גִּבּוֹר
Gibbor
Warrior, mighty one, hero
Gibbor (גִּבּוֹר) is a Hebrew word meaning “warrior, mighty one, hero,” pronounced “gi-BOR.” Derived from the root ג-ב-ר, gibbor appears 159 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H1368).
| Hebrew | גִּבּוֹר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Gibbor |
| Pronunciation | gi-BOR |
| Meaning | Warrior, mighty one, hero |
| Root Letters | ג-ב-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 159× |
| Key Verse | Isaiah 9:6 |
| Strong's Number | H1368 |
| Category | Warfare & Victory |
Isaiah 9:6 gives the coming Messiah four names, and one is staggering: El Gibbor (אֵל גִּבּוֹר) — Mighty God. The word gibbor (גִּבּוֹר) describes the mightiest of warriors, the hero who prevails against impossible odds. When applied to humans, it describes David's elite 'gibborim' — mighty men who fought lions, held ground against armies, and broke through enemy lines to bring their king water from Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23:8-39). When applied to God, gibbor takes on cosmic dimensions. Zephaniah 3:17 declares: 'The LORD your God is in your midst, a gibbor who saves.' This is the Creator described as a warrior who fights with might for His beloved. Understanding gibbor reveals that God's love is not passive or weak; it is the love of a champion who will stop at nothing to rescue His people.
Key Bible Verse: Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God (El Gibbor), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
What Is the Root of Gibbor in Hebrew?
Gibbor comes from the root ג-ב-ר (gimel-bet-resh), meaning 'to be strong, mighty, prevail.' The related word 'gevurah' means 'strength, might, power' — one of God's key attributes in Jewish theology.
What Does Gibbor Mean in the Bible?
Gibbor appears approximately 159 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes human warriors (David's mighty men), the Nephilim as 'gibborim of old' (Genesis 6:4), God as 'El Gibbor' (Isaiah 9:6, 10:21), and the messianic king. Psalm 24:8: 'Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty (gibbor).'
How Is Gibbor Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Hebrew, 'gibbor' means 'hero' or 'strong person.' Israeli military decorations are called 'ot hagibbor.' The concept of courage rooted in divine calling remains central to Israeli culture.
How to Use Gibbor in Prayer & Worship
Meditate on God as El Gibbor — the Mighty Warrior who fights for you. When you feel weak, remember His gevurah is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Ask Him to make you one of His gibborim — mighty in faith, courage, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gibbor
How do you say “Warrior” in Hebrew?
“Warrior” in Hebrew is Gibbor (גִּבּוֹר), pronounced “gi-BOR.” Gibbor comes from the root ג-ב-ר (gimel-bet-resh), meaning 'to be strong, mighty, prevail.' The related word 'gevurah' means 'strength, might, power' — one of God's key attributes in Jewish theology.
What does Gibbor mean in the Bible?
Gibbor (גִּבּוֹר) means “Warrior, mighty one, hero” in Biblical Hebrew. Gibbor appears approximately 159 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes human warriors (David's mighty men), the Nephilim as 'gibborim of old' (Genesis 6:4), God as 'El Gibbor' (Isaiah 9:6, 10:21), and the messianic king. Psalm 24:8: 'Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty (gibbor).'
How do you pronounce Gibbor?
Gibbor is pronounced “gi-BOR.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ג-ב-ר.
Who were David's mighty men (gibborim)?
2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 list David's elite warriors. Josheb-basshebeth killed 800 men in one encounter, Eleazar fought until his hand froze to his sword, and three broke through Philistine lines to bring David water from Bethlehem's well. They exemplify courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
What does El Gibbor mean in Isaiah 9:6?
El Gibbor means 'Mighty God' — applying the full title of deity to the promised child. This is one of the clearest Old Testament declarations that the Messiah would be divine. The same title is used for YHWH in Isaiah 10:21. Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus — God Himself entering battle to save.
How does Zephaniah 3:17 describe God as gibbor?
Zephaniah 3:17 is stunning: 'The LORD your God is in your midst, a gibbor who saves; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with singing.' God is simultaneously fierce warrior and loving parent — power and tenderness fused.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H1368: Gibbor
- Bible Gateway — Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ג-ב-ר
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