בַּר (bar)
bar
pure
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective bar describes something that is pure, clear, or sincere. It appears in six verses, primarily within the poetic books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon. The word conveys a sense of cleanliness or emptiness, often pointing to moral integrity or unblemished truth rather than just physical purity.
In these contexts, bar suggests a state of being free from corruption or deceit. For instance, it is used to describe sincere homage or pure intentions, highlighting the inner condition of the heart. The term’s flexibility allows it to function as an adverb meaning "purely," emphasizing the manner in which an action is performed.
This word underscores the biblical emphasis on authenticity. Whether referring to clean hands or a clear conscience, bar calls for a life that aligns with divine standards of holiness and truth. Its usage in wisdom literature reinforces the value of sincerity in relationships with God and others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bar points to a clarity of heart that goes beyond external appearance. It describes a sincerity free from hidden motives or deceit. When Scripture speaks of clean hands and a pure heart, it invites us to examine our inner intentions before God. This purity is not about perfectionism but about honesty and integrity in our daily walk.
In the Psalms, this concept brings comfort, reminding us that God values truthfulness above all else. It encourages us to approach Him with transparency, knowing He sees the heart. This call to purity is a gift, offering peace through alignment with divine standards rather than fear of failure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ [people] pure of1×
- pure1×
- and/ clean1×
- and/ a [person] pure of1×
- [is] clean1×
- [is] a pure [daughter]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/בָרֵ֥י1×
- וּֽ/בַר\־1×
- וּ֝/בַ֗ר1×
- בָּרָה֙1×
- בָּרָ֥ה1×
- בָּ֑ר1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 24:4
He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.
This verse defines the practical outcome of being bar by linking clean hands and a pure heart to rejecting falsehood and deceit.
-
Psalms 73:1
A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
Here, the term highlights that God's goodness is specifically directed toward those whose inner lives are sincere and uncorrupted.
-
Job 11:4
For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.’
Zophar uses this word to claim personal innocence, illustrating how it can describe a self-perceived state of moral cleanliness.