בָּרָא

בָּרָא

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

Definition

The Hebrew verb בָּרָא (bârâʼ) fundamentally means 'to create,' specifically denoting divine activity that brings something new into existence from nothing or shapes it in a formative way. In its primary, absolute sense, it refers to God's unique creative acts, such as the creation of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), sea creatures (Genesis 1:21), and humanity (Genesis 1:27). In a qualified or secondary sense, it can describe formative human actions like cutting down or selecting wood (Ezekiel 21:19) or making something fat or well-fed (1 Samuel 2:29), processes that shape or prepare existing materials.

Biblical Usage

בָּרָא appears 46 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in poetic and prophetic books that emphasize God's sovereign power. Its primary usage is in Genesis 1-2, establishing the pattern of divine creation. It is also frequent in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 40:26, 43:1, 45:7, 48:7) and the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 51:10, 89:12, 104:30, 148:5) to proclaim God as Creator. The secondary, human-oriented meanings appear rarely, such as in Ezekiel 21:19 (cutting down) and 1 Samuel 2:29 (making fat).

Etymology

בָּרָא is a primitive root. Its core meaning relates to 'bringing into being' or 'shaping.' While its exact origin is debated, it is distinct from other Hebrew words for 'making' (עָשָׂה, `asah) and 'forming' (יָצַר, yatsar), as בָּרָא emphasizes initiation and absolute sovereignty, often implying creation ex nihilo (from nothing).

Semantic Range

בָּרָא is theologically central, defining God's unique role as the sovereign Creator who alone can bring something from nothing. It underpins the doctrine of creation ex nihilo, distinguishing divine from human activity. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the absolute newness and divine initiative in passages like Genesis 1, Isaiah's prophecies of new creation (Isaiah 65:17), and the Psalmist's praise. It frames God's authority over all reality and His power to make all things new. In the ancient Near Eastern context, creation was often depicted as a god shaping pre-existing chaotic matter. Israel's use of בָּרָא, particularly in Genesis 1, presented a radical contrast: one sovereign God creating the universe by His word alone, without conflict or pre-existing material, establishing a foundation for monotheism and divine transcendence. עָשָׂה (`asah, H6213) — a broader term for 'making' or 'doing,' often used for human craftsmanship or God's acts within creation. יָצַר (yatsar, H3335) — 'to form' or 'fashion,' like a potter, emphasizing shaping pre-existing material (e.g., Genesis 2:7).

Word Details