בִּטָּחוֹן (bit.ta.chon)
bit.ta.chon
trust
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun bitachon describes a state of deep trust or confidence, often carrying the sense of secure hope. It appears in only three verses across the Hebrew Bible, making its usage quite rare but potent. The word conveys more than mere belief; it implies a settled assurance that one’s reliance is well-placed.
Its occurrences highlight this stability in different contexts. In Ecclesiastes 10:20, it warns against hasty speech, suggesting that even thoughts in private rooms can carry weight, implying a trust in God’s ultimate justice or perhaps a caution against presuming security in human affairs. In II Kings 18:19 and Isaiah 36:4, the Assyrian official uses the term rhetorically to challenge Judah’s trust in Egypt, contrasting it with their reliance on Yahweh. Here, bitachon represents a tangible confidence that can be misplaced or rightly directed.
The root relates to standing firm or being secure. This etymology reinforces the idea that true trust is not passive but grounded in a solid foundation. Translators often render it as "trust" or "confidence," capturing the inner steadiness of the believer who rests in God’s character rather than in shifting political alliances or human strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bitachon describes a deep, settled confidence that goes beyond simple belief. It suggests a quiet assurance that your reliance is well-placed on something solid. In a world where circumstances shift quickly, this kind of trust offers a stable ground for the heart.
Scripture reminds us that this confidence should not rest on fleeting human alliances or political power. Instead, it points toward a foundation that remains firm when everything else changes. This steadiness allows you to face uncertainty with peace, knowing that true security comes from where God has placed your hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] the/ trust2×
- [is] hope1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בִּטָּח֛וֹן2×
- בִּטָּח֑וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 18:19
Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in which you trust?
The Assyrian official uses this word to question the king's reliance on military alliances, highlighting how misplaced confidence can undermine faith.
-
Isaiah 36:4
Rabshakeh said to them, “Now tell Hezekiah, ‘The great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in which you trust?
This parallel account reinforces the rhetorical challenge against trusting in human strength rather than divine protection.