Original Word: בָּצֵק
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: batseq
Pronunciation: baw-tsek'
Phonetic Spelling: (baw-tsake')
KJV: swell
NASB: swell
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. perhaps to swell up
2. blister

swell

A primitive root; perhaps to swell up, i.e. Blister -- swell.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
to swell
NASB Translation
swell (2).

בָּצֵק verb swell —

Qal Perfect3feminine singular בָּעֵ֑קָה Deuteronomy 8:4; 3plural בָּצֵ֑קוּ Nehemiah 9:21; — swell, or receive swellings, blisters, of foot, Di Deuteronomy 8:4, Ry Nehemiah 9:21.

Occurrence in Scripture

The term appears only twice, both times in connection with Israel’s forty-year pilgrimage through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:4; Nehemiah 9:21). In each passage it conveys that Israel’s “feet did not swell,” highlighting a specific aspect of the Lord’s miraculous preservation of His people.

Historical Background: Wilderness Provision

For four decades the nation lived in harsh desert conditions. Ordinary travel in such terrain commonly leads to painful edema of the feet and ankles, aggravated by intense heat, coarse ground, and inadequate footwear. Scripture records none of these natural consequences for Israel. Alongside manna, water from the rock, and clothing that “did not wear out,” the absence of swollen feet testifies to a comprehensive divine care that touched even the smallest physical details.

Theological Implications: God’s Sustaining Grace

1. Covenant Faithfulness

Before Israel entered Canaan, Moses reminded them that the same Lord who redeemed them from Egypt had also preserved their health in the desert. The detail about their feet underscores that God’s covenant love is not merely spiritual but holistic, extending to bodily needs (compare Exodus 15:26).
2. Sovereign Power Over Natural Processes

Swelling of tissue results from fluid imbalance and venous stress—an inevitable reality in a grueling march. By preventing it, the Lord demonstrated authority over ordinary biological functions, reinforcing His supremacy over creation (Psalm 103:19).
3. Memorial of Dependence

The wilderness generation was to learn that “man does not live on bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3). The healthy condition of their feet became a visible, daily reminder that survival depended not on human resilience but on divine provision.

Practical Applications for Ministry

• Pastoral Encouragement: When believers face prolonged trials, the text invites proclamation of a God who protects both soul and body. Even unnoticed mercies—stable health, daily stamina—are grounds for thanksgiving.
• Counseling Perspective: Chronic physical ailments often burden modern disciples. These passages assure sufferers that the Lord is mindful of physical limitations and capable of sustaining them according to His purpose.
• Mission Context: Gospel workers serving in demanding environments can draw strength from Israel’s experience, confident that God equips His servants for the paths He appoints.

Connections to New Testament Themes

• Jesus as the Ultimate Provision: Just as Israel’s feet were kept from swelling, those who follow Christ are preserved for their journey toward the “better country” (Hebrews 11:16).
• Spiritual Footing: Paul urges believers to have their feet “fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). The metaphor assumes healthy, strong feet—echoing the Old Testament picture of God-given ability to stand and advance.
• Perseverance by Grace: Jude 24 speaks of the Lord who is “able to keep you from stumbling.” The physical preservation of Israel’s feet prefigures the spiritual steadfastness promised to the church.

Related Concepts in Scripture

• Deuteronomy 29:5 – Clothing and sandals preserved.
• Psalm 105:37 – “There was none feeble among His tribes,” portraying nationwide health.
• Nehemiah 9:19-21 – A summary of wilderness mercies that situates unswollen feet within a broader catalog of divine guidance.

Summary

Though appearing only twice, the word vividly portrays God’s meticulous care during Israel’s desert sojourn. More than an anatomical note, it serves as a theological emblem of sustaining grace, reminding every generation that the Lord who guards our steps also keeps our feet from swelling—physically and spiritually—until we reach the land He has promised.

בָצֵ֑קָה בָצֵֽקוּ׃ בצקה בצקו׃ ḇā·ṣê·qāh ḇā·ṣê·qū ḇāṣêqāh ḇāṣêqū vaTzekah vaTzekuInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts