בָּחַר
properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select
Definition
The Hebrew verb בָּחַר (bâchar) fundamentally means 'to choose' or 'to select' after careful examination. Its core idea involves a deliberate, discerning decision, often implying a preference for one option over others. In a theological context, it frequently describes God's sovereign choice, such as His election of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6-7) or His selection of a king (1 Samuel 16:8-10). In human contexts, it can refer to choosing a course of action (Genesis 13:11) or selecting individuals for a task (Exodus 18:25). The sense of 'to try' or 'test' is foundational, as choosing requires evaluating options.
Biblical Usage
בָּחַר is used 162 times across the Old Testament, with heavy concentration in Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah, often in covenantal contexts. It describes both divine and human choice. God is the primary subject, choosing people (Israel in Deuteronomy 14:2), places (Jerusalem for the temple in 1 Kings 11:13), and leaders. Humans use it for selecting leaders (Exodus 18:25), paths (Joshua 24:15), or objects. A key pattern is its use in contexts of election and covenant loyalty, contrasting with rejection.
Etymology
בָּחַר is a primitive root. Its fundamental meaning relates to 'cutting' or 'separating,' which evolved into the concept of selecting or choosing by separating one thing from a group. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'bâru' (to see, inspect), supporting the idea of visual examination leading to choice. The development from a physical act of separation to an intellectual and volitional act of selection is central to its semantic range.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically central to the doctrine of election. It underscores God's sovereign, gracious initiative in choosing Israel as His covenant people (Deuteronomy 7:6) and later choosing David's line (Psalm 78:70). This divine choice is not based on human merit but on God's love and purpose. Understanding בָּחַר enriches reading by highlighting the deliberate, purposeful nature of God's actions in salvation history and His call for a chosen people to respond in faithful obedience.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, 'choosing' by a king or deity was an act of conferring honor and establishing a binding relationship. God's choice of Israel set them apart from other nations, giving them a unique identity and mission. The human act of choosing often involved a public, deliberate decision, reflecting wisdom and discernment valued in that society.
אָהַב ('âhab, H157) — emphasizes love and affection as a motive for choice. יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — can imply intimate, experiential knowledge in selection. לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — a more general term for 'to take,' without the connotation of discernment.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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