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Deborah

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A biblical prophetess and judge who led the Israelites to victory over Sisera’s army, celebrated in the Song of Deborah as a model of divine leadership.

Detailed Definition
Deborah summoned Barak to defeat Sisera, composing a victory song celebrating Jael’s role. She uniquely combined judicial, military, and poetic roles. In poetry, Deborah embodies female leadership, divine inspiration in crisis, and the triumph of faith over overwhelming odds.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Deborah’s song (Judges 5) celebrates divine victory through a woman; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "Aurora Leigh," Deborah symbolizes female leadership and prophecy; In William Cowper’s hymns, Deborah’s palm tree becomes a site of judgment and song; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Deborah’s partnership with Barak models complementary roles; In John Keble’s "Lyra Innocentium," Deborah represents the poet-prophetess; In Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market," Deborah’s army prefigures communal resistance.
Additional Notes
Deborah: Prophetess and judge who led Israel’s victory over Sisera (Judges 4–5); only female judge. In poetry, Deborah embodies authoritative female leadership, prophetic song (Judges 5), and collaborative victory (with Barak and Jael). Her palm tree (Judg 4:5) is a symbol of wisdom and gathering. Ideal for poems on gender, justice, or the power of sung history.
Also Known As
Deborah the Prophetess Deborah judge of Israel Deborah the Judge
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