a primitive root; to select; also (as denominative from בָּר) to feed; also (as equivalent to בָּרַר) to render clear (Ecclesiastes 3:18); to select; to feed; to render clear; choose, (cause to) eat, manifest, (give) meat.
Transliteration:bârâh
Pronunciation:baw-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1262 (בָּרָה, *bârâh*) is a fascinating primitive root exhibiting a rich and seemingly disparate semantic range. Its core meanings can be broadly categorized into three interconnected facets. Firstly, it signifies "to select" or "to choose." This implies a process of discernment, picking out, or setting apart. Secondly, the root denotes "to feed" or "to provide food," often appearing in the Hiphil stem as "to cause to eat" or "to give meat." This meaning is understood as a denominative derivation from `{{H1250}}` (בָּר, *bar*), which refers to "grain" or "corn," implying provision or sustenance. Thirdly, H1262 can mean "to render clear," "to purify," or "to manifest." This sense is considered equivalent to the root `{{H1305}}` (בָּרַר, *barar*), which carries the primary meaning of "to purify," "to select," or "to clarify." Thus, H1262 encompasses notions of discerning choice, physical sustenance, and the revelation of truth or essence through clarification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H1262 in the Hebrew Bible demonstrate its diverse applications:
* **To Select/Choose:** This nuance is evident in contexts of discerning choice. For instance, in [[1 Samuel 17:8]], Goliath challenges the Israelites, "Choose for yourselves a man and let him come down to me." Here, H1262 emphasizes the deliberate act of selection for a specific purpose, in this case, combat. Similarly, [[1 Chronicles 7:40]] describes mighty men of valor who were "chosen" (בָּרָה) for war, highlighting their distinguished status and suitability. This usage underscores a process of careful discernment and setting apart.
* **To Feed/Provide Food:** This meaning is frequently found in narratives concerning sustenance. In [[2 Samuel 13:5]], [[2 Samuel 13:7]], and [[2 Samuel 13:10]], Tamar is instructed to "prepare food" (וּבָרִי) for Amnon, illustrating the act of providing nourishment. The phrase "to give meat" or "to cause to eat" is prominent here, focusing on the active provision of sustenance. Another example is [[Genesis 43:34]], where Joseph sends portions of food to his brothers, and Benjamin's portion was five times larger, indicating a specific "selection" of food portions provided. This usage highlights the practical aspect of sustenance and provision.
* **To Render Clear/Manifest:** The singular, yet significant, occurrence of this meaning is found in [[Ecclesiastes 3:18]]: "I said in my heart concerning the sons of man, that God might test them and show them that they are but beasts." The verb "show" (לְבָרָם, *l*ĕ*bārām*) here means "to make clear" or "to manifest" their true nature. It implies a divine process of revelation, where God's testing brings to light the reality of humanity's fallen state, demonstrating their mortality and animal-like instincts without divine guidance. This usage aligns with the sense of purifying or clarifying truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1262 is significantly enriched by its connections to other Hebrew roots.
* **`{{H1250}}` (בָּר, *bar*)**: This noun primarily means "grain," "corn," or "pure/clean." The connection to H1262 for the meaning "to feed" is direct, as grain is a fundamental source of food. The idea of "pure" also subtly links to the concept of selection and clarification, as one might select the pure grain from the chaff or purify a substance.
* **`{{H1305}}` (בָּרַר, *barar*)**: This root is closely related, sharing the core idea of "to purify," "to select," "to cleanse," or "to make clear." The definition of H1262 explicitly states its equivalence to `{{H1305}}` in the sense of "to render clear." This broader root emphasizes a process of separation, refinement, and discernment, which aligns perfectly with the "select" and "render clear" meanings of H1262. The act of choosing often involves "barar"—purifying by separating the desired from the undesired.
These relationships underscore a foundational concept in Hebrew thought: that selection often involves purification, and provision is a form of discerning choice, all of which can lead to a clearer understanding or manifestation of truth.
### Theological Significance
The multifaceted meaning of H1262 carries profound theological implications.
* **Divine Selection and Sovereignty:** The sense of "to select" or "to choose" resonates deeply with the biblical theme of God's sovereign choice. God "chooses" a people ([[Deuteronomy 7:6]]), a king ([[1 Samuel 16:12]]), or a path ([[Psalm 119:30]]). This divine election is not arbitrary but purposeful, often for the demonstration of His glory or the fulfillment of His covenant. It speaks to God's active involvement in history, discerning and setting apart individuals or nations for His redemptive plan.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The meaning "to feed" or "to provide food" highlights God's role as the ultimate Sustainer. From the manna in the wilderness ([[Exodus 16:4]]) to the daily bread in the Lord's Prayer ([[Matthew 6:11]]), God continually provides for His creation. This goes beyond mere physical nourishment to encompass spiritual sustenance, where God feeds His people with His Word ([[Deuteronomy 8:3]]) and His presence. It speaks to His faithfulness and care for His covenant people.
* **Divine Revelation and Judgment:** The meaning "to render clear" or "to manifest" points to God's work of revelation and His righteous judgment. As seen in [[Ecclesiastes 3:18]], God's actions can clarify the true nature of humanity, exposing their weaknesses and need for Him. This clarification is an act of divine wisdom, bringing hidden truths to light, whether for conviction, purification, or the establishment of justice. It underscores God's absolute knowledge and His ability to discern and reveal the innermost aspects of creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1262 (בָּרָה, *bârâh*) is a remarkably versatile verb, embodying a rich semantic spectrum encompassing "to select," "to feed," and "to render clear." Its connection to `{{H1250}}` (grain/pure) for sustenance and `{{H1305}}` (purify/select) for clarification reveals an underlying coherence in its diverse applications. From the deliberate choice of a warrior to the provision of daily bread and the divine revelation of human nature, H1262 illustrates fundamental aspects of God's character and interaction with creation. Theologically, it speaks powerfully to God's sovereign election, His faithful provision, and His ultimate work of making all things plain, whether for judgment or for the advancement of His redemptive purposes. This single root thus encapsulates profound truths about discernment, sustenance, and divine clarity.
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