בַּחַן
𐤁𐤇𐤍
bachan
H975 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A structure or raised platform built to serve as an observation point, especially used for surveying surrounding territory or providing early warning; specifically, a watchtower positioned for lookout or defense. In some contexts, an elevated tower associated with city walls, agricultural fields, or military outposts.
Semantic Range
watchtower, observation tower, lookout post, defensive tower, guard platform
Root / Etymology
From the verb בָּחַן (bachan), meaning 'to examine, test, search,' which likely carries the nuance of looking out or watching in this noun form. The semantic transition is from 'careful examination' to the function of a structure used for observation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
בַּחַן occurs sparingly the Hebrew Bible (notably in Isaiah 21:8, where its reading is textually uncertain). The word refers to a watchtower—distinct from מִגְדָּל (migdal), a more general word for 'tower,' often describing fortifications or larger structures. בַּחַן, in contrast, denotes primarily a lookout built for vigilance, especially in open countryside or agricultural areas, not exclusively in urban or fortified settings. In agricultural society during the monarchic period, such watchtowers were used to guard crops against thieves and wild animals. The nuance of 'observation' or 'testing' links this noun with its verbal root—emphasizing the act of searchful vigilance. English translations often simply render בַּחַן as 'watchtower' or 'tower,' which may obscure the word’s focus on observation and surveillance rather than monumental size or permanence. Later Hebrew literature favors other terms, and בַּחַן does not carry religious or ritual connotations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from בָּחַן (in the sense of keeping a look-out); a watch-tower; tower.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בחן (b-ḥ-n) — examine, test, scrutinize, inspect
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H969 | בָּחוֹן | metal-examiner |
| H971 | בַּחִין | his siege-towers |
| H974 | בָּחַן | you examined |
| H976 | בֹּחַן | examination |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H975-01 |
וָ/בַ֜חַן | vavachan | HC/Ncmsa |
and-watchtower | watchtower | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H975-01 |
Isaiah 32:14 | וָ/בַ֜חַן | vavachan | HC/Ncmsa |
and-watchtower | watchtower |