מִבְחָר

Mibchar, an Israelite

Definition

Mibchar is a proper noun referring to an individual named Mibchar, who is listed among King David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11:38. The name is identical to the common Hebrew noun מִבְחָר (mibchâr, H4005), meaning 'choice' or 'best.' As a personal name, it likely carried a positive connotation, perhaps signifying 'chosen one' or 'excellent one.' In its single biblical occurrence, it serves solely to identify this specific warrior in David's elite military cadre.

Biblical Usage

The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 11:38. It functions strictly as a proper name for one of David's 'mighty men' (גִּבֹּרִים, gibborim). The context is a genealogical and military list chronicling the heroes who supported David's kingdom.

Etymology

Mibchar is derived directly from the Hebrew noun מִבְחָר (mibchâr, H4005), which comes from the root בָּחַר (bachar, H977), meaning 'to choose.' The noun form means 'choice, chosen, best part.' As a personal name, it is a substantivized use of this adjective, meaning 'chosen one' or 'excellent one.'

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often held significant meaning, reflecting character traits, parental hopes, or circumstances of birth. A name like Mibchar ('chosen/excellent one') would be aspirational, possibly given to express the parents' esteem for the child or to invoke a quality of distinction. Its bearer being listed among David's warriors suggests he lived up to this name through military valor.

בָּחִיר (bachiyr, H972) — an adjective meaning 'chosen, elect,' often used for people chosen by God. מִבְחָר (mibchâr, H4005) — the identical common noun meaning 'choice, best part,' from which the name is taken.

Word Details

Scripture References