בֹּר (bor)
bor
cleanness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun bor refers to a state of cleanness or purity. In the Hebrew Bible, this term appears only three times, making it a rare word for describing ritual or moral cleanliness rather than physical washing.
Its occurrences are concentrated in poetic and historical texts, notably in Job 9:30 and II Samuel 22:27 (parallel to Psalm 18:26). In these contexts, bor describes the purity of heart or conduct that God requires, contrasting with the defilement associated with wickedness.
Unlike words for physical washing, bor emphasizes an inherent state of being clean. It suggests a moral integrity that is recognized by God, highlighting the importance of inner purity in biblical ethics.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bor describes a state of inner purity that goes beyond physical washing. It points to moral integrity and a clear conscience before God. When we seek this kind of cleanness, we are looking for a heart aligned with divine justice rather than just outward appearance.
In II Samuel 22:25, the psalmist speaks of his cleanness in God's eyesight. This reminds us that God values our inner motives and actions. It is not about being perfect, but about having a sincere desire to walk in truth.
This rare word invites us to examine our own hearts. We can trust that God sees our genuine efforts to live righteously. May you find peace in knowing that He honors integrity of spirit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- by/ [the] cleanness of1×
- according to/ cleanness/ my1×
- according to/ [the] cleanness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/בֹרִ֖/י1×
- כְּ/בֹ֥ר1×
- בְּ/בֹ֣ר1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:25
Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness, According to my cleanness in his eyesight.
This verse highlights that God rewards based on how our cleanness appears to Him, emphasizing His perspective over human judgment.
-
II Samuel 22:21
Yahweh rewarded me according to my righteousness. He rewarded me according to the cleanness of my hands.
Here the term connects directly to divine reward, showing that moral integrity is recognized and valued by Yahweh.
-
Job 22:30
He will even deliver him who is not innocent. Yes, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”
This occurrence suggests that such cleanness can have a redemptive or protective power, even for those not fully innocent.