גִּבָּר
Gibbar, an Israelite
Definition
Gibbar is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile. The name appears only in Ezra 2:20, where 'the sons of Gibbar' are listed among the returning exiles, numbering 95 individuals. The name is likely derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'strong man' or 'mighty one,' suggesting a personal name connoting strength or valor. In the parallel list in Nehemiah 7:25, the name appears as 'Gibeon,' which may represent a textual variation or a different rendering of the same family group.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezra 2:20, within a detailed census list of families who returned from exile under Zerubbabel. Its usage is strictly as a personal name identifying a patriarchal head of a family group. The context is administrative and genealogical, part of the post-exilic effort to reestablish Israelite identity and tribal lineages.
Etymology
Gibbar (גִּבָּר) is an intensive form of the root גְּבַר (gᵉbar, H1399), which relates to being strong or a man. It is linguistically connected to the more common noun גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, H1368), meaning 'mighty man,' 'warrior,' or 'hero.' The name essentially means 'Mighty One' or 'Strong Man,' functioning as a personal name rather than a descriptive title in its biblical occurrence.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its single occurrence in the exile return lists (Ezra 2:20) connects it to the theme of God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring His people. The meaning of the name ('Mighty One') may ironically highlight that the true strength for restoration came from God, not the individuals listed. Its presence in the genealogy underscores the biblical value of every individual and family in God's redemptive plan.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, describing character, destiny, or a circumstance of birth. 'Gibbar,' meaning 'Mighty One,' was likely given to a child with hopes of strength or leadership. The recording of such names in post-exilic lists was culturally vital for reclaiming land rights, priestly lineages, and social identity after the disruption of the exile.
גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, H1368) — The common noun for 'mighty man' or 'warrior,' from which the proper name Gibbar is derived.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →