from גָּבַר; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply; every one, man, [idiom] mighty.
Transliteration:geber
Pronunciation:gheh'-ber
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1397}}` (geber) derives from the root `{{H1396}}` (gabar), which signifies "to be strong," "to be mighty," or "to prevail." Consequently, geber fundamentally denotes "one who is strong" or "a mighty one." Its primary semantic range encompasses a "valiant man" or "warrior," highlighting attributes of strength, courage, and capability. Beyond this specific military or heroic connotation, geber also extends to a more general sense of "man" or "person." However, even in its broader usage, it often retains an underlying nuance of distinctiveness, individuality, or inherent strength, distinguishing it from other generic terms for "man" like `{{H376}}` ('ish) or `{{H120}}` ('adam). It can refer to any male individual, but frequently carries an emphasis on his inherent qualities or the specific context of his strength or weakness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H1397}}` (geber) in the Hebrew Bible demonstrates its nuanced semantic range:
In its sense of a "valiant man" or "warrior," geber often describes God Himself, emphasizing His unparalleled strength and might. For instance, [[Psalm 24:8]] asks, "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Similarly, [[Isaiah 42:13]] depicts the Lord going forth "like a mighty man, like a warrior He stirs up His zeal." This usage underscores God's supreme power and active intervention.
When applied to humans, geber can highlight human strength or distinctiveness. [[Jeremiah 17:5]] famously warns, "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength," where "man" is geber, emphasizing the futility of relying on human power rather than divine. This verse contrasts human geber with divine strength, highlighting human frailty. In [[Psalm 34:20]] (English [[Psalm 34:19]]), "Many are the afflictions of the righteous man," geber refers to the individual who faces trials, yet whose righteousness is implied.
In a more general sense of "man" or "person," geber is used in contexts describing human existence or condition. [[Job 3:3]] laments, "Let the day perish on which I was born, and the night which said, 'A man has been conceived.'" Here, geber simply refers to a male child. [[Job 14:1]] states, "Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble," using geber to denote humanity in its transient and suffering state. Even in these general uses, the term often carries a weight of the individual's unique experience or responsibility, rather than merely a generic classification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H1397}}` (geber) is its verbal root, `{{H1396}}` (gabar), meaning "to be strong, mighty, to prevail." This root provides the foundational concept of power and capability inherent in geber.
Comparing geber with other Hebrew terms for "man" reveals its specific nuance:
* `{{H376}}` ('ish): This is the most common and generic term for "man," referring to a male individual, a husband, or a person in general, without necessarily emphasizing strength or distinction.
* `{{H120}}` ('adam): This term refers to "mankind," "humanity," or "Adam" as the first man. It emphasizes the collective human race or the created nature of humanity.
In contrast, geber often implies a man of specific qualities – strength, valor, or a distinct individual facing particular circumstances. While it can be used generally, it frequently retains a connotation of the *individual* man, often in a context that highlights his strength or, conversely, his weakness when compared to God. Concepts such as strength, might, valor, human frailty, and individual responsibility are closely tied to the usage of geber.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1397}}` (geber) is profound, particularly in its interplay between human and divine strength.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** When geber is applied to Yahweh, as in [[Psalm 24:8]] or [[Isaiah 42:13]], it underscores God's absolute power, His unchallengeable might, and His active role as the divine Warrior who contends for His people and His purposes. This portrayal establishes God as the ultimate geber, against whom no human strength can prevail.
2. **Human Frailty and Dependence:** Conversely, the use of geber for humans often highlights their inherent limitations and the futility of self-reliance. [[Jeremiah 17:5]] is a pivotal text in this regard, condemning trust in the "arm of flesh" (human strength). This theological point emphasizes that true strength and security are found only in dependence upon God, not in human capabilities or institutions. It serves as a call to humility and faith.
3. **The Ideal Man and Messianic Foreshadowing:** While geber is not a direct messianic title, the concept of a "mighty man" or "valiant one" points to an ideal of strength, righteousness, and deliverance. In the broader sweep of biblical theology, this ideal finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man who is also the mighty God (El Gibbor in [[Isaiah 9:5]] (English [[Isaiah 9:6]])), embodying perfect strength, valor, and obedience.
4. **Individual Responsibility and Experience:** In its more general usage, geber often refers to the individual person in their unique life circumstances, whether in suffering ([[Job 14:1]]) or in their moral choices. This usage subtly reinforces the concept of individual accountability before God and the personal nature of one's walk with the Divine.
### Summary
`{{H1397}}` (geber) is a Hebrew term rooted in the concept of strength and might (`{{H1396}}`). Its primary meaning denotes a "valiant man" or "warrior," emphasizing courage and capability. While it can also refer more generally to "man" or "person," even in these broader contexts, it often carries a nuance of individuality, distinctiveness, or inherent strength. Theologically, geber serves to highlight God's supreme might and sovereignty when applied to Him, and conversely, to underscore human frailty and the necessity of divine reliance when applied to humanity. It is a term that elevates the concept of the individual man beyond mere biological classification, often implying his capacity for action, his unique experience, and his ultimate dependence on the true, mighty geber—the Lord Himself.
TRV