בְּעִי
a prayer
Definition
The Hebrew noun בְּעִי (bᵉʻîy) refers to a prayer, specifically a cry or petition for help. It is derived from a root meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask,' indicating an earnest request. In its single biblical occurrence in Job 30:24, the word is used in the context of a desperate plea, though the KJV translates it as 'grave,' reflecting a textual difficulty. The primary sense remains that of a supplication, aligning with its root.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Job 30:24. In this verse, Job laments his suffering, stating, 'Surely no one lays a hand on a broken man when he cries for help (בְּעִי) in his distress.' The context is one of intense personal anguish and a cry for mercy, highlighting its use for a heartfelt, urgent prayer rather than a formal or ritual petition.
Etymology
בְּעִי comes from the root בָּעָה (bāʻâ, H1158), which means 'to seek,' 'to ask,' or 'to request.' This root is also related to words for making inquiry or supplication. The development from 'to seek' to 'a prayer' reflects the idea of earnestly seeking help or an answer from God, emphasizing the petitioner's dependence.
Semantic Range
Though rare, this word enriches the biblical understanding of prayer by emphasizing its aspect of desperate seeking. It portrays prayer not as a routine but as a cry from deep distress, as seen in Job's experience. This aligns with other heartfelt prayers in the Psalms and prophets, reminding readers that God hears even the most anguished pleas, reinforcing the theology of God's attentiveness to human suffering.
In ancient Israelite culture, prayer was often vocal and emotional, especially in times of trouble. A 'בְּעִי' would be understood as an audible cry for help, not merely a silent thought. This contrasts with some modern, quieter conceptions of prayer, highlighting the raw, communal, and expressive nature of communication with God in distress.
תְּפִלָּה (tᵉpillâ, H8605) — a more general term for prayer, often used for formal or set prayers. תְּחִנָּה (tᵉḥinnâ, H8467) — a supplication or plea for favor, emphasizing humility and entreaty.
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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