בָּטַח (ba.tach)
ba.tach
to trust
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 92 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb batach describes a state of deep confidence or security, often rooted in the image of seeking refuge. While it shares the general idea of trust with other biblical terms, its specific nuance leans toward feeling safe and unafraid because one’s hope is firmly placed on another. In the Psalms, this word captures the psalmist’s personal reliance on God for protection, as seen in Psalm 9:10 where the righteous are called those who trust in Him.
Scholars note that batach can imply a sense of boldness or even carelessness when misplaced. For instance, in Isaiah 36, King Hezekiah’s officials warn him against trusting in Egypt’s military strength, using this verb to highlight the danger of false security. The word appears frequently in Jeremiah and Isaiah to critique leaders who rely on political alliances rather than divine guidance, suggesting that true safety comes only from God.
This term carries significant theological weight by contrasting human vulnerability with divine reliability. When used in the Hiphil stem, it can mean to cause someone else to feel secure, emphasizing God’s role as the source of true peace. The frequent use of batach in prophetic literature underscores a recurring biblical theme: genuine security is found not in earthly powers but in faithful dependence on the Lord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word batach paints a picture of deep, unshaken confidence. It is not just a mental belief, but a physical sense of safety that comes from knowing where your hope rests. When we place our trust in God, we are invited into a state of rest where fear loses its grip on our hearts.
This word reminds us that true security is found only in the Lord. While earthly powers and human strength can fail, as seen in the warnings against trusting Egypt, God remains a reliable refuge. His faithfulness provides a stability that no storm can shake, allowing us to face life’s challenges with peace rather than panic.
Let this truth encourage you today. When anxiety rises, remember that your safety is not in your own ability to control outcomes, but in the character of God who holds you. Rest in His care, knowing that He is your strength and shield.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 92 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- trust6×
- you trust5×
- [are] trusting5×
- we trust3×
- they trusted3×
- you rely2×
- who/ trusts2×
- those/ [who] trust2×
- those/ [who] rely2×
- more than/ to trust2×
- it has trusted2×
- he trusts2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בֹּטְחִ֖ים4×
- וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ3×
- בְּטַ֣ח3×
- מִ֝/בְּטֹ֗חַ2×
- יַבְטַ֨ח2×
- וַ/תִּבְטַ֤ח2×
- בּוֹטֵ֥חַ2×
- בּוֹטֵ֣חַ2×
- בֹּטֵ֥חַ2×
- בֹּטֵ֣חַ2×
- בֹּטְחִ֣ים2×
- בֹּֽטְח֑וֹת2×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 18:5
He trusted in Yahweh, the God of Israel, so that after him was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among them that were before him.
This verse highlights King Hezekiah as a unique example of a leader whose entire life was anchored in trusting Yahweh, distinguishing him from other kings.
-
Psalms 28:7
Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
Here the psalmist connects personal trust directly to receiving help and experiencing joy, showing the relational result of placing confidence in God.
-
II Kings 18:21
Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him.
The Assyrian officer uses this word to expose the danger of relying on Egypt, describing it as a fragile reed that will cause harm rather than support.
-
Psalms 32:10
Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in Yahweh.
This verse contrasts the many sorrows of the wicked with the loving kindness that surrounds those who actively place their trust in Yahweh.