### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gᵉbîyrâh**, represented by `{{H1377}}`, is the feminine form of a word meaning master, and is defined as a **mistress** or **queen**. It appears only **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, consistently denoting a woman of the highest royal rank, often the queen mother who held significant influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1377}}` is used to identify powerful female figures within the royal court. In two parallel accounts, Maachah, the mother of King Asa, is removed from her position as **queen** for making an idol ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]). The prophet Jeremiah uses the term when delivering a warning of impending judgment to the king and **queen** of Judah, telling them their glorious crowns would come down [[Jeremiah 13:18]]. The word also appears in a list of the elite of Judah—including the king, the **queen**, eunuchs, and princes—who were taken into exile from Jerusalem [[Jeremiah 29:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role and status of the **gᵉbîyrâh**:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This is the direct male counterpart to the queen. The king and queen are often mentioned together, highlighting their shared royal status ([[Jeremiah 13:18]], [[Jeremiah 29:2]]).
* `{{H517}}` **ʼêm** (a mother): The term is specifically used for the queen mother, as seen in the case of Maachah, the **mother** of King Asa, who held the title of queen [[1 Kings 15:13]].
* `{{H4601}}` **Maʻăkâh** (Maachah): The name of King Asa's mother, whose story provides the most detailed example of a **queen** being deposed for promoting idolatry [[2 Chronicles 15:16]].
* `{{H5493}}` **çûwr** (to turn off, remove): This word describes the definitive action King Asa took when he **removed** his mother Maachah from her position as queen because of her sin [[1 Kings 15:13]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H1377}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning power, worship, and judgment.
* **Accountability of Power:** The position of **queen** was not above divine judgment. Jeremiah's message to the king and queen warns that their "principalities shall come down," linking their high office directly to their responsibility to humble themselves [[Jeremiah 13:18]].
* **Primacy of True Worship:** The most prominent narrative involving a **queen** is the removal of Maachah for making an "idol in a grove" [[1 Kings 15:13]]. Asa's decision to depose his own mother demonstrates that loyalty to God and the purity of worship must supersede even the highest political and familial loyalties.
* **Royal Influence:** The **queen** was a figure of great status, named alongside the king and other top officials in the royal court [[Jeremiah 29:2]]. The title was also applied to foreign royalty, such as Tahpenes, the **queen** of Egypt, indicating its use as a formal title for the wife of a monarch [[1 Kings 11:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1377}}` **gᵉbîyrâh** is a specific and powerful term for a **queen** or queen mother. Though used sparingly, its occurrences are significant, illustrating the influence wielded by these royal women. The term is embedded in narratives that explore the themes of political authority, the dangers of pride, and the absolute priority of undivided worship, showing that even the highest earthly positions are subject to divine law and judgment.
TRV