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    Trust (Batach)

    בָּטַח (batach)

    To lean on with full weight — confident reliance on God's character and promises.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H982
    Pronunciation: bah-TAKH
    Quick Answer

    Batach is the Hebrew word for trust, meaning to lean upon, rely on, or feel secure. It pictures placing your full weight on something — committing yourself entirely to God's faithfulness and care.

    "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." — Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Proverbs 3:5

    “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
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    Psalm 37:5

    “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
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    Isaiah 26:4

    “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H982 — Trust (Batach) (בָּטַח (batach))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where בָּטַח (batach) appears.

    Open Strong's H982

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Batach means 'to trust,' 'to be confident,' or 'to feel secure.' The root conveys the idea of lying down in safety, of leaning one's full weight on a support. It is not intellectual assent but existential commitment — placing yourself entirely in another's hands. To batach in God is to transfer the weight of your life from your own ability to His faithfulness.

    Trust vs. Understanding

    Proverbs 3:5 commands trust 'with all thine heart' while warning against leaning on 'thine own understanding.' This is not anti-intellectual — it is anti-autonomous. Human understanding is limited, biased, and often wrong. Trust in God acknowledges that His perspective exceeds ours, His plans surpass our plans, and His wisdom is infinitely deeper than our analysis.

    Misplaced Trust

    Scripture repeatedly warns against trusting the wrong things: horses and chariots (Psalm 20:7), wealth (Psalm 49:6), princes (Psalm 146:3), one's own heart (Proverbs 28:26), or human alliances (Isaiah 31:1). Every object of trust apart from God will eventually fail. The prophets' consistent message: anything you lean your full weight on other than God will collapse under the pressure.

    The Fruit of Trust

    Those who trust God experience distinctive blessings: they are 'like a tree planted by the waters' (Jeremiah 17:7-8), they receive perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), they are surrounded by mercy (Psalm 32:10), and they find refuge (Psalm 18:30). Trust transforms the inner landscape — replacing anxiety with peace, fear with confidence, and striving with rest.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does trust mean in the Bible?

    Trust (batach) means to lean your full weight on God — confident reliance on His character and promises. It is not intellectual agreement but existential commitment, transferring the weight of your life to His faithfulness.

    How do I trust God more?

    Trust grows through knowing God's character in Scripture, remembering His past faithfulness, choosing obedience in uncertainty, and practicing dependence through prayer. Trust deepens as you experience God's reliability in real situations.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Trust (Batach)"?

    Proverbs 3:5 — "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 37:5, Isaiah 26:4.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Trust (Batach)" matter?

    Batach means 'to trust,' 'to be confident,' or 'to feel secure.' The root conveys the idea of lying down in safety, of leaning one's full weight on a support. English uses one word, "Trust (Batach)", where the Hebrew בָּטַח (batach) carries the fuller sense: to lean on with full weight — confident reliance on god's character and promises.

    Related Words

    Faith
    Hope (Elpis)
    Rest
    Peace

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Word Meaning

    Trust (Batach) (בָּטַח (batach))

    To lean on with full weight — confident reliance on God's character and promises.

    Strong's

    Strong's H982 — Trust (Batach)

    בָּטַח (batach) • To lean on with full weight — confident reliance on God's character and promises.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Trusting God's Plan

    10 curated KJV verses

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Trusting God in Hard Times

    10 curated KJV verses

    Commentary

    Hebrews 11:1 Commentary

    In-depth study • Trust & Faith

    Commentary

    Psalm 55:22 Commentary

    In-depth study • Trusting God

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