Lexical Summary
gibbor: Mighty, strong, warrior, hero
Original Word:גִּבּוֹר
Part of Speech:Adjective; noun masculine
Transliteration:gibbowr
Pronunciation:ghib-BORE
Phonetic Spelling:(ghib-bore')
KJV: champion, chief, X excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man
NASB:mighty men, mighty, warriors, mighty man, warrior, heroes, men
Word Origin:[intensive from the same asH1397 (גֶּבֶר - man)]
1. powerful
2. (by implication) a warrior, tyrant
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
champion, chief, excel, giant, man, mighty man, one, strong man,
Or (shortened) gibbor {ghib-bore'}; intensive from the same asgeber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant -- champion, chief, X excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man.
see HEBREWgeber
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
gabarDefinitionstrong, mighty
NASB Translationchampion (2), great (1), helpers (1), heroes (3), men (3), men of outstanding (1), Mighty (1), mighty (27), mighty man (15), mighty men (57), Mighty One (1), mighty one (2), mighty ones (3), mighty warrior (1), mighty warriors (2), strong (1), strong man (1), valiant warriors (1), valiant* (1), warrior (14), warrior has over another (1), warrior's (1), warriors (17), who is mighty (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
159 (compare Arabic
one who magnifies himself, behaves proudly, a tyrant, who is bold, audacious) —
Genesis 10:9 5t.;
Genesis 10:8 2t.;
1 Samuel 17:51; plural
Jeremiah 46:9 27t.;
Joshua 10:2 21t.; construct
1 Chronicles 11:27 29t.;
1 Chronicles 9:26 4t.; suffix
Hosea 10:13 + (variant reading suffixes 11 t.); —
mightiest among beastsProverbs 30:30;1 Samuel 14:52;Psalm 112:2;mighty in huntingGenesis 10:9 (J);Daniel 11:3; the MessiahIsaiah 9:5; attribute of God especially as fighting for his peoplePsalm 24:8 (twice in verse);Deuteronomy 10:17;Nehemiah 9:32;Isaiah 10:21;Jeremiah 32:18 (compare Arabic
).
strong, valiant manJoshua 10:2 (E)Genesis 6:4;Genesis 10:8(J)Judges 5:13,23;1 Samuel 2:4 16t.1 Kings 1:8,10;2 Kings 24:16;1 Chronicles 1:10 11t.Ezra 7:28;Job 16:14;Psalm 19:6;Psalm 33:16;Psalm 45:4;Psalm 52:3;Psalm 78:65;Psalm 89:20;Psalm 120:4;Psalm 127:4;Proverbs 16:32;Proverbs 21:22;Songs 3:7 (twice in verse);Songs 4:4;Ecclesiastes 9:11;Isaiah 3:2;Isaiah 13:3;Isaiah 21:17;Isaiah 42:13;Isaiah 49:24,25;Jeremiah 5:16 17t.Ezekiel 32:12 5t.Hosea 10:13;Joel 2:7; Joel 4:9; Joel 4:10; Joel 4:11;Amos 2:14,16; Obadiah 9;Nahum 2:4;Zephaniah 1:14;Zephaniah 3:17;Zechariah 9:13;Zechariah 10:5,7; compare phrasesmighty man of valourJudges 6:12;Judges 11:1;1 Samuel 9:1;1 Samuel 16:18;1 Kings 11:28;2 Kings 5:1 ( so and others; butL , compare also Klo's dubious emendation),1 Chronicles 12:28;1 Chronicles 28:1; 2Chronicles 13:3; 17:16,17; 25:6; 32:21;Ruth 2:1;Joshua 1:14 (D)Joshua 6:2;Joshua 10:7 (JE)2 Kings 15:20;2 Kings 24:14;Joshua 8:3;1 Chronicles 5:24 14t.Nehemiah 11:14;1 Chronicles 7:5,7,11,40;1 Chronicles 11:26;Psalm 103:20; 2Chronicles 13:3;1 Chronicles 9:26;Nehemiah 3:16;2 Samuel 10:7;1 Chronicles 19:8;1 Chronicles 11:10;valiant to drinkIsaiah 5:22.
Topical Lexicon
Scope of the WordThe term denotes a person (or occasionally God Himself) characterized by superior strength, courage, capability and influence. While the majority of references are to military heroes, the word also embraces leaders of civic life, champions of justice, models of moral strength and, supremely, the LORD who saves.
Earliest Appearances
Genesis introduces the vocabulary of might in the primeval history. Nimrod is “a mighty one on the earth” and “a mighty hunter before the LORD” (Genesis 10:8-9). Here the label foreshadows the emergence of influential empire-builders, affirming that human prowess does not escape divine scrutiny. The term recurs inGenesis 6:4 to describe the renowned men of the antediluvian era, underlining that extraordinary strength offers no protection from judgment when divorced from righteousness.
