Lexical Summary bathaq: To cut, cleave, break open Original Word: בָּתַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thrust through A primitive root; to cut in pieces -- thrust through. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to cut, cut off, cut down NASB Translation cut you to pieces (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [בָּתַק] verb cut, cut off, cut down (Assyrian batâ‡u, COTGlossary ZimBP 104 n.; compare also Arabic  secuit, amputavit) — only Pi`el Perfect consecutive וּבִתְּקוּךְ בחרבותם Ezekiel 16:40 and they shall cut thee to pieces with their swords. Topical Lexicon Meaning and nuanceThe verb conveys the idea of violent piercing, hacking, or dismembering. In Ezekiel 16:40 it pictures swords repeatedly penetrating a condemned body until it is literally “hewn to pieces.” The term evokes brutal, total destruction rather than a single fatal blow, underscoring the completeness of judgment. Prophetic setting in Ezekiel Ezekiel 16 employs marital imagery to indict Jerusalem for covenant infidelity. After detailing her adulteries (Ezekiel 16:15-34), the Lord pronounces sentence (Ezekiel 16:35-43). The sequence of penalties—public exposure, stoning, and finally being “cut to pieces” (בָּתַק)—mirrors ancient Near-Eastern punishments for adultery and treason. By reserving בָּתַק for the climactic act, the Spirit accentuates how Jerusalem’s sins merit the severest covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:25-26, 53-57). Historical background Ancient Near-Eastern warfare often ended with enemy nobles hacked apart to intimidate survivors (compare 1 Samuel 15:33; 2 Kings 25:7). Ezekiel prophesies during Babylon’s rise, and eyewitnesses would recall Assyrian and Babylonian brutality. The word choice therefore resonated with listeners who knew such atrocities were real possibilities for the city. Theological significance 1. Covenant justice The violent image dramatizes the lex talionis. Just as Jerusalem “tore apart” her covenant vows, she will be “torn apart” in kind (Galatians 6:7). The judgment is not capricious but measured, fitting crime to penalty. 2. Holiness of God The Lord’s zeal to uphold His holiness means sin cannot be overlooked (Habakkuk 1:13). בָּתַק shows divine wrath that is neither mild nor symbolic; it is historically embodied and fearfully effective. 3. Mercy implied Immediately after this graphic sentence, the Lord promises eventual restoration (Ezekiel 16:60-63). The severity of בָּתַק therefore heightens the wonder of grace that follows. Ministerial applications • Preaching on sin. The solitary use of בָּתַק provides a vivid lexicon for describing the cost of unrepentant rebellion. It cautions against soft-pedaling divine judgment. Connections to the New Testament While the Greek Scriptures do not quote Ezekiel 16:40 directly, similar vocabulary and themes appear: Related themes for study Judgment by the sword: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 25:29; Romans 13:4 Stoning as covenant penalty: Leviticus 20:2; Deuteronomy 22:24; John 8:5 Covenantal restoration after judgment: Deuteronomy 30:1-3; Hosea 2:14-23; Romans 11:26-27 Forms and Transliterations וּבִתְּק֖וּךְ ובתקוך ū·ḇit·tə·qūḵ ūḇittəqūḵ uvitteKuchLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 16:40 HEB: אוֹתָ֖ךְ בָּאָ֑בֶן וּבִתְּק֖וּךְ בְּחַרְבוֹתָֽם׃ NAS: you and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. KJV: thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords. INT: will stone stones and cut their swords 1 Occurrence |
    |