Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Deborah

DEB-uh-ruh · from Devorah · means “Bee”

Deborah is a Hebrew name meaning "bee." She was a prophetess and the only woman named among Israel's judges, leading the nation with wisdom and calling the military commander Barak to battle against a powerful enemy army (Judges 4-5). Her name has stood for leadership, courage, and clear-eyed faith.

“She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.”

The story behind the name

Deborah led Israel during a time of oppression, holding court under a palm tree where people came from across the land for her judgment (Judges 4:5). She was both a prophetess and a judge, trusted for her wisdom in a role rarely held by women in that era.

When God called for Israel to rise against the Canaanite army of Sisera, Deborah summoned the commander Barak and relayed God's battle plan. Barak agreed to go only if Deborah went with him, and she did, promising him the Lord would deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman (Judges 4:8-9).

After the victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song of triumph and praise to God, one of the oldest poems in Scripture (Judges 5). A daughter named Deborah carries a name of wise leadership and unshaken courage in the face of daunting odds.

Middle names that sing with Deborah

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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