בָּעֲרָא

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word Bâʻărâʼ, represented by H1199, is a proper name for an Israelitish woman. Derived from בַּעַר (brutish), its specific use in scripture is as the name Baara. It is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H1199 is in a genealogical listing in the Old Testament. In the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, Baara is identified as one of the wives of a man named Shaharaim. The verse specifies that Shaharaim had children after sending away his wives, Hushim and Baara 1 Chronicles 8:8. This single reference places her within the family structure of an Israelite living in the country of Moab.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of Baara's appearance connects her to several other key individuals and concepts:

• H7842 Shachărayim: Defined as "double dawn; Shacharajim, an Israelite; Shaharaim," this is the name of Baara's husband 1 Chronicles 8:8.
• H802 ʼishshâh: This word, meaning woman or wife, is used to define Baara's relationship to Shaharaim. It is a common term used throughout scripture to describe a female, a wife in a covenant relationship Genesis 2:24, or a woman of valued character Proverbs 31:10.

Theological Significance

While the name H1199 itself carries no direct theological weight, the role it represents—that of a wife H802—is foundational to biblical teaching.

• Covenantal Union: The role of a wife is established early in scripture as part of a foundational union where a man and wife become one flesh Genesis 2:24.
• A Divine Good: The finding of a wife is explicitly described as finding a "good thing" and obtaining favor from the LORD Proverbs 18:22.
• Virtuous Character: The value of a virtuous woman is considered "far above rubies," highlighting the importance of character and fear of the LORD (Proverbs 31:10, Proverbs 31:30).

Summary

In summary, H1199 is the proper name Bâʻărâʼ, recorded once in the Bible to identify one of the wives of Shaharaim in a genealogy. While the name itself is obscure, her role as a wife H802 connects her to one of the most significant and theologically rich relationships described in the biblical narrative, that of the covenant of marriage.