גְּבוּרָה (ge.vu.rah)
ge.vu.rah
might
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun geburah, appearing in Daniel, translates to "might" or "strength." It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew gevurah (H1369), carrying a similar weight of power and force. In the biblical context, it often refers to physical strength, military power, or the capability to act with authority.
This term highlights the tangible aspects of power, whether possessed by human rulers or divine beings. Its usage in Daniel underscores the reality of earthly kingdoms and their capacities, contrasting them with the ultimate sovereignty of God. The word serves as a reminder that all visible strength is subject to higher purposes.
Understanding geburah helps readers grasp the narrative tension in Daniel between worldly empires and divine intervention. It is not merely abstract power but active, demonstrable force. This concept enriches the reading of prophetic texts by emphasizing the real-world implications of spiritual truths.
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 tangible strength and active force. In Daniel, it describes the power that belongs to God alone. This is not abstract energy but real capability to act with authority.
When Daniel praises God for giving him wisdom and might, he acknowledges that true strength comes from above. Human empires rise and fall, but divine power endures. This truth brings comfort when worldly forces seem overwhelming.
Your faith rests on a God who possesses ultimate might. You can trust in His ability to guide your life and fulfill His purposes, even when circumstances are difficult.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ <the>/ power2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/גְבוּרְתָ֖/א2×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:20
Daniel answered, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his.
This verse attributes both wisdom and might directly to God, establishing that true power is an inherent divine attribute rather than a human achievement.
-
Daniel 2:23
I thank you and praise you, O God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we desired of you; for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”
Daniel credits God with giving him the specific might needed to interpret the king's dream, showing how divine strength empowers faithful service.