(Aramaic) intensive of גְּבַר; valiant, or warrior; mighty.
Transliteration:gibbâr
Pronunciation:ghib-bawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H1401}}`, transliterated as *gibbâr*, functions as an intensive form of the verbal root `{{H1397}}` (גְּבַר, *gᵉbar*), meaning "to be strong" or "to prevail." As a noun or adjective, gibbâr denotes exceptional strength, valor, or power. Its semantic range encompasses "valiant one," "warrior," "mighty man," or simply "mighty" when used adjectivally. It describes individuals who possess significant physical prowess, military capability, or influential authority. The intensive nature of the word suggests a superlative degree of these qualities, distinguishing one who is not merely strong, but remarkably so.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H1401}}` appears exclusively in the book of Daniel. Its occurrences illuminate distinct facets of its meaning:
* **Military Prowess:** In [[Daniel 3:20]] and [[Daniel 3:24]], gibbârîn (the plural form) refers to the "mighty men" of King Nebuchadnezzar's army. These are the powerful soldiers commanded to cast Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace. The context emphasizes their physical strength and their role as instruments of the king's will, capable of executing severe judgments. Despite their might, they are ultimately unable to overcome the divine protection afforded to the three faithful men.
* **Influential Authority/Wisdom:** In [[Daniel 5:7]] and [[Daniel 5:29]], gibbârîn is used to describe the "wise men" or "counselors" of King Belshazzar. Here, the term does not primarily denote physical strength or military valor, but rather their influential status, authority, and perceived intellectual power within the kingdom. They are the king's trusted advisors, expected to possess the wisdom to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall. Their inability to do so, contrasted with Daniel's divinely-given insight, underscores the limitations of human might and wisdom in the face of divine revelation.
Across these contexts, `{{H1401}}` consistently points to a significant degree of human power, whether physical, military, or intellectual/authoritative, always within the sphere of earthly kingdoms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H1401}}` is a direct cognate and semantic parallel to the more frequently occurring Hebrew term `{{H1368}}` (גִּבּוֹר, *gibbōr*). Both words convey the sense of "mighty one," "hero," or "warrior." The Hebrew `{{H1368}}` is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe mighty warriors (e.g., David's mighty men), powerful leaders, and even God Himself as the "Mighty Warrior" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 32:18]]).
Other related Aramaic terms include `{{H1397}}` (גְּבַר, *gᵉbar*), the verbal root for "to be strong" or "to prevail," and `{{H1399}}` (גְּבוּרָה, *gᵉbûrah*), meaning "might" or "power." In Hebrew, concepts of strength are also conveyed by words like `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק, *ḥāzaq*, "to be strong, firm") and `{{H6105}}` (עָצוּם, *ʿāṣûm*, "mighty, vast"). The overarching concept is one of significant capability, whether in battle, governance, or influence.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1401}}` itself is applied exclusively to human agents in the biblical text, its occurrences in Daniel carry profound theological implications, particularly when viewed in contrast to divine power. The "mighty men" of Nebuchadnezzar, despite their formidable strength, are utterly powerless against the God who can deliver His servants from the fiery furnace ([[Daniel 3:27]]). This episode powerfully illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God over human might. Earthly power, no matter how impressive or seemingly irresistible, is ultimately subordinate to the divine will.
Similarly, the "mighty men" (wise men) of Belshazzar, representing the pinnacle of human wisdom and political influence, are rendered helpless before the divine message on the wall ([[Daniel 5:8]]). Their inability to interpret the writing highlights the futility of human intellect and authority when confronted with the mysteries of God. Only through divine revelation, granted to Daniel, can true understanding and power be demonstrated.
Thus, `{{H1401}}`, though describing human agents, serves to underscore the theme prevalent in Daniel: the transient and limited nature of human kingdoms and their "mighty ones" in comparison to the eternal, all-encompassing might of the God of Israel.
### Summary
`{{H1401}}` (גִּבָּר, *gibbâr*) is an Aramaic term signifying one who is "mighty," "valiant," or a "warrior," reflecting exceptional strength, valor, or influence. Its limited occurrences in Daniel portray both military power (Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers) and authoritative influence (Belshazzar's wise men). As a cognate to the Hebrew `{{H1368}}` (*gibbōr*), it participates in a broader biblical vocabulary of strength and power. Theologically, the use of `{{H1401}}` in Daniel serves as a powerful literary device to contrast the impressive, yet ultimately limited, might of human kings and their agents with the boundless and sovereign power of God, who alone can deliver His people and reveal His mysteries.
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