אָבַר (a.var)
a.var
to fly
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb avar appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Job 39:28 within a description of the hawk’s flight. In this context, it means to fly or move wings with speed and agility. The text uses this single word to capture the bird’s swift, powerful movement through the air.
This occurrence is unique because the verb is not used elsewhere in Scripture. Its appearance in Job highlights the creature’s natural prowess rather than a metaphorical spiritual lesson. Translators render it simply as "flies," reflecting its straightforward physical sense of winged motion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word avar appears only once in Scripture, nestled within Job’s profound meditation on creation. In Job 39:26, it describes the hawk soaring with swift, agile motion toward the south. This rare verb captures the raw power and freedom of flight, offering a glimpse into the intricate design of nature.
While the text focuses on the bird’s physical prowess rather than a direct spiritual metaphor, it invites us to marvel at God’s wisdom in crafting such creatures. Observing the natural world can deepen our appreciation for the Creator who endowed even the smallest details with purpose and beauty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- does it soar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַֽאֲבֶר\־1×
Key Verses
-
Job 39:26
“Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?
This is the sole occurrence of avar in the Old Testament, where it describes the hawk's swift, agile flight toward the south, highlighting God's wisdom in creation.