בָּרִיחַ
Bariach, an Israelite
Definition
בָּרִיחַ (Bârîyach) is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man named Bariach. He is mentioned only once in the Bible as a descendant of the royal line of Judah through Shecaniah (1 Chronicles 3:22). The name itself is identical to the common Hebrew noun meaning 'bar' or 'bolt,' as used for the bars of a gate or door (e.g., Judges 16:3, Nehemiah 3:3). Therefore, Bariach is likely a personal name derived from this everyday object, possibly symbolizing strength or security. As a proper name, it carries no other distinct biblical meanings beyond this single genealogical reference.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively as a proper name in the Old Testament. Its sole occurrence is in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 3:22, where Bariach is listed among the post-exilic descendants of King David. The context is purely historical and familial, documenting the lineage of the tribe of Judah. No narrative or descriptive usage accompanies the name.
Etymology
The name בָּרִיחַ (Bârîyach) is identical to the masculine noun H1281 (בָּרִיחַ), meaning 'bar,' 'bolt,' or 'crossbar.' It derives from the root ב־ר־ח (B-R-Ch), which conveys the sense of 'fleeing' or 'running,' possibly relating to the fastening or securing action of a bolt. As a personal name, it follows a common Hebrew practice of using nouns from daily life (like tools or natural objects) for given names, implying a characteristic such as strength or reliability.
Semantic Range
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. Using a common object like a 'bar' or 'bolt' (a crucial component for security in gates and doors) as a personal name suggests that Bariach's parents may have wished to associate him with concepts of strength, protection, or steadfastness. This practice mirrors other Hebrew names derived from everyday items or attributes, embedding aspirational meaning into personal identity.
בְּרִיחַ (Bĕrîyach, H1280) — A variant spelling of the same noun for 'bar' or 'bolt,' used in poetic contexts like Song of Solomon 5:5.
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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