The Hebrew word kabbîyr, represented by H3524, describes that which is vast, whether in extent, power, age, or number. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. The word is translated in various ways, including mighty, strong, much, aged, and even feeble when used with a negative particle.
In Scripture, H3524 is frequently used to describe immense power. God Himself is described as mighty in strength and wisdom Job 36:5, with the power to break other mighty men Job 34:24. The term is also applied to the formidable forces of nature, such as a strong wind Job 8:2 and the rushing of mighty waters Isaiah 17:12. Beyond power, it can refer to age, as in being much elder Job 15:10, or to great wealth Job 31:25. In a unique instance, it is combined with the negative particle H3808 to mean the opposite of mighty, describing a remnant as feeble Isaiah 16:14.
Several related words help clarify the scope of H3524 by touching on similar themes of power, age, and strength:
- H3581 kôach: This word for power or strength is used alongside H3524 to emphasize the might of God Job 36:5. It denotes vigor, ability, and force.
- H2389 châzâq: Meaning strong or mighty, this term often appears in contexts describing God's powerful acts, such as delivering Israel with a mighty hand Deuteronomy 7:8.
- H3453 yâshîysh: This term, meaning an aged man, directly relates to the use of H3524 in describing someone who is much elder Job 15:10, connecting vastness to the length of days.
- H533 ʼammîyts: Translated as strong or mighty, this word is used in parallel with H3524 to describe the Lord's "mighty and strong one" who acts as an instrument of judgment Isaiah 28:2.
The theological weight of H3524 is centered on the nature of divine and human power.
- The Might of God: The word is a key descriptor of God's omnipotence. He is defined as being inherently mighty in both strength and wisdom Job 36:5, a power that is absolute and capable of shattering any human might Job 34:24.
- Power in Creation and Judgment: The term connects God's power to the natural world. Forces like mighty waters Isaiah 17:12 and a strong wind Job 8:2 reflect a greater, divine power. This imagery is also used to portray God's instruments of judgment Isaiah 28:2.
- Moral Supremacy: Vastness is not limited to physical strength. H3524 is used to elevate God's character, describing him as most just H3524 H6662 Job 34:17. This links His immense power directly to His perfect righteousness.
- The Limits of Human Strength: The word is used to describe human power, such as a king who sees himself as a valiant man Isaiah 10:13 or those with great wealth Job 31:25, but these are always subordinate to God's ultimate authority.
In summary, H3524 is a dynamic term for vastness that is applied to power, age, quantity, and justice. It is essential for understanding the biblical concept of might, whether describing the absolute power and moral supremacy of God, the formidable but limited strength of humans, or the overwhelming forces of the natural world. Its ability to signify both "mighty" and, by negation, "feeble" demonstrates its importance in expressing contrasts between divine strength and human weakness.
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