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- The Subtle Grammar of Possession in Biblical Hebrew
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The Hebrew Verb בָּרַר: To Choose, Purify, or Examine Carefully
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).… Learn Hebrew