גְּדוּפָה
a revilement
Definition
Gᵉdûwphâh is a Hebrew noun meaning a revilement, taunt, or reproach. It refers to a verbal insult or expression of contempt, often intended to shame or dishonor someone. In its single biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 5:15, it describes the scorn and mockery that Jerusalem will endure from surrounding nations as a consequence of God's judgment. The word conveys a strong sense of public disgrace and derision, highlighting the severity of the humiliation faced.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 5:15. It is used in a prophetic context where God declares that Jerusalem will become an object of taunt and revilement among the nations as a result of her disobedience. The usage is specific to a scenario of divine judgment, where the city's downfall leads to her being mocked by others.
Etymology
Gᵉdûwphâh is the feminine passive participle of the root verb gāḏap̄ (H1442), which means 'to revile, blaspheme, or reproach.' The root conveys the idea of speaking against someone with contempt. As a participle form, gᵉdûwphâh emphasizes the state or result of being reviled—a thing of reproach.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it illustrates the concept of covenant curses and the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Ezekiel 5:15, the revilement serves as a fulfillment of God's warnings (cf. Deuteronomy 28:37), showing that national sin leads to public shame. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting how prophetic language connects disobedience with tangible humiliation, underscoring the seriousness of God's holiness and justice.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, public taunt and reproach were severe forms of social punishment, damaging one's honor and standing. For a city like Jerusalem, becoming a 'revilement' meant loss of respect and identity among neighboring nations, amplifying the disgrace of military defeat. This cultural weight deepens the impact of Ezekiel's prophecy.
cherpâh (H2781) — a more common term for reproach or disgrace, often used for lasting shame. gidduph (H1421) — a masculine noun meaning reviling or reproach, closely related but less specific in form.
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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