בָּזַר
𐤁𐤆𐤓
bâzar
H967 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To scatter, disperse, or spread out, usually referring to the act of scattering objects, people, or resources widely. The verb denotes the action of distributing or dispersing over an area, either intentionally (as in spreading abroad or wasting) or unintentionally (as in being scattered).
Semantic Range
to scatter (objects or people), to disperse (as in exile), to lavish or squander (especially of wealth), to spread abroad, to waste
Root / Etymology
The root בזר (ב-ז-ר) does not have cognates in other Semitic languages and appears to be a denominative root within Hebrew, possibly derived from the noun בָּז ('spoil, plunder'). The verb's motion from 'scattering possessions'—as in pillaging or despoiling—may underlie later, more general senses of scattering or dispersing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
בָּזַר occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in poetic or prophetic contexts to describe the scattering of things (such as wealth, people, or objects), often with a nuance of waste or loss. It is distinguished from similar verbs like פזר ('to scatter, disperse, lavish') and זרה ('to scatter, winnow') in that בָּזַר more often carries a connotation of negative dispersal with possible loss or squandering. While later translations (including KJV) sometimes blur distinctions among such terms, בָּזַר is best understood as denoting forced or careless dispersal, sometimes linked to destruction or exile. The semantic field aligns with contexts of exile or military defeat (dispersion of people), but also with prodigality or wastefulness (scattering wealth). In later periods, the word's rarity means it did not significantly develop new meanings, and it remains fossilized in prophetic language. English translations typically use 'scatter' or 'disperse,' which adequately capture its range but may not convey the sense of irrevocable loss in some contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to disperse; scatter.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בזר (b-z-r) — to scatter, to disperse, to spread out, to waste
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H967-02 |
יִבְז֑וֹר | yivezor | HVqi3ms |
he will scatter | he will scatter | 1 |
H967-01 |
בִּזַּ֥ר | bizar | HVpp3ms |
scatter | he scattered widely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H967-01 |
Psalms 68:31 | בִּזַּ֥ר | bizar | HVpp3ms |
scatter | he scattered widely |
H967-02 |
Daniel 11:24 | יִבְז֑וֹר | yivezor | HVqi3ms |
he will scatter | he will scatter |