אֶבְרָה (ev.rah)
ev.rah
pinion
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ebrah refers specifically to a pinion or wing, particularly the primary flight feathers that provide lift and maneuverability. It appears in poetic texts such as Psalms and Job, where it describes the wings of birds like the ostrich, eagle, or dove. In these contexts, the word highlights the physical structure that enables flight rather than the entire appendage.
The term also carries a metaphorical weight when applied to God. Rather than suggesting a literal body part, this usage evokes imagery of protection and swift deliverance. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:11, the word illustrates how God bears Israel like an eagle stirring its nest, using its pinions to lift and carry them. This specific detail emphasizes both strength and tender care.
Its limited occurrence in Scripture underscores its poetic function. By focusing on the pinion rather than the whole wing, the language draws attention to the mechanism of movement and support. This precise terminology allows biblical authors to convey complex theological ideas about divine protection through concrete, observable natural phenomena.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ebrah points to the primary flight feathers that give a bird its power and control. It is not just about having wings, but about the specific parts that allow for lift and direction. When Scripture uses this term, it zooms in on the mechanism of support rather than the whole appendage.
In Deuteronomy 32:11, we see God described as an eagle stirring its nest. The focus here is on how He lifts His people. This image reminds us that divine care is both strong and gentle. You are not left to navigate life alone; there is a steady hand ready to bear your weight when you cannot fly.
This specific detail invites trust in times of instability. Just as the pinion enables an eagle to soar above storms, God’s protection offers stability for your soul. You can rest in the knowledge that His faithfulness acts as a shield around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ pinion/ his1×
- pinion/ its1×
- a pinion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/אֶבְרָת֨/וֹ\׀1×
- אֶבְרָתֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:11
As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, he spread abroad his wings, he took them, he bore them on his feathers.
This verse uses the term to describe the specific action of God lifting Israel, emphasizing both strength and tender care in deliverance.
-
Job 39:13
“The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but are they the feathers and plumage of love?
Here the word highlights the physical structure of the ostrich's wings, contrasting their proud but limited ability to fly with divine wisdom.
-
Psalms 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
While this verse often translates broadly to 'feathers,' the underlying imagery connects to the protective covering provided by the wing's primary structure.