עָבוּר (a.vur)
a.vur
for the sake of
H:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 47 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Prep
Word Overview
The Hebrew phrase ba’avar, built from the preposition ba and the noun avur, functions as a versatile connector meaning "for the sake of," "because of," or "in order that." It appears in forty-seven verses across the Old Testament, linking actions to their underlying motives or intended outcomes. The noun avur itself is a passive participle derived from the verb ‘avar, which means "to pass over" or "cross." This etymology suggests a movement from one state to another, implying that the cause leads directly to an effect.
Translators render this word in several ways depending on context. It can indicate reason, as when God remembers Noah because of the animals passing by (Genesis 8:21), or it can express purpose, such as when Pharaoh is asked to let the people go so that God’s power may be displayed (Exodus 9:16). In narrative sections like II Samuel, it often clarifies why a character acts, showing the intent behind their words or deeds. The construction allows Hebrew writers to weave together the "why" and the "what" of a story without needing separate explanatory clauses.
Its usage highlights a key feature of biblical Hebrew: the close link between cause and purpose. Whether describing a historical reason or a future goal, ba’avar signals that an event is not random but connected to a specific aim or condition. This grammatical tool helps readers see how characters’ actions align with divine plans or human motivations throughout the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The phrase for your sake reveals how deeply personal God's actions are. When Scripture says He acts ba'avar, it shows that His decisions often hinge on relationship rather than abstract rules. This word connects human presence to divine response, reminding us that our lives matter in the grand narrative of redemption.
Consider how Abraham’s intercession held back judgment on Sodom. God paused because of the few righteous found there. Similarly, He promised to bless Isaac for Abraham’s sake. These moments show that faithfulness creates a bridge where mercy flows. Your prayers and your standing in Christ can influence outcomes in ways that seem hidden but are real.
This concept invites you to see your life not as isolated events but as part of God's purposeful design. Whether you are facing hardship or seeking direction, remember that you are known and valued. God’s promises often rest on His character and His covenant love for those who trust Him. Rest in the knowledge that you are held by a Father who acts with intention and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 47 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for/sake of19×
- in/order that9×
- in/ order5×
- for/ sake of4×
- <to>/ in/ order3×
- for/ sake of/ you2×
- for/ sake of/ them1×
- for/ sake of/ her1×
- because/ of/ them1×
- because/ of/ me1×
- and/ in/order that1×
- and/ in/ order1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ/עֲב֖וּר16×
- בַּ/עֲב֣וּר4×
- בַּ/עֲב֥וּר3×
- בַּ/עֲב֤וּר3×
- בַּ/עֲב֞וּר3×
- בַּֽ/עֲבוּר֙2×
- בַּ/עֲבוּרָֽ/ם\׃2×
- לְ/בַֽ/עֲבוּר֙1×
- לְ/בַ/עֲב֤וּר1×
- לְ/בַ/עֲב֗וּר1×
- וּ֝/בַ/עֲב֗וּר1×
- וּ/בַ/עֲב֗וּר1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 18:32
He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake.”
Abraham’s bold negotiation shows how intercession can alter divine judgment, highlighting the weight of righteous presence in God's plans.
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I Samuel 12:22
For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people for himself.
This verse assures believers that God’s commitment to His people is rooted in His own reputation and covenant faithfulness, not their merit.
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Genesis 26:24
Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”
God’s promise to bless Isaac specifically for Abraham’s sake demonstrates how covenant blessings extend across generations through faithful lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew phrase ba'avar mean in the Old Testament?
How does this word relate to prayer and intercession?
Is this phrase used for both positive and negative reasons?
Every Occurrence (47 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 15 verses
To Adam he said, “Because you have listened to your wife’s voice, and have eaten from the tree, about which I commanded…
Genesis 8:21Yahweh smelled the pleasant aroma. Yahweh said in his heart, “I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake…
Genesis 12:13Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”
Genesis 12:16He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female…
Genesis 18:26Yahweh said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
Genesis 18:29He spoke to him yet again, and said, “What if there are forty found there?” He said, “I will not do it for the forty’s…
Genesis 18:31He said, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?” He said, “I…
Genesis 18:32He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I…
Genesis 21:30He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well.”
Genesis 26:24Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with…
Genesis 27:4Make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat, and that my soul may bless you before I die.”
Genesis 27:10You shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before his death.”
Genesis 27:19Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done what you asked me to do. Please arise, sit and eat of…
Genesis 27:31He also made savory food, and brought it to his father. He said to his father, “Let my father arise, and eat of his…
Genesis 46:34that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our…