גִּבָּר (gib.bar)
gib.bar
mighty
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun gibbar means a mighty one or a person of great strength. It derives from the Hebrew geber, which simply denotes a "great man," but in its Aramaic usage it carries a heavier weight of power and authority.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in Daniel 3:20. In that context, King Nebuchadnezzar commands his strongest warriors to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The text specifies that the king used men of "might" (gibbarim) for this task, emphasizing their physical capability and military force rather than just their rank.
Translators typically render it as "mighty men" or "strongest soldiers." The term highlights the impressive resources the king deployed to enforce his decree, setting a stark contrast against the faithfulness of three young men who faced such overwhelming power without flinching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gibbar describes a person of immense strength and authority. In Daniel 3:20, King Nebuchadnezzar calls upon his most powerful warriors to enforce his decree against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men were not just soldiers; they were the king's elite force, chosen for their physical might and military prowess. Their presence highlights the overwhelming odds the three young men faced.
When we stand firm in our faith, we may feel small against the pressures of our world. Yet this passage reminds us that human strength is no match for God’s protection. The mighty warriors could bind bodies, but they could not touch the spirits of those who trusted in the Lord. Your faithfulness matters more than any earthly power.
This word encourages us to look beyond visible threats. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God remains sovereign. We can rest in the knowledge that He holds all strength in His hands and defends those who seek Him with sincere hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mighty men of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִּבָּֽרֵי\־1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 3:20
He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
This verse uses gibbar to specify that Nebuchadnezzar deployed his most physically powerful warriors, emphasizing the sheer force arrayed against the three faithful men.