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אָבִיר

𐤀𐤁𐤉𐤓

ʼâbîyr

H46 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root אבר to be strong, to be vigorous, to be powerful

Definition

A strong one, mighty or valiant individual; in poetic and elevated language, often denoting a figure (human, animal, or divine) characterized by superior strength, power, or excellence. In reference to people, describes warriors, nobles, or prominent leaders; in reference to animals, typically conveys physical might (especially bulls); also used poetically as a divine epithet signifying might or majesty.

Semantic Range

mighty one, valiant warrior, powerful leader, nobleman, strong (as applied to animals, especially a bull), mighty (used of Deity as a title or epithet)

Root / Etymology

From the root אבר (ʾ-b-r), meaning 'to be strong' or 'vigorous.' The form אָבִיר is a noun/adjective derived from this root and signifies one possessing strength or power. The original root suggests an inherent or characteristic strength rather than merely temporary force.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, אָבִיר appears in various poetic and epic contexts. Most notably, it can describe physically powerful animals, especially bulls (e.g., Ps 22:13), whose strength epitomizes virility or might. When applied to people, it marks distinguished warriors or rulers (as in Judges 5:22). As a divine epithet, 'the Mighty One of Jacob' or 'of Israel' (e.g., Gen 49:24, Isa 1:24) expresses supreme power and steadfastness of the deity, without directly equating with later theological titles. In later translations and religious traditions, particularly English renderings, 'mighty one' is sometimes rendered 'mighty God' or simply 'the Mighty.' These often reflect interpretive shifts and do not always transmit the term's original poetic nuance. The term is more elevated and rare than other common words for 'strong' (e.g., גִּבּוֹר gibbor), and its usage is largely restricted to poetry and elevated prose rather than everyday language. Over time, its specific connection to divine power became foregrounded in certain liturgical and prophetic contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָבַר; mighty (spoken of God); mighty (one).

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אבר (ʾ-b-r) — strength, vigor, power

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H47 אַבִּיר mighty one of
H82 אָבַר he causes to fly
H84 אֶבְרָה in his strong wing

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H46-01 אֲבִ֣יר avir HAamsc Mighty One mighty one of 4
H46-02 לַ/אֲבִ֥יר laavir HR/Aamsc for the Mighty One to the mighty one 2

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H46-01 Genesis 49:24 אֲבִ֣יר avir HAamsc Mighty One mighty one of
H46-01 Isaiah 1:24 אֲבִ֖יר avir HAamsc Mighty One mighty one of
H46-01 Isaiah 49:26 אֲבִ֥יר avir HAamsc Mighty-One mighty one of
H46-01 Isaiah 60:16 אֲבִ֥יר avir HAamsc mighty-one mighty one of
H46-02 Psalms 132:2 לַ/אֲבִ֥יר laavir HR/Aamsc to the Mighty One to the mighty one
H46-02 Psalms 132:5 לַ/אֲבִ֥יר laavir HR/Aamsc for the Mighty One to the mighty one
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