אָבִיר (a.vir)
a.vir
mighty
H:A-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word abir describes one who is strong or mighty. In the Bible, it functions almost exclusively as a title for God rather than a general adjective for human strength. This poetic name highlights His power and protection, appearing in key passages such as Genesis 49:24 and Psalm 132:2 where He is called the Mighty One of Jacob.
Its usage is distinct because it is reserved solely for divine reference. The sources note that it serves as an old, reverent name for God, emphasizing His enduring might. By using this term, the biblical writers focus on God’s role as a powerful defender and sustainer of His people, rather than merely describing an abstract quality of strength.
This specific vocabulary choice carries significant theological weight by personifying divine power. It appears in contexts of covenant faithfulness, reminding readers that the same mighty force that sustained the patriarchs is active in their lives. The term anchors the concept of God’s strength in a personal, protective relationship with His chosen people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word abir appears in Scripture as a title for God, meaning "Mighty One." It is not used to describe human strength but points directly to His power and protection. When the Bible calls Him the Mighty One of Jacob or Israel, it reminds us that He is the source of our stability. This name anchors our faith in a personal relationship with a God who sustains His people through every season.
Reading passages like Genesis 49:24 or Isaiah 60:16 reveals how this title functions as a promise. It is not just about raw power but about covenant faithfulness. The same force that strengthened the patriarchs remains active today. This word invites us to rest in His enduring strength, knowing He is our Savior and Redeemer.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] mighty one of4×
- to/ [the] mighty one of1×
- for/ [the] mighty one of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/אֲבִ֥יר2×
- אֲבִ֥יר2×
- אֲבִ֣יר1×
- אֲבִ֖יר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:24
But his bow remained strong. The arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),
This verse links divine might directly to the strengthening of Joseph's arms, showing God as the active source of human resilience.
-
Psalms 132:2
how he swore to Yahweh, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
Here David recalls his vow to the Mighty One of Jacob, connecting worship with a recognition of God's protective power.
-
Isaiah 60:16
You will also drink the milk of the nations, and will nurse from royal breasts. Then you will know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
The title appears alongside Savior and Redeemer, emphasizing that God's might is exercised specifically for the deliverance of His people.