The Hebrew verb בָּרַר (root: ב-ר-ר) means “to choose,” “to purify,” “to sift,” or “to examine carefully.” It conveys the idea of selecting something with care and purpose—such as choosing the best from among many, or purifying something by removing impurities.
This verb is used both literally (e.g., in agriculture or metallurgy) and metaphorically (e.g., choosing the righteous, refining character). It appears in various binyanim, most notably in the Piel (to purify or select) and Puʿal (to be purified or selected).
Piel Binyan Conjugation of בָּרַר
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | בֵּרַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | בֵּרַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בֵּרַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | בֵּרֵר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | בֵּרְרָה |
| 1st person plural | בֵּרַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בֵּרַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בֵּרַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | בֵּרְרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | מְבָרֵר |
| Feminine singular | מְבָרֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | מְבָרְרִים |
| Feminine plural | מְבָרְרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲבָרֵר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּבָרֵר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּבָרְרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יְבָרֵר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּבָרֵר |
| 1st person plural | נְבָרֵר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּבָרְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּבָרֵרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יְבָרְרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | בָּרֵר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | בָּרֲרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | בָּרְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | בָּרֵרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Daniel 11:35 – וּמִן־הַמַּשְׂכִּילִים יִכָּשְׁלוּ לְצָרוֹף בָּהֶם וּלְבָרֵר וּלְלַבֵּן
“Some of the wise will stumble, to refine them, and to purify and make them white…” - Ecclesiastes 3:18 – בְּנֵי הָאָדָם לְבָרְרָם אֱלֹהִים
“God tests them (lit. purifies them), that they may see that they themselves are beasts.”
Summary
The verb בָּרַר conveys the idea of refining, selecting, and purifying—whether materials, people, or moral qualities. Often used in the context of divine testing or judgment, it reflects God’s intention to sift, examine, and bring clarity or righteousness. Whether used in spiritual, social, or physical contexts, this verb carries the nuance of discernment and deliberate choice.
