כַּבִּיר (kab.bir)
kab.bir
mighty
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word kabir describes something or someone as mighty, great, or powerful. It appears nine times in the Bible, with a notable concentration in the books of Job and Isaiah. In these contexts, it usually emphasizes overwhelming strength or significant magnitude rather than physical size alone.
While often translated simply as "great," the term carries a weight of force. For instance, in Isaiah 40:26, it describes the Creator who brings out the starry host by number, calling them all by name because of His great power. The word highlights an authority that is difficult to resist or ignore.
This adjective often modifies nouns like "hand" or "arm," imagery commonly used in Scripture to represent active strength and intervention. By using kabir, the biblical authors point to a power that is both immense and decisive, distinguishing divine action from ordinary human capability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kabir points to a power that is overwhelming and decisive. It is not merely about size, but about an authority that commands attention and cannot be ignored. When Scripture uses this term, it often highlights the immense strength of God, distinguishing His actions from ordinary human capability.
In Isaiah 40:26, we see this mighty power in the Creator who brings out the starry host by number. This reminds us that the same force that orders the cosmos is available to those who trust in Him. It offers comfort when our own strength feels insufficient, showing that divine intervention is both immense and purposeful.
Reflecting on this helps ground our faith in a God whose power is real and active. We do not face life's challenges alone; we serve a Lord whose might is beyond our understanding yet available to us in grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mighty4×
- much1×
- mighty [ones]1×
- [will be] mighty1×
- [those] old1×
- [the] mighty [one]1×
- [is] mighty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּבִּירִ֥ים1×
- כַּבִּירִ֣ים1×
- כַּבִּירִ֖ים1×
- כַּבִּ֣יר1×
- כַּבִּ֖יר1×
- כַּ֭בִּיר1×
- כַּ֝בִּיר1×
- כַּ֝בִּ֗יר1×
- כַבִּֽיר\׃\ \ס1×
- כַ֝בִּ֗יר1×
Key Verses
-
Job 34:24
He breaks mighty men in pieces in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.
Here the term describes mighty men whom God breaks in pieces, highlighting His sovereign power to judge and remove leaders.
-
Isaiah 17:12
Ah, the uproar of many peoples who roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!
The word modifies 'mighty waters' to illustrate the roaring, unstoppable force of many nations against Jerusalem.
-
Job 36:5
“Behold, God is mighty, and doesn’t despise anyone. He is mighty in strength of understanding.
It affirms that God is mighty in strength and understanding, showing that His power is coupled with perfect wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kabir mean in the Bible?
How is kabir different from other words for 'great'?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Job 6 verses
“How long will you speak these things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?
Job 15:10With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much older than your father.
Job 31:25If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much;
Job 34:17Should even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty,
Job 34:24He breaks mighty men in pieces in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.
Job 36:5“Behold, God is mighty, and doesn’t despise anyone. He is mighty in strength of understanding.