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H1249 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בַּר
Bar
Adjective / Noun
Pure / Clean / Son (Aramaic)

Definition

Bar in Hebrew means pure, clean, or clear (as in a pure heart — Psalm 24:4). In Aramaic (used in Proverbs 31:2 and Daniel), bar means son. This dual meaning creates a rich theological resonance: the 'son' in biblical wisdom is the one called to purity, and the pure in heart are called children of God.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Psalm 24 demand for 'clean hands and a pure (bar) heart' to ascend God's holy hill sets the standard of moral purity required for divine presence. This purity is ultimately fulfilled only in Christ — the perfectly pure Son of God. Proverbs 31:2's 'bar bitni' ('son of my womb') reminds us that sonship involves both birth and character. Jesus' Beatitude 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God' (Matthew 5:8) echoes this bar theology — moral purity leads to divine vision.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 24:4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
Psalm 73:1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
Proverbs 31:2 What shall I say, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?
Daniel 3:25 He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.'
Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

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External Resources

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