בְּרִיחַ (be.ri.ach)
be.ri.ach
bar
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun beriyach refers to a cross-beam or bolt used to secure a structure, most commonly appearing in descriptions of the Tabernacle and city defenses. In Exodus, these wooden bars threaded through rings to hold the sanctuary’s boards together, creating a stable, unified space for worship. The same term describes heavy bolts on gates, as seen when Samson carried off the doors of Gaza or when Nehemiah’s workers rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls with fortified entrances.
Its meaning extends metaphorically into imagery of confinement and rescue. In Jonah 2:6, the "bars" of the earth represent the limits of the grave, from which God hears the cry of the distressed. Similarly, Psalms and Isaiah speak of God breaking these bars to free prisoners, portraying deliverance as a release from physical or spiritual imprisonment.
Though rare in other contexts, the word occasionally appears in poetic passages where it symbolizes strength or stability. Its consistent use across legal, narrative, and poetic texts highlights how ancient builders understood security: not merely as walls, but as interlocking parts held firmly together by cross-pieces that resisted separation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word beriyach describes a sturdy bar used to secure structures, whether in the Tabernacle or city gates. In Exodus, these wooden beams threaded through rings to hold the sanctuary’s boards together, creating a stable space for worship. This physical security mirrors how God provides stability in our lives. Just as the bars kept the sacred tent intact, His presence holds us firm when circumstances shift.
Scripture also uses this image of confinement and rescue. In Jonah 2:6, the 'bars' of the grave represent deep distress, yet God hears the cry from within. Similarly, Psalm 107:16 speaks of God breaking iron bars to free prisoners. This reminds us that no barrier is too strong for Him to overcome. When you feel trapped by fear or hardship, remember that He is able to break every chain.
These images invite trust in His power to protect and deliver. Whether you are facing external pressures or internal struggles, God’s strength surpasses any obstacle. You can rest in the assurance that He secures your heart and guides your steps toward freedom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ bars/ its7×
- bars/ its5×
- bars5×
- and/ bar[s]3×
- the/ bars2×
- the/ bar2×
- for the/ bars2×
- and/ bars of2×
- a bar2×
- bars of1×
- and/ the/ bar1×
- and/ bar[s] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְרִיחָֽי/ו\׃\ \ס3×
- לַ/בְּרִיחִ֑ם2×
- וּ/בְרִיחָ֖י/ו2×
- וּ/בְרִיחָ֑י/ו2×
- וּ/בְרִֽיחַ\׃2×
- הַ/בְּרִיחִ֖ם2×
- בְּרִ֣יחַ2×
- בְרִיחִ֔ם2×
- כִּ/בְרִ֥יחַ1×
- וּ/בְרִיחֵ֥י1×
- וּ/בְרִיחֵ֖י1×
- וּ/בְרִ֥יחַ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:28
The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end.
This verse specifies the middle bar passing through all boards, showing how a single element unified the entire structure.
-
Judges 16:3
Samson lay until midnight, then arose at midnight and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city, with the two posts, and plucked them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain that is before Hebron.
Samson’s act of removing the gate bars demonstrates human strength overcoming physical security measures.
-
Psalms 107:16
For he has broken the gates of bronze, and cut through bars of iron.
The breaking of iron bars illustrates God’s power to liberate those held captive by despair or oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does beriyach mean in the Bible?
How is beriyach used metaphorically?
Why are bars important in Exodus?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 15 books)
Exodus 11 verses
“You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 26:27and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the…
Exodus 26:28The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end.
Exodus 26:29You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars. You shall overlay the…
Exodus 35:11the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;
Exodus 36:31He made bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 36:32and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for…
Exodus 36:33He made the middle bar to pass through in the middle of the boards from the one end to the other.
Exodus 36:34He overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold as places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.
Exodus 39:33They brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars,…
Exodus 40:18Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its…