גֵּו

גֵּו

the back; by analogy, the middle

Definition

The Hebrew noun גֵּו (gêv) primarily refers to the 'back' of a person or animal, as seen in Isaiah 50:6 where the Suffering Servant gives his back to those who strike him. By extension, it can denote the 'body' or 'person' as a whole, as in Job 30:5 where outcasts are driven from human society. In a figurative sense, it can mean the 'midst' or 'among,' referring to a central location within a group, such as in Proverbs 10:13 where wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only 7 times, primarily in the poetic and wisdom literature of Job, Proverbs, and Isaiah. It is used literally for the physical back in contexts of punishment or suffering (Isaiah 50:6, Proverbs 26:3). It is used metaphorically for the 'midst' of people (Proverbs 10:13) and for the 'body' or person as a whole (Job 30:5, Isaiah 51:23). Its usage is consistently concrete, moving from a specific body part to represent the whole person or a relational position.

Etymology

Derived from the root גָּאָה (gā'â, H1342), meaning 'to rise up' or 'be exalted,' which relates to concepts of height and prominence. It is considered a by-form of גַב (gav, H1354), which means 'back' or 'rim.' The connection suggests the 'back' as a raised or prominent part of the body, with the meaning extending to the 'middle' as a central, elevated point among a group.

Semantic Range

This word gains theological significance in its use in Isaiah's Servant Songs. In Isaiah 50:6, the Servant's voluntary offering of his 'back' to strikers prefigures the suffering of Christ. In Isaiah 51:23, God's promise to put the cup of wrath into the hands of Israel's tormentors symbolizes a transfer of judgment, using the 'back' as a metaphor for the person bearing punishment. It highlights themes of substitutionary suffering and divine justice. In ancient Near Eastern culture, striking someone on the back was a severe form of humiliation and punishment, often administered to slaves or captives. The 'back' represented vulnerability and shame. Understanding this intensifies the imagery in Isaiah, where the Servant endures this degradation willingly. The use of 'back' to mean 'among' reflects a spatial worldview where centrality and proximity were described in bodily terms. גַב (gav, H1354) — A direct synonym also meaning 'back' or 'rim,' used more for physical topography. שְׁכֶם (shekhem, H7926) — 'Shoulder,' often for bearing a burden, whereas גֵּו is for the back as a whole. גּוּף (gûph, H1472) — 'Body,' a more general term for the physical form, not specifically the back.

Word Details