בָּלַס
𐤁𐤋𐤎
bâlaç
H1103 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pinch or score sycamore figs in order to induce ripening; by extension, to harvest or gather sycamore figs. This term refers to an agricultural practice in the preparation of sycamore fruit for human consumption, involving deliberate cutting or squeezing of the unripe figs, which triggers their maturation and improves edibility. Though rare, it is a specialized verb specific to sycamore fig agriculture.
Semantic Range
to pinch sycamore figs, to score or cut sycamore fruit, to induce ripening in sycamore figs, to gather sycamore figs after pinching
Root / Etymology
The root בלס is attested only in relation to the sycamore fig and is not found more broadly in Hebrew. The verb likely originated as an onomatopoeic or descriptive term for the manual act of pinching or cutting the fruit. Its form and derivational pattern suggest a concrete, physical action, but further etymological connections within Semitic languages are uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The practice of 'pinching' or scoring sycamore figs (Ficus sycomorus) was typical in ancient agrarian societies of the Eastern Mediterranean, including among Israelites during the monarchy and post-exilic periods. The process made otherwise unpalatable or tough sycamore figs suitable for eating, and was a distinct step from simple gathering. The word is attested in Amos 7:14, where the prophet calls himself a 'dresser' or 'cultivator' (boles) of sycamore figs, marking both his agricultural background and the specific technical nature of the task. The corresponding substantive (bollēs) is not attested, so translation traditions vary: some render the term as 'gatherer,' 'dresser,' 'cultivator,' or 'caretaker' of sycamores, but the verb's specificity is not always captured in English translations. No direct cognates are attested in later Hebrew or other Semitic languages, and the terminology relates to a practice less common in northern Israelite regions than in the south or in Egypt. The underlying action is technical and may be misunderstood if simply translated as 'gather.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to pinch sycamore figs (a process necessary to ripen them); gatherer.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בלס (b-l-s) — to pinch, to squeeze, to score (fruit)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1103-01 |
וּ/בוֹלֵ֥ס | uvoles | HC/Vqrmsc |
and a dresser of | and sycamore-fig pincher | and a dresser of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1103-01 |
Amos 7:14 | וּ/בוֹלֵ֥ס | uvoles | HC/Vqrmsc |
and a dresser of | and sycamore-fig pincher | and a dresser of |