בְּכִית

a weeping

Definition

בְּכִית (bᵉkîyth) refers to a formal, collective act of weeping, specifically a period of mourning. It denotes a structured expression of grief, often involving lamentation and outward signs of sorrow. In its sole biblical occurrence in Genesis 50:4, it describes the official mourning period for Jacob, which was observed by Joseph and the Egyptians. This term implies a recognized, time-bound ritual of grief rather than a spontaneous or private crying.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 50:4. It appears in the context of Joseph requesting Pharaoh's permission to leave Egypt to bury his father, Jacob. Joseph states, 'My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am about to die: in my tomb which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.' Pharaoh's reply includes the phrase 'go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.' The term 'בְּכִית' is used by Joseph to refer to the formal mourning rites he will observe: 'that I may bury my dead out of my sight.' The usage is formal and ritualistic, tied to funeral customs and a public display of grief.

Etymology

Derived from the root בָּכָה (bākâ, H1058), meaning 'to weep, to lament.' The noun form בְּכִית is a verbal noun indicating the action or process of weeping. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian 'bakû' and Arabic 'baka,' both meaning 'to weep.' The development from the basic verb to this specific noun form emphasizes the event or period of weeping.

Semantic Range

While a single-occurrence word, בְּכִית connects to the biblical theme of honoring parents and the proper observance of mourning rites. It reflects the cultural and spiritual importance of lament in the ancient world, where grief was not merely private but had communal and covenantal dimensions. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting the solemnity and formal respect given to death and burial in the patriarchal narratives, demonstrating Joseph's faithfulness to his father and to God's promises regarding the burial in Canaan (Genesis 50:24-25).

In ancient Near Eastern culture, including Israel, mourning was a highly structured social ritual. A designated period of 'בְּכִית' involved specific practices like weeping, wearing sackcloth, and fasting. It was a public demonstration of loss and respect for the deceased, essential for proper closure and social cohesion. The fact that Joseph, a high Egyptian official, observes this Hebrew custom (and that Pharaoh acknowledges it) underscores the cross-cultural recognition of these rites.

בְּכִי (bekhî, H1065) — a more general term for weeping or lamentation, used more frequently. אֵבֶל (ʾēvel, H60) — mourning, often referring to the state or practices of grief, like wearing sackcloth. תַּחֲנוּנִים (tachănûnîm, H8469) — supplications or entreaties, sometimes made in a context of lament but focused on pleading.

Word Details

Scripture References