sign of sustenance, demonstrating that God's providence extends to preventing hardship, not just providing rescue from it. It underscores the theme of divine faithfulness during testing and pilgrimage, enriching our understanding of God as one who preserves the whole person on the journey of faith.

In the ancient Near Eastern context of desert travel, swollen or blistered feet from long marches on hot, rough terrain were a common and debilitating problem. For a nomadic people like the Israelites, such a condition could severely hinder mobility and survival. The specific mention that their feet did not swell would have been a powerfully recognizable miracle, testifying to supernatural protection and provision in a harsh environment where such ailments were expected.

צָבַת (tsâbath, H6658) — means to swell, but often in a more negative or diseased sense (e.g., leprous swelling). בָּצֵק describes a common physical irritation, not necessarily a disease.

Word Details

Scripture References