from בָּעַר (in the sense of burning); a lamp; Beor, the name of the father of an Edomitish king; also of that of Balaam; Beor.
Transliteration:Bᵉʻôwr
Pronunciation:beh-ore'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בְּעוֹר (Bᵉʻôwr, `{{H1160}}`) is primarily used as a proper noun, yet its etymological roots provide insight into its potential underlying meaning. It is derived from the verbal root בָּעַר (baʻar, `{{H1197}}`), which signifies "to burn," "to consume," or "to kindle." Consequently, the base definition provided for בְּעוֹר includes "a lamp," suggesting a derivative meaning related to that which burns or provides light. While the individuals bearing this name are not explicitly described in terms of "burning" or "light," the name itself may subtly evoke these concepts. The semantic range is thus twofold: a literal, though rarely applied, meaning of "lamp" or "burner," and its predominant use as a proper name for two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בְּעוֹר (Bᵉʻôwr, `{{H1160}}`) appears exclusively as a proper noun, identifying the father of two different figures in the Hebrew Bible:
1. **Beor, Father of Bela:** This Beor is identified as the father of Bela, one of the early kings of Edom.
* [[Genesis 36:32]]: "Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city was Dinhabah." This verse introduces Bela within the genealogies of Esau's descendants, establishing a line of Edomite rulers.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:43]]: This verse reiterates the information from Genesis, listing Bela son of Beor among the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. In both instances, Beor is a genealogical marker, providing lineage for an Edomite monarch. There is no further information or narrative associated with this specific Beor.
2. **Beor, Father of Balaam:** This is the more prominent usage of the name, referring to the father of Balaam, the prophet/diviner from Pethor.
* [[Numbers 22:5]]: "He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying: 'Indeed a people has come out of Egypt...'" This is the initial introduction of Balaam, identifying him by his father, Beor, and his geographical origin.
* [[Numbers 24:3]]: "And he took up his discourse and said: 'The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened...'" Balaam himself uses his patronymic in his prophetic utterances.
* [[Deuteronomy 23:4]]: "because they did not meet you with bread and water on the road when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you." Moses recounts the incident, emphasizing Balaam's identity and his role in Balak's scheme.
* [[Joshua 13:22]]: "Balaam the son of Beor, the diviner, the Israelites also killed with the sword among those slain by them." This verse confirms Balaam's death and reiterates his identity.
* [[Joshua 24:9]]: "Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel, and he sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you." Joshua's historical summary reinforces Balaam's identity.
* [[Micah 6:5]]: "O My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab counselled, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD." The prophet Micah references this historical event, again identifying Balaam by his father.
In all these instances, "son of Beor" serves as a consistent identifier for Balaam, distinguishing him and emphasizing his lineage and origin as a non-Israelite figure who interacts significantly with the history of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which בְּעוֹר (Bᵉʻôwr, `{{H1160}}`) is derived:
* **בָּעַר (baʻar, `{{H1197}}`):** "to burn, consume, kindle." This connection suggests that the name Beor might implicitly mean "burner" or "one who burns."
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical connections, include words associated with light, fire, or illumination, which are implied by the "lamp" aspect of the definition:
* **אֵשׁ (esh, `{{H784}}`):** "fire."
* **אוֹר (or, `{{H216}}`):** "light."
* **נֵר (ner, `{{H5216}}`):** "lamp, light."
The name Beor, particularly in the context of Balaam, might subtly evoke a sense of someone who deals with "fire" or "light"—whether the fire of divine inspiration, the light of prophetic revelation, or the consuming fire of judgment.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, בְּעוֹר (Bᵉʻôwr, `{{H1160}}`) does not carry inherent theological weight beyond its function as an identifier. Its theological significance is primarily derived from the individuals it names.
In the case of Beor, father of Bela, his mention highlights the extensive genealogies within the biblical text, which serve to establish historical connections and the broader context of nations surrounding Israel. It underscores the divine narrative's scope, encompassing the rise and fall of other kingdoms as part of God's overarching plan.
The more significant theological implication arises from Beor as the father of Balaam. Balaam is a pivotal figure, a non-Israelite diviner who nonetheless receives genuine prophetic revelation from Yahweh. The consistent identification of Balaam as "son of Beor" emphasizes his specific non-Israelite origin, setting him apart from the prophets of Israel. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate and work through individuals outside the covenant community, even those involved in practices like divination. The etymological connection of "Beor" to "burning" or "lamp" could subtly allude to Balaam's role as one who brings forth "light" (revelation) or "fire" (curses/blessings), albeit in a complex and morally ambiguous manner. Balaam's story serves as a profound theological statement on the power of God's word to override human intentions, whether for good or ill, and the subtle ways in which divine truth can manifest even through unexpected channels.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בְּעוֹר (Bᵉʻôwr, `{{H1160}}`) is derived from the root meaning "to burn" or "a lamp," though its primary biblical usage is as a proper noun. It identifies two distinct figures: Beor, the father of Bela, an early Edomite king mentioned in [[Genesis 36:32]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:43]], and more notably, Beor, the father of Balaam, the Mesopotamian diviner-prophet. Balaam is consistently identified as "Balaam the son of Beor" throughout the Numbers narrative ([[Numbers 22:5]], [[Numbers 24:3]]) and subsequent references in [[Deuteronomy 23:4]], [[Joshua 13:22]], [[Joshua 24:9]], and [[Micah 6:5]]. While the name itself serves primarily as a patronymic identifier, its etymological root in "burning" or "lamp" may subtly allude to Balaam's role as one who deals with spiritual "fire" or "illumination," whether through divine revelation or divination. The consistent use of this patronymic underscores Balaam's non-Israelite origin and highlights God's sovereign interaction with individuals beyond the covenant community, demonstrating the expansive reach of His divine plan.
TRV