מִשְׁבָּר (mish.bar)
mish.bar
wave
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun mishbar denotes a wave or the act of breaking, specifically describing the sea’s motion as it crashes against a shore or other obstacle. In the biblical text, this word captures the physical force and turbulence of water, emphasizing the dynamic energy of the ocean rather than its calm state.
Its usage is sparse but vivid, appearing only twice in Scripture. One instance occurs in Psalm 89:9, where God’s power is shown to rule over the "breakers" of the sea, highlighting divine sovereignty over chaotic natural forces. The other occurrence is found in II Samuel 22:16, describing how a surge from the depths revealed the foundations of the world during a theophany.
Etymologically, mishbar derives from the root shabar, meaning "to break." This connection reinforces the image of water shattering against a barrier. Translators often render it as "waves" or "breakers," depending on context, to convey this sense of violent motion and impact.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mishbar paints a vivid picture of water shattering against a barrier. It comes from a root meaning 'to break,' capturing the raw, turbulent energy of waves crashing with force. This is not the gentle lapping of a calm shore, but the powerful, chaotic motion of the sea asserting its strength.
In Psalm 93:4, this word describes the mighty breakers of the sea, yet Yahweh is declared mighty above them. The image reminds us that even the most overwhelming forces of nature are subject to God’s rule. When life feels like it is crashing against you with unstoppable force, this truth offers a steady anchor.
Understanding mishbar helps us see that God’s power exceeds the chaos we face. You do not need to control the waves; you can trust the One who stands above them. This perspective brings peace, knowing that no surge of trouble is beyond His reach or authority.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] breakers of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁבְּרֵי\־2×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 93:4
Above the voices of many waters, the mighty breakers of the sea, Yahweh on high is mighty.
This verse uses mishbar to describe the sea's mighty breakers, emphasizing that God's strength surpasses even the most chaotic natural forces.