Short Answer
Complete Explanation
In most English translations of the Bible the word “bore” is the simple past tense of the verb “to bear.” The verb has several related senses that appear in the biblical text: (1) to give birth to a child, (2) to carry or support something, and (3) to endure or tolerate a circumstance. The first sense is the most frequent in narrative passages, e.g., “And Eve … bore Cain” (Genesis 4:1). The second sense occurs in passages such as “He bore the burden of the people” (Exodus 16:4). A less common, but still attested, meaning is “to drill or make a hole,” found in poetic or prophetic language, for example “He bore a tunnel through the mountain” (Isaiah 41:19, LXX). The underlying Hebrew and Greek roots are יָלַד (yalad) “to give birth,” φέρω (pherō) “to carry,” and βόω (boō) “to bore, drill.” Understanding which sense is intended depends on the immediate literary context and the original language word.
- Primary biblical sense:
Past tense of “to bear” meaning “to give birth,” used in genealogical and narrative sections. - Secondary sense:
“To carry” or “to support,” appearing in law codes and prophetic admonitions. - Technical sense:
“To drill, cut a hole,” a rare usage found in poetic imagery.
Common Misconceptions
“Bore” in the Bible always refers to drilling a hole.
The dominant biblical usage is the past tense of “to bear,” meaning “to give birth” or “to carry.” The drilling sense is limited to a few poetic passages.
The word “bore” has the same meaning in every translation.
Different English translations may render the underlying Hebrew or Greek word with “gave birth,” “carried,” or “drilled” depending on interpretive choices.
FAQ
Is “bore” ever used to mean “to drill” in the Bible?
Yes, but only in a few poetic passages such as Isaiah 41:19 where the Hebrew verb conveys the idea of cutting a tunnel or opening a passage.
What is the most frequent meaning of “bore” in biblical narratives?
The most frequent meaning is the past tense of “to bear” in the sense of “to give birth,” as seen in genealogical records like Genesis 4:1.
Do modern English translations handle the word “bore” differently?
Translations may choose alternative renderings—such as “gave birth,” “carried,” or “drilled”—based on context and the translators’ interpretation of the original Hebrew or Greek word.
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