The Hebrew word bar, represented by H1249, carries a range of meanings including pure, clean, choice, and clear. Derived from בָּרַר (barar), it appears 7 times in 7 unique verses throughout the scriptures, often signifying a state of moral purity or exceptional quality.
In its biblical applications, H1249 is used to describe both internal character and external states. It defines the moral condition necessary for approaching God, as seen in the description of one who has "a pure heart" Psalms 24:4. This theme is echoed in the statement that God is good to those with a "clean heart" Psalms 73:1. The word also characterizes the nature of divine law, where "the commandment of the LORD is pure" Psalms 19:8. In a different context, it describes radiant beauty, being "clear as the sun" Song of Solomon 6:10, or can refer to something being exceptional, like the "choice one of her that bare her" Song of Solomon 6:9. It can even denote emptiness, as when a crib is "clean" because there are no oxen Proverbs 14:4.
Several related words help illuminate the concept of purity and integrity associated with H1249:
- H5355 nâqîy (innocent; blameless, clean, clear): This word is used in direct parallel with H1249 to describe the person qualified to enter God's presence, one who has "clean hands, and a pure heart" Psalms 24:4.
- H8535 tâm (complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle, dear; undefiled): This term for completeness or being undefiled appears alongside H1249 in Song of Solomon, where the beloved is described as both "undefiled" and the "choice one" Song of Solomon 6:9.
- H3824 lêbâb (the heart (as the most interior organ)): The heart is frequently the subject described by H1249. The concept of a "pure heart" Psalms 24:4 or a "clean heart" Psalms 73:1 establishes that this purity is an internal, spiritual state.
The theological significance of H1249 is centered on the divine requirement for holiness.
- Internal Purity: The repeated phrase "a pure heart" or "a clean heart" emphasizes that God's standard goes beyond external actions to the inner disposition of a person (Psalms 24:4, Psalms 73:1).
- Divine Standard: By describing God's commandment as "pure" Psalms 19:8, the word establishes purity as an essential attribute of God's nature and his revelation to humanity.
- Condition for Fellowship: The connection between a pure heart and standing in God's holy place Psalms 24:4 or being clean in His eyes Job 11:4 shows that purity is a prerequisite for a relationship with Him.
In summary, H1249 is a multifaceted term that encompasses concepts from physical emptiness to radiant beauty. Its primary biblical weight, however, lies in its definition of moral and spiritual purity. Whether describing the character of a person, the nature of God's law, or the quality of being choice and set apart, bar points to a standard of cleanness and integrity, most notably captured in the image of the "pure heart" required to draw near to God.
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