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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
TRV