בַחוּן (ba.chin)
ba.chin
tower
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bachûn refers to a tall structure, specifically functioning as either a watchtower or a siege tower. Its meaning shifts depending on whether it serves a defensive purpose for its own people or an offensive one for an invading army. In the biblical text, this distinction is crucial for understanding the imagery of power and threat.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 23:13. The prophet uses it to describe the military might of the Babylonians as they march against Judah. Here, bachûn depicts the towering machines used by soldiers to scale city walls, highlighting the overwhelming force arrayed against Jerusalem and the vulnerability of its defenses.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bachûn describes a towering structure, often serving as a watchtower for defense or a siege tower for attack. In Isaiah 23:13, it depicts the overwhelming military might of the Babylonians marching against Judah. This image highlights the vulnerability of human defenses when faced with such formidable power.
For your faith, this reminds us that no earthly fortress is truly secure on its own. While we may build walls or rely on our strength, these structures are temporary and can be overthrown. Our hope does not rest in the stability of our own efforts but in the enduring protection of God.
When life feels like it is under siege by overwhelming forces, remember that human power is limited. Trusting in divine protection offers a peace that no tower can provide. You are invited to find rest in the one who remains steadfast when all else falls away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- siege-towers/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַחוּנָ֗י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 23:13
Behold, the land of the Chaldeans. This people didn’t exist. The Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up their towers. They overthrew its palaces. They made it a ruin.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it describes the siege towers built by the Assyrians to destroy Babylon's palaces.