בִּירָנִית (bi.ra.nit)
bi.ra.nit
fortress
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun biʾrānîṯ refers to a fortress or a fortified place. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times in Second Chronicles (32:5 and 33:14). In these passages, the word describes defensive structures built by kings Hezekiah and Manasseh to protect Jerusalem from enemy attacks.
Its meaning is concrete and military. The term highlights a place designed for security and defense, rather than a general settlement or palace. By using this specific word, the chronicler emphasizes the physical strength and preparedness of Judah’s leaders during times of threat.
This rare word offers a glimpse into the historical context of Jerusalem’s defenses. Its limited use suggests it was not a common term for everyday fortifications but reserved for significant military strongholds in the narrative. The focus remains on the tangible protection provided by these structures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word biʾrānîṯ points to a sturdy fortress, a place of safety when threats loom close. In the Bible, it describes the strong walls built by kings like Hezekiah and Manasseh to shield Jerusalem from enemy attacks. These structures were not just piles of stone; they represented real, tangible protection for the people living inside.
For your faith today, this image reminds us that God is our ultimate refuge. While earthly kings built physical walls, we trust in a Lord who builds spiritual security around those who fear Him. You can find rest in knowing that your soul is guarded by One who never sleeps and whose strength outlasts any storm.
When life feels unstable, remember that true safety comes from trusting in the Creator rather than just concrete defenses. His presence offers a peace that no enemy can breach, giving you a solid ground to stand on even when the world around you shakes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fortresses2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּירָנִיּ֖וֹת1×
- בִּֽירָנִיּ֖וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 17:12
Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.
This verse shows Jehoshaphat actively strengthening Judah by building fortresses, demonstrating how physical defenses were part of a leader's duty to protect the nation.
-
II Chronicles 27:4
Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.
Here, Jotham builds both cities and fortresses in the hill country, highlighting a strategic effort to secure vulnerable areas against potential invasion.