The Hebrew verb גָּבַר (root: ג-ב-ר) means “to prevail,” “to be strong,” “to overcome,” or “to gain the upper hand.” It denotes increasing power or dominance, whether physical, emotional, or circumstantial. It is often used in poetic and narrative contexts to describe the triumph of people, forces, or even natural elements like water or sin.
The noun form גֶּבֶר (man, warrior) comes from the same root, emphasizing strength or manliness. The verb appears primarily in the Qal binyan, with a few appearances in other stems for nuance.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּבַר
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | גָּבַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | גָּבַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גָּבַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | גָּבַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | גָּבְרָה |
| 1st person plural | גָּבַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּבַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּבַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | גָּבְרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | גּוֹבֵר |
| Feminine singular | גּוֹבֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | גּוֹבְרִים |
| Feminine plural | גּוֹבְרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶגְבַּר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּגְבַּר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּגְבְּרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִגְבַּר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּגְבַּר |
| 1st person plural | נִגְבַּר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּגְבְּרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּגְבַּרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִגְבְּרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | גְּבַר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גִּבְרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גִּבְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּבַרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Genesis 49:26 – גָּבְרוּ בִּרְכוֹת אָבִיךָ עַל־בִּרְכוֹת הוֹרַי
“The blessings of your father have prevailed over the blessings of my ancestors.” - Exodus 17:11 – כַּאֲשֶׁר יָרִים מֹשֶׁה יָדוֹ וְגָבַר יִשְׂרָאֵל
“As long as Moshe held up his hand, Israel prevailed.” - Psalm 103:11 – כִּי כִגְבֹהַּ שָׁמַיִם עַל־הָאָרֶץ גָּבַר חַסְדּוֹ עַל־יְרֵאָיו
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.”
Summary
The verb גָּבַר reflects strength, triumph, and prevailing influence—whether of people, armies, blessings, or divine mercy. Its appearances in the Hebrew Bible emphasize both human and divine strength, highlighting victory in battle, power in speech, and the overwhelming greatness of God’s love. A concise yet rich term, it adds both action and emphasis to biblical narratives and poetry.
