גַּזָז
to cut off; specifically to shear aflock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
Definition
The Hebrew verb גַּזָז (gazâz) primarily means 'to cut off' or 'to shear.' Its most concrete usage refers to the shearing of sheep's wool, a significant economic and seasonal activity (Genesis 31:19, 1 Samuel 25:2). By extension, it can describe the shaving of human hair, as seen in the ritual context of a Nazirite completing a vow (though the specific term is used for the act of cutting, as in the story of Samson). Figuratively, the verb carries the sense of 'to destroy' or 'to cut down' an enemy, emphasizing complete removal or devastation, as implied in prophetic judgments.
Biblical Usage
גַּזָז is used 15 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative contexts. It appears in stories involving shepherding and flocks, such as Jacob's dealings with Laban (Genesis 31:19) and the narrative of Nabal and David (1 Samuel 25:2, 4, 7, 11). It is also used in legal material regarding the dedication of firstborn animals (Deuteronomy 15:19). The figurative sense of destruction is less frequent but understood from the root meaning of cutting off.
Etymology
גַּזָז is a primitive root verb. It is related to the root גּוּז (gûz, H1468), which means 'to pass over' or 'to cut,' sharing a core semantic idea of separation or removal by cutting. This connection highlights the fundamental meaning of severing or taking something away.
Semantic Range
The action of shearing (גַּזָז) is tied to themes of provision, blessing, and covenant. The shearing season was a time of harvest and celebration (1 Samuel 25:8), reflecting God's material blessings on His people. Figuratively, the concept of 'cutting off' connects to divine judgment, where God 'shears' or removes enemies, underscoring His sovereignty over nations and individuals. Understanding this range from literal harvest to metaphorical judgment enriches readings of both historical narratives and prophetic literature.
Sheep shearing was a major communal and economic event in ancient Israelite society. It was not merely a chore but a festive season of shearing, feasting, and settling accounts (as seen in 1 Samuel 25). The shearer (גֹּזֵז) held an important seasonal role. The act itself symbolized harvesting the fruit of one's labor and care for the flock, deeply embedded in an agrarian and pastoral culture.
כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut off or make a covenant; broader, often used for covenants and severe cutting. גָּדַע (gādaʿ, H1438) — to hew down or cut off (as trees or limbs); implies forceful chopping. קָצַר (qāṣar, H7114) — to harvest or reap (grain); a different type of harvesting.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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