בָּרַר (ba.rar)
ba.rar
to purify
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb barar carries a dual sense of purification and selection. It describes the process of refining something by removing impurities, which naturally results in choosing what remains as valuable or pure. This word appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Isaiah, often linking physical cleansing with moral or spiritual distinction.
In its basic form, it can mean to purge out dross or to polish metal until it shines. The sources highlight a specific usage in Isaiah 49:2, where God’s word is compared to a sharpened arrow kept in His quiver. Here, the imagery suggests that purification is not just about cleanliness but about preparation for a specific purpose. The act of choosing is inseparable from the act of refining; what is selected is often what has been tested and proven.
This root emphasizes intentionality. Whether referring to God selecting a remnant or an individual purifying themselves, the focus is on the result of a rigorous process. Translators often render it as "purify," "choose," or "select" depending on context, capturing the idea that true purity involves both removal of the unwanted and identification of the worthy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word barar reminds us that God’s attention is both selective and refining. In Isaiah 49:2, the prophet describes his message as a polished arrow kept in a quiver. This image shows that purification is not merely about cleanliness; it is about preparation for a specific purpose. When God refines, He is shaping something to be effective and ready for use.
This dual sense of selection and cleansing appears throughout Scripture. In Daniel 12:10, the wise understand that trials serve to purify and make white those who remain faithful. Similarly, Zephaniah 3:9 promises that God will purify the lips of the peoples so they may call on His name together. These passages assure us that our struggles are not random but are part of a process that leads to clearer devotion and stronger community.
When you feel tested or scrutinized, remember that this refining work is intentional. It aims to remove what hinders your connection with God and to highlight what is valuable. The goal is not condemnation but clarity, allowing you to serve with greater integrity and purpose in your daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- purified2×
- chosen2×
- you show yourself pure1×
- who/ had been chosen1×
- to/ test/ them1×
- to/ cleanse1×
- those/ [who] had been chosen1×
- they will purge themselves1×
- sharpen1×
- purify yourselves1×
- polished1×
- and/ to/ purge [them]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּתָּבָ֑ר1×
- נָבָ֖ר1×
- לְ/הָבַֽר\׃1×
- לְ/בָרָ֖/ם1×
- יִ֠תְבָּֽרֲרוּ1×
- וּ/לְ/בָרֵ֥ר1×
- הָבֵ֣רוּ1×
- הַ/בְּרוּרִים֙1×
- הַ/בְּרוּרִ֔ים1×
- הִבָּ֕רוּ1×
- בָּר֥וּר1×
- בָּר֔וּר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 49:2
He has made my mouth like a sharp sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. He has made me a polished shaft. He has kept me close in his quiver.
This verse uses the imagery of a polished arrow to show that purification is preparation for a specific mission.
-
Daniel 12:10
Many will purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined, but the wicked will do wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
Here the word links suffering with the outcome of understanding, showing that refinement leads to spiritual clarity.
-
Zephaniah 3:9
For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on Yahweh’s name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.
God promises to purify lips so that all peoples can serve Him together, highlighting communal restoration.
-
II Samuel 22:27
With the pure you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.
This verse connects God’s own purity with how He interacts with people, showing a reciprocal nature in relationship.