גָּבֶר (ga.ver)
ga.ver
great man
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 59 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun geber denotes a man defined by his strength and capacity for action. Derived from a root meaning "to be strong," it distinguishes itself from generic terms for human beings by emphasizing physical vigor, military capability, or moral fortitude. It appears frequently in poetic books like Job and Proverbs, where character is often measured by resilience and power.
While it can simply mean "male" to contrast with women or children, its most distinctive usage highlights a warrior or leader who defends others. For instance, Judges 5:30 describes plunderers bringing home "men" (gebarim) as captives, focusing on their status as combatants rather than civilians. Similarly, Proverbs 24:5 praises a geber for his might, linking strength directly to wisdom and insight.
Translators often render this word as "man," "mighty man," or "warrior" depending on the context. In Job 40:7, God challenges Job to "gird up his loins like a man," using geber to call for courageous strength in the face of divine mystery. The term consistently points to a person who embodies power, whether in battle, leadership, or steadfast faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word geber points to more than just biological maleness; it describes a person defined by strength and capacity for action. In the Hebrew Bible, this term often highlights physical vigor, military capability, or moral fortitude. It distinguishes itself from generic words for human beings by emphasizing resilience and power. When Scripture uses geber, it frequently calls attention to a warrior or leader who defends others.
This understanding offers a profound lens for your own faith journey. You are not called to be passive in your spiritual life. Instead, you are invited to embody the strength that comes from trusting God. Whether facing personal trials or standing firm in your convictions, this word reminds us that true power is rooted in steadfastness and courage.
Consider how God challenges Job to gird up his loins like a man. This is not merely a call to physical bravery but an invitation to stand with courageous strength before divine mystery. Your faith requires this same active resilience. It asks you to engage deeply with your circumstances, relying on the inner fortitude that God provides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 59 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a man27×
- the/ men6×
- the/ man6×
- to the/ men3×
- like/ a man2×
- and/ a man2×
- [is] the/ man2×
- to/ men1×
- to/ a man1×
- men1×
- man1×
- from/ a man1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּ֑בֶר4×
- גֶּ֣בֶר4×
- הַ/גֶּ֙בֶר֙3×
- גָּֽבֶר\׃3×
- גֶּ֖בֶר3×
- גָֽבֶר\׃3×
- כְ/גֶ֣בֶר2×
- הַ/גֶּ֖בֶר2×
- הַ/גְּבָרִ֛ים2×
- גֶּ֥בֶר2×
- גֶ֥בֶר2×
- מִ/גֶּ֣בֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 5:30
‘Have they not found, have they not divided the plunder? A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a plunder of dyed garments, a plunder of dyed garments embroidered, of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the plunder?’
The text focuses on combatants as captives, highlighting the word's connection to military capability and status rather than civilian life.
-
Exodus 10:11
Not so! Go now you who are men, and serve Yahweh; for that is what you desire!” Then they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
Pharaoh distinguishes those with the capacity for action and service from those who are not yet ready, linking the term to active faith.