בָּלַס (ba.las)
ba.las
to gather/tend figs
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb balas describes the specific agricultural task of gathering figs or tending to sycamore-fig trees. This is not a general term for farming but refers to the careful, seasonal work required to harvest these particular fruits, which often need special attention to ripen properly.
Its sole biblical appearance occurs in Amos 7:14, where the prophet Amos uses it to define his background before being called by God. By identifying himself as a gatherer of sycamore figs, Amos highlights his humble, labor-intensive origins rather than any priestly or prophetic lineage. This concrete detail grounds his divine commission in the reality of everyday rural life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word balas points to the careful, seasonal work of gathering sycamore figs. This was not general farming but a specific task requiring patience and attention to detail. In Amos 7:14, the prophet uses this term to describe his humble background before God called him.
This detail reminds us that God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Your daily work, no matter how simple it seems, is seen and valued by Him. You do not need a special title or high status to serve faithfully; your willingness to do the work at hand is enough.
When you feel overlooked or undervalued, remember Amos. He was a gatherer of figs, yet he spoke for God with boldness. Your faithful presence in your current role is a valid and important part of God’s plan for your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a fig picker of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בוֹלֵ֥ס1×
Key Verses
-
Amos 7:14
Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs;
This verse uniquely identifies Amos as a gatherer of sycamore figs, grounding his prophetic authority in humble, agricultural labor rather than priestly lineage.