גָּבַר

gâbar /gaw-bar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently
KJV usageexceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word gâbar, represented by H1396, is a primitive root signifying strength and power. It appears 25 times across 24 unique verses and conveys a range of meanings including to be strong, prevail, be great, strengthen, or confirm. Its usage illustrates concepts from physical victory in battle to the overwhelming greatness of God's mercy.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H1396 is used to describe the outcome of contests, both human and divine. During Israel's battle with Amalek, the outcome was directly tied to a spiritual act: when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed Exodus 17:11. The word also depicts the sheer force of nature, as seen in the flood narrative where "the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth" Genesis 7:19. On a theological level, it is used to describe the magnitude of God's loving-kindness, which is great toward those who fear Him Psalms 117:2. Furthermore, it carries the meaning of establishing or strengthening a promise, as in the prophecy that "he shall confirm the covenant" Daniel 9:27.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of strength and power:

  • H1368 gibbôwr (powerful; warrior, tyrant; champion): This noun form often describes a person of great strength, such as a warrior or champion. It is used to describe the Lord as a "mighty terrible one" Jeremiah 20:11 and also highlights that in the course of life, "the battle is not to the strong" Ecclesiastes 9:11.
  • H2428 chayil (a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength): This term relates to the resources or valor that constitute strength. It is used alongside H1396 in a practical sense: when an iron tool is blunt, one must "put to more strength" Ecclesiastes 10:10.
  • H3581 kôach (vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); power, strength): This word emphasizes inherent power or ability. Scripture makes a clear distinction that human ability is insufficient, stating that "by strength shall no man prevail H1396" 1 Samuel 2:9.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1396 is significant, often contrasting human effort with divine power.

  • Divine Power vs. Human Strength: The word underscores the principle that human strength is ultimately limited and cannot succeed against God's will. It is used to describe the insolence of the wicked who "strengtheneth himself against the Almighty" Job 15:25 and to declare that victory is not achieved by man's own power 1 Samuel 2:9.
  • The Greatness of God's Mercy: Rather than physical might, H1396 is powerfully used to measure the immensity of God's character. His mercy, or chêçêd H2617, is described as being as great as the height of the heavens above the earth Psalms 103:11.
  • God as the Source of Strength: The word is used to show that true strength originates from God. The LORD H3068 promises His people, "I will strengthen them in the LORD" Zechariah 10:12 and "I will strengthen the house of Judah" Zechariah 10:6.

Summary

In summary, H1396 moves beyond a simple definition of physical power. It serves as a dynamic term that illustrates victory and dominance in both worldly conflicts and the forces of nature. Theologically, it contrasts the futility of human strength against God with the immeasurable greatness of His mercy. Ultimately, gâbar shows that lasting strength and the ability to prevail are gifts granted by God, who confirms His promises and empowers His people.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 25 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 8×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 4×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Piel Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 24 verses across 13 books. Most frequent in Genesis (5 verses).

5
Genesis
1
Exodus
1
1 Samuel
2
2 Samuel
1
1 Chronicles
3
Job
4
Psalms
1
Ecclesiastes
1
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah
1
Lamentations
1
Daniel
2
Zechariah

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.