Lexical Summary bar: son Original Word: בַּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance son Borrowed (as a title) from bar; the heir (apparent to the throne) -- son. see HEBREW bar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bar Definition son NASB Translation son (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. בַּר noun masculine son (Aramaic בַּר, Syriac  ) only in late Hebrew of Proverbs 31:2 (twice in verse) (both construct), Proverbs 31:2 suffix בְּרִי; נשׁקו בר Psalm 2:12 kiss the son, ᵑ6 Modern Vrss Ges De Pe et al.; receive instruction ᵑ7; δράξασθε παιδείας ᵐ5; apprehendite disciplinam ᵑ9 Ew; kiss purely, do sincere homage Aq Symm Jerome BrMP 136; emendation Lag נַשְּׁקוּ מוֺסֵרוֺ (מוֺסָרוֺׅ put on his bonds (compare Psalm 2:3) so Kmp CheOP 351. Topical Lexicon Range of Meaning and Semantic Field Though most often translated “son,” בַּר (bar) carries connotations that extend beyond mere biological descent. In ancient Semitic usage it could point to inheritance rights, filial responsibility, covenant relationship, and—by extension—purity or clarity (as in “grain” winnowed from its husk). These shades of meaning invite reflection on both relational and moral dimensions whenever the term appears. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Psalm 2:12 The concentrated distribution underscores two primary settings: royal enthronement theology (Psalm 2) and maternal instruction for kingship (Proverbs 31). Messianic Implications in Psalm 2:12 “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 2:12) Here בַּר is addressed to earthly rulers who are summoned to pay homage. The psalm’s broader context—nations raging, the LORD installing His King on Zion—marks it as royal and ultimately Messianic. Calling the anointed king “Son” harkens back to 2 Samuel 7:14 (“I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to Me a son”) and anticipates New Testament revelations of Jesus Christ as the eternal Son (Hebrews 1:5). Thus, בַּר functions christologically: a title of divine filiation that demands personal allegiance and offers refuge to all who submit. Parental Wisdom in Proverbs 31:2 “What is it, my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?” (Proverbs 31:2) Threefold repetition heightens urgency. The queen mother appeals to her royal offspring, grounding her admonition in: By choosing בַּר rather than the more common בֵּן (ben), the verse subtly widens application: the wisdom offered is not bound by ethnicity but speaks to any son destined for leadership. It also reinforces the sense of moral “purity” expected of a ruler who must avoid the corrupting snares detailed in verses 3-9. Theological Reflections • Sonship is both status and summons: privilege joined to accountability. Ministry Applications 1. Discipleship: Psalm 2:12 provides a call to decision—embrace the Son or face judgment—useful in evangelistic preaching. Historical Usage in Worship and Teaching Early church fathers cited Psalm 2:12 to affirm the deity of Christ against Arianism. Medieval liturgies treated it as an introit for Christ the King Sunday. Reformers used the text to confront civil magistrates with their duty under Christ’s lordship. In Jewish tradition, Proverbs 31 formed part of Shabbat liturgy, reminding every household of covenantal values. Intertextual Connections • Psalm 110:3 speaks of royal “children” offered freely, echoing the filial theme. Concluding Themes בַּר gathers royal authority, filial devotion, and moral purity into one concise word. It summons kings and commoners alike to honor the Son, heed parental wisdom, and pursue lives untainted by sin. In every context Scripture presents, true blessing rests on those who “take refuge in Him.” Forms and Transliterations בְּ֭רִי בַ֡ר בַּר־ בר בר־ ברי bar ḇar bar- bə·rî Beri bərî varLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 2:12 HEB: נַשְּׁקוּ־ בַ֡ר פֶּן־ יֶאֱנַ֤ף ׀ NAS: Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, KJV: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, INT: Do to the Son not become Proverbs 31:2 Proverbs 31:2 Proverbs 31:2 4 Occurrences |
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