Original Word: אָבִיר
Part of Speech: Adjective Masculine
Transliteration: abiyr
Pronunciation: ah-beer'
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-beer')
KJV: mighty (one)
NASB: Mighty One
Word Origin: [from H82 (אָבַר - soars)]

1. mighty (spoken of God)

mighty one

From 'abar; mighty (spoken of God) -- mighty (one).

see HEBREW 'abar

Word Origin
from the same as abar
Definition
strong
NASB Translation
Mighty One (6).

[אָבִיר adjective strong; always = substantive the Strong, old name for God (poetry); only construct in אֲבִיר יַעֲקֹב Genesis 49:24 & thence Psalm 132:2; Psalm 132:5; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 60:16; יִשְׂרָאֵל ׳א Isaiah 1:24 (compare Che critical note) — Ba^{NB 51} assigns this construct to אַבִּיר.

Overview

אָבִיר portrays God as the unrivaled Strong One who secures, judges, and redeems His people. All six occurrences cluster around two expressions—“Mighty One of Jacob” and “Mighty One of Israel”—each illuminating distinct facets of the LORD’s covenant faithfulness.

Occurrences and Contexts

• Genesis 49:24 – Joseph’s preservation is traced to “the Mighty One of Jacob,” tying divine power to patriarchal promise.
• Psalm 132:2, 5 – David vows to find “a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob,” linking the title to temple worship and royal stewardship.
• Isaiah 1:24 – In an indictment of national sin, “the Lord GOD of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel” announces purifying judgment.
• Isaiah 49:26 – The nations will know “that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob,” merging power with redemptive love.
• Isaiah 60:16 – Future glory is pictured as the Gentiles’ homage, “and you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Titles of God

1. Mighty One of Jacob – Emphasizes covenant continuity from patriarchs to prophets, underscoring steadfast strength in both personal and national crises.
2. Mighty One of Israel – Highlights God’s moral authority within the covenant community, asserting His right to judge and cleanse.

Theological Significance

Power and Faithfulness: The term unites omnipotence with unwavering loyalty, assuring believers that divine strength always operates within covenant commitment.

Judgment and Redemption: Isaiah pairs אָבִיר with both retribution (Isaiah 1:24) and salvation (Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 60:16), displaying harmonious attributes rather than conflicting ones.

Temple and Kingship: Psalm 132 roots God’s might in the context of worship and Davidic monarchy, foreshadowing the ultimate reign of the Messiah.

Christological Implications

Isaiah’s vision anticipates the “Mighty God” of Isaiah 9:6 and the New Testament proclamation of Jesus Christ’s deity (Luke 1:49; Revelation 19:15). The continuity affirms that the strength celebrated in אָבִיר culminates in the incarnate Son, whose resurrection power ensures final redemption.

Historical Background

Patriarchal Era – The patriarchs knew God as the One who wrestled with Jacob and preserved Joseph, establishing the idea of divine might in formative narratives.

Monarchy – David’s aspiration to build a house for the Mighty One (Psalm 132) embeds the title in Israel’s liturgical memory.

Exilic/Restoration Prophecy – Isaiah employs the term to reassure a chastened nation that the same powerful God will vindicate and exalt them.

Intertextual Connections

• “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) shares the thematic emphasis on divine strength.
• “Rock of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:3) and “Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 30:12) parallel titles that accent God’s stability and holiness.
• New Testament echoes: “For the Mighty One has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49) carries the Septuagint equivalent, bridging Old and New Covenant theology.

Practical Ministry Applications

Confidence in Prayer – Believers appeal to the Mighty One’s unassailable power when interceding for deliverance and revival.

Holiness and Accountability – Isaiah 1:24 warns that the same strength that saves also disciplines; pastoral exhortation should balance comfort with calls to repentance.

Mission and Hope – Isaiah 60:16 motivates global evangelism, anticipating the nations’ acknowledgment of Israel’s Mighty One.

Worship – Psalm 132 inspires congregations to prioritize God’s dwelling presence, affirming that true worship centers on the LORD’s might and mercy.

Summary

אָבִיר encapsulates God’s supreme strength exercised in covenant loyalty. From preserving Joseph to restoring Zion, Scripture consistently displays the Mighty One as both warrior and redeemer. For believers today, the title anchors trust, fuels worship, and frames the gospel proclamation of Jesus Christ—the ultimate revelation of the Mighty One of Jacob.

אֲבִ֖יר אֲבִ֣יר אֲבִ֥יר אביר לַאֲבִ֥יר לאביר ’ă·ḇîr ’ăḇîr aVir la’ăḇîr la·’ă·ḇîr laaVirInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts