בָּרָא
(Absolutely) to create ; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select , feed (as formative processes)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does בָּרָא (bārāʾ) mean in the Bible?
בָּרָא (bārāʾ) is a Hebrew word meaning "(absolutely) to create ; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select , feed (as formative processes)". (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes) BDB: be fat Usage: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). Affirms divine sovereignty as foundation for trust. This term runs through the canonical themes of Creation, Faith.
Meaning
Create by divine fiat; God's exclusive prerogative to bring into being from nothing or formlessness.
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes) BDB: be fat Usage: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).
Why This Word Matters
Affirms divine sovereignty as foundation for trust. Isaiah 40:12-31
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 23×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 4×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 2×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 54 occurrences in the biblical text.