### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Bârûwk**, represented by `{{H1263}}`, means **blessed** and is the name of three Israelites. It appears **26 times** across **24 unique verses**, primarily identifying the loyal scribe and companion of the prophet Jeremiah. While the name itself signifies blessing, its biblical usage is almost entirely focused on the identity and actions of these individuals, particularly the one who served Jeremiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1263}}` is most prominently associated with Baruch, the son of Neriah. He served as the personal scribe to the prophet Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`. His central role was to **write** `{{H3789}}` the words `{{H1697}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` from the **mouth** `{{H6310}}` of Jeremiah onto a scroll [[Jeremiah 36:4]]. Baruch was not only a scribe but also a public herald of these divine messages, reading the scroll in the LORD's house for all the people to hear [[Jeremiah 36:10]]. His faithful service placed him in great danger alongside Jeremiah, as the king commanded them to be taken, but the LORD hid them [[Jeremiah 36:26]]. Other individuals named Baruch are mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, involved in repairing the wall [[Nehemiah 3:20]] and listed in genealogies ([[Nehemiah 10:6]], [[Nehemiah 11:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of Baruch's life and work:
* `{{H3414}}` **Yirmᵉyâh** (Jeremiah): Defined as "Jah will rise; Jirmejah," he was the **prophet** `{{H5030}}` whose divinely inspired words Baruch recorded. Their partnership is central to the narrative, with Jeremiah commanding `{{H6680}}` Baruch what to write and do [[Jeremiah 36:4-5]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): This root means "to grave, by implication, to write." It describes Baruch's primary function, as he **wrote** all the words from Jeremiah's mouth in a **book** `{{H5612}}` ([[Jeremiah 36:18]], [[Jeremiah 45:1]]).
* `{{H5612}}` **çêpher** (book, scroll): This word for a written document, such as a "book" or "scroll," is the medium for the prophecies Baruch recorded. He was entrusted with these scrolls and read from them publicly ([[Jeremiah 36:10]], [[Jeremiah 36:13]]).
* `{{H6310}}` **peh** (mouth): Meaning "the mouth... particularly speech," this word emphasizes the divine origin of the message. Baruch consistently recorded the words directly from Jeremiah's **mouth** ([[Jeremiah 36:4]], [[Jeremiah 36:27]]), signifying a direct transmission of the prophetic oracle.
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to, read): This word describes both Jeremiah's act of **calling** for Baruch [[Jeremiah 36:4]] and Baruch's subsequent action of **reading** the scroll aloud to the people and the princes ([[Jeremiah 36:10]], [[Jeremiah 36:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1263}}` is demonstrated through the actions of the man who carried the name:
* **Preservation of Prophecy:** Baruch's role was critical in the preservation of God's word. After King Jehoiakim burned the first scroll, Jeremiah was commanded to take another roll and give it to Baruch, who **wrote** `{{H3789}}` all the former **words** `{{H1697}}` and added many more, showing that God's message cannot be destroyed by human opposition [[Jeremiah 36:32]].
* **Faithful Service:** Baruch serves as a model of steadfast loyalty in a dangerous ministry. He was accused of inciting Jeremiah against the people [[Jeremiah 43:3]] and was a target of the king [[Jeremiah 36:26]]. The LORD `{{H3068}}` spoke a personal **word** `{{H1697}}` directly to him through Jeremiah, acknowledging his plight [[Jeremiah 45:1-2]].
* **The Scribe's Sacred Duty:** The narrative details the sacred process of receiving, recording, and proclaiming divine revelation. Baruch's work as a **scribe** `{{H5608}}` was not merely secretarial but was an essential part of the prophetic office, ensuring the word of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` was accurately documented and communicated.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1263}}` is far more than a name meaning "blessed." It is intrinsically linked to the person of Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah. His story provides a crucial look into the transmission of prophecy and stands as a powerful testament to the faithful preservation of God's word. Through his meticulous work, often performed at great personal risk, the divine messages given to Jeremiah were recorded for posterity, demonstrating that the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` endures.
TRV