עָבַר (a.var)
a.var
to pass; be angry; to pass: bring; to pass: trespass; (Valley of) the Travelers; be arrogant
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 422 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `avar` centers on the physical act of moving from one side to another, whether crossing a river, passing through a space, or walking by someone. It describes concrete movement, such as the Israelites crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land (Joshua 3:17), or time slipping away as days pass. This sense of transition is so fundamental that it extends to abstract concepts, where things "pass away" or cease to exist.
A significant theological weight rests on its use in covenant contexts. When God commands Abraham to circumcise his household, the language implies a cutting through, marking them as belonging to Him (Genesis 17:10). Similarly, the phrase "passing through the pieces" in Genesis 15 describes a solemn ritual where parties walk between split animals, symbolizing a binding agreement. The word also appears in legal contexts to describe transgressing or trespassing against another person's rights.
Interestingly, the verb takes on a distinct emotional meaning in the Hithpael stem, where it means to be angry or act arrogantly. This usage is rare but notable, appearing in passages like Psalm 37:8, which warns against being angry or acting arrogantly. This shift from physical movement to internal agitation suggests a loss of control, as if one's composure has been swept away by emotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word avar captures the simple yet profound act of moving from one place to another. It describes crossing a river, walking through a valley, or passing by someone’s home. This physical movement often carries deeper meaning in Scripture, marking transitions that change lives forever. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan, they did not just move geographically; they entered a new chapter of God’s promise.
Yet this word also appears in moments of divine encounter and judgment. In Exodus 12:23, God passes over the doors marked with blood, sparing those within. This image reminds us that God sees our faithfulness and protects us in times of danger. The same verb can describe passing through a covenant ritual, binding two parties together in solemn agreement. These moments show how movement is never neutral; it reveals who we trust and where we belong.
In our daily lives, we pass through seasons of waiting, joy, and sorrow. Like Abraham walking through Canaan or Joseph moving from pit to palace, we too are journeying toward God’s purposes. This word invites us to notice the transitions in our own stories, trusting that God is present in every step forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 422 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [are] about to pass over17×
- and/ it passes on12×
- and/ he passed on10×
- and/ they passed over9×
- to/ pass over8×
- pass over8×
- and/ he passed over8×
- [one who] passes by8×
- you will pass over7×
- they have transgressed7×
- and/ they passed7×
- they passed over6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֹבֵ֣ר9×
- עֹבֵ֥ר8×
- וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֣ר8×
- עֹבְרִ֥ים6×
- עָבַ֣ר6×
- וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר6×
- וַֽ/יַּעֲבֹ֖ר5×
- וַ/יַּעַבְר֖וּ5×
- תַעֲבֹ֖ר4×
- עֹבֵר֙4×
- עֹבֵ֖ר4×
- עֹבְרִ֖ים4×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 12:6
Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.
This verse marks Abram’s physical entry into the land promised by God, establishing the foundational movement of faith and obedience.
-
Exodus 12:23
For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two door posts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.
Here the word describes God’s protective passing over homes marked with blood, highlighting divine mercy amidst judgment.
-
Genesis 15:17
It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.
The smoking furnace and flaming torch passing between pieces symbolize God’s unilateral covenant commitment to Abraham.
-
Exodus 33:22
It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by;
Moses is hidden in the rock while God’s glory passes by, illustrating the awe-inspiring nature of divine presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word עָבַר (avar) mean?
How is עָבַר used in the story of Passover?
Does עָבַר have any other meanings besides physical movement?
Why is עָבַר important for understanding biblical covenants?
Every Occurrence (422 verses across 33 books)
Genesis 15 verses
God remembered Noah, all the animals, and all the livestock that were with him in the ship; and God made a wind to pass…
Genesis 12:6Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.
Genesis 15:17It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a flaming torch passed…
Genesis 18:3and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.
Genesis 18:5I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to…
Genesis 23:16Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of…
Genesis 30:32I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among…
Genesis 31:21So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.
Genesis 31:52May this heap be a witness, and the pillar be a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will…
Genesis 33:3He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
Genesis 33:14Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that…
Genesis 37:28Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the…
Genesis 41:46Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh,…
Genesis 47:21As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.
Genesis 50:4When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your…