Meaning & History
Dvorah is a variant transcription of the Hebrew name Devora, itself a form of Deborah. The name derives from the Hebrew word for "bee", symbolizing industriousness and sweetness.
Biblical Significance
In the Old Testament Book of Judges, Deborah (Devora) stands out as a prophetess and the fourth judge of Israel, the only female judge mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. According to Judges 4, she summoned Barak to lead an Israelite army against the Canaanite commander Sisera, and she accompanied him into battle. The victory is celebrated in the archaic Song of Deborah (Judges 5), considered one of the oldest surviving Hebrew poems. Her epithet eshet lappidot has been interpreted either as wife of Lapidoth or as a “fiery woman”—from lappid (“torch”). A second, less prominent Deborah is mentioned as the nurse of Rebecca (Genesis 35:8).
Historical and Cultural Context
The name has been borne by many Jewish women throughout history. Its English form gained popularity among Christians after the Protestant Reformation and was especially favored by Puritans. Variants include Devora, Devorah, and Dvora, while Dvorah is a modern transliteration reflecting Hebrew pronunciation. Related forms across cultures include Italian Debora, Biblical Latin Debbora, and English diminutives like Deb or Debbi.
Key Facts
- Meaning: Bee
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Variant transcription of Devora/Deborah
- Usage Region: Hebrew-speaking communities
- Biblical Reference: Judges 4–5; Genesis 35:8
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Deborah