כַּבִּיר
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
Definition
The Hebrew word כַּבִּיר (kabbîyr) primarily describes something that is vast, great, or mighty. It can refer to physical strength and power, as seen when Job asks, 'Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?' implying God's incomparably 'mighty' power (Job 4:17). It also conveys the idea of abundance or greatness in number, such as the 'many' or 'vast' waters in Job's description of creation (Job 31:25). In a temporal sense, it can denote something of long duration or age, as in the 'aged' or 'venerable' men referenced in Job 15:10.
Biblical Usage
כַּבִּיר is used exclusively in poetic and prophetic literature, appearing nine times in the books of Job and Isaiah. In Job, it is used in debates about God's justice and power, often contrasting human weakness with divine might (e.g., Job 34:17, 34:24). In Isaiah, it describes the 'great' multitude of nations (Isaiah 17:12) and the 'mighty' number of people within Moab (Isaiah 16:14), emphasizing overwhelming force or quantity.
Etymology
The noun כַּבִּיר derives from the root כָּבַר (kāvar, H3527), which means 'to be great' or 'to be much.' This root is related to the idea of abundance and magnitude. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian 'kabāru,' also carry meanings of being thick, heavy, or great, reinforcing the core concept of substantiality.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it frequently appears in contexts highlighting God's supreme and overwhelming nature. In Job, it underscores the theme of God's inscrutable power and justice compared to human limitation. Understanding כַּבִּיר enriches reading by revealing that biblical descriptions of God's might (Job 36:5) and the vastness of His works are not merely about physical size but about qualitative greatness and sovereign authority that demands reverence.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, terms denoting greatness and power were often associated with deities, kings, and cosmic forces. כַּבִּיר, when applied to God, would resonate with audiences familiar with depictions of divine supremacy. Its use for 'aged' men (Job 15:10) reflects a cultural value placed on the wisdom and honor associated with long life.
גָּדוֹל (gādôl, H1419) — A more common general term for 'great' in size, number, or importance, whereas כַּבִּיר often carries a nuance of density, might, or venerable age. עָצוּם (ʿāṣûm, H6099) — Emphasizes being mighty or powerful, often in a collective or formidable sense, similar to כַּבִּיר's use for vast multitudes. רַב (rav, H7227) — Focuses on abundance in quantity or degree ('many,' 'much'), while כַּבִּיר can include qualitative greatness.
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.
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