גָּזַּה

גָּזַּה

a fleece

Definition

The Hebrew noun גָּזַּה (gâzzah) refers specifically to a fleece, the woolly coat of a sheep or goat after it has been shorn. In its four biblical occurrences, it consistently denotes this agricultural product, with no extended metaphorical meanings. The term appears exclusively in the story of Gideon's fleece in Judges 6:37-40, where it is the object of a divine sign. The fleece is used as a test—first made wet with dew while the ground is dry, and then kept dry while the ground is wet—to confirm God's promise of victory.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in the book of Judges, specifically in the narrative of Gideon (Judges 6:37-40). In all four instances, it refers to the physical fleece Gideon lays on the threshing floor as a means of seeking a tangible sign from God. The usage is entirely literal and narrative-driven, serving as a central prop in the story of God confirming Gideon's calling as a judge and military leader for Israel.

Etymology

The noun גָּזַּה (gâzzah) is a feminine form derived from the root verb גָּזַז (gāzaz, H1494), which means 'to shear' or 'to cut off,' specifically referring to the shearing of sheep. The word is thus directly connected to the action that produces it. Cognate words exist in other Semitic languages, like Arabic 'jazza' (to shear), indicating a shared pastoral vocabulary.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a common noun, its sole biblical context in the Gideon narrative gives it theological significance. The fleece becomes an instrument for divine revelation and a concession to human doubt. Gideon's request for a sign via the fleece (Judges 6:37-40) highlights themes of God's patience, the confirmation of His word, and His willingness to meet individuals in their weakness. Understanding this Hebrew term anchors the famous 'fleece' test in its concrete, pastoral reality, reminding readers that God often uses ordinary objects in extraordinary ways. In the ancient Near Eastern pastoral economy, a fleece was a valuable commodity, representing both the annual harvest of wool for textiles and a source of wealth. Gideon's use of a raw, unprocessed fleece for a divine sign would have been immediately understandable to an Israelite audience. The test involving dew was culturally significant, as dew was a vital source of moisture in the semi-arid climate and often symbolized God's blessing and provision (e.g., Genesis 27:28, Deuteronomy 33:28). צֶמֶר (tsemer, H6785) — A more general term for 'wool,' referring to the fiber itself, whether on the sheep or processed. גָּזַּה specifies the shorn fleece as a unit.

Word Details