מִדְבָּר
Midbar
Wilderness, desert, place of speaking
Midbar (מִדְבָּר) is a Hebrew word meaning “wilderness, desert, place of speaking,” pronounced “mid-BAR.” Derived from the root ד-ב-ר, midbar appears 270 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4057).
| Hebrew | מִדְבָּר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Midbar |
| Pronunciation | mid-BAR |
| Meaning | Wilderness, desert, place of speaking |
| Root Letters | ד-ב-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 270× |
| Key Verse | Hosea 2:14 |
| Strong's Number | H4057 |
| Category | Additional Important Words |
The Hebrew word midbar (מִדְבָּר) contains a stunning wordplay that transforms how you understand every wilderness story in the Bible. Midbar (wilderness) shares its root with davar (word) and medaber (to speak). The wilderness is the place where God speaks. This is not coincidence — it is theology embedded in language. God spoke to Moses from a burning bush in the midbar (Exodus 3). God gave the Torah in the midbar of Sinai (Exodus 19). God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice in the midbar (1 Kings 19:12). John the Baptist was 'the voice crying in the midbar' (Isaiah 40:3). And Jesus was led by the Spirit into the midbar for forty days (Matthew 4:1). Hosea 2:14 reveals the midbar's deepest purpose: 'I will allure her, bring her into the midbar, and speak tenderly to her.' The wilderness is not punishment — it is God's strategy for intimacy. He strips away every distraction so His voice is the only one you can hear. Understanding midbar will transform your desert seasons from pointless suffering into sacred encounter.
Key Bible Verse: Hosea 2:14
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness (midbar), and speak tenderly to her.”
What Is the Root of Midbar in Hebrew?
Midbar comes from the root ד-ב-ר (dalet-bet-resh) — the same root as davar (word) and medaber (to speak). The wilderness is linguistically 'the place of the word' — where God strips away noise so His voice can be heard clearly.
What Does Midbar Mean in the Bible?
Midbar appears over 270 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is the setting for the Exodus and 40-year wandering, the Book of Numbers (called 'Bamidbar' — 'In the Wilderness' in Hebrew), John the Baptist's ministry, and Jesus' temptation. The wilderness is the Bible's primary setting for divine encounter.
How Is Midbar Used in Modern Hebrew?
The Negev desert covers more than half of modern Israel. Many Israelis hike the 'Israel Trail' through the midbar, following in ancient footsteps. Desert spirituality — retreating to the wilderness for prayer — continues as a practice among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions in the Holy Land.
How to Use Midbar in Prayer & Worship
If you find yourself in a midbar season — stripped, isolated, dependent — listen carefully. God has brought you there to speak. The wilderness is not punishment but preparation. Ask God to open your ears to what He is saying in the silence and the stripping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Midbar
How do you say “Wilderness” in Hebrew?
“Wilderness” in Hebrew is Midbar (מִדְבָּר), pronounced “mid-BAR.” Midbar comes from the root ד-ב-ר (dalet-bet-resh) — the same root as davar (word) and medaber (to speak). The wilderness is linguistically 'the place of the word' — where God strips away noise so His voice can be heard clearly.
What does Midbar mean in the Bible?
Midbar (מִדְבָּר) means “Wilderness, desert, place of speaking” in Biblical Hebrew. Midbar appears over 270 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is the setting for the Exodus and 40-year wandering, the Book of Numbers (called 'Bamidbar' — 'In the Wilderness' in Hebrew), John the Baptist's ministry, and Jesus' temptation. The wilderness is the Bible's primary setting for divine encounter.
How do you pronounce Midbar?
Midbar is pronounced “mid-BAR.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ד-ב-ר.
Why does midbar share a root with 'to speak'?
The connection between midbar (wilderness) and davar (word/speak) reveals that in Hebrew thought, the wilderness is 'the place of speaking' — where God's voice is heard most clearly. Without the noise of civilization, the distractions of comfort, and the busyness of daily life, the wilderness forces an encounter with God's word. It is the Bible's soundproof room for divine communication.
Why does God lead people into the wilderness?
Hosea 2:14 reveals God's motive: intimacy. 'I will bring her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.' The wilderness strips away self-sufficiency, forcing dependence on God. Moses was prepared 40 years in the midbar. Israel was refined 40 years. Jesus was tested 40 days. The wilderness teaches trust, strips pride, and creates space for God's voice.
What is the spiritual significance of the desert?
The desert/wilderness in the Bible is simultaneously a place of danger and divine encounter, stripping and provision, death and rebirth. God provided manna, water from rock, and pillar of fire in the wilderness. The greatest revelations (Torah at Sinai, Elijah's still small voice, Jesus' identity confirmed after temptation) all happen in the midbar. It is the school of faith.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4057: Midbar
- Bible Gateway — Hosea 2:14 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ד-ב-ר
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