GEBURAH Meaning and
Definition
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Geburah is a Hebrew word commonly used in the philosophical and mystical tradition of Kabbalah. It is derived from the Hebrew root "g-b-r," which means strength or power. In Kabbalistic teachings, Geburah is one of the ten Sephirot, which are the emanations of God that represent different aspects of divine attributes and energies.
Geburah is often translated as "Strength," "Power," or "Severity" in English. It is associated with the energies of judgment, discipline, and restraint. Geburah is seen as the counterbalance to Chesed, the Sephirah of loving-kindness and compassion. While Chesed represents expansion and generosity, Geburah represents contraction, limitation, and the ability to withhold. It embodies a concept of strict justice and the necessary exercise of power in order to maintain balance and order in the universe.
In Kabbalistic symbolism, Geburah is represented by the color red and is associated with the planet Mars. It is also connected to the element of fire and the left arm in the human body. Aspects like courage, self-discipline, and moral integrity are often attributed to Geburah.
The study and contemplation of Geburah in Kabbalistic teachings aim to help individuals understand the dynamic interplay between strength and compassion, balance and severity, and judgment and mercy. It provides insights into the complexities of divine attributes and the ways in which they manifest in the universe.
Etymology of GEBURAH
The word "geburah" comes from Hebrew and is derived from the root word "gavar", which means "to prevail", "to be strong", or "to overcome". In Hebrew, "geburah" is translated as "strength", "power", or "severity". It is one of the ten sephirot, or emanations of God, in the Kabbalistic tradition.
