בַּר
𐤁𐤓
bar
H1248 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A male child with particular emphasis on the relationship to parents, especially as 'son' in both literal and metaphorical senses. In specific contexts, especially in Aramaic-influenced books, refers to 'son' as descendant or member of a family line, sometimes signifies an 'heir' or one designated successor. In poetic or wisdom literature, can denote moral quality ('pure, clean') as a secondary sense based on alternate root connection.
Semantic Range
son, male descendant, heir, successor to a throne; pure, clean (as a separate sense, context-dependent); grain (rare poetic sense)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Aramaic root בר (bar), meaning 'son'. While structurally similar to Hebrew בֵּן (ben), 'son', בַּר occurs in Hebrew texts under Aramaic influence, particularly in later biblical books or poetic contexts. Rarely, as a homograph derived from a different root, can mean 'pure, clean, grain' (i.e., 'wheat'), but this is context-dependent and semantically distinct.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, בַּר is primarily found in texts with Aramaic linguistic influence (e.g., Daniel, Ezra, and poetic Psalms) and functions as the Aramaic term for 'son', in contrast to the standard Hebrew term בֵּן (ben). Its usage as 'heir' or 'heir apparent' predominantly stems from royal or dynastic contexts, reflecting the individual's relationship as a designated male descendant. English translations sometimes render בַּר simply as 'son', though it may also convey the nuance of succession (i.e., the official successor to a throne). The alternate use of בַּר as 'pure/clean' (e.g., Psalm 24:4, 'clean hands') stems from a separate Hebrew root, unrelated to the Aramaic meaning 'son'. Care must be taken to distinguish these homographs by context. The English term 'Jew' or 'Jewish' does not occur in connection with this word in Hebrew biblical texts; when applied in later periods or in Greek translations, it refers to a later historical identity distinct from the Israelite or Judahite contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
borrowed (as a title) from בַּר; the heir (apparent to the throne); son.
Bantu Hebrew
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בר (b-r) — son, male descendant; to be pure, clean; grain (rare)
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1248-01 |
בַּר | bar | HNcmsc |
son | winnowed grain | son | 2 |
H1248-02 |
בְּ֭רִ/י | beri | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my son | my son | my son | 1 |
H1248-03 |
בַ֡ר | var | HNcmsa |
purity | son | son | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1248-03 |
Psalms 2:12 | בַ֡ר | var | HNcmsa |
purity | son | son |
H1248-02 |
Proverbs 31:2 | בְּ֭רִ/י | beri | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my son | my son | my son |
H1248-01 |
Proverbs 31:2 | בַּר | bar | HNcmsc |
son | winnowed grain | son |
H1248-01 |
Proverbs 31:2 | בַּר | bar-2 | HNcmsc |
son | winnowed grain | son |