Lexical Summary geburah: power Original Word: גְּבוּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance might (Aramaic) corresponding to gbuwrah; power -- might. see HEBREW gbuwrah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to geburah Definition might NASB Translation power (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [גְּבוּרָה] noun feminine might; — emphatic גְּביּרְתָּא (K§ § 9 c): 57 b) a) but M§ 72 c) Daniel 2:20,23. Topical Lexicon Semantic and Conceptual Range גְּבוּרָה (gevurah) denotes manifested strength, valor, or might that overcomes opposition. While cognate terms such as עֹז (“strength”) emphasize inherent stability and כֹּחַ (“ability”) highlight capacity, גְּבוּרָה stresses decisive, victorious power in action. In Daniel, the word stands parallel with “wisdom,” underscoring that God’s effectiveness is never raw force alone but power directed by perfect understanding. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Daniel 2:20: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.” Both appearances frame Daniel’s hymn after God reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, highlighting divine sovereignty in a pagan court. Canonical and Literary Context Daniel 2 moves from crisis (the king’s death decree) to doxology. The Babylonian wise men could not provide the dream, exposing the impotence of worldly power. God alone possesses true גְּבוּרָה and freely imparts it to His servant. The pairing “wisdom and power” recurs in Scripture (Job 12:13; Revelation 7:12), marking a thread that runs from creation through redemption to consummation: God’s plans are both wise and effectual. Historical Background Daniel’s confession arises during Judah’s exile, when earthly empires seemed unassailable. Babylon’s colossal might made the exiles appear powerless. By twice ascribing גְּבוּרָה to God, the young prophet publicly relocates ultimate power from an earthly throne to the heavenly court, subverting imperial ideology and encouraging faithfulness among the displaced community. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty: גְּבוּרָה belongs intrinsically to God; humans only receive it by grace (Daniel 2:23). Implications for Ministry and Christian Living • Prayerful Dependence: Daniel models seeking divine גְּבוּרָה before acting. Ministry advances not by strategy alone but by revealed power. Devotional and Liturgical Use The phrase “wisdom and power belong to Him” lends itself to responsive readings, intercessory prayers for guidance, and songs extolling God’s greatness. It reinforces that the same God who granted Daniel insight now empowers the church through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Summary גְּבוּרָה in Daniel encapsulates the triumphant, operative strength of God that both reveals mysteries and equips His people. Its brief but potent usage roots believers’ confidence in the unchanging Lord whose power is neither rivaled nor withheld from those who seek Him in faith. Forms and Transliterations וּגְבוּרְתָ֖א וגבורתא ū·ḡə·ḇū·rə·ṯā ūḡəḇūrəṯā ugevureTaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:20 HEB: דִּ֧י חָכְמְתָ֛א וּגְבוּרְתָ֖א דִּ֥י לֵֽהּ־ NAS: For wisdom and power belong to Him. KJV: for wisdom and might are INT: For wisdom and power forasmuch are Daniel 2:23 2 Occurrences |
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