← H873 H875 →

בָּאַר

𐤁𐤀𐤓

bâʼar

H874 verb

SILEX Entry

Root באר to make clear, to explain, to make distinct

Definition

To make clear, explain, or clarify (verb); to make distinct or explicit by elucidation or specification; in some contexts, to dig, cut, or engrave, emphasizing a process of making something plain or manifest. The primary sense in biblical usage is to expound or render clear, especially in the context of teaching or interpreting laws and words.

Semantic Range

to make clear, explain, expound, declare plainly, specify explicitly; in some rare non-biblical or comparative contexts, to dig, to engrave

Root / Etymology

Root: ברר (b-ʼ-r). Although the vocalization suggests an association with the idea of 'clearing up' or 'making distinct', the precise etymology is uncertain. In some early sources the sense of 'dig' or 'engrave' is given, but in the Hebrew Bible the predominant usage concerns explanation or clarity in speech, not physical digging or engraving.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, בָּאַר is primarily found in late books such as Deuteronomy and Nehemiah, frequently with reference to Moses or others expounding the Torah or making matters clear to the people. For example, Deut 1:5: 'Moses began to explain (בֵּאֵר) this law.' Earlier meaning relating to 'digging' or 'engraving' is not attested in Biblical Hebrew; such senses may reflect later developments or comparative Semitics. The sense of 'to make plain' carries strong pedagogical and exegetical undertones, particularly in the post-exilic context when understanding and transmitting the law became a central concern. Modern English translations often use ‘explain’ or ‘make plain,’ which broadly conveys the meaning but can obscure the careful, explicit process implied in the Hebrew term. It is not to be confused with בָּרַר (barar, 'to purify, select'), though the senses of 'clarifying' and 'making distinct' are related.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to dig; by analogy, to engrave; figuratively, to explain; declare, (make) plain(-ly).

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

באר (b-ʾ-r) — to make clear, to explain, to make distinct

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H875 בְּאֵר dug well
H876 בְּאֵר toward Well-place
H877 בֹּאר excavated cisterns
H878 בְּאֵרָא Beera
H880 בְּאֵרָה Well-Spring

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H874-02 בֵּאֵ֛ר beer HVpp3ms to declare Well-of-the-Oath 1
H874-03 וּ/בָאֵ֖ר uvaer HC/Vpv2ms and make plain and make clear 1
H874-01 בַּאֵ֥ר baer HVpa plainly clearly explain 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H874-02 Deuteronomy 1:5 בֵּאֵ֛ר beer HVpp3ms to declare Well-of-the-Oath
H874-01 Deuteronomy 27:8 בַּאֵ֥ר baer HVpa plainly clearly explain
H874-03 Habakkuk 2:2 וּ/בָאֵ֖ר uvaer HC/Vpv2ms and make plain and make clear
← H873 Hebrew Lexicon H875 →