יִבְחָר (yiv.char)
yiv.char
Ibhar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ibhar, meaning "Jehovah chooses," belongs to a son of King David and Bathsheba who is listed in the genealogies of 2 Samuel 5:15 and 1 Chronicles 3:5. Unlike his more famous brothers such as Absalom or Solomon, Ibhar does not appear in any narrative scenes; he is mentioned only by name in these records of royal lineage.
His inclusion in the list highlights the size of David’s family rather than individual character. The sources note that he was born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy and had many siblings, including Amnon, Nathan, and Shammua. The meaning of his name reflects a common biblical practice of attributing divine selection or favor to a child’s identity.
Because Ibhar is absent from historical accounts, his significance lies entirely in his position within David’s house. He serves as a reminder of the numerous offspring who formed the backdrop of Israel’s royal history, even when they did not play active roles in the political struggles that defined the era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ibhar carries a quiet but profound meaning: "Jehovah chooses." Found in the genealogies of King David, this brief mention reminds us that God’s selection often happens in the background, far from the spotlight. While his brothers made headlines through war or wisdom, Ibhar’s legacy is simply being part of the royal line chosen by God.
This offers a gentle comfort for anyone who feels overlooked or insignificant. Your value does not depend on public recognition or dramatic achievements. Being known and chosen by God is enough. In His eyes, every name in the record matters, even those that appear only once in a list of many.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ibhar3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/יִבְחָ֥ר3×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 5:15
Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,
This verse places Ibhar in David’s family tree in Jerusalem, confirming his birth into the house God established.
-
I Chronicles 3:6
and Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet,
Here he is listed among Solomon’s half-brothers, showing his place within the immediate royal succession.
-
I Chronicles 14:5
Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
This parallel record reinforces that Ibhar was a recognized son of David, born during the kingdom's consolidation.