### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4004 (מִבְחוֹר, *mibchôwr*) is derived from the verbal root `{{H0977}}` (בָּחַר, *bachar*), which fundamentally means "to choose," "to select," or "to prefer." As a noun, mibchôwr carries the sense of something that has been chosen, implying a distinction, superiority, or preeminence. Its semantic range extends to encompass "select," "best," "prime," or "choicest." The definition also includes "well-fortified," which arises from the idea that what is chosen, particularly in a military or strategic context, is often strong, secure, or elite. Thus, mibchôwr describes that which stands out as superior due to a process of selection or inherent quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4004 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently reflecting its core meaning of "chosen" or "select" in specific contexts:
* **Military Elite:** In [[1 Samuel 24:2]] and [[2 Samuel 10:9]], *mibchôwr* refers to "chosen men" (אֲלָפִים מִבְחוֹר), denoting elite or prime soldiers. Saul takes "three thousand chosen men" to pursue David, and Joab selects "of all the chosen men of Israel" to fight against the Ammonites and Arameans. Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 48:15]], the "chosen young men" (בַּחוּרֶיהָ מִבְחוֹר) of Moab are depicted as going down to slaughter, emphasizing their prime status before their downfall. These occurrences highlight the strength, skill, and strategic value associated with such chosen individuals.
* **Strategic or Prime Locations:** The term is also applied to geographical features, indicating their superior quality or strategic importance. In [[Isaiah 22:7]], the "choicest valleys" (עֲמָקַיִךְ מִבְחוֹר) of Judah are described as being full of chariots, suggesting fertile, accessible, or militarily significant terrain. [[Jeremiah 49:19]] and its parallel in [[Jeremiah 50:44]] speak of a "chosen habitation" or "chosen pasture" (מִבְחוֹר מָעוֹן), likely referring to a prime, secure, or fertile dwelling place for a lion, used metaphorically to describe a secure land or people. In these instances, *mibchôwr* conveys a sense of optimal quality, strategic advantage, or desirability of a location.
Across its occurrences, mibchôwr consistently identifies that which is preeminent, whether in terms of human resources (elite soldiers) or natural features (prime valleys, secure habitations). The underlying notion is always one of selection for excellence or strategic value.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H4004 is its root, `{{H0977}}` (בָּחַר, *bachar*), "to choose." This root is foundational to many significant theological concepts in the Old Testament, particularly divine election.
Other related terms derived from the same root include:
* `{{H4005}}` (מִבְחָר, *mibchar*): This noun is very closely related in meaning, also signifying "choice," "choicest," or "best." It often appears in similar contexts to mibchôwr, sometimes used interchangeably to describe the elite of a group or the best of a commodity.
* `{{H0970}}` (בָּחִיר, *bachir*): Meaning "chosen" or "elect," this term is frequently used in a theological sense to refer to individuals or groups chosen by God, such as Israel ([[Isaiah 43:10]]) or the Servant of the Lord ([[Isaiah 42:1]]).
* `{{H0972}}` (בָּחוּר, *bachur*): Often translated as "young man," this word can also carry the connotation of a "chosen man" or "select youth," referring to those who are strong, vigorous, and suitable for service, particularly military.
The concept of "choice" or "selection" inherent in mibchôwr connects it to broader themes of quality, excellence, strength, and strategic importance, whether in human affairs or in the natural world.
### Theological Significance
While H4004 itself does not directly describe divine election, its root `{{H0977}}` (בָּחַר) is central to the theological concept of God's choosing. The term mibchôwr highlights human processes of selection for excellence or strategic advantage. It speaks to the human capacity to identify and utilize the "best" or "choicest" resources, whether in military strength or geographical positioning.
However, the contexts in which mibchôwr appears often carry an implicit theological message. For instance, [[Isaiah 22:7]] describes the "choicest valleys" of Judah being filled with chariots, not for triumph, but as part of a lament over impending judgment. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 48:15]] speaks of Moab's "chosen young men" going to slaughter, underscoring the futility of even the most elite human strength against divine judgment.
Thus, while mibchôwr points to human concepts of preeminence and fortified strength, its prophetic usage often serves to demonstrate that even the "choicest" of human endeavors and resources are ultimately subject to the sovereign will and judgment of God. It subtly reminds the reader that true security and ultimate victory do not lie in human selection or fortification, but in reliance upon the Divine Chooser.
### Summary
H4004 (מִבְחוֹר, *mibchôwr*) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root `{{H0977}}` (בָּחַר), meaning "to choose." It denotes that which is "select," "best," "prime," or "well-fortified." In the biblical text, *mibchôwr* is applied to elite military forces ([[1 Samuel 24:2]], [[2 Samuel 10:9]], [[Jeremiah 48:15]]) and to strategic or superior geographical locations ([[Isaiah 22:7]], [[Jeremiah 49:19]], [[Jeremiah 50:44]]). While it describes human selection and excellence, its appearance in prophetic contexts often serves to underscore the transience of human strength and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly "choicest" possessions.
TRV