בְּרִיחַ
a bolt
Definition
The Hebrew noun בְּרִיחַ (bᵉrîyach) primarily means 'bar' or 'bolt,' referring to a strong, horizontal rod used to secure doors or gates, especially in the tabernacle's framework (Exodus 26:26-29). In a few instances, it metaphorically describes a 'fugitive' or someone who 'runs away,' as seen in Amos 4:3, where the image shifts from a physical securing object to a person in flight. This dual usage connects the idea of a solid, fixed bar with the contrasting concept of rapid escape.
Biblical Usage
בְּרִיחַ is used 37 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in Exodus (25 times) and 1 Kings (6 times) in detailed descriptions of the tabernacle and temple construction, specifying the bars that held the structure's frames together. For example, Exodus 36:31-33 details their placement. The metaphorical sense of 'fugitive' appears in poetic or prophetic books like Amos 4:3 and Song of Solomon 8:14, creating a vivid contrast between security and escape.
Etymology
Derived from the root בָּרַח (bārach, H1272), meaning 'to flee' or 'run away.' The noun form בְּרִיחַ interestingly developed to mean both a securing 'bolt' (perhaps something that 'holds fast' or is thrown quickly into place) and a 'fugitive' (one who flees), showing a semantic range from restraint to rapid motion.
Semantic Range
The word enriches understanding of God's sanctuary. The bars of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:26-29) symbolize structural integrity and security, reflecting the stability and permanence of God's dwelling among His people. The metaphorical use as 'fugitive' (Amos 4:3) highlights themes of judgment and escape, contrasting human flight from God with the secure refuge found in Him.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, heavy wooden or metal bars were essential for securing city gates and important structures against attack. The detailed specifications for the tabernacle's bars (Exodus 36) underscore their practical necessity for a portable shrine, ensuring it remained rigid and sacred during travel. The metaphorical leap to 'fugitive' leverages a common cultural understanding of someone 'bolting' or running through gates.
מַנְעוּל (manʿûl, H4514) — a lock or fastener, more specific than a simple bar. דֶּלֶת (deleth, H1817) — a door or gate, which a בְּרִיחַ would secure. בָּרַח (bārach, H1272) — the root verb 'to flee,' directly related to the 'fugitive' sense.
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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