בָּרִיא (ba.ri)
ba.ri
fat
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word bāriy describes something that is fat, plump, or in good condition. It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, primarily in Genesis, Psalms, and Zechariah. The term conveys a sense of physical health and abundance, often referring to livestock or land that is well-fed and prosperous.
Its root relates to strength and firmness, suggesting that what is bāriy is not merely large but robust and vital. In Genesis 41:2, for instance, Pharaoh’s dream features cows that are "fat" (bāriy), indicating their health and the fertility of the land they represent. This usage highlights a connection between physical condition and divine blessing.
Translators typically render bāriy as "fat" or "plenteous," capturing its dual sense of nourishment and strength. The word underscores a biblical theme where material abundance reflects spiritual favor, though it is not limited to literal fleshiness but extends to the vitality of communities and landscapes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word bāriy describes a state of being well-fed, robust, and in good condition. In the ancient world, physical health was often seen as a tangible sign of God’s blessing and provision. When Scripture speaks of fat cattle or fertile land, it is pointing to abundance that comes from divine favor. This imagery helps us understand that our material needs are known by God, who desires to provide for His people.
Yet this word also carries a warning. In Genesis 41, the fat cows represent years of plenty, but they are followed by famine. The presence of abundance does not guarantee permanent security. Instead, it calls us to wisdom and stewardship. We are invited to trust God not just in times of scarcity, but also when our tables are full, remembering that true strength comes from Him alone.
Ultimately, bāriy reminds us that God cares about the physical realities of life. He provides for our bodies as well as our souls. This assurance allows us to face both plenty and lack with peace, knowing that our ultimate hope is found in His faithful care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fat2×
- and/ fat of2×
- <the>/ fat2×
- the/ fat [sheep]1×
- fat of1×
- and/ [is] fat1×
- and/ <the>/ fat1×
- [is] fat1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּרִיא֥וֹת2×
- וּ/בָרִ֥יא1×
- וּ/בְרִיאֹ֣ת1×
- וּ/בְרִיאֵ֖י1×
- וְ/הַ/בְּרִיאֹ֑ת1×
- הַ/בְּרִיאֹֽת\׃1×
- הַ/בְּרִיאָה֙1×
- הַ/בְּרִיא֖וֹת1×
- בָּרִ֖יא1×
- בְּרִאָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:2
Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass.
This verse establishes the word's primary association with divine blessing and prosperity through the imagery of healthy livestock in Pharaoh's dream.
-
Judges 3:17
He offered the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man.
Here the term describes Eglon, highlighting how physical abundance can sometimes mask moral corruption or pride.
-
Zechariah 11:16
For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the meat of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.
The prophet uses this word to depict a wicked shepherd who exploits the strong and healthy, showing how abundance can be misused by leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word bāriy mean?
Why is bāriy significant in Genesis 41?
Does bāriy always have a positive meaning?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 6 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass.
Genesis 41:4The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke.
Genesis 41:5He slept and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good.
Genesis 41:7The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream.
Genesis 41:18and behold, seven fat and sleek cattle came up out of the river. They fed in the marsh grass;
Genesis 41:20The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle;