בָּשַׁס (ba.shas)
ba.shas
to trample
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ba.shas describes the physical act of treading down or trampling something underfoot. It conveys a sense of heavy, forceful pressure, often associated with feet crushing what is beneath them. This word appears only once in the provided biblical data, located in the book of Amos.
In Amos 5:11, the term is used to depict the oppression of the poor by the powerful. The context suggests a vivid image of those in authority literally or metaphorically crushing the vulnerable under their feet. This usage highlights the harsh reality of social injustice, where the strong exert dominance over the weak through forceful action.
The rarity of this word makes its single occurrence particularly striking. By choosing ba.shas, the prophet Amos emphasizes the brutality and dehumanizing nature of the oppression described. The imagery leaves no room for ambiguity; it is a direct confrontation with the physical reality of being trampled by those who hold power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ba.shas paints a stark picture of heavy feet crushing what is beneath them. In Amos 5:11, it describes how the powerful trampled the poor to build their stone houses and vineyards. This image reminds us that God sees the weight of oppression and cares deeply about justice for the vulnerable.
When we face unfairness or feel weighed down by those with more power, this word offers comfort. It shows that our suffering is not invisible to Him. He stands with the oppressed and opposes those who use force to dominate others. This truth encourages us to trust in His ultimate justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- trample/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בּוֹשַׁסְ/כֶ֞ם1×
Key Verses
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Amos 5:11
Therefore, because you trample on the poor and take taxes from him of wheat, you have built houses of cut stone, but you will not dwell in them. You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.
This verse uses ba.shas to vividly depict the physical and economic oppression of the poor by the wealthy elite, highlighting God's judgment on such injustice.