בֶּ֫דֶק (be.deq)
be.deq
breach
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun bedeq refers to a fissure, rent, or breach, specifically describing a structural failure in a building. It denotes a physical gap or hole that compromises the integrity of a wall or house, often implying a leak or a dangerous opening that requires repair.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Kings 12:5. There, King Joash commands that funds collected for the temple be used to mend such breaches, highlighting its practical application in maintenance and restoration rather than abstract metaphor. The term captures the tangible reality of decay and the need for careful upkeep.
Its narrow usage underscores the specific concern for physical safety and structural soundness in ancient construction. Translators typically render it as "breach" or "hole," preserving the concrete sense of a broken barrier that must be sealed to protect what lies within.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bedeq describes a literal breach or fissure in a wall, a gap that compromises safety and integrity. It appears only once in Scripture, in 2 Kings 12:5, where King Joash directs temple funds to mend these physical holes. This concrete image reminds us that neglect, even in small cracks, can threaten the whole structure.
In our spiritual lives, we often face moments where our foundations feel weakened by daily wear or unexpected trials. The Bible does not leave us to ignore these gaps but invites us to participate in restoration. Just as the temple workers repaired the physical breaches, God provides the resources and grace to heal what is broken in our hearts and communities.
This focus on practical repair offers a grounded hope. We do not need to wait for a perfect moment to begin mending; we can use what is available right now to strengthen our faith. May you find peace in knowing that God values the careful, steady work of restoration in your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] damage of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֶּ֥דֶק1×