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בָּשָׁן

𐤁𐤔𐤍

Bashan

H1316 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain uncertain, likely geographic term, possibly toponym

Definition

Bashan; a geographical region located east and northeast of the Jordan River, renowned in biblical literature for its fertile lands, rich pastures, and abundance of cattle. In some texts, it may refer more specifically to the high plateau area or territories associated with certain polities or chieftains. Its boundaries and extent vary depending on the biblical period and context, sometimes encompassing areas between the Yarmuk and Mount Hermon. The term 'Bashan' is used both with and without the definite article, reflecting its evolving status as a geographical and political entity.

Semantic Range

Bashan (proper noun referring to a region), highland region east of the Jordan, kingdom ruled by Og, area known for fertility and cattle; poetic symbol of abundance

Root / Etymology

etymology uncertain; the Hebrew term בָּשָׁן likely predates Israelite occupation of the region and may have origins in a local toponym or a non-Semitic substrate language. There is no securely identified Semitic root for בָּשָׁן, and thus it stands as a regional name assimilated into Hebrew geographical nomenclature.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the biblical narrative, Bashan is depicted as a region famous for its prosperity, strongholds, and especially its herds of cattle (e.g., Deut 32:14, Amos 4:1). It was ruled by King Og at the time of the Israelite settlement (Num 21:33, Deut 3:1). The biblical use of 'Bashan' transitions from a political entity—'the kingdom of Og'—to a territorial designation in later periods. The region is praised for its fertile soils and oaks (cf. Isa 2:13, Ezek 27:6). In post-exilic literature, Bashan remains a poetic symbol of abundance and power. The English translations typically render בָּשָׁן as 'Bashan' without further specification, which can obscure nuances such as the association with cattle or the reputation for fertility. Bashan is distinct from neighboring regions like Gilead and Hauran, though borders are sometimes ambiguous in ancient texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan; Bashan.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

בשן (b-š-n) — uncertain toponym, Bashan region, highland territory east of the Jordan

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1316-03 הַ/בָּשָׁ֑ן habashan HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan 28
H1316-01 בַּ/בָּשָֽׁן babashan HRd/Np in Bashan in Bashan 14
H1316-07 בָשָׁן֙ vashan HNp Bashan Bashan 5
H1316-02 בָּשָׁ֖ן bashan HNp Bashan Bashan 4
H1316-08 וְ/הַ/בָּשָֽׁן vehabashan HC/Td/Np and Bashan and the Bashan 4
H1316-04 מִ/בָּ֔שָׁן mibashan HR/Np from Bashan from Bashan 3
H1316-06 בַ/בָּשָׁן֙ vabashan HRd/Np in Bashan in Bashan 1
H1316-05 וּ/בַ/בָּשָׁ֖ן uvabashan HC/Rd/Np and in Bashan and in Bashan 1

Occurrences in Scripture

60 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1316-03 Numbers 21:33 הַ/בָּשָׁ֑ן habashan HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan
H1316-03 Numbers 21:33 הַ/בָּשָׁ֨ן habashan-2 HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan
H1316-03 Numbers 32:33 הַ/בָּשָׁ֑ן habashan HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan
H1316-03 Deuteronomy 1:4 הַ/בָּשָׁ֔ן habashan HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan
H1316-03 Deuteronomy 3:1 הַ/בָּשָׁ֑ן habashan HTd/Np to Bashan the Bashan
H1316-03 Deuteronomy 3:1 הַ/בָּשָׁ֨ן habashan-2 HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan
H1316-03 Deuteronomy 3:3 הַ/בָּשָׁ֖ן habashan HTd/Np of Bashan the Bashan
H1316-01 Deuteronomy 3:4 בַּ/בָּשָֽׁן babashan HRd/Np in Bashan in Bashan
H1316-03 Deuteronomy 3:10 הַ/בָּשָׁ֔ן habashan HTd/Np Bashan the Bashan
H1316-01 Deuteronomy 3:10 בַּ/בָּשָֽׁן babashan HRd/Np in Bashan in Bashan
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