בָּרַק
𐤁𐤓𐤒
bâraq
H1299 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To flash with sudden brightness, especially of lightning; to emit or cast forth a dazzling light or brilliance, typically in reference to natural phenomena like lightning, but also metaphorically for sudden, intense radiance or the flashing of sharp weapons in action. In some contexts, also to shine or gleam brightly.
Semantic Range
to flash (as lightning), to cast forth a bright light, to gleam or shine brightly (of polished metal or weaponry), to emit a sudden burst of radiance, to appear with dazzling brilliance
Root / Etymology
Root בָּרַק (BRQ). The root fundamentally denotes bursting or emitting a bright flash. The derived noun בָּרָק (baraq) in Hebrew means 'lightning.' This verbal root conveys the idea of a sudden, intense burst of brightness, whether in nature or by reflection from polished or glinting objects (like metal).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical Hebrew, בָּרַק almost always refers to the vivid, instantaneous flash of lightning in the sky, especially in poetic or prophetic texts (e.g., Job 37:3, Psalm 77:18). It is also used to describe the glitter or sudden gleam of polished metal, especially of weapons in motion (e.g., Nahum 3:3; Ezekiel 21:15), metaphorically likening the dazzling effect of lightning to the appearance and movement of swords or spears. The root is not used for steady shining, but for exceptionally brief or sudden illumination. In English translations, this word is often rendered as 'lighten,' 'lightning,' or 'flash.' However, the specific imagery of lightning is central in Hebrew usage. Over time, the metaphorical extension to gleaming weapons is prominent in prophetic poetry, underscoring intensity and rapidity. Post-biblical usage maintains the association with lightning and intense flashes. The root is distinct from other Hebrew roots for 'shine' (e.g., אור, למַט), as בָּרַק connotes transience, brightness, and suddenness rather than prolonged or gentle shining.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to lighten (lightning); cast forth.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
ברק (b-r-q) — to flash, to shine suddenly, to gleam
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1300 | בָּרָק | Lightning |
| H1301 | בָּרָק | Lightning |
| H1303 | בַּרְקָן | the flashing-briers |
| H1304 | בָּרֶקֶת | and flashing gem |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1299-01 |
בְּר֣וֹק | beroq | HVqv2ms |
flash forth | Flash forth! | Flash forth | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1299-01 |
Psalms 144:6 | בְּר֣וֹק | beroq | HVqv2ms |
flash forth | Flash forth! | Flash forth |