בָּחַר
Properly, to try , i.e. (by implication) select
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 בָּחַר (bāḥar) mean in the Bible?
בָּחַר (bāḥar) is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to try , i.e. (by implication) select". properly, to try, i. The renewed choosing emphasizes covenant continuity. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant.
Meaning
Selection emerges from testing or scrutiny; implies deliberate evaluation before choosing, especially God's covenant choice.
properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select BDB: choose Usage: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require.
Why This Word Matters
The renewed choosing emphasizes covenant continuity. Isaiah 14:1-8
Highlights God’s sovereign initiative in covenant relationship. Isaiah 44:1-5
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 124×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 6×
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject 1×
Qal passive 1×
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 170 occurrences in the biblical text.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.