בָּחוּר
properly, selected, i.e. a youth (often collective)
Definition
The Hebrew noun בָּחוּר (bachur) fundamentally means 'a young man in the prime of life,' specifically one who is strong, vigorous, and of marriageable age. It often carries the connotation of being 'chosen' or 'select,' derived from its root meaning 'to choose,' implying these youths were the elite, choice members of society, often fit for military service (e.g., 2 Kings 8:12). In a collective sense, it can refer to a group of young men, as seen in the mustering of armies (Judges 20:15). The word can also be used metaphorically, as in Deuteronomy 32:25, where 'the young man' represents the strength of a nation that is cut off by God's judgment.
Biblical Usage
בָּחוּר is used 45 times across various genres, including historical narratives, poetry, and prophecy. It frequently describes young men of military age, such as the warriors of Gibeah (Judges 20:15) or the army of Israel (2 Chronicles 36:17). It also appears in social contexts, like the young men at Samson's feast (Judges 14:10) or the eligible workers in Samuel's warnings about a king's conscription (1 Samuel 8:16). In Ruth 3:10, Boaz uses it honorifically for Ruth, calling her a 'worthy woman,' though addressing her actions as those of a noble 'young man,' highlighting its association with virtue and choice. Prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah use it to symbolize a nation's lost strength (e.g., Isaiah 9:17).
Etymology
The word בָּחוּר is the passive participle of the root verb בָּחַר (bachar, H977), meaning 'to choose, select, or elect.' Its form indicates 'one who is chosen' or 'selected.' This root is central to biblical theology, often used for God's election of people (e.g., Israel). Thus, a בָּחוּר is not just any youth, but one singled out, often for strength, service, or distinction. The alternate form בָּחֻר (bachur) is a variant spelling.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant because it connects human vigor and youth with the concept of divine choice and election. The 'chosen' aspect of these young men can reflect God's selection of Israel for service and warfare. In judgment passages like Deuteronomy 32:25 and Lamentations, the cutting off of the בָּחוּר symbolizes the removal of a nation's strength and future hope, underscoring the severity of divine punishment. Understanding this term enriches readings of God's covenant promises and warnings, as it embodies the prime of life that is both a blessing and something held accountable before God.
In ancient Israelite society, a בָּחוּר represented the peak of physical strength and social potential, typically between adolescence and full adulthood, often around ages 20-40. These men were the primary labor force, warriors, and prospective heads of households. Their 'chosen' status likely refers to being selected for tasks like military service or royal labor, reflecting a culture where youth and strength were highly valued for community survival and honor. This contrasts with modern, more generalized terms for 'young man,' as בָּחוּר carried specific connotations of elite capability and societal role.
נַעַר (na'ar, H5288) — a broader term for a boy, youth, or servant, often younger than a בָּחוּר. | יֶלֶד (yeled, H3206) — a child or very young boy. | גֶּבֶר (gever, H1397) — a man, often emphasizing strength or maturity, sometimes overlapping in military contexts.
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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