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H980 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בַּחֻרִים
Bachurim
Noun, proper place name
Young Men; Village of the Young

Definition

The Hebrew Bachurim (Strong's H980) is both a common noun meaning 'young men' or 'choice young men' and a proper place name — a village in Benjamin near Jerusalem. It appears several times in the David narratives as a location of significant events, including Shimei's cursing of David during his flight from Absalom and the hiding of David's messengers.

Usage & Theological Significance

Bachurim as a place is woven into some of the most theologically charged moments in David's life. When Shimei cursed David here (2 Samuel 16:5), David's response demonstrated remarkable humility and trust in God's sovereignty — he refused to retaliate, recognizing that God may have permitted the curse. Later, Jonathan and Ahimaaz hid in a well at Bachurim (2 Samuel 17:18), preserved to deliver vital intelligence. The village thus witnesses both suffering endured with grace and deliverance achieved through ordinary faithfulness.

Key Bible Verses

2 Samuel 16:5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei.
2 Samuel 17:18 But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them went away quickly and came to the house of a man at Bahurim.
2 Samuel 19:16 Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, from Bahurim, hurried to come down with the men of Judah.
1 Kings 2:8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way.

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