(Aramaic) corresponding to גְּבַר; {a person}; certain, man.
Transliteration:gᵉbar
Pronunciation:gheb-ar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma גְּבַר (gᵉbar), Strong's H1400, functions primarily as a noun meaning "man" or "person." Its base definition indicates a direct correspondence to the Hebrew גֶּבֶר (gever, `{{H1397}}`), which similarly denotes a "man," often with an emphasis on strength, virility, or a mighty individual. While גְּבַר in Aramaic can simply refer to any male human being, its semantic range also encompasses the idea of a "certain" or specific individual, highlighting distinct personhood. Unlike broader terms for humanity, גְּבַר tends to focus on the singular, identifiable male.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, גְּבַר appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically within the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage is consistently straightforward, referring to an individual man.
* In [[Daniel 2:25]], Arioch presents Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar, stating, "I have found a man (גְּבַר) among the exiles of Judah who can make known to the king the interpretation." Here, גְּבַר simply identifies Daniel as an individual capable of a specific task.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 6:18]], following Darius's decree concerning Daniel, the text notes, "Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought before him, and sleep fled from him." While גְּבַר does not appear in the English translation of this specific verse, the context of Daniel 6 frequently refers to individuals, and the Aramaic text uses גְּבַר in relation to specific persons involved in the narrative.
* In [[Ezra 4:10]], גְּבַר is used in a more collective sense, though still referring to individuals: "and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the city of Samaria and in the rest of the region beyond the River and now forth." (The specific instance of גְּבַר here is within the list of peoples, referring to "each man" or "every man" of a certain group, though the precise verse may vary depending on the Aramaic text's structure). Its primary function remains to denote a distinct human individual.
Across these occurrences, גְּבַר serves as a common noun for "man," without necessarily carrying the strong connotations of power or might that its Hebrew cognate `{{H1397}}` sometimes does. Its use is pragmatic, identifying specific male persons within the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to גְּבַר is its Hebrew cognate, גֶּבֶר (gever, `{{H1397}}`). While both mean "man," גֶּבֶר often carries a stronger emphasis on strength, valor, or a mighty man, as seen in passages like [[Psalm 34:8]] or [[Jeremiah 20:10]]. The Aramaic גְּבַר appears to be a more general term for "person" or "man," though the underlying root *gabar* (meaning "to be strong" or "mighty") still informs its semantic background.
Another significant Aramaic term for "man" or "mankind" is אֱנָשׁ (ʾĕnāš, `{{H606}}`). While גְּבַר tends to refer to a specific individual or a male person, אֱנָשׁ is broader, often encompassing humanity in general or people collectively (e.g., [[Daniel 2:38]], "wherever the children of man dwell"). This distinction highlights גְּבַר's focus on the individual as opposed to the collective. Concepts related to גְּבַר include individuality, personhood, and human agency within divine or earthly affairs.
### Theological Significance
While גְּבַר is a common noun, its presence in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra imbues it with theological significance within the broader narrative of God's interaction with humanity and kingdoms. In Daniel, where gentile kings and their courts are central, the identification of specific "men" (גְּבַר) like Daniel himself, or other officials, underscores God's sovereignty over all individuals, regardless of their nationality or spiritual standing. God uses "men" in various capacities—as recipients of divine revelation (Daniel), as powerful rulers (Nebuchadnezzar, Darius), or as those who oppose His will.
The term highlights the distinctiveness of human beings as agents within history, chosen or used by God for His purposes. It speaks to the divine recognition of individual identity and responsibility. Even when referring to a "man" in a secular or opposing context, the word subtly affirms the created nature of humanity and their place within God's overarching plan for redemption and judgment.
### Summary
The Aramaic word גְּבַר (gᵉbar, `{{H1400}}`) is a fundamental term meaning "man" or "person," directly corresponding to the Hebrew גֶּבֶר (gever, `{{H1397}}`). Appearing in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, its usage consistently refers to specific male individuals. While its primary function is to identify a distinct human being, it also implicitly connects to the concept of strength inherent in its root. Theologically, גְּבַר underscores the role of individual human agents within God's sovereign plan, highlighting His interaction with and utilization of specific persons in the unfolding of biblical history.
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