Strong's Hebrew: 1102. בָּלַם (balam) -- To restrain, to hold back, to stop

Strong's Lexicon

balam: To restrain, to hold back, to stop

Original Word: בָּלַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: balam
Pronunciation: bah-LAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (baw-lam')
Definition: To restrain, to hold back, to stop
Meaning: to muzzle

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent for "balam," the concept of restraint can be found in Greek words such as "ἐγκράτεια" (enkrateia), meaning self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:23.

Usage: The Hebrew verb "balam" primarily means to restrain or hold back. It is used in contexts where there is a need to prevent an action or to stop something from proceeding. This term can be applied both in physical and metaphorical senses, indicating a cessation or control over an action or behavior.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, the concept of restraint was significant, often associated with wisdom and self-control. Restraint was seen as a virtue, especially in the context of speech and anger. The ability to hold back or control one's actions was valued in a society that emphasized communal harmony and obedience to God's commandments.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to curb, hold in
NASB Translation
hold them in check (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[בָּלַם] verb curb, hold in (Late Hebrew id.,) Aramaic בְּלַם, ) —

Qal Infinitive לִבְלוֺם Psalm 32:9, compare Che.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

be held in

A primitive root; to muzzle -- be held in.

Forms and Transliterations

לִבְל֑וֹם לבלום liḇ·lō·wm liḇlōwm livLom

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