Military Valor and National Security
From Exodus through the historical books the word predominantly identifies warriors vital to Israel’s survival. The Song of the Sea praises the LORD who “has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will exalt Him” and who overthrows Pharaoh’s chariots and “his mighty officers” (Exodus 15:2-4). Joshua relies on “valiant warriors” (Joshua 1:14) to occupy the land, and Judges records both deliverers raised up by God and oppressors who boast human strength. Gideon’s call—“The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12)—illustrates how divine commissioning transforms an insecure farmer into a deliverer.
David and His Mighty Men
2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles give the richest narrative treatment. The “mighty men” (gibborim) constitute an elite corps whose courageous exploits secure David’s throne (2 Samuel 23:8-39;1 Chronicles 11:10-47). Individual feats—striking down Philistines single-handedly, defending barley fields, slaying lion-like men of Moab—are celebrated to show that covenant faith fuels heroism. Their loyalty models sacrificial commitment to God’s anointed king, foreshadowing devotion owed to the greater Son of David.
Kings, Nobles and Administrators
Beyond the battlefield the term marks influential leaders. Boaz is introduced as “a man of standing” (Ruth 2:1), whose wealth and integrity prefigure kinsman-redeemer ministry. In2 Kings 5:1 Naaman is “commander of the army … a great man … a valiant warrior,” yet in need of cleansing—demonstrating that earthly power is limited without spiritual renewal. Proverbs connects might with social justice: “Do not rob the poor because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted in court, for the LORD will plead their case and rob of life those who rob them” (Proverbs 22:22-23), implicitly warning powerful men to exercise strength righteously.
Yahweh the Warrior
Human valor derives from and is judged by the divine archetype. “The LORD is a warrior” (Exodus 15:3). The Psalms repeatedly declare, “The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8). Isaiah broadens the concept: “The LORD will go forth like a mighty warrior; He will rouse His zeal like a man of war” (Isaiah 42:13). The imagery comforts the oppressed and threatens the wicked, assuring readers that history is steered by omnipotent righteousness.
Messianic Fulfillment
Isaiah 9:6 assigns the title “Mighty God” (El Gibbor) to the coming royal Son, harmonizing divine strength with incarnate ministry.Jeremiah 32:18 affirms, “the Great and Mighty God, whose name is the LORD of Hosts,” coupling covenant love with warrior authority. Revelation echoes the theme when Christ returns as conquering King (Revelation 19:11-16), bringing the hope of every Old Testament warrior to consummation.
Spiritual and Ethical Dimensions
The prophets indict societies whose “mighty men” misuse power.Isaiah 5:22 pronounces woe on those who are “heroes at drinking wine,” exposing moral decay behind superficial strength. Micah laments national collapse when “the best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge” (Micah 7:4). True might is redefined as reliance upon God: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
New Testament Echoes
Though the Hebrew term does not reappear linguistically, its theology underlies the teaching that believers wage spiritual warfare. Paul urges, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). The ideal of the valiant warrior is transferred to the whole church, now armed with gospel truth.
Ministry Implications
1. Leadership: Scripture commends strength expressed in humble service. Pastors and elders are called to courageous fidelity, protecting the flock as David’s men protected their king.
2. Discipleship: Every believer is summoned to valor—conquering sin, enduring hardship, contending for the faith.
3. Missions: The title reminds the church that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, energizing global evangelism with confidence in His power.
4. Social Justice: Those gifted with influence must defend the weak, reflecting the character of the Mighty One who “executes justice for the oppressed.”
Summary
From Genesis to the Prophets the concept encapsulates human prowess, royal legitimacy and divine omnipotence. Perfectly embodied in the Messiah and extended to His people through the Spirit, true might consists of faith-fueled courage, righteous stewardship of power and unwavering trust in the LORD of Hosts.
Forms and Transliterations
בְּגִבּוֹר֙ בַּגִּבּוֹרִ֑ים בַּגִּבּוֹרִ֔ים בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ בגבור בגבורים בגבורים׃ גִּ֝בּ֗וֹר גִּ֭בֹּרִים גִּבֹּ֖ר גִּבֹּ֣רֵי גִּבֹּרִ֖ים גִּבֹּרִֽים׃ גִּבֹּרֵ֜יהוּ גִּבֹּרֵ֣י גִּבֹּרֵי־ גִּבּ֑וֹר גִּבּ֔וֹר גִּבּ֖וֹר גִּבּ֣וֹר גִּבּ֣וֹרֵי גִּבּ֤וֹרֵי גִּבּ֥וֹר גִּבּ֥וֹרֵי גִּבּֽוֹר׃ גִּבּוֹר֙ גִּבּוֹרִ֔ים גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים גִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ גִּבּוֹרִים֙ גִּבּוֹרֵ֖י גִּבּוֹרֵ֣י גִּבּוֹרֵ֤י גִּבּוֹרֵ֥י גִּבּוֹרֶ֔יהָ גִּבּוֹרֶ֖יהָ גִּבּוֹרֶֽיךָ׃ גִּבּוֹרָ֖ם גִּבּוֹרָ֤יו גִבֹּֽר־ גִבֹּרִ֔ים גִבֹּרִ֣ים גִבּ֣וֹר גִבּ֤וֹר גִבּ֥וֹרֵי גִבּוֹר֙ גִבּוֹרִ֔ים גִבּוֹרִ֛ים גִבּוֹרִֽים׃ גִבּוֹרֵ֨י גִבּוֹרֶ֖יךָ גִבּוֹרַי֙ גבור גבור׃ גבורי גבוריה גבוריו גבוריך גבוריך׃ גבורים גבורים׃ גבורם גבר גבר־ גברי גברי־ גבריהו גברים גברים׃ הַגִּבֹּר֙ הַגִּבֹּרִ֑ים הַגִּבֹּרִ֔ים הַגִּבֹּרִ֖ים הַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים הַגִּבֹּרִ֜ים הַגִּבֹּרִֽים׃ הַגִּבּ֑וֹר הַגִּבּ֔וֹר הַגִּבּ֖וֹר הַגִּבּ֣וֹר הַגִּבּוֹרִ֑ים הַגִּבּוֹרִ֔ים הַגִּבּוֹרִ֛ים הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ הַגִּבּוֹרִים֙ הַגִּבֹּרִ֜ים הגבור הגבורים הגבורים׃ הגבר הגברים הגברים׃ וְגִבֹּרָ֔יו וְגִבּ֑וֹר וְגִבּ֖וֹר וְגִבּ֨וֹר וְגִבּוֹרֵ֖י וְגִבּוֹרֵיהֶ֣ם וְגִבּוֹרֶ֔יהָ וְהַגִּבֹּרִ֔ים וְהַגִּבּוֹרִ֖ים וְהַגִּבּוֹרִ֛ים וגבור וגבורי וגבוריה וגבוריהם וגבריו והגבורים והגברים כְּ֝גִבּ֗וֹר כְּגִבּ֖וֹר כְּגִבּ֣וֹר כְּגִבּֽוֹר׃ כְּגִבּוֹרִ֣ים כְגִבֹּרִ֜ים כְגִבּוֹר֙ כַּגִּבּ֣וֹר כגבור כגבור׃ כגבורים כגברים לְגִבּ֣וֹרֵי לַגִּבּוֹרִ֣ים לגבורי לגבורים מִגִּבֹּרֵ֖י מִגִּבּ֑וֹר מִגִּבּ֖וֹר מגבור מגברי bag·gib·bō·w·rîm baggibboRim baggibbōwrîm bə·ḡib·bō·wr begibbOr bəḡibbōwr chegibbOr chegibboRim gib·bō·rê gib·bō·rê- gib·bō·rê·hū gib·bō·rîm ḡib·bō·rîm gib·bō·w·rām gib·bō·w·rāw ḡib·bō·w·ray gib·bō·w·rê ḡib·bō·w·rê gib·bō·w·re·hā gib·bō·w·re·ḵā ḡib·bō·w·re·ḵā gib·bō·w·rîm ḡib·bō·w·rîm gib·bō·wr ḡib·bō·wr gib·bōr ḡib·bōr- gibBor gibbōr ḡibbōr- gibboRai gibboRam gibboRav gibbōrê gibbōrê- gibbōrêhū gibboRei gibboReicha gibboReiha gibboReihu gibboRim gibbōrîm ḡibbōrîm gibbōwr ḡibbōwr gibbōwrām gibbōwrāw ḡibbōwray gibbōwrê ḡibbōwrê gibbōwrehā gibbōwreḵā ḡibbōwreḵā gibbōwrîm ḡibbōwrîm hag·gib·bō·rîm hag·gib·bō·w·rîm hag·gib·bō·wr hag·gib·bōr haggibBor haggibbōr haggibboRim haggibbōrîm haggibbōwr haggibbōwrîm kag·gib·bō·wr kaggibBor kaggibbōwr ḵə·ḡib·bō·rîm kə·ḡib·bō·w·rîm kə·ḡib·bō·wr ḵə·ḡib·bō·wr kegibBor kegibboRim ḵəḡibbōrîm kəḡibbōwr ḵəḡibbōwr kəḡibbōwrîm lag·gib·bō·w·rîm laggibboRim laggibbōwrîm lə·ḡib·bō·w·rê legibBorei ləḡibbōwrê mig·gib·bō·rê mig·gib·bō·wr miggibBor miggibbōrê miggibboRei miggibbōwr vegibBor vegibboRav vegibboRei vegibboReiha vegibboreiHem vehaggibboRim wə·ḡib·bō·rāw wə·ḡib·bō·w·rê wə·ḡib·bō·w·re·hā wə·ḡib·bō·w·rê·hem wə·ḡib·bō·wr wə·hag·gib·bō·rîm wə·hag·gib·bō·w·rîm wəḡibbōrāw wəḡibbōwr wəḡibbōwrê wəḡibbōwrehā wəḡibbōwrêhem wəhaggibbōrîm wəhaggibbōwrîm
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