בִּקֹּרֶת

בִּקֹּרֶת

properly, examination, i.e. (by implication) punishment

Definition

The noun בִּקֹּרֶת (biqqôreth) fundamentally means 'examination' or 'investigation.' It specifically denotes a formal, judicial inquiry into a matter to determine guilt or responsibility. In its single biblical occurrence, this act of examination leads directly to a punitive outcome, giving the word the sense of 'punishment' or 'chastisement' as a necessary consequence of the judicial process. The term thus bridges the concepts of careful scrutiny and the corrective justice that follows from it.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 19:20. It describes the legal consequence for a man who has sexual relations with a female slave who is betrothed to another man. The context is a specific case law requiring a judicial 'examination' (בִּקֹּרֶת), which results in the man not being put to death but instead receiving punishment. The usage is entirely legal and procedural, fitting within the detailed civil and ritual laws of the Torah.

Etymology

בִּקֹּרֶת is a feminine noun derived from the root בָּקַר (bāqar, H1239), which means 'to seek out, to inquire, to examine.' This root is used for inspecting livestock (Genesis 31:12), visiting the sick (1 Samuel 17:18), and God's searching examination of human hearts (Psalm 17:3). The noun form intensifies the sense of a thorough, formal investigation.

Semantic Range

This word highlights the biblical connection between justice and careful process. God's law requires not just punishment, but a proper investigation to establish truth and determine appropriate consequences (Deuteronomy 19:15). In Leviticus 19:20, it shows God's nuanced justice, distinguishing between degrees of culpability and prescribing proportional punishment. Understanding this term enriches reading by showing that biblical justice is deliberate, investigative, and aims for correction, not merely retribution. In its ancient Near Eastern context, this term reflects a legal system where formal inquiry was essential before punishment. The scenario in Leviticus 19:20 involves complex social statuses (a betrothed slave), requiring careful judicial discernment to apply the law fairly. The prescribed 'examination' prevented rash vengeance and ensured the community's laws were applied through proper authority, a concept vital for social order. פְּקֻדָּה (pequddâ, H6486) — often 'oversight' or 'charge,' focusing on appointed responsibility rather than judicial inquiry. דִּין (dîn, H1779) — a broader term for 'judgment' or 'case,' encompassing the entire legal proceeding, not just the investigative phase. תּוֹכֵחָה (tôkhêchâ, H8433) — 'rebuke' or 'correction,' emphasizing the verbal reproof rather than the procedural examination.

Word Details