Bible Word Study
גָּעַר
gâʻar · to chide
גָּעַר
to chide
Definition
The Hebrew verb גָּעַר (gâʻar) fundamentally means to rebuke, chide, or reprimand with authority. It often describes a powerful, commanding word that brings about a change in the situation, such as God rebuking the Red Sea to part (Psalm 106:9) or rebuking the nations (Psalm 9:5). In some contexts, it carries the sense of rejecting or despising, as when Joseph's brothers 'rebuked' or scorned his dream (Genesis 37:10). It can also imply a stern warning or correction, as seen in God's promise not to 'rebuke' the waters of Noah again (Isaiah 54:9).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used in various contexts, primarily to depict divine authority. God is the most frequent subject, rebuking nature (Psalm 106:9), enemies (Psalm 68:30), and nations (Psalm 9:5). It is also used in human interactions, such as Boaz instructing his workers not to 'rebuke' Ruth (Ruth 2:16) and for the arrogant who are 'rebuked' (Psalm 119:21). Its usage spans narrative, poetic, and prophetic books, emphasizing a powerful verbal intervention.
Etymology
גָּעַר is a primitive root. Its core meaning relates to the act of chiding or crying out against. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic and Aramaic, support meanings of rebuking, threatening, or driving away, suggesting the concept of a forceful verbal command.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights God's sovereign authority over creation and nations through His commanding word. When God 'rebukes,' it is an act of power that subdues chaos (as with the sea), judges enemies, or establishes order. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of passages about God's intervention, showing that His rebuke is not merely a scolding but a powerful, effective word that accomplishes His purpose (Psalm 104:7; Isaiah 50:2). In the ancient Near Eastern context, a rebuke from a superior (a king, master, or deity) was a serious verbal act with expected consequences. It was not just criticism but an authoritative command meant to correct, stop, or reverse an action. This differs from some modern understandings of 'rebuke' as merely harsh criticism, missing the inherent power and expectation of immediate effect in the biblical usage. יָכַח (yāḵaḥ, H3198) — to argue, prove, correct; more judicial or corrective in tone. גָּעַר focuses on authoritative reprimand and command.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]