דְּבוֹרָה (de.bo.rah)
de.bo.rah
Deborah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Deborah, or deborah in Hebrew, literally means "bee." In the Old Testament, it appears ten times, primarily within the Book of Judges but also in Genesis. The lexicon data distinguishes two distinct individuals who bear this name, separated by centuries yet linked by their roles as women of significant influence.
The first Deborah is mentioned in Genesis 35:8 as the nurse to Rebekah. Her death is recorded at a place called Allon Bachuth, which translates to "the weeping of bees," suggesting a memorial tied to her name or perhaps her character. This early appearance establishes her as a devoted servant within the patriarchal family.
The second and more prominent Deborah is the prophetess and judge described in Judges 4 and 5. She leads Israel during a time of conflict, offering wisdom and judicial authority while also directing military strategy alongside Barak. Her leadership marks a unique period in Israel’s history, where a woman held both spiritual and civil power.
While the name itself is simple, its biblical usage highlights the presence of women in leadership roles across different eras of Israelite history. The connection between the two figures remains largely thematic rather than genealogical, serving as a literary echo of faithful service and divine guidance through female agency.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Deborah means 'bee,' a small creature known for its industry and its role in producing something sweet and valuable. In Scripture, this name appears twice, linking two women who served faithfully in very different seasons of Israel’s history. One was Rebekah’s nurse, remembered with grief at a place named 'weeping of bees.' The other was a prophetess and judge who led the nation through conflict.
When we look at Deborah in Judges 4, we see a woman who stepped into leadership not for personal glory, but because God placed her there. She did not hesitate to guide Barak into battle, yet she also acknowledged that God’s plans often exceed human expectations. Her story reminds us that God uses ordinary people, including women, to accomplish extraordinary things when they are willing to listen and act.
Whether you feel called to serve in quiet support or in visible leadership, Deborah’s life shows that faithfulness matters more than status. God sees the work of your hands and the courage of your heart. May you find strength in knowing that He equips those He calls, just as He did for this woman who helped restore justice to her people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Deborah8×
- and/ Deborah1×
- O Deborah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דְּבוֹרָ֔ה3×
- וּ/דְבוֹרָה֙1×
- דְּבוֹרָֽה\׃1×
- דְּבוֹרָ֛ה1×
- דְּבוֹרָ֗ה1×
- דְּבֹרָה֙1×
- דְּבֹרָ֨ה1×
- דְּבֹרָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 4:4
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time.
This verse establishes Deborah’s dual role as both a prophetess and a judge, showing that God gave her authority to lead Israel spiritually and civilly.
-
Judges 4:9
She said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the journey that you take won’t be for your honor; for Yahweh will sell Sisera into a woman’s hand.” Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Here Deborah warns Barak that his victory will be shared with a woman, highlighting how God often surprises human expectations in His plans.
-
Judges 5:7
The rulers ceased in Israel. They ceased until I, Deborah, arose; Until I arose a mother in Israel.
Deborah calls herself a 'mother in Israel,' emphasizing her protective and nurturing role in restoring peace and order to the nation.