בָּרוּת

בָּרוּת

food

Definition

The Hebrew noun בָּרוּת (bârûwth) refers specifically to food or nourishment. It is derived from the root בָּרָה (bârâh), meaning 'to eat' or 'to choose,' which suggests a sense of selected or consumed sustenance. In its sole biblical occurrence in Psalm 69:21, it appears in a context of deprivation, where the psalmist laments being given 'gall for my meat' (KJV) or 'poison for my food' (ESV), indicating it signifies basic sustenance. There are no other attested meanings in the biblical corpus, as it is a hapax legomenon (used only once).

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 69:21. It appears in a poetic lament where the psalmist describes profound suffering and betrayal, stating his enemies gave him 'poison for my food' (בָּרוּת). The usage is metaphorical, contrasting the expected provision of nourishment with a harmful substance, intensifying the imagery of affliction. No patterns exist across books due to its single occurrence.

Etymology

בָּרוּת (bârûwth) is a noun derived from the root בָּרָה (H1262, bârâh), which means 'to eat' or, in other contexts, 'to choose' or 'to purify.' The connection to eating is primary here, indicating something that is consumed. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to food or eating. The meaning development is straightforward: from the action of eating to the concrete noun for the substance eaten.

Semantic Range

While the word itself simply means 'food,' its single use in Psalm 69:21 carries theological weight. This psalm is messianically interpreted in the New Testament (e.g., John 15:25, Romans 15:3). The mention of being given poison for food poetically expresses the depth of Jesus's suffering and betrayal, enriching our understanding of the crucifixion narrative and the fulfillment of Scripture. In the ancient Near East, sharing food was a fundamental act of hospitality and covenant. To be given harmful or inedible food, as described in Psalm 69:21, was a profound breach of social and moral codes, symbolizing utter hostility and betrayal. This contrasts with modern understandings where 'food' is often a neutral term; here, it is loaded with relational and covenantal significance. לֶחֶם (lechem, H3899) — the common word for bread or general food, often implying a staple. אֹכֶל (ʾokel, H400) — food, nourishment, from the verb 'to eat.' מַאֲכָל (maʾăkāl, H3978) — food, something eaten, often in legal or ritual contexts (e.g., Leviticus 11).

Word Details