siege, besiege, besieged, siegework, siegeworks

Definition

A “siege” occurs when an attacking army surrounds a city and keeps it from receiving any supplies of food and water. To “besiege” a city or to put it “under siege” means to attack it by means of a siege.

• When the Babylonians came to attack Israel, they used the tactic of a siege against Jerusalem to weaken the people inside the city.
• Often during a siege, ramps of dirt are gradually constructed to enable the attacking army to cross over the city walls and invade the city.
• To “besiege” a city can also be expressed as to “lay siege” to it or to “perform a siege” on it.
• The term “besieged” has the same meaning as the expression “under siege.” Both these expressions describe a city that an enemy army is surrounding and besieging.

Bible References

• 1 Chronicles 20:1
• 1 Kings 20:1-3
• 1 Samuel 11:1-2
• Jeremiah 33:4

Word Data

• Strong’s: H4692, H4693, H5341, H5437, H5564, H6693, H6696, H6887