or (shortened) דְּבֹרָה; the same as דְּבוֹרָה; Deborah, the name of two Hebrewesses; Deborah.
Transliteration:Dᵉbôwrâh
Pronunciation:deb-o-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma דְּבּוֹרָה (Dᵉbôwrâh), Strong's number `{{H1683}}`, is primarily a proper noun. Its base definition identifies it as the name of two Hebrewesses in the Old Testament. Etymologically, the name is derived from the Hebrew word for "bee" (דְּבוֹרָה), suggesting a core meaning associated with this insect. The semantic range, therefore, extends beyond a mere personal identifier to subtly evoke characteristics traditionally associated with bees: industriousness, community, order, and potentially a "sting" or sharp discernment. While the word itself functions as a proper noun, its underlying meaning imbues the named individuals with a symbolic resonance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Dᵉbôwrâh appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to two distinct individuals:
1. **Rebekah's Nurse:** The first mention is found in [[Genesis 35:8]], where Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, dies and is buried under an oak tree near Bethel. The place is subsequently named "Allon Bachuth," meaning "Oak of Weeping." This brief account highlights her long-standing loyalty and integral role within the patriarchal household, a faithful servant whose passing evoked significant sorrow. Her presence underscores the deep bonds within the family unit of Jacob.
2. **The Prophetess and Judge of Israel:** The more prominent figure bearing this name is Deborah, a prophetess and one of the judges of Israel, whose story is recounted in [[Judges 4]] and [[Judges 5]]. She is described as "a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth" ([[Judges 4:4]]) who "used to sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgment" ([[Judges 4:5]]).
* **Leadership and Authority:** Deborah's role as a judge indicates her authority in mediating disputes and dispensing justice, a rare position for a woman in that patriarchal society. Her prophetic gift allowed her to receive and declare God's will.
* **Military Leadership:** When Israel was oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, and his commander Sisera, Deborah summoned Barak and conveyed God's command for him to lead an army against Sisera ([[Judges 4:6-7]]). When Barak hesitated, Deborah courageously declared that she would go with him, but the glory of the victory would then go to a woman ([[Judges 4:9]]). She accompanied Barak to battle, and the Lord delivered Sisera's army into their hands.
* **The Song of Deborah:** [[Judges 5]] presents the "Song of Deborah and Barak," a powerful victory hymn that celebrates God's deliverance and Deborah's pivotal role. This song is considered one of the oldest passages of Hebrew poetry in the Bible, offering profound theological insights into God's sovereignty and the participation of His people in His redemptive acts. Her name is invoked multiple times within the song ([[Judges 5:7]], [[Judges 5:12]], [[Judges 5:15]]), cementing her status as a divinely appointed leader.
In both instances, the name Deborah is associated with steadfastness and, particularly in the case of the judge, with divine wisdom, courage, and decisive leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the common Hebrew noun for "bee," דְּבוֹרָה (dᵉvôrāh), which is the root of the proper noun. This connection invites contemplation of the symbolic qualities of bees:
* **Industriousness:** Bees are known for their diligent work ethic, constantly gathering nectar and building hives. This resonates with Deborah the judge's active role in leading Israel and administering justice.
* **Community and Order:** Bees live in highly organized colonies, working together for the common good. Deborah's leadership brought unity and order to Israel in a time of chaos.
* **Sweetness and Wisdom:** Bees produce honey, a symbol of sweetness, wisdom, and divine instruction (e.g., Psalm 19:10). Deborah's counsel was sought, and her judgments brought relief and restoration.
* **Sting/Judgment:** A bee's sting can be painful, serving as a defense mechanism. This might subtly allude to Deborah's role in delivering a stinging defeat to Israel's enemies.
Concepts closely associated with Deborah the judge include:
* **Prophecy:** Her role as a prophetess (נְבִיאָה, nᵉvî'â, related to `{{H5030}}`).
* **Judgeship:** Her function as a judge (שׁוֹפֵט, shôphēṭ, related to `{{H8199}}`), dispensing justice.
* **Divine Empowerment:** Her actions are clearly guided and empowered by God.
* **Female Leadership:** A significant example of a woman in a position of spiritual and military authority in ancient Israel.
* **Deliverance:** Her story is part of the broader theme of God's deliverance of His people from oppression.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Deborah, particularly the judge and prophetess, holds profound theological significance.
1. **God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders:** Deborah's leadership demonstrates that God is not limited by human conventions or societal norms (such as gender in a patriarchal society) when choosing instruments for His purposes. He raises up whomever He wills to accomplish His divine plan of deliverance and justice. Her story emphasizes that true authority stems from divine appointment and empowerment, not merely human qualifications.
2. **Divine Justice and Deliverance:** Deborah's narrative is a powerful testament to God's commitment to His covenant people. When Israel cried out in oppression, God heard and acted, using Deborah as His agent to bring about justice against their oppressors and to secure their deliverance. The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) glorifies God as the ultimate warrior who triumphs over His enemies and establishes peace for His people.
3. **Faith and Courage in Obedience:** Deborah exemplifies unwavering faith in God's word and courageous obedience to His commands. She not only delivers God's message to Barak but also actively participates in the fulfillment of the prophecy, challenging Barak's hesitation and demonstrating a resolute trust in God's victory. Her example serves as an inspiration for believers to act boldly in accordance with God's will, even when faced with daunting challenges.
4. **The Role of Women in God's Plan:** Deborah's prominence as a judge and prophetess provides a significant biblical example of a woman exercising spiritual, judicial, and even military leadership. Her story challenges narrow interpretations of gender roles, affirming that God gifts and uses both men and women to fulfill His redemptive purposes in history.
### Summary
דְּבּוֹרָה (Dᵉbôwrâh), Strong's number `{{H1683}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "bee." It designates two women in the Old Testament: Rebekah's loyal nurse ([[Genesis 35:8]]) and, more notably, Deborah the prophetess and judge of Israel ([[Judges 4]], [[Judges 5]]). The latter figure is a pivotal leader who, empowered by God, delivered Israel from Canaanite oppression. Her name's etymological link to "bee" subtly reflects her industrious nature, her ability to bring order and wisdom, and her role in delivering a decisive "sting" to Israel's enemies. Theologically, Deborah's story underscores God's sovereign choice of leaders regardless of societal expectations, His unwavering commitment to justice and deliverance for His people, and the profound significance of faith and courageous obedience in fulfilling His divine purposes. She stands as a powerful testament to God's ability to use all His servants, male and female, to accomplish His glorious will.
TRV