גָּבַר (ga.var)
ga.var
to prevail
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gabar conveys the idea of being strong, mighty, or powerful enough to prevail over opposition. In its basic form, it describes a state of superior strength that allows one to overcome obstacles or rivals. This sense of dominance appears in diverse contexts, from the rising waters of the flood narrative (Genesis 7:18) to the military prowess of warriors like David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 1:23). The word captures not just physical force but a decisive advantage that tips the balance in one’s favor.
When used in intensified forms, gabar shifts from describing a state to actively causing strength. In the Hiphil stem, it means to confirm or strengthen something firmly, such as when Daniel speaks of a ruler who will confirm a covenant with many (Daniel 9:27). This usage highlights how power is applied to establish stability or agreement. Conversely, in its reflexive form, it can describe someone acting proudly or insolently against God, showing that strength can also manifest as arrogance when misdirected.
Translators often render gabar as "prevail" or "be mighty," reflecting its core meaning of overcoming through superior force. The word’s range extends from natural phenomena like rising waters to human actions in battle and diplomacy. Its presence in texts ranging from Genesis to Zechariah underscores its role in describing moments where strength determines outcomes, whether in conflict, covenant, or divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gabar reminds us that true strength is not merely physical power, but the ability to endure and overcome. In Genesis, rising waters prevail over the land, showing how forces beyond human control can shift our world. Yet in Exodus, Israel prevails only when Moses holds up his hand, linking victory to dependence on God. This contrast invites us to look beyond our own resources.
When life feels overwhelming, this word offers a quiet assurance. It suggests that prevailing is often about holding steady rather than fighting harder. Whether facing personal struggles or external pressures, we are invited to trust that strength comes from above. Your faithfulness in small moments matters deeply.
Consider how this strength is applied in covenant and community. In Zechariah, God strengthens Judah not by removing their enemies, but by sustaining them through it. This perspective shifts our focus from immediate victory to lasting resilience. It is a gentle call to remain steadfast, knowing that endurance itself is a form of triumph.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they increased2×
- it is strong2×
- he will prevail2×
- and/ they increased2×
- and/ it prevailed2×
- they were strong1×
- they were behaving proudly1×
- they prevailed1×
- they have prevailed1×
- he will make strong1×
- he was strong1×
- he has prevailed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּגְבְּר֥וּ2×
- יִתְגַּבָּֽרוּ\׃1×
- יִתְגַּבָּֽר\׃\ \ס1×
- יִתְגַּבָּֽר\׃1×
- יִגְבַּר\־1×
- יְגַבֵּ֑ר1×
- וְ/הִגְבִּ֥יר1×
- וְ/גָבַ֥ר1×
- וְ/גָבַ֣ר1×
- וְ/גִבַּרְתִּי/ם֙1×
- וְ/גִבַּרְתִּ֣י\׀1×
- גָּבַ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 17:11
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
This verse shows that prevailing is directly tied to Moses' raised hands, illustrating that spiritual victory depends on intercession and reliance on God rather than military might.
-
Genesis 7:18
The waters rose, and increased greatly on the earth; and the ship floated on the surface of the waters.
Here the waters prevail over the earth, demonstrating the word's use for overwhelming natural forces that exceed human capacity to resist.
-
Zechariah 10:6
“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, for I have mercy on them. They will be as though I had not cast them off, for I am Yahweh their God, and I will hear them.
God promises to strengthen Judah, using the Hiphil stem to show active divine empowerment that enables the people to stand firm against opposition.
-
Job 15:25
Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty,
This passage describes the wicked behaving proudly against God, highlighting how strength can be misused in arrogance rather than humility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word gabar mean?
How is gabar different from other words for strength?
Where does gabar appear in the Bible?
Does gabar always mean positive strength?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 12 books)
Genesis 5 verses
The waters rose, and increased greatly on the earth; and the ship floated on the surface of the waters.
Genesis 7:19The waters rose very high on the earth. All the high mountains that were under the whole sky were covered.
Genesis 7:20The waters rose fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered.
Genesis 7:24The waters flooded the earth one hundred fifty days.
Genesis 49:26The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my ancestors, above the boundaries of the ancient…