גְּבֶ֫רֶת (ge.ve.ret)
ge.ve.ret
lady
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun geberet denotes a woman of high status, translated variously as "lady," "queen," or "mistress." In Genesis 24:55, Rebekah’s family addresses her with this term when discussing her departure, highlighting her dignity and authority within the household. The word carries a sense of respect and rank, distinguishing the woman from those she oversees.
Its usage often implies a position of power over servants or a royal standing, as seen in its application to queens or noblewomen. The sources note that it can refer to a mistress in charge of domestic affairs, emphasizing her role as a leader rather than merely a title. This distinction helps clarify the social dynamics in biblical narratives where women hold significant influence.
The term appears nine times in Scripture, with notable occurrences in Isaiah and Psalms, where it underscores the honor due to women of prominence. Translators typically render it as "lady" or "queen," depending on context, to convey the respect and authority inherent in the word. Its presence in these texts reflects the cultural value placed on female leadership and dignity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word geberet points to a woman of high standing, authority, or rank. In the Old Testament narratives, it often describes a mistress or queen who holds power over others. This term highlights the dignity and respect due to women in positions of leadership within their households or kingdoms.
While modern readers might focus on the hierarchy implied by 'mistress,' the biblical text uses this word to acknowledge real social structures and the responsibilities that come with them. It reminds us that authority, whether held by men or women, is a serious matter entrusted by God. We see this in stories like Hagar’s, where her relationship with Sarai is defined by this term, showing both the tension and the reality of their roles.
For your faith life, geberet invites us to honor the authority structures God has permitted in our world while remembering that our ultimate loyalty belongs to Him. It calls for respect toward those in leadership, not out of fear, but as an acknowledgment of the order God allows. At the same time, it reminds us that every person, regardless of status, is seen and valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mistress/ her4×
- queen of1×
- mistress/ your1×
- mistress/ my1×
- as <the>/ mistress/ her1×
- a queen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּ/גְּבִרְתָּ֑/הּ1×
- גְּבֶ֖רֶת1×
- גְּבִרְתָּֽ/הּ\׃\ \פ1×
- גְּבִרְתָּ֖/הּ1×
- גְּבִרְתָּ֔/הּ1×
- גְּבִרְתֵּ֑/ךְ1×
- גְּבִרְתִּ֔/י1×
- גְּבִ֫רְתָּ֥/הּ1×
- גְבָ֑רֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 16:8
He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.”
Hagar identifies herself as fleeing from 'my mistress Sarai,' using geberet to define her social relationship and the authority structure she is escaping.
-
Psalms 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to Yahweh, our God, until he has mercy on us.
The psalmist uses the image of a maid looking to her mistress (geberet) as a metaphor for how believers look to God for mercy, linking human authority to divine care.
-
Isaiah 47:5
“Sit in silence, and go into darkness, daughter of the Chaldeans. For you shall no longer be called the mistress of kingdoms.
God addresses Babylon as 'mistress of kingdoms' (geberet), using the title ironically to highlight her fallen pride and lost status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does geberet mean in the Bible?
How is geberet different from other words for woman?
Where does geberet appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 5 books)
Genesis 3 verses
He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
Genesis 16:8He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the face…
Genesis 16:9Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.”