בָּקַק (ba.qaq)
ba.qaq
be luxuriant; to empty
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb baqaq carries a striking duality in meaning, functioning as both "to empty" and "to be luxuriant." In most instances, particularly within Isaiah and Jeremiah, it describes the act of laying waste or making void. This usage paints a picture of desolation, where land is stripped bare or cities are emptied of their inhabitants, reflecting the severe consequences of judgment.
However, Hosea 10:1 offers a contrasting image where the word signifies being luxuriant or flourishing. Here, it describes Israel’s abundance in justice and righteousness, which ironically led to an increase in altars. This rare positive usage highlights how material prosperity can sometimes mask spiritual decay, as the people filled their landscape with shrines rather than turning back to God.
Translators often struggle with this shift, rendering baqaq as "empty" or "lay waste" in prophetic warnings but choosing "plentiful" or "luxuriant" when describing agricultural or spiritual fruitfulness. The word’s core sense remains consistent: it denotes a state of fullness or emptiness that is visible and tangible, whether that fullness is the lush growth of vines or the hollow ruin of a devastated city.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word baqaq presents a striking contrast in Scripture, describing both total emptiness and lush abundance. In the prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, it paints a picture of desolation where cities are stripped bare and land is laid waste. This imagery reminds us that human plans can be overturned, leaving only void when they stand against God’s will.
Yet Hosea 10:1 offers a different perspective. Here, Israel is described as a luxuriant vine, overflowing with fruit. This abundance, however, became a trap as the people multiplied altars instead of turning to God. It serves as a sobering reminder that material prosperity or outward success can sometimes mask a heart that has drifted from its Creator.
Understanding this duality helps us see that true fullness is not found in external circumstances or possessions. Whether facing loss or enjoying plenty, our focus remains on faithfulness to God. He alone provides the spiritual fruit that endures, while all earthly things are temporary and subject to His sovereign hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- luxuriant1×
- it will be laid waste1×
- certainly <to be laid waste>1×
- and/ they may lay waste1×
- and/ it will be disturbed1×
- and/ I will make void1×
- [is] about to lay waste1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּבּ֛וֹק1×
- וּ֠/בַקֹּתִי1×
- וִ/יבֹקְק֖וּ1×
- וְ/נָבְקָ֤ה1×
- הִבּ֧וֹק\׀1×
- בּוֹקֵק֙1×
- בּוֹקֵ֥ק1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 24:1
Behold, Yahweh makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants.
This verse uses baqaq to describe Yahweh making the earth empty, highlighting the theme of divine judgment and the removal of human order.
-
Jeremiah 51:2
I will send to Babylon strangers, who will winnow her. They will empty her land; for in the day of trouble they will be against her all around.
Here the word signifies the act of emptying Babylon’s land, showing how God uses foreign nations to execute His purposes against pride.
-
Hosea 10:1
Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit. According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars. As their land has prospered, they have adorned their sacred stones.
This rare positive usage describes Israel as a luxuriant vine, illustrating how abundance can lead to spiritual distraction if not rooted in God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does baqaq mean both empty and luxuriant?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
What is the spiritual lesson from Hosea 10:1?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
Isaiah 3 verses
The spirit of the Egyptians will fail within them. I will destroy their counsel. They will seek the idols, the…
Isaiah 24:1Behold, Yahweh makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants.
Isaiah 24:3The earth will be utterly emptied and utterly laid waste; for Yahweh has spoken this word.