Might

Lore & Background

The noun 'might' appears in Jacob's blessing of Reuben, calling him 'my might, and the beginning of my strength' (Genesis 49:3), linking the term to primogeniture and physical vigor. In Exodus, God tells Moses that He hardened Pharaoh's heart 'that I might shew these my signs before him' (Exodus 10:1), using 'might' to express divine intention and power. The verb form appears frequently in narratives of human action and consequence: Abraham's deception about Sarah (Genesis 12:19), Abimelech's fear of inadvertent sin (Genesis 26:10), and Laban's regret over Jacob's secret departure (Genesis 31:27) all use 'might' to describe unrealized possibilities. Reuben's plan to rescue Joseph uses 'might' to express purpose: 'that he might rid him out of their hands' (Genesis 37:22).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray 'might' as a multifaceted term. As a noun, it denotes inherent strength or authority, as in Reuben's designation (Genesis 49:3). As a verb, it frequently conveys potential or hypothetical scenarios—what could have happened (Genesis 12:19; Genesis 26:10) or what someone wished to do (Genesis 17:18; Genesis 30:34). It also expresses purpose, both human (Genesis 37:22; Exodus 36:18; Exodus 39:21) and divine (Exodus 10:1). The term appears in contexts of limitation: the land 'was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together' (Genesis 13:6; Genesis 36:7), and Egyptians 'might not eat bread with the Hebrews' (Genesis 43:32). Thus, 'might' in these passages spans physical strength, divine intent, human desire, and social or geographical constraints.

Did You Know?

• The noun 'might' appears only twice in the source passages, both in patriarchal contexts (Genesis 49:3; Exodus 10:1).
• The verb 'might' is used to express unrealized possibility in three separate incidents involving deception or misunderstanding (Genesis 12:19; Genesis 26:10; Genesis 31:27).
• In Exodus 36:18 and Exodus 39:21, 'might' describes the purpose of construction details for the tabernacle, linking the term to craftsmanship and unity.
• The phrase 'that they might dwell together' appears in two passages about wealth causing separation (Genesis 13:6; Genesis 36:7).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Strength is the ability to produce or withstand great force; to be determined or unyielding." — Might "When strength is yoked with justice, where is a mightier pair than they?" — Might "The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education." — Might "The strength of my god completes my own." — Might