בִּכְרָה (bikh.rah)
bikh.rah
young camel
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bikhrah refers specifically to a young camel or a young female camel. In the ancient Near East, camels were vital for transport and trade, making this animal a significant part of daily life and wealth. The term distinguishes younger animals from fully grown adults, highlighting their specific stage in growth.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jeremiah 2:23. There it is used metaphorically to describe Israel’s spiritual condition. The prophet asks how a young camel can run wild, suggesting that despite being trained or known, the people have reverted to untamed behavior. This single usage underscores the tension between expectation and reality in the relationship between God and His people.
While the word itself is simple, its context in Jeremiah adds depth. It illustrates how even those familiar with guidance can stray, using the image of a young camel’s natural energy and lack of full discipline to convey spiritual restlessness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bikhrah refers to a young camel, an animal vital for transport and trade in the ancient Near East. In Jeremiah 2:23, this term is used metaphorically to describe Israel’s spiritual restlessness. The prophet asks how such a creature can run wild, suggesting that despite being known or trained, the people have reverted to untamed behavior.
This image reminds us that even those familiar with guidance can stray. It highlights the tension between expectation and reality in our relationship with God. While we may know the way, our actions sometimes reflect a lack of full discipline, much like a young camel’s natural energy.
Understanding this word helps us see the depth of Jeremiah’s message. It illustrates how spiritual restlessness can arise even among those who should be steady. This insight encourages reflection on our own lives and the need for consistent faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a young camel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּכְרָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 2:23
“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled. I have not gone after the Baals’? See your way in the valley. Know what you have done. You are a swift dromedary traversing her ways,
This verse uses bikhrah to metaphorically describe Israel’s spiritual restlessness, highlighting how even those familiar with guidance can stray.