from בָּרַר (in its various senses); beloved; also pure, empty; choice, clean, clear, pure.
Transliteration:bar
Pronunciation:bar
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1249}}` (bar) is a multifaceted term derived from the root `{{H1305}}` (barar), which primarily signifies "to purify," "to cleanse," "to select," or "to separate." Consequently, `{{H1249}}` carries a rich semantic range reflecting these core actions. Its primary meanings include:
1. **Purity and Cleanness:** This is the most prominent sense, denoting a state of being free from defilement, whether physical, ritual, or moral. It implies unblemished quality, clarity, and righteousness.
2. **Choice or Selection:** Flowing from the idea of separation or sifting, `{{H1249}}` can describe something that is chosen, excellent, or of superior quality. This nuance often overlaps with the concept of purity, as that which is pure is often considered choice.
3. **Emptiness or Openness:** In certain contexts, `{{H1249}}` can refer to an uncultivated, open, or bare space, such as a field or wilderness. This meaning likely stems from the idea of being "cleared" or "separated" from cultivation.
4. **Beloved:** While less direct and often an interpretive nuance rather than a standalone definition, the concept of "beloved" can arise from "choice" or "pure" when referring to a cherished individual, implying one who is uniquely pure or chosen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H1249}}` illustrate its diverse applications, often emphasizing moral or spiritual purity.
* **Purity/Cleanness:**
* In [[Psalm 19:8]], the "commandment of the Lord is pure" (bar), highlighting its unblemished and perfect nature, capable of enlightening the eyes. This speaks to the moral and spiritual integrity of divine instruction.
* [[Psalm 24:4]] describes the one who "has clean hands" (bar kappayim), signifying moral innocence and freedom from guilt, a prerequisite for ascending the Lord's holy hill.
* [[Job 11:4]] features Zophar's assertion to Job, "My doctrine is pure" (bar), claiming moral uprightness and intellectual clarity in his arguments.
* Similarly, in [[Job 33:3]], Elihu declares, "My words are from the uprightness of my heart, and my lips speak knowledge purely" (bar), emphasizing the sincerity and truthfulness of his speech.
* In [[Song of Solomon 6:9]], the beloved is described as "my undefiled one" or "my pure one" (bar), underscoring her unique and unblemished beauty and character in the eyes of her lover. This context is where the "beloved" nuance is most strongly inferred.
* **Emptiness/Openness:**
* [[Job 39:4]] describes wild donkeys whose "young ones grow strong in the open country" (bar), referring to the uncultivated, wild, and expansive plains.
* [[Proverbs 14:4]] states, "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean" (bar). This can be interpreted as "empty" or "bare," implying that without livestock, there is no mess, but also no produce or gain. The verse contrasts this with the "much increase by the strength of the ox," suggesting that while cleanliness might be maintained in emptiness, productivity requires labor and its associated mess.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H1249}}` is deeply intertwined with its root and related terms, forming a coherent theological vocabulary.
* **Root Verb `{{H1305}}` (barar):** This is the foundational verb, meaning "to purify," "to cleanse," "to select," "to separate," "to test," or "to discern." `{{H1249}}` is a direct adjective/noun derived from this root, embodying the results or qualities of the action of `{{H1305}}`.
* **Other Derivatives:**
* `{{H1306}}` (bor): Often refers to "lye" or "potash," substances used for cleansing, thus directly connected to purification.
* `{{H1307}}` (bor): Denotes "cleanness" or "purity" as a state or quality.
* **Conceptual Links:** `{{H1249}}` is conceptually related to other terms signifying:
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh `{{H6944}}`):** While `{{H1249}}` emphasizes moral or ritual cleanness, holiness denotes separation for divine use and intrinsic sacredness. Purity is often a prerequisite for holiness.
* **Righteousness (צֶדֶק, tsedeq `{{H6664}}`):** Implies conformity to a divine standard, a state of moral integrity that aligns with the "pure" character of God.
* **Integrity (תֹּם, tom `{{H8537}}`):** Wholeness, blamelessness, and uprightness, which resonate with the "pure" and "undefiled" aspects of `{{H1249}}`.
* **Discernment (בִּין, bin `{{H995}}`):** The ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, which aligns with the "selection" and "clarity" aspects of the root `{{H1305}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1249}}` is profound, touching upon the character of God, the human condition, and the nature of divine expectation.
1. **God's Character:** The purity of God is a foundational attribute. His word ([[Psalm 19:8]]) and His judgments are bar, meaning they are perfect, unblemished, and utterly reliable. This underscores God's moral perfection and His absolute standard of righteousness.
2. **Human Condition and Divine Expectation:** The call for "clean hands" ([[Psalm 24:4]]) reveals that access to God's presence and favor requires moral and spiritual purity. Humanity, inherently fallen, is in need of purification to meet God's standard. This highlights the ethical demands of the covenant and the necessity of a transformed heart.
3. **Divine Action:** God is the ultimate purifier. He is the one who "tests" and "cleanses" (implied by `{{H1305}}`). This divine work of purification is essential for reconciliation and sanctification.
4. **Ethical Living:** The concept of bar calls believers to live lives of integrity, truthfulness, and moral clarity. It encourages careful discernment in speech ([[Job 33:3]]) and adherence to pure doctrine ([[Job 11:4]]). The pursuit of purity is not merely ritualistic but deeply ethical, reflecting a desire to align with God's character.
5. **The Beloved of God:** While not explicitly stating "beloved," the sense of being "pure" or "undefiled" for God ([[Song of Solomon 6:9]]) speaks to the intimate relationship between God and His people, where His chosen ones are seen as precious and pure in His sight, often through His work of cleansing.
### Summary
`{{H1249}}` (bar) is a rich Hebrew term primarily signifying "pure," "clean," and "clear," deriving from the root `{{H1305}}` (barar), "to purify" or "to select." Its semantic range extends to "choice" or "excellent," and in some contexts, "empty" or "open" (referring to physical space). While "beloved" is a less direct meaning, it can be inferred from contexts where "pure" or "choice" refers to a cherished individual. Biblically, `{{H1249}}` frequently describes the unblemished nature of God's word and the moral integrity required of those who approach Him. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute purity, humanity's need for spiritual cleansing, and the divine call to live a life of moral uprightness and discernment. The word encapsulates a vital aspect of biblical teaching on holiness, righteousness, and the intimate relationship between a pure God and His purified people.
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