מִבְחָר
select, i.e. best
Definition
מִבְחָר refers to that which is selected, chosen, or of the highest quality. It primarily denotes the 'best' or 'choicest' of something, such as the choicest land (Genesis 23:6) or the choicest young men (Exodus 15:4). In a military context, it describes elite, selected troops (Jeremiah 22:7). The word can also carry a sense of something set apart or designated, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:11 where it refers to the place God will 'choose' for His name to dwell.
Biblical Usage
The word is used 12 times across various genres, including narrative (Genesis, Exodus), law (Deuteronomy), and prophecy (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel). It consistently describes the highest-quality or most excellent selection within a category. In Genesis 23:6, it describes the choicest burial sites. In prophetic literature, it often refers to elite military forces, such as Pharaoh's 'choice' officers (Exodus 15:4) or the 'choice' cedars of Lebanon (Isaiah 37:24). Its usage in Deuteronomy 12:11 is unique, applying to a divinely chosen location.
Etymology
Derived from the root בָּחַר (bāchar, H977), meaning 'to choose, select, or examine.' מִבְחָר is a noun form (a *qitlāl* pattern) that signifies the result or object of the choosing action—'the chosen thing' or 'the choice part.' It is related to other nouns like בְּחִיר (bechîr, H972), meaning 'chosen one.'
Semantic Range
This word highlights the biblical theme of divine and human selection. It underscores God's sovereignty in choosing the best—whether a place for worship (Deuteronomy 12:11) or, by extension in broader theology, His chosen people. Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing that God's choices reflect supreme quality and purposeful intent. The 'choice' or 'best' things in scripture often point to what God values and sets apart for His purposes.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the 'choicest' or 'best' of anything—land, warriors, materials—carried significant social and economic value, representing honor, strength, and desirability. Selecting the best was a sign of respect, as when Abraham was offered the 'choicest' tombs. In military contexts, 'choice' troops were the elite, well-trained core of an army, essential for key battles.
בְּחִיר (bechîr, H972) — Typically refers to a chosen person or group (e.g., chosen ones). סְגֻלָּה (segullâ, H5459) — Refers to a treasured possession, especially Israel as God's special treasure.
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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