בׇּצְרָה (bots.rah)
bots.rah
enclosure
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 botsrah denotes a physical enclosure, specifically a fold or pen for sheep. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Micah 2:12, where it describes the gathering place for God’s scattered flock. The term is concrete and agricultural, evoking the image of a secure corral where animals are kept safe from predators and the elements.
Its sole occurrence carries significant theological weight. In this context, the word illustrates God’s role as the shepherd who regathers His people. Rather than leaving them dispersed and vulnerable, He collects them into the botsrah, symbolizing protection, restoration, and community. This usage highlights a tender aspect of divine care, contrasting the chaos of exile with the order of being gathered home.
While the word itself is rare, its imagery resonates throughout Scripture’s broader pastoral metaphors. It reminds readers that God’s gathering is not merely about location but about safety and belonging. The fold represents a place of refuge where the scattered are made whole again under divine supervision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word botsrah describes a physical enclosure, like a pen for sheep. It appears only once in the Bible, in Micah 2:12. Here, it shows God gathering His scattered people into a safe place. This image reminds us that we are not left alone in our confusion or fear.
When life feels chaotic, this word points to God’s care. He brings us together for protection and belonging. The fold is a place of safety where the vulnerable are kept secure. It reflects a tender side of divine love that values each person.
This gathering is about more than just being in one spot. It is about finding peace and community under God’s watchful eye. We can trust that He brings order to our scattered moments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a sheepfold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּצְרָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Micah 2:12
I will surely assemble all of you, Jacob. I will surely gather the remnant of Israel. I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as a flock in the middle of their pasture. They will swarm with people.
This verse uses botsrah to show God gathering His scattered people into a secure fold like sheep in a pasture.