בֹּחַן
trial
Definition
The noun בֹּחַן (bôchan) refers to a 'trial' or 'test,' specifically the process of testing something to prove its quality, value, or genuineness. It is derived from the verbal root meaning 'to examine' or 'to test.' In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 28:16, it describes the tested, proven cornerstone that God lays in Zion—a stone that has passed a rigorous examination and is found perfectly reliable. This concept extends beyond a simple experiment to imply a proven, trustworthy result that has endured scrutiny.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 28:16. It appears in a prophetic context where God declares He is laying in Zion a 'precious cornerstone, a tested stone' (אֶבֶן בֹּחַן, 'even bôchan'). The usage is metaphorical, applying the concept of a proven, reliable building material to the Messiah or a foundational promise from God that has been thoroughly examined and found utterly trustworthy.
Etymology
בֹּחַן (bôchan) is a masculine noun derived from the root בָּחַן (bāchan, H974), which means 'to test,' 'to examine,' or 'to prove,' often in the context of metals. This root is used frequently in the Old Testament for testing people's hearts (e.g., Psalm 7:9) or the quality of something (e.g., Zechariah 13:9). The noun form specifically denotes the state or result of that testing—something that is tried and proven.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects to the theme of God's tested faithfulness and the Messiah as a proven foundation. In Isaiah 28:16, the 'tested stone' symbolizes the absolute reliability of God's saving promise and the Messiah Himself, who endures all divine scrutiny. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of messianic prophecies, emphasizing that God's plan of salvation is not arbitrary but is built upon a foundation that has been perfectly examined and approved by God Himself, offering believers an unshakable hope.
In the ancient Near East, the testing of building materials, especially cornerstone stones, was crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of important structures. A 'tested stone' would have been one carefully selected and examined for flaws, making it a powerful metaphor for something of proven, dependable quality. This cultural practice gives weight to the biblical metaphor, conveying that God's chosen foundation is not merely adequate but is of the highest, most reliable standard.
מִסְפֵּחַ (mispēach, H4651) — a touchstone used for testing metals; focuses more on the instrument of testing. נִסָּיוֹן (nissāyôn, H4531) — a test or trial, often of human character or faith (e.g., Genesis 22:1). בְּחִירָה (bĕchîrâ, H972) — a choice or selected thing; implies being chosen, but not necessarily after a testing process.
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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