בְּשֹׂרָה (be.s.vo.rah)
be.s.vo.rah
good news
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun besorah refers to good news or tidings, often carrying the weight of a significant announcement that brings joy or relief. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears six times, primarily in the historical books of Second Samuel and Second Kings, where it describes messages delivered by messengers who bring reports of military victories or royal decrees.
Its meaning extends beyond simple information; it implies news worth celebrating. The sources note a specific usage where besorah can even refer to the reward given to the messenger for bringing such important news, highlighting the value placed on the timely delivery of positive updates in ancient Israelite society.
This word lays the groundwork for later theological developments, as the concept of "good news" evolves into the central message of the Gospel. While its biblical occurrences are rooted in historical events and royal announcements, the term retains a sense of urgency and importance that resonates through subsequent scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word besorah carries the weight of a significant announcement that brings relief or joy. In ancient Israel, it was not merely information but news worth celebrating, often delivered by messengers who ran to share vital updates. This concept highlights how deeply people valued timely, positive reports that could change their circumstances.
While the term appears in historical accounts of military victories and royal decrees, its essence points toward a broader hope. The urgency of sharing good news reminds us that truth and joy are meant to be communicated, not kept hidden. This word lays groundwork for understanding how later traditions view the proclamation of divine favor.
For your faith life, besorah invites you to recognize moments when hope arrives unexpectedly. It encourages a posture of attentiveness to messages that bring encouragement or deliverance. Whether in personal trials or communal celebrations, the value of good news remains constant across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- news3×
- good news3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּשׂוֹרָ֥ה2×
- בְּשׂוֹרָ֣ה1×
- בְּשֹׂרָֽה\׃1×
- בְּשֹׂרָ֤ה1×
- בְּשֹׂרָ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 4:10
when someone told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking that he brought good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.
This verse shows besorah as the reward given to a messenger for bringing important news, highlighting its value in ancient society.
-
II Kings 7:9
Then they said to one another, “We aren’t doing right. Today is a day of good news, and we keep silent. If we wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let’s go and tell the king’s household.”
Here besorah describes a day of good news that the characters feel compelled to share rather than keep silent about.
-
II Samuel 18:27
The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king said, “He is a good man, and comes with good news.”
The king identifies Ahimaaz as one who comes with good news, linking the messenger's identity to the positive nature of his report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does besorah mean in the Hebrew Bible?
How is besorah different from other words for news?
Where does besorah appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
II Samuel 5 verses
when someone told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking that he brought good news, I seized him and killed him in…
II Samuel 18:20Joab said to him, “You must not be the bearer of news today, but you must carry news another day. But today you must…
II Samuel 18:22Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said yet again to Joab, “But come what may, please let me also run after the Cushite.”…
II Samuel 18:25The watchman shouted and told the king. The king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” He came closer and…
II Samuel 18:27The watchman said, “I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” The king…