בָּזַר
to disperse
Definition
The Hebrew verb בָּזַר (bâzar) means 'to scatter' or 'to disperse,' often with a sense of forceful or widespread distribution. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes the scattering of enemies or resources. In Psalm 68:30, it is used in a prayer for God to 'scatter' hostile nations, implying a decisive act of divine judgment. In Daniel 11:24, the word describes a ruler who will 'scatter' plunder, spoil, and wealth among his followers, indicating a strategic distribution of looted goods.
Biblical Usage
This verb appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in prophetic or poetic contexts. In Psalm 68:30, it is used in an imprecatory psalm, calling for God's judgment against enemies. In Daniel 11:24, it appears in a prophetic narrative about a cunning political leader's actions. The usage pattern shows it applied to both people (enemies) and objects (wealth), always involving a forceful, widespread dispersal.
Etymology
בָּזַר is a primitive root in Hebrew. It is related to the more common verb פּוּץ (pûts, H6327), which also means 'to scatter,' though פּוּץ often implies a more chaotic dispersal. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings of scattering or winnowing grain, suggesting an ancient agricultural or martial origin for the concept.
Semantic Range
Though rare, בָּזַר contributes to the biblical theme of divine sovereignty over nations and resources. In Psalm 68:30, it underscores God's power to judge and disperse hostile powers, affirming His ultimate control in geopolitical conflicts. In Daniel 11:24, its use highlights human ambition and the transient nature of plundered wealth, contrasting with God's eternal kingdom. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by clarifying the intentional, forceful nature of the dispersal described.
In the ancient Near East, 'scattering' enemies was a common motif of military victory and dominance, often depicted in royal inscriptions. The scattering of plunder (Daniel 11:24) reflects the practice of rulers redistributing loot to secure loyalty, a key aspect of political power. The term's potential link to winnowing grain also connects it to an agricultural metaphor for separation and judgment.
פּוּץ (pûts, H6327) — a more frequent verb for scattering, often implying a broader, more chaotic dispersion, as in Genesis 11:4, 8. זָרָה (zârâh, H2219) — to scatter or winnow, often used for dispersing people or things like dust. פָּזַר (pâzar, H6340) — to scatter, especially in the sense of distributing wealth (Proverbs 11:24).
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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