from גֶּבֶר and אֵל; man of God; Gabriel, an archangel; Garbriel.
Transliteration:Gabrîyʼêl
Pronunciation:gab-ree-ale'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H1403, גַּבְרִיאֵל (Gabrîyʼêl), is a proper noun derived from two distinct Hebrew roots: גֶּבֶר (geber, `{{H1397}}`) and אֵל (el, `{{H410}}`). The term גֶּבֶר typically denotes a "man" in the sense of a strong, mighty, or valiant individual, often emphasizing strength, virility, or a hero. The term אֵל is the common Hebrew word for "God" or "god." Therefore, the composite name גַּבְרִיאֵל literally translates to "Man of God," "Mighty One of God," or "Hero of God." This etymological foundation immediately conveys the nature and authority of the being designated by this name, emphasizing divine origin and strength in service to the Almighty. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to the specific individual it names, but the meaning embedded within the name itself is highly significant, pointing to the character and function of Gabriel as a powerful agent of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Gabriel appears by name in two books of the Bible: Daniel in the Old Testament and Luke in the New Testament. In both contexts, he consistently functions as a divine messenger, bringing crucial revelations from God.
In the book of Daniel, Gabriel's role is primarily interpretive and revelatory:
* [[Daniel 8:16]]: Following Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat, a voice commands, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision." Here, Gabriel is explicitly named and tasked with providing divine interpretation, indicating his capacity for understanding and conveying complex spiritual truths. He is described as having "the appearance of a man."
* [[Daniel 9:21]]: Gabriel is again identified as "the man Gabriel" who "came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice." He brings understanding and insight regarding the prophecy of the seventy weeks, a pivotal messianic prophecy. His swiftness underscores the urgency and divine origin of his message.
In the New Testament, specifically the Gospel of Luke, Gabriel's role expands to announcing pivotal events in salvation history:
* [[Luke 1:19]]: Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the temple, announcing the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. When Zechariah expresses doubt, Gabriel identifies himself with authority: "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news." This statement highlights his unique proximity to God's throne and his direct divine commission.
* [[Luke 1:26]]: Six months later, Gabriel is sent by God to Nazareth to the virgin Mary to announce the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus, the Son of God. This is perhaps his most significant appearance, as he delivers the news of the Incarnation.
Across these occurrences, Gabriel is consistently portrayed as a high-ranking angelic being, directly commissioned by God to deliver messages of profound significance, particularly those pertaining to God's redemptive plan and the coming of the Messiah. His appearances mark turning points in biblical narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of גַּבְרִיאֵל (Gabrîyʼêl) naturally connects to several related Hebrew and Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **גֶּבֶר (geber, `{{H1397}}`):** The root for "man" or "mighty one," emphasizing the strength, authority, and masculine form often associated with angelic appearances.
* **אֵל (el, `{{H410}}`):** The root for "God," highlighting Gabriel's direct subservience to and representation of the divine. His power and commission derive solely from God.
* **Angels/Messengers:** Gabriel belongs to the broader category of מַלְאָךְ (mal'akh, `{{H4397}}`) in Hebrew and ἄγγελος (angelos, `{{G32}}`) in Greek, both meaning "messenger" or "angel." While the Bible does not explicitly call Gabriel an "archangel" by name, his prominent role, direct access to God's presence, and the nature of his assignments strongly suggest a high rank among the angelic host, leading to his traditional identification as an archangel.
* **Revelation and Prophecy:** Gabriel's primary function is to deliver divine revelation and interpret prophetic visions, linking him intrinsically to the themes of God's communication to humanity.
* **Divine Presence:** Gabriel's assertion "I stand in the presence of God" [[Luke 1:19]] underscores his unique access to the divine throne room, a privilege indicating a special status among celestial beings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Gabriel is profound, primarily stemming from his role as a direct and authoritative agent of divine communication.
* **God's Chosen Communicator:** Gabriel serves as a key instrument through whom God reveals His will and future plans. He is entrusted with messages of immense importance, particularly those concerning the unfolding of God's redemptive history, culminating in the announcements related to John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
* **Mediator of Revelation:** He bridges the gap between the divine and human realms, bringing clarity and understanding of God's purposes. His explanations to Daniel and announcements in Luke are pivotal moments that shape the understanding of God's ongoing work in the world.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** Gabriel's appearances underscore God's active involvement in human affairs. His swift obedience and the precision of his messages highlight God's meticulous orchestration of events and His communication of His sovereign will through His chosen agents. His very name, "Man of God," signifies that his power and authority are entirely derived from and dedicated to God.
* **Precursor to the Messiah:** In the New Testament, Gabriel plays a unique and indispensable role in the inauguration of the New Covenant. By announcing the births of John the Baptist (the forerunner) and Jesus Christ (the Messiah), he directly participates in the ushering in of God's ultimate salvation plan. This makes him a figure of immense theological weight in the narrative of redemption.
* **Example of Obedience:** Gabriel's unwavering obedience to God's commands and his faithful execution of his duties serve as an example of perfect submission to divine will.
### Summary
H1403, גַּבְרִיאֵל (Gabrîyʼêl), is a proper noun meaning "Man of God" or "Mighty One of God," derived from גֶּבֶר (man/mighty one) and אֵל (God). This name identifies the archangel Gabriel, a preeminent divine messenger in both the Old and New Testaments. In the book of Daniel, Gabriel is commissioned to interpret complex prophetic visions for Daniel, demonstrating his role in conveying divine understanding and future insights [[Daniel 8:16]], [[Daniel 9:21]]. In the Gospel of Luke, his role becomes even more central to salvation history, as he announces the miraculous birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah [[Luke 1:19]] and, most significantly, the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus Christ to Mary [[Luke 1:26]]. Gabriel's consistent function as a direct, authoritative agent of divine revelation underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His communication of His redemptive plan. His name itself reflects his power and authority, which are entirely derived from his service to God, making him a pivotal figure in the unfolding of God's sovereign purposes and the revelation of the Messiah.
TRV