feminine from בָּרָא; a creation, i.e. a novelty; new thing.
Transliteration:bᵉrîyʼâh
Pronunciation:ber-ee-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בְּרִיאָה (bᵉrîyʼâh, `{{H1278}}`) is a feminine noun derived directly from the verb בָּרָא (bārāʼ, `{{H1254}}`), which means "to create, to shape, to cut down." While the verb בָּרָא is widely used in the biblical text to describe God's act of creation, often implying creation *ex nihilo* (out of nothing) or the bringing into existence of something entirely new and unique, the noun בְּרִיאָה specifically denotes the *result* or *product* of such a creative act. Its core meaning encompasses "a creation," but with a strong emphasis on "a novelty" or "a new thing." This nuance highlights an act that is unprecedented, unique, and not merely a rearrangement or modification of existing materials, particularly when referring to a divine action. It signifies something that breaks with the ordinary course of events or established patterns.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun בְּרִיאָה (bᵉrîyʼâh, `{{H1278}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant:
* **[[Numbers 16:30]]**: "But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord."
In this pivotal passage, Moses challenges the rebellious faction led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. He proposes a definitive test of divine validation: if Yahweh performs a "new thing" (בְּרִיאָה), specifically causing the earth to open and swallow the rebels alive, it would serve as irrefutable proof that their rebellion was against God Himself. The "new thing" here is not a natural disaster, but a direct, supernatural, and unprecedented act of divine judgment. It is an extraordinary intervention that has no prior parallel in Israel's history, designed to unequivocally demonstrate God's righteous wrath and His endorsement of Moses' authority. The use of בְּרִיאָה underscores the utterly unique and miraculous nature of this judgment, setting it apart from any ordinary occurrence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verb from which בְּרִיאָה (bᵉrîyʼâh, `{{H1278}}`) is derived: בָּרָא (bārāʼ, `{{H1254}}`). This verb is foundational to biblical theology, primarily describing God's creative activity, as seen in the opening verses of Genesis ([[Genesis 1:1]], [[Genesis 1:21]], [[Genesis 1:27]]). Unlike verbs such as עָשָׂה (ʻāśāh, `{{H6213}}`, "to do, to make," which can apply to both human and divine activity and often implies shaping from existing material), or יָצַר (yāṣar, `{{H3335}}`, "to form, to fashion," often used for pottery), בָּרָא frequently denotes a divine act of bringing something into existence that was not there before, or creating something entirely distinct and unprecedented.
The noun בְּרִיאָה, therefore, inherits this sense of divine, unique origination. It signifies a creation that is a "novelty," something that stands out because of its unprecedented nature and divine origin. Concepts related to בְּרִיאָה include divine sovereignty, miraculous intervention, unique revelation, and the demonstration of God's power in ways that transcend natural law or human expectation.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of בְּרִיאָה (bᵉrîyʼâh, `{{H1278}}`) in [[Numbers 16:30]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His capacity to act outside of conventional means.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power**: The "new thing" demonstrates that God is not bound by existing patterns or the laws He established. He possesses the ultimate power to bring forth the unprecedented, thereby asserting His unmatched authority over creation and human destiny.
2. **Unprecedented Judgment**: In the context of Korah's rebellion, the בְּרִיאָה signifies a unique and terrifying act of divine judgment. It underscores the severity of rebellion against God's chosen leadership and the direct, immediate consequences of such sin. This was not a natural disaster but a targeted, supernatural intervention, designed to leave no doubt about God's active involvement and righteous wrath.
3. **Validation of Authority**: The "new thing" served as an undeniable sign that Moses' authority was divinely ordained. When God performs an act that is clearly beyond human capability or natural occurrence, it validates the one through whom He speaks.
4. **Theological Foreshadowing**: While limited in its direct usage, the concept of God doing "new things" resonates throughout biblical theology, from the "new heavens and new earth" ([[Isaiah 65:17]], [[Revelation 21:1]]) to the "new covenant" ([[Jeremiah 31:31]]) and the "new creation" in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]]). Though different Hebrew or Greek words are often used in these contexts, the underlying theological principle of God bringing forth something entirely novel and redemptive is consistent with the powerful implication of בְּרִיאָה.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun בְּרִיאָה (bᵉrîyʼâh, `{{H1278}}`), derived from the verb בָּרָא (bārāʼ, `{{H1254}}`), means "a creation" or, more specifically, "a new thing" or "novelty." Its sole appearance in the Hebrew Bible in [[Numbers 16:30]] is highly significant, describing a unique, supernatural act of divine judgment where the earth opens to swallow the rebels. This "new thing" highlights God's absolute sovereignty, His power to intervene in unprecedented ways, and the severity of His righteous judgment. It underscores that God is not limited by existing patterns and can bring forth the entirely novel to achieve His purposes, particularly in demonstrating His authority and meting out justice.
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