גְּדוּד

גְּדוּד

a furrow (as cut)

Definition

The Hebrew noun גְּדוּד (gᵉdûwd) primarily means a furrow, specifically a trench or channel cut into the earth for planting or irrigation. In its two biblical occurrences, it refers to the literal furrows of a field that are softened by rain to receive seed (Psalm 65:10). By extension, the word can also denote a cutting or gashing, as seen in its metaphorical use for self-inflicted wounds or gashes made in mourning rituals (Jeremiah 48:37). This dual sense connects the physical act of plowing the land with the cultural act of cutting the body in grief.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament. In Psalm 65:10, it is used literally and positively in an agricultural context, describing God's blessing in softening the furrows of the earth for a fruitful harvest. In Jeremiah 48:37, it is used metaphorically and negatively in a prophecy of judgment against Moab, where every head is shaved and every hand is cut (גְּדוּד), likely referring to gashes made as a sign of intense mourning. The usage thus spans from a symbol of divine provision to one of human despair.

Etymology

The noun גְּדוּד derives from the root verb גָּדַד (gâdad, H1413), which means 'to cut,' 'to invade,' or 'to gather in troops.' This root conveys the core idea of making an incision or a cut. The feminine form גְּדֻדָה (gᵉdudah) carries a similar meaning. The semantic development moved from the general action of cutting to the specific results: a trench cut in a field or a gash cut on the skin.

Semantic Range

This word enriches the biblical imagery of God as the cultivator of His creation and people. In Psalm 65, the softened furrows symbolize God's preparatory grace, making the human heart receptive to the 'seed' of His word for spiritual fruitfulness. The contrasting use in Jeremiah highlights the severe consequences of turning from God, where mourning cuts replace life-giving cultivation. It subtly contrasts God's creative, ordering work with the destructive, chaotic results of sin. In ancient Near Eastern agriculture, cutting furrows was essential for directing water and planting seeds, a process entirely dependent on seasonal rains. The metaphorical use for cutting the body reflects a common mourning ritual in the surrounding cultures (though often condemned in Israelite law, cf. Leviticus 19:28, Deuteronomy 14:1). Understanding this practice clarifies the depth of despair depicted in prophecies of judgment. תֶּלֶם (telem, H8525) — a more common term for a furrow or ridge, focusing on the raised line of earth. מַעֲנָה (maʿănâ, H4618) — a trench or furrow specifically for irrigation. פֶּצַע (petsaʿ, H6482) — a wound or bruise from striking, not from cutting.

Word Details