בֹּטֶן
𐤁𐤈𐤍
bôṭen
H992 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A kind of edible nut, specifically the pistachio, known for its distinctive form and valued as a food item. Used only in the plural form in the Hebrew Bible, referring to nuts among prized foods from the land.
Semantic Range
pistachio nut, (edible) nut, prized food item
Root / Etymology
Root בטן (b-t-n), primarily means 'belly, abdomen, womb.' The noun בֹּטֶן appears to be a derived or related form, used for a nut (specifically pistachio) likely in reference to its rounded, swollen shape, reminiscent of a belly. The exact morphological process is uncertain but the semantic link is based on shape.
Historical & Contextual Notes
בֹּטֶן occurs only in Genesis 43:11, where it is listed among choice products of the land sent as a gift to Egyptian officials; its precise identification as the pistachio nut is based on comparative Semitic evidence and the passage context. This term refers to a valued edible item known in the Levant, distinct from שקדים (almonds), which also appear in the biblical list. In postbiblical Hebrew and related Semitic languages, similar roots are used for nut or the pistachio tree/nut. The connection with the root 'belly' is based on visual similarity, not on consumption or botanical identity. English versions sometimes simply render as 'nut,' but the original Hebrew likely designated a specific variety appreciated in ancient Israelite diet and trade. The word does not occur outside this context in the Hebrew Bible; later tradition continued to recognize its culinary and economic significance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from בֶּטֶן; (only in plural) a pistachio-nut (from its form); nut.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בטן (b-t-n) — to bulge, be swollen, belly, abdomen, womb
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H992-01 |
בָּטְנִ֖ים | batenim | HNcmpa |
pistachios | belly-nuts | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H992-01 |
Genesis 43:11 | בָּטְנִ֖ים | batenim | HNcmpa |
pistachios | belly-nuts |