גְּבוּרָה (ge.vu.rah)
ge.vu.rah
might
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 50 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun geburah denotes strength, power, or might, often carrying a connotation of forceful action or valour. Derived from a root meaning to be strong or mighty, it appears in contexts ranging from human military prowess to the overwhelming power of God. In Ecclesiastes 9:16, for instance, wisdom is described as better than strength, highlighting its use for physical or strategic capability.
When applied to God, geburah frequently refers to His mighty deeds or acts of deliverance. The Psalms often celebrate these "mighty acts," such as in Psalm 106:2, where believers are urged to recount the Lord's mighty works. This usage emphasizes not just raw power, but power exercised in history for salvation and justice.
The word also appears in descriptions of human heroes or warriors, as seen in Judges 8:21, where Gideon’s brothers ask if he has treated them like the men of Succoth who did not help them in the battle. Here, it signifies martial strength and bravery. In Isaiah 30:15, God declares that salvation comes through quietness and trust, contrasting human reliance on geburah with divine provision.
Translators typically render geburah as "might," "power," or "strength," depending on context. Its plural form, geburot, often refers to the mighty acts of God, reinforcing the idea that true strength is demonstrated through decisive action. This term underscores a central biblical theme: ultimate power belongs to God, who uses it for redemption and judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word geburah points to a strength that is active and decisive. It is not merely potential energy waiting to be used, but power demonstrated through action. In our daily lives, we often feel overwhelmed by circumstances that seem larger than ourselves. This Hebrew term reminds us that true might belongs to God, who exercises His power for justice and deliverance rather than for mere domination.
When the Psalms speak of God’s geburah, they celebrate His mighty deeds in history. These are not abstract concepts but concrete acts of salvation. You can find comfort in knowing that the same power that parted seas and raised kings up also sustains you in your quiet moments. It is a strength that anchors faith when human resources run dry.
This understanding shifts how we view our own limitations. We do not need to manufacture our own forceful actions to be effective. Instead, we rest in the assurance that God’s might is sufficient for every trial. His power works through trust and quietness, offering a peace that the world cannot give or take away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 50 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ might/ his8×
- and/ strength5×
- might/ his4×
- strength/ their3×
- strength3×
- mighty deeds/ his2×
- and/ mighty deeds/ your2×
- and/ might2×
- with/ [the] mighty deeds of1×
- strength/ your1×
- strength/ my1×
- strength/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/גְבוּרָ֑ה3×
- וּ/גְב֣וּרָת֔/וֹ3×
- וּ/גְבוּרָת֑/וֹ2×
- וּ/גְבוּרָ֖ה2×
- וּ/גְבוּרָ֔ה2×
- גְּבוּרָת֑/וֹ2×
- מִ/גְּבוּרָ֑ה1×
- וּ/גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם1×
- וּ/גְבוּרָתֵ֖/ךְ1×
- וּ/גְבוּרָתְ/ךָ֥1×
- וּ/גְבוּרָת֣/וֹ1×
- וּ/גְבוּרָת֖/וֹ1×
Key Verses
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Psalms 71:16
I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.
This verse highlights the personal commitment to recounting God's mighty acts, showing that geburah is central to worship and testimony.
-
I Chronicles 29:12
Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all! In your hand is power and might! It is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all!
Here the text explicitly links power and might directly to God’s hand, emphasizing that all strength originates from Him alone.
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II Kings 18:20
You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
The Assyrian messenger uses this word to describe military strength, illustrating how human powers rely on geburah for their confidence in war.
-
Job 26:14
Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways. How small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
This passage contrasts the faint whisper we hear with the thunder of God’s power, underscoring the vastness of His geburah compared to human perception.