הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים
𐤄/𐤁𐤊𐤀𐤉𐤌
bâkâʼ
of the balsam trees
A type of tree known in biblical sources as 'bākāʼ,' often identified as a balsam or gum-producing tree, possibly the Commiphora or a related species, but the exact botanical identification remains uncertain. The term occurs as a proper noun in the phrase 'valley of Baca' (עֵמֶק הַבָּכָא), traditionally understood as 'the valley of weeping' or 'the valley of balsam trees.' The semantic range includes literal reference to a specific tree, or indirectly as a toponym with metaphorical overtones relating to weeping or sorrow, by association with the root meaning 'to weep.'
2 Samuel 5:24 · Word #8
Lexicon H1057
| Lemma | בָּכָא |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤁𐤊𐤀 |
| Transliteration | bâkâʼ |
| Strong's | H1057 |
| Definition | A type of tree known in biblical sources as 'bākāʼ,' often identified as a balsam or gum-producing tree, possibly the Commiphora or a related species, but the exact botanical identification remains uncertain. The term occurs as a proper noun in the phrase 'valley of Baca' (עֵמֶק הַבָּכָא), traditionally understood as 'the valley of weeping' or 'the valley of balsam trees.' The semantic range includes literal reference to a specific tree, or indirectly as a toponym with metaphorical overtones relating to weeping or sorrow, by association with the root meaning 'to weep.' |
Morphology HTd/Ncmpa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | p — Plural — Plural |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | of the balsam trees |
SIBI-P1 Translation H1057-02
the weeping trees
| Morphological Notes | Noun, masculine plural absolute with definite article (הַבְּכָאִים). |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun בָּכָא refers to a specific resin-exuding tree associated etymologically with the root 'to weep,' likely due to its dripping sap. The definite article and masculine plural form require the rendering 'the weeping trees,' preserving both number and the root imagery. |
View full lexicon entry for H1057 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
the balsam trees
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | 'The weeping trees' is excessively literal and non-idiomatic in context; 'the balsam trees' is both contextually and botanically appropriate for this species, aligning with the common and expected identification. |