בָּצַר (ba.tsar)
ba.tsar
to gather/restrain/fortify
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ba.tsar carries two distinct threads of meaning that converge on the idea of separation. In its most literal sense, it describes the act of gathering grapes during the harvest, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:21 and Judges 9:27. Here, the word captures the physical motion of cutting clusters from the vine to collect them.
However, the term frequently shifts toward imagery of restriction and defense. It describes walls that are fortified or cities that are made inaccessible by height or fortification, such as in Deuteronomy 28:52 and Isaiah 2:15. This usage extends metaphorically to describe God withholding things from people, as in Job 42:2, or enemies cutting off the pride of princes in Psalm 76:13.
The connection between these meanings lies in the concept of isolation. Whether gathering fruit by separating it from the vine or building a wall to separate a city from its surroundings, ba.tsar emphasizes creating a boundary that defines what is inside and what is kept out.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word paints a picture of boundaries. In ancient Israel, it described the physical act of gathering grapes or the construction of high walls around cities. For us, it reminds us that God creates safe spaces and defines limits for our protection. Just as a wall separates a city from danger, God’s presence sets apart what is holy and secure.
Yet there is another side to this word. In Job 42:2, we see that no purpose of God can be restrained or held back. This means that while we find safety in His boundaries, we also find freedom because His plans cannot be stopped by any human fortress. We are never trapped by circumstances beyond His control.
When you feel overwhelmed by the size of your challenges, remember that God is both the builder of your refuge and the one who ensures His good purposes come to pass. You can rest in the security He provides, trusting that nothing can hinder what He has ordained for your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fortified11×
- <the>/ fortified7×
- you will gather grapes3×
- grape gatherers2×
- and/ fortified2×
- to/ fortify1×
- like/ a grape gatherer1×
- it will fortify1×
- it will be withheld1×
- it is withheld1×
- and/ they gathered grapes1×
- and/ incomprehensible [things]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בְּצֻר֖וֹת4×
- הַ/בְּצֻר֔וֹת2×
- בֹּֽצְרִים֙2×
- בְּצֻרֽוֹת\׃2×
- תִבְצֹר֙1×
- תִבְצֹ֑ר1×
- תִבְצְר֖וּ1×
- תְבַצֵּ֖ר1×
- לְ/בַצֵּ֖ר1×
- כְּ/בוֹצֵ֖ר1×
- יִבָּצֵ֣ר1×
- יִבָּצֵ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Job 42:2
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
This verse uses the word to show that God's sovereign will cannot be held back or restricted by any human power.
-
Deuteronomy 28:52
They will besiege you in all your gates until your high and fortified walls in which you trusted come down throughout all your land. They will besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land which Yahweh your God has given you.
Here the word describes fortified walls that are ultimately brought down, showing that human security is temporary without God.
-
Leviticus 25:11
That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor gather from the undressed vines.
The command not to gather grapes in the Jubilee year highlights a deliberate pause in labor to honor God's rest.
-
Isaiah 2:15
for every lofty tower, for every fortified wall,
This verse lists fortified walls alongside lofty towers as things that will be brought low by the Lord on His day of judgment.