### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bâr**, represented by `{{H1250}}`, refers to **grain**, **corn**, or **wheat**. It appears 14 times in 14 unique verses throughout the Bible. Its meaning encompasses grain as a raw commodity, whether standing in the field or gathered for trade, and serves as a fundamental element for sustenance and economic life in the scriptures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1250}}` is central to the story of Joseph in Egypt. Joseph gathered **corn** in such abundance that it was like "the sand of the sea" [[Genesis 41:49]], and he later commanded that his brothers' sacks be filled with **corn** for their journey home [[Genesis 42:25]]. This highlights its role in divine providence and survival during famine. The prophets also use the word to address social justice, as when Amos condemns the exploitation of the poor through dishonest trade in **wheat** [[Amos 8:5]] and taking "burdens of **wheat**" from them [[Amos 5:11]]. In the Psalms, fields covered with **corn** are a symbol of God's blessing and natural abundance [[Psalms 65:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the cultivation, trade, and use of grain:
* `{{H7668}}` **sheber** (grain, corn): A direct synonym often used interchangeably. In [[Amos 8:5]], the greedy merchants anticipate when they can "sell **corn** `{{H7668}}`... and set forth **wheat** `{{H1250}}`".
* `{{H7666}}` **shâbar** (to deal in grain; buy, sell): This verb describes the commercial activity involving grain. Joseph's brethren went down to Egypt specifically "to **buy** `{{H7666}}` **corn** `{{H1250}}`" [[Genesis 42:3]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (bread, food): As the final product of grain, this word is often linked to `{{H1250}}`. Joseph sent his father asses laden with **corn** `{{H1250}}` and **bread** `{{H3899}}` [[Genesis 45:23]].
* `{{H400}}` **ʼôkel** (food, meat): A general term for sustenance. Pharaoh's plan was to "lay up **corn** `{{H1250}}`" and keep **food** `{{H400}}` in the cities [[Genesis 41:35]].
* `{{H8401}}` **teben** (chaff, straw): This represents the refuse of grain and is used as a powerful contrast to `{{H1250}}`. Jeremiah asks, "What is the **chaff** `{{H8401}}` to the **wheat** `{{H1250}}`?" to distinguish God's word from empty dreams [[Jeremiah 23:28]].
* `{{H1293}}` **Bᵉrâkâh** (blessing): This is the reward for righteous commerce. Proverbs states that a **blessing** `{{H1293}}` is upon the head of him that sells **corn** `{{H1250}}` [[Proverbs 11:26]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic significance of `{{H1250}}` extends from the physical to the metaphorical.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The primary theme is God's provision. The story of Joseph gathering **corn** [[Genesis 41:49]] demonstrates how God provides for His people even in times of severe famine.
* **Economic Justice:** The word becomes a benchmark for morality in commerce. Withholding **corn** brings a curse, while selling it brings a **blessing** [[Proverbs 11:26]]. Amos uses the unjust trade of **wheat** to condemn the greed that leads to social oppression [[Amos 5:11]].
* **Symbol of Blessing and Restoration:** Abundant **corn** or **wheat** signifies national prosperity and divine favor. The Psalms depict valleys covered with **corn** as a scene of joy [[Psalms 65:13]], and Joel prophesies that as part of Israel's restoration, "the floors shall be full of **wheat**" [[Joel 2:24]].
* **Metaphor for Truth:** In Jeremiah, **wheat** is elevated to a spiritual symbol, representing the substance and faithfulness of God's word when contrasted with the worthless **chaff** of false prophecy [[Jeremiah 23:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1250}}` is a term loaded with meaning beyond its simple definition of grain. It functions as a literal source of life in the Genesis accounts, a measure of righteous dealing in Proverbs and the prophetic books, and a symbol of God’s abundant blessing in the Psalms. From a sack of **corn** saving a family to a metaphor for divine truth, **bâr** illustrates how a basic element of life serves as a powerful vehicle for theological and moral lessons throughout Scripture.
TRV