בָּכָא
𐤁𐤊𐤀
bâkâʼ
H1057 noun
SILEX Entry
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.'
Semantic Range
a resin-exuding tree (possibly balsam, mulberry, or poplar); a place named for these trees; metaphorical reference to sorrow or hardship (by association with 'weeping'); specifically 'the valley of Baca' as a geographic feature
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root בכה (b-k-h), meaning 'to weep.' The term may be linked to the resin-exuding quality of the tree, which gives the appearance of 'weeping.' However, the actual lexical meaning of בָּכָא refers specifically to the species of tree, not the act of weeping. Etymology uncertain beyond the root association with weeping/resin flow.
Historical & Contextual Notes
בָּכָא appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in Psalm 84:7 and 2 Samuel 5:23-24/1 Chronicles 14:14-15, describing a type of tree and a geographic location, the 'valley of Baca.' The connection with weeping is likely metaphorical, either due to sap or resin that 'weeps' from the tree or owing to the association of hardship with the valley. English translations variously render the term as 'mulberry,' 'balsam,' or transliterate it as 'Baca.' The precise botanical identity is debated; suggestions include the balsam (Commiphora gileadensis), poplar, or mulberry, but conclusive evidence is lacking. The term does not refer to a person or people group. Later traditions associated the 'valley of Baca' with pilgrimage or sorrow, but in biblical contexts, the text emphasizes the tree's distinctive resin-exuding characteristic and its geographic presence near Jerusalem. Modern English translations often obscure the native resonance by favoring 'mulberry,' though this may not accurately capture the original referent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as בָּכָא; the weeping tree (some gum-distilling tree, perhaps the balsam); mulberry tree.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בכה (b-k-h) — to weep, shed tears, drip
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1056 | בָּכָא | the Weeping-Valley |
| H1058 | בָּכָה | he wept |
| H1059 | בֶּכֶה | weeping |
| H1065 | בְּכִי | in the weeping |
| H1066 | בֹּכִים | Weepers |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1057-02 |
הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים | habekhaim | HTd/Ncmpa |
of the balsam trees | the weeping trees | 3 | |
H1057-01 |
בְּכָאִֽים | bekhaim | HNcmpa |
the balsam trees | weeping-resin trees | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1057-01 |
2 Samuel 5:23 | בְּכָאִֽים | bekhaim | HNcmpa |
the balsam trees | weeping-resin trees | |
H1057-02 |
2 Samuel 5:24 | הַ/בְּכָאִ֖ים | habekhaim | HTd/Ncmpa |
of the balsam trees | the weeping trees | |
H1057-02 |
1 Chronicles 14:14 | הַ/בְּכָאִֽים | habekhaim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the balsam trees | the weeping trees | |
H1057-02 |
1 Chronicles 14:15 | הַ/בְּכָאִ֔ים | habekhaim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the mulberry trees | the weeping trees |