The Hebrew word bôr, represented by H1252, signifies cleanness or pureness. It is derived from a root word meaning to purify. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses, primarily conveying a state of moral or ceremonial purity that is recognized by God.
In scripture, H1252 is consistently associated with the "hands" as a metaphor for a person's actions and moral character. In both 2 Samuel and Psalms, David declares that the LORD has rewarded and recompensed him "according to the cleanness of my hands" (2 Samuel 22:21; Psalms 18:20). This connection between clean actions and divine reward is reinforced multiple times (Psalms 18:24; 2 Samuel 22:25). The concept is also presented as a condition for deliverance, as stated in Job: "it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands" Job 22:30. In contrast, Job also uses the term to express the ultimate inadequacy of human efforts to achieve perfect purity before God Job 9:30.
Several related words clarify the concept of purity and its implications:
- H2141 zâkak: This verb means to be transparent or clean (phys. or morally); be (make) clean, be pure(-r). It describes the action or state of becoming pure and is used in parallel with H1252 when Job describes his attempt to "make my hands never so clean" Job 9:30.
- H3027 yâd: This word for a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)) is almost always paired with H1252 to symbolize a person's deeds and conduct. The "cleanness of my hands" signifies righteous behavior Psalms 18:20, while the "power of the tongue" is also described as being in the power, or hand, of an individual Proverbs 18:21.
- H6664 tsedeq: This term, meaning the right (natural, moral or legal) or justice, is presented as the standard by which cleanness is measured. The psalmist links divine reward directly to his righteousness and the "cleanness of my hands" Psalms 18:24.
The theological weight of H1252 centers on the relationship between human action and divine response.
- Moral Accountability: The term establishes a direct link between a person's conduct ("cleanness of my hands") and God's judgment. Righteous actions result in reward and recompense from the LORD (2 Samuel 22:21; Psalms 18:20).
- Condition for Deliverance: Purity is not only a basis for reward but also for divine rescue. Job's friend suggests that deliverance comes through the "pureness of thine hands" Job 22:30, connecting moral integrity with God's protective intervention.
- Righteousness and Justification: The concept of cleanness is frequently paired with righteousness H6664 and H6666. This indicates that the "cleanness" in view is not merely external or ritualistic, but a reflection of a person's inner rightness and just standing before God.
In summary, H1252 bôr is a focused biblical term for cleanness and pureness. Though used only six times, it consistently illustrates the principle of moral accountability. By being tied almost exclusively to the "hands," it serves as a powerful symbol for conduct, integrity, and the consequences of one's actions. It defines a standard by which God rewards, recompenses, and delivers, highlighting the profound importance of righteous living in the sight of the LORD.
TRV