The Hebrew word 'abbîyr, represented by H47, is defined as mighty (spoken of God); angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. It appears 17 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its specific yet significant use in scripture. This term often conveys strength, power, or preeminence.
H47 is used in various biblical narratives to describe different forms of strength and authority. It frequently describes powerful animals, such as bulls, conveying their imposing presence. For instance, in Jeremiah 50:11, destroyers are described as growing "fat as the heifer at grass" and bellowing "as bulls". Similarly, Psalms 22:12 mentions "strong bulls of Bashan" surrounding someone, and Isaiah 34:7 speaks of "bullocks with the bulls" coming down. The term is also linked to the power of horses, as seen in Jeremiah 8:16 where the "snorting of his horses" and "neighing of his strong ones" are heard, and in Jeremiah 47:3 which refers to the "stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses". Judges 5:22 also refers to the "pransings... of their mighty ones" in a context of horsehoofs being broken. Beyond animals, H47 can also describe human might and leadership. Lamentations 1:15 notes that the Lord "hath trodden under foot all my mighty men". In Isaiah 10:13, a powerful figure is depicted as having "put down the inhabitants like a valiant man". Jeremiah 46:15 asks "Why are thy valiant men swept away?". In 1 Samuel 21:7, Doeg is identified as the "chiefest of the herdmen". The word can also characterize those who are firm or defiant, as Isaiah 46:12 addresses those who are "stouthearted, that are far from righteousness". Psalms 76:5 refers to "The stouthearted [who] are spoiled" and "slept their sleep."
Several related words expand upon the concept of strength and power:
- H6499 par (bullock): This term is often used alongside H47 to denote the physical power and wildness of large animals, as seen in Psalms 22:12 where "bulls" and "strong bulls" are mentioned together.
- H3581 kôach (vigor, force, might): This word frequently describes underlying strength or ability. In Isaiah 10:13, a "valiant man" acts "by the strength" of his hand, highlighting the power H3581 that H47 represents. Job 24:22 also states, "He draweth also the mighty H47 with his power H3581."
- H5483 çûwç (horse): Often appearing in contexts of war and might, this word connects with H47 to convey speed and force, such as in Jeremiah 8:16 where the "snorting of his horses" H5483 and "neighing of his strong ones" H47 are heard.
- H1605 gâʻar (to chide, rebuke): This verb is used in contexts where mighty forces or figures are brought under control, such as in Psalms 68:30 where the "multitude of the bulls" H47 are "rebuked" H1605, illustrating divine authority over the mighty.
The theological weight of H47 encompasses both divine and human understanding of power.
- Attribute of God's Power: Although directly used for God only in its base definition, the concept of might is clearly connected to divine action. For example, Job 24:22 speaks of God drawing "the mighty" H47 with "His power" H3581, indicating His ultimate supremacy over all strength.
- Human and Animal Power: The term highlights the formidable strength found in creation, whether in literal "bulls" Psalms 22:12 or in "valiant men" Lamentations 1:15. However, biblical contexts often juxtapose this strength with God's ability to "trod under foot" Lamentations 1:15 or "drive" them Jeremiah 46:15.
- Angelic Beings: The use of H47 to refer to "angels" in Psalms 78:25 expands its scope beyond the physical, indicating powerful spiritual entities that serve divine purposes, even providing "meat" H6720 from God.
- Forces of Opposition: The term is also employed to describe formidable adversaries, such as the "strong bulls of Bashan" Psalms 22:12 or the "destroyers" H8154 who "bellow as bulls" Jeremiah 50:11. This illustrates the nature of powerful, often destructive, forces encountered in the biblical narrative.
In summary, H47 is a word rich in meaning, conveying various aspects of strength and power. From literal depictions of robust animals to figures of human valor and even spiritual entities, it paints a picture of forces that can be formidable. Ultimately, while it describes various forms of might, the biblical narrative consistently places even the 'stouthearted' and 'mighty ones' under the sovereign power and judgment of God.
TRV