בִּכְרָה

בִּכְרָה

a young she-camel

Definition

בִּכְרָה (bikrâh) refers specifically to a young she-camel, a female camel in its prime breeding years. This term appears only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 2:23, where it is used metaphorically to describe the swift, untamed, and lustful behavior of Israel in pursuing idolatry. The word is the feminine form of בֶּכֶר (beker, H1070), which means 'young camel' or 'firstborn,' emphasizing youth and vigor. In its sole biblical usage, the focus is not on the animal as livestock but on its symbolic attributes of speed and unbridled passion.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in Jeremiah 2:23. In this prophetic context, God accuses Israel, saying, 'How can you say, "I am not defiled; I have not gone after the Baals"? See your way in the valley; know what you have done—a swift young she-camel (בִּכְרָה) twisting and turning in her ways.' Here, the word is employed in a poetic, metaphorical rebuke, comparing the nation's restless and promiscuous idolatry to the erratic running of a young female camel. No other literal or descriptive uses occur in the Hebrew Bible.

Etymology

בִּכְרָה is the feminine singular noun derived from the masculine בֶּכֶר (beker, H1070), meaning 'young camel' or, in a different but related root, 'firstborn.' The root ב־כ־ר (b-k-r) is associated with concepts of youth, priority, and early fruitfulness. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings related to camels and firstborn status. The development from 'firstborn' to 'young camel' likely stems from the high value placed on a camel's first offspring.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, בִּכְרָה carries theological weight in Jeremiah's prophecy. It vividly illustrates God's perspective on Israel's spiritual adultery: not as a minor misstep, but as a frantic, shameless pursuit of false gods. Understanding this Hebrew metaphor enriches reading by highlighting the intensity and disgrace God associates with idolatry. It connects to broader biblical themes of covenant faithfulness, the seriousness of sin, and the need for repentance, showing how even a rare word can pack a powerful prophetic punch. In ancient Near Eastern culture, camels were vital for transportation and trade, known for their endurance and speed. A young she-camel (בִּכְרָה) would be especially valuable for breeding and travel, but also notoriously stubborn and hard to control when in heat or excited. Jeremiah's audience would immediately grasp the metaphor: Israel's idolatry was not a calm deviation but a wild, undignified, and obvious dash toward spiritual ruin, much like watching such an animal run amok. This contrasts with a modern, more neutral view of camels as mere beasts of burden. גָּמָל (gamal, H1581) — the general term for 'camel,' without specifying age or gender. בֶּכֶר (beker, H1070) — the masculine form, 'young camel' or 'firstborn,' often used for a young male camel. כִּרְכָּרָה (kirkārâ, H3752) — a term for a swift, valuable breed of camel or dromedary, emphasizing speed rather than youth.

Word Details