The word "Gevira" is a Hebrew word that refers to a female ruler or queen. It is spelled with six letters in Hebrew - גבירה - which are pronounced as /ɡeviˈra/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first two letters, גב, represent the root of the word, which means "lord" or "master." The following three letters, ירה, indicate the feminine form of the word. Properly pronouncing the IPA transcription of this word can aid in better understanding and speaking Hebrew.
Gevira is a Hebrew term that primarily refers to the title or position held by a female ruler or queen. In the biblical context, the word is predominantly associated with a queen mother, usually the mother of the reigning king. Gevira holds a significant role in the royal court, often exerting political, social, and religious influence.
The term is derived from the Hebrew root "gvr," meaning "to govern" or "to rule," emphasizing the idea of authority and power. Gevira has been used throughout Jewish history, especially during the time of the monarchy. These female rulers, as queen mothers, played an essential role in supporting and advising their sons or even ruling in their stead, assuming regency until the king reached maturity.
While the term Gevira is commonly used in reference to historical figures, it can also be employed metaphorically to describe a powerful or authoritative woman in contemporary settings. It portrays a woman who possesses both strength and wisdom, capable of leading others or exerting significant influence in her field or community. The term carries connotations of leadership, sovereignty, and prestige, indicative of a woman's remarkable position and role. Gevira symbolizes a woman's ability to wield power and make substantial contributions to society, affirming her role as a leader and ruler.
The word "Gevira" traces its origins back to Hebrew. In Hebrew, "gever" means "man" or "male". The suffix "-a" in Hebrew is often used to indicate the feminine form of a word. Therefore, "gevira" can be understood as the feminine form of "gever" and can be translated to mean "woman" or "female". This etymology reflects the gender distinction present in the Hebrew language.