גּוּשׁ
𐤂𐤅𐤔
gûwsh
H1487 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A mass or lump of earth, especially as a distinct clod or compact piece of soil. In biblical usage, the word refers specifically to a physical clump or aggregation of earth, soil, or clay, often in an agricultural or metaphorical context, denoting tangible, earthy substance.
Semantic Range
clod of earth, lump of soil, mass of clay, compact aggregation of earth
Root / Etymology
The precise root is uncertain. Although Strong's notes a possible permutation with גִּישׁ, the derivation is not confidently established in Hebrew lexicography. The word may have an affinity with terms denoting gathering or massing, but this remains speculative.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גּוּשׁ (gûwsh) occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only in poetic or wisdom contexts (notably Job 7:5). Its usage is specific to the description of physical matter, emphasizing tangibility, compactness, and earthiness. There is no evidence that it acquired broader metaphorical senses in later biblical Hebrew. In post-biblical Hebrew, the term is infrequently attested and retains its basic physical sense. English translations as 'clod' or 'lump of earth' are accurate for its attested contexts; the term does not carry specialized technical or ritual meanings. Unlike other words for earth or dust (e.g., עָפָר ʿāfār), גּוּשׁ refers to a piece or aggregation, not the substance in general.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or rather (by permutation) גִּישׁ; of uncertain derivation; a mass of earth; clod.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גושׁ (g-w-š) — mass, lump, aggregation (of earth)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1529 | גֵּישָׁן | and Geyshan |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1487-01 |
וְ/ג֣וּשׁ | vegush | HC/Ncmsc |
clods | clod of | 1 |
H1487-02 |
ו/גיש | vgysh | HC/Ncmsc |
and | clod of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences