בַּרְקָנִים (bar.qan)
bar.qan
briar
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word barqanim refers to thorny bushes or briers, specifically those found in arid landscapes. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Judges, where it serves as a sharp metaphor for destructive power.
In Judges 8:7 and 8:16, Gideon uses these plants to punish the kings of Succoth and Penuel. He threatens to tear their flesh with the barqanim of the wilderness, a vivid image of pain and humiliation rather than execution. The term highlights the harshness of the land itself, turning nature’s obstacles into instruments of justice.
While similar words exist for general thorns, barqanim often implies dense, tangled thickets that are difficult to navigate. By invoking this specific plant, the text emphasizes the severity of Gideon’s retribution against those who withheld support during his campaign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word barqanim describes the harsh, tangled briers found in arid landscapes. In Judges 8, Gideon uses these thorns to punish the leaders who refused to help him. This vivid image shows how nature’s obstacles can become instruments of justice. It reminds us that our actions have real consequences.
For your faith, this word highlights the seriousness of community support. When we withhold help from others, we may face difficult outcomes. The briers symbolize the pain that comes from broken relationships and selfishness. Yet, even in judgment, there is a call to integrity and mutual care.
Reflect on how you treat those around you. Are you a source of support or a barrier? Let this word encourage you to build bridges, not thorny walls. May your life be one of kindness and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ briers1×
- <the>/ briers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/בַּרְקֳנִֽים\׃1×
- הַֽ/בַּרְקֳנִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 8:7
Gideon said, “Therefore when Yahweh has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.”
Gideon uses the threat of briers to emphasize the severe consequences for those who abandoned him during his campaign.
-
Judges 8:16
He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.
The actual use of thorns and briers by Gideon serves as a public demonstration of justice against the elders of Succoth.