גָּרַז
𐤂𐤓𐤆
gâraz
H1629 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cut off or cut down, typically referring to the action of hewing, severing, or lopping something, especially in the context of trees or wood. The verb expresses the act of physical separation or removal by cutting, with a nuance of forcefulness or completeness. In various contexts, it can refer more broadly to removing, striking off, or destroying by cutting.
Semantic Range
to cut off (physically sever), to lop off, to cut down (especially trees or wooden objects), to destroy by cutting, to remove forcibly by cutting
Root / Etymology
Root: גרז; While the specific root is not common, it is associated with verbs meaning to cut or sever. The verb is likely derived from the basic idea of separating by a sharp instrument, although the etymology beyond the Semitic root is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גָּרַז appears rarely and is attested mainly in poetic or prophetic passages. Its primary usage concerns actions directed at trees or wooden objects, reflecting the agrarian context of Israelite society. Unlike verbs such as כָּרַת (to cut, especially covenantally or to cut down trees generally), גָּרַז carries a more forceful or complete sense, often emphasizing the decisive removal or destruction of the object (e.g., chopping down trees or poles). In translation tradition, 'cut off' or 'hewn down' are common—but may understate the violent, thorough connotation. Occasional translation as 'destroy' or 'eradicate' for emphasis may appear in some English versions, though the underlying meaning stays close to literal cutting. The word does not carry specialized religious meaning but may be used in contexts of judgment or metaphorical expulsion (e.g., trees representing people or communities). Its rarity limits extended usage or figurative developments seen with more common Hebrew roots for 'cut.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to cut off; cut off.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גרז (g-r-z) — to cut off, to lop off, to hew down
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1629-01 |
נִגְרַזְתִּי֮ | nigerazeti | HVNp1cs |
I have been cut off | I was cut off | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1629-01 |
Psalms 31:23 | נִגְרַזְתִּי֮ | nigerazeti | HVNp1cs |
I have been cut off | I was cut off |