דְּבוֹרָה
Devorah / Deborah
“Bee”
Deborah (דְּבוֹרָה, Devorah) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “bee,” pronounced “de-vo-RAH.” From the Hebrew דְּבוֹרָה (devorah) meaning 'bee.' The word is related to 'davar' (word/thing) and 'devir' (inner sanctuary), though the primary meaning is the insect. In the ancient world, bees symbolized industry, community, and ordered productivity.
| Hebrew | דְּבוֹרָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Devorah |
| English Name | Deborah |
| Meaning | Bee |
| Pronunciation | de-vo-RAH |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Devorah, Debora, Dvorah, Devora, Deb |
| Key Scripture | Judges 4:4-5 |
Deborah shattered every expectation of her era. In a patriarchal society where women were rarely public figures, she served simultaneously as a prophetess, a judge, and a military commander — the only person in the Book of Judges to hold all three roles. She sat under a palm tree between Ramah and Bethel, and all Israel came to her for judgment. When the Canaanite general Sisera terrorized Israel with 900 iron chariots, it was Deborah who summoned the commander Barak and declared: 'Go! The LORD has gone ahead of you!' Her name means 'bee' — an image of industrious, organized, and fiercely protective nature. Like her namesake, Deborah was small but mighty, sweet but capable of a devastating sting.
Key Scripture: Judges 4:4-5
“Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.”
What Does Deborah Mean in Hebrew?
The word דְּבוֹרָה (devorah) means 'bee' from the root ד-ב-ר (dalet-bet-resh). While this root primarily means 'to speak/word,' the connection to 'bee' may relate to the buzzing sound (an onomatopoeic origin) or to the orderly, word-following nature of a hive. The bee was a symbol of productive community in the ancient Near East.
Deborah in the Bible
Deborah is the only female judge of Israel in the Book of Judges. She prophesied, adjudicated disputes, and commanded Barak to lead 10,000 men against Sisera's army. After the victory, she composed the Song of Deborah (Judges 5), one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew poetry in the Bible, celebrating God's triumph over Israel's enemies.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) is considered by scholars to be one of the oldest surviving pieces of Hebrew literature, possibly composed in the 12th century BCE. Deborah's leadership has made her an icon in feminist biblical scholarship and a model of female authority in religious traditions that sometimes limit women's roles.
Deborah was a top-5 girls' name in the United States during the 1950s-1960s. While it has declined in popularity since, Devorah remains popular in Jewish communities. The name carries connotations of strength, leadership, and female empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deborah
What does Deborah mean in Hebrew?
Deborah (דְּבוֹרָה, Devorah) means “Bee” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew דְּבוֹרָה (devorah) meaning 'bee.' The word is related to 'davar' (word/thing) and 'devir' (inner sanctuary), though the primary meaning is the insect. In the ancient world, bees symbolized industry, community, and ordered productivity.
How do you pronounce Deborah in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Deborah is “de-vo-RAH.” The name is written דְּבוֹרָה in Hebrew script.
What does Deborah mean in Hebrew?
Deborah (דְּבוֹרָה, Devorah) means 'bee' in Hebrew. The bee was an ancient symbol of industry, community, and fierce protectiveness — qualities that perfectly describe the biblical Deborah, who tirelessly judged Israel, organized its defense, and fiercely protected her people from Canaanite oppression.
Was Deborah a real military leader?
Yes — Deborah served as both judge (civil leader) and military commander of Israel. She summoned Barak and commanded him to lead 10,000 troops against Sisera's 900 iron chariots. When Barak refused to go without her, she accompanied him to battle. The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) is an ancient victory hymn celebrating the triumph she orchestrated.
What is the Song of Deborah?
The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) is a victory hymn composed after Israel's defeat of Sisera's Canaanite army. It is one of the oldest pieces of Hebrew poetry in the Bible, possibly dating to the 12th century BCE. The song praises God as warrior, celebrates the tribes who fought, shames those who didn't, and vividly describes the battle and its aftermath.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
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