### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gᵉbîyrâh (`{{H1377}}`) is the feminine form of gᵉbîr (`{{H1376}}`), which denotes a "master" or "lord." Consequently, gᵉbîyrâh signifies a female individual who holds a position of authority, dominion, or high rank. Its semantic range primarily encompasses "mistress" (in the sense of a female head exercising control or leadership, not a concubine) and "queen." This word inherently conveys the notion of a woman wielding power, whether over a household, servants, or a kingdom, often implying a recognized and influential status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word gᵉbîyrâh occurs a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly within royal contexts, and often specifically refers to the "queen mother."
* In [[1 Kings 11:19]], it refers to Tahpenes, the "queen" of Egypt, indicating a royal consort.
* A particularly significant usage is found in [[1 Kings 15:13]] and [[2 Chronicles 15:16]], where Maacah, the grandmother of King Asa, is explicitly called gᵉbîyrâh and is subsequently deposed from this position due to her idolatry. This highlights the influential role of the queen mother in the Judean monarchy, a position that carried significant political and religious weight. Her deposition underscores the principle that even those in high authority were subject to the covenant demands of YHWH.
* [[2 Kings 10:13]] mentions the "sons of the queen" (referring to the queen mother of Judah), further illustrating the prominence of this figure within the royal lineage.
* The prophet Jeremiah addresses both the "king and to the queen" (gᵉbîyrâh) in [[Jeremiah 13:18]], calling them to humble themselves. This joint address emphasizes their shared responsibility and accountability before God, particularly in a time of impending national judgment.
* [[Jeremiah 29:2]] also includes the "queen" among those exiled to Babylon, again referring to a royal consort or queen mother.
Across these occurrences, gᵉbîyrâh consistently points to a woman in an elevated and authoritative position, often with direct influence on national affairs, especially in the role of the queen mother.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **gᵉbîr (`{{H1376}}`):** The direct masculine counterpart, meaning "master" or "lord," emphasizing the shared root of authority and dominance.
* **malkah (`{{H4436}}`):** This is the more common and general Hebrew word for "queen" (either a ruling monarch or a consort). While gᵉbîyrâh can sometimes be synonymous, it often carries the specific nuance of a woman with inherent "mastery" or "dominion," which frequently aligns with the powerful role of the queen mother. The distinction is subtle: malkah refers to the *office* of queen, while gᵉbîyrâh points to the *person* holding a position of significant power.
* **sarah (`{{H8282}}`):** Meaning "princess," "noblewoman," or "lady," this term denotes high birth or status, whereas gᵉbîyrâh more directly implies the exercise of power or control.
* **Concepts:** Authority, dominion, matriarchal influence (in the sense of powerful female figures within a patriarchal structure), royal lineage, and political power.
### Theological Significance
The term gᵉbîyrâh offers valuable insight into the recognized and influential roles of women in positions of power within ancient Israelite society and its surrounding cultures. While the monarchy was fundamentally patriarchal, the presence and impact of figures designated as gᵉbîyrâh—particularly the queen mothers—were substantial. The prophetic address to both the king and the gᵉbîyrâh in [[Jeremiah 13:18]] underscores their joint accountability before YHWH for the spiritual and moral state of the nation. This implies that even those in positions of high temporal authority are not exempt from divine scrutiny and judgment. Furthermore, the deposition of Maacah as gᵉbîyrâh by King Asa ([[1 Kings 15:13]], [[2 Chronicles 15:16]]) for her idolatry serves as a powerful theological lesson: no human authority, regardless of its eminence, stands above the covenant demands of God. Her significant influence, while recognized, was ultimately subordinate to the divine law. The use of gᵉbîyrâh thus reflects the complex social realities of power dynamics in the ancient Near East, where women, especially within royal families, could wield considerable influence, always within the overarching framework of divine sovereignty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word gᵉbîyrâh (`{{H1377}}`) denotes a woman in a position of significant authority, mastery, or high rank, often translated as "mistress" or "queen." As the feminine form of gᵉbîr (`{{H1376}}`), it inherently conveys dominion. In its biblical occurrences, gᵉbîyrâh is predominantly found in royal contexts, frequently referring to the "queen mother," a figure of considerable influence and power within the monarchy of Judah and neighboring kingdoms. Instances such as the deposition of Maacah by King Asa for her idolatry (e.g., [[1 Kings 15:13]]) underscore that even the gᵉbîyrâh, despite her elevated status, was subject to the covenant requirements of YHWH. The prophetic address to both the king and the gᵉbîyrâh in Jeremiah further highlights their joint accountability before God. Thus, gᵉbîyrâh illuminates the complex social and political roles of powerful women in ancient Israel, always within the overarching framework of divine sovereignty and accountability.
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