Bible Word Study
גָּבַר
gâbar · to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
גָּבַר
to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
Definition
The verb גָּבַר (gâbar) fundamentally means 'to be strong' or 'to prevail.' It often describes physical strength overpowering something, such as the floodwaters prevailing over the earth in Genesis 7:18-20. In a more abstract sense, it can mean to gain mastery or superiority, as when Moses' hands were held up to ensure Israel prevailed in battle (Exodus 17:11). In some contexts, the strength can take on a negative connotation of acting insolently or arrogantly, implying an overbearing use of power.
Biblical Usage
גָּבַר is used 24 times, primarily in narrative and poetic books. It frequently appears in contexts of conflict or natural forces, describing waters prevailing (Genesis 7), armies or individuals being stronger (2 Samuel 1:23), or God's power and purposes prevailing (1 Samuel 2:9). The verb is also used in blessings, as in Jacob's blessing where Joseph's blessings are said to 'prevail' (Genesis 49:26).
Etymology
A primitive root. It is related to the adjective גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, H1368), meaning 'mighty one' or 'warrior,' and the noun גְּבוּרָה (gᵊbûrâ, H1369), meaning 'strength' or 'might.' The core idea is inherent strength or power.
Semantic Range
This word is significant for understanding divine and human power dynamics in Scripture. It highlights God as the ultimate source of strength whose purposes prevail (1 Samuel 2:9). It also illustrates human strength, which can be positive in reliance on God or negative when leading to arrogance. The concept enriches the reading of passages about spiritual warfare, God's sovereignty over creation, and the blessing of divine strength. In an ancient Near Eastern context, strength was a primary virtue for survival, leadership, and warfare. גָּבַר would evoke images of a warrior's prowess or the overwhelming force of nature. The potential negative sense of 'acting insolently' reflects a cultural understanding that strength must be exercised with justice and humility, not merely for domination. חָזַק (ḥāzaq, H2388) — to be strong, often with a focus on firmness, grasping, or courage. עָצַם (ʿāṣam, H6105) — to be vast, mighty, or numerous, emphasizing abundance or greatness. כָּבַשׁ (kābaš, H3533) — to subdue or bring into bondage, focusing on the act of conquering.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]