בֶּ֫טַח (be.tach)
be.tach
security
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun betach describes a state of security or safety, rooted in the idea of a place of refuge. It covers both the external fact of being protected and the internal feeling of trust that comes with it. In the Hebrew Bible, this word often appears in phrases describing people dwelling safely in their land, free from fear or danger.
Its usage varies depending on context. In passages like Leviticus 25:18 and Psalm 4:8, it promises a peaceful existence where inhabitants live without anxiety. However, the sources note that betach can also describe an overconfident complacency, as seen in Judges 8:11, where a sense of false security leads to vulnerability. This duality shows that safety is not just physical but involves a right relationship with God.
Translators render betach in many ways, including "secure," "safely," and "assurance." The word appears frequently in Proverbs and Jeremiah, highlighting the contrast between wisdom that brings stability and folly that invites danger. Its presence in names of places, such as Betah in 2 Samuel 8:8, further illustrates its association with strength and protection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word betach describes a deep sense of security that goes beyond physical safety. It captures the peace of knowing you are protected, whether by God’s provision or within a stable community. In passages like Leviticus 25:18, this security is linked to obedience and trust in God’s promises, offering a vision of life where fear is replaced by confidence.
Yet the Bible also warns against false security. When people rely only on their own strength or wealth, as seen in Isaiah 47:8, that confidence becomes fragile and ultimately leads to downfall. True betach is not self-sufficiency but a reliance on God’s faithfulness. It invites us to rest in His care rather than our own abilities.
This word reminds us that lasting peace comes from a right relationship with the Creator. When we walk in wisdom and trust, we find a stability that endures even when circumstances change. May you experience this grounded confidence in your daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ security19×
- security8×
- and/ security1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/בֶֽטַח\׃4×
- לָ/בֶ֖טַח4×
- לָ/בֶ֣טַח3×
- בֶּ֑טַח3×
- לָ֭/בֶטַח2×
- לָ/בֶ֔טַח2×
- לָ/בֶ֑טַח2×
- בֶּֽטַח\׃2×
- לָ֠/בֶטַח1×
- לָ/בֶ֥טַח1×
- וָ/בֶ֖טַח1×
- בֶּ֤טַח1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 25:18
“‘Therefore you shall do my statutes, and keep my ordinances and do them; and you shall dwell in the land in safety.
This verse links dwelling in safety directly to keeping God’s statutes, showing that true security is rooted in obedience.
-
Isaiah 47:8
“Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me. I won’t sit as a widow, neither will I know the loss of children.’
Here the word describes a dangerous complacency where pride replaces dependence on God, leading to eventual collapse.
-
Proverbs 1:33
But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Solomon contrasts the fear of harm with the secure dwelling that comes from listening to divine wisdom.
-
Jeremiah 23:6
In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely. This is his name by which he will be called: Yahweh our righteousness.
The promise of safety is tied to the coming Messiah, whose name means Yahweh our righteousness.