גְּעָרָה
𐤂𐤏𐤓𐤄
gᵉʻârâh
H1606 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An expression of strong verbal disapproval, reprimand, or warning. The term denotes a stern admonition, often intended to halt or correct behavior, whether from one person to another, or from God (or other authority) toward an individual, group, or even supernatural entities. The semantic range includes scolding, expressing displeasure, censuring, or restraining through words.
Semantic Range
rebuke, reprimand, verbal correction, sharp reproof, stern admonition, authoritative prohibition or restraint
Root / Etymology
From the root גער (ג-ע-ר), which primarily means 'to rebuke, to reprimand, to reprove'. גְּעָרָה is a feminine noun formation indicating the action or result of rebuking—thus 'rebuke', 'reprimand', or 'admonition'. The formation is regular for action/result nouns from verbal roots in Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, גְּעָרָה generally refers to a strong verbal expression designed to check, restrain, or correct someone or something. It appears in contexts involving interpersonal correction (e.g., a parent reproving a child, or a superior correcting a subordinate), as well as in divine speech, where it often describes God's forceful reproval or restraining word directed at humans, nations, or even elements of creation and spiritual beings. The force of the term can range from correction for instruction to a command intended to halt an action—sometimes with overtones of warning or judgment. In poetic and prophetic literature, גְּעָרָה can be used metaphorically for God's authoritative decree over nature or the nations. English translations such as 'rebuke' or 'reprimand' often capture the sense but may obscure the breadth of contexts and the potential for the term to denote both admonition and authoritative restraint. The noun should be distinguished from related terms such as נְזִיפָה (nᵉzîfâh, 'rebuke' in a milder sense) or תּוֹכֵחָה (tokhechah, 'reproof' with a didactic emphasis). During the First and Second Temple periods, the usage remained largely consistent, though in later rabbinic Hebrew, nuance shifted toward milder sense or even polite discouragement in some cases. The core meaning of decisive or commanding reproval, however, is consistent in biblical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from גָּעַר; a chiding; rebuke(-ing), reproof.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גער (g-ʿ-r) — to rebuke, to reprove, to reprimand
Word Forms
9 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1606-03 |
גַּעֲרַ֣ת | gaarat | HNcfsc |
rebuke | rebuke of | 4 |
H1606-05 |
גְּעָרָֽה | gearah | HNcfsa |
rebuke | stern rebuke | 3 |
H1606-07 |
מִ/גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣ | migaaratekha | HR/Ncfsc/Sp2ms |
at your rebuke | from your rebuke | 2 |
H1606-04 |
גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣ | gaaratekha | HNcfsc/Sp2ms |
your rebuke | your rebuke | 1 |
H1606-09 |
וְ/גַעֲרָת֖/וֹ | vegaarato | HC/Ncfsc/Sp3ms |
and his rebuke | his rebuke | 1 |
H1606-06 |
מִ/גַּעֲרַ֖ת | migaarat | HR/Ncfsc |
from the rebuke | from the rebuke of | 1 |
H1606-08 |
מִ/גַּעֲרָתֽ/וֹ | migaarato | HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms |
at his rebuke | from his rebuke | 1 |
H1606-02 |
בְּ/גַעֲרָתִ֞/י | begaarati | HR/Ncfsc/Sp1cs |
at my rebuke | my rebuke | 1 |
H1606-01 |
בְּ/גַעֲרַ֣ת | begaarat | HR/Ncfsc |
at the rebuke | in the rebuke-of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
15 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1606-01 |
2 Samuel 22:16 | בְּ/גַעֲרַ֣ת | begaarat | HR/Ncfsc |
at the rebuke | in the rebuke-of |
H1606-03 |
Isaiah 30:17 | גַּעֲרַ֣ת | gaarat | HNcfsc |
rebuke | rebuke of |
H1606-03 |
Isaiah 30:17 | גַּעֲרַ֥ת | gaarat-2 | HNcfsc |
rebuke | rebuke of |
H1606-02 |
Isaiah 50:2 | בְּ/גַעֲרָתִ֞/י | begaarati | HR/Ncfsc/Sp1cs |
at my rebuke | my rebuke |
H1606-03 |
Isaiah 51:20 | גַּעֲרַ֥ת | gaarat | HNcfsc |
the rebuke | rebuke of |
H1606-09 |
Isaiah 66:15 | וְ/גַעֲרָת֖/וֹ | vegaarato | HC/Ncfsc/Sp3ms |
and his rebuke | his rebuke |
H1606-07 |
Psalms 18:16 | מִ/גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣ | migaaratekha | HR/Ncfsc/Sp2ms |
from your rebuke | from your rebuke |
H1606-07 |
Psalms 76:7 | מִ֭/גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ | migaaratekha | HR/Ncfsc/Sp2ms |
at your rebuke | from your rebuke |
H1606-06 |
Psalms 80:17 | מִ/גַּעֲרַ֖ת | migaarat | HR/Ncfsc |
from the rebuke | from the rebuke of |
H1606-04 |
Psalms 104:7 | גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣ | gaaratekha | HNcfsc/Sp2ms |
your rebuke | your rebuke |