### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bârâq**, represented by `{{H1300}}`, means **lightning** or the **gleam** of a flashing object. It comes from the root word בָּרַק. It appears 21 times in 21 unique verses, and is used to describe both natural phenomena and the brilliant, flashing appearance of a weapon like a sword.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1300}}` is most frequently used to describe literal **lightning** as a display of God's power. At Mount Sinai, the giving of the law was accompanied by thunders and **lightnings** [[Exodus 19:16]]. The Psalms declare that God "maketh **lightnings** for the rain" [[Psalms 135:7]] and that "His **lightnings** enlightened the world" [[Psalms 97:4]]. The word is also used to describe the fearsome quality of a weapon, such as God's "glittering{H1300} sword" [[Deuteronomy 32:41]] or the "glittering{H1300} spear" of a horseman [[Nahum 3:3]]. In visions, it illustrates divine glory, as when a celestial being's face has the "appearance of **lightning**" [[Daniel 10:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concepts of light, power, and weaponry associated with `{{H1300}}`:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): Often described as "glittering" with the brilliance of `{{H1300}}`. A furbished **sword** is made bright to glitter for the slaughter ([[Ezekiel 21:15]], [[Ezekiel 21:28]]).
* `{{H215}}` **'ôwr** (to be luminous, shine): This verb is used to describe the effect of God's lightning, stating his "lightnings **enlightened** the world" ([[Psalms 97:4]], [[Psalms 77:18]]).
* `{{H7482}}` **raʻam** (thunder): This term is frequently paired with `{{H1300}}` to describe a powerful manifestation of God's presence, where the "voice of thy **thunder** was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world" [[Psalms 77:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1300}}` is tied to its use as a symbol of divine power and action.
* **Divine Majesty and Theophany:** The presence of **lightning** at key moments signifies God's awesome and terrifying glory. It accompanied the giving of the law at Sinai [[Exodus 19:16]] and is a feature of His presence that makes the earth tremble [[Psalms 97:4]].
* **Weapon of Judgment:** God wields **lightning** as a weapon against His enemies. The Psalmist asks God to "Cast forth **lightning**, and scatter them" [[Psalms 144:6]]. This imagery is directly connected to His sword, which is made to "glitter" `{{H1300}}` for the purpose of executing judgment and vengeance ([[Deuteronomy 32:41]], [[Ezekiel 21:10]]).
* **Celestial Glory:** In prophetic visions, the brilliance of **lightning** is used to describe the appearance of heavenly beings, signifying their power and origin, as seen in the descriptions of figures in Ezekiel's and Daniel's visions ([[Ezekiel 1:13]], [[Daniel 10:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1300}}` transcends its literal meaning of lightning. It serves as a powerful biblical symbol representing the fearsome majesty of God's presence, the swift and decisive nature of His judgment, and the radiant glory of the heavenly realm. From a storm on a mountain to a flashing sword, **bârâq** consistently points to a sudden and brilliant manifestation of divine power.
TRV