אֵ֫בֶר (e.ver)
e.ver
wing
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word eber refers specifically to the pinions or primary flight feathers of a bird’s wing. Unlike general terms for wing, it focuses on the functional part that provides lift and strength. The lexicon data indicates it appears only once in Scripture, found in Isaiah 46:2.
In this passage, the prophet uses eber metaphorically to describe the Babylonian king. The image suggests a bird of prey whose wings are too burdened or weakened to carry its load, symbolizing the futility and collapse of human power when it opposes God. This rare usage highlights the word’s poetic weight.
The term is distinct from other Hebrew words for wing because it emphasizes the physical structure used for flight rather than the wing as a protective covering. Its singular occurrence in Isaiah underscores the dramatic shift from divine protection to human failure, marking a unique moment in biblical imagery.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eber points to the strong, primary feathers that give a bird its power to fly. It appears just once in the Bible, in Isaiah 46:2, where it describes the heavy burden of a fallen king. This rare usage reminds us that human strength is fragile and often fails when we try to carry our own weight.
Yet, this scarcity highlights a beautiful contrast found in Isaiah 40:31. While earthly power collapses under its own load, those who wait on the Lord find wings like eagles. The same imagery shifts from failure to freedom, showing that true strength comes not from our own efforts, but from trusting in God’s sustaining grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wing[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵ֖בֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 40:31
but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
This verse uses the concept of wings to describe the renewed strength and elevation granted to those who trust in Yahweh, contrasting with the failed power described in Isaiah 46.