Bevare

Bevare is a verb form found in the Scandinavian languages that historically carried the sense of protecting, preserving, or keeping safe. In modern Swedish, the corresponding infinitive is bevara, and bevare is now largely confined to archaic, literary, or ceremonial usage. In Norwegian and Danish, bevare remains attested in fixed expressions and religious or ceremonial phrases, such as Bevare Gud (God preserve us) or Bevare mig.

The term is most visible in older texts, religious services, and biblical translations, where it appears as an imperative or as part of formulaic invocations. In contemporary Swedish, bevara is used for everyday speech and writing, while bevare survives mainly in quotation, poetry, or historical documents. The overall meaning—preservation, protection, safeguarding against harm—remains consistent across its attested uses.

Etymologically, bevare is linked to the historic North Germanic language family. It appears in medieval Swedish and other Scandinavian sources as the older form of the verb family that includes modern bevara in Swedish and bevara/bevarer in Norwegian and Danish. The enduring presence of bevare in liturgical and ceremonial language reflects its role in traditional expressions of blessing and warning found in the region’s literary and religious heritage.

See also: bevara, Bevare Gud, Bevar, preservation (in Scandinavian linguistic context).