Associated with restriction and destruction, Geburah, the fifth Sephirah in the Tree of Life, is feared by many. Rivaling Binah — the Greater Malefic — Geburah holds the title of the Lesser Malefic, evoking a dreadful sense. But are such associations truly justified, or are they rooted in misunderstanding? Let’s find out.
The Fearsome Geburah
Also spelled Gevurah, the term Geburah originates from the Hebrew root גבור (gibour), meaning:
- Strength,
- Severity,
- Might, and
- Power
Geburah’s divine or Atziluthic name is Elohim Gibour, “The Mighty and Terrible.” It reflects Geburah’s intense nature, compared to the power of war and discipline required for transformation. More on that by the end.
Geburah’s other name is ‘Pachad,’ translating into:
- Fear,
- Terror,
- Dread, and
- Awe
Pairs of Opposites
The Sephiroth can only be examined in the context of the Tree, while the side ones as pairs of opposites. Qabalistically, Geburah’s strength and severity balance Chessed’s mercy and expansion, suggesting:
- Limitations,
