### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gᵉbar**, represented by `{{H1399}}`, defines a **person** or **man**. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its meaning is derived from its singular use in scripture, where it specifies an individual characterized by their moral standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H1399}}` is used to describe an individual in relationship to God. [[Psalms 18:25]] states that with an upright **man**, God will show Himself upright. This places the term in a context of spiritual character, defining the **man** not merely by his humanity but by his integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context in [[Psalms 18:25]] help define the character of the man described by `{{H1399}}`:
* `{{H2623}}` **châçîyd** (properly, kind, i.e. (religiously) pious (a saint); godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, (un-) godly.): This term describes the character of the **merciful** individual to whom God shows mercy [[Psalms 18:25]]. The Lord sets apart for himself the one who is **godly** [[Psalms 4:3]].
* `{{H8549}}` **tâmîym** (entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth; without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole.): This directly modifies **man** `{{H1399}}` in its only appearance, specifying an **upright** man [[Psalms 18:25]]. It is also used to describe God's command for Abram to be **perfect** [[Genesis 17:1]].
* `{{H8552}}` **tâmam** (to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive; accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole.): This verb describes God's reciprocal action: He will **shew thyself upright** toward the upright man [[Psalms 18:25]]. It can also mean to be consumed, as when the LORD's mercies prevent us from being **consumed** [[Lamentations 3:22]].
* `{{H2616}}` **châçad** (properly, perhaps to bow (the neck only in courtesy to an equal), i.e. to be kind; also (by euphemistically, but rarely) to reprove; shew self merciful, put to shame.): This verb describes God's response to the merciful man, promising that he will **shew thyself merciful** [[Psalms 18:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1399}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful context:
* **The Principle of Reciprocity:** The use of **gᵉbar** in [[Psalms 18:25]] establishes a clear theological principle: God’s dealings with humanity reflect their own character. He shows Himself merciful to the merciful and upright to the upright **man** [[Psalms 18:25]].
* **Morally Defined Identity:** The word is not used generically but is qualified by the term **tâmîym** `{{H8549}}`, meaning "upright." This indicates that, in this context, a **man** is defined not just by his existence but by his moral and spiritual integrity.
* **Standard of Perfection:** The descriptor "upright" `{{H8549}}` connects to the standard God sets for his people. The same word is used for God's command to Abram to "be thou **perfect**" [[Genesis 17:1]] and for the requirement that a sacrificial offering be **without blemish** [[Leviticus 1:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1399}}` **gᵉbar** provides a focused look at the concept of a **man** defined by his moral state. Though appearing only once, its placement in [[Psalms 18:25]] is significant, highlighting the biblical theme of reciprocity in the relationship between God and humanity. It illustrates that a person's character—specifically their uprightness—is central to how God relates to them.
TRV