or בַּר; from בָּרַר (in the sense of winnowing); grain of any kind (even while standing in the field); by extension the open country; corn, wheat.
Transliteration:bâr
Pronunciation:bawr
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1250 (בָּר, *bâr*), also appearing as בַּר, primarily denotes "grain" of any kind, particularly in its clean, winnowed state. Its etymological root is `{{H1305}}` (בָּרַר, *bārar*), which carries the semantic range of "to purify, cleanse, select, make bright." This etymological connection is crucial, as it suggests H1250 refers not merely to raw grain but to grain that has been processed and made pure, fit for consumption or storage. This purity might refer to its separation from chaff through winnowing, or its quality as prime produce. By extension, H1250 can also refer to the "open country" or "field" where such grain grows, as seen in [[Job 39:4]]. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the agricultural product itself and the environment from which it is harvested, emphasizing its fundamental role in sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1250 appears predominantly in the narrative of Joseph in Egypt, where it signifies the vast quantities of grain collected and distributed during the years of plenty and famine. In [[Genesis 41:35]], Joseph advises Pharaoh to "gather all the food of these good years... and store up grain (בָּר) under the authority of Pharaoh." This highlights H1250 as a vital strategic commodity, essential for national survival. Similarly, [[Genesis 41:49]] records Joseph storing "grain (בָּר) in great abundance like the sand of the sea," underscoring its immense volume and critical importance. The brothers' journey to Egypt is explicitly "to buy grain (בָּר)" ([[Genesis 42:3]]), demonstrating its role in inter-regional commerce and as a universal necessity. Later, [[Genesis 42:35]] and [[Genesis 43:2]] continue to refer to the "grain" they purchased.
Beyond Genesis, H1250 appears in poetic and wisdom literature. [[Psalm 65:13]] speaks of the "valleys... clothed with grain (בָּר)," portraying a scene of divine blessing and abundant provision. [[Proverbs 11:26]] contrasts one who "withholds grain (בָּר)" with one who sells it, linking the availability of this staple to public blessing or curse, and implicitly to righteous conduct. In [[Job 39:4]], the term shifts to describe the "open country" where wild donkeys are born, maintaining a connection to uncultivated land, yet still within the broader agricultural or natural sphere. Across these contexts, H1250 consistently points to a fundamental element of life and sustenance, whether as a cultivated crop, a stored commodity, or the land producing it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root `{{H1305}}` (בָּרַר, *bārar*), from which H1250 is derived. This root means "to purify, cleanse, select, make bright," which informs the understanding of H1250 as "pure grain" or "cleaned grain." This connection emphasizes the quality and readiness of the grain for use.
Other related terms for grain or agricultural produce include:
* `{{H1669}}` (דָּגָן, *dāgān*): A general term for grain or corn, often appearing in conjunction with new wine and oil.
* `{{H2406}}` (חִטָּה, *chittah*): Specifically "wheat," a common and important grain.
* `{{H8184}}` (שְׂעֹרָה, *se'orah*): "Barley," another staple crop, often associated with humbler fare or animal feed.
Conceptually, H1250 is intertwined with ideas of:
* **Provision and Sustenance:** It is the primary means of survival in an agrarian society.
* **Harvest and Abundance:** Its presence signifies a fruitful season and divine blessing.
* **Famine and Scarcity:** Its absence or withholding leads to distress and judgment.
* **Wisdom and Foresight:** As seen in Joseph's administration, the proper handling of grain requires divine wisdom.
* **Purity and Quality:** The root `{{H1305}}` imbues H1250 with a sense of being clean, selected, and of good quality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1250 is deeply rooted in the concept of divine providence and sustenance. God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate provider of "grain" and all agricultural bounty. [[Psalm 65:13]] beautifully illustrates this, where the valleys are "clothed with grain," a direct result of God's benevolent care for the earth and its inhabitants. The narrative of Joseph in Egypt serves as a profound theological lesson: God uses human instruments (Joseph's wisdom and administrative skill) to gather and preserve H1250, thereby saving not only Israel but also the surrounding nations from starvation. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over natural cycles (famine and plenty) and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even through seemingly secular means.
Furthermore, the connection of H1250 to its root `{{H1305}}` (to purify) can subtly point to a theological principle of purity and righteousness. Just as bâr is pure, winnowed grain, so too is there a divine desire for a people purified and set apart. While H1250 itself primarily refers to physical grain, its underlying etymology resonates with biblical themes of spiritual cleansing and the separation of the righteous from the wicked, akin to the separation of wheat from chaff. The abundance or scarcity of bâr can also serve as a tangible sign of divine blessing for obedience or judgment for disobedience, underscoring human dependence on God for daily bread.
### Summary
H1250 (בָּר, *bâr*) is a significant Hebrew term primarily denoting "grain," particularly in its pure, winnowed state, derived from the root `{{H1305}}` meaning "to purify" or "to cleanse." Its semantic range extends to the "open country" where grain grows. Biblically, H1250 is most prominently featured in the Joseph narrative, where it represents a critical commodity for sustenance and national survival, managed through divine wisdom. In poetic and wisdom literature, it symbolizes divine provision and the consequences of righteous or unrighteous actions. Theologically, H1250 powerfully underscores God's role as the ultimate Provider, His sovereign control over creation, and the vital importance of human dependence on His beneficence for all physical and spiritual sustenance. It stands as a testament to the essential nature of God's provision in the life of His people.
TRV