The word gebirah refers to a woman in authority — a queen, queen mother, or mistress of a household. It is the feminine form of gibbor or related to gebir, signifying power and authority. In the royal context it especially denotes the queen mother, who held significant political and social influence in the Israelite monarchy.
The gebirah represents feminine authority within God's covenant community and royal institutions. Queen mothers like Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:19) wielded real influence, interceding for their sons and advising on affairs of state. The concept anticipates Mary's role as the mother of the Messianic King. More broadly, it illustrates that God ordains authority in various forms — and that those in positions of power bear responsibility to serve with wisdom, justice, and faithfulness.