שָׁבַר (sha.var)

sha.var

to buy grain

H7666 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 20 verses

H:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 20 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb shavar means to buy or sell grain, a specific economic action rooted in the word for "grain" or "corn." It appears in key narratives where food supply determines survival, such as when Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to purchase provisions during the famine (Genesis 42:2). The term is not a general word for trade but focuses strictly on the commodity of grain, highlighting its role as basic sustenance.

Its meaning shifts slightly depending on the verb form used. In the Qal stem, it describes the act of buying grain for food. In the Hiphil stem, it means to sell grain, essentially causing others to buy. This distinction is visible in Genesis 42:6, where Joseph is identified as the one who sold the grain, while his brothers are the ones who came to buy it. The word connects directly to the physical reality of milling and breaking grain for consumption.

Translators often render this verb simply as "buy" or "sell," but the context always involves food security. In Isaiah 55:1, the invitation to come and buy without money uses this same root, emphasizing that spiritual sustenance is as vital as physical grain. The word reminds readers that in ancient Israel, control over grain meant control over life itself.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

This Hebrew word describes the specific act of buying or selling grain, a necessity that determined survival during ancient famines. In Genesis, it appears when Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to purchase food, highlighting how physical sustenance often serves as the backdrop for deeper spiritual journeys. The term reminds us that basic needs are real and significant, yet they can also point toward greater truths about provision and trust.

Isaiah uses this same root in a powerful invitation: 'Come, buy wine and milk without money.' Here, the language of commerce shifts to describe God’s generous offer of spiritual nourishment. It suggests that while we work for daily bread, true fulfillment comes from receiving what cannot be earned. This word bridges the gap between earthly hunger and heavenly satisfaction.

When life feels scarce or uncertain, this term encourages us to look beyond immediate resources. It invites reflection on how God provides not just for our bodies but for our souls. Whether in times of plenty or famine, the focus remains on finding strength in what sustains us most deeply.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.

to/ buy4×
to/ buy grain3×
buy grain2×
buy2×
you will sell/ me1×
you will buy1×
we will sell grain1×
so/ we may sell grain1×
and/ we will buy1×
and/ he bought grain1×
and/ buy grain1×
[were] buying grain1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

לִ/שְׁבָּר\־4×
שִׁבְרוּ\־2×
לִ/שְׁבֹּ֖ר2×
תַּשְׁבִּרֵ֙/נִי֙1×
תִּשְׁבְּר֧וּ1×
שֹׁבְרִ֑ים1×
שִׁבְרוּ֙1×
שִׁבְר֗וּ1×
נַשְׁבִּֽיר\׃1×
מַשְׁבִּֽיר\׃1×
לִ/שְׁבֹּ֥ר1×
וַ/יִּשְׁבֹּ֣ר1×

Key Verses

Genesis 42:2
He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die.”

This verse shows the word used for buying grain to survive a famine, linking physical need with divine providence.
Isaiah 55:1
“Hey! Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Here the verb shifts to an invitation to buy spiritual sustenance without cost, emphasizing grace over transaction.
Genesis 42:6
Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and bowed themselves down to him with their faces to the earth.

The Hiphil stem appears here as Joseph sells grain, revealing how God uses human actions to fulfill His plans.
Proverbs 11:26
People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

This proverb contrasts withholding grain with selling it, showing that generosity brings blessing while greed invites curse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word shavar mean?

Shavar specifically means to buy or sell grain. It is not a general term for trade but focuses on the purchase or sale of food supplies, especially during times of famine.

How is shavar different from other words for buying?

While other Hebrew verbs like 'kanah' mean to buy in a broad sense, shavar refers strictly to grain. This specificity highlights the importance of food security in ancient Israel.

Why is this word significant in the story of Joseph?

In Genesis, shavar appears when Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt to buy grain. It sets the stage for reconciliation and shows how God uses physical needs to guide people toward spiritual purposes.

What does Isaiah 55:1 teach about this word?

Isaiah uses shavar metaphorically to invite people to receive spiritual nourishment without payment. It illustrates that God’s blessings often exceed what we can earn or afford.

Every Occurrence (20 verses across 5 books)

Genesis 14 verses

Genesis 41:56

The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Joseph opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The…

Genesis 41:57

All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

Genesis 42:2

He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may…

Genesis 42:3

Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.

Genesis 42:5

The sons of Israel came to buy among those who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 42:6

Joseph was the governor over the land. It was he who sold to all the people of the land. Joseph’s brothers came, and…

Genesis 42:7

Joseph saw his brothers, and he recognized them, but acted like a stranger to them, and spoke roughly with them. He…

Genesis 42:10

They said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.

Genesis 43:2

When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a…

Genesis 43:4

If you’ll send our brother with us, we’ll go down and buy you food;

Genesis 43:20

and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.

Genesis 43:22

We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.”

Genesis 44:25

Our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little food.’

Genesis 47:14

Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which…

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Proverbs 1 verse

Isaiah 1 verse

Amos 2 verses