גֶּזַע

גֶּזַע

the trunk or stump of atree (as felled or as planted)

Definition

The Hebrew noun גֶּזַע (gezaʻ) refers to the trunk or stump of a tree. It can describe the living, rooted base of a tree from which new growth can emerge, as in the hopeful image of a stump sprouting again in Job 14:8. It also denotes the cut-off stump or stock of a felled tree, representing something seemingly dead or finished, as seen in Isaiah 40:24 where the powerful are cut down and wither like a plant's stock. A key theological usage is in Isaiah 11:1, where it metaphorically represents the surviving lineage of Jesse, from which a new shoot (the Messiah) will spring forth.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, exclusively in poetic and prophetic literature (Job, Isaiah). Its usage consistently employs the image of a tree's base to convey concepts of survival, hope, or judgment. In Job 14:8, it symbolizes resilient life, while in Isaiah 40:24, it illustrates the complete destruction of the powerful. Its most famous use is in Isaiah 11:1, where it serves as a powerful metaphor for the Davidic dynasty, reduced to a mere stump from which the future king will arise.

Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to cut down' (trees). This root meaning is directly reflected in the word's primary sense of a tree stump left after felling. The related Arabic cognate jazʻa also means 'trunk' or 'stump,' supporting this derivation. The word's meaning developed from the concrete image of a cut-down base to include the living trunk of a standing tree.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant, primarily due to its use in Isaiah 11:1 in the messianic prophecy of the 'shoot from the stump of Jesse.' It powerfully conveys the concept of God bringing life and royal hope from a line that appears dead and cut off. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this prophecy, emphasizing the surprising, humble origins of the Messiah from a seemingly finished royal lineage, highlighting themes of God's faithfulness and sovereign renewal. In an agrarian society, the image of a tree stump was a potent, everyday symbol. A felled stump typically represented finality and death, making the promise of a new shoot from it (Isaiah 11:1) a striking metaphor for miraculous renewal. The resilience of certain tree stumps to sprout again (Job 14:8) was a well-observed natural phenomenon that provided a tangible picture of hope and restoration. עֵץ (ʻēts, H6086) — A general term for 'tree' or 'wood,' whereas גֶּזַע specifies the trunk or stump. שֹׁרֶשׁ (shoresh, H8328) — Means 'root,' the underground part, while גֶּזַע is the above-ground base or stump.

Word Details