The Hebrew word ʻâbar, represented by H5674, is a widely used primitive root meaning to cross over or to make a transition. It appears 567 times in 493 verses, demonstrating its versatility. Its meaning extends from the literal act of passing through a space to figurative concepts such as transgressing a law, God's glory passing by, or an emotion like anger passing away.
Beyond the basic sense of movement, H5674 often carries the connotation of traversing a boundary or a threshold, implying a change of state, jurisdiction, or relationship. This can be a physical boundary like a river or a land border, as seen in the repeated command for Israel to pass over the Jordan to take possession of the land (Deuteronomy 2:24, Deuteronomy 9:1). The act of crossing is not merely travel but an intentional act of entering a new domain. Similarly, when the word describes God's glory or presence passing by, it suggests a momentary, yet profound, intersection with the human realm, a controlled revelation that respects the limits of human perception (Exodus 33:22). The nuance of "passing through" can also denote penetration or pervasive movement, such as an army moving through a territory, or a plague sweeping across a land, leaving no part untouched (Amos 5:17, Daniel 11:10).
The verb also captures the transient nature of time and events, signifying that something has elapsed or concluded. This temporal dimension of H5674 highlights the impermanence of certain conditions or periods. For example, it marks the end of a day or a specific period, such as "when midday was past" during the contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:29), or when the "mourning was past" for Uriah's wife (2 Samuel 11:27). This usage extends to the passing of seasons or appointed times, underscoring the rhythmic progression of life and divine Providence, as when the "new moon be gone" in Amos's critique of fraudulent merchants (Amos 8:5). Thus, H5674 encapsulates not only spatial transition but also the dynamic flow of existence, marking beginnings and endings, entries and departures.
In biblical narratives, H5674 is used in several significant ways. It describes physical journeys, such as the Israelites preparing to go over the Jordan River to possess the promised land (Deuteronomy 4:26, Deuteronomy 11:11). The word also depicts divine action, as when God passed by Moses to reveal His glory and proclaim His name Exodus 34:6, or when He passed through Egypt to execute judgment Exodus 12:12. Figuratively, it is used for God's mercy, as He passeth by the transgression of His people Micah 7:18. Conversely, it can mean to transgress a covenant or law Isaiah 24:5.
H5674 is frequently employed in military contexts, describing strategic movements across rivers or through territories, indicating a shift in tactical position or the initiation of conflict. David and his forces often passed over the Jordan for military campaigns or in retreat, demonstrating the river's significance as both a barrier and a pathway (1 Chronicles 19:17, 2 Samuel 10:17, 2 Samuel 17:22). Similarly, Jonathan's bold plan to go over to the Philistines' garrison illustrates an offensive maneuver, crossing enemy lines to engage in battle (1 Samuel 14:6, 1 Samuel 14:8). This military usage emphasizes the decisive and often perilous nature of crossing boundaries in times of war.
Another distinctive application of H5674 is in the context of ritual acts, particularly the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. The phrase "to pass through the fire" is repeatedly used to describe the horrific dedication of children to Molech or other pagan deities, a practice strictly forbidden by God (2 Kings 16:3, 2 Kings 17:17, 2 Kings 21:6, 2 Kings 23:10). This specific usage highlights the extreme transgression of covenantal law and the depth of Israel's idolatry. Moreover, the word can describe administrative processes, such as "every one that passeth the account" for temple maintenance funds (2 Kings 12:4) or those "that passeth among them that are numbered" for census purposes, often in relation to the half-shekel offering (Exodus 30:13, Exodus 38:26). These varied occurrences demonstrate the word's capacity to describe actions ranging from the mundane and administrative to the utterly profane.
Several related words help clarify the broad scope of H5674:
- H1234 bâqaʻ (to cleave, divide): This word is used for the action that allows for a "crossing over." For example, God "didst divide H1234 the sea" so that the Israelites could go through H5674 on dry land Nehemiah 9:11.
- H6588 peshaʻ (transgression, rebellion): This noun is often the object of the verb H5674 when it means to "pass over" an offense. A person's glory is to pass over H5674 a transgression H6588 Proverbs 19:11, and God Himself passeth by H5674 the transgression H6588 of His people Micah 7:18.
- H2398 châṭâʼ (to sin): This verb is often the precursor to God's action of "putting away" sin. After David confessed, "I have sinned H2398 against the LORD," Nathan declared that the LORD had "put away H5674" his sin 2 Samuel 12:13.
- H6452 pâçach (pass over, spare): This term is used specifically for God's act of sparing the Israelites during the final plague in Egypt. While the Lord would pass through H5674 the land to smite, He would pass over H6452 the homes marked with blood, sparing them from the destroyer Exodus 12:23.
- H5676 ʻêber (region beyond, other side): This noun is derived directly from H5674 and refers to the "other side" or "region beyond" a geographical marker, typically a river like the Jordan. It conceptually defines the destination or origin point of the action of "crossing over."
- H5679 ʻăbârâh (ferry-boat, ford): This noun also stems from H5674 and denotes the means by which one "crosses over," specifically a ferry or a fordable place in a body of water. It represents the instrument or location facilitating the act of transition.
The theological weight of H5674 is significant, touching on core themes of judgment, deliverance, and grace.
- Divine Deliverance: God's power is demonstrated when He enables His people to cross over impassable obstacles, such as the Red Sea or the Jordan River, as a sign of His salvation and faithfulness (Nehemiah 9:11, Joshua 5:1).
- Theophany and Divine Presence: The act of God passing by is a method of divine revelation, where His character—merciful, gracious, and longsuffering—is proclaimed (Exodus 33:19, Exodus 34:6).
- Forgiveness of Sin: The concept of "passing over" or "putting away" transgression is a powerful metaphor for divine pardon. It is used to describe God removing iniquity and forgiving His people's sins (Micah 7:18, 2 Samuel 12:13, Zechariah 3:4).
- Human and Divine Transgression: The word establishes a clear boundary for moral and covenantal life. Humans transgress H5674 laws and covenants Isaiah 24:5, while God's judgment is portrayed as a consuming scourge that will pass through H5674 the land Isaiah 28:15.
- Ritual Pollution and Idolatry: The repeated use of H5674 in the context of causing children to "pass through the fire" signifies a profound theological boundary transgression. This act, forbidden by divine law, represents the ultimate defilement and rejection of God, leading to severe judgment (2 Chronicles 33:6, Ezekiel 16:21, Ezekiel 20:31).
- Irreversible Judgment and Abandonment: When God declares He "will not again pass by them any more," it signifies a point of no return in divine judgment. This marks the cessation of God's patience and the commencement of an unavoidable, decisive punishment, where His presence is withdrawn from intercession or mercy (Amos 7:8, Amos 8:2).
The Hebrew root H5674 (ʻâbar) is a remarkably versatile and profound term in the Old Testament, fundamentally conveying the idea of transition and movement across boundaries. Its semantic range extends from literal physical crossing, such as the Israelites passing over the Jordan into the Promised Land, to abstract and temporal concepts like the passing of time or the passing away of anger. This core meaning of "crossing over" serves as a foundational metaphor for various shifts and transformations, encompassing both the mundane and the deeply spiritual aspects of existence.
The biblical narratives richly illustrate H5674 in action, depicting not only strategic military movements and communal migrations but also the solemn administrative acts of census-taking and the abhorrent ritual of child sacrifice. The act of passing through a land can represent an army's conquest or a plague's devastation, while God's act of passing by Moses reveals His character and glory in a controlled, majestic encounter. Conversely, the notion of transgressing a law or covenant highlights humanity's failure to adhere to divine boundaries, often leading to divine judgment which itself is portrayed as God passing through to execute justice.
Theologically, H5674 underscores pivotal themes of divine power and human responsibility. It is central to narratives of divine deliverance, where God enables His people to cross over seemingly impassable obstacles, marking His faithfulness and salvation. The concept of God "putting away" or "passing over" sin powerfully conveys divine pardon and grace, yet the severe pronouncement that God "will not again pass by" signifies the finality of judgment for unrepentant transgression. Furthermore, the word illuminates the stark contrast between covenantal obedience and ritual pollution, particularly in the context of "passing through the fire," a practice that epitomizes the ultimate defiance of God's holy commands. Thus, H5674 remains a dynamic term, bridging the physical and spiritual, the temporal and the eternal, to articulate the complex relationship between God, humanity, and the unfolding drama of biblical history.
TRV