(Aramaic) corresponding to גְּבוּרָה; power; might.
Transliteration:gᵉbûwrâh
Pronunciation:gheb-oo-raw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun גְּבוּרָה (gᵉbûwrâh), Strong's number H1370, corresponds directly to the Hebrew גְּבוּרָה (gᵉbûwrâh), H1369. Both derive from the root גבר (gabar), which conveys the idea of strength, prevailing, and being mighty. Consequently, H1370 carries the core meaning of "power" or "might." Its semantic range encompasses inherent strength, the capacity to act powerfully, and the manifestation or display of such might. This can refer to physical strength, military prowess, or, most significantly, divine omnipotence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, H1370 is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Daniel. Its limited occurrences, however, are highly significant in their contexts:
* **Divine Attributes:** In [[Daniel 2:20]], Daniel blesses God, attributing to Him "wisdom and might (גְּבוּרָה)." Here, H1370 describes an eternal and intrinsic attribute of God, highlighting His sovereign power over all things.
* **Overcoming Natural Forces:** [[Daniel 3:27]] describes the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The text states that "the fire had no power (גְּבוּרָה) over their bodies." This illustrates God's superior gᵉbûwrâh triumphing over the destructive power of a natural element.
* **Human Boast and Divine Correction:** [[Daniel 4:30]] records King Nebuchadnezzar's arrogant boast: "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power (גְּבוּרָה) as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" This passage uses H1370 to describe human might, immediately preceding Nebuchadnezzar's humbling, which serves to underscore the transient and limited nature of human gᵉbûwrâh in contrast to God's eternal sovereignty.
* **Deliverance from Peril:** In [[Daniel 6:27]], King Darius praises God for delivering Daniel "from the power (גְּבוּרָה) of the lions." This instance again showcases God's gᵉbûwrâh as an active, delivering force that supersedes and nullifies the gᵉbûwrâh of dangerous creatures.
In each context, H1370 highlights a fundamental aspect of power, whether divine, human, or natural, often setting up a contrast that ultimately magnifies the unparalleled gᵉbûwrâh of the Most High God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew equivalent, H1369 (גְּבוּרָה - gᵉbûwrâh), which shares the same root and meaning but appears far more frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible. Examining H1369 enriches the understanding of H1370 by demonstrating its broader usage in contexts of God's mighty acts, human valor, and the strength of nations. Other related terms include:
* H1397 (גָּבַר - gābar): The verbal root meaning "to be strong, prevail, be mighty."
* H1396 (גִּבּוֹר - gibbôr): A noun meaning "mighty man, warrior, hero," referring to one who possesses gᵉbûwrâh.
* Concepts such as sovereignty, omnipotence, strength, might, valor, and miraculous intervention are all closely tied to the idea of gᵉbûwrâh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1370 is profound, particularly in the book of Daniel, where it consistently points to the absolute and unparalleled gᵉbûwrâh of God.
* **Divine Omnipotence:** The term affirms God's infinite power as an inherent attribute ([[Daniel 2:20]]). His gᵉbûwrâh is not merely a force He wields but is integral to His very being. This omnipotence is presented as eternal and immutable, contrasting sharply with the fleeting power of earthly rulers.
* **Sovereignty and Control:** God's gᵉbûwrâh means He is utterly sovereign over all creation, including the natural world ([[Daniel 3:27]]) and the animal kingdom ([[Daniel 6:27]]). He can suspend natural laws and overcome any earthly threat, demonstrating His ultimate control.
* **Deliverance and Salvation:** For the faithful, God's gᵉbûwrâh is a source of immense comfort and hope. It is the power by which He delivers His servants from seemingly insurmountable dangers and oppressive regimes. The narratives in Daniel underscore that human might, no matter how formidable, is ultimately subject to and powerless before divine gᵉbûwrâh.
* **Humility Before God:** The contrast between Nebuchadnezzar's boast of his own gᵉbûwrâh and his subsequent humbling ([[Daniel 4:30]]) serves as a powerful theological lesson: human power is derivative and dependent, and true wisdom lies in acknowledging God's supreme might.
### Summary
The Aramaic word גְּבוּרָה (H1370), meaning "power" or "might," is a crucial term in the book of Daniel. While limited in its occurrences, each instance profoundly illuminates the nature of power. It consistently highlights God's eternal and absolute gᵉbûwrâh as an attribute of His being, His ability to deliver His people from all forms of peril, and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including the transient and limited gᵉbûwrâh of human rulers. Its correspondence with the Hebrew H1369 further solidifies its rich semantic and theological depth, emphasizing God as the ultimate source and possessor of all true power.
TRV