The Hebrew verb בָּחַר (root: ב-ח-ר) means “to choose,” “to select,” or “to prefer.” It plays a crucial theological role in the Hebrew Bible, often used in relation to divine election—God choosing individuals (like Avraham or David), tribes (like Levi), or the nation of Yisra’el.
בָּחַר appears primarily in the Qal binyan, where it describes the simple action of choosing. It is frequently followed by the preposition בְּ (indicating the one who is chosen).
Qal Binyan Conjugation of בָּחַר
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בָּחַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּחַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּחַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בָּחַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בָּחֲרָה |
| 1st person plural | בָּחַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בְּחַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּחַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בָּחֲרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | בֹּחֵר |
| Feminine singular | בֹּחֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | בּוֹחֲרִים |
| Feminine plural | בּוֹחֲרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶבְחַר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּבְחַר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּבְחֲרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִבְחַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּבְחַר |
| 1st person plural | נִבְחַר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּבְחֲרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּבְחַרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִבְחֲרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בְּחַר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בַּחֲרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בַּחֲרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בְּחַרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Deuteronomy 7:6 – בְּךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה
“The LORD has chosen you…” — referring to the election of Yisra’el. - 1 Samuel 16:7 – כִּי לֹא אֲשֶׁר יִרְאֶה הָאָדָם יִרְאֶה יְהוָה…
“…for man sees not as the LORD sees…” — contrasting human and divine choosing. - Isaiah 41:8 – זֶרַע אַבְרָהָם אֹהֲבִי אֲשֶׁר בְּךָ בָּחַרְתִּי
“Descendant of Avraham, My friend, whom I have chosen.”
Summary
The verb בָּחַר expresses one of the most profound themes in the Hebrew Bible: the act of choosing. Whether divine or human, this verb signifies decision, preference, and election. Most importantly, it emphasizes God’s sovereign choice of His people, His servants, and His purposes. It’s a theologically rich term with enduring impact across Scripture.
