בָּרִיחַ
a fugitive, i.e. the serpent (as fleeing), and the constellation by that name
Definition
The Hebrew noun בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach) primarily means 'fugitive' or 'one who flees,' derived from the verb 'to flee.' In its three biblical occurrences, it carries two distinct metaphorical meanings. In Isaiah 27:1, it poetically describes the 'fleeing serpent' (Leviathan), a symbol of a chaotic sea monster or enemy power that God will ultimately slay. In Job 26:13, it refers to the 'fleeing serpent' as a constellation (likely Draco), depicting God's creative power over the cosmos. In Isaiah 43:14, the sense shifts to describe the Babylonians as 'fugitives' or 'fleeing ones' whom God will send into exile, emphasizing their defeat and subjugation.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, exclusively in poetic or prophetic literature (Job and Isaiah). Its usage shows a clear pattern of metaphorical application. Twice it describes a serpentine figure (Job 26:13; Isaiah 27:1)—once as a celestial constellation and once as a mythological chaos monster. The third usage (Isaiah 43:14) applies the core meaning of 'fugitive' directly to a human political power (Babylon), foretelling their downfall. Thus, it moves from cosmic imagery to historical prophecy.
Etymology
The noun בָּרִיחַ (bârîyach) comes directly from the root בָּרַח (bârach, H1272), meaning 'to flee, run away, escape.' It is an active participle form, literally meaning 'a fleer' or 'one who flees.' The shortened form בָּרִחַ also appears. The KJV translations 'crooked,' 'noble,' and 'piercing' reflect interpretive challenges with the poetic contexts, but the core etymological idea remains 'flight' or 'fleeing.'
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects God's sovereignty over both cosmic chaos and human history. In Isaiah 27:1, the 'fleeing serpent' (Leviathan) represents the ultimate defeat of evil and chaos by Yahweh, a key theme of divine victory. In Job 26:13, it highlights God's majestic creative power over the heavens. In Isaiah 43:14, it demonstrates God's control over nations, turning mighty empires into 'fugitives.' Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of these passages by unifying the imagery of God subduing all forms of rebellion, whether mythical, celestial, or political.
In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, the 'fleeing serpent' (Isaiah 27:1, Job 26:13) would evoke familiar mythological imagery. Leviathan was a well-known chaos monster from Canaanite and Mesopotamian myths, representing untamed, anti-creation forces. By naming it, the biblical authors claim Yahweh's supremacy over these pagan symbols. The constellation reference (Job 26:13) shows ancient Israel's awareness of astronomy/astrology, which is here subordinated to God's creative act. Calling Babylon 'fugitives' (Isaiah 43:14) would be a powerful, derogatory label for a seemingly invincible empire.
נָס (nâs, H5127) — a more general term for 'one who flees' from danger. פָּלִיט (pâlîyṭ, H6412) — an 'escapee' or 'survivor,' often from destruction. שָׂרָף (śārāph, H8314) — a 'fiery serpent,' a different type of serpentine creature.
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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