בִּקֹּ֫רֶת (biq.qo.ret)
biq.qo.ret
scourging
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun biqqoret refers to a specific kind of punishment that follows an official inquiry or examination. In biblical usage, it denotes the penalty imposed after a judicial process has determined guilt, rather than a random act of violence. This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Leviticus 19:20.
In this verse, biqqoret describes the consequence for a man who has sexual relations with a slave woman who is promised to another man. The text specifies that she must not be put to death because she was not free, but the man must still receive biqqoret. This highlights the word’s connection to legal procedure: the punishment is measured and assigned by authority after the facts are established.
The root of the word relates to visiting or inspecting, suggesting that this penalty is the result of a thorough investigation. Translators often render it as "punishment" or "retribution," emphasizing that justice has been served through due process. The singular occurrence in Leviticus underscores its role in maintaining social order within the covenant community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word biqqoret appears just once in Scripture, in Leviticus 19:20. It describes a measured punishment following an official inquiry. This is not random violence but justice served through due process. The root meaning suggests visiting or inspecting, implying that the penalty comes after careful examination of the facts.
In this specific case, a man had relations with a slave woman pledged to another. Because she was not free, she was spared death, but he received biqqoret. This distinction shows how biblical law weighs freedom and status when assigning consequences. It reminds us that God’s justice is precise, fair, and grounded in truth.
For your faith, this word offers comfort. It assures you that God sees clearly and judges rightly. When life feels unfair or chaotic, remember that divine justice operates with care and accuracy. You can trust that no detail escapes His notice, and every wrong will be addressed with perfect fairness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- compensation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּקֹּ֧רֶת1×
Key Verses
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Leviticus 19:20
“‘If a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave girl, pledged to be married to another man, and not ransomed or given her freedom; they shall be punished. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
This verse uniquely defines biqqoret as a measured penalty for a specific sexual offense involving an enslaved woman, distinguishing it from capital punishment by noting her lack of freedom.