בַּחֻרִים (ba.chu.rim)
ba.chu.rim
Bahurim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Bahurim is a place name meaning "village of young men," referring to a small settlement in the territory of Benjamin. Located just beyond the Mount of Olives on the road leading from Jerusalem toward Jericho, it appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible.
The town gains significance in the narrative of David’s flight during Absalom’s rebellion. In 2 Samuel 16:5, a man named Shimei from Bahurim curses David and throws stones at him as he crosses the ridge. This event highlights the location’s role as a stage for political hostility against the fleeing king.
Later, in 1 Kings 2:8, David reminds Solomon about Shimei, instructing him not to let him go unpunished. The mention of Bahurim here anchors the memory of that betrayal to a specific geographic point on the eastern approach to Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bahurim is a small village located just outside Jerusalem, known in Hebrew as the place of young men. It appears only four times in Scripture, mostly during the turbulent period when King David fled from his son Absalom. This location serves as a backdrop for moments of deep human pain and political betrayal, reminding us that faith often plays out in ordinary places under extraordinary pressure.
When David passed through Bahurim, he was cursed by Shimei, a relative of the former king. Instead of defending himself, David accepted the insult as part of God’s larger plan. This story invites us to consider how we respond when treated unfairly. It shows that even in times of rejection, there is space for trust and restraint.
Though Bahurim was just a small town on the road from Jerusalem, it holds a significant place in biblical history. Its mention helps ground the narrative of David’s life in real geography. For readers today, it offers a reminder that God’s purposes are not limited by the size or status of the places involved.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bahurim2×
- in/ Bahurim1×
- from/ Bahurim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/בַּחֻרִים֒1×
- בַּֽחוּרִ֑ים1×
- בַּֽחֻרִ֑ים1×
- בְּ/בַחוּרִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 16:5
When King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of Saul’s house came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out and cursed as he came.
This verse marks the moment Shimei curses David, showing how Bahurim became a stage for public hostility against the fleeing king.
-
I Kings 2:8
“Behold, there is with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by Yahweh, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’
David recalls Shimei’s curse from Bahurim years later, using the location to anchor his memory of that specific betrayal when instructing Solomon.
-
II Samuel 3:16
Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and he returned.
The mention of Bahurim here highlights its role as a boundary point where personal and political tensions intersect during Michal’s return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bahurim mean?
Why is Bahurim important in the Bible?
Where is Bahurim located?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
II Samuel 3 verses
Her husband went with her, weeping as he went, and followed her to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go! Return!” and…
II Samuel 16:5When King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of Saul’s house came out, whose name was Shimei, the son…
II Samuel 17:18But a boy saw them, and told Absalom. Then they both went away quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim, who…