from בָּחַר; select, i.e. best; choice(-st), chosen.
Transliteration:mibchâr
Pronunciation:mib-khawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H4005 (מִבְחָר, mibchâr) is a masculine noun derived from the verbal root `{{H977}}` (bāḥar), meaning "to choose," "to select," or "to prefer." As a noun, mibchâr denotes "the chosen thing," "the best," "the finest," "the choicest part," or "the elite." It consistently refers to that which is superior, preeminent, or most excellent within a given category. The term implies a process of discernment and selection, resulting in the identification of the most desirable or highest quality element. It carries connotations of distinction, prime quality, and a superlative status achieved through careful choice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though not exceedingly frequent, the occurrences of mibchâr in the Hebrew Bible consistently underscore its meaning of "choicest" or "best."
* **Military Elite:** A prominent use of mibchâr is to describe the "choicest" or "elite" members of an army. In [[Exodus 15:4]], it refers to "Pharaoh's choicest captains" (מִבְחַר שָׁלִשָׁיו), emphasizing their superior skill and strategic importance. Similarly, [[2 Samuel 10:9]] speaks of the "choicest men of Israel" (מִבְחַר בְּחוּרֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) in a military context, highlighting their strength and valor. This usage establishes mibchâr as a descriptor for the most capable and distinguished individuals within a group.
* **Personal Quality/Distinction:** The term can also describe the superlative quality of an individual. In [[1 Samuel 9:2]], Saul is introduced as "a choice young man and handsome" (בָּחוּר וָטוֹב וְאֵין אִישׁ מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל טוֹב מִמֶּנּוּ), where mibchâr (implied by the construct "from the choicest of the sons of Israel") signifies his outstanding physical and perhaps leadership qualities among his peers.
* **Best of Resources/Offerings:** While less explicit, the concept extends to the "best" or "finest" of material possessions or offerings. [[1 Samuel 2:29]] alludes to taking the "choicest" (מִבְחַר) of Israel's offerings, implying the best portions were being misappropriated. This context reinforces the idea that mibchâr designates the most valuable or prime part of something.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H977}}` (bāḥar):** The root verb, "to choose." mibchâr is the *result* of this act of choosing – the chosen one or thing. The theological concept of God's "choosing" (e.g., Israel, individuals for service) is foundational to understanding the noun's significance.
* **`{{H972}}` (bāḥûr):** "Chosen," "young man." Often refers to the finest or most capable young men, particularly in a military or service capacity, sharing the same root and a similar connotation of excellence.
* **`{{H970}}` (bāḥîr):** "Chosen," "elect." While mibchâr emphasizes the *quality* of being chosen as the best, bāḥîr often emphasizes the *state* of being chosen, particularly by God (e.g., "My chosen one").
* **Concepts of Excellence:** mibchâr is closely aligned with other Hebrew terms denoting superiority, such as `{{H7225}}` (rēʼšît, "first," "best," "firstfruits") and `{{H2896}}` (ṭôḇ, "good," "excellent"). However, mibchâr specifically highlights the aspect of *selection* or *discernment* that leads to this excellence.
### Theological Significance
While mibchâr primarily describes human choices and assessments of quality, its presence in the biblical narrative carries subtle theological implications.
* **Human Excellence in Divine Context:** When mibchâr describes the "choicest" of human strength or leadership (e.g., Pharaoh's elite, or Saul), it often sets the stage for demonstrating God's supreme power. Even the "best" of human endeavors or military might is ultimately subordinate to divine will and can be overthrown by God's intervention ([[Exodus 15:4]]).
* **Standard of Offering:** In the context of offerings ([[1 Samuel 2:29]]), the implied expectation of giving the "choicest" to God aligns with the broader biblical principle of offering one's "firstfruits" and unblemished sacrifices. This underscores that God is worthy of the very best, not merely what is convenient or leftover.
* **Reflection of Divine Discernment:** Though mibchâr is a human term for quality, it implicitly reflects a universal principle of discerning value. God Himself chooses and selects, and His choices are always perfect and for ultimate good. The human recognition of "choicest" can be seen as a faint echo of God's perfect wisdom in selection.
### Summary
H4005 (מִבְחָר, mibchâr) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to choose" (`{{H977}}`), signifying "the choicest," "the best," or "the elite." It consistently denotes a superlative quality, whether describing the finest soldiers ([[Exodus 15:4]], [[2 Samuel 10:9]]), distinguished individuals ([[1 Samuel 9:2]]), or the prime of resources ([[1 Samuel 2:29]]). While primarily a descriptor of human assessment and selection, mibchâr subtly reinforces theological themes. It highlights the ultimate sovereignty of God over even human "choicest" efforts and underscores the biblical principle of offering the "best" to God, reflecting a divine standard of excellence and purposeful discernment.
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