גֵּה

this

Definition

The Hebrew word גֵּה (gêh) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this.' It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in Ezekiel 47:13. In this verse, it is used to specify a particular boundary line for the land inheritance: 'This shall be the border...' Given its single, isolated occurrence, most scholars consider it likely to be a textual variant or scribal alteration of the far more common Hebrew demonstrative pronoun זֶה (zeh), which also means 'this.' Therefore, its meaning and function in context are identical to the standard pronoun, serving to point directly to a specific object or concept immediately present in the discourse.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly one time in the Old Testament, found in Ezekiel 47:13. Its usage is standard for a demonstrative pronoun, identifying and emphasizing the particular border being described in the prophet's vision of the restored land. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts due to its singular occurrence. The context is a detailed geographical prophecy concerning the future division of the land among the tribes of Israel.

Etymology

The etymology of גֵּה (gêh) is uncertain due to its single biblical attestation. It is widely regarded by lexicographers and textual critics as a probable scribal error or an alternate orthographic form of the common demonstrative pronoun זֶה (zeh, H2088), meaning 'this.' The two words are phonetically similar, and such variations can occur in manuscript transmission. No clear root or cognate relationship outside of this connection to זֶה is established.

Semantic Range

זֶה (zeh, H2088) — The standard and frequently used Hebrew demonstrative pronoun for 'this,' from which גֵּה is likely derived or a variant.

Word Details

Scripture References