H1219 — batsar (to cut off, to gather grapes, to make inaccessible)

H1219 · Hebrew · Old Testament

בָּצַר

batsar

Verb

to cut off, to gather grapes, to make inaccessible

Definition

Batsar (H1219) has a cluster of related meanings. In agricultural contexts it means to harvest grapes. In military contexts it means to fortify or make a city inaccessible. The word batsar also gives rise to bitserah (fortress) and the place name Bozrah. The concept of 'cutting off' connects the grape harvest with siege and divine judgment.

Usage & Theological Significance

The grape harvest imagery connects directly to judgment theology. Revelation 14:18–20 echoes Joel 3:13 — 'thrust in your sickle and gather the clusters' — drawing on batsar imagery for the final harvest of wrath. God is the divine vinedresser; nations are the grapes. Fortified cities (batsar) offer no protection against the God who brings them low.

Key Bible Verses

Judges 8:2 He said to them, 'What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage [batsar] of Abiezer?'

Jeremiah 49:9 If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? If thieves came by night, would they not destroy only enough for themselves?

Genesis 11:6 And the LORD said, 'Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing they propose [batsar] to do will now be impossible for them.'

Isaiah 25:12 And the high fortifications of his walls he will bring down, lay low, and cast to the ground, to the dust.

Jeremiah 6:9 Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'They shall glean thoroughly [batsar] as a vine the remnant of Israel; like a grape gatherer, pass your hand again over its branches.'

Related Words

External Resources

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