בָּרַד (ba.rad)
ba.rad
to hail
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb barad means to hail, describing the specific meteorological event where frozen rain falls from the sky. It is a rare word in Scripture, appearing only once in the provided data at Isaiah 32:19. In this context, it depicts a powerful natural phenomenon used as an instrument of divine judgment.
Lexical sources identify barad as a denominal verb, meaning it is derived from the noun for hail (bared). This etymological link emphasizes that the action is defined entirely by the substance involved. The word does not describe general rain or snow, but specifically the sudden, destructive fall of ice pellets.
Its single occurrence in Isaiah highlights its theological weight rather than its frequency. The prophet uses the image of hailing to illustrate how God’s intervention can shatter human security and fortified structures. Translators consistently render it as "hail" or "to hail," preserving the concrete physical reality that serves as a metaphor for overwhelming divine power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for hail in Hebrew, barad, appears only once in Isaiah 32:19. Here it describes a sudden storm that levels forests and cities. This image reminds us that no human fortress is permanent against God’s power.
In our own lives, we often build walls to feel safe from trouble. Yet this verse shows that true security does not come from strong buildings or clever plans. It comes from trusting the One who holds all weather in His hands.
When storms come, they can strip away what we rely on most. But this clearing is not meant to destroy us. It invites us to rest in a hope that no ice can break, knowing that God’s care remains steady even when everything else shakes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it will hail1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בָרַ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 32:19
though hail flattens the forest, and the city is leveled completely.
The verb barad acts as the agent of destruction here, showing how divine intervention can instantly remove human pride and fortified security.