בָּלַס

בָּלַס

to pinch sycamore figs (a process necessary to ripen them)

Definition

The Hebrew verb בָּלַס (bâlaç) means 'to pinch' or 'to nip,' specifically referring to the agricultural practice of pinching sycamore figs to make them edible. In the ancient Near East, sycamore figs were a common but inferior fruit that required human intervention—a small incision or pinching—to allow them to ripen properly and become sweet enough to eat. This term appears only once in the Old Testament, in Amos 7:14, where the prophet Amos describes himself as a 'dresser of sycamore figs' (נֹקֵד וּבוֹלֵס שִׁקְמִים), highlighting his humble, rural occupation before God called him to prophesy.

Biblical Usage

בָּלַס is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Amos 7:14. In this context, it is part of Amos's self-description to emphasize his non-professional, agricultural background in contrast to the court prophets. The usage is literal, describing a specific manual task, and serves to underscore the prophet's humility and God's choice of an ordinary person for a divine mission.

Etymology

בָּלַס is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew word. Cognates in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic and Aramaic, also carry meanings related to 'pinching' or 'squeezing,' confirming its core sense of applying pressure to something. The development of its meaning is straightforward, remaining tied to this physical action.

Semantic Range

While the word itself describes a mundane agricultural task, its single biblical use in Amos 7:14 carries significant theological weight. Amos's mention of being a 'dresser of sycamore figs' underscores the biblical theme of God calling individuals from humble, ordinary backgrounds to fulfill extraordinary purposes. It highlights divine sovereignty in vocation and serves as a defense against accusations of being a professional, paid prophet. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Amos by clarifying the prophet's authentic, down-to-earth identity, which contrasts with the religious establishment of his day. In ancient Israel, sycamore figs (Ficus sycomorus) were a staple food for the poor and grew abundantly in the Shephelah lowlands. Unlike other figs, they did not ripen fully on the tree and required a process called 'pinching' or 'nipping'—making a small cut in the fruit a few days before harvest to release ethylene gas and stimulate sweetness. This was a well-known, menial job. Amos's reference would have immediately signaled to his audience his low social status and hands-on labor, making his prophetic authority even more striking as it came not from pedigree but directly from God. קָצַר (qāṣar, H7114) — to harvest or reap grain, a general agricultural term not specific to fruit. אָסַף (ʾāsap̄, H622) — to gather or collect, often used for harvest but without the specific pinching action. בָּצַר (bāṣar, H1219) — to cut off or harvest grapes, another specific fruit-harvesting term.

Word Details