Original Word: דְּבּוֹרָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: Dbowrah
Pronunciation: deh-vo-RAH
Phonetic Spelling: (deb-o-raw')
KJV: Deborah
NASB: Deborah
Word Origin: [the same as H1682 (דְּבוֹרָה דֶּבוֹרָה - bees)]

1. Deborah, the name of two Hebrewesses

Deborah

Or (shortened) Dborah {deb-o-raw'}; the same as dbowrah; Deborah, the name of two Hebrewesses -- Deborah.

see HEBREW dbowrah

Word Origin
from dabar
Definition
two Isr. women
NASB Translation
Deborah (10).

II. דְּבוֺרָה proper name, feminine (bee) —

1 the nurse of Rebekah Genesis 35:8.

2 the prophetess Judges 4:4,5,9,10,14; Judges 5:1,7,12,15.

Meaning and Narrative Setting

Deborah (דְּבֹורָה, Strong’s H1683) occurs ten times, naming two distinct women whose lives bookend the formative eras of Israel’s patriarchs and judges. The name, “Bee,” evokes industry, order, and sweetness—traits mirrored in the ministries of both women.

I. Deborah, Rebekah’s Nurse (Genesis 35:8)

1. Historical Context. Serving the matriarch Rebekah, this Deborah accompanied Jacob’s household back to Bethel. Her death beneath “the oak of weeping” (Allon-bacuth) drew such grief that Scripture pauses the patriarchal narrative to record it. The verse’s solemn tone—“Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel” (Genesis 35:8)—reveals a beloved caregiver whose quiet faithfulness shaped future generations.
2. Spiritual Significance. As a nurse, she models covenant steadfastness: nurturing heirs of promise, walking the same pilgrim road, and finishing in worship at Bethel. Her memorial tree stands as a living witness that humble service is precious to God.

II. Deborah the Prophetess and Judge (Judges 4–5)

1. Prophetic Commission. “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time” (Judges 4:4). Uniquely combining the offices of prophet and judge, she sat beneath her palm between Ramah and Bethel, dispensing the word and wisdom of the LORD to a nation staggering under Canaanite oppression.
2. Judicial Leadership. Israel “went up to her for judgment” (Judges 4:5). Her court under an open sky signified transparency and divine authority. Through Spirit-led discernment she unified tribes that had lapsed into tribal isolation (Judges 5:15-17).
3. Military Deliverance with Barak. Summoning Barak of Naphtali, she relayed the LORD’s strategy: “Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded: ‘Go…for the LORD will deliver Sisera into your hand’?” (Judges 4:6–7, paraphrase). Barak’s reluctance drew her famous charge: “I will surely go with you, but the honor will not be yours” (Judges 4:9). The ensuing victory at the Kishon River demonstrated that salvation belongs to the LORD, who can work through men and women alike when faith obeys His word.
4. Song of Victory. Judges 5 preserves one of Scripture’s oldest hymns. “On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang” (Judges 5:1). The song celebrates divine initiative (“LORD, when You went out from Seir,” 5:4), the awakening of national courage (“Village life ceased, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel,” 5:7), and the call for continued valor (“Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song!” 5:12). Its prophetic poetry interprets history, gives glory to God, and exhorts future generations.
5. Maternal Influence. Calling herself “a mother in Israel” (5:7) emphasizes nurture alongside authority. Her motherhood is spiritual, urging covenant loyalty, mobilizing warriors, and blessing Jael, another courageous woman (5:24-27).
6. Legacy. Deborah’s era ends with forty years of peace (Judges 5:31). Her life testifies that God raises leaders as needed, that His word governs both civil and military affairs, and that true leadership serves as both herald and example.

III. Theological Themes

• Divine Initiative: Both Deborahs appear where God is building covenant history—Bethel and Mount Tabor—demonstrating that He appoints the right servants in pivotal moments.
• Faith Working through Love: The nurse’s lifelong care and the judge’s maternal guidance reveal love expressed in service and courage.
• Prophecy and Action United: Deborah shows that revelatory insight must culminate in obedient deeds, leading to God-given victory.
• Inclusivity within Order: Her role validates women’s ministry without overturning the broader patriarchal structure; authority flows from divine calling, not social convention.

IV. Practical Applications

• Encourage faithful service in hidden roles, assured that God records what men forget.
• Seek God’s word in crisis, trusting prophetic Scripture to clarify strategy and inspire courage.
• Honor spiritual motherhood and fatherhood that nurture communities into obedience.
• Sing the LORD’s victories; testimony reinforces truth and emboldens future faith.

Key References

Genesis 35:8; Judges 4:4-10, 4:14; Judges 5:1, 5:7, 5:12, 5:15 (all quotations).

דְּבֹרָ֔ה דְּבֹרָ֨ה דְּבֹרָה֙ דְּבוֹרָ֔ה דְּבוֹרָ֗ה דְּבוֹרָ֛ה דְּבוֹרָֽה׃ דבורה דבורה׃ דברה וּדְבוֹרָה֙ ודבורה də·ḇō·rāh də·ḇō·w·rāh dəḇōrāh dəḇōwrāh devoRah ū·ḏə·ḇō·w·rāh ūḏəḇōwrāh udevoRahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts