or בָּרִחַ; (shortened) from בָּרַח; a fugitive, i.e. the serpent (as fleeing), and the constellation by that name; crooked, noble, piercing.
Transliteration:bârîyach
Pronunciation:baw-ree'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach, `{{H1281}}`) is derived from the root בָּרַח (bârâch, `{{H1272}}`), which primarily signifies "to flee," "to escape," or "to pass through." From this foundational meaning, בָּרִיחַ carries the sense of "a fugitive" or something characterized by flight or elusiveness. Its semantic range extends to describe entities that are "piercing" or "crooked," often in a metaphorical sense, linking to the serpentine imagery it frequently denotes. The "piercing" aspect might refer to the serpent's bite or its ability to penetrate, while "crooked" directly describes its winding movement. Intriguingly, the definition also points to a specific constellation, suggesting a celestial application of the term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach, `{{H1281}}`) appears in two significant passages within the Hebrew Bible, both of which illuminate its multifaceted meaning:
1. **[[Isaiah 27:1]]**: "In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea."
In this eschatological prophecy, בָּרִיחַ is used twice in conjunction with "leviathan" (לִוְיָתָן), describing it as both "the piercing serpent" (נָחָשׁ בָּרִיחַ) and "that crooked serpent" (נָחָשׁ עֲקַלָּתוֹן). Here, Leviathan represents a formidable, chaotic, and perhaps primordial evil force, often associated with the sea. The descriptors "piercing" and "crooked" emphasize its dangerous, deceptive, and elusive nature, highlighting the immense power of Yahweh required to subdue it. The context points to a future divine judgment where God decisively defeats all forces of rebellion and chaos.
2. **[[Job 26:13]]**: "By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent."
Here, בָּרִיחַ (again, נָחָשׁ בָּרִיחַ) refers to a "crooked serpent" in the heavens. This is widely understood to allude to a constellation, likely Draco or a similar serpentine star pattern. In Job's discourse on God's power and wisdom, this verse serves to illustrate the Creator's absolute sovereignty over the cosmos. Even the most seemingly wild or chaotic elements of the celestial sphere are not beyond God's creative design and control. The "crooked serpent" in the sky, far from being a malevolent force, is merely a testament to God's magnificent artistry and ordering of the universe.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach, `{{H1281}}`) is its root, בָּרַח (bârâch, `{{H1272}}`), "to flee." This root association subtly imbues בָּרִיחַ with a sense of elusiveness or a destined flight, particularly in the context of divine judgment.
The creature Leviathan, with which בָּרִיחַ is intimately associated, is a significant concept. Leviathan (לִוְיָתָן) is paralleled with other mythical chaos monsters in the ancient Near East, such as Rahab (רַהַב, `{{H7293}}`), often symbolizing the primordial forces of chaos that God subdued at creation (e.g., [[Psalm 74:13-14]], [[Isaiah 51:9]]). The imagery of the "serpent" (נָחָשׁ, `{{H5175}}`) itself is deeply embedded in biblical theology, ranging from the deceptive serpent in Eden ([[Genesis 3]]) to the fiery serpents in the wilderness ([[Numbers 21:6]]) and ultimately to the symbolic "dragon" (תַּנִּין, `{{H8577}}`) representing evil powers ([[Revelation 12:9]]).
The celestial reference in Job links to the broader biblical theme of God's ordering of the cosmos and the heavens declaring His glory ([[Psalm 19:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach, `{{H1281}}`) lies primarily in its portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the most fearsome and chaotic elements.
In [[Isaiah 27:1]], the "piercing" and "crooked" leviathan represents the ultimate embodiment of evil and rebellion against God. Its future punishment by God's "sore and great and strong sword" signifies the decisive eschatological victory of Yahweh over all forces of chaos, both cosmic and spiritual. This passage reinforces the prophetic promise of a new creation where evil is utterly vanquished, echoing the triumph over the serpent in Eden ([[Genesis 3:15]]) and foreshadowing the ultimate defeat of Satan. It underscores God's justice and His unwavering commitment to establish perfect order.
In [[Job 26:13]], the "crooked serpent" in the heavens serves as a testament to God's creative power and wisdom. It demonstrates that even the celestial bodies, which might have been viewed with awe or fear in ancient cosmologies, are merely products of God's handiwork. This highlights God's ability to bring order and beauty out of what might appear untamed or wild, showcasing His masterful design of the universe. The presence of the "crooked serpent" in the heavens, formed by God's hand, removes any notion of an independent, malevolent cosmic force and firmly places all creation under divine dominion.
Together, these occurrences of בָּרִיחַ portray God as the supreme ruler who both creates and maintains the cosmic order, and who will ultimately judge and defeat all expressions of evil and chaos.
### Summary
The Hebrew term בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach, `{{H1281}}`), derived from the root "to flee," denotes a "fugitive" and describes something "piercing" or "crooked." Its primary biblical applications are found in relation to the mythical sea creature Leviathan and a celestial constellation. In [[Isaiah 27:1]], it describes Leviathan as the "piercing" and "crooked" serpent, symbolizing the ultimate chaotic and evil force that God will decisively punish in the eschatological future. In [[Job 26:13]], it refers to a "crooked serpent" in the heavens, likely a constellation, serving as a testament to God's creative power and His ordering of the cosmos. Theologically, בָּרִיחַ underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, His ability to bring order out of chaos, and His ultimate victory over all forms of evil and rebellion. It affirms that even the most formidable or elusive entities are subject to His divine power and purpose.
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