from בָּרַק; lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword; bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning.
Transliteration:bârâq
Pronunciation:baw-rawk'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma בָּרָק (bârâq), Strong's `{{H1300}}`, is derived from the root בָּרַק (bâraq), meaning "to flash" or "to lighten." Its primary and most literal meaning is "lightning," referring to the sudden, brilliant discharge of electricity in the atmosphere. By analogy, the word also describes anything that gleams or flashes with intense brightness. This leads to its concrete application as a "flashing sword," highlighting the reflective, sharp glint of a polished blade. The semantic range thus extends from a natural meteorological phenomenon to a descriptive quality of brightness or glitter, particularly in the context of weaponry. It conveys a sense of suddenness, power, and striking visual brilliance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בָּרָק (bârâq) appears a relatively small number of times in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are highly significant, often linked to divine manifestation, judgment, or swift action.
In the Psalms, lightning is frequently depicted as an instrument of God's power and judgment. For instance, [[Psalm 18:14]] states, "He shot out his arrows and scattered them; he shot out many lightnings and discomfited them." Here, lightning is directly equated with divine weaponry, emphasizing God's irresistible might in battle against His foes. Similarly, [[Psalm 77:18]] describes God's awesome presence during a theophany: "The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook." This portrays lightning as a visible sign of God's terrifying majesty and an accompanying element of His powerful voice. [[Psalm 97:4]] further reinforces this, "His lightnings lit up the world; the earth saw and trembled."
In the prophetic literature, בָּרָק can symbolize swiftness or the sudden onset of divine intervention. [[Ezekiel 21:15]] (or 21:10 in some versions, depending on verse numbering) uses the term to describe a sharpened sword: "It is sharpened for slaughter, it is polished to flash like lightning." Here, the "flashing" aspect of the sword underscores its terrifying readiness and lethal effectiveness. [[Nahum 3:3]] also speaks of "flashing swords" in the context of battle, depicting the terrifying spectacle of warfare.
The swiftness associated with lightning is also evident in [[Daniel 10:6]], where the appearance of a divine being is described: "His face was like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches." This imagery conveys an overwhelming, supernatural brilliance and intensity, indicative of a celestial messenger.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of בָּרָק (bârâq) is בָּרַק (bâraq), `{{H1299}}`, a verb meaning "to flash, lighten, glitter." This verbal root directly informs the noun, describing the *action* from which the *phenomenon* or *object* derives its name.
Other related concepts include:
* **Thunder (רַעַם, ra'am, `{{H7482}}`):** Often appears alongside lightning, forming a complete picture of a thunderstorm, especially in descriptions of divine manifestation (e.g., [[Psalm 77:18]]).
* **Fire (אֵשׁ, 'esh, `{{H784}}`):** Lightning is a form of electrical discharge, often perceived as a divine fire, particularly in contexts of judgment or theophany (e.g., [[Exodus 19:16]]).
* **Arrows (חֵץ, chetz, `{{H2671}}`):** In poetic parallelism, lightning is sometimes likened to God's arrows, emphasizing its destructive power and precision (e.g., [[Psalm 18:14]]).
* **Brightness/Glory (כָּבוֹד, kavod, `{{H3519}}`):** The visual brilliance of lightning connects it to the concept of divine glory or splendor, especially when describing celestial beings or God's presence.
* **Sword (חֶרֶב, cherev, `{{H2719}}`):** The metaphorical use of בָּרָק to describe a "flashing sword" directly links it to weaponry, symbolizing swift, decisive, and often destructive power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בָּרָק (bârâq) is multifaceted, primarily serving as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty, power, and immanence.
1. **Divine Power and Sovereignty:** Lightning is an uncontrollable and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, making it a fitting metaphor for God's omnipotence. Its suddenness and destructive potential underscore His absolute control over creation and His ability to execute His will swiftly and decisively. When God's "arrows" are lightnings ([[Psalm 18:14]]), it speaks to His irresistible might in battle and judgment against His adversaries.
2. **Theophany and Divine Presence:** Lightning frequently accompanies divine appearances (theophanies), particularly at Mount Sinai ([[Exodus 19:16]]) and in prophetic visions. It signals the terrifying holiness and majesty of God, inspiring both awe and fear. The brilliant flash serves as a visual manifestation of God's glory, too intense for human eyes to fully behold, yet revealing His presence.
3. **Judgment and Retribution:** As an instrument of divine wrath, lightning is associated with God's judgment upon the wicked. Its sudden, inescapable nature reflects the swiftness and certainty of divine retribution. This is seen in passages where lightnings "scatter" and "discomfit" enemies ([[Psalm 18:14]]) or where the earth trembles at their sight ([[Psalm 97:4]]).
4. **Swiftness and Inevitability:** The speed of lightning symbolizes the swiftness with which God acts, whether in salvation or judgment. It conveys a sense of inevitability; when God's power is unleashed, it is immediate and irresistible.
In summary, בָּרָק points to a God who is both transcendent and immanent, revealing Himself in creation's most powerful phenomena, executing His will with overwhelming force and unyielding justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּרָק (bârâq), Strong's `{{H1300}}`, primarily denotes "lightning," derived from the root בָּרַק (bâraq), `{{H1299}}`, meaning "to flash." Its semantic range extends to anything that gleams or flashes brightly, notably a "flashing sword." In biblical occurrences, בָּרָק consistently appears in contexts emphasizing divine power, often as an instrument of God's judgment or a sign accompanying His majestic presence. It is depicted as God's "arrows" ([[Psalm 18:14]]) and illuminates the world during theophanies ([[Psalm 97:4]]). Related concepts include thunder (`{{H7482}}`), fire (`{{H784}}`), and the general idea of brightness or glory (`{{H3519}}`). Theologically, בָּרָק serves as a potent symbol of God's absolute sovereignty, His terrifying holiness, the swiftness of His actions, and the inevitability of His judgment. It underscores the overwhelming and immediate nature of divine power, inspiring both awe and reverent fear.
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