יִבְחַר
Jibchar, an Israelite
Definition
Yibchar (Jibchar) is a proper noun referring to a son of King David, born to him in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:15, 1 Chronicles 14:5). He is listed among David's children, specifically as one of the sons born after David established his capital in Jerusalem. The name appears in two parallel genealogical lists (2 Samuel 5:15 and 1 Chronicles 14:5), and he is also mentioned in the lineage of David's sons in 1 Chronicles 3:6. As a personal name, it carries the meaning 'he chooses' or 'choice,' reflecting its etymological root.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively as a personal name in the Old Testament, appearing only three times in historical/genealogical contexts. All occurrences are in the books of Samuel and Chronicles, which record the history of King David's reign and family. It is used specifically to identify one of David's sons, listed alongside his brothers such as Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon (1 Chronicles 3:5). The usage is consistent across its appearances, serving to document David's lineage.
Etymology
The name Yibchar is derived from the Hebrew root בָּחַר (bachar, H977), which means 'to choose, select, or elect.' It is a verb in the imperfect (third person masculine singular) form, meaning 'he will choose' or 'he chooses.' As a personal name, it follows a common Hebrew naming pattern where verbs describe an attribute or action of God (e.g., 'Yahweh chooses'). It is related to the concept of divine election seen in words like בְּחִיר (bechir, 'chosen one').
Semantic Range
While the name itself is a personal identifier, its etymological connection to the root בָּחַר (bachar) links it to the significant biblical theme of divine choice or election. This root is central to understanding God's sovereign selection of individuals (like Abraham or David) and the nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6). For a Bible student, recognizing that David named a son 'he chooses' can subtly point to the cultural and theological importance of God's elective purpose within the Davidic covenant and lineage.
In ancient Israelite culture, personal names often carried meaningful descriptions, hopes, or statements about God's character. Naming a child Yibchar ('he chooses') likely reflected parental acknowledgment of God's sovereign choice in the child's life or in the family's circumstances. It differs from modern naming conventions, which are often based on sound or family tradition rather than declarative meaning. As a son of David born in Jerusalem, his name also connects to the establishment of David's dynasty in the new capital.
בָּחַר (bachar, H977) — the root verb meaning 'to choose,' from which the name is derived. בְּחִיר (bechir, H972) — a noun meaning 'chosen one,' often used for the elect. בָּחִיר (bachir, H972) — another form meaning 'chosen, select,' describing quality or status.
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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