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בְּאֵשׁ

𐤁𐤀𐤔

bᵉʼêsh

H888 verb

SILEX Entry

Root באש to stink, emit bad odor, become offensive

Definition

To emit a bad odor, to stink; figuratively, to be offensive, objectionable, or displeasing, as in bringing social or moral reproach.

Semantic Range

to emit a bad odor, to stink, to be offensive, to bring disfavor, to displease, to fall into social or moral disrepute, to become odious

Root / Etymology

Root בָּאַשׁ (באש), meaning 'to emit an unpleasant smell, to stink'. The Aramaic בְּאֵשׁ corresponds directly to the Hebrew root, reflecting the same core sense. The form is standard Aramaic, used in portions of the Hebrew Bible written in Aramaic, with derivation directly from the verbal root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, בְּאֵשׁ appears in Aramaic sections (notably, Daniel), retaining the literal sense of 'to stink', but more often used metaphorically, conveying social or moral offense—such as becoming odious or displeasing to authorities or people. In Daniel 6:19 (using the Aramaic), it describes incurring ill repute with the king (i.e., displeasing him), borrowing the sensory language of stench to convey social disapproval. The semantic overlap with its Hebrew counterpart (בָּאַשׁ) is close, but Aramaic usage often emphasizes alienation, unacceptability, or becoming the target of someone's displeasure. Unlike the usual translation of 'to stink', English versions rarely translate it literally, frequently rendering it as 'displease' or 'become offensive', which does not fully capture the original's metaphorical and sensory undertones. The sense is negative throughout biblical usage, but it is not limited strictly to moral offense; it may also describe actions or situations resulting in loss of favor, standing, or respect.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to בָּאַשׁ; {to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally}; displease.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אשׁ (ʾ-š) — burning, fire, heat

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H784 אֵשׁ in the fire
H785 אֵשׁ fire
H787 אֹשׁ the foundations
H800 אֶשָּׁה from their altar-fire
H801 אִשָּׁה the fire-offering

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H888-01 בְּאֵ֣שׁ beesh AVqrmsa displeased in fire 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H888-01 Daniel 6:15 בְּאֵ֣שׁ beesh AVqrmsa displeased in fire
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