בָּרִיחַ (ba.ri.ach)
ba.ri.ach
fleeing
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word bāriach functions as both an adjective meaning "fleeing" and a substantive noun for a "fugitive." Its root conveys the physical act of running away, often implying escape from danger or pursuit. In the biblical text, it describes individuals who are actively on the move to avoid capture or harm.
This term appears in only four verses, primarily within Job and Isaiah. For instance, in Job 24:8, it depicts people fleeing from the storm, highlighting their vulnerability and exposure to the elements. The usage underscores a state of displacement and urgency, where the subject is not merely traveling but escaping a threat.
The word’s rarity suggests it was reserved for specific narrative moments requiring precision about flight or refuge. It does not carry the moral weight of "sinful" fleeing but rather describes the physical reality of those seeking safety. Translators typically render it as "fleeing" or "fugitive," capturing the immediate action and status of the person involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the image of fleeing in Scripture, it often reminds us that life can feel sudden and overwhelming. In Isaiah 15:5, the nobles of Moap are described as fleeing to Zoar with weeping. This vivid picture shows how quickly stability can vanish when disaster strikes, leaving people vulnerable and exposed.
Yet this word also appears in a striking way in Isaiah 27:1, where God defeats Leviathan, called here the "fleeing serpent." Even the most terrifying threats that seem to evade justice are ultimately under His control. We do not need to carry the weight of every danger alone.
There is comfort in knowing that while we may feel like fugitives running from our problems, God sees our urgency. He is the one who brings down the mighty and protects the weak. In moments of fear, we can rest in the truth that no threat is beyond His reach.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fleeing2×
- fugitives/ its1×
- [as] fugitives1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּרִֽיחַ\׃1×
- בָּרִ֔חַ1×
- בְּרִיחֶ֕/הָ1×
- בָֽרִיחִים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 15:5
My heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.
This verse captures the raw panic of displacement as Moab's leaders flee to Zoar, showing the word's use for people escaping immediate national disaster.
-
Isaiah 27:1
In that day, Yahweh with his hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan, the fleeing serpent, and leviathan, the twisted serpent; and he will kill the dragon that is in the sea.
Here the term describes Leviathan itself, emphasizing that even the most elusive and dangerous enemies cannot escape God's final judgment.
-
Isaiah 43:14
Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: “For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.
The word shifts to describe Chaldeans being brought down as fugitives, illustrating God's power to turn the tables on oppressors who thought they were safe.