What is a…
besom
This is the archaic English translation of the Hebrew word matate meaning “sweeper” or “broom.” Besom is an old English word for a bundle of twigs attached to a handle and used as a broom.
This word occurs in Isaiah 14:23 KJV and refers to the sweeping away, the utter ruin, of Babylon. “Besom” is also used in the 21st Century King James Version, American Standard Version, Darby Translation, Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition, 1599 Geneva Bible, and the Wycliffe Bible.
I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom [matate] of destruction, saith the Lord of hosts. —Isaiah 14:23 KJV
The conservative modern Legacy Standard Bible translation says,
“I will also make it a possession for the hedgehog and swamps of water, and I will sweep it with the broom [matate] of destruction,” declares Yahweh of hosts. —Isaiah 14:23 LSB
The New King James Version also translates matate as broom (Isaiah 14:23 NKJV).
More information
- List of other Archaic Middle English words used in the King James Bible (with links to definitions)
- What is the Book of Isaiah?
- Who is Isaiah?
- What is the Kingdom of Babylon (aka Babylonian Empire)?
- What is the city of Babylon (Babel)?
- What is Babylon the Great in the Bible?