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.
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.
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.
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.
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