בָּרָק (ba.raq)
ba.raq
Barak
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Barak means "lightning" or "lightning flash," a vivid image that fits its primary bearer in Scripture. This Barak, son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali, is the military commander who leads Israel’s forces against the Canaanite king Jabin. His story unfolds mainly in the book of Judges, where he acts as the instrument of deliverance alongside the prophetess Deborah.
While the name suggests sudden, powerful energy, the biblical narrative presents Barak as cautious rather than bold. He agrees to fight only if Deborah accompanies him into battle (Judges 4:8). This condition shifts the glory of victory away from human military prowess toward divine intervention, ultimately resulting in the defeat of the Canaanite army in the plain of Jezreel.
Lexical sources note that this specific Barak appears in twelve verses, concentrated heavily within the Judges account. The name’s association with lightning contrasts with his measured approach to warfare, highlighting a theme common in Judges: God often chooses unlikely or hesitant leaders to demonstrate that salvation comes from Him alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Barak means lightning, a flash of sudden power. Yet the man who carried this name approached battle with caution. He asked the prophet Deborah to go with him, ensuring that God’s presence was visible in their victory. This story reminds us that strength is not always about boldness or self-reliance. Sometimes, it is about trusting God enough to admit our need for guidance.
When we face overwhelming challenges, we do not need to have all the answers or act with perfect courage. Like Barak, we can invite others into our struggles and seek divine direction. The victory comes not from human might alone, but from obedience to God’s call. His power shines brightest when we acknowledge our dependence on Him.
May you find peace in knowing that God uses willing hearts, even hesitant ones. Let your faith be a light in the darkness, trusting that He will lead you through every valley with grace and strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Barak9×
- and/ Barak2×
- O Barak1×
- <to>/ Barak1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּרָ֜ק2×
- בָּרָ֔ק2×
- לְ/בָרָ֣ק1×
- וּ/בָרָ֗ק1×
- וּ/בָרָ֖ק1×
- בָּרָק֙1×
- בָּרָ֥ק1×
- בָּרָ֛ק1×
- בָּרָ֖ק1×
- בָרָק֮1×
- בָרָ֑ק1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 4:8
Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.”
Barak’s condition for going to battle highlights his reliance on prophetic guidance rather than military confidence.
-
Judges 4:14
Deborah said to Barak, “Go; for this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand. Hasn’t Yahweh gone out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
Deborah’s assurance that the Lord has gone before Barak shifts the focus from human strategy to divine intervention.
-
Judges 5:1
Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,
Barak joins Deborah in singing a song of praise, showing his participation in celebrating God’s deliverance rather than claiming personal glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Barak mean?
Why did Barak ask Deborah to go with him?
Where does Barak appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 1 books)
Judges 12 verses
She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, “Hasn’t Yahweh, the God of…
Judges 4:8Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.”
Judges 4:9She said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the journey that you take won’t be for your honor; for Yahweh will…
Judges 4:10Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh. Ten thousand men followed him; and Deborah went up with him.
Judges 4:12They told Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.
Judges 4:14Deborah said to Barak, “Go; for this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand. Hasn’t Yahweh gone…
Judges 4:15Yahweh confused Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned…
Judges 4:16But Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth of the Gentiles; and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge…
Judges 4:22Behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom…
Judges 5:1Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,
Judges 5:12‘Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.’
Judges 5:15The princes of Issachar were with Deborah. As was Issachar, so was Barak. They rushed into the valley at his feet. By…