feminine passive participle from the same as גִּבּוֹר; force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory; force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gᵉbûwrâh**, represented by `{{H1369}}`, denotes **force**, **might**, and **power**. It appears 61 times in 61 unique verses in the Bible. While it can describe human strength or valor, it is most often used to express the absolute power and mighty acts of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H1369}}` is used to attribute ultimate power to God, as declared in David's prayer: "Thine, O LORD{H3068}, is the greatness{H1420}, and the power{H1369}, and the glory{H8597}" [[1 Chronicles 29:11]]. The term also describes a key attribute given by the Spirit of the LORD, particularly in the prophecy concerning the Messiah, who will have "the spirit{H7307} of counsel{H6098} and might{H1369}" [[Isaiah 11:2]]. When applied to humans, it often serves as a warning against misplaced pride, as in the command, "neither let the mighty{H1368} man glory{H1984} in his might{H1369}" [[Jeremiah 9:23]]. In historical accounts, it frequently appears in the formulaic summary of a king's reign, such as the record of "all his might{H1369}" [[2 Kings 20:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of strength and power:
* `{{H1368}}` **gibbôwr** (powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant): This is the masculine counterpart to `{{H1369}}`, referring to a mighty or valiant man. The two words are used together to contrast human strength with divine wisdom and riches [[Jeremiah 9:23]].
* `{{H3581}}` **kôach** (vigor, force, might, power, strength): This term is often used alongside `{{H1369}}` to emphasize the fullness of power, whether it is God's power to create and rule [[1 Chronicles 29:12]] or the spiritual power He gives His prophets [[Micah 3:8]].
* `{{H5797}}` **ʻôz** (strength, might, power): This word also denotes strength and is used in praise of God's power. It appears in parallel with `{{H1369}}`, with worshippers vowing to "sing{H7891} and praise{H2167} thy power{H1369}" because God is exalted in His own "strength{H5797}" [[Psalms 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1369}}` is significant, establishing a clear hierarchy of power.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word consistently affirms that all might ultimately belongs to God. His power rules over all earthly kingdoms and none can withstand Him [[2 Chronicles 20:6]]. God's might is the foundation for His eternal rule [[Psalms 66:7]].
* **Spirit-Given Strength:** `{{H1369}}` is not merely a physical attribute but a spiritual endowment. The Spirit of the LORD imparts "might{H1369}" for divine purposes, whether for leadership [[Isaiah 11:2]] or for prophetic declaration [[Micah 3:8]]. True strength for God's people is found in quietness and confidence in Him [[Isaiah 30:15]].
* **The Limitation of Human Might:** Scripture cautions against trusting in human or created strength. God does not delight in the "strength{H1369} of the horse{H5483}" [[Psalms 147:10]], and the might of powerful nations will ultimately fail and bring them to shame ([[Ezekiel 32:30]], [[Micah 7:16]]).
### Summary
In summary, **gᵉbûwrâh** `{{H1369}}` is a crucial term that defines the nature of true power in Scripture. It encompasses everything from the valor of a warrior to the omnipotence of God. While acknowledging human strength, the Bible uses this word to consistently point to God as the only source of eternal and unconquerable might, contrasting His power with the fleeting and fallible strength of man.
TRV