גֶּרֶשׂ
𐤂𐤓𐤔
geres
H1643 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Coarsely ground or crushed grain, typically referring to kernels of cereal crops such as wheat or barley that have been pounded or roughly processed but not finely milled; may denote a foodstuff made from such grains, often prepared by beating or crushing rather than full milling. The term emphasizes the physical state of the grain—broken or fragmented pieces, usually not yet flour.
Semantic Range
pounded or beaten grain, coarsely crushed kernels, roughly processed cereal, ingredient for simple porridge or gruel, not fine flour
Root / Etymology
Root is uncertain, but likely related to an unused root analogous to גָּרַשׁ (garash, 'to drive out, expel') with a semantic association to separating or breaking. However, the specific root for גֶּרֶשׂ is not attested elsewhere; thus, etymology uncertain. The idea of 'husking,' 'breaking off,' or 'removing the outer layer' connects the form to the notion of processing grain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גֶּרֶשׂ appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible and refers to the product of rough grain processing, distinct from סֹ֫לֶת (solet, 'fine flour') or קָמַח (qamach, 'flour'). Its usage indicates a less refined method, possibly reflecting early or rougher food preparation techniques. The translation 'beaten grain' more accurately renders the original concept than 'corn,' avoiding potential confusion with modern maize. In biblical contexts, גֶּרֶשׂ is rarely a cultic or luxury food; rather, it may serve as daily fare or as an ingredient in porridge or gruel-type dishes. English translations often obscure this distinction by rendering both גֶּרֶשׂ and סֹ֫לֶת as 'meal' or 'grain,' missing nuances of processing method and quality.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to husk; a kernel (collectively), i.e. grain; beaten corn.
Bantu Hebrew
| Language | Bantu Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bini/Edo | gari | cassava flour/meal, usually granulated | |
| Igbo | garri | granulated cassava meal | |
| Isoko | gari | cassava meal | |
| Itsekiri | gari | granulated cassava meal | |
| Nupe | gari | granulated cassava meal | |
| Urhobo | gari | granulated cassava meal | |
| Yoruba | gàrí | granulated cassava meal (coarsely ground food staple) |
Root Family
גרשׂ (g-r-ś) — break off, separate, drive out
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1643-02 |
מִ/גִּרְשָׂ/הּ֙ | migiresah | HR/Ncmsc/Sp3fs |
from its grits | from her coarse-crushed grain | from her coarse-crushed grain | 1 |
H1643-01 |
גֶּ֣רֶשׂ | geres | HNcmsc |
crushed grain | crushed grain of | crushed grain of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1643-01 |
Leviticus 2:14 | גֶּ֣רֶשׂ | geres | HNcmsc |
crushed grain | crushed grain of | crushed grain of |
H1643-02 |
Leviticus 2:16 | מִ/גִּרְשָׂ/הּ֙ | migiresah | HR/Ncmsc/Sp3fs |
from its grits | from her coarse-crushed grain | from her coarse-crushed grain |