probably from גּוּב (compare גּוֹב); a locust (from its cutting); locust.
Transliteration:gêb
Pronunciation:gabe
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גֵּב (gêb), transliterated as 'gêb', primarily denotes a "locust." Its etymological root is likely connected to גּוּב (gûb), which suggests the action of "cutting" or "hewing." This etymological link is crucial, as it imbues the term with an inherent sense of destructive capability. Unlike broader terms for insects, 'gêb' specifically highlights the locust's characteristic action of severing and consuming vegetation, emphasizing its role as a voracious and destructive pest. The semantic range of 'gêb' is narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this specific insect and its associated actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גֵּב (gêb) appears in two significant prophetic contexts within the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[Isaiah 33:4]]**: "Your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts (גֵּב) leap, so do they leap upon it." In this verse, 'gêb' is employed in a vivid simile to describe the swift and overwhelming plunder of Judah by its enemies. The imagery evokes a swarm of locusts, which descend rapidly and consume everything in their path. The "leaping" aspect emphasizes the suddenness and agility of the attack, while the comparison to locusts underscores the completeness and totality of the despoliation. It portrays an unstoppable, numerous force.
* **[[Nahum 3:17]]**: "Your princes are like grasshoppers, your scribes like swarms of locusts (גֵּב) settling on the fences on a cold day—when the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where they are." Here, 'gêb' is used metaphorically to depict the vast numbers and eventual disappearance of the Assyrian officials. The comparison highlights their multitude, suggesting an impressive but ultimately superficial strength. The image of locusts settling on fences on a cold day, only to disperse with the warmth of the sun, powerfully conveys their ephemeral nature and ultimate vulnerability in the face of divine judgment. This passage underscores the temporary and transient nature of human power when confronted by God's sovereignty.
In both instances, 'gêb' contributes to a sense of overwhelming numbers and a destructive or transient force, whether applied to human armies or officials.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of גֵּב (gêb) is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms for locusts and related concepts:
* **`{{H1350}}` (gûb)**: The proposed root, meaning "to cut" or "to hew." This connection directly links the locust to its destructive action.
* **`{{H697}}` (arbeh)**: This is the most common and general term for "locust" in the Hebrew Bible, often referring to a vast, destructive swarm, as seen in the plague narratives (e.g., [[Exodus 10:4]]).
* **`{{H3218}}` (yeleq)**: Often translated as "caterpillar" or "devourer," it refers to a type of locust, possibly an immature or wingless stage (e.g., [[Joel 1:4]]).
* **`{{H2628}}` (chagav)**: Denotes "grasshopper," often a smaller and less destructive variety of locust (e.g., [[Numbers 13:33]]).
* **`{{H5556}}` (sal'am)** and **`{{H2626}}` (chargol)**: Other specific types of locusts or edible insects mentioned in [[Leviticus 11:22]].
* **`{{H1501}}` (gazam)**: Translated as "palmerworm" or "locust," another term emphasizing the destructive aspect (e.g., [[Joel 1:4]]).
These related terms demonstrate a nuanced biblical understanding of various stages and types of locusts. The specific choice of 'gêb' in the mentioned passages likely emphasizes the "cutting" and consuming aspect, contributing to the vivid imagery of destruction and transience. The broader concepts associated with these insects include divine judgment, overwhelming numbers, devastation, and the ephemeral nature of life and power.
### Theological Significance
While גֵּב (gêb) is not as frequently used as other terms for locusts, its occurrences carry profound theological weight:
* **Agent of Devastation and Judgment:** Like other locust terms, 'gêb' inherently signifies a force of destruction. In the biblical worldview, natural phenomena like locust plagues are often interpreted as instruments of divine judgment or consequences of human sin. The "cutting" aspect of 'gêb' underscores the completeness of the devastation it represents.
* **Symbol of Overwhelming Human Force:** In [[Isaiah 33:4]], the comparison of plunderers to "leaping locusts" (gêb) highlights the overwhelming and seemingly unstoppable nature of human armies when they act as agents of God's permissive will or as a consequence of His judgment upon His people. It speaks to the terror and totality of such an invasion.
* **Symbol of Transience and Divine Sovereignty:** The use of 'gêb' in [[Nahum 3:17]] is particularly rich. The Assyrian officials, numerous as locusts on a cold day, vanish with the rising sun. This powerfully illustrates the temporary nature of human power and the ultimate futility of opposing the Almighty. God's sovereignty is paramount; He can raise up nations and just as swiftly cause them to disappear. The seemingly vast and intimidating power of Assyria is revealed as fragile and ephemeral, subject to divine decree.
* **God's Control Over Creation:** The ability of locusts to appear in overwhelming numbers and then vanish without a trace underscores God's absolute control over creation, even over seemingly uncontrollable natural forces. He uses them to convey spiritual truths and execute His purposes, whether in judgment or in demonstrating His power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גֵּב (gêb), transliterated as 'gêb', primarily refers to a "locust," with its etymology suggesting a connection to the act of "cutting" or "hewing." This emphasizes the insect's destructive capability. Its two occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, [[Isaiah 33:4]] and [[Nahum 3:17]], are found in prophetic literature. In Isaiah, 'gêb' is used in a simile to describe the overwhelming and sudden nature of plunder. In Nahum, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the multitude and ultimate transience of human power, specifically the Assyrian leadership, in the face of divine judgment. The word contributes to the broader biblical understanding of locusts as symbols of destructive force, divine judgment, and the ephemeral nature of human strength when contrasted with God's enduring sovereignty. Its specific connotation of "cutting" adds a layer of precise imagery to the prophetic messages it conveys.
